Anna Sui Nightmare FitFlop Ugg Mash-Up Thing

($195, Anna Sui, Shopintuition.com)

I don't know what's more horrifying -- the fact that Anna Sui actually had a hand in these FitFlop Ugg-alike "Shakoha" boot creatures, or that some of them ARE ACTUALLY SOLD OUT. They're almost as scary as "Hot Flops."

Anna Sui for Target: Better in Theory

So, everyone knows that most of the designer collections for Target pretty much suck ass. But everyone of a certain frugal-fashionista bent checks them out when they hit anyway. And so it was that I had the good luck to be in suburban New Jersey last weekend when the Anna Sui for Target collection debuted. I'd even totally forgotten about it, so it was a delightful surprise to see a few pieces at my mom's local Target. Bottom line: The collection doesn't suck ass, and indeed has some very fun, desirable prints, but I ended up at the register with only a T-shirt (and about $130 in cotton balls and leggings and hair spray and...you know how it goes). Let's take a closer look at the collections highlights:


Stripey silk dress, $59.99. I almost bought this. It was in my basket. It fit great, and I loved the spaghetti straps with the flirty off-the-shoulder sleeves. I thought I might wear it to a wedding in November. But thinking about it more, I realized stripes might not be right for a beach wedding, and I couldn't think of a single other occasion I'd have to wear it. $59.99 saved.


I also tried on this blousy blue dress, and I loved it, and thought about pairing it with a narrow belt instead of the big wide one it comes with, but it just made me look too busty and schoolmarmish and, well, fat, and that is NOT ALLOWED. If you have any curves at all, stay away from this one. $44.99 saved. (That said, I saw a tiny girl on the Brooklyn Bridge the next day wearing it, and she looked great.)


They didn't have this blocky herringbone dress in anything close to my size, otherwise I would have tried it on. Looks work-appropriate in a kicky way, methinks. Reviews, however, as with virtually all Target collaboration items, are kinda eh. Hey, another $60 saved!




As it turned out, I only dropped $24.99 on this collection, with no plans to revisit it (barring clearance sales, of course). The winner: this lace-fringe T-shirt. Totally cute. Nuff said.

NYC Sample Sale BONANZA!

Do with this what you will... I just... can't... I can't.

Minnie Rose
(50-80% Off Cashmere)
Nov 26 - Dec 21; Mon-Fri (10-6)
264 W 40th St (b/n 7th & 8th St), 15th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-575-5766

Echo Of The Dreamer
(Up to 75% off fashion jewelry)
Nov 27 - Dec 15; Tu-Fr (10-6), Sat (11-4)
242 W 30th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 14th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212-594-8022

Stella McCartney
(40% off Fall/Winter)
Nov 28 - Jan 31; Mon-Sat (11-7), Sun (12:30-6)
429 W 14th St (b/n 9th and 10th Ave)
212-255-1556

Balenciaga
(40% off)
Dec 1-7 (11-7)
542 W 22nd St (near Tenth Ave)
212-206-0872

Nanette Lepore
(50% off and more on dresses, pants, shoes, &c.)
Dec 1-7 (9-6)
225 W 35th St (near 7th Ave), 9th floor
212-764-8810

Theory
(Up to 60% off sweaters, outerwear, shoes, accessories, &c.)
Dec 3-8; Th (10-7), Fr (10-6)
261 W 36th St (b/n 7th & 8th), 2nd floor
212-947-8748

Blue & Cream
(50% off Coats, dresses, cashmere, &c.; L.A.M.B., Twelfth Street by
Cynthia Vincent, Jenni Kayne, &c.)
Dec 3-9; Th (11-7), Fr (11-8), Sat-Sun (10-8)
1 E. First St (@ Bowery St)
212-533-3088

Lauren Merkin
(Up to 70% off handbags, clutches, &c.)
Dec 4-6 (11-7)
231 W 29th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), suite 201
212-239-2459

Anna Sui
(Up to 65% off dresses, tops, &c.)
Dec 4-14; Mon-Fr 8-9:30am, 11:30-2:30pm, 4:30-7pm
250 W 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th)
212-768-1951

Accents By Sophia
(Up to 75% off Jewelry: sterling silver, marcasite, semi-precious
stones, cultured pearls; necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins, &c.)
Dec 4-21; Mon-Th (10-6:30), Fr (10-7), Sat-Sun (closed)
35 W 36th St (b/n 5th & 6th Aves), 4th Floor
212-594-5077

