Shoppinggal goes to Fashion Week :)

I haven't been to Fashion Week in almost 15 years. Last time I went was when I worked for Psycho Jeanine and she gave me her ticket to the BCBG show. She was a well-connected crazy woman who worked out of her tiny all-white apartment and she worked every assistant to the bone. Like Carrie Bradshaw she used her oven for storage but that's where any comparisons between her and SJP end. At first I was in her favor but as all the underlings ran away, her insanity was turned in my direction. And when I say ran away, I'm not kidding. I remember when one assistant literally stopped answering her phone and left a note by the door stating "I quit, I can't take it anymore." I'm still a little pissed that when one of the companies she worked with asked me to do some beauty modeling for their website she told them I was too busy. She was very jealous and liked to think of herself as the brunette Barbie - and yeah, she put that in her press kit.

I worked my butt-off for months with the promise of Fashion Week and in the end she kept all the good shows for herself and threw a single ticket my way. I don't remember anything about the fashion that day but I still remember that the free gift on my seat was some weird string bracelet thing. A few publishing jobs later (and further away from where I wanted to be professionally) I "retired" to have kids and I totally lost myself. I threw myself into mommyland where there was no me, just them. I got fat, wore shapeless knit dresses and Uggs, but I dressed my kids really cute. I used to spend hours perfectly accessorizing them - often in coordinating outfits. It's been about two years now since I decided to reclaim myself and started my journey with the Jillian Michaels 90 Day Revolution, then several rounds of T25, and now 50 lbs lighter I've started to dress like me and start to look in the mirror again.

Fast forward to last week when a new blogger friend Kyrzayda told me I could have her ticket to the Mongol show. I dropped everything and started planning my outfit. Then I saw the weather report and had to rethink my look. When you're popping out of the office and taking an Uber to Lincoln Center you can dress stupid, not when you're commuting via public transportation from NJ.

My husband snapped a few pics of me before I left - I wanted to do something crazy but like I said I needed to be warm (and he told me not to be stupid LOL) so I had to work around my coat. I was hoping the bold color would be enough to catch some photographers eye.

Details-
Hat: Eugenia Kim, Eugenia pop pom beret, sample sale, $30
Sunglasses: House of Harlow, Century 21 90% off, $15
Lipstick, MAC, Miley Cyrus Viva Glam (free with my Nordstrom Notes)
Coat: No label, vintage, thrifted $15
Belt: BE &D, thrifted $10 (retail $495!)
Bag: Chanel, Neiman Marcus, 75% off
Bracelets: AV Max leather cuffs, sample sale, $10 each
Gloves: 75% off Century 21, $10
Dress: Tracy Reese leather and tweed sheath, Nordstrom Rack, $40 (retail $355!)
Tights: Hanes shaper tights, Target, $6 (50% off)
Boots:  Sergio Rossi, Nordstrom Rack, $199 plus tax

When I got off the subway I went across the street to Bed Bath and Beyond to put myself together and then I went for it. I was greeted by a swarm of photographers and one really took an interest in me and shot every detail of my look. He asked if I was a designer so I said I was a blogger and he asked for my card. Note to self - make some business cards already. I was so nervous that I didn't ask for his card or even his name and I'm guessing my look wasn't important enough that I can't seem to find any pics of me anywhere. Sigh, I'll get 'em next time.

I had read that TRESemme was doing free hairstyling so as soon as they scanned me in I made a beeline right for their booth. It was around 9:20 and I took the earliest appointment which was at 11 so I had to go to my 10AM show with my hat hair. I circled around but when I saw people already lining up for the Mongol show I jumped in-line as well. I had a standing ticket but luckily it was pretty empty so they let us sit. I moved up to the 3rd row but I probably could have gotten into the 2nd row. The lighting was so bright that it was really hard to get any decent pics with my phone, camera or iPad so unfortunately I don't have to much to share.

I took a couple of videos of the live opening performance and the finale walk. Yes, I really need a DSLR already...

The show was a collection of bright colors but it felt more artistic than fashion. These were the only passable runway shots I could get.

