Author Archives: Alexandra Martell

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Windows Remain Nondenominational

November 24, 2010 – 9:10 am

Midtown’s holiday decorations are almost complete, as the tree goes up and Saks Fifth Avenue unveils its windows. The store deviated slightly from its usual theme of snowflakes, making this year’s theme snowflakes … and bubbles. They also added a 3-D light show that complements the tale told in the windows. Click ahead to see Saks’s windows, plus holiday displays in Manhattan’s other department stores, in our holiday windows slideshow.

Earlier: ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Window Displays

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Filed Under: ’tis the season, holiday windows, saks fifth avenue


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Bloomingdale’s Holiday Windows Are Filled With Video Screens

November 19, 2010 – 12:55 pm

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but more and more department stores are unveiling their holiday windows! Bloomingdale’s eschewed clothes and whimsical handmade displays in favor of video screens (welcome to the future, kids), while Bergdorf Goodman built “fantasy travel” scenes with flying horses and space ships. Macy’s couldn’t pick just one theme this year: the store honored Miracle on 34th Street, “Yes, Virginia,” and Elf on Broadway. See all of these displays and more in our holiday windows slide show!

[Earlier: 'Tis the Season for Holiday Window Displays]

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Filed Under: ’tis the season, bergdorf goodman, bloomingdale”, holiday windows, macys


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’Tis the Season for Holiday Window Displays

November 16, 2010 – 5:10 pm

It’s getting to be that time of year again: Rockefeller Center is decorating their tree, Duane Reade is finally selling the stockings they’ve been carrying since October, and the department stores are putting up their holiday window displays! The stores took their inspiration from all sorts of cultural hallmarks this year: Bendel presented a fashionable take on The Nutcracker, Barneys paid tribute to celebrity chefs, and Lord & Taylor took a more traditional Christmas-inspired approach. We’ll add to this slideshow as more stores unveil their windows, so check back for more displays of holiday spirit.

Read more posts by Alexandra Martell

Filed Under: ’tis the season, barneys, henri bendel, holiday windows, lord & taylor


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’Tis the Season for Holiday Window Displays

November 16, 2010 – 5:10 pm

It’s getting to be that time of year again: Rockefeller Center is decorating their tree, Duane Reade is finally selling the stockings they’ve been carrying since October, and the department stores are putting up their holiday window displays! The stores took their inspiration from all sorts of cultural hallmarks this year: Bendel presented a fashionable take on The Nutcracker, Barneys paid tribute to celebrity chefs, and Lord & Taylor took a more traditional Christmas-inspired approach. We’ll add to this slideshow as more stores unveil their windows, so check back for more displays of holiday spirit.

Read more posts by Alexandra Martell

Filed Under: ’tis the season, barneys, henri bendel, holiday windows, lord & taylor


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Madonna’s Material Girl Line Is Oh-So-Eighties

August 5, 2010 – 1:00 pm


Would Madonna let Lourdes wear this stuff out of the house?

From the moment we stepped on to the juniors’ floor at Macy’s, it was clear that Madonna’s Material Girl line, unveiled Tuesday with an in-store performance by Taylor Momsen and plenty of Madge impersonators, will fare significantly better than February’s Olsenboye/JCPenney collab. The section was already packed with teens, tweens, and foreign tourists, and the racks were ravaged; size smalls were quickly making their way onto the endangered species list.

Most of the Material Girl pieces hearken back to the eighties (think: lace, puffy shoulders, crop tops, and spandex). When trying on the clothes, we couldn’t help but think that this would have been our dream wardrobe as children. In fact, we’re pretty sure our kindergarten selves owned flowered leggings just like the ones the line offers today.

That isn’t to say there were no wearable pieces, though. We actually found a dress we considered buying, and a cardigan that reminded us of a Vince number we saw at Loehmann’s last year. The quality isn’t terrible, either — better than Olsenboye and on par with H&M — and certainly fair if you consider the prices. Cardigans ran around $28, dresses between $15 and $28, printed T-shirts $20, ruffled miniskirts $24, and, if they’re your thing, sparkly bike shorts for $15 and faux-fur vests for $34. Sizing, however, is inconsistent: Those sparkly bike shorts were sausage-casing-tight in a size small, whereas a medium ruffled miniskirt was practically falling off our hips.

Though we didn’t purchase anything on this visit, we’d consider going back for the Material Girl cardigan … and maybe around Halloween, should we decide to go as Madonna.

