SHOPPING

We know that even women who don nothing but designer labels and the season’s hottest trends love finding a good bargain on their duds. But now, it is   The New York Times writing about. They followed the footsteps of a handful of fashion savvy women who hunt product/clothing sales the way a hound hunts raccoons: ferociously and with determined, focused eyes. After all, an in season Alexander McQueen frock priced down 40 percent is like a trendy gift from the style gods. Only it’s not a gift that’s handed to them randomly. It takes real work — and plenty of time shifting through racks — to find these kinds of brag-worthy steals.

Says Annelise Peterson, a fashion consultant, “I fare-track for fashion.” However, instead of getting alerts in her e-box a la flash travel sales, she’s built a human network consisting of salesclerks who call and text her when the price and product are right. “It’s important to find a great source, a salesperson to point you to pieces that match your taste,” she noted.

The New York Times also interviewed affluent shopper and society figure Natalie Leeds Leventhal, who’s no stranger to Barneys sales racks. While inarguably wealthy, Leventhal still adheres to a strict set of buying rules when shopping. In fact, she says she refuses to pay full price on anything unless the item is so hard to come by it’ll disappear in the blink of an eye. Any other time, though, she scouts out a good bargain.

Like Peterson, Leventhal also has a network of salespeople who contact her if they get a product in she’ll appreciate. Read more about the steps fashionable women take when seeking designer goods at a fraction of their MSRP. We’ve said it for a long time, but now that The New York Times wrote it, you have to believe us.

By Wendy Rose Gould

The Bitta Design Group Sample Sale began this morning at the luxurious Cassa New York Hotel. Please note the sale is located on the 10^th Floor and down the hallway on your left hand side, once through the elevator.

Imaginative designs, dazzling jewels, and vibrant diamonds occupied the display cases offering 75% off retail prices. If you’ve yet to find the perfect holiday gift, or still don’t know what to write on your wish list that your procrastinating significant other has been begging you for, then your solution lies within the Bitta Design Group Sample Sale.

It isn’t often that a jewelry sample sale impresses us, but between the outrageously good discounts and stunning pieces, this sale certainly gets our two thumbs up. When you first walk into the 10^th floor sale, there is a display case of sapphire and ruby pieces. If you’ve yet to find your young adult daughter the perfect gift to WOW her, check out the Ruby and Diamond Long Skull Necklace set in 14K White Gold ($1,620, orig. $6,482) as well as a Large Sapphire Ring with Diamonds set in White Gold ($1,765, orig. $7,063)

Next up, is an extraordinary array of emeralds, blue topaz, black spinel, and black diamonds, featured in styles such as drop earrings, rings, and statement bracelets. The eye-catchers of the bunch included a pair of 18K White Gold Diamond and Emerald Drop Earrings ($3,613, orig. $14,455, pictured), a pair of Black Spinel Double Circle Diamond Drop Earrings ($2,863, orig. $11,455, pictured) and a beautiful White Gold and Aquamarine Ring with Diamonds.

A few pairs of Bitta’s most popular earrings were on hand — a simple drop earring encircled by diamonds and set in white gold or yellow gold, available in a variety of colors such as Smokey Quartz and Aquamarine with Black Diamonds ($1,184, orig. $4,739, Smoke Quartz).

Before you start narrowing it down to your favorite piece, don’t overlook the Rose Gold pieces with Kunzite, the 48” chain of Rose Gold and Spinel ($1,680, orig, $6734), the bracelets with German Cut Stones in 14K Gold, or the blinding case of simple diamond bands, diamond tennis bracelets, and classic diamond studs for as low as $740. 

A diamond really is a girl’s best friend, and with Bitta’s reimagined classic pieces combined with wonderful semi-precious stones, there is no going wrong with opting to shop for last minute gifts for your loved ones at the Bitta Design Group Sample Sale.

WHEN: 12/19 – 12/20; Wed-Th (10-6)

WHERE: Cassa NY Hotel
70 West 45th Street
New York, New York 10036

By Caitlin Colford

Today’s press preview of the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale was easily accessible to those pedestrians passing the 260 Fifth Avenue storefront decorated with an eye catching floor to ceiling yellow Alice + Oliva signage. Typically on preview days at this establishment they require identification to match up to the name on the VIP list, but today they were welcoming all. Unfortunately, after taking only a few photographs I was asked to put my camera away and was instructed that the designer specifically requested no photography at the sale.

The sample sale, lasting through Saturday, is a great stop for those seeking a trendy and gorgeous New Year’s Eve dress. Many styles on hand are from Alice + Olivia’s Winter 2012 line that is still available in stores for full retail prices, making this sale a must visit if you’ve had your eye on a specific A + O dress in Bloomingdale’s.

Alice + Olivia’s heavy focus on two-tone pieces are the main attraction at this week’s sale. Most items are blazers and dresses, with a dismal variety of blouses, skirts, and a limited selection of pants available as well, all within the range of sizes 0-12/S-XL, with majority of the merchandise being a 4 or a 6.

