Bargain Hunting

They say that after about three days, house guests, like fish, start to get old…quick. But like fish vary in stench, some house guests keep better than others. Some house guests are a pleasure. Such pleasurable house guests posed a sticky situation last month when my very dear friend asked if she could stay in my extra bedroom for a couple weeks while her apartment was being renovated. Without thinking or consulting my boyfriend, I excitedly agreed. This would be great.

For two weeks, we went to yoga, had dinner, and talked like the sisters we never had. My boyfriend played guilt free golf both weekend days. She walked our dog. On the second weekend, her landlord called saying her apartment was not ready. Thrilled to have her stay, I immediately told her yes. Upon relaying the news to my brother, he said, “You are letting her stay for three weeks and you wouldn’t even let me, your own brother, stay for four days?” As I rationalized away the distinction, I could feel his anger grow. We hung up the phone unhappy.

I recounted the conversation to my best friend who agreed. She said other people feel unwelcome in my home around the fourth day and pointed out that I had never lent her my car, my computer, or my cashmere pajamas.

When my boyfriend got home, he said he wanted her gone a week ago. It turns out he wasn’t reveling in her company as much as I was. In fact, he didn’t see her as the impeccable house guest I did. He pointed out faults and flaws I never saw, and requested kindly that she choose another friend “to invade.” How do you kick someone out when you already told them yes? When you already promised? Isn’t that horribly, horribly cruel?

I’m not sure the answer. I was honest with my friend and told her that while I loved having her, but it was getting a little tight in the apartment. My other friends were taken aback by my house guest inequality claiming I was unfair and rude. I considered explaining the rule of house guest equality, but quickly realized that was as crude as a stinky old fish. So I let it go, but if it comes again, I might hatch the rules. After all, shouldn’t friends who are stinky house guests become aware of their stench?
Emma Dinzebach

WHAT: Mastercard Priceless NYC Shopping Night

WHY: A private shopping night with offers up to 30% off, gifts with purchases & VIP experiences. MasterCard Marketplace rolls out the red carpet in SoHo and the Meatpacking District with exclusive offers from top designers including Theory, LeSportsac, Emporio Armani, Helmut Lang, Nicole Miller, and Nanette Lepore. 30+ Stores in 2 of NYC’s Most Fashionable Shopping Districts – 1 Night Only. RSVP for Exclusive Access

RSVP at www.mastercardmarketplace.com/shopnyc. Limited invitations available so hurry and secure your spot on the guest list today. Certain terms and conditions apply.

WHEN: 9/23, Th (5-9)

WHERE: SoHo and the Meatpacking District

WHAT: theOutnet.com Clearance Sale – 80-85% Off!

WHY: theOutnet.com, the most fashionable fashion outlet, is hosting an amazing CLEARANCE sale. 900+ delectable designer looks from labels including Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, Chloé, Halston, Marc Jacobs and Valentino will be available at 80 – 85% off. Member only prices. Log on to www.theoutnet.com on Monday, August 23rd and shop an array of clothes, bags, shoes and accessories at an unbelievable price. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store…

Pricing:

• Belt – Original price $1540 / theOutnet.com price $231
• Sweater – Original price $895 / theOutnet.com price $135
• Bag – Original price $1735 / theOutnet.com price $260
• Dress- Original price $1795 / theOutnet.com price $269
• Pants – Original price $995 / theOutnet.com price $150
• Jacket – Original price $4850 / theOutnet.com price $728
• Shoes – Original price $795 / theOutnet.com price $120

WHEN: 8/23 – 8/29

WHERE: Online – theoutnet.com

For a Back to School look check out: theOutnet.com – Shop Elizabeth and James, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Adam and more at up to 70% off!theOutnet.com

Global retail consumers are comfortably used to purchasing designer like prints and styles from retailers like H&M, Forever 21, Mango and more. For less than a nice dinner out, you can score a whole outfit that looks scary similar to styles fresh off the runway. Designers are disgusted with the efficiency copy cat designs go from runway to retail. Because the copycats are lower quality and far from luxury, low end retailers can churn them out even faster than designer masterminds can make them. For the designers, it’s a travesty that rips them of their artistic uniqueness and violates their uniqueness. For consumers, it’s a treat especially in a recession recovering economy.

Until Senator Charles E. Shumer introduced a congressional bill that would provide some protection against copycatting for designers. The Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act, supported by the CFDA. The bill provides limited intellectual property protection to the most original design. In addition to apparel and footwear designer, the new law would cover handbags, belts and sunglasses for three years from the time it is seen on the runway. Color, patterns and graphic images are factors used in determining the uniqueness of a design, and according to several sources familiar with the proposed bill, there are strict specifications for what qualify as unique and will require designers to consistently move towards innovation. The bill aims to be a deterrent for copying designs and has bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.

For the consumer, does it means no more faux DVF dresses for $19.99? Probably not. The bar for unique designs is set high and only applies to designs moving forward. Maybe copycat designs help the economy because they lead to higher sales of apparel nationwide. Traditionally, copying has created more demand for innovation, but many people complain that styles are changing too quickly making designers pressured and unable to quickly produce the quality formerly characteristic of high end designers.

Emma Dinzebach