Sample Sales, Minus the Hair-Pulling (see also: serious online shopping addiction)

After I moved to Cleveland from San Francisco in 2005, there were many things I missed. The absence of fast food joints on every corner, perennial sun, a book-reading vegan-eating culture, architecture, public transportation, designated “meditation” areas in the parks, great museums and nightlife…the list goes on and on. But one of the biggest things I missed was the SHOPPING! I lived in the Upper Haight, which on weekends turned into a mecca for style-starved teens, tweens, and the moms that want to look like them. It was there I discovered great brands like Volcom and Deer, and bought my first pair of way-too-expensive jeans (Sevens). Don’t even get me started on the great boutiques, incredible retail shops, and AMAZING vintage- I still get misty whenever I hear about Decades Two.

So what’s a Midwest transplant to do? Get down with online sample sale sites, of which I am now a seasoned aficionado-, however, note that membership is required, so if you want to get on these sites, you typically either need a referral or get stuck on a waiting list. Since these sales are limited, I’m now competing with all of you out there, so pay attention!

The best sites for sample sales (in order of amazingness):

1. Gilt Groupe- This site has major designers (think: Erin Fetherston, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang) on sale, along with jewelry boutiques and typically some stuff for the house and children. iPhone app available to let you know when sales begin. Sister sites GiltFuse.com caters to a younger, less expensive clientele with more of a hipster aesthetic (think Michael Stars, Lux, Faryl Robin), and GiltMan is a great resource for the boy with a serious tennis shoe addiction (Creative Reaction and Puma, anyone?). There’s also another site, JetSetter, that has sample sales for limited runs of vacation packages, including hotel s. Full disclosure: I’ve purchased items from all sites except JetSetter, and have not had any problems with shipping or customer service. One thing to note: all jewelry sales are final. I was not aware of this, however, the fabulous people at Gilt gave me store credit for my earrings. Don’t let the name fool you- at prices like this, you won’t feel gilt-y for splurging! Today’s special: Herve Leger- master of the ‘make you look skinny’ sheath dress!

2. Ruelala- Similarly to Gilt, this site has boutiques that go on sale once a day. The selection isn’t as good as Gilt, but they sometimes do have really great brands, such as Juicy Couture, Tibi and others. Categories: Women, Men, Home, and sometimes you get vacation deals.

3. HauteLook- This site used to be a lot better, but they changed the format. Hit or miss now- brands are not as great and it takes a REALLY long time to get your merch- be prepared to wait a full two to three weeks. Not the place to go if you need a dress for tonight, but good stuff if you can wade through the crap. SOMETIMES they will have really great brands or a Decades Two boutique, but that’s not very often.

4. Ideeli- This site does have nice brands every now and then, but the one time I ordered anything it took almost an entire month to get. Also, they have this thing called “front row access” where you can pay to see the sample sales before anyone else. I don’t, since there are so many other great options out there, and by the time I’m allowed access stuff is usually picked over. Hit or miss.

5. Beyond the Rack- Selection is so-so, but sometimes they will surprise you with a full line of Chanel handbags. Get there early to decide if you really want it. Doesn’t update boutiques as often as some of the others.

6. Editors Closet- Brands are OK, don’t update selection that often, and only feature 2 boutiques at once. One I check every now and then when I’m bored, but I don’t rely on it.

The shame of it is, as much as I love online shopping, these sites feature jeans and sunglasses- a LOT! And those are two things I’m just not comfortable buying without trying on. But for dresses, tops, and jewelry, as well as cute home accessories or a gift for the guy, I’m ALL about an online sample sale.

And if you ARE in town, follow @secondcitystyle. They have a weekly update for sample sales in NYC, LA, London, Hong Kong, etc. Check them out when planning your next rendez-vous to the Big Apple!

What about you guys? Where do you go for online shopping with amazing deals?

Tranny Couture at Payless

For some reason, I’ve always been fascinated by drag queens. We had one in our town when I was younger, and before I knew that ‘she’ was a ‘he,’ I thought she was the baddest thing since LipSmackers. Then there’s my deep and abiding love for Dolly Parton. What can I say? I like caricatures, and if a man can look that amazing in a skirt, well, you gotta admire that. No one ever said 6 inch heels were easy.

I guess that’s why I also love haute couture so much- it’s all about the fantasy, and although I would never rock anything totally insane in real life (I’ll save that for Lady Gaga), I love adding interesting and quirky pieces to an ensemble, and my favorite designers are those that can make ready-to-wear as fun as couture.
Enter Christian Siriano: remember him, the Season 5 winner of Project Runway? Well now that our fierce diva is well on his way with a couple collections under his belt as a major name on the design circuit, he’s branching out into merchandising his brand at lower price points- specifically, Payless! In stores now is the Christian Siriano for Payless line (see photo at right).