Beginning with jackets and blazers, the black and green velvet Betty Jacket is a must see ($149, orig. $495, S, pictured), as well as the Celeste Collarless Trim Jacket in yellow and blue ($149, orig. $495, S, pictured), and the Glenna Double Pocket Long Vest ($149, orig. $368, size M, pictured).

The only blouse that caught my eye was the Evelina Sequin Long Sleeve Top ($79, orig. $396, pictured), keeping with the heavy sequin theme of the dress section. The display of dresses is a disco ball haven, with embellishments galore. These stylish pieces are a young Hollywood favorite and are adored by many. Although the selection was by no means overwhelming, there were certainly plenty of options to satisfy your craving. Beginning with the non-embellished dresses, favorites include the Madeline Leather Boxy Fitted Skirt Dress ($129, orig. $495, size 6, pictured), the black and nude Amena Fitted Dress ($129, orig. $275, pictured) and the gold tweed Elise A-Line Skirt Dress ($129, orig. $396, pictured).

I wasn’t able to locate the style names of many of the embellished dresses, which are all marked at $199, but I assure you these are all worth a browse if you are looking for dazzling evening wear. They did have the Randee Striped A-line Dress on sale ($199, orig. $597, pictured), as well as a beautiful black and white dress with a black sequin skirt and belt feature ($199, orig. $495, size 6), as well as other embellished black and white dress options in sleeveless and long sleeve varieties and gold, black, and silver combinations.

Three fantastic racks full of samples were being furiously plucked from. One rack of $29 samples featured soft and casual basic tops and bottoms, while the remaining $49 and $99 racks were full of dresses embellished with sequins and other one of a kind dress options. This area was definitely the hit of the sale.

A small L-shaped display of shoes, which were mainly all animal print, was seated in the rear of 260 Fifth Avenue, with less than exciting selections apart from the Dakota Flats. Two lines of bins were set up with Belts ($29), Beaded Handbags ($69), Clutches ($229), Swimwear ($49), Scarves ($69) and a mediocre collection of jewelry and sweaters.

As you can determine for my lack of enthusiasm for sections other than that of the dresses, this is only a sale to visit if you are in the market for a party dress, or something dazzling to keep stashed away. The blazer and jackets are a bonus option making a trip to the sale also worth your while if those too tickle your fancy, but sadly this isn’t a stop for last minute gift options.

WHEN: 12/17 – 12/22; Tue (9-7), W-Th (10-8), F (10-7), Sat (10-4)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

By Caitlin Colford

We’re calling Henri Bendel 2012’s best place to stuff your holiday stockings. The upscale women’s speciality store — which sells everything from parfums to beauty products, gourmet foods to accessories and beyond — is seriously like a one stop shop for all the women (and a handful of men) on your shopping list.

Need convincing? We’ve compiled a list of 7 reasons why we adore NYC’s Henri Bendel.

Location

Henri Bendel’s flagship store is located at 712 Fifth Ave., making it ultra convenient if you plan to hit other stores, as well. It’s right next door to Harry Winston and Bvlgari, which gives passers by a chance to check out the famous star on 57th and Fifth Avenue.

Up and Coming Jewelry Designers

Henri Bendel buys and sells from blossoming jewelry designers. That means shoppers will often find fresh designs at affordable prices. Ask yourself: what makes a better gift than a new piece of jewelry that stands out in a crowd?

Just the Right Size

Feeling cramped while shopping can be a major drag for any customer. Stores that are so massive they overwhelm you aren’t any better, either. Henri Bendel is neither too big nor too small. It’s an intimate venue that has an air of elegance about it. We particularly love their central sumptuous stairs. “They make me feel a socialite has decided to open her doors for the holidays and I am snooping through her stuff,” noted The Style City’s site owner, Mirela.

Budget Friendly

Unlike some of Fifth Avenue’s major hot spots, Henri Bendel is sensitive to shoppers’ wallets. This is apparent even by checking out their website, which groups gifts into different price brackets. You’ll even be able to find some gifts under $10.

Humor Abounds

While refined, Henri Bendel also has a sense of humor. For example, their book selection includes titles such as, “Angry Little Girls,” “Dads are the Original Hipsters,” and “Worst Case Scenario Pocket Guide: New York City.”

More Books

In addition to the humorous selections mentioned above, Henri Bendel sells loads of style books, as well. These make a great gift for any BFF who has an interest in the fashion, style or beauty world.

Candle Obsessed

Luxury candles make the perfect gift for a hostess, mother in law, best friend or even boss. Henri Bendel carries a large selection of candles, including their own line of lauded home fragrances. Mirela particularly loves that they carry her favorite brand, Antica Farmacista, which isn’t always easy to find.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Photos: Micky Filip