Shopping

Brand: Victoria’s Secret
Product: Miracle Bra Swimsuits

Two weeks ago I decided to go swimsuit shopping. I came home empty handed. The problem? All of the swim merchandise at all of the stores was already picked over. Not yet June, and there was not a single swimsuit in my size to be had. That’s the way retail works these days. They’ll be setting up for Christmas on July 5th, I’m sure.

I decided shopping online was my best option, but was nervous about not having the opportunity to try anything on. Also, a perusal of online swimwear shops turned up plenty of swimsuits, but most cost in excess of $100. By chance I hit onto the Victoria’s Secret website, and I kicked myself for not having thought of them sooner! There were pages and pages of suits. Several designer suits were offered as well as suits by their own company from the Beach Sexy, Miracle Bra, and Pink lines. I became fascinated with the Miracle Bra line which allows you to “build” your perfect bikini by picking the style of top and bottom that bests suits you. Want a lot of coverage? They have you covered. What to flash some skin? No problem. In a variety of colors and prints, Vicky has a solution for you. On sale right now, many tops cost just $28.50 and bottoms just $21.00. Myself? I chose the “Red Poppies with Black Trim” bikini with the halter top and o-ring scoop bottom.

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

Brand: Nair
Product: All lotion and hair removal for legs

I must be doing something wrong. Nair products have been on drugstore shelves forever. I’m betting at least since Halston dresses were all the rage. Nearly every year I seem to buy a new formula of the product hoping that this will be the one that will remove the hair without the rancid smell and intense burning sensation. Every year I’m disappointed. Every year Nair makes at least $6.50 off of my optimism, (or stupidity).

I’m left wondering if this stuff works for anyone? So tell me readers, has this stuff worked for anyone you know? Can you provide me with some tips on how to make it work? Please, help a girl out!

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

5/18–5/20 Nanette Lepore
Dresses are $150 (originally $335 to $595), skirts are $95 (originally $195 to $295), and jackets are $190 (originally $285 to $495) at the Nanette Lepore sample sale.
Place & Time: 225 W. 35th St., nr. Seventh Ave., 4th fl; T–Th (9–7).

5/19–5/20 Colette Malouf
Headbands are $40 (originally $150) and jewel-encrusted hair accessories are $30 (originally more than $100) at the Colette Malouf sample sale.
Place & Time: 594 Broadway, nr. Prince St., Ste. 1216; W–Th (10–8).

5/19–5/22 Various @ Melissa Shoes
Select styles by Vivienne Westwood, Karim Rashid, Alexandre Herchcovitch, and more are 50 to 70 percent off during the Melissa Shoes summer 2010 sample sale.
Place & Time: 520 W. 27th St., nr. Tenth Ave., Ste. 601; W–S (noon–8).

5/20–5/21 Derek Lam
Find deep discounts at the Derek Lam sample sale. The star-printed silk blouse is $295 (originally $450), the shell-print silk tank-dress is $695 (originally $1,190), and the stretch cotton trouser is $295 (originally $490).
Place & Time: 601 W. 26th St., nr. 11th Ave., 17th fl., Ste. 1730; Th–F (10–6).

Through 5/21 Various @ Showroom Seven
Clothing and accessories from Erickson Beamon, Orla Kiely, Andy & Debb, and more are up to 90 percent off during the Showroom Seven sample sale.
Place & Time: 263 Eleventh Ave., nr. 28th St., third fl. (212-643-4810); M–S (10–7), Su (closed).

5/26–5/27 Ali Ro
Select spring/summer blouses, dresses, jackets, and shorts are more than 65 percent off at the Ali Ro sample sale.
Place & Time: 530 Seventh Ave., at 39th St., Ste. 1402; W–Th (8:30–6).

Upcoming Sale Worth a Mention…

6/22-6/25 Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
The city’s most anticipated sample sale is back with 70-80% off retail at Scatola Sartoriale. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania tops, skirts, and dresses on sale. Dresses are now $150, originally $750+! Also featuring international designers including Iodice, Improvd, and more. Stock up on leather vests and jackets, denim, and knits at wholesale prices. Get summer ready with airy dresses and lightweight scarves, prices as low as $39!
Place & Time: 544 W. 27th Street (btwn 10th & 11th), 6th Fl; Tue-Fri 10am-8pm

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