Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale
5/6-5/10 10am-8pm daily
33 W. 17th Street b/w 5th & 6th
up to 50% off handbags & up to 80% off clothing. all sales final.

Botkier Sale
Thursday, May 7th through Sunday, May 10th.
Thu noon—8pm; Fri 11am—8pm; Sat 11am—7pm; Sun 11am—5pm
172 Mercer St at Houston St
646-747-4149
Bags and shoes priced from $95

Daryl K/Kerrigan trunk show
May 6th 11-8 Wine reception 4-8
21 Bond St., at Bleecker St.
212-529-8790
pre-order the fall 2009 collections for 20 percent off and shop the spring 2009 collection for up to 25 percent off. One day only.

Betsey Johnson Sample Sale
5/6–5/8 10-8 daily
Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St., nr. Broadway, sixth fl.
212-789-7546
evening dresses are $75, day dresses are $50, and sportswear is $35 at the designer's sample sale.

Twinkle by Wenlan
5/7–5/8 Th (11–8), F (10–6).
545 Eighth Ave., nr. 37th St., seventeenth fl.
The Spring 2009 collection and jewelry will be up for grabs at up to 70% off.

Fred Flare Blowout Sale
5/17 11-5
131 Meserole Ave., at Leonard St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn
718-349-1257

Jimmy Choo Sample Sale
Today Bags start at $150, shoes start at $75
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave., fourth fl; 1–7.



Matt Bernson Sample Sale
5/1–5/3 noon–7. Cash only.
450 Greenwich St., nr. Vestry St.
212-941-7634
sandals, flats, wedges, and boots start at $40.

Kooba always has a variety of interesting shapes and colors in their handbag collections, and this season is no exception. Check out some of my favorite styles below:


{clockwise} Kate in Black $425; Liz in Yellow $595; Tess in Sky $575; Jenny in Pink $595; all @ Kooba.

Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen continually manage to show us that their fashion line, Elizabeth & James, has staying power. With one successful jewelry collaboration with Robert Lee Morris already under their belt, the twins are setting out to try their hand at footwear with a collaboration with Steve Madden. The shoes will hit Steve Madden, Intermix, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, & Bergdorf Goodman in a few months and will retail from $195 to $500.

Vera Wang's Rock Princess is my latest fragrance obsession. Being the marketer's dream that I am I was initially drawn to the fragrance by the bottle design. My initial reaction of the fragrance instantly put it in the fruity floral but with a darker, muskier twist. In truth, about a year ago I was going to purchase Vera Wang's Princess but the gal at the counter talked me out of it equating it to a middle schooler's pick. Rock Princess seems to be a bit more adult than the original fragrance--it isn't quite edgy or sultry, but it is certainly fun and maybe even a bit sexy. :) Fragrance notes include: Peach, Raspberry, Bergamot, Heliotrope, Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Cashmere Wood, Musk, Iris, Coconut.

Vera Wang Rock Princess $45-72 @ Sephora.

With all the canvas totes I own (and believe me, I have a lot), none of them seem to be big enough to carry all of my crap, chic enough to actually be carried anywhere other than the park or beach, or if they are my stuff just gets dumped in an lost in the black abyss. One Language has a solution...a simple canvas tote with a chic design that is also functional. There are pockets (how novel!), a laptop sleeve to protect my treasured macbook, the bags come in dimensions (L 15” x W 10.5” x H 11) that actually make sense, and to top it all off the bags are lined with inspirational quotes, so if my stuff does get lost inside (it isn't the bag so much as the USER) I will at least have something to read.


{l to r} The Haute Bag$110; The Bicycle Bag $110; The Simple Luxuries Bag $110; all @ One Language.


Check out the One Language collection here.

The water-repellent pumps by Slow & Steady Wins the Race are the perfect way to cope with April showers. I am smitten with the red pair, aren't you?


SSWTR Rainwear Pumps in Khaki or Red $115 both available at Creatures of Comfort.

Tracy Feith is bringing his relaxed surfer style to Target beginning May 17th, making him the 15th Go International designer. The line will include girly floral prints, mod shifts, sweet sun dresses, shorts, tees, and swimwear all at affordable Target prices! The collection will be in stores from May 17th through June 27th.


