Come to the Shop Looking Extra FLY!

Just in time for the Christmas season, off-price fashion e-tailer, Bluefly.com, opened a holiday store at Underground-NYC located at 1031 Avenue of the Americas. (not too far from 29^th Street)

According to Women’s Wear Daily, the new shop features Via Spiga coats, Prada boots, Tod’s, Fendi, Ferragamo, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Monclear and much more. And the best part: every week, a different company rents the space, so you never know what to expect! And even if you’re too busy now to stop by, the brick-and-mortar store will hang around through the end of next month.

btw…This isn’t bluefly’s first foray into opening a store front, and something tells me it won’t be the last.

Love ya like crazy,
Deena

Deena's Holiday Gift Guide

Tis’ the season for gift giving! I don’t know about you but Christmas time always makes me feel giddy and warm inside, and to paraphrase my favorite holiday I simply state: “Yippy!”

But with Christmas is so close you can almost kiss it hello, it’s time to start—or in my case continue—thinking about what perfect gift to give relatives and special friends. So, to aid you in your holiday hunting, I decided to give suggest a few gifts for my lovely Fashion Rationers! Enjoy and tell me all about it…

Love ya,
Deena

What: Paul Frank Passport Holder ($125)
Why: Its purple silk lining is perfect for chicly protecting otherwise dull passports, and the signature multi-stripe print spruces up every vacay.

What: Calvin Klein Large Pleated Hobo Bag ($198)
Who: Mommy
Why: Because you can’t afford to buy her a Marc Jacobs bag, but you still want her to be stylish. It’s cute, classic and most importantly, something she’ll rave to her co-workers about.

What: Jimmyjane’s Little Ember Set ($32)
Who: Favorite Auntie
Why: Unlike most scented candles that last for two hot seconds, this ‘lil bad boy is the crème de la crème of candles. Not only is it made of the highest quality natural cosmetic-grade waxes and other plant extracts, but when it melts, Jimmyjane’s formula transforms into a slow absorption,
high-slip massage balm—or moisturizer as I like to use it—for every occasion.

And if that’s not enough, Little Ember is made with a lead-free cotton
wick, so it burns cleanly. My personal fav is the CORIANDER + QUINCE
set, but rumor has it GINGER + DATE is pretty good as too.

What: MK2K Anorak ($484)
Who: You
Why: Because you’re worth it!

What: Effortless Style by June Ambrose ($19.95)
Who: Fashionable or Less-than-fashionable Sibling
Why: Years ago, June Ambrose was miserable working in investment banking. Realizing that she was unhappy and needed a way out, June turned her love for shopping into a career. Now June is styling tons of celebs including Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Kelly Ripa, and Mariah Carey. Her fascinating book reveals industry secrets that help everyone dig deep into their inner fashionista and come out on top regardless of body types or budgets. And even if you know everything about fashion, June—in clear step-by-step instructions—tells of how you can improve your presentation, whether it's for a first date or an important meeting. It's simply the gift that keeps on giving!

Shopping the Night Away

Happy Hump Day!

My, my, my! I just got back from the ultra-amazing Shop NYC event that showcased accessories and clothing of emerging fashion designers, and boy was it SO much fun. Sponsored by GEN ART—an arts & entertainment organization dedicated to supporting emerging talent in film, fashion and music—Shop NYC was packed to the hilt as it promoted the best of the best.

Within 10 minutes of entering the building I knew I was in trouble. The designers were so nice and best of all everything was discounted! As I stopped at one of the first tables, I met shoe designer Tiffany Chantra whose shoes made bold statements of wit and attitude. When I saw her smiling face and gorgeous $40 brown/teal pump, I nearly threw my wallet at her! They were to dye for. Needless to say after swooning over them for 20 minutes, they rode the subway home with me.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Shop NYC made sure there wasn’t a dry mouth in the house as they provided beverages courtesy of Baileys, Budweiser Select, Johnnie Walker and Imperia Vodka. (yum!)Too bad as the evening wore on I became a bit tired, because if momma had a bit more energy, I would’ve relished in the complimentary hair styling by Ecru New York and brow grooming by Tweezerman.

Who could forget the beautiful DJ Kiss spinning on the 1’s and 2’s the entire evening? I was so memorized by her quick-spinning hand I just had to take a picture for my lovely fashion rationers. If anyone needs a banging DJ for a party or celebration DJ Kiss is definitely your woman.

I know everyone couldn’t attend, but the good news is everyone can sign up to be a GEN ART member (or just join the mailing list at www.genart.org ) and receive updates on ALL their shindigs. It’s all about supporting up-and-coming designers, right? And as Elle magazine said “When a brand new star is born, chances are GEN ART has something to do with it.”

Love you madly,
Deena

D&G Expansion on Madison Ave.!

Hi Ya!
I was so, so excited to visit designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s refurbished and expanded NY flagship at 825-827 Madison Ave. today, but when I arrived, sadly it wasn’t open to the public. Although I’m sure in a few days, the 12,960-square-foot store will be bubbling over with Manhattan shoppers, but there’s nothing like a quick tour on the first day. (Ahh…nothing like the smell of a new clothing store)

According to today's Women’s Wear Daily, D&G has two special bag projects for spring ’08 that are priced approximately $40,000 per bag. (Gasp!) But, if you’re feeling animalistic—the bags are made of antique brocades, crocodile and python—or if you desire a bit of exclusivity, go for it.

So much for my trek in the freezing cold, but oh well, that just ensures a better visit for next time...

xoxo,
Deena