Divas Die Poor

Get Your Shop On: Fashion Night Out

 So back from a little rest & respite...& into the swing of things.  I'm weirdly excited for Fashion Night Out tomorrow (Thurs 9.10) in NYC. I'm thinking it's like a pub crawl without the skanky bathrooms.  Here's the 411 courtesy of WWD...I'm doing the packing circuit so hope to bump into friends....

MAJOR STORES
Barneys New York: Appearances by Narciso Rodriguez, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Loomstate custom T-shirts.
Bergdorf Goodman: Zac Posen painting; Victoria Beckham; Peter Som, Cynthia Rowley, Gilles Mendel and Lela Rose cooking; Donna Karan playing "Fashion Rules" with André Leon Talley, and an Isaac Mizrahi talk.
Bloomingdale's: Howie Day performance and numerous other activities.
J.C. Penney: Cindy Crawford appearance.
Lord & Taylor: Patrick McMullen photos, and Lauren Santo Domingo hosting.
Macy's Queens: The official kickoff with Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour; Macy's chairman, president and chief executive officer Terry Lundgren; Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Blake Lively.
Macy's Herald Square: Appearances by Jaxx trio, Jill Zarin, Rachel Roy and Michael Kors.
Saks Fifth Avenue: Justin Timberlake, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera in a magic show; appearances by Chris Benz, Coco Rocha and other designers.

MADISON AVENUE
Armani: Rosie O'Donnell reading "Love, Loss and What I Wore." Kerry Washington appearance.
Bally: DJ Brian Atwood.
Calvin Klein: Performance by Jamie Burke, Michelle Monaghan appearance.
Carolina Herrera: Larry Fink photo booth.
Coach: Graffiti artists working on Coach totes.
Cole Haan: Maria Sharapova appearance.
David Yurman: Auctioning a 1975 belt buckle.
Donna Karan: Rock-jazz pianist Eric Lewis.
J.Mendel: Lisa Airan and Julie Macklowe hosting.
Jimmy Choo: Angela Lindvall shoot.
Oscar de la Renta: Oscar de la Renta serenading customers, literally.
Ralph Lauren: Appearances by Liev Schreiber, Blake Lively and Camilla Belle.
Talbots: Lynda Carter singing.

FIFTH AVENUE
Barnes & Noble: FEED truck and Lauren Bush.
Henri Bendel: Sasha Pivarova and Gucci Westman appearances.
Dior: Charlize Theron signing the September issue of Vogue, 7 to 8 p.m.
Juicy Couture: Surfboards, skateboards and Mexican food.
Manolo Blahnik: Manolo Blahnik appearance.
Roberto Cavalli: Roberto Cavalli appearance.
Van Cleef & Arpels: Opera singer Danielle de Niese will perform selections from her new record, "The Mozart Album."
Versace: Appearances by Ciara, Taylor Momsen and The Misshapes.

SOHO
Anna Sui: Anna Sui appearance.
Betsy Johnson: Makeovers.
Elie Tahari: Alexa Ray Joel performs.
Intermix: Prince Street, Sienna and Savannah Miller appearance.
Kirna Zabête: Appearances by Thakoon, Jason Wu and Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough of Proenza Schouler.
Longchamp: Lily Cole hosting, Lykke Li performing.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti: Alberta Ferretti appearance.
Rachel Roy: Estelle performance.

BOWERY AREA NEAR BOND STREET
Narciso Rodriguez in a Winnebago, Tyson Beckford appearance.
Topshop: Appearances by Karen Elson and Tabitha Simmons and DJs.
Vera Wang: Vera Wang doing makeovers.

WEST VILLAGE
Cynthia Rowley: Balloons and a scavenger hunt.
Marc by Marc Jacobs: Candid photos in the window.
Polo Ralph Lauren: Nacho Figueras appearance.
Teen Vogue fashion show at Bleecker Street: Taylor Momsen's band.
Tommy Hilfiger: Tommy Hilfiger appearance.
Thom Browne: Thom Browne appearance.

MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Diane von Furstenberg: Events on the Highline with Diane von Furstenberg.
Jeffrey New York: Appearances by Hugh Jackman and Sean Avery, 10:30 p.m.
Matthew Williamson: Matthew Williamson will do personal design consultation.
Stella McCartney: Kate Hudson appearance.
Tory Burch: Barbecue and street party.

LOWER FIFTH
Aveda: Van Leeuwen ice cream.
Kate Spade: Tango on the street.

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN
A neighborhood block party.

