Dear Rebecca Minkoff Sale...It's not me, it's you

The eagerly anticipated Rebecca Minkoff sale is finally here! We checked it out this week, braving about a half hour on line in the hopes of some shoulder swag (i.e. purses). As usual, there was a LOT of merch to choose from, and the prices were lower than we remember them being in previous years. Unfortunately, though, we just didn't love the selection. On the other hand, if you need a mini mac, this is definitely the place to get it. As for the rest of the selection, though, we were a little disappointed. There were a lot of nylon and straw options, and a table full of samples. Missing from this sale were the gobs of MABs that customarily are present. Could it be that our love affair with Minkoff is ending??? Say it isn't so!

Also, there were clothes and shoes at the back of the room, all at reasonable prices. However, we didn't love any of the clothes. And, let's face it - we were there for the bags!

The sale runs through 8pm tonight and 3pm tomorrow at 260 Fifth Ave. Last chance to grab your mini macs!

Minty Fresh Trending

It seems like everywhere we turn lately, we see someone wearing cool mint green. This pastel, a lovely soothing color, is tricky to wear in a flattering way. For example, pastel pants tend to work on only the slimmest specimens. Still, there are several good options for the rest of us. Whether it's dresses, blazers, or accessories, there are more than enough mint juleps to go around for everyone. Here are some of our wearable favorites!

Amanda Uprichard Maxi Dress

Dolce Vita Sandals

ALC Blazer

(photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman.com)

 

Rebecca Minkoff Skylar Mini

(ok, we know this is mint blue, but love it paired with a mint green)

 

 

And, with the Rebecca Minkoff sale starting on Monday, you will be able to