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Filed Under: material girl in a material world, macy’s, madonna, material girl, taylor momsen


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This Weekend’s Events and Sales: 40 Percent Off 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, A.P.C., and More

July 2, 2010 – 9:45 am

EVENTS
SUNDAY
• Check out organic nail polishes and scented nail-polish removers during Karma Organic’s trunk show at Henri Bendel. 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-247-1100); noon-7.

• Perfect your lashes and brows at Bloomingdale’s with a consultation from Shu Uemura’s expert, Soul Lee. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); 11-7.

MONDAY
• Open Air Yoga welcomes students of all levels to Summer Yoga in Central Park, a class led by instructor Donna Klimkiewicz. Mats are not provided, but all participants will leave with fresh juice or a smoothie. Turtle Pond, Fifth Ave., at 79th St.; 7 p.m. To register for the class ($12), visit openairyoganyc.com. Classes occur every Monday and Wednesday through mid-September; check out the complete schedule online.

SALES
ENDING TOMORROW
• Take home a free gift with any Dior purchase of $75 or more at Bloomingdale’s during the Dior Magic Show. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); M-F (10-8:30), S (10-7), Su (11-7).

• Sheets, towels, robes, and accessories are 40 to 90 percent off during D. Porthault’s White Sale. Embroidered tablecloths are $1,200 (originally $2,400), and a printed percale king-size bed set is $630 (originally $1,050). 470 Park Ave., at 58th St.; M-S (10-6), Su (closed).

STARTING SUNDAY
• Save 40 percent on select spring pieces from Band of Outsiders during their online July 4 sale. Visit shopbandofoutsiders.com for details.

ENDING SUNDAY
• Womenswear, menswear, and accessories from the spring 2010 collection are 40 percent off during the 3.1 Phillip Lim spring sale. Twisted-front leather pencil skirts are $405 (originally $675), organic cotton rhinestone T-shirt dresses are $130 (originally $325), broomstick-pleated silk dresses with ribbon detailing are $357 (originally $595), and hand-embroidered croc sequin tank dresses are $537 (originally $895). 115 Mercer St., nr. Spring St. (212-334-1160); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

• Chic basics are 30 to 50 percent off at the A.P.C. sale. 131 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.; M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

STARTING MONDAY
• Score up to 70 percent off on silk tops and cotton minidresses at the Built by Wendy sample sale. Through 8/15. 7 Centre Market Pl., nr. Broome St. (212-925-6538); 46 N. 6th St., at Kent Ave., Williamsburg (718-384-7801); M–S (12–7), Su (12–6).

• Meet jewelry designer Dana Blair as she personally presents her newest collection at Henri Bendel. Through 7/7. 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-247-1100); 10–8.

ENDING MONDAY
• Receive additional discounts on merchandise already marked down 25 to 65 percent at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Stores include American Apparel, Marni, Rock & Republic, Superdry, DKNY, and more. 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley (845-928-2006); Th-M (9-9).

• Save 25 to 40 percent off select merchandise at Bloomingdale’s, including clothes and accessories for men, women, and kids. Home décor is up to 65 percent off, while select jewelry is up to 50 percent off. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); M-F (10-8:30), S (10-7), Su (11-7).

• Select merchandise is on sale online and in stores from Urban Outfitters during their Biggest Sale Ever. Prices start at $4.99 for tanks, $9.99 for tees and tunics, and $6.99 for accessories. Men’s and housewares are also on sale. Various hours and locations.

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Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping


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This Weekend’s Events and Sales: 40 Percent Off 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, A.P.C., and More

July 2, 2010 – 9:45 am

EVENTS
SUNDAY
• Check out organic nail polishes and scented nail-polish removers during Karma Organic’s trunk show at Henri Bendel. 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-247-1100); noon-7.

• Perfect your lashes and brows at Bloomingdale’s with a consultation from Shu Uemura’s expert, Soul Lee. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); 11-7.

MONDAY
• Open Air Yoga welcomes students of all levels to Summer Yoga in Central Park, a class led by instructor Donna Klimkiewicz. Mats are not provided, but all participants will leave with fresh juice or a smoothie. Turtle Pond, Fifth Ave., at 79th St.; 7 p.m. To register for the class ($12), visit openairyoganyc.com. Classes occur every Monday and Wednesday through mid-September; check out the complete schedule online.

SALES
ENDING TOMORROW
• Take home a free gift with any Dior purchase of $75 or more at Bloomingdale’s during the Dior Magic Show. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); M-F (10-8:30), S (10-7), Su (11-7).

