March 2009 Archives

I've been seeing more than the usual sales and promotions lately. I believe this is how retailers are adapting to the current state our economy is in. Nowadays, discounts are offered not just on last season's items but on current inventory as well. The duration of promos are shorter and unpredictable. Unlike before, sales are at least a week long and the best shopping deals are on or around holidays.

These marketing strategies are aimed to give shoppers the sense of urgency to buy. And it did work for me at least. eluxury's extra 50% OFF on All Dolce&Gabbana Sale merchandise is just to much of a fabulous deal to pass up. Happy Shopping!

	Extra 50% off all Dolce&Gabbana Sale Merchandise Sale ends: April 1st.
	Take 20% OFF Sandals with Code SANDALS20. Sale ends: April 1st.
	20% Off Entire Order! Enter KIPFLING at Checkout. Sale ends April 1st.
	$25 Off $125 Order / $50 Off $175 Order. Sale ends April 1st.

This summer, bold, bright colors, tribal, ethnic patterns and paisleys are the trends for dresses. Quite the contrast from last year's ombre and tropical trend. Summer dress trend for also goes beyond colors and patterns. Sheath and shift dresses adds a much needed variety to summer's staple styles, halters and wrap dresses.  Based on my window shopping, you can find a perfect summer dress that fits virtually an $80 to $500 budget.

Korean design duo Steve Jung and Yoni Pai creates breathtaking, innovative and edgy designs. And I'm a big fan of the vanguard fashion prodigies. Their intricate craftsmanship and application of something as basic as pleating are masterpieces. I also love the whimsical yet elegant element they integrate in each of their designs. This belted silk dress is simply delicious. The edginess of the dress softened by the pink color and sultry silhouette is fashion Zen. The price is worth every penny.

This belted romper by Larsen Gray has 'summer-ready' written all-over it. The friendship bracelet belt is quite interesting and eco-chic! Larsen Gray has certainly perfected the fusion of earth-friendly, sustainable materials in their designs without sacrificing one or the other. Rompers are hot this summer! And as you can see, easily transform plain-looking, solid colored apparel into something fabulous by simply adding a belt. Personally, the price is a bit steep. But you know what I always say... it hurts to be fabulous.

Love the concept and point of view behind Chronicles of Never. Immortalizing Peter Pan through their designs is endearing. But when the design starts to look ridiculous like this 'Bird in Flight' men's shirt, not so much. This shirt is a bit to costume looking for me and quite frankly looks more of a blouse. I just want to grab a pair of scissors and cut those flap of extra fabrics. I'm sorry but this 'Bird in Flight' should be caged and not allowed to be seen in public.

Ssense.com is having it's fabulous 'Shopaholic' Sale. Save an extra 20% OFF already reduced items. After browsing the sale, I noticed that men's items outnumbers the women's. So, this sale is great for the gents. But there are quite a few steals for the ladies. To get the extra 20% OFF, input code: FASHIONADDICT on check out. Sale ends March 25th. Happy Shopping! *Prices reflect sale prices before extra 20% OFF discount.

Fashion has continuously shown efforts to support and promote various ways to save mother nature. Aside from utilizing eco-friendly materials some even went outside the box of infusing sustainable materials to their products. One noteworthy eco-fabulous example is Almay and Lucky Magazine's recent joint venture. By simply registering at LuckyLookout.com/almay, a tree will be planted with your name. I think this is a fantastic idea! And 50 readers will receive a Lucky reusable bag. So, be part in the green revolution and join Almay and Lucky's eco-efforts.

Shopbop is having it's version of March Madness with an amazing three-day only sale. Starting today save an extra 20% OFF items marked 70% OFF! I just shopped the sale. You'll find fabulous deals from head-to-toe. Massive discounts on shoes, apparel and accessories by fashion's top designers. Most discounted items are last size or color left but there are hundreds of pieces to choose from. Don't you just love the thrill of a treasure hunt? Have fun!

This crocodile and cork summer tote by Nancy Gonzales, is made with natural and sustainable cork that features exotic crocodile trim and handles. The juxtaposition of the eco-friendly cork and the killed-for-their-hide croc is most certainly intriguing. But what puzzles me even more is the price tag -- a whopping $2700!This is a prime example of profit margins corking creativity and design. As if Gonzalez was given yards and yards of cork, scrap croc hides from last season and ordered bottom line, this tote should generate seven figure profits. I know right, what a bunch of crock! Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile and Cork Tote $2,700 Vivre

PUMA never ceases to amaze me with their cutting-edge footwear innovations. The newest addition is the L.I.F.T. Racer, one of the most lightweight sneakers available in the market today. Technological jargon aside, this new trendy lifestyle sneaker got me curios and might just get a pair. I am in need of new work-out shoes anyways. I just love hearing me say 'work-out' shoes wherein fact they probably won't even step the inside a gym. I love the black and green sneaker. Hint, hint PUMA.

