Editor's Notes

I keep telling you that there’s no other way to become an extraordinary bargain shopper without learning as much about the trade as possible.

I grew up with a tailor in the house, my beloved grandmother, who “created” most of the dresses I wore by following my sketches.  Both of my parents were engineers, so we were not poor. Still, my communist country did not believe in fashion any more than it believed in free markets, so I had to get creative.

Their disinterest in garments and accessories, forced me to learn about the style world on my own. For example, I now know what fabrics are made of just by looking at them and can also tell the difference between quality and non-quality leathers.

Bottega Veneta Starting at RueLaLa.com at 11 a.m.

Why?

Speaking of quality, you have to appreciate the workmanship and technique of Bottega Veneta, a brand famous for its intrecciato work (woven and interlaced fabric).

The Italian brand was born in the ’60s, in Venice, an area known at the time for  producing ready-to-wear garments. Because they couldn’t get the manufacturing equipment they were looking for locally, they adapted by using super fine leather that allowed them to use ready-to-wear equipment. And that’s how their most recognizable element of the brand was born.

Vintage Hermes Handbags Starting at Gilt.com at 12 p.m.

Why?

Another example of extraordinary craftsmanship comes from Hermes. The company continues to use one expert craftsperson to make a single handbag at a time. Hard to believe, but there are no assembly lines and no giant machines. It takes the craftsman 18 to 24 hours to hand stitch one bag. That’s why, my darlings, these bags cost what they cost. Enjoy, even if only to look at them. Why not? They are, after all, little pieces of art.

Last week, I noticed traffic coming to The Stylish City from a website called “Street Easy”. In case you are not familiar with the site, it serves as a resource for real estate information. It’s also a place for people to virtually congregate in order to discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of living in certain NYC neighborhoods.

One of our articles about the Upper East Side was apparently at the center of a controversial argument regarding whether or not the UES neighborhood lives up to its perceived coolness. There were voices arguing that Brooklyn — and Williamsburg, in particular — was a cooler place to live compared to the Upper East Side. I have no response to those individuals’ opinions, but I am really grateful that some people would rather live in Brooklyn instead of where I live, as it is quite expensive here.

Moving on to today’s choice designer sales. For those of you who love the preppy, colorful style of Lilly Pulitzer, the vibrant feminine collections by Michelle Smith of Milly, and/or the glamorous day wear from See by Chloe, I present you today’s picks. The kicker? Each of the aforementioned designers have locations on the Upper East Side. How cool is that?

Starting at 11AM:

Lilly Pulitzer at RueLaLa.com

Starting at 12PM:

Milly at Gilt.com

See by Chloe at Gilt.com

Happy Good Friday!  Are your finest bonnets ready for the Easter parade down Fifth Avenue this Sunday? Every year, I promise myself I’ll go. If the weather is nice, I’ll certainly be there this year. So what do I dream about today?

Balenciaga Coming at RueLaLa at 11 a.m.

Why?

Everybody’s darling (especially Kate Moss’) is the Motorcycle bag and it is growing on me, as well. I have to admit that the first time I saw it at Barney’s, I was doubtful regarding the leather quality. However, I’ve seen it aged and worn for years and it still looks better than new. Verdict: the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag is one of those things that gets better with age. What you heard about sex is not true, though. My only concern is whether Ghesquiere’s departure will send this style to the vintage closet. If so, I wonder what that’d do to the bag’s value.

She’s Got Good Jeans Starting at RueLaLa at 11 a.m.

Why?

Because there is nothing worth investing in more than a pair of really good jeans. And because jeans don’t cost what they used to. I remember a pair of jeans over $100 was considered extravagant in the ’90s. These days, you can easily pay more than $300 for your denim. It’s worth shopping the sale.

French Sole Starting at Gilt at 12 p.m.

Why?

I know the brand well. They have not one, but two locations within a two block radius on the UES. (I have to actually ask them why they need two locations.) I own a yellow pair of French Soles that I wore a lot last summer and I’m looking forward to getting a pair in another bright color. I am known to say that I love “happy shoes.”

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your Easter, Passover or whatever else you celebrate. See you Tuesday.

When you spend a lot of time performing a certain activity, you start believing in serendipity. That’s what happens with me and flash sales. Is it my imagination, or have deal websites decided to make respectable ladies out of us? You’ll see what I mean when you check out the today’s highlighted deals below.

The Little Black Dress: Starting at 11 a.m. at RueLaLa.com

The Ultimate Dress Shop – Work to Cocktails: Starting at 12 p.m. at Gilt.com

Why?

This is a versatile staple in everyone’s wardrobe — regardless of age or style. There is nothing in your closet that will get more use than a flattering LBD.

Yummie Tummie Shapewear by Heather Thomson at 11 a.m. at RueLaLa.com

Assets by Sara Blakely/Spanx Shapewear at 11 a.m. at Ideeli.com

Why?

Because, let’s face it, that little BD is sometimes unforgiving. And sometimes we need a little help squeezing into the dress we bought a size smaller thinking we would lose that last 10 pounds.

Sexy Ankle Straps: Sandals, Wedges and More at 12 p.m. at Gilt.com

Why?

I love the sexy vibe of an ankle strap. I remember for years thinking that my legs were not long enough for this style, but oh how wrong I was. The small, strappy detail actually makes sandals, platforms and wedges more flattering because it draws attention to the ankle, the thinnest part of your leg.

Let’s find our inner Audrey Hepburn at these sales today.