Discount Shopping? Yes Please!

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Posted by Claire Sulmers
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“You know why these clothes are on sale, Mom? Because the kids who wear them get beaten up“–Bart from the Simpsons.

Not true, Bart! Not all discount clothes are ugly cast offs!

So I had brunch with some friends at La Bottega at the Maritime Hotel (88 Ninth Avenue between 15th and 16th)…which is a great place to eat for the ambiance (especially in the summer months). Unfortunately the food is subpar…I had cornmeal pancakes that were burnt and smothered in butter ($9), salty pork sausage ($3), and a mimosa ($12). Expensive for food that doesn’t even satisfy. Anyway afterwards we decided to do a little shopping.

Our first stop was the Barney’s Co-op…and I thought that since it was like the ‘Basement’ of Barney’s that stuff would be affordable. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! Everything in there is over $100 easy…but I did see this great coat that I might invest in once the weather outside is frightful…

Here it is:

It’s by Vince which is a chi chi poo poo brand. The coat is $595 which is sort of a travesty…but it’s cute and will keep me super warm. Remember, scrimp on small stuff, but invest in the big ones. A winter coat is defo an investment piece! To quote fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, “All clothes are a form of armor, but a winter coat most of all…You wear it constantly…it comforts you and makes you feel protected…” Invest ladies! But…that’s for a future purchase.

Anyway the good thing about Barney’s Co-op is that they have spectacular sales.

Here’s a picture:

Visit the store (236 West 18th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues) and just ask the cashier to be on their mailing list so you can know when to catch a sale. You can also check out a few of their wares at www.barneyscoop.com.

So yeah Barney’s was a JOKE, so my friends and I moved on to shopping that was more our speed (i.e. our price range). We two-stepped over to Loehmann’s (101 7th Avenue between 16th and 17th):

Usually I don’t like places like Loehmann’s…racks and racks of clothes, people pushing and shoving (especially on Saturdays), open dressing rooms (abs no privacy so wear your good undies), anyway…I FOUND SUCH GOOD STUFF. I’d say for Loehmann’s, don’t go to the shoe section…forget the bag section…don’t mess with the juniors, sportswear, whatever. Make a beeline for the 3rd floor for their designer dresses (I saw Diane Von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, and BCBG Max Azria), and to the 4th floor for super designer brands like Nanette Lepore, Theory, Walter, and Marc Jacobs. Yes. Marc Jacobs. It’s pretty hit or miss, but if you frequent I’m sure you can find a DVF wrap dress for 75% off. It’s worth it.

This is what I found for a black tie event I’m going to in a few weeks:

That’s right ladies. A hot Nicole Miller Collection dress. It’s a season old, I know, I know…I remember seeing it in Bloomingdales full price at $310 a year ago and lusting after it…and just wishing I could afford it. Well, it was $80 (about 75% off) at Loehmann’s, and I just couldn’t pass it up! How often do you find a black tie worthy dress for $80?!?! So yeah, I bought it. I can’t wear a bra with it, so I’ll have to get the straps shortened. A small bit of tailoring, but I think it’s a winner. [Update: Getting the straps shortened only cost me $10!]

I also got this jacket by Walter (swanky designer sold at Saks):

Not sure if you can tell, but this jacket is hot! It’s a jacquard print cropped 3/4 sleeved jacket that would look great over a black dress or even over a camisole with a pair of skinny leg jeans (and ballet flats). This jacket was originally $330, and it was at Loehmann’s for $80. It’s worth it guys. Maybe I need to invest in a mannequin so you can see stuff better…

So my friends and I left Loehmann’s with lots of great stuff. One friend found a Steve Madden down coat for $80 with an extra 15% off because she’s a card carrying member and her birthday was today…another friend got some Joe’s Jeans for $40…

Defo check it out!
Go to www.loehmanns.com to find a Loehmann’s location near you…

Smootches!

