Through 3/19 43.36 Aggaj
New contemporary line 43.46 aggaj celebrates the spring with a special sample sale of the spring/summer collection of dresses. Prices are reduced between 50% and 70% Off. Buy three dresses and get the fourth one free.
Place & Time: 400 W. 37th St (off 9th Ave) Suite 7N; 8am-7pm daily

Through 3/26 Showroom Seven
Handbags, clothing, and accessories are up to 90 percent off at the Showroom Seven sample sale. The Orla Kiely classic shoulder bag is $104 (originally $200), the Erickson Beamon quartz, jet, and tiger eye Lock & Key necklace is $372 (originally $930), and Kova & T dark-wash denim jeans are $20 (originally $160).
Place & Time: 263 Eleventh Ave., nr. 28th St., third fl.; M–F (10–7).

Through 3/20 Lauren Merkin
Handbags, clutches, and accessories are up to 80 percent off at the Lauren Merkin spring sample sale. The Louise snake bag is $100 (originally $200), the Cassie beach tote is $50 (originally $125), and the Tatum raffia bag is $100 (originally $275). Makeup cases start at $5.
Place & Time: 231 W. 29th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 201; T–F (11–7), Su (11–4).

Through 3/31 Kenneth Jay Lane
All merchandise is 40 percent off at Kenneth Jay Lane at the Plaza’s moving sale. Prices range from $50 to $1,000.
Place & Time: 1 W. 58th St., at Fifth Ave. (646-912-8371); M–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

Through 4/30 Jane’s Closet
Shop dresses and accessories by Huit-Huit, Deborah Sweeny, and more at the Jane’s Closet pop-up shop.
Place & Time: 60 N. 6th St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (212-772-0712); M–W (1–7), Th–S (noon–8), Su (noon–6).

Have a tip on a hot sale? Submit for listing to info at newyorkdesigner.com

Luxury accessories house, Liberty of London, has launched a line for Target which showcases their iconic garden party floral designs. Stop into Target and you’ll see their perky prints on everything from toddler dresses to bicycles. Some of the offerings are seriously cute (rain boots for little girls), some are whimsical (the bicycles), and others are fairly chic (dinnerware and dinning chairs). Unfortunately, much of the line, including the women’s dresses and bedding are of poor quality and are simply sad looking.

Skip the women’s dresses. I can’t imagine any woman NOT looking like a wilting bulb in a murky vase while wearing these hideous designs. The dresses may have been salvageable had they been made of a natural fiber, like cotton. Instead, they are made of some cheap man-made blend which I could not bring myself to even touch! Even at about $30, these dresses are no bargain.

If you’re looking to inject a little whimsy into your home decor, take a look at Liberty’s adorable picture frames and throw pillows. Perhaps even consider their dinnerware or serving pieces. Steer clear of the bedding which is obviously as cheaply made as the women’s dresses. Looking for a cruising bike for your summer home? Liberty’s versions will have you stopping traffic. So cute you could even hang it on your wall Seinfeld style.

It’s a shame that Liberty didn’t step up their women’s line. What could have been a triumph for the company (Spring just screams for floral prints, does it not?), registers only a shrug of the shoulders and a mumbled, “It’s okay, I guess”. I don’t know a thing about production, labor and overhead costs, but I can’t help but feel that these dresses would have been richer looking if they were cotton. I think they could have even charged a bit more for cotton versions, and they would have sold like hot cakes. Mark my words. Target will be giving these soup sandwiches away by season’s end.

Cut Cost Cuties!
Gemma

Well folks, you get what you pay for. Sizing was a bit askew – some graded too large, with others too small, which may cause a ripple in online returns. The multi-pink/blue button up dress (pictured below) buttoned a little off-center with the armholes on the small side, making for an awkward fit.

The pink slip dress however, PERFECT fit. LOVE it!

We are one of Gaultier’s biggest fans and can’t rave enough about the fact he did an affordable line. One question…where were my fellow NYC-Gaultier-lovers?

At 7:30am last Sunday when the line debuted, my friend & I were the only lonely souls waiting to stampede Target’s doors for their 8am opening. With only one Gaultier shop in North America (at the Wynn hotel in Vegas), we expected a small trickle of sunglass clad, coffee toting fashion fans who also set their alarms on a Sunday. I’m not complaining though – we had a blast rummaging through all the racks with time to make our perfect selections.