In the last pic you may recognize some of the front row people. I know DJ Alex Merrell is one of them. A few celebs actually took turns taking pics in those seats to the right before the show. In this pre-show shot, checkout Eva Chen and some guy from Big Time Rush playing with their phones. I have no idea who the guy is but I offered to take a pic for the blogger girl sitting next to me who was starstruck :)

Luckily the show ended just before 11 so I went right to my hair appointment. The TRESemme lounge is two floors so I had a great view of the scene :)

I said great view, not a great pic LOL

Pictured is when my stylist just started to brush out my hair...

And here is my after :) Note why I take my camera with me everywhere - cell phones really don't work as well.

I told my stylist to have fun and this is what he came up with. It seems that bouncy, shiny hair is over, and textured, matted, 70s hair is on trend. Who knew?

I spent the next few hours hanging out in the tents (do they even call it that anymore now that the shows aren't in Bryant Park?) because once you have a ticket in you can stay all day :) I spent the time chatting with other bloggers and getting free stuff (oh yeah!) and even watched them tape Fashion Police. I ran over to take a pic with Kelly Osborne on her way to set but her handlers dragged her away :(

I watched the episode last night and if you look closely you can see me (look for the crazy hair) behind Giuliana a couple times in the first 5 minutes.

Like Cinderella at midnight I had to race the clock and get home before sundown for the Sabbath but that didn't stop me from checking in at Century 21 next door (nada) and leaving just enough time to get home to grab my stuff and get a Clear the Rack 25% off price adjustment at Nordstrom Rack :)

Took a pic of my swag bag on the bus home :) Tide had a booth (weird, right?) so I dragged home a package of pods, a bunch of TRESemme products (they had a machine dispensing full size products!), Pandora compact mirrors and some SmartWaters.

Speaking of Century, 90% off hit yesterday with ladies shoes and should be going department by department all week. Don't worry, I'll share my finds on the next post. I'll also save more Psycho Jeanine stories for another day and hopefully in the near future I'll have more Fashion Week stories to share :)

-Shoppinggal

Tamara Mellon is back!

Hands down, the Tamara Mellon first ever sample sale was the best sample sale I'd been to in YEARS - and I went on the second day. You can read my sale report here. I got myself on the press list to make sure I didn't miss the next one. Well, she's back, baby!

The address is 260 5th Ave., between 28/29th. The closest subway is the N/R/6 train to 28th street.  The dates are February 26 thru March 1st. See above for the hours.

From what's listed in the press release the prices seem to have increased from last time but I'm not missing it anyway...just in case :)

Boat neck romper, retail $745, sale price $150. Last time most clothing was $50.

The Crave bootie, retail $1595, sale price $150. Last sale booties and boots were $75 and shoes started at $50.

Speed Date large bag, retail $2195, sale $250. If they had this at the last sale I would have snapped it up because bags were priced $50-100!!

Don't feel bad if you can't make it to the NY sale. She has incredible discounts right now online! They also have free US shipping to make it a no-brainer. All sales are final so select wisely. Sizing is pretty much the same as Jimmy Choo. (I'm a US 9 and a 39.5 or 40 depending on the style). They had some $35 shoes which are now sold out but here are a few of my picks for 90% off!

Retail $495 - 90% off!

These yellow 90MM Addictions are just $50! I got a few Addictions at the last sale and I really love them. The yellow would be the perfect pop of color for your drab winter wardrobe and easily carry you into Spring.

If you can handle a higher heel grab these Turquoise suede 105MM Addictions (about 4") for $50 as well :)

Retail $495 - 90% off!

The flat gladiator sandal is all the rage for Spring. They had a bunch of flat sandals for 90% off - $60 each! My pick is this fun yellow Jungle Fever flat.

Retail $595 - 90% off!

For $70 they had a few, and I'm a little in love with these black suede Hotspring flats.

Was $695, now $70 - 90% off!

I know a few people were drooling over these Submission patent sandals that I scored for $55 at the sample sale. Get yours online for $99 - that's still 90% off!

They also had a few pairs of booties for under $99! Loving these black suede Downtown Studs for $80!

Were $795 - now 90% off!

So whether you'll be hitting the sample sale or not, hurry on over to TamaraMellon.com - I'm sure you'll find something to tickle your fancy. Don't hesitate because it's selling out fast!