Fashion Week, Part Deux

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“We live not according to reason, but according to fashion”–Seneca

Here I am with my second installment from Fashion Week. On Tuesday, I was lucky to get an invite from a friend to a show by a Malo, an Italian company known for its cashmere and knits. Apparently the actual designer is a guy by the name of Fabio Piras, a Swiss Graduate of London’s University of Arts (the uber creative Central Saint Martin’s to be exact). I hadn’t heard of Malo before I went (I was just stoked to go), but turns out that Malo has got it going ON. The colors, the fabrics, everything, just…uh. I’ll get to that later.

So the scene at Malo seemed to be quite posh. Everything was decorated in pure white and blue, and the seats had these cute slip covers on them to make them seem like they were padded chairs…but turns out they were just hard chairs with slip covers on them.

Voila la venue:

Venue

Cute, huh?

I sorta knew this show would be a big deal when I saw the legendary Anna Wintour stroll in while I was waiting in line. Then I saw her again sitting in the first row. I had to snap a pic.
This is the best that my blurry little camera could do (poor thing):

My camera really tries, it does! Anyway Ms. Wintour was actually quite beautiful up close. I love her style…from her haircut to her dark glasses, to her cute, sassy dresses. Go on Anna. I think she’s so fabulous that people tend to villainize her. But I can kinda sympathize with her I mean.. the whole being fabulous and misunderstood thing (jk:)). So. My poor camera couldn’t take the best pictures, but I think I got some good shots of the final walk:

I absolutely loved this line. It classified elegant simplicity. The color palette was very basic: Gray, Black, White, and Sprinkling of Fuchsia (with the random psychadelic swirls thrown in for fun). My absolute favorites included the black dresses with amazing back details (think teardrop cuts, sequins, and surprising straps). My least favs were the jumpsuits (boo!), jackets with a weird oval print (boo!), and the swimsuits (double boo!).

The evening dresses were amazing…I wrote down on my pad “Buy all the evening dresses.” Of course you can’t wear these to the club or anything, but Malo’s clothes are perfectly suited for a socialite going to a formal event or dinner party. So simple…so elegant. Just amazing.

I left Malo still believing that fashion wasn’t searching to make a mockery of the everyday woman (the woman who seeks to have an understated, sophisticated look, not a train wreck). My faith in fashion solidified.

THEN I finagled my way into Heatherette. By finagle, I mean FINAGLE. Somehow I got into the tent. Somehow I got standing room. Somehow I slid my tush into a seat. I got in and that’s all she wrote.

Well remember what I was saying about fashion not making a mockery of those who actually get dressed in the morning to go about our day to day lives and not gyrate on MTV? Well. Heatherette made me question my faith.

But first, I’ll describe the scene.

Heatherette was PACKED. Chocked full of people, drag queens, editors, fashionistas, and fashionistos. A few pics of the scene:

There were a few celebs and stylists that I absolutely LOVE in the front row.

The fierce and GORGEOUS stylist Phillip Bloch who gave me the best interview for a shopping story I wrote in September of ’05 (when a lot of people wouldn’t give little ol me an interview). He is so handsome in person, honestly (I actually ran into him at another industry event and was basically bubbling at the mouth with compliments…and he’s the sweetest!).

Also present was Ms. Jay, a judge and walking coach on America’s Next Top Model who I think is HILARIOUS:

Ms. Jay made me laugh out loud during the third season….remember this (from the makeover episode)??

…anyway because of him (and Tyra) and I can’t wait for the next season.

Anyway after a one hour wait (yes y’all), the show FINALLY started. The show overall was full of lots of dramatics, but the clothes themselves left a lot to be desired. A few pics:

As I’m sure you can see, the actual show was choc full of celebrities. Paris Hilton opened the show…and the rest of the production featured appearances by Kelis (the bossiest), Mira Sorvino, Mya, Nikki Hilton, etc. The celebrities made the show super duper exciting, but really, fashion is mainly about the clothes, no? From my note pad, I wrote “Nothing I would ever wear” “Ridiculous” “Otherwise nice dress ruined” “Saving Grace: Oiled bare chested men with muscular yet defined pectorals”…Aren’t we glad I take notes??

In essence, Heatherette provided nothing but garments sewn with gewgaws, glitter, and whatnots. Turned out their show was more about theatrics and metaphorical pyrotechnics…and not fashion. Sigh.