Annual Blowout @ Barneys Warehouse Sale

The annual Barneys warehouse sale starts this week (8.20 - 9.7) in NYC & its already started in LA.  So for all y'all who like shopping like it's a sport, pastime or therapy session here are some tips from my Barneys gal pal. 

1) If you come on the weekend, come pre-brunch.  But its better to come during work hours after the first weekend.

2) As for what to wear - keep in mind there are no dressing rooms and there are cameras, security guards, etc - I recommend wearing some sort of camisole and boy shorts.

3) Don't bring a large handbag or a stroller - you'll have to check it.  Leave dogs, kids at home--- to free up hands

4) Brands to be excited about, for the ladies: Lanvin Acne, Philip Lim, Vince, Rag & Bone, Ever, Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander; SHOES: Prada, Blahnik, Louboutin

Blowout Sale @ Shopbop

Aahhhhh....the retail conundrum. It finally hit 80 degrees and new fall product is coming in...what to do with all the summer product?? Mark it down you say?  Do I hear 30? Do I hear 50? I hear 70% off.  Shopbop is under sale siege.  Close to 700 items are 70% off original price.  There are some good deals...mainly on shoes in my opinion. The apparel looks like a bunch of odds & ends.  Here are 4 that I like.  All can be found here.

Red Alert: Blowout Sale at Ideeli...Prices Start at $10!

Ideeli Red Sale.  Save up to 90% on spectacular clothing and accessories by top of the line designers. Prices start at $10!

See clothing by:  Just Cavalli, Julie Brown, Malene Birger, Simone Perele, Mac & Jac, Earnest Sewn Jeans, Jay Godfrey, Bedhead Pajamas, Escada, & Nicole Miller

And amazing accessories, handbags, & shoes by: Raj Scarves, LAMB Shoes,  Pucci Shoes, Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses, Ed Hardy Handbags, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Sale starts promptly at 11:00am, Thursday, July 2nd. 

Click Here to Enter the Ideeli Sale

DecadesTwo + Chanel Sale at HauteLook

Tune in tomorrow (6.30) at 8am on HauteLook.  It's hosting a vintage CHANEL sale by DecadesTwo. Sign in for an amazing selection of handbags and clothing. 

Meet The Madison Avenue Spy: Get Tips on Scoring Designer Deals

Wanna score the best designer deals in town?  Meet Lila Delilah, author of a fabulous blog called Madison Avenue Spy.  If there are any deals on the Avenue, Lila is in the know.  She's been kind enough to share some of her tips with DDP. 

DDP:  What's the best approach to take when negotiating with a high end retailer?

I like to be a subtle negotiator,"I remember at the end of the season last year this item was reduced 50% off. Will it be reduced again?" At that point it gives the sales associate the opening to say we can drop it for you now or say no. Other times I will say, "These are a bit out out of my budget," or "A department store has reduced these 20% would you be able to do the same?"

DDP:  What's the best way to get invited to presales and private sales?

Find an item you like and tell the sale person that you really want to purchase that item but it's a bit too costly right now. Ask if they could give you a call as soon as the sale begins and you will read them off a credit card number. The ability to make an immediate sale will usually get them to put you on the top of a call list.

DDP:  Other than frequenting your site, what are some tips to be in the know about deals & steals?

Of course you have to frequent my site! You have to just keep your eyes open and after a few seasons of watching prices you will get an idea of what can be expected.

DDP:  When will the next set of markdowns hit Saks, Barneys, NM? How low will they go?

The new markdowns are just starting. I was surprised to see Gucci go 1st into 2nd markdown. Bloomingdales has started to get very aggressive with its pricing. Next will be Barneys and Saks. Bergdorfs is always last.

Boutiques can go as low as 70% to 75% off. In August, the department stores take all their inventory from all over the country and send it to their flagships for consolidation sales. At this point prices can get as low as 80% off.

DDP:  Who has the best deals right now (good selection at attractive prices)?

Right now it's hard to say. The novelty of first markdown has worn off and we're just waiting to see what comes next. I imagine it will be 60% and I think Saks and Bergdorfs currently have the most inventory.

London Calling: Interview with UK's Bargainista Editor

 Living across the pond? Or planning a visit?  We interviewed an editor of UK's Bargainista.com to get the best deals & steals in London.

Here are 5 questions for Nicola:

DDP:  Where are your favorite places to shop that people might not know about?