-Shoppinggal

Thrift haul :)

I discovered thrifting in my late teens but it wasn't until my 20s that it became a regular affair. I've always loved the thrill of the hunt - but when you figure out you can buy vintage couture for less than $20 it becomes addicting.

This time of year I find a lot of people start to dump their closet in anticipation of Spring. As I get older and more selective I pick up more quality than quantity, and of late I've picked up a few gems.

I teased this image last week on Instagram :)

And no, that's not a Chanel, it's a Morris Moskowitz LOL. I do have to say the details are actually very impressive. It has similar details to Chanel's reissue and the quality of the leather held up beautifully considering this bag is probably older than me. Judith Leiber actually got her start working for him in the 60s. Did I mention is was only $8?

There was something about this pin. I didn't have my reading glasses with me so I couldn't make out the brand but it looked special. I keep hoping to find Chanel jewelry. This time I found a Benedikt for $2. Howard Benedikt made high-end costume jewelry from 1955 to 1973 and his store was located on 5th Avenue. Most of his pieces go for $20-50 (some higher) on eBay these days.

Then there are my $6 navy leather gloves. I usually wear a 7 or 7.5 in a glove but somehow I was able to just get into these 6.5s. They are no-name, made in Italy, and wool lined so they are super warm. I love vintage gloves because they just don't make 'em like they used to.

The same day as the Morris Moskowitz I also thrifted this large Sondra Roberts hobo for $6. It's a big beautiful bag and there is something very special about it. Feels very Alexanger Wang to me. I stopped wearing hobos when I had kids (these days I'm all about a cross-body) but I just couldn't leave this one behind. Not sure what it originally retailed for but Lyst had the last available (probably sale) price as $248 at Nordstrom.

stock pic

This linea pelle brownish-green studded leather belt was $6 and it probably retailed for around $100. I got it to belt my coats. The studs are very heavy - very Miu Miu, right?

And if you haven't figured out by now I'm a little accessory obsessed. I'm not all dresses LOL. This leather clutch was $4 and the sunglasses were $1.

 These J.Crew shoes were half-off so I got them for $5. Yes, a lot of my accessories are blue.

Marc Jacobs for $7.50? Yes, please! They need a little cleaning up but I snap up any designer shoe for less than 10 bucks in my size :)

I have picked up a couple dresses too :) The delicate lace on my Bill Blass dress needs some repair (and the waist taken in) but pieces like this are the reason I thrift. It was half off for $12.50 - I can't believe it wasn't snapped up at $25. Based on the tag and other pieces that I researched it looks like it's from the 70s. I seriously live for vintage designer pieces.

I also have a thing for the 80s and there was something about this $20 George Anthony knit Mohair dress.  Not so sure it's me but I always like to try new things. Now all I need is a wide red belt.

I've been collecting American Girl pieces with my girls for over 4 years now. My first AG thrift find  was almost 10 years ago - I picked up a set of Bitty Baby twins and a set of doll-size pottery barn chairs. I almost just took the boy doll for my son (who liked to push around a doll stroller) because I didn't really know what American Girl was yet. You really don't discover AG until you have girls :)

This is Samantha's retired commode with the top broken off. It was $5. I found it hidden with the jewelry boxes. At first glance I knew I had something - especially with the big Coconut the dog sticker on it.

That day they also had Felicity's foul, Patriot for just $3!!! The cashier looked at me and wanted to know what I was going to do with it. I told her my daughter likes horses. Never tell them anything about what you find otherwise next time it won't make it out of the back room. 

I find Bitty Baby stuff all the time - people get rid of it faster than the big girl stuff. I actually saw two of these wagons but I took this one because the door worked...until my daughter kept sitting in it and broke it off. No matter, it was only $4.

 This pram was only $6! I've seen these go for $100+ on eBay.

My daughter probably has around 20 Bitty Babies by now LOL. This one was in amazing condition and only $4.

We've also been collecting the matching girl and doll sets - we like to wear them every time we visit the store. We already have this set and now we have the girl dress in larger size :)

And that's all folks! I keep meaning to check out some new thrift stores but Fashion Week popped up. Don't worry, I'll tell you all about it in my next post :)

-Shoppinggal