Long before the Ed Hardy tattoo print, there was the signature Gaultier print and you better believe we scooped up those items. The bikini, mesh long sleeve top and mesh full length leggings (wearing as we type away) are now part of our wardrobe. And that bikini may be what inspires us to attempt a bikini-bod far into the future. It’s the best swimsuit EVAH! No need to ever by another (we think).

check out the line here

Happy Friday!

A few weeks ago I was flipping through the pages of a design magazine (can’t remember which) that featured Tim McGraw’s kitchen. Tim McGraw is FINE. He is the ONLY man alive who can make a ten gallon hat look not only not ridiculous, but pretty damn sexy. Anyhoo, once I got through drooling over Tim, I began to drool over his fabulous collection of cherry red Le Creuset cookware. Turns out Tim is not only smoking hot, but a great cook too! Tim- gorgeous. Le Creuset cherry red cookware – gorgeous. Alas, I will never have either. Both Tim and I are happily married to others, and the Le Crueset is to pricey for my wallet.

For years I’ve wanted a Le Crueset Dutch oven and casserole. I visited them often at Sur la Table. I told myself “someday”. But, someday just never seemed to arrive. Then, one evening I popped onto Amazon.com to fantasy cookware shop, and when I searched “Dutch oven”, Amazon suggested Lodge enameled cast Iron. Every foody knows the Lodge name. They make the best cast iron cookware on the market, and have for over a century. I had no idea they made enameled cast iron products. Their 3.5 court casserole and 6 quart Dutch oven in Island Spice red especially caught my eye because they look just like Le Creuset. The price tags on each intrigued me. Each piece retailed for just under $50. A Le Creuset casserole retails for almost $200, a Dutch oven, for about $250. I investigated some more.

Reviews for the Lodge pieces were stellar. Many experts as well as amateur chefs felt that the Lodge pieces performed just as well as Le Creuset and were equally as beautiful. I placed my order. I am in love.

My Island Spice pieces are so stunning, I display them on a shelf in my kitchen. The lids fit tight, they cook evenly, and they clean up easily. Their weight is substantial, and the enamel is quality. I was concerned when I read that they were made in China, but a call to their customer service line put me at ease. Lodge staunchly guards its reputation, and all of their products are rigorously tested and held to lofty production standards. I was even surprised to learn that their pieces are individually cast, just like their Le Crueset counterparts.

Decorate with quality cookware! Inject some color into your kitchen. Bypass Le Creuset and snap up Lodge in Island Spice red or Caribbean blue. At those prices, you can’t go wrong.

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

through 3/10 Escada
For 4 days only, shop the ESCADA sample sale at Metropolitan Pavilion North and enjoy up to 75% off retail prices. Come early for the best selection of the season’s must have jackets, pants, cocktail dresses, gowns, shoes, and handbags. New merchandise arrives daily. All sales are final, no exchanges, or returns.
Place & Time: 110 W. 19th St. (The Metropolitan Pavilion – North) (btwn. 6th & 7th Ave.); M & T: 10am-7pm

3/10–3/13 Liberty of London
Shop Target’s Liberty of London collection before it debuts nationwide at the brand’s four-day pop-up.
Place & Time: Liberty of London for Target Pop-up. 1095 Sixth Ave., at 42nd St.; W (11–8), Th–S (9–8).

3/12–3/13 Fenton/Fallon
Shop below-wholesale prices at the Fenton/Fallon jewelry sample sale.
Place & Time: 187 Chrystie St., nr. Rivington St.; F (noon–7), S (noon–6).

Through 4/4 Tumi
In honor of the brand’s 35th anniversary, take $100 off any full-price purchase of $300 or more at Tumi.
Various hours and locations

Through 4/30 Janes Closet
Shop dresses and accessories by Huit-Huit, Deborah Sweeny, and more at the Jane’s Closet pop-up shop in Williamsburg.
Place & Time: 60 N. 6th St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; M–W (1–7), Th–S (noon–8), Su (noon–6).

