FFF - Yumi Kim, Nanette Lepore NYC Sales, Lauren Merkin online sale and pizza with truffles

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

It's been a busy week so I'm glad to be winding down for the weekend (which hmm is kinda busy but in a very good, social way!)

Online Sales
Lauren Merkin is hosting its first online sample sale!  One of my favorite clutch designers and the maker of my wedding clutch is a go to source for a great variety of clutches.

Isn't the gold Eve perfect for the holidays?  Shop here through Dec. 19th.  

NYC Sales

Tired of faux fur and want to stock up on easy-breezy silky print tops and dresses?  Make me jealous and head to the Yumi Kim sample sale.  The prices are ridiculous and that can only mean you must stock up now.

Girly jackets, well structured dresses, and my favorite summer hat were all found at a Nanette Lepore sample sale.  What goodies will you find?  Definitely drop by if you can!

Otherwise, this weekend I am...

...having pizza with truffles.  Ultimate chic 'n cheap food.  Mmm truffles.

Yes, that is egg, surrounded by truffles in oil.  Your stomach thanks you and your heart lets this one slide.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

LOTC: Holiday Gift ideas from Lauren Merkin, Rachel Pally, etc. via the Red Hot Shop at Target

Have you seen the Red Hot Shop from Target?  This monthly collection of Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) goodies are "chic, unique, & sometimes offbeat".  It's an eclectic mix of designer apparel, cool decor, and seasonal gifts.  I'm impressed with the mix of items here; they've picked some really fun things suitable for a variety of ages and interests and made the price point very attractive for someone looking for a designer or unique item for less.

Lauren Merkin clutch with chain, $74.99

Rachel Pally convertible dress, $79.99

MOMA Wooden speakers, $36.99

Scratch 'n Sniff Cards/set of 6, $19.99

Vintage Ornaments, $24.99

Have you found anything fun at Target lately?

Holding onto summer - Wearing all the colors of the rainbow

*Remember to enter to win $60 towards your own Le Creuset, Thomas Paul, and more.  Enter here*

There is an unwritten rule somewhere that warmer weather brings on more colorful outfits (ok I couldn't resist doing the multi-colored font).

I'd like to dispel the myth that NYC is an all black wearing town - just walk around midtown and you'll see pops of color here and there.  But now that I live in the land of perpetual summer, I rarely see all black outfits (it's simply too warm here).  I simply have more of an inclination to wear prints, patterns, and rich colors.  It's not just colorful, it's more carefree as well.

These colorful pieces brought a smile to my face.

Stella McCartney price TBD Resort 2011 here (oh to have this dress...), 

Lauren Merkin $198 here (Thanks Kristin for the suggestion!), 

MOMA $40 here, 

Heels $47 here (Thanks Dog 'n Bird Artful wedding!),  

Victoria's Secret $11.99 here, 

Stephen Burrows for Target most under $40 here (ridiculously bright and perfect for the beach)

Is the warm weather putting you in a colorful state of mind?  It's the last chance for those of you with seasons!

FFF - Free entrance to US National Parks this weekend, Lauren Merkin Sample Sale in NYC, and Jumping into the weekend

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

U.S.
Why not check out your local national park this weekend?  It's fee free this weekend at over 100 national parks - this includes everything from Sequoia National Park in California to the FDR Historical Site in NY to the George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Virginia (some are free all year round too!)  I'd love to check out the Vanderbilt Mansion or FDR Home if I was in NY!  If you don't have time this weekend, here is a list of other fee free times.

NYC
One of my favorite NYC sample sales ends tomorrow, Aug. 15.  It's the Lauren Merkin sample sale and a perfect place to pick up handbags and clutches (as I mentioned here, I've gotten great bags as gifts for 90% off!)

 
The Lauren Merkin Showroom, 231 West 29th Street, Suite 201, between 7th and 8th Avenues
212.239.2459

Today will be our last full day in Bali.  Hopefully I'll get to do one of these into a pool here (the water at the beach closest to us has pretty strong currents, so not trying it there!)

Image from here

We'll be flying back soon and I already wish we had more time here.  We don't have much planned for this weekend except unpacking, editing videos, seeing  a few friends and thinking of this.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous week!

Designer Thursday - DVF (and DVF, Pronovias, Martha Stewart, Lauren Merkin NYC sample sale info)

Princess, icon, fashion revolutionary, and now billionaire media mogul wife - Diane Von Furstenberg has had a full and awesome life.  Imagine designing a simple dress that would later hold a place in the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, living in Bali for a few years with the (then) love of your life, and hanging out with Andy Warhol back in the day?  Wow.

Since her fashion resurgence, she has of course brought back the wrap dress but also created contemporary pieces I know I wouldn't mind having in my closet.

Of course there is the pleated mesh wonder that is the Stephanie bag.

I love the draping and versatility of the Brady jacket.

 

Finally isn't this so appropriate for the holidays?  Well I guess when else can you wear velvet?

 

Now for a mostly NYC based sample sale rundown (another reason why it's an awesome place to live, so jealous I'm not home now).