Although Christian has been villanized for “knocking off” Alexander McQueen’s ‘lobster claw’ shoe, they actually both hit the runways during the same season (Fall 2009). Naysayers will say it’s a case of inspiration gone too far, others will say it’s just a coincidence. Me? I just want some tranny ferociousness!

Originally, I had hoped the ‘lobster claw’ shoes would be available through Payless, however, they are unfortunately only selling the watered-down, much more commercial platform version. I know all the queens were really hoping for some tranny couture at a decent price point, but sadly, the prints look cheap (the blue version being the lesser of evils), although the shape of the shoe is still a lot more fab that you’re going to find at that price and off the rack. There are a couple of hits, such as the flat open-toed black gladiator sandal and casual Chuck Taylor-ish looking shoes. As far as Payless goes, this is very “out there” for them; I just wish that they would have gone a bit further, for the more fashion-conscious of us. But really, I’m not typically a Payless shopper, so I supposed I understand their merchandising strategy (sigh).

Reminds me of one of my favorite episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race “Drag on a Dime,” where the contestants had to put together a ferocious look by rummaging through a consignment bin. I hope Christian made plenty of size 13’s for my girls Nina Flowers and Akashia!

Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race starts next week- set your DVR’s to LOGO TV and be prepared for some ferosh-couture!

Shameless Social Climbing & Second-hand Choos

When I made this discovery, I swear I had a fashion orgasm. Rent the Runway is the latest in sites that allow you to rent couture gowns. There are also a few others, such as Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow, but RTR has the BEST selection.

Recently, I was invited to a black tie event on very short notice and I had 3 options: 1) old bridesmaids dress, 2) old prom dress (which was tight), or 3) castoffs from very generous, very tall and thin, friends (I’m practically a midget and a bit chesty- not pretty in these gowns!). Any of these options left me feeling not quite right, and certainly not ready should there be a stop and repeat- since the party was sponsored by Cadillac and Ultimat Vodka, I knew that was a likely possibility!

Now, the site is by invitation only, so I had to wrangle an invite from another girlfriend that was a member, plus hang out on the wait list for a few days, but once you’re “in”….wow. Let me just say…

We’re talking Robert Rodriguez, Just Cavalli, Proenza Schouler, Catherine Malandrino, even Christian Siriano (fierce!!). The site is broken out by occasions (‘Help! I have a hot date and nothing to wear!’) or trends (resort wear, ladylike, rocker chic, etc.) depending on where you are going and what look you are going for. You can also chat live with a stylist who can help you pick a dress, and even give you styling tips.

After I had a hot Badgley Mischka silk purple number in my hot little hand, I hightailed it right on over to www.avelle.com, the new Bag, Borrow or Steal website, which now features jewelry, in addition to amazing bags for rent. Per my stylist’s suggestion, I snapped up some fabulous Kenneth Jay Lane drop earrings and a Judith Leiber clutch ( I always wanted one of her bags!). OK, btw, did you know that “couture” earrings equals clip-on? That kinda hurt as the night wore on, but oh well- you don’t wear a skintight silk gown, 5 inch heels and earrings the size of dinner plates to be comfortable, right? Just a quick word on Judith’s bags- very beautiful, very sparkly, very SMALL. My iphone did not fit- all I had room for was ID, credit card, business cards and lipstick. I agonized on sending it back, and even took photos so I could reference for any future ensemble-planning. (*ahem, Valentine’s Day, sweetheart!).

The result? See my pic at right- we had a wonderful evening and I felt like I was at some super ritzy Golden Globes after-party. Yes, that is me with Delonte West, my favorite Cleveland Cavalier. Shaq and Lebron were also in attendance- see girls, shameless social-climbing DOES pay off!

The best part of all this? I got to keep my garmet bag and little baggie of safety pins, double-sided tape, etc. The whole process was completely easy- they sent a backup size just in case my first option didn’t work, and also sent a pre-printed label, so all I had to do was drop it off at the post office. I also rented the dress for 8 days vs. 4 (which was more expensive by approx. $30), because I was nervous about the dress not coming in time, however, it came just as they said it would. Next time I’ll rent for 4 days vs. 8 and save the cash!

I was a little paranoid about people spilling drinks on me, but that’s what the $5 insurance fee is for. Imagine my horror when my sweetie-pie suggested IHOP at 2 a.m. I had to patiently explain to him that IHOP + Badgely Mischka simply don’t mix- I'm not sure he got it; but we didn't go. Little victories.