• Sheets, towels, robes, and accessories are 40 to 90 percent off during D. Porthault’s White Sale. Embroidered tablecloths are $1,200 (originally $2,400), and a printed percale king-size bed set is $630 (originally $1,050). 470 Park Ave., at 58th St.; M-S (10-6), Su (closed).

STARTING SUNDAY
• Save 40 percent on select spring pieces from Band of Outsiders during their online July 4 sale. Visit shopbandofoutsiders.com for details.

ENDING SUNDAY
• Womenswear, menswear, and accessories from the spring 2010 collection are 40 percent off during the 3.1 Phillip Lim spring sale. Twisted-front leather pencil skirts are $405 (originally $675), organic cotton rhinestone T-shirt dresses are $130 (originally $325), broomstick-pleated silk dresses with ribbon detailing are $357 (originally $595), and hand-embroidered croc sequin tank dresses are $537 (originally $895). 115 Mercer St., nr. Spring St. (212-334-1160); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

• Chic basics are 30 to 50 percent off at the A.P.C. sale. 131 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.; M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

STARTING MONDAY
• Score up to 70 percent off on silk tops and cotton minidresses at the Built by Wendy sample sale. Through 8/15. 7 Centre Market Pl., nr. Broome St. (212-925-6538); 46 N. 6th St., at Kent Ave., Williamsburg (718-384-7801); M–S (12–7), Su (12–6).

• Meet jewelry designer Dana Blair as she personally presents her newest collection at Henri Bendel. Through 7/7. 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-247-1100); 10–8.

ENDING MONDAY
• Receive additional discounts on merchandise already marked down 25 to 65 percent at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Stores include American Apparel, Marni, Rock & Republic, Superdry, DKNY, and more. 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley (845-928-2006); Th-M (9-9).

• Save 25 to 40 percent off select merchandise at Bloomingdale’s, including clothes and accessories for men, women, and kids. Home décor is up to 65 percent off, while select jewelry is up to 50 percent off. 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); M-F (10-8:30), S (10-7), Su (11-7).

• Select merchandise is on sale online and in stores from Urban Outfitters during their Biggest Sale Ever. Prices start at $4.99 for tanks, $9.99 for tees and tunics, and $6.99 for accessories. Men’s and housewares are also on sale. Various hours and locations.

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Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping


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Tomorrow’s Events and Sales: 65 Percent Off at Woodbury Commons, 50 Percent Off at Honey in the Rough

June 30, 2010 – 10:40 am

EVENTS
• Chat with Heather Klar, Alexa Galler of Eighteenth, and Xing Xu of Kallisti during We the People’s “Meet the Designers” series. Guests will also receive 10 percent off purchases throughout the evening. 156 Stanton St., nr. Suffolk St. (212-533-1091); 6-8.

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Select clothes and accessories are 20 to 50 percent off at Honey in the Rough’s summer sale. Through 7/4. 161 Rivington St., nr. Clinton St. (212-228-6415); M-S (noon-8), Su (noon-7).

• Receive additional discounts on merchandise already marked down 25 to 65 percent at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Stores include American Apparel, Marni, Rock & Republic, Superdry, DKNY, and more. Through 7/5. 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley (845-928-2006); Th-M (9-9).

• Score deep discounts on select merchandise from Alison Lewis, Myne, and Wren at Thistle & Clover. Through 7/14. 221 DeKalb Ave., nr. Clermont Ave., Fort Greene (718-855-5577); M-F (noon-8), S-Su (11-7).

• Save up to 30 percent on popular furniture and lighting pieces from Kartell during its summer sales event. Select discontinued and overstocked pieces are also on sale. Through 7/18. 39 Greene St., nr. Grand St. (212-966-6665); M-S (11-7). Su (noon-6).

• Save on dresses, skirts, and pants from brands like Lauren Moffatt, Cynthia Steffe, and Dace at Dear Fieldbinder. Through 7/25. 198 Smith St., nr. Baltic St., Cobble Hill (718-852-3620); M-S (11:30-7:30), Su (noon-6).

• Avant-garde French designs from Lilith are 40 to 50 percent off. The pink raincoat is $395 (originally $790), the two-tone tulle-and-taffeta dress is $408 (originally $680), and the Cuban-inspired lavender-and-gold orchid-print skirt is $298 (originally $595). Through 7/31. 227 Mulberry St., nr. Prince St. (212-925-0080); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-7).

