[FashionRatty] tag: sales

Sample Sales in NYC: December 1 to December 12

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:44:37 +0000

Mulberry Autumn/Winter 2008

What: Mulberry
Why: Take 75 percent off cashmere scarves, fur-lined gloves, handbags, leather wallets, and a collection of killer heels from Jonathan Kelsey for Mulberry.
When: Dec. 4 & 5. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 5th flr. (888-685-6856).

More sample sales info after the jump…

(more…)

Store worker trampled and killed in post-Thanksgiving sales rush

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:59:00 +0000

A bit like Christmas over here the day after Thanksgiving in the US is traditionally a day of shopping as stores start their sales. Traditionally known as Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving sees massive markdowns on consumer products, but tensions have amplified as shoppers feel the pressure of an impending global recession.

Black Friday: The Real Deal, Please

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:31:05 +0000

The reports on Black Friday are in, and it looks like the day wasn't the retail bust everyone feared. According to ShopperTrak (it's a sort of newswire for retail information), nationwide Black Friday sales were up 3% compared to last year, with the South seeing the best improvement (3.4%) and the Northeast seeing the worst (2.6%). And according to WWD, the Macy's in Herald Square drew 5,000 shoppers out of bed at 5am for their unprecedented discounts.

But even though they also report that Target drew lines outside their store as early as 4am, there have also been reports that at least one Target was "depressingly empty."

Our date? We were out on Black Friday in Soho, and here's what we saw: No bigger a crowd than usual on Broadway, and barely trafficked stores to the east. Upon entering a certain (read: super expensive) boutique on Prince Street, the first thing the shopkeeper said: "Everything's 20% off, but if you see something you really like let me know. I'm wheeling and dealing today."

So we're wondering: Are all these reports of massive shopping true? Or are some people just trying to raise our confidence with (perhaps) inflated reports? What did you see for yourself on Friday? Or were the only things you saw leftovers and Love Actually?

Unlock secret insider shopping tips

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:20:28 +0000

Happy Cyber Monday! Black Friday was an absolutely scary time--despite our nation's economic woes, we spent 3 percent more than last year, which (unofficially) means we waited in line 3 percent longer than last year. Except for me, because I shop online pretty much exclusively! With sites like SmartBargains.com, RueLaLa.com and RedTagCrazy.com, you can find the perfect gift for everyone, from your mate to your mom. And we have some tips to get you started!

THE ONLINE SAMPLE SALES
Take advantage of members-only sample sale Web sites, such as RueLaLa.com, for current-season merchandise from premium and luxury brands at up to 80-percent off retail prices. By being a member of Rue La La, you can take advantage of discounted boutique shopping at the likes of Cole Haan, Vera Bradley and Tommy Bahama.

COVETED SHOPPING DAYS
Today is the day when you are sure to find the best discounts of the season both in-store and online. Best thing about online? You don't have to find parking, use gas... or even get dressed!

COMPARISON SHOP AT BRICK-AND-MORTAR STORES
Check out stores, such as TJ Maxx and Loehmann's, where designer duds are increasingly inexpensive and plentiful. Keep those costs and products in mind when doing your price comparisons online.

SHIPPING SAVIOR SITES
Research the shipping policies of your favorite sites and save with every purchase you make. Web sites such as eLUXURY.com are adding to the perks of online shopping by offering free shipping just in time for the holidays, when every penny counts.

RETURN POLICY WOES
Be kind to those on your shopping list and seek retailers with a hassle-free return policy, such as Piperlime.com and RueLaLa.com, which provide pre-paid return labels and an extended time period for returns.

