The Budget Fashionista’s Weekly Retail Closing Report

January 23, 2009 07:00 PM | Comments (4) | Posted in macys, store closings, dillards, steve and barry, filenes basement

Retailers have taken a lot of hard hits lately, and while some are getting back on their feet after the holiday slump, others are, well, giving up.

The Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, owner of DKNY, Calvin Klein, and other clothing brands, will close 175 stores; this is a big blow to the outlet malls of the country. But Van Heusen isn’t alone. Here’s a wrap-up of the latest store closures… hint: there’s a liquidation sale coming to a store near you.

Steve & Barry’s (where will Sarah Jessica Parker’s “fashion you can afford to love line”, BITTEN, go?)
Cub Libby Lu (Saks is letting go of this retailer, aimed at fashion-savvy young girls, so parents have lots of great deals to pounce on)

Others retailers closing stores…
Mervyn’s
Filene’s Basement
Ann Taylor (117 stores)
Gap Inc (85)
Foot Locker (140)
Dillard’s (26)
Sigrid Olsen (54)
Pacific Sunwear (153 demo stores)
Macy’s (11)
Fashion Bug (150)
Cache (23)

JC Penney may be scaling back soon, too.

Have a tip on a store closing? Click here to send us your tips

Sarah Palin Wardrobe Challenge

October 24, 2008 11:00 AM | Comments (7) | Posted in walmart, tahari, endless.com, ann taylor, dillards, Walmart, political fashion, sarah palin style, sarah palin wardrobe, Endless.com

“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”

Kathryn Builds ENTIRE Wardrobe for the Candidate for Less Than $2500

After news broke yesterday about Governor Sarah Palin’s rather large clothing expenditures, a friend sent me an email, challenging me to build a complete, Vice Presidential candidate worthy, wardrobe for Governor Sarah Palin for less than $2,500.  Now $2500 is more than I spend on clothing all year, but she IS a VP candidate, not a budget shopper like myself.

The rules:
- enough suit/dress options to last at least two weeks on the campaign trail
- must include shoes that were of quality and comfortable
- the items had to come from stores that a Hockey/Football/Basketball/Baseball Mom would shop (so no Saks, Neiman, Barneys, unless it’s their outlet stores)
- the clothing had to fit Governor Palin’s personal style (the Governor loves her some red)
- Everything had to be quality and could be worn on television (which meant patterns, stores like Payhalf and F21, were pretty much out of the picture)

 

 

 

Primetime Debate Power Suits

• 1. Ottoman Shirt Jacket and Skirt, $169.99 and $79.99, Ann Taylor
• 2. Tahari Jacket Dress, $179.00 at Dillards.com
• 3. Tahari Tweed Skirt Suit, $179.00 at Dillards.com
• 4. Nine West 2 Piece Dress Suit, $114.99 at Overstock.com
• 5. Calvin Klein Pull Through Collar Skirt Suit, $99.00 at Macys
• 6. Anne Klein Women’s Onyx 2-piece Crepe Pant Suit, $119.99 at Overstock.com

Wardrobe Stretcher Jackets- mixed with the above suits to expand the wardrobe

• Antonio Melani “Essie” Coat, $229.00 at Dillards
• Wool Blend Swing Jacket, $59.50 at Old Navy
• Wool Double Breasted Winter Coat, $89.50 at Old Navy.

Easy to Pack Canvasing Dresses

• Mossimo Black Neck Pleat Dress, $24.99 at Target
• Norma Kamai Jersey Shirt Dress, $20.00 at Wal-Mart
• Issac Mizrahi Belted Spanish Dress, $39.99 at Target

Fundraiser Worthy Cocktail Dresses

• Gown with Beading by Unger for Ann Taylor, $348.00 at Ann Taylor
• Jax Satin Cocktail Dress, $180.00 at Dillards
• Issac Mizrahi for Target Party Dress, $44.99 at Target

Hockey Mom Gear

• Two Pairs of Jeans. Signature by Levi Strauss, Totally Slimming at the Waist Boot Cut Jeans, $19.98 at Wal-Mart
• Jacket. Faded Glory Women’s Hooded Puffer Vest, $18.00 at Wal-Mart
• Signature by Levi Strauss, Women’s Beatrix Jean Skirt, $13.00 at Wal-Mart

Shoes: Governor Sarah Palin’s Signature Piece

• BCBG Beverly Platform Boot, $248.95 at Endless.com
• Converse Vintage Slip On Flats, $20.99 at Target
• Mossimo Vallie Flats, $24.99 at Target
• Unlisted Hand Me It Boots, $59.99 at Dswshoe.com
• Women’s Mossimo Danae Buckle Pumps, $26.99, Target
• Pleaser’s Women’s Seduce-420 Pumps, $19.95-$20.36 Endless.com
• Peep Toe Buckle Pumps, $29.99, Chadwick’s

Governor Sarah Palin’s New Wardrobe

- 6 Suits
- 2 Blazers
- 1 winter coat
- 6 Dresses (three business, 3 cocktail)
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 1 jean skirt
- 1 causal jacket
- 7 pairs of shoes

Total Cost: $2481.15

 

Have a comment about this post or Sarah Palin’s style? Visit this thread (Were We Wrong About the Sarah Palin Moose Tote?) at the TBF Forum!

Beat the Summer Heat: City Shorts

July 20, 2007 04:05 PM | Comments (7) | Posted in shorts, dillards, summer fashion

What: With the mercury hitting record highs all over, “city shorts” are slowly but surely making their presence felt on the fashion front.

What the fashion heads say:Telegraph.co.uk: ..we are not talking about thigh-grazing styles fit only for the cellulite-free: the new breed of shorts is tailored - often cut to just above the knee - and is a flattering, surprisingly sexy option, which is even suitable for work.

What I say: Still a bit iffy about the suitable-for-work part, depending on your particular location and occupation. Regardless, it’s nice to have a new alternative for causal business dress or a dressy night out. If you’re so inclined to give the trend a go, remember that white is still a super-hot option for summer. Budget note: the Intuitions city shorts shown above cost less than $30 at the department store Dillard’s.