Designer Discount
Win This: Get Your Maxxinista On and Win $500
What: Win a $25 TJ Maxx giftcard every week day from now until Oct. 27th.
Why You Want This: It’s the end of the second week of the contest and you want to make sure you enter today, so you can be eligible for this week’s grand prize, a $500 giftcard to the store. Imagine what you can do with $500 at TJ Maxx… you could buy a totally new wardrobe.
How to Enter: Tell us your favorite TJ Maxx purchase in the comment section below. We will select one winner from today
Don’t forget you can also enter via Kathryn Finney facebook fan page and by adding “RT @KathrynFinney I am a Maxxinista” twitter
Please read Contest Rules
This is a paid contest.
Ruffian for Anthropologie
What: Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, of the high-fashion design team Ruffian, have a new project in the works. The team has announced that it recently signed a deal with Anthropologie to design four new collections for the kitschy retailer. The first of the collections—which features forties-inspired coats, silk dresses, blouses, and hand-seamed hosiery—will be available at Anthropologie stores nationwide in November.
What They Say:
“There’s really something special and so accessible and beautiful about it,” says Wendy Wurtzburger, Anthropologie’s chief merchandising officer. “They really pushed to have what was right for their aesthetic but also what would be right for our customer. They’re so great at creating magic and mystery.”
What We Say: From the looks of it, the collection’s ruffled blouses and vintage-inspired coats will be the perfect cure for the winter blues this year. Although some pieces in the collection will probably be a little too ornate for our tastes, it’ll still be exciting to see what these super talented designers come up with.
Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart Available on Roiworld.com
What: Tired of going all the way to Wal-Mart to buy Norma Kamali’s latest frugal fashions? Thanks to Roiworld.com, you don’t have to. The “virtual world” website is letting users try on Norma Kamali’s spring 2010 collection for Wal-Mart with their avatars, and then click to buy the actual items on NormaKamaliCollection.com.
What They Say:
“What makes this interesting is that Kamali isn’t selling virtual goods in Roiworld.com—which is what brands like K-Swiss and Rocawear have done in the past—the designer is using the game as a platform to sell real clothes.”
What We Say: The idea of trying clothes on via an online avatar and then buying them at nearly the same time seems like a cool—and certainly inventive—concept. We’re looking forward to seeing if this is a concept that catches on with web-savvy customers. What do you think?
Mango Mans Up to the Recession
What: You may have passed by a Mango store in the mall, but they’re a relative newcomer to the USA. Don’t underestimate this store - the Spanish brand has been promoted by Hollywood heavyweights Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson. They’re now launching a campaign called “Think Up,” which will feature 90 clothing items from its current collections for prices starting at $24.90.
What They Say: From NY Mag:
This is all well and good, but it begs a question: If Mango can shave significant percentages off its less-than-stellar quality goods, were we being overcharged? Something to think about.
What We Say: You can learn more about the campaign on the Mango Think Up blog, which apparently has nothing to do with fashion on a budget. So, we’re not totally “getting” it. But we don’t really care - $24 for clothes and accessories that would normally cost $60 and up? We like. The fact that we may have been charging too much all along? We don’t. Still a bit confused on when we can all cash in…let us know if you’ve got the scoop!
Norma Kamali’s New Line On eBay
What: Designer Norma Kamali, who designed a line of affordable work-wear for Wal-Mart earlier this year, is branching out once again. The fashion legend is launching an exclusive line of clothing called Norma Kamali-bay, which will be available exclusively on eBay with prices that are $250 or less.
What Norma Says:
“We did a little experiment over the summer on eBay and we found that people wanted Norma Kamali design—like, really design—so it’s the antithesis of the Walmart collection, which is timeless style, simple little black dress, great trousers, that kind of thing,” Kamali says.
What We Say: We love shopping online and getting discounted designer clothes, so Norma Kamali’s new collection for eBay is a match made in heaven from our point of view. It’ll be interesting to see how the collection is received by buyers, and whether more designers choose to follow suit and jump on the eBay bandwagon in the future.
Details Revealed on Jil Sanders’ UNIQLO Line
What: If you’ve read this blog for a while, you know that we love, love, love UNIQLO. Well, we recently reported that German designer Jil Sanders had started consulting for the retailer. That relationship bloomed, and now Sanders’ new UNIQLO line has a launch date (or month). This October, you’ll see the first of the line - prices start at a lovely $25. Later on, the rest of Sanders’ clothes will hit stores (there are 140 pieces total; 100 are for women).
What We Say: Yay! We can add another store to our shopping list for fall 09. This is as great an example of penny-saving Designer Fusion as you can get. Looking forward to the line?
The UNIQLO collection’s price range:
+J Women’s Collection
Outerwear: $39.50-$149.50
Shirts: $39.50
Pants: $49.50-$59.50
Skirts/Dresses: $39.50-$49.50
Cut and sewn: $19.50-$29.50
Sweaters: $29.50-$49.50
Cashmere: $79.50-$129.50
Accessories: $29.50
+J Men’s Collection
Outerwear: $79.50-$149.50
Shirts: $39.50
Pants: $49.50
Cut and sewn: $19.50-$39.50
Cashmere: $129.50-$149.50
Accessories: $29.50-$99.50
Goodwill Changing Minds, Changing Prices
What: Recessionistas want deals on designer duds they can brag about, because it’s no longer “in” to overpay for a Prada handbag. Nor is it affordable. Enter Goodwill. The non-profit chain, which has been a reliable treasure trove for many of us over the years, has lots of leverage right now. And it’s new target consumer is you, bargain hunting stylistas. Taking a few hints from Victoria’s Secret, Saks, and other high-end retailers, Goodwill has been slowly introducing designer boutiques into the country, in an effort to appeal to more upper-class patrons. Along with that, the organization’s started blogging, tweeting, and generally plugging in to communities like this one.