Now the question is- who is going to start renting hot shoes to go with these outfits? A little birdie told me that there is a site in the works. What do you guys think- is it gross to rent shoes, or would you get down with a second-hand Choo?

Dresses

More Golden Globe Dresses

Golden Globes Fashion Watch

So who YOU think was the best and worst- dressed at the Globes? Some of my favorite designers were on display, and below is my recap of who rocked it, and who totally missed the mark:

My top dresses:
-Kate Hudson in Marchesa- dressed by, who else, my girl Rachel Zoe! Gorgeous, architectural white gown- can I get married in that? Please? The combination of the jewelry and the bag were perfect. Looking good is the best revenge, Kate, so well done!

-Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci- Amazing gown, but did she have the right undergarments on? I think not. The color on this could have gone terribly wrong with her skin, but luckily her auburn hair pulled this dress out for her and made it work!

-Marion Cotillard in Dior- Amazingly sexy. Hope she was wearing Poison perfume of the same house, because she was smoking!

-Christina Aguilera in Versace- the clean bob with the futuristic detail on this gown, plus the soft color make for an amazing palette. I’m shocked by how good she actually looks, and thank heaven’s she took a break from channeling Marilyn Monroe for one evening.

-Diane Kruger in Haute Couture Christian Lacroix- the color, the elaborate draping, the perfect accessories. This is why this woman is one of my style icons!

Honorable Mention:
-Lea Michelle in Oscar de la Renta- pure fantasy! Sophisticated and sweet for a newcomer, although everyone knows that black doesn’t photograph well.

My worst five:
-Mariah Carey in skintight black Herve Leger. Now, I’m not blaming this on Herve- his signature bandage dresses can typically make any woman look svelte. However, Mariah, once again missed the mark. You were so close! Simple jewelry, glowing skin, simple hair pulled back- all you had to do was cover up! And that’s the one thing you still don’t get about class.

-Tina Fey in Zac Posen. The length plus the mismatched shoes plus the umbrella= total Mary Poppins. Not exactly what she was going for, I’m sure.
Ana Paquin- the look is blinding, the shoes absurb. No. Just NO!

Other dresses of interest:
-Fergie- lovely, albeit simple gown from Elie Saab. The gown- great. The fit on Fergie left something to be desired. It looks like she has two bald midgets in a headlock!

-Maggie Gyllenhall in a peach frock by RM by Rouland Mouret. Now, I love this designer, love his clothes, even love this dress- however, the shade of peach matches too perfectly with Maggie’s own skin, and washes her out. The sharp slash of red lipstick across her face does nothing to help this. I think she’s got amazing style, but this is a classic case of falling in love with the dress on the hanger, and not looking objectively at it on your body.

-Emily Blunt in Dolce & Gabanna- amazing dress, however, not sure about the dress on Ms. Emily.

-Ginnifer Goodwin in Vionnet. Cute, like always, but is the dress exactly appropriate for the event?

Who was your favorite?

Sex and the City- The Fashion Line? SJP Confirmed for Halston!

Many of you may know of my deep and abiding love for all things Sarah Jessica Parker- after all, this blog is only in its infancy and I’ve already mentioned her a few times! Her alter-ego, Carrie Bradshaw, introduced a generation of girls to the wonders that are Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutain. And more importantly, her off-screen persona is a fashion savant as well. In fact, my unfortunate perm during senior year was a direct result of trying to fashion myself from rural simpleton into chic metropolitan fashion icon (insets).

Always a fashion risk-taker, SJP is the latest celebrity to collaborate with a designer on a new line, and she’s teaming up with the amazing house of Halston, best known in the 70’s, where the looks were modeled at no other than Studio 54! I myself have been having a 70’s flashback lately; absolutely craving a long, red dress with the trademark Halston sleeves (insets).

SJP’s title is yet unknown, but the rumor circulating the fashion circles is that she’ll be named Creative Director for Halston Heritage, the secondary line that features the archival looks, meaning that the primary line, designed my Marios Schwab, is safe. Compared to Lindsanitiy’s fashion debacle (see post below, “Lindsay’s Fashion Flunk”); SJP scored herself a TWAY better deal- obviously the more astute business woman! SJP gets an equity stake in the company, as well as her executive title.
Do we smell a trend brewing on the horizon? Until recently, celebrities had to start their own lines, if they wanted a piece of the fashion pie, with varying degrees of success (read: Beyonce Knowles; House of Dereon, J. Lo; Sweetface, Sean Combs; Phat Farm, etc.). But with Lindsay and SJP leading the way, a host of other celebs are sure to follow.
Who’s next? Rumor is, Lady Gaga is being tapped for a currently unknown label. Will no pants be the trend next fall?