• Select lingerie is up to 50 percent off at the Agent Provocateur summer sale. Through 7/31. 133 Mercer St., nr. Prince St. (212-965-0229); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

• Save 15 to 50 percent on select kids’ gear, clothing, and furniture at Giggle. Brands include Dwell Studio, Tea, and more. Through 7/31. Various hours and locations.

• All spring/summer clothing, shoes, and accessories are discounted at Zara’s semiannual sale. Through 7/31. Various hours and locations.

• Select merchandise for men and women, including tops, rompers, and shoes, are marked down during Project No. 8 and sister store No. 8b’s summer sale. Through 7/31. 138 Division St., nr. Orchard St. (212-925-5599) and 38 Orchard St., at Hester St. (212-925-5599); T-W and Su (1-8), Th-S (1-9), M (closed).

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Tomorrow’s Events and Sales: 60 Percent Off Rachel Comey, Lela Rose Trunk Show at Bergdorf

June 29, 2010 – 10:15 am

EVENTS
• Meet Courtney Sloane of Alternative Design and Dror Benshetrit of Studio Dror at Relative Space’s Designer Matchmaking series, a workshop that helps designers and consumers create free design solutions during one-on-one consultations. Bring floor plans, color schemes, and any other home planning materials to the session. 2 Bond St., nr. Second Ave. (212-353-3370); 1–6. To make an appointment, e-mail bond@relative-space.com. This workshop will continue throughout the summer; check relative-space.com for details on future dates.

• Preview the fall collection from Lela Rose during a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman. 754 Fifth Ave., nr. 58th St. (212-753-7300); 12-4.

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Womenswear, shoes, accessories, and men’s shoes are 50 to 60 percent off during the one-day Rachel Comey spring sample sale. 335 W. 35th St., nr. Ninth Ave., seventh fl.; W (noon-8).

ENDING TOMORROW
• Spring 2010 merchandise is up to 40 percent off at Issey Miyake. Hand-dyed printed tunics are $594 (originally $990). 119 Hudson St., nr. N. Moore St. (212-226-0100); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

• Merchandise is up to 50 percent off at the Pleats Please spring sale. Colored hoodies are $180 (originally $360), crinkled gradation twist shirts are $220 (originally $440), and pleated mesh reversible backpacks are $155 (originally $310). 128 Wooster St., at Prince St. (212-226-3600); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-6).

• Clothing and accessories are 20 to 50 percent off during Resurrection’s summer sale. Chanel bags are 20 percent off, Margiela and Alaïa apparel is 20 to 30 percent off, and Pucci pillows are 20 percent off. 217 Mott St., nr. Spring St. (212-625-1374); M-S (11-7), Su (noon-7).

• Shop deep discounts at the Diesel sample sale. 220 W. 19th St., nr. Seventh Ave., second fl.; Tu-W (10-6).

• Receive 25 percent off all male hair-removal treatments, including threading, sugaring, and waxing, at Shobha Salon. 3 Columbus Circle, nr. 57th St., Ste. 730 (212-977-7771); T-F (10-8), S (10-6), Su (11-6), M (closed).

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Tomorrow’s Events and Sales: 60 Percent Off Christian Francis Roth; BCBGeneration Hosts a Concert

June 28, 2010 – 12:30 pm

EVENTS
• BCBGeneration hosts the first installment of StyleCaster’s summer concert series, featuring an open bar and music from Beach Fossils and Mick Boogie. Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette St., at Walker St. (212-584-5492); 9-11. To RSVP, add StyleCaster as a friend on Facebook.

• Perfect your lashes and brows with a consultation from Shu Uemura’s expert Soul Lee. Through 7/4. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); M-F (10-8:30), S (10-7), Su (11-7).

SALES
STARTING TOMORROW
• Spring dresses by Christian Francis Roth are 40 to 60 percent off. 464 Columbus Ave., nr. 82nd St. (212-787-1980); M-F (11-8), S (10-8), Su (11-8).

• Women’s RTW, handbags, small leather goods, and fur from Fendi are on sale. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; T (3-8), W (8-8), Th (8-3).

• Shop deep discounts at the Diesel sample sale. 220 W. 19th St., nr. Seventh Ave., second fl.; T-W (10-6).

• Take home a free gift with any Dior purchase of $75 or more during the Dior Magic Show. Through 7/3. Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000); M-F (10-8:30), S (10-7), Su (11-7).

• Check out organic nail polishes and scented nail polish removers during Karma Organic’s trunk show at Henri Bendel. Though 7/4. 712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St. (212-247-1100); 10-8.

Read more posts by Alexandra Martell

Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping


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