Anyway. Heatherette was a really fun show and I think the designers Richie Rich and Traver Rains are soooooo cute ( one of them rollerskated out for their final walk/bow).

So. With that I leave you. Hope you were able to experience fashion week vicariously through me!

Smootches!!

Eek! Fashion Week!

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Posted by Claire Sulmers
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“What a strange power there is in clothing”–Isaac Bashevis Singer

Fashion Week is in full swing in New York City! It’s a very exciting time! All the Spring 2007 looks that we’ll see in the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar make their debut on these very catwalks. It’s a glamorous way to participate in fashion history.

If you’re not some super important person, it’s hard to get invited to all the top shows without an ‘in’…meaning an invite or a hook up at a fashion mag.

I decided not to let ‘lack of an invite’ stop me from seeing at least one show. On Saturday, I attended a show by Jenni Kayne, a budding West Coast designer who has been showing collections since Fall 0f 2003. I was blessed to absolutely finesse my way into the second row of the show (yay me!)

Anyway, in general I thought Kayne’s collection was kind of plain, but also very wearable. Sometimes fashion designers send outrageous clothes down the runway just to make an impression, but at the same time, the typical woman would never dream of wearing these clothes in their day to day lives. Jenni’s collection is great for the everyday yet chic woman.

Kayne definitely had a seventies vibe in her pieces…lots of wedge heels, hot pants, floppy hats, flowy dresses, and leather trench coats. It seems as if every era makes a come back in some form at some point. Usually I feel that designers can revise and remix an ‘era’ aesthetic to the point where it is reminiscent of a prior time, but not a complete embodiment. Not for Ms. Kayne. I didn’t see anything that truly screamed ‘NEW!’. However I did like the following pieces becaues of their pretty color combinations (think citron yellow, mustard, and forest green):

Like-This

The Shaft type leather jacket comes in unexpected colors. The mustard and forest green are calm enough to actually sort of fit into one’s wardrobe as a “daring” piece, but is still luxurious (tailored leather ain’t cheap).

I absolutely loved this dress with lattice stitch work at the collar bone (it seems this type of design is part of her signature. She sent dresses in different colors and different lengths down the catwalk with a similar design on the front of the dress and back, all by the collarbone). The pairing of this deep blue flowing dress with the citron hoody was beautiful, the colors worked well together and made the look extremely striking.

This smart cropped red leather jacket over black dress was actually one of the few very modern looks in the show. It screams fashion, but is also very practical. I’d wear the outfit for a night out or fancy dinner, and would rock that jacket to work perhaps over a white shirt with black pants and pumps (along with a hot black leather handbag)!

Forgive the blurry images, I just have a lonely digital camera, but…hopefully you get the point. I’m hoping to frequent a few more shows this week with a few more notable designers. Will let you know what I think, and also present you looks you can use day to day.

For more info on Jenni Kayne, visit her website: www.jennikayne.com (and forgive the music–I couldn’t figure out how to turn it off!).

Smootches!

Budget before Blahnik

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“I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the woman who lived in her shoes!” –Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie on HBO’s Sex and the City

checkbook0

Along with shopping, we should talk about finances (I mean these items don’t purchase themselves)!

I, like many young women, have a good amount of debt. College wasn’t free (loans, loans, loans), and even though I waited years to get my first credit card, it didn’t take me that long to get that bill up to the limit. Even though I only had one card (and not a wallet full), I found myself getting rejected for some cards because I kept my balance high.

Since December I’ve been working on getting rid of my debt. After getting my tax return, I cut the balance in half, and have been making large payments religiously since. I even cut up my credit card in May (and framed the remains) so that I wouldn’t spend on it anymore. I didn’t close my card, because apparently doing so does more to hurt your score than help it.

Immediately following my ‘cut up the credit card’ moment, I realized that it is ROUGH to live in New York without another form of payment just in case. Money just went and I found myself anxious about having money to do little things like…I don’t know, buy a $76 metrocard every month to get around. So I decided to bight the bullet: apply for a new credit card, keep the balance low, all the while paying off my other card in full.

Well. I now have an Amex Blue Cash Card. A grocery trip here, a trip to J.Crew there, and my bill is now at almost halfway up to the limit. I know. How did it happen?