Catherine Malandrino
(Up to 60% off; coats, sweaters, blouses, dresses, &c.)
December 5-7; Wed (1-8), Th-Fr (10-8)
145 West 18th St
New York, NY 10011
212-388-0339

Generra
(50% and more off men's and women's Fall)
Dec 5-7 & Dec 10-14; Mon-Fr (9-7)
275 W 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Aves), 5th floor
212-768-2868

Tevrow + Chase
(Up to 60% off Coats, dresses, sweaters, &c.)
Dec 5-7 (9:30-5:30)
416 W 13th St (b/n 9th Ave & Washington St), suite 313
212-929-1810

Derek Lam
(65% off and more on dresses, blouses, sweaters, skirts, &c.)
Dec 6-7 (10-6)
601 W 26th St (b/n 11th and 12th Ave), Suite 1750
212-929-1338

Tocca
(60-80% off; clothing, outerwear, furnishing, candles, gifts, &c.)
Dec 6 & 7 (12-7)
542 W 22nd St (near Tenth Ave), 3rd floor
212-929-7122

Botkier
(Handbags starting at $200)
Dec 6-9; Th-Fr (10-7), Sat-Sun (11-6)
70 Greene St=2 0(near Broome St)
646-747-4149

Alexander Wang
(Up to 75% off dresses, jackets, leather, &c.)
Dec 6-9; Th (3-7), Fr-Sun (10-7)
210 Fifth Ave (b/n 25th & 26th St), 2nd floor
212-532-3103

Farantino Designer Handbag Sample Sale
(Autumn/winter 2008 handbags from Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Alexander
McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana)
Dec 7 & 8; Fr (4-9), Sat (8-12)
Waldorf-Astoria Towers
301 Park Ave (@ 49th St);
28th Floor, Room # 28H
866-890-1241

Showroom Seven Moving Sale
(Women's: Sue Stemp, Erickson Beamon, Orla Kiely, Issa, &c.)
Dec 10-21 (9-7)
498 7th Ave (near 36th St), 24th floor
212-643-4810

Gerard Yosca
(50-70% off jewelry)
Dec 11-13; Mo-Tu (10-6), Wed (10-1)
39 W 38th St (near 5th Ave), 7th floor
212-302-4349
Cash Only

Adam Plus Eve & 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent
(Up to 65% off coats, sweaters, dresses, capes, jackets, trousers, &c.)
Dec 13-15; Th (8-8), Fr (10-8), Sat (11-7)
145 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)
212-388-0339

Carolina Herrera
(Women's Clothing & Bridal gowns, dresses, cardigans, &c.)
Dec 14-16 (9-6:30)
Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd (b/n 8th & 9th Aves)
718-747-1656

Mulberry
Why: Up to 70 percent off original prices on the coveted bags and
clothing.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh
Aves., 5th flr.

Proenza Schouler
Why: Tops, bottoms, dresses, and shoes were $325-$3,500, now $80-$875.
When: Dec. 13 & 14. Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 120 Walker St., b/t Centre & Baxter Sts., 6th flr.

Eberjey Lingerie
Why: Camis, briefs, bathing suits, and more are 50-75 percent off.
When: Dec. 11 & 12. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 183 Madison Ave., at 34th St., ste. 610. (212-696-5393).

Castle Starr
Why: Current collection including dresses and blouses at 50 percent off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 275 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 10th flr.

Elijah
Why: The collection is up to 50 percent off wholesale. James Coviello,
too. Shop and drink to that.
When: Dec. 11-13. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 213 W. 35th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 903.

Yaya Aflalo and Love Yaya
Why: Trendy blouses, pants, sweaters, and other threads priced below
wholesale.
When: Thru Dec. 14. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 80 W. 40th St., at Sixth Ave., 7th flr. (212-391-4400).

Fresh Ink
Why: Denim for men and women retails at Barneys; now up to 80 percent
off.
When: Dec. 12-14. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 264 W. 40th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 3rd flr.
(212-869-6300).

Colette Malouf
Why: Headbands, scarves, ponytail holders, and cuffs from 50 percent
off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts., ste. 305 (212-941-9588).

Catherine Holstein
Why: Ninety percent off retail prices! Frocks for $150, coats for $175.
When: Dec. 6 & 7. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 213 W. 35th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 7th flr. Cash or check only.

