Bargain Hunting

Some people shop for the product, other people shop for the experience. For as long as opulence has glistened and shined, luxury retailers have aimed to provide a sumptuous experience for their guests. Today, many luxury brands are remarketing themselves in an old way – by wooing their guests. Concerned that guests weren’t being individually attended to, luxury forefather Bernard Arnault is set on improving their experience.

The recession forced retailers to focus on their “regulars” and Arnault’s revamped idea to boost sales aims at stretching the existing guest’s purchases. It’s one-on-one marketing at it’s finest. Literally. But it also means that if you’re lucky enough to have the bank for large purchases, luxury retailers are going to be milking you for personal information down to your children’s schools and names and storing it in their system. Basically what nonprofits do with large donors, but in this case, a sick child doesn’t get their dream-come-true.

Stock news didn’t get our goat this week. The bond market was effected by debt in Europe…as was every other market. Everyone was down at some point. The lowest in retail stock news were American Apparel, Revlon, Pacific Sunwear, Stein Mart and the ever volatile Bluefly finished in the red while Joe’s Jeans, Hot Topic and a bunch of other companies you’ve never heard of finished black.

We’re hoping for a worldwide rally for next week…in shopping.
Emma Dinzebach

Tribal influences pranced down the runway at Galliano and Lanvin, and not just the Paris runways. Spring’s Manoush dresses and Laurence Helle’s lovely blouses are alsp tribally inspired and making the brink of summer the perfect time to listen to the call of the wild.

From tribal punk to tribal chic, there are several ways to pull off the earthy and exotic look. Anyone can embrace their inner African Queen by accessorizing with Alexander McQueen’s Large Tribal Scarf. Pair it with a printed dress, your favorite bomber jacket or denim shorts.  If you have an extra $1,600, you might wan to consider blowing it on Louboutin’s “it” shoe of the season. The Ulona platforms have geometric shapes with thick gold straps and make you feel like a real African Queen.
For styles that won’t break the bank, American Apparel’s Afrika print dress and Top Shop’s Geo Graphic Maxi dress are affordable options and easily paired with last year’s gladiator sandals. Jonesing for authenticity? Max Osterweis spent a decade collecting fabrics in Kenya before launching his Africa-inspired line Suno. Suno’s separates are wearable art and beautifully handmade in the homeland.

   
Emma Dinzebach

If you haven’t heart, the sun worshiping baby boomers have higher cases of melanoma than anyone in history. Even earlier morning runs should be preceded by a sunblock lathering session. Nobody wants wrinkles, so slather up and start summer glowing.
Gone are the days of smeared orange streaks that leave you smelling like a stale bagel bite. Today’s tanners glide on smoothly, have re and are scented. Aveeno Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion ($15) has a dual chamber bottle design with lotion on one side and tanner on the other allowing the user to control the strength of her tan. Dr. Hauschka’s tanner ($30), made with anti-oxidant, pomegranate extract provides more instant gratification. To achieve an instant glow, lightly cover face, neck and décolleté in either beige or L’Occitane Sunshine Lotion ($25) wins the award for best in scent. This stuff smells so good you might permanently swap out your regular lotion.

And while you’re at it, you might want to purchase a bottle for your daughter, niece, little cousin. New York State is gearing up to adopt the “Teen Tan Ban.” Tanning is already illegal for New York state youngsters under 14, and if the “Teen Tan Ban” passes, a trip to the tanning salon will require parental permission for those 18 and under.

Emma Dinzebach

Last minute purchasers unite and mother’s pass these along to your cash-strapped kiddies. Lucky for you, the spa industry’s recovery is much slower than that of Goldman Sachs; and as a result, for Sunday, there are Mother’s Day specials galore.

If you live midtown area – or your mother does – then on the west side, Faina Day Spa has a three hour special including manicure, pedicure, facial and aromatherapy massage. Or on the east side, and for $20 bone less, you’re madre can enjoy a hot stone massage, ionic facial, seaweed massage and sauna at  Elemur Day Spa 56 on 56th and 3rd. For downtowners, Tribeca Beauty Salon (pictured) on Harrison Street is offering both Mother’s Day specials and mother and daughter packages. Supple Spa on 19th Street has $130 for two collegen facials for mothers and daughters.

For more mother’s day spa specials, visit www.spa-nyc.com. Or go ahead and call your favorite spa and ask for mother’s day specials. No matter how wonderful you think your favorite spa is, they are hurting for business like the rest of the industry. Strike while the iron’s hot. After all, she is your mother.

Emma Dinzebach