{l to r} flower print maxi $44.99; mod shift dress $39.99; white dress $44.99; floral top:$22.99 + floral skirt $26.99; black shirt $24.99 + bloomer shorts $26.99; printed dress $29.99; all @ Target

1) Rebecca Minkoff handbags: I own two styles (one MAB in seagreen the other (bowler style) in espresso) and would love to own the Nikki handbag in grape or maybe even the stud roadie for weekends.

2) Retro-inspired swimsuits like this bikini from Lover's Spring/Summer 2009 collection Lover Liberty 50's Swimsuit $230 @ Creatures of Comfort.

3) Cut-outs:This is one of the biggest trends of the season and can be really edgy and sexy, or more subtle like in the case of this lovely dress Unis silk cut-out sleeve dress $465 @ Bird.

4) Glam hair accessories: This weekend I wore this floral clip in my hair for a wedding and absolutely loved it. I now want it in every color! Full Bouquet Clip $18 @ Anthropologie.

5) Rachel Comey shoes: I would be in heaven if my shoe closet was full of her shoes, but these I can see myself wearing a thousand times over this summer making the cost per wear mere pennies! Rachel Comey Winnie Wedge $345 @ Creatures of Comfort

{clockwise} Kork-Ease all-over kork wedge sandal $145 @ Bird (also see this style at Zappos); Maison Martin Margiela cork pump $545; Christian Louboutin Cork Peep-toe $750; Oscar de La Renta cork belt $490 @ Saks; French Sole Villain $178 @ Zappos;

Cork sandals and wedges are ubiquitous this time of year, and I've never truly been a fan, but for some reason I find shoes, belts, and accessories made of primarily cork to be far more interesting. I don't think I'll ever be sold on spending my cold hard cash on cork Louboutins, but the idea of this shoe even existing fascinates me. If I had Oprah money I might even frame the damn shoe and hang it above my office desk. What a chic bulletin board! The ballet flats might be the more practical option, and might just be the perfect way to take this materials trend for a spin around the block even if they aren't the cheapest.

Once the cold rainy days of April move on their merry way I hope to catch some sunny rays in Lauren Moffat's spring 2009 collection that is full of delightful prints and perfect sundresses. The choices are endless...


View the entire collection here.

{pictured above: Gemma Redux Serena Bracelet Mauve Quartz $289/ Tashkent The Taylor}

Gemma Redux and Tashkent will be having a sample sale this coming weekend! Gemma Redux jewelry will start at $250--some pieces will be priced as low as $25. Tashkent shoes will be priced between $10-$150! So, this is a sale not to miss. Check out the details below:

Gemma Redux/Tashkent Sample Sale
April 17th & 18th- 11-5pm April 19th 12-5pm
939 8th Ave, NYC (55-56th st) - Suite 501
Credit Cards and Cash.
212-691-0281

Mark your calendars! The Ravin Style pop-up shop comes to town Sunday April 19th!
The event will take place from 12-5pm at 418 13th street NYC 10014
Don't miss out!

I love the splashes of color in Rory Beca's spring/summer collection. The entire collection is just perfect for sunny days out east! Check out my favorite looks below:


View the entire collection here.

Aurelie Bidermann's jewelry never fails to grab my attention whether it is her simply stated gold necklaces or bangles, to statement serpent cuffs, and playful charms in the brightest hues. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from her collections:


View her collections right here.

I am a huge fan of Matthew Williamson's vivid colors and lively prints so I am highly anticipating his H&M capsule collection. The collection will hit stores on April 23rd, but already we've seen the designs in editorials, and on celebs like Katy Perry, Ginnifer Goodwin, & Nicky Hilton. I guess we'll just have to wait. **tear** The ad campaign, isn't helping matters, because it makes me want to grab that printed maxi dress and head to the directly to a white sandy beach with a cool braid in my hair like Daria Werbowy. **le sigh**



Check out more looks from the Matthew Williamson for H&M collection:



The looks hit H&M stores on April 23rd, click here for more info on the collection.

DON'T FORGET to sign up for the Domino Book giveaway, April 12th is the last day to sign up!!! The book is amazing, so be sure to enter before the deadline (April 12th at 11:59pm EST). Winners will be chosen at random and announced and notified next week! Good luck! xo, Melanie


NOTE: Comments will be disabled on this post, comment here to enter.