Seconda Mano

You’ll find this vintage store downstairs beneath the hairdresser who owns it and what a find it is. It boasts some outstanding pieces - for example Prada and Matthew Williamson tops for £60-£75. Mixed in with the designer pieces like an Alberta Ferretti dress for £150 are mid-priced brands like Diesel at around £40. Bargain of the visit was a Vanessa Bruno dress for just £35. And there is a strong men’s collection too - e.g. a Stone Island coat for £180 and Gucci leather jacket for £100. The store acquires its stock from members of the public - giving them 50 per cent of the sale price. It also carries some new end of lines.
114 Upper Street, N1
Angel, Highbury & Islington tubes
020 7359 5284
Mon-Tues & Sat 10am-6pm, Wed-Fri 10am-8pm, Sun noon-4pm

Designs On Her

If you are a designer fashion fan this is the place for you. Some items are brand spanking new and prices are very reasonable, a Matthew Williamson knit jumper for £45 and a Ralph Lauren jumper for £20. Merchandise is in immaculate condition and organised by item and then colour, all making it a pleasure to shop.  An added bonus is that the owner, Dominique, works there and gives great advice on what will suit you. The shop is a resale store. Customers bring in their designer items and get 50 per cent of the resale price. There is also a privilege card for loyal customers, thus “the more you spend, the more gift vouchers you’ll be entitled to”. Plus you get invited to events, where you are entitled to bigger discounts. Definitely worth a visit.
60 Rosslyn Hill, NW3
Hampstead tube
020 7435 0100
Mon-Sat 10am-5.45pm

Old Spitalfields Market

In full bloom on a Sunday when it is packed with stalls that sell anything from old records to handmade organic cakes to splendid dresses. The indoor market has recently been renovated and is now a wonderfully clean and aesthetically pleasing space. On a recent visit there were some real bargains to be had, a polo neck handmade woollen dress for £25, a beautifully hand-printed t-shirt for £15 and some yummy brownies for a pound. This market has the unique and highly fashionable feel that Portobello has but it lacks all the tourist tack. Plus, if you get a chance to go on a Thursday it is nice and empty, making it ever so easy to shop in.
Brushfield Street, E1
Liverpool Street tube
Thurs 7.30am-5pm, Fri & Sun 9.30am-5pm

DDP:  What are your top 3 summer must have's under £50?

A Monica Vinader statement ring, whatever the weather they add a bit of sparkle to your summer wardrobe. They are available from koodos.com with up to 60 per cent off. The prices start from £30. A playsuit. I love the ones Lipsy are doing this summer. I know everyone has a pair and boys are not the biggest fan but Gladiator sandals are a must this summer. I got a great pair for £30 at New Look.

DDP:  Where do you get the best beauty deals in the UK?

I am a fan of Benefit makeup. Keep an eye on their website, you can regularly get discounts and deals online.

DDP:  What pieces do you always have in your closet?

A little black dress and lots of accessories.

DDP:  You've been interviewing top stylists, buyers, & trendsetters. What is the best bargain-hunting tip that you've gotten?

Lucy, a very stylist Marie Claire journo: Think versatility: there’s no point splashing the cash on an item that you can’t make the most of. Go for pieces that have a good price-per-wear value and that can be worked for both day and evening looks. Try to imagine the item belted, or tucked in to a high waisted skirt, with a favourite necklace and so on. Visualise how things will work with your current wardrobe.

Site I've Been Searching For: Portero Private

I've been searching for a chronograph watch for my love off & on for the last couple of years.  I've looked at everything from vintage, sample sales, Gilt, estate sales, & the real deal.  What I've found either doesn't have the right look & feel or the price is way beyond my abilities.  Here's the site that's gonna end my quest.  Right now they're running a Chanel handbag sale (amazing selection but almost gone), but the past has brought Louis Vuitton, Hermes, & Panerai.  Join here for top of the line luxury deals.  Enter Invitation Code: DIVAS

Calling All Friends, Family & Followers: BCBG Friends & Family Starts Today

I usually don't post all the sale stuff I get...I twitter it.  But I think BCBG's summer collection looks fab and very worthy of a posting.  Enjoy. 

BCBGMAXAZRIA Friends & Family Event
30% off EVERYTHING*
6/11/09-6/14/09
Valid in stores and online at bcbg.com (code: FRIENDS30)

Put A Ring On It: Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels on Sale at Bluefly.com

 According to WWD, Bluefly.com is holding a private sale starting at 6am tomorrow (06.08.09). Everything will be 20% off retail. So the Cartier love bracelet that you usually have to shell out $3,850 will only cost you $3,080.  Unlike eBay where you never know...the goods are authentic + you'll get free shipping.  It's invite only.  No worries if you don't have an invite, simply call or email Bluefly and they'll be happy to send one your way.