Department Store
Saks Lowering Prices
What: There have been all kinds of rumors about the future of Saks over the past year, especially with the recession beating down luxury brands of late. Well, word has gotten out that Saks will indeed cut back some of its prices. Even select products from Prada and other upscale brands will go down in price. This, of course, is happening all while Saks struggles to save its high-end image.
What They Say: “Prada is now selling a $700 handbag, versus their lower- priced one being $1,000 ... At Christian Dior, an entry price handbag was about $1,500. If you look to this fall, you are going to see Christian Dior sell a $950 handbag,” [Saks CEO Steve Sadove] added.
What We Say: Great, a $700 handbag instead of a $1,000 one. Let’s get out our credit cards now! (just kidding).
Have you been to Saks recently? Are there more affordable options than there was before?
Kohl’s and Britney Spears - Really?
What: As the new “face” of the Candie’s Only brand at Kohls, Britney will follow in the footsteps of Hilary Duff and Hayden Penettiere. We guess we’ll see the pop princess, who’s recently been on the rebound, all over the place now. Pepsi flashbacks. In return for the TV spots and soon-to-be ubiquitous ad campaign, Kohl’s and Candie’s will help sponsor Brit’s tour.
What Britney Says:
“I’m so excited to be the face for Candie’s Only at Kohl’s ... Candie’s and Kohl’s are doing such great things with my tour. It’s great to work with a line that has such cool clothes and accessories.”
What We Say: For heaven’s sake, why? Is this really necessary? We thought the celeb/fashion label combo was on its way out, but maybe not. Well, at least the part-time entertainer/full-time tabloid mess isn’t claiming to design clothes. We’re not sure why any brand would want to associate with someone so notorious for their haywire fashion sense but Candie’s Only is pretty young, so this just might get little girls begging their moms to take them to Kohls. Sigh.
Save 40% or More at Nordstrom.com
The Deal: Save 40% off or more on women’s apparel, shoes and accessories online only, at Nordstrom.com
The Lowdown: Nordstrom is frequently outside our regular shopping budget (especially considering the economy and the just-concluded holiday season), but with a sale we can peruse the offerings without too much bottom-line guilt. This sale is online only, which we like too, because after the holiday gift-buying rush, we’ve had pretty much all we can take of hitting the mall .
Since we’re still trying to economize (one of our top two resolutions, natch, right behind quitting those double caramel mocha lattes), one of our best tips is to use what you’ve already got in your closet and change it up with affordable accessories. Pick up something like this Ariella Brushed Dome Ring, $23.90; this Cynthia Rowley Soft Leather Sash Belt, $38.90 ; or this Betsey Johnson “Buttoned Up” Mixed Charm Bracelet, $38.90.
Shop: Nordstrom.com
Macys Overcharges Some Shoppers During the Holiday Season
What: On December 20th, some Macy’s shoppers who used a debit card may have been overcharged for purchases.
The 411: From CNN Money: A Macy’s spokesman said Friday that customers at some stores in its central and eastern divisions may have had multiple debits made to their checking accounts on Saturday, Dec. 20…Macy’s would not reveal how many customers were overcharged, saying only that the glitch affected “less than one-half of 1% of transactions” that took place between 1 and 2:45 p.m.
What We Say: Always check your bank and credit card statements. Always. Incidents like this is one of the reasons we don’t always like paying with debit cards (preferring cash and, as a distance second, a low interest rate credit card). If you think you were overcharged faxing their statement to Macy’s, at (513) 573-2433, with their account number blacked out, to the attention of “Third Party Credit.”
News Alert: The Return of Bonwit Teller
What: Bonwit Teller, an upscale women’s clothing store, was once a venerable name in the world of fashion. Founded in 1895, it closed several years ago. But it’s poised for a comeback.
The Word: A company that specialized in reviving old brands recently purchased property and the rights to the name. According to WWD, a new store may be ready in NYC by the end of next year. The word is they’ll continue its luxurious legacy but modernize with 2008’s designers and innovations.
What We Say: Bonwit Teller evoked classiness and grace. We’re happy to see a time-tested brand return from bankruptcy and we look forward to seeing how they’re going to evolve. While we probably won’t be purchasing much from there at the full price, it will be great to roam the aisles and get ideas for outfits. And when they have sales, we’ll be first in line.
Above: A beautiful Bonwit Teller ad from 1958.
Photo from Amazing Adornments.
Street Fashion 101: Designer Vs. Department Store
The Look: Here, a pair of models exiting the Marc Jacobs show in NYC sporting very different, but equally interesting, styles. On the left, all designer: dress by Alice Ritter, Miu Miu bag. On the right: an American Apparel tee, Old Navy skirt, and Converse sneaks, with belt, scarf and tights, all from H&M.
For the Style File: While designer pieces are always striking, the non-designer ensemble looks great for everyday, too. We love that the model on the right got her basic pieces (tee, skirt, shoes) from super-affordable retailers, and added a little kick with fun, colorful accessories. And when you go budget on the basics, you just might be able to save up for that occasional special piece (on sale, of couse). Like that to-die-for Miu Miu hangbag, perhaps.
For more street-style inspiration, visit StreetPeeper.com
~Angela
What’s New at Marshalls Department Store
Marshalls has an designer denim event coming up in a week or so with Paper Denim and Cloth, Chip & Pepper, Joie, and probably some Sevens. Jeans will be priced $39.99 to $99.99.
Plus . . . Marshalls bought the Carole Little line. This isn’t “new” news, but I thought I would share it with you. Carole Little was a department store based line (Macys, Bloomingdales, etc.)- sort of the Boho look for women over 35. Really cute, different stuff. Also check out Marshalls’ Kenar line, which takes its “inspiration” from big time designers like Prada (but sales for 1/8 of the price).
Sears is having a big sale of 50% off all women’s suits (including some of the fall collection). I’m so in love with Sears right now. It’s like they finally get it and now my cousins in Salina, Kansas will be able to rock BCBG. Nice . . .
Tons of stores are offering major discounts right now, which leads me to wonder if the items are really on sale or do the stores hike up the prices, and then slap on a discount to full us unsuspecting shoppers into thinking we’re really getting a deal, when the discount just brings the price down to its original full price? Something to ponder. Leave a comment with your thoughts.
Barney’s Warehouse Sale begins tomorrow. I’ll say a prayer for those brave shopping souls who dare to enter the madness. My god be with you.
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