Anyway, my debt is back up, I’ve backtracked a BUNCH. And now I’m just like…how can I think about buying $500 shoes (or even $200 shoes) with my bills as they are? It’s unrealistic. It does a disservice to me (and a tremendous service to Mr. Jimmy Choo).

Lesson laides: If you must shop, you have to be smart about it. Take care of finances first, closet second. We also have to think about SAVING! You need more than a loan to purchase a house or a car…you’ll need some cash. Remember the quote from above? When Carrie had to buy a house but had spent all her money on shoes???? I’m just saying…

If you have debt and are looking for a reform, check these books out for reference. But don’t buy them full price! Get a copy from the library…or check out options at half.com or buy used copies at amazon.com. Hopefully everyone can have this goal: Fabulous Clothes. Impeccable Credit.

Smootches!

The Perfect Black Pumps

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“[Nervous on TV] You can never have enough hats, gloves, and shoes”–Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous

My plan for this winter is to concentrate primarily on buying wardrobe investment pieces. The items that take the most wear and tear (and simultaneously distinguish your look the most) are coats, bags, and shoes. Any fashionista will tell you: scrimp on small items, spend on the big ones!

First on my list are a pair of sturdy, sharp, sexy black pumps to wear to work, events, what have you. In life, image is half the battle. People’s perceptions hinge on what you’re wearing. And sophisicated, savvy ladies wear sophisticated shoes.

I woke up one night at 2am (as I always do–am I the only one who repeatedly falls asleep at 11pm then wakes up with a full face of makeup on, TV blaring, every light on?) Am I the only one? Anyway to my relief Oprah was on TV instead of another infomercial…She had the woman from Jimmy Choo on discussing shoes, etc. Call it propaganda but that lady made me want to own a pair of her shoes. So I decided to investigate.

I went to Saks Fifth Avenue today and tried this pair on:

jimmy-choo

Yes, they’re as sexy as they look. I’m normally a size 9 1/2, 10. Mr. Jimmy Choo must live in the land of elves because a 10 wouldn’t fit me. I take a size 11 or 41 in those. At $455 I could definitely buy a few pairs of shoes (and a new wardrobe) not to mention pay a chunk of my rent…but I’m talking an investment here. No more scuffs. Hopefully fewer heel replacements. I mean, I wore a pair of Nine Wests in the airport after having them for eight months and the heel fell out. Just fell out. That ain’t right.

Back to Saks.

I also tried these stunners by Christian Louboutin on:

These were also comfortable. I took a size 11 in these as well, but at $510, Mr. Louboutin might have some ‘xplainin to do.

Also while searching the web, I came across these lovelies at one of my absolute favorite websites and stores, J.Crew.

Now tell me these don’t look just like the Jimmy Choo’s?!?!? And at $150, I could very well get 3 pairs of these in every color for the price of one pair of Choos.

My question of today is: What is the difference between the $455 shoe and the $158??? Aren’t they all just basic pumps?

I talked to an accessories editor friend of mine about this. She said that the difference would mainly be comfort as well as quality. She recommended I check out Cole Haan because they seem to marry fashion, comfort, and quality. Cole Haan’s prices are sort of high, but not ridiculous.

This is the closest I could find to ‘cute’ in Cole Haan’s new collection:

At $175 they’re an ok price (relatively speaking!)…and I’m sure the Nike cushion would make them comfortable. But these don’t look as slick as Jimmy Choo. Sorry!

Anyway the search continues….

Now that I know how Jimmy Choo and Christians run…I plan on haunting ebay to see if my dream pair appears for less than retail. We’ll see what I find!

Smootches!

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Posted by Claire Sulmers Posted on 1567 articles

Welcome!

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” A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous” — Coco Chanel

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my humble, humble blog.