PS: RueLaLa.com actually has a waiting list for membership. But you can join right here: www.ruelala.com/unlock

Handmade Jewelry for an Amazing Cause

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:55:16 +0000

Like 16 year-olds everywhere, Lovetta Conto loves fashion. However, unlike many a typical teen, her love of fashion flourished in a refugee camp in Ghana, where she and her father had fled the brutal civil war in her native Liberia when she was just four. And now she is helping fellow young survivors with her for benefit accessories business: Akawelle jewelry (as in also known as - aka - wel'le, or love). Using the spent bullet casings that still liberally sprinkle the streets of Liberia, she melts the top half and molds it into a leaf-shaped pendant, leaving the bottom of the bullet as is. "This part is not melted down. I think it's important to have part of the actual bullet untouched, to remember what it was like before," explains the aspiring fashion designer. "I chose the word LIFE to be inscribed into the leaf to remind myself that new life can begin after hardship. It is even possible for new life to arise from something as terrible as war."

As part of The Strongheart Fellowship, a program for gifted youth in the developing world which focuses on entrepreneurship and activism, the money Lovetta raises through the sale of her jewelry will support other young people displaced by war through child slavery, abduction by rebel armies, orphaned by AIDS, and extreme poverty. A war-ravaged former beach hotel on the Liberian coast is currently being transformed into Strongheart House, an online but off-the-grid green haven designed to be an international center for healing and learning. Six of the young people moving in are from one of the refugee camps in Ghana where Lovetta lived for nine years. "The camp is closing and I want to help give them a beautiful place to live and grow."

Not surprisingly, Lovetta was recently nominated as a finalist in the 2008 International Children's Peace Prize, sponsored by the KidsRights Foundation, to be awarded next week by Desmond Tutu at the Hague.

To help Lovetta meet her current sales goal of 1500 pieces of jewelry in time for her fellow war survivors to move into Strongheart House in 2009, buy a lil' something for everyone you know at StrongheartFellowship.org/Akawelle.

- Lesley Scott

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Australian Glamour's a No Go

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:31:30 +0000

If you thought the magazine industry's problems only existed in the US, here's some info for your news diet:

Glamour just folded before it could even launch in Australia.

The magazines was licensed from Conde Nast by News Limited (the Rupert Murdoch-owned subsidiary of News Corporation with a big presence in Australia) but has been shut down before their planned March debut issue could start, due to the "downturn in advertising and falling magazine sales."

Fifteen staffers are affected by this, and the launch is postponed "indefinitely."

Holiday Gift Guide: For your Sephora Partner in Crime

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:20:00 +0000

You know. The one who always has the 411 on the great GWPs. The one whose opinion is deeply respected by Sephora employees and makeup sales associates alike. She's subscribed to Allure since she was 11. Of course, this describes you, but it also describes your BBF: your best beauty friend. Here's a list of ideas for her holiday gift:

Philosophy The Holiday Cookbook ($35)

Whether your friend cooks or not, she'll adore this set of six mini

3-in1 shampoo, bubble bath and shower gels. She'll swoon to the scents of red velvet cake, cinnamon buns, spicy pear cobbler, pumpkin spice muffin, gingerbread, and double rich hot cocoa. I love that they're the perfect size for travel. Not so tiny that they last for one sole shower, but not so huge that they take up too much room in your carry-on.

Stila Step Out & Shine Set ($50)

A $115 value! I LURVE this gift to the point where I advise you to maybe pick one up for yourself as well. It includes:

- Convertible Color

- Montmartre Eye Shadow Quad Palette in Orchid

- All Over Shimmer Luminizer

- Multi-Effect Mascara in Black

- Also includes a special star appearance by the next Stila sensation, Pomegranate Crush Lip and Cheek Stain! I LOVE THIS and can't wait to get the full-size version. It's a bit deeper than their Cherry Crush that I adore so much and tastes of delish pomegranate.

All of this comes in a sweet silver clutch.

Miss Oops Holiday Survival Kit ($18)

This kit contains everything you need to keep screwy hemlines, lint, and deo marks at bay. Includes Miss Oops Mishap Tape, Rescue Sponge, and Lint Roller so she can ensure there will be no holiday party wardrobe malfunctions.

Bliss The Big Orange ($28) Bliss' new hit scent Blood Orange + White Pepper was actually based on a cocktail. It's a warm fruity fragrance, but is tempered with white pepper to add a bit of intrigue. I absolutely adore it. For $28, you can buy your pal a to go sized body butter and shower gel.

Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco Gift Box ($60)
This limited edition box set comes with a Creme de Coco Shampoo, Conditioner, Brilliantine, and a pinwheel of colorful bobby pins. The pinwheel was designed by artist Piet Houtenbos, son of hair hero Christiaan.

Spanx Bod-a-Bing Skirt ($68)
PERF for any friend who travels. This curve-hugging skirt slims you down to pre-cookie binge proportions and resists wrinkles so it's absolutely necessary for your jetsetting road warrior friend. Its secret inner liner smooths all traces of belly bulge.

More holiday gift guides to come!

P.S. Thanks to James for creating the holiday gift guide image at the top!

The Jolie-Pitts Return Home to Normalcy in New Orleans

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

The roving Jolie-Pitts popped up in New Orleans over the weekend with a wave and a smile. Angelina looked gorgeous out toy shopping with Maddox while Brad took his bike for a spin around town. Perhaps mom brought her oldest with her into the world of sales for b-day presents for Pax, who turned 5 on Saturday. Last year at this time the family was also in New Orleans working on Brad's housing project and he recently said that is where they find "a sense of normalcy, if there's such a thing." Maybe they're making a tradition of holidays in Louisiana, but with the frequency at which the Jolie-Pitts travel they'll probably be in 25 other places between now and then.

To see more of the Jolie-Pitts just

You Can Afford More Stuff Than Usual Today. Happy Cyber Monday!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:00:39 +0000

It’s Cyber Monday, which basically means the whole internet is on sale – including, of course, some of our favorite stores. Check out the deals below and get shopping.

20% off today at Piperlime with promo code MONDAY. Get a new pair of party shoes, like this suede and patent pair.

20% off full-price items at Singer 22 until midnight, with coupon code TURKEY20. Buy a discounted LoveQuotes scarf for someone you love.

A bunch of dresses from BCBG, Tracy Reese, Nicole Miller and more go on sale today at eDressme – for $75 or less. We know it's not quite summer dress time, but this silk Shoshanna dress is too pretty not to consider.

Save 20% at Steve Madden with coupon code MADDEN20. We think we’d get a new pair of flat boots.

Save 20% on your order at Victoria’s Secret – treat yourself to something pretty like a Dream Angels Demi Bra .

And check out our Cyber Monday newsletter for more great sales, including special deals for SheFinds readers:

Get an extra 20% off clearance styles at Bare Necessities.

Save 25% on holiday clutches at Tucker Paisley with coupon code SHEFINDS.

Save 20% on gifts and home décor at Burke Décor with coupon code SHEFINDS.

Get 40% off clothes, jewelry, accessories and more at Manhattanite with code CyberMonday.

Save 20% on KimMarie Designs jewelry with coupon code SHEFINDS.

40% off outerwear at active wear purveyor lucy.

Get 20% off at Luxal Boutique with coupon code SHEFINDS.

Get early access to the designer London Secret Sample Sale

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:31:52 +0000

Hold on to your scarves and mittens. Yes, it’s another designer sample sale and just in time for Christmas too. The Secret Sample Sale and the London Accessory Sale take place conjointly at Chelsea Old Town Hall, London on December 18. Not that I’m suggesting this is a good opportunity to tick off some Christmas shopping, but rather a sly opportunity to treat yourself.

On offer at up to a 90% on catwalk, studio, showroom samples and clearance stock are big names including Jonathan Saunders, Biba, Prada, Gucci, Chloe, Missoni, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry, to name but a few.

I’ve attended this sale before and can hand on heart say that it is a struggle to walk away empty handed. Alongside the big names, which inevitably get snapped up quickly are some brilliant up and coming designers and smaller boutique and high street brands. But if you don’t want to risk being disappointed you can join the sample sales mailing list and get exclusive members only access to a pre sale shopping day on December 17 from 1pm to 9pm. Download your members pass here.