DVF - Dec 8 - 11, Tu: 9 am - 6:30 pm , We: 10 am - 8 pm, Thu: 10 am - 7 pm, Fri: 9 am - 3 pm, 260 5th Ave, bw 28th and 29th Streets

- Totally go if you are a DVF fan.  I live tweeted from this last time.  The line was reasonable and there was a $50 rack in back (I think it went to $20 or $25 on the last day).  Dresses were about $125 - $175 if I remember correctly.  Prices go down every day.

Pronovias - Dec. 6 - Call 212.897.6393 for an appointment, 14 E. 52 bw 5th Ave and Madison Ave.

- This is where I got my reception dress for 70% off (initial post here with some more pics).  Loved it and obviously love to share deals...

Martha Stewart- Dec. 5 -12 pm - 6 pm, 601 W. 26th St. bw 11 and 12 Aves 

- Artisans and crafters sell their wares at the holiday craft sale.  The domestic diva in me is so jealous.  Probably great gifts for family can be found here!

Lauren Merkin - Dec. 8-11, 11 am - 7 pm, Dec. 12 - 11 am - 4 pm, 231 W. 29th St, bw 7th and 8th Ave, Ste. 201

- Go if you need a clutch or want to gift one (I gifted all of my girls some type of Lauren Merkin bag and my own wedding clutch, pic here).  This sale is amazing.  You can get most clutches from $15 - $90.  So worth it.  Isn't this peacock print cute?

Lauren Merkin supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a fab wallet

When I was little, cancer wasn't a tangible thing. It was a big, bad scary disease, but no one close to me had been touched by it. Now it's a different story. The fathers of 2 of my closest friends have been diagnosed with cancer and dear husband's dad passed away from colon cancer last year. We really tried to create awareness for all types of cancer research and even put ACS donations on our Wishpot registry.

Of course there were lots of accessories on our registry as well. The guy got a "gadget purse" but I've been looking for a nice wallet and French wallets have been calling my name. How cool to hear that every year Lauren Merkin designs a special pink item from her collection, where 50% of the proceeds are donated to the Young Survival Coalition.
This year she has designed a Fuchsia Tiled Embossed Lamb wallet, retail $175.
So if you're in the market for a wallet, how nice to get a cute wallet and donate to a great cause as well!

Lauren Merkin Trunk Show - Fashion Night out in Chicago, Sept. 10, 6-8 pm

Today is a great day to be a fashionista. If you're in Chicago and love bags, go to the Lauren Merkin trunk show tonight.

Here's the info:

Location:

Neiman Marcus Chicago - (Michigan Ave Location)

737 North Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60611

800-642-4480

Time:

6-8 p.m

Update: Lauren Merkin sample sale further reductions

Clutches $40- $100 & Day bags $95-$195.

Nice.

Remember there may be $15-$25 bargain boxes as well.

Lauren Merkin sample sale - August 11 - 14 in NYC

LAUREN MERKIN SUMMER SAMPLE SALE

TUESDAY, AUG 11 – FRIDAY, AUG 14
11 am - 7pm

&

Saturday, Aug 15 - 11am - 4 pm

Lauren Merkin Showroom
231 WEST 29TH ST
SUITE 201
BETWEEN 7TH & 8TH AVE
212 239 2459

PAYMENT ACCEPTED:
CASH. AMEX, VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER
No Checks please. No Phone orders

Prices 40-70% off:
Tatum Bubble Lambskin – was $325, now $150
Diana Metallic Lambskin – was $250, now $75
Large Plum Tote Lambskin – was $575, now $295
Plum Tote Lambskin – was $450, now $200
Edie Quilted Lambskin – was $450, now $200
Blake Satin – was $275, now $100

There are also always samples at super discounted prices for $15-$80. Look for the bargain boxes as well!

Designer Thursday - Lauren Merkin clutches for the wedding

Never say never.

I am completely absent-minded and am worried I will forget things if they aren't connected to me. So I always used purses with shoulder straps. I liked clutches because their simplicity is perfect for formal events. But I didn't think I would ever use them because I would just forsake them on a cocktail table.

Then I found Lauren Merkin. She has a few basic styles and has dozens of variations of the style. Color, material, and texture are varied to produce dozens of different looks.

The Lucy has a nice depth and clutchable shape
The Caroline is elegant and poised (perfect when Diane Lane wore it on the red carpet)
The Louise is slim and functional - this is the one I'm using for my wedding day ($25 because it was 2 seasons old and I almost got it when it was on sale for $90)! The lace like crochet in ivory is perfect with my theme and dress! I have already used with my spring and summer dresses.

Sigh, I don't know why the shot is sideways, but you get the picture. I love the delicate detailing!If you're ever in NYC, Lauren Merkin has amazing sample sales twice a year. I've been lucky enough to pick up $15 samples and select styles up to 90% off ($90 at most). I got a few of the bridesmaids clutches too. Lauren Merkin had so many great styles and I was able to pick ones that fit each girl's personality. Her handbags are also at least 50% off at the sales.

Lauren Merkin also has sales online as well. Now that's something I can hold onto!