Just to let you know a little about me:

I’m a twenty-something year old in a city and an industry where fabulosity is EXTREMELY important. I love to write (ask my friends who receive my e-mail novellas everday), hang out with my buddies, and…SHOP! I’m absolutely, positively addicted. I’m the type of person who’d rather have a cute dress than a balanced meal, would rather spend a Saturday in Soho stores than sunning, and would take shoes over security. When people are carrying shopping bags full of clothes, all I want to do is ask them ‘What’d you buy???’ I get excited over fashion magazines like Lucky (just clothes, no talkie), and watch TLC’s ‘What Not To Wear‘ religiously (and have written TLC letters many times asking to have reruns during the week, not just Friday nights!). Anyway, I’ve always been a connoisseur of fashion if I may opine…since the days of my plaid skirt suits, knee highs, and Mary Janes in Junior High to Satin Tops and Bootcut Jeans in High School. I’m also big into designer brands. Why? For the most part, designer brands deliver high quality, durability, and tailored fits.

So many magazines, websites, and catalogues feature items that are beyond the price range of the average working woman. There are tons of stores (brick and mortar and online) that have one of a kind, designer pieces at low prices! You just have to find them!

I’ll try to do a little of the legwork for you. Come along with me as I search for bargain cute pieces, investment items, and everything in between!

Smootches!

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Posted by Claire Sulmers Posted on 1567 articles

Fashion Bomb FAQS

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Have a question about the Fashion Bomb?
Leave a comment and ask! We’ll get to them in the order received.

[If you have a question about Breaking into Fashion or a Mail Bomb, consult the archives, or direct them to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Anything off topic will be deleted.]

1. When and how can people apply for internships?
The Fashion Bomb always keeps an eye peeled for fresh talent, and this year we’ll be kicking off our internship search with a contest. Stay tuned to the Fashion Bomb for details, and for more information as to requirements and how to apply!

2. I am currently a Journalism student and would like to work as a writer for a fashion magazine. Other than school how else should I prepare for a career in the biz? While I am passionate about fashion I’m worried that I don’t know enough about the technical side (the history of each label, fabrics, heavy hitters in the industry, etc).
In addition to going to journalism school, you should complete internships at fashion magazines. These are typically unpaid, but necessary if you want to get your foot in the door. To find out about internship opportunities, visit websites like MediaBistro, Ed2010, and Fashionista for current openings. Aside from interning, study fashion. Buy fashion books, read the magazines you are interested in working for, and learn the craft so that your interview and application are solid. For more, read our Breaking into Fashion posts on Pamela Edwards, Fashion and Beauty Features Editor for Essence, and Beverly Smith, former Fashion Editor at Large for Vibe Magazine. You can find a wealth of career guidance by Reading the Fashion Bomb’s Breaking into Fashion series.

3. What year was The Fashion Bomb started? And what was your inspiration to start this site?
The Fashion Bomb launched in August 2006. Claire, a writer and fashion enthusiast, started the site to have a personal outlet to share her likes, dislikes, book picks, and music favorites with friends. Being a shopaholic, the site quickly took a turn for fashion and hasn’t turned back! What started off as ‘Claire’s Adventures in Shopping’ has become a place where anyone with a love for style can come for celebrity looks for less, wardrobe advice, trends, and tips on breaking into the industry.

4. I know Claire is currently living in Paris. What are some tips and advice you can offer someone looking to make the trip to live abroad?
Claire says, “One of my favorite fun books is Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons. In it, Kimora has a great quote that says, “Life is a series of adjustments: You can make changes along the way, but if you don’t start moving forward you’ll never get anywhere.” There are plenty of reasons not to make an international move: it’s frightening. It’s expensive. You’ll miss your family, friends, and boyfriend. But instead of focusing on what you’ll miss out on, think of all you can gain from living in a different environment, learning a new culture, and traveling the world. It was a goal of mine for many years to live abroad, and I made it a resolution in January 2008 to just go, regardless of whether I was prepared or not. And I wasn’t prepared! At all! But like Kimora said, I made adjustments as I moved, and all is fine. So that you’re not as unprepared as I was, I’d say: start planning a year in advance. Look for official programs that will help you get paperwork in the country of your choice–teaching English is usually an easy way to go. Try to have all of your paperwork: visas, passports, pictures, ready before you take off. Save enough money to survive for at least 3 months (it will take you that long to get adjusted and be in the proper mindset to job search). Connect with and send e-mails to as many contacts as you can. And just go! A great book that helped me plan was The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.”

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Posted by Claire Sulmers Posted on 1567 articles