bargain news

Earlier this week two Chinese criminal offenders were convicted of conspiracy to traffic counterfeit wallets, purses, handbags, and carry on luggage items. One of the biggest case in counterfeit goods in U.S. history, reportedly Chong Lam and Siu Yung Chan and others ran an complex international counterfeit ring including manufacturing, import, wholesale, and distribution of counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Coach, Fendi, Chanel and Gucci products valued at a corresponding price of $100 million dollars.

What concerned us more than the actual suppliers of counterfeit goods was the demand. Consumers who create counterfeit demands are hurting designers, the industry, the city, and society in several ways.

Counterfeit bags are not a “bargain.” Sample sales, online sales and trunk shows are opportunities for the middle-class to experience beautifully crafted product for a “bargain.” When you purchase a designer product you know exactly where your money is going. (Leather, production, advertising, creation, distribution, etc.) Counterfeit bags lack craftsmanship, detail and quality; and when you purchase a counterfeit item, the cash money goes to drug cartels, child labor, and the perpetuation of dishonesty and disregard. Their eco-ignorant methods of production and transport hurt people, animals and our planet. People who sell counterfeit goods are neither tax payers nor contributing members of society. Conversely, people who purchase counterfeit goods are neither tax payers nor contributing members of society.

So you can’t pop down to Chinatown on your lunch break to find it, but when you do discover the piece you love (and can afford) the feeling with be forever worth it. Your style is a representation of you. How do you present yourself to others? Are you a cheap, faux leather bag with upside-down LVs? Or are you something worth treasuring?

Emma Dinzebach

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