Vivienne Westwood
Why: Dresses from the iconic designer were $800, now $348; waxed
poplin trench coats were $1,498, now $599. Deals on Ilaria Nistri,
Iodice, Eairth, and Le Full.
When: Dec. 8-12. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Scatola Sartoriale Showroom, 544 W. 26th St., b/t Tenth &
Eleventh Aves., 6th flr. (212-371-2777 ext. 326).

Prairie New York
Why: Tops and dresses for $40. Holiday frocks for $50.
When: Dec. 8-12. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 250 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 404
(212-391-4700). Cash only.

Édité Showroom
Why: Dresses and handbags from Caroline Hedaya, Your Slip Is Showing,
and Tagua start at 50 bucks.
When: Dec. 8-10. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 134 W. 29th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., studio 709.

Alice + Olivia
Why: Beaded party dresses for $189, skinny pants for $99, boyfriend
blazers for $159.
When: Dec. 8-11. Mon. & Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 261 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 2nd flr.

The Globe Showroom
Why: Falls, Elijah, Luba J, H Fredriksson, Whistle & Flute, James
Coviello — mostly under 100 bucks.
When: Dec. 10 & 11. Wed. & Thurs., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 263 W. 38th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves.

Furla Handbags
Why: First sample sale has 1,500 bags at half off. Shoes for $100.
When: Dec. 10-12. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 552 Seventh Ave., b/t 39th & 40th Sts., 5th flr.

By Francine (Maker of the fan dress I've been dreaming of!)
Why: Take up to 60 percent off girly dresses, tops, pants, and skirts
from the most recent spring, fall, and holiday collections.
When: Dec. 10-12. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., rm. 602.

Mackage
Why: Up to 50 percent off wools, leathers, trenches, shearlings.
When: Dec. 10-12. Wed.-Fri., noon-7:30 p.m.
Where: 275 W. 39th St. (212-391-5287).

Bensoni, Black Halo, Anne Leman, Matt & Nat, and more.
Why: Fifty-75 percent off wholesale. Items start at twenty bucks.
When: Dec. 10-13. Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Joey Showroom, 263 Eleventh Ave., at 27th St., 5th flr.

Iisli
Why: Seventy percent off knit shimmer dresses, sequin jackets, knit
blazers, plus a nice assortment of samples.
When: Dec. 11-13. Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 25 Bond St., b/t Bowery & Lafayette St.

Julie Haus and VPL
Why: Take 50-80 percent off swimwear, lingerie, sweaters, dresses,
coats, and shoes. Prices starting at $15.
When: Dec. 11-13. Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 39 W. 38th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.

Lyn Devon
Why: Fifty-80 percent off severe, modern, edgy sportswear from the
fall collection.
When: Dec. 12-14. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 525 Broadway, b/t Spring & Broome Sts., ste. 202.

Vera Wang Bridal and Bridesmaids
Why: One-of-a-kind samples — plus a ton of overstock — 35-75 percent
off retail. Bridesmaid dresses, too.
When: Dec. 13. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Ave., at 34th St.

What Are You Wearing? Me: Anna Sui

No, this isn't a phone-sex-related post. Instead, I was inspired by a post by Fashionista entitled "Do You Smell Your Age?" Not as "can you smell how old you are?" but as in "is your fragrance age-appropriate?" An important question.

Today I'm kickin' it fruity and floral in Anna Sui's Sui Love -- I'm a big fan of Anna's fragrances, and this was my most recent and third purchase (I succumbed to my love of packaging and got Dolly Girl a few months back for its sweet little French-looking pink lady head bottle, and I've worn her signature "Anna Sui" fragrance for nigh on a decade now.)

Anna's peeps refer to Sui Love as a fragrance that:

"evokes a melodic symphony of one heart to another. Bergamot and passion fruit with jasmine and white rose unfold the rapture of vanilla and ambrette seed to awaken the sensual and spellbinding climax of love's fragrance."

Um, well, I guess agree, yet I'm sorry to report that I didn't immediately erupt into a perfume-induced orgasm after a mere spritz. But the passion fruit and citrus are sweet yet surprisingly light (waaaaaay lighter than the musky "Anna Sui.") despite its moderate spice factor. And I know, it's sort of counterintuitive to wear a summery fragrance in the dead of winter, but that's kinda the point.

Oh yeah, and since we here at the 'Binge like to "keep our costs down," if you will (and I seriously will), I'm pleased to report that the largest size is under $50.00

Oh, but so speaking of age, the wise women of Makeupalley.com (I CANNOT recommend this site enough, by the way, both for the breadth of its reviews and because you can SWAP products, which is exactly how I got this fragrance and Dolly Girl. You know -- because I ain't rich, kay?) collectively pretty much agree that this is a teen-to-early twenties fragrance! Me, I'm in my late twenties. (VERY late twenties, specifically). Which means... i just got an average of, like seven years younger!