Easter is almost here, so I couldn't resist posting this adorable print of our favorite bunny, Fifi, working the Christian Louboutin Dillian Flower Pumps (created for the Spring Phillip Lim collection)! She is as fabulous as ever...

Buy the print ($35) here, the shoes at Saks. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester sings on the remix of the Awesome New Republic's song "Birthday" and it is quite good, not to mention catchy! Personally, I prefer this version to the original. Take a listen below...

Megan Gold and Robbie Williamson are the Los Angeles based design duo behind the canvas shoe line, Ladyboy. The hand washable shoes are made of a canvas upper with ultra suede lining, and poron footbeds. The shoes come in a variety of ultra hip styles, retail for $96, and come in your choice of black, cream, red, gray, or army. Check out my favorite styles below:


{l to r} Tieback; Buckle Bootie; Ruched Slipper; Jazz; all by Ladyboy

Last summer we wore the hell out of our Rogan for Target pieces while soaking up the sun on the beaches out east, so we are excited to see that Rogan Gregory has turned to Target again with partner Scott Mackinlay Hahn to bring eco-friendly line Loomstate to our favorite mass retailer! The collection will be perfect for lounging on the beach and weekends strolls in the park.



Pick up your favorites at Target stores and Target.com starting April 19th.

Marais serves up their shoes like flavors of ice cream! I am amazed at the color selection, not to mention the wonderful styles available and the affordable prices! There are so many choices, and yet, like ice cream, you can never go wrong! Here are just a few of my favorites from the Marais Spring 2009 collection...


{top} Irving flat in eggplant $65; Mulberry flat in easter $55; Mott sandal in black $49;
{middle} Waverly heel in nude $59; Prince wedge in cobalt $69; Perry sandal in emerald $49;
{bottom} Irving flat in ochre $65; Crosby sandal in eggplant $65; Prince wedge in easter $69;

All shoes pictured are made by Marais! Check out their entire selection here! Happy browsing. xo, Melanie

Stila Cosmetics, looks to have hit a rough patch. Fashionista is reporting that Stila may be headed towards the bankruptcy route. The Stila site has been shut down for now, and has a message about orders being canceled. It isn't looking good for the makers of my favorite lip glaze (in watermelon, of course). Stay tuned!

If you are looking for the perfect swimsuit for an upcoming vacation, or just for a summer staple you must check out Free People's selection of bikini's and sexy one pieces!


{top} Kokomo Twister Bikini $148; Dimension Shift Bikini $88; Full Fringe Bandeau Bikini $338; Frankie Floral Frill Bikini $218; Rubix Cutaway Onepiece $268; all @ Free People.

{bottom} Stardust Fringe Onepiece $138; Sandy Dot Cutout Onepiece $248; Lightspeed 2 Piece Bikini $88; Laila Cinched Onepiece $128; Panda Onepiece $98; all @ Free People.


Bon Voyage!

Refinery 29 posted some fantastic street style images taken from the line yesterday in Soho at the now infamous TopShop NYC flagship store opening. Above you will see my favorites, but check them all out right here.

The sun is barely shining, but I can't wait to celebrate the season by packing my winter clothing away and bringing out breezy fabrics, soft tones, and fabulous sandals! These are some of my favorite spring styles currently available at Bird:

{top}Lauren Merkin waterproof (for April Showers) shoulder bag $525; Vena Cava sleepaway dress with smocking $495; Rachel Comey soulja boy ruffle front heel $305; all @ Bird.

{bottom} Vena Cava silk print pocket dress with sash $475; Farhi - Nicole Farhi maldovia chambray dress $285; Lauren Moffat circle linen dress $375; all @ Bird.

Things are crazy at Topshop...namely the line(s), but that is to be expected. However, the line seems to be getting worse as the day goes on thanks in part to the lunch crowd!

To find out more: check out the live blogs from inside: Racked, and from the line (see also The Cut Blog /Twitter) to get the full scoop and pics! :) Style It is reporting that the gals can snack on pinkberry while they wait to get inside thanks to the Vespa pinkberry crew! Tempting, no?

TopShop opens in just under an hour! The store is massive and there is so much to check out! Check out this video posted by NY Magazine to see just what you are getting yourself into. It is going to be insane:

Britney's Candie's campaign is looking mighty fierce. I love the pink one-piece she is wearing it is too cute!

Check out more of Brit-Brit's favorites in this video:






The collection will be available only at Kohl's