From the New York Times:
Across the country, Goodwill is competing for shoppers with a keener eye and sometimes deeper pockets. A few stores are adjusting prices accordingly. The many who think of the brand as a graveyard for no-name castoffs would be surprised — or dismayed — to find a Prada bag marked at $200 and climbing at auction on a Goodwill Web site, or a Pucci shirt for $800.
What We Say: We can’t get on Goodwill’s case for “recession profiteering,” but we have to wonder if this will benefit us in the long run. Instead of discovering a couture dress on our own, Goodwill will slap it up on a mannequin and put a high price tag on it. Where’s the fun in that? Kudos to Goodwill for getting business-savvy, but we’re on the fence about this new makeover. Also, Goodwill has been a reliable source of apparel for people who previously couldn’t afford to shop at department stores. What’s going to happen to the people who have to shop at Goodwill, when those who choose to shop there take over?
What do you think, is this move for better or worse?
Photo by Masseman
Best Summer Trend?
Question: What’s the Best Summer 2009 Fashion Trend?
Just as you catch on to the trends of spring 2009, it changes up on you again. From sheer tops to ethnic accessories to revealing one-piece swim suits, you’ve got a lot to choose from as you shop for your summer wardrobe. What are you looking forward to wearing as the weather heats up and the recession cools down?
Our Favorite Trends
Nordstrom Rack to Head to New York?
What: Word is that Nordstrom’s Rack is expected to head to NYC sometime this year- possibly taking over the space left by the departing Virgin Megastore.
From WWD: A spokesperson from Nordstrom Inc. told WWD “We locked at Union Square and would like to have a Rack in Manhattan. Nothing is signed yet. We are talking to them.”
What I Say: This is a very good thing…. A very good thing and as it turns Union Square into the discount center of NYC, with Trader Joe’s,F21, Filene’s and DSW all located in the same area. The Rack is known for it’s amazing collection of discount designer shoes, which will make it a direct competitor to the DSW Shoewarehouse, also located in Union Square. Let the sales begin
Free Shipping & 10% off Coupon at Target
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Spend $50 Save 10%, & Get Free Shipping in women’s fashion at Target.com
The Lowdown: You might be asking yourself…. there’s a Target in my town, so why should I shop online at Target.com? Well, Target.com (as well as the online version of Wal-Mart) offer a wider selection of its top discount designer brands (like Alexander MCQueen) and trends (maxi dresses) than your local store. So while your local “Tar-jay” may not have that Alexander MCQueen for Target Zipper Dress, you bet you can find it online. Use this coupon (feel free to share it with love ones) to get 10% your online order as well as free shipping (cause an online discount is not really a discount if you have to pay 10 bucks for shipping)
Shop: Target.com. Coupon good thru 3/28/09.
Michelle Obama Inaugural Ball Dress: Look for Less
Leave it to Michelle Obama to choose a little-known designer (Jason Wu, 26) to create her inaugural ball gown. A lesser fashionista might be pressured into hiring the big guns, but Mrs. O? Not a chance—and, per usual, her call was right on target. Her gorgeous one-shoulder, ivory ruffled gown wowed and, having followed her fashion journey throughout the campaign (priorities, you know), we aren’t the least bit surprised. Interestingly, Wu once interned for designer Narciso Rodriguez, who created Obama’s infamous black and red election night frock —Michelle Obama is nothing if not loyal to her style-savvy roots . . .
That being said, we know that budget fashionistas everywhere with a formal event to attend will be scrambling to create an Obama-inspired look (we should all be so elegant), so we’ve picked a couple of dresses that might get you there, for less:
1. Night Way One-Shoulder Gown, $150, Dillards
2. One Shoulder Dress, $129.99, Chadwick’s at Amazon
Saks’ Crazy Sales: Is the End Near?
The store’s in-store reductions are so crazy that we’re wondering if deflation and store closingrumors are true. This past weekend, prices were marked down up to 50% off with an additional 50% off the markdown price.
Rumor has it that there’s going to be yet another round of massive discounts (along with crazy employee discount day and a possible friends and family coupon) in the upcoming weeks, bringing some prices around the 90% off mark, including designer handbags and shoes.
Charlotte Ronson for JCPenney
What: A sneak peak at Charlotte Ronson’s I [Heart] Ronson line for JCPenney
What We Say: In this era of increasingly budget-conscious shopping and fashion, we’re delighted to see a fresh and modern designer like Ronson team up with one of our sturdy standbys, JC Penney, to bring us even more choices in designer/budget fashion (prices range from $15-$65). From the first looks on Nylon and NYMag, we feeling the springtime vibe with the pretty purples and grays, and easy versatile shapes. The contemporary sportswear line is set to hit 600 Penney’s stores in the Spring of 09, and will also be available online and through catalogue. We can’t wait.
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