Anyway, I pose three questions:

1.) What fragrance are you wearing today?

2.) Approximately how old do you "smell"? (Hee!)

3.) Disregarding the first and more obvious answer of "Who cares?"... Do you think it's ok to wear "younger" fragrances, or is it shitty?


DISCUSS!

Awesome Shit, Some On Sale

Two collections of gorgeous items. They're all lovely. They're just not all within my budget... Oh who am I kidding -- I can't stick to a budget.


STEAL IT

($865, Christian Louboutin, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Prettier than the prettiest princess in the pod. Sigh.

($578, Anna Sui, Madisonlosangeles.com)

Very cute. But maybe a little TOO early '60s??

($545, Thomas Wylde, Net-a-porter.com)

My favorite piece of the post.

($395, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Nothing earth-shattering here, yet I just love it.

($350, Milly, Net-a-porter.com)

So elegant. So perfectly wintery. So want it.

($265, Jalda, Saks Fifth Avenue)
Luscious.

YOUR ACCOUNTANT LOVES YOU...

($496, Stella McCartney, Net-a-porter.com)

... Because you know a good deal when you see one. Plus, the layering practically means you get three tops for the price of one!

($339, Zac Posen, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Surely this is even cuter in person. And with some cute opaque tights and booties.

($312, Botkier, Ssense.com)

This is half beautiful, half looks like it came from within.

($258, DKNY)

If you can find a more versatile dress, lemme know.

($229, Ports 1961, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Gorgeous, eventhough this does sorta look like something you'd find at H&M.

($145, Mike & Chris, Rarechic.com)

Come and just TRY to tell me this dress isn't serious sexytime. And NOT just because this chick probably isn't wearing anything underneath. Ahh... just PERFECT for the office, no?

($97, Cass Guy, Rarechic.com)

How perfect would this look under a grey or navy cardigan?

($95, Plenty By Tracy Reese, Labelspree.com)

I know I've posted this before, but I rediscovered, and now it's even closer to cold weather time. Yay! Get it! (Whoops. My inner voice started typing).

($88, Dusty Of California, Bussstopshop.com)

Utterly adorable. I can't even deal with all of the what-to-wear-on-the-bottom options that this dress comes with.

($85, James Coviello, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Normally this sweater would NEVER be my thing, but it just has some sort of Natalie Portman je ne sais qoui. Although I'm fairly positive that simply wearing this sweater wouldn't magically give me an adorable pixie cut and perfectly placed mole. Though I didn't read "The Secret," and perhaps I should.

($75, Naughty Monkey, Redvelvetcouture.com)

This is a prime example of the type of thing I probably wouldn't dream of getting on my own, but then I'd stop by a friend's apartment on our way to go to the movies, and I'd just pop in to use her bathroom really quickly because it's on the way to the theater, and these would just be sitting on her living room floor next to the paper, and I'd see them and be like HOLY FUCK WHERE'D YOU GET THOSE? WHAT THE FUCK? THOSE ARE FUCKING AWESOME! And she'd blow it off because to her they're no big deal and totally her and we'd maybe be running late to the movie, but then all I'd be able to think about for like the next week would be those boots. And the movie would be totally ruined for me. That's how sick these boots are. At least to me.

($69, Dolce Vita, Shopbop.com)

Great, huh?

(Apprx $50 USD, Topshop.com)

These are so fun, but they'd be hard to wear without running the risk of some d-bag at work or something coming up to you and bein' like "So, you're bringin' the '80s back, eh, Material Girl?" or something completely lame like that, so it almost makes them not worth it...

(Apprx $30 USD, Topshop.com)

So you're probably best off going with something like this. Ugh. I hate d-bags.

Most Amazing Jewels Post, Part Deux, PLUS: Accessories + My Ongoing Love Affair With Doucette Duvall

Okay. Here's the second part of a two-part epic jewelry post, and this is the more mature companion of the duo, if I do say so.

I've been hanging onto the following links for months now, then I got busy, then I ate, then I fell asleep, repeat... suddenly... I see that effing DIOR is like peeking into my bookmarks or something because WHAT should pop up in their 2007 Fall runway show in Paris but dark, daring and dramatically oversized gems, like the ones seen above.

