Celebrities

Alert! Alert! We like these sale events this week: Wolford, James Perse, and SoulCycle. But hey, don’t call us “Influencers.” We’ve never been fans of the term, and frankly a handful of people are unhappy with the concept too…

Unless you yourself are one of said influencers, you likely don’t know that the FTS recently sent letters to popular social media celebrities, informing them that they’re in violation of the new stricter guidelines requiring that any sponsored content be “conspicuously disclosed” in “unambiguous” language “within the first three lines of text.”

Who are these violators? Not a bunch of nobodies… among the celebrities and brands who’ve failed to disclose paid collaborations are names you’ll recognize: Kourtney Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, Adidas, Chanel and  Yves Saint Laurent. And not that they need it, but they’re making a pretty penny too.

The world of sales is undergoing a major makeover—and it’s definitely the YouTube, product-flashing, tutorial kind. Instagram influencers and bloggers with enough followers are the new all-star sales people that brands want to hire; they bring in as much as one full third of the traffic for companies like Net-A-Porter. But the relationship is different than any typical employment. These influencers are constantly courted and wooed by companies that spend less and less money on sponsoring traditional campaigns. These brands prefer to throw money at new mediums in an attempt to attract the ever-elusive millennial. The irony is that these bloggers are coming full circle when they themselves start reaping the benefits of the model that they have tried to eliminate. And we get it; when someone throws money at you, it’s easy to make decisions from a personal place rather than one of principle.

So in the spirit of transparency: no one is giving us any pennies—pretty or otherwise. No one is paying us to share our opinions. We stand on this soapbox for the sheer joy of standing on it (and perhaps because it feels like a catwalk?)! So listen up because we’re about to wax poetic about sample sales…

Nothing says California beach like the soft cotton James Perse t-shirt. You will find men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, footwear, and home furnishings at up to 70% off MSRP at the James Perse Sample Sale. Fun fact: the company once ran a campaign featuring Maye Musk, the mother of none other than Elon Musk, in an attempt to appeal to customers of all ages.

Are you a member of the SoulCycle cult-following? Then get ready to spin (no, not that kind) with joy because they are organizing a sample sale where you can find the usual club attire at discounted prices.

And though we’re no influencers, we are self-proclaimed psychics—our sample sale crystal ball reveals the Woldorf sample sale is going to be an exceptionally good one. The Austrian hosiery and lingerie company has recently lost its designer and has reported financial losses, so we can expect to find hefty discounts on everything: tights, apparel, lingerie, bodysuits, and accessories.

Feeling… influenced? Well, we promise our influence comes at no benefit to us—other than the pure joy we get for having assisted in the betterment of your closet. 😉

We all get excited about our favorite TV show premieres, but when that much-anticipated premiere coincides with a clothing collection inspired by said show? Let’s just say that’s the stuff of every TV-loving fashionista’s dream.

Of course we’re talking about ABC’s Scandal and the ultra luxe Olivia Pope-inspired collection launched by The Limited. The retailer joined forces with both Kerry Washington — who plays a feisty “crisis manager” for political D.C. bigwigs, including the president with whom she’s had an on-again, off-again steamy affair — and Scandal’s costume designer Lyn Paolo.

Together, they all came up with an accessible, 78-piece collection for the everyday woman. Prices range from $50 to $250 for items such as Pope-approved outerwear, stunning print blouses and skirts of all silhouettes.

“There is no reason why only the people who make a certain amount of money should have access to this feminine power in fashion, you know? This line is created so that everybody can find their own inner gladiator. That every woman can be powerful and sexy, brilliant and smart and gorgeous, fashion-forward. You know, it’s just there’s no limit to who you can be,” said Washington.

It should be noted that The Limited’s Scandal collection has broken new ground where Hollywood-inspired fashion is concerned, as it’s the first time a design collaboration has taken place between a national retailer, a top rated network TV show, the show’s costume designer and the woman playing the lead role of the series. This is also a first for Washington and Paolo.

The Limited Collection Inspired by Scandal launched on September 23 at The Limited stores nationwide and TheLimited.com.

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By Wendy Rose Gould

WHAT: Celebrity-Inspired Accessories Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Celebrity-Inspired Accessories up to 60% off!

WHEN: 5/5 12pm – 5/7 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

*To sign up & access the sales, please click here.

Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com

At last! The final installment of our series on iconic handbags and what they say about their owners. Now that we’ve concluded the series, please share what your favorite bag is and let us know if the description fits your personality.

Fendi Baguette

About the Bag: Dubbed the original “IT bag,” Fendi’s iconic Baguette is salivated over just as much as its carb-laden counterpart. The satin-touch, lambskin leather bag was born in 1977 and, while loved back in the ’70s, was hurdled even further into fame thanks to Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw. Because the bag comes in over 1000 variations, it’s been a favorite for a wide variety of women.

Celebs Who Carry It: Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Hudgens, Mischa Barton

What it Says About You: The Baguette gets its name for its detachable strap that lets you slip the purse under your arm as you’d carry a French Baguette. Its ability to transform quickly — for convenience’s sake — speaks to the wearer’s personality, as well. Women who choose the Fendi Baguette fuse practicality with glamour and have a sense of style that’s eternally classic. They are rarely loud or pushy, but instead let their strength of character speak for itself.

Louis Vuitton Speedy

About the Bag: When Louis Vuitton decided to make the leap from luxury luggage to fine handbags, there was quite a bit of risk involved. The payoff was great, though, as was demonstrated by the Speedy’s smashingly successful debut in 1932. The bag is considered the smaller version of Vuitton’s Keepall travel bag and was created specifically with weekend getaways in mind.

Celebs Who Carry It: Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hillary Duff

What it Says About You: Audrey Hepburn helped make the Speedy a household name. Because the bag is associated with a timeless woman like Hepburn, you can bet the wearer strives to epitomize that kind of grace and aplomb, as well. Keep in mind, though, that the Speedy is consistently being reinvented and, as such, appeals to the modern women of today’s society. Women who own the Speedy are likely very in tune with pop culture.

Prada Saffiano

About the Bag: With minimal bells and whistles and a buttery leather exterior that comes in an assortment of hues, the Prada Saffiano makes for one divine handbag. Though quiet in terms of adornments, it stands out for that very reason. Its clean lines and streamlined design is nothing short of chic.

Celebs Who Carry It: Miranda Kerr, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba

What it Says About You: Women who own the Prada Saffiano most likely live an active lifestyle full of meetings (of both the pleasure or business variety). They value order and simplicity above most things and believe that life is about worthwhile experiences. Owners of the Saffiano aren’t afraid to splurge every once in a while, but doing so usually isn’t common practice.

Want one of these bags, but are afraid of the price tags? Rent one at Bag, Borrow or Steal. Alternatively, purchase from a brick and mortar — or online — consignment shop that resells authentic, upscale merchandise.

By Wendy Rose Gould