3/16 – 3/19 Chantelle
Chantelle’s 1st Ever Blowout Sample Sale – Over 50% off the leading French lingerie brand
Place & Time: 260 5th Ave (btwn. 28th & 29th Sts); Tue 5pm-7pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thu 11am-8pm, Fri 10am-3pm

Have the inside scoop on an upcoming sale? Send your tips to info at newyorkdesigner.com

Speaking of Spain, the folks at FHM Espanol apparently follow a different set of “sexy cover shot guidelines” than their counterparts, as their covers aren’t (always) slapped with the ubiquitous sienna-tanned tartlet striking their best come-hither pose. If we lived in Spain, we would buy this magazine. (Well, we know we would look at it really long as we walked by the newstand). So, who did they opt for their cover this month? The lovely Iker Casillas, (goalie/Real Madrid) aka Saint Iker as he is referred to in the media for his skills.

We’ve said it before, but if the MLS wants to gain a fanbase and raise soccer awareness in the US…start with the ladies. Get those boys a team of stylists, dress ‘em up (and down) and get their sexy selves in front of our faces so we know who they are. I’ll once again refer to the D&G for AC Milan shower shot. How can this NOT work?

Happy Friday to all!

HP and Vivienne Tam have teamed up again in the form of The Butterfly Clutch. The HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition made its runway debut at New York Fashion Week as part of Tam’s spring 2010 collection last season.

HP announced today that customers in the U.S. can now reserve their clutch by calling +1 800 230 5752 or by visiting www.hp.com/viviennetam. (that link wasn’t working when we tried earlier, but we’re hoping they fix it soon)

The Butterfly Clutch will also will be available at U.S. retailers including Neiman Marcus, Amazon.com, Best Buy and J&R Electronics. Once the link above is adjusted, check back to find distributors worldwide.

The HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition is expected to be available March 19 with a starting price of $599.

We’re intrigued, but are personally a fan of the peony design over the butterfly. However, one snazzy feature…with a click of a button, the webcam turns into an instant “mirror”. Loving the female touch on technology.

We love us some D&G and embrace the whole world dressing in such style. The only problem in this equation…they have the skills to make a lingerie-look work and are assuming all consumers do too. hmmmm…You see where I’m going? Ladies, this is a look that should come with instructions. If you’re going to do it, rock the whole thing out and do it right.

Thank you Domenico & Stefano! LOVE.

It’s been a dreary winter. Usually I have the promise of spring fashion to marshall me through my winter blues. This year’s color palette left me cold, however. Blush tones and neutrals. Ugh. Not at all my colors, and not at all uplifting. So, this year I’ve decided to feather my nest with bright, cheery hues.

Target’s Room Essentials product line is perfect for those of us who want to inject some playfulness into our decor and do so on a budget. My favorites from the line are the melamine serving tray, utensil caddy, paper towel holder, kitchen canisters and bread box. I’m partial to the Wowzer Red, but the products also come in peppy shades of yellow, teal and green. With sticker prices ranging from $9.99 to $14.99, they’re just too cute to pass up.

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

3/4–3/7 Earnest Sewn
Prices range from $15 to $100 at the Earnest Sewn sample sale. Jeans are $70 (originally $225), women’s dresses and tops are $50 (originally $225), women’s denim jackets are $70 (originally $275), and men’s button-downs are $30 (originally $155).
Place & Time: 94 Orchard St., n.r Delancey St.; Th–S (10–8), Su (10–7).

3/4 – 3/6 WINK
New York’s leader in the latest must-have women’s fashion is a favorite among A-list celebrities like Whitney Port and Katy Perry. At Wink’s warehouse sale you will find up to 80% off handbags, jewelry, apparel, and footwear. The brands on sale include, but are not limited to: Dolce Vita, Free People, Pencey, La Rok and Parker.
Time & Place: 188 Columbus Ave. (btwn 68th & 69th St.); Thu-Sat 11am-7pm

Through 4/30 Jane’s Closet
Shop dresses and accessories by Huit-Huit, Deborah Sweeny, and more at the Jane’s Closet pop-up shop in Williamsburg.
Place & Time: 60 N. 6th St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (212-772-0712); M–W (1–7), Th–S (noon–8), Su (noon–6).

3/4–3/7 ABC Carpet
Furniture, linens, rugs, and home accessories are up to 75 percent off at the ABC Carpet & Home Bronx warehouse sale.
Place & Time: ABC Carpet & Home Bronx Warehouse, 1055 Bronx River Ave., nr. Watson Ave. (718-842-8770); M–S (10–7), Su (11–6).