Fabsugar, from whence that image was copped, did a piece on getting that look for less... as in like 1/3600th less.

Here, finally, are my aforementioned picks.

($125, Kenneth Jay Lane, Maxandchloe.com)
We both picked these. Yay. I'm a geniyouse.


($35, emitations.com)
Pretty pretty for a pretty princess.


($29.99, emitations.com)
Also very pretty princess! You really can't go wrong with green jewels...if they are just $30.


($69, Palmbeachjewelry.com)
Elegant and understated.


($89, Palmbeachjewelry.com)
Decadent! Would go perfectly with this Dior gown from the Fall 2007 show...

... You know... if you simply MUST be all matchy-matchy.


This .... this I would give an ovary for. God knows... I'd gladly give an ove... until either or both opportunities arise... I'd settle for this...

($9.99, emitations.com)
Gorgeous!



($75, emitations.com)
Or these... Very holiday chic!


Or this...
($75, Kenneth Jay Lane, Shopbop.com)


Okay... some slightly less flashy pieces...
($59, Palmbeachjewelry.com)
Nice. Easy. The way things should be!


($69, Palmbeachjewelry.com)
Love these. Are they for old ladies? I guess I don't care! They're so bright and fun!



($199, Palmbeachjewelry.com)
This is seriously old-ladyish, and I love it because it reminds of this beautiful mini perfume bottle I have that was either my mom's or grandma's -- I think it's probably Avon or something (no big whoop) -- but it has a plastic pink rose stopper that looks just like that. I love it. (-- Note: anyone know WTF the perfume is? The label is long gone, and a Google search has been fruitless. Morts.)



($275, Miu Miu, Net-a-porter.com)
So, speaking of jewels, AND per my ongoing quest to find the perf jeweled flats... these are gorgeous. I may've already posted these, just like I realized I've already posted those two pink/ coral rings. Oh well.



($334, Anna Sui, Net-a-porter.com)
Speaking of Net-a-porter... this top is perfection.



So, speaking of ongoing quests, this vintage Courreges dress is up! for! auction on eBay:
(Currently $99, Courreges, eBay)
Reminds me of those creepy variety shows they used to do all the time in the '70s, where people like Karen Carpenter would come out and sing under a spotlight and then there'd be the inevitable camera trick where they match the soft focus with one single sparkle that was fabricated but they'd make it look like it came from the performer's gown or jewelry, and then they'd fade the whole thing into an unintelligible sparkle-blur effect, know what I mean? Also, whoever shot these images did a good job of capturing that creepy latently homosexual, sexually charged, coke-addled je ne sais quoi of that era. Kudos!



(Currently $49, Courreges, eBay)
More Courreges glasses. I regret not bidding on an earlier pair I posted about. They looked like these:
($49, Courreges, eBay)


($79, Helena Rubinstein, eBay)
These are also rad...


($19, Modcloth.com)
And these are super fun.


Okay... so last week I stole away to the now-defunct (wah!) Find Outlet going-outta-biz sale (wah again!). There, quietly, patiently waiting for me to discover it between the Lauren Moffatt tops and Doucette Duvall dresses was this Doucette Duvall dress:
This photo doesn't really do justice to the hilarious and awesome detail of the print, which is an old Nicole Miller silk print, and it's got wedding images all over, including a pricey bridal gown, a smiling chef, a Torah (holla!), guest list, boobie lady (the stripper, I suppose -- every good wedding's got one!) and more great images of matrimony as we know it. It was the only one in the entire joint, and it FIT me like a fucking GLOVE. I ran to the ATM and walked away with the dress for $79. I almost felt guilty -- as much as I LOOOOOVE me a good deal, I felt bad that a.) Find Outlet is no more and b.) that I was taking advantage of their misfortune for my own fashion gain (woo!) and b.5) that my long-awaited Doucette acquisition was at the expense of point b. and c.) I sorta feel obligated to pay full-price for the hard work of an indie designer. Oh well. I love this dress so much I can barely contain my joy. I couldn't find it anywhere online, so I emailed with Meredith at Doucette (hey girl!), and she informed that, per my GENIUS fashion assumption: it IS in fact an old Nicole Miller print, and it's their "Dottie" style. And it's MINE ALL MINE! I can only hope my legs look as lovely in the dress -- or at least as tan. :/

Now go buy a Doucette dress and um... pay full price...

($195, Doucette Duvall, Revolveclothing.com)



($178, Doucette Duvall, Revolveclothing.com)


($189, Doucette Duvall, Intermixonline.com)