Men's PUMA L.I.F.T. Racer $75.00

Women's PUMA L.I.F.T. Racer $75.00

Valentino Laser Cut Peep Toe Pump $795.00 Nordstrom

This peep toe pump shows what Valentino is all about... romantic. This pump reminds me of an Italian heiress tending over her villa sitting atop a hill on acres upon acres of olives and grape vineyards. Wearing head to toe Valentino. Ciao!

Shoes.com has been known for it's Saturday Sale event. This Saturday only save up to 70% OFF on brands like Jessica Simpson Shoes, Fergie and more! Hurry and save this sale is only for today March 14th!

Look eco-chic wearing this V-neck tie dress by eco-ga'nik. Made with 100% Organic Bamboo. The silhouette is very feminine and simple yet pretty elegant. There's just this very refreshing feel this dress gives off. I don't know about you, but looking at this dress surely put a smile on my face.

Shoshanna Bikini Top/Bottom $96.00 each Saks

Dress and swimwear designer Shoshanna will be at Saks NYC to present her latest collection on Thursday March 12, from 4 to 7 PM. Aside from enjoying the latest fashions, you'll be treated with personalized styling tips from Shoshanna herself! Now that's fierce. Times like this, I wished I live in NYC. Anyhow, ladies head over Saks NYC tomorrow and have a fabulous time! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 212.940.4806.

E-tailer Shopbop is having an amazing promotion! Save 20% OFF full-priced tops starting today through 11:59 PM PST Thursday, March 12th. Shop now and save on fabulous spring and summer tops. Use code: WELOVETOPS on checkout. Happy Shopping!

Gareth Pugh Fall Ready-to-Wear '09 Collection is by far the first collection that I absolutely love! A contrast to Pugh's white-themed spring RTW, fall showcases fierce and very chic cast of super villains. If ever Gem and the Holograms had a nemesis these are the one. The collection shows Gareth Pugh's imagination and expertise in tailoring. Though there are a couple of looks reminiscent of Rei Kawakubo, from start to finish it was Gareth Pugh at his best.

(from left) Christian Dior 'Diorissima' Sunglasses $350.00 Forzieri, Ray-ban Vintage Sunglasses $139.00 Nordstrom, Michael Kors 'Cozumel' Sunglasses $99.00 Nordstrom, Mlu Miu Fade Frame Sunglasses $195.00 Saks, Prada Butterfly Sunglasses $245.00 Saks

Nowadays, sunglasses are more than just sunny-day accessories. For spring and summer go big, bold and bright. Ala Jackie O'. Be chic and trendy with mod style and shaped frame sunglasses. There are endless variety of style selections and one that would fit every budget.

Nordstrom is having a must-shop shoe clearance event starting this week and ending on the 15th. Save 33-44% on select footwear for the entire family! The inventory is well-stocked and a pretty descent selection of brands on sale. I suggest shop early, like now! Happy Shopping.

Dolce & Gabbana Fall RTW '09 paid tribute to two of the most recognized fashion and pop culture icons of all time, Marilyn Monroe and Minnie Mouse. You either like the collection or totally hate it. I love the novelty of it. The puffed sleeves, pink mohair and mirrored dress are actually quite chic. Domineco and Stefano surely had a lot of fun with the collection. 

Nicholas Kirkwood Platform Peep Toe $735.00 Exclusively Available at Browns Fashion
Have you ever seen a cellist, a ballet or an artwork that takes your breath away and all you can do is shake your head? Well, that was my reaction upon seeing this platform peep toe pump by Nicholas Kirkwood. The rich, vibrant royal blue suede and purple leather trim with the craftsmanship and signature style we've all come to know and love about Nicholas Kirkwood is perfection. Might I add they're sexy and über chic!

Prada RTW Fall '09 Collection reminded me of the love at first sight I experienced when I first came to know Prada. The collection is very Miuccia -- simple, yet modern designs. Key items in the collection are these thigh-high fisherman boots, a flapper dress made with strips of leather, and leather suit separates. I love the direction Prada took with the color palette. I also noticed the plunging necklines! Sexy, yet elegant. Bravo Miuccia!

As I was finishing up my nightly face regimen, I noticed a few new wrinkles on my forehead. I'm pretty sure they're caused by stress... and you know it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. So, this week's fashion criminal will get off easy and I'll keep my rant short and sweet.

Here goes: Moschino! If one of Hollywood's best, Anne Hathaway, and one of fashion's most important and influential, John Galliano, have failed to get the formula quite right on oversize bows, why even bother?!

Moschino Women's Coat $1,559.00 Browns Fashion

Hathaway and Galliano oversize oops.

By the time eco-fashionistas wear a pair of Good Society Jeans, those jeans have been to Japan, aided an orphanage in India, helped abused children in Cambodia and provided clean drinking water to thirsty communities. It is amazing how buying a pair of Good Society jeans can have such a far-reaching positive impact.

This is made possible by Good Society creator Aiden Dinh's assurance that his company is in compliance with Fair Trade Regulations. And with all the humanitarian and environmental causes Good Society supports, their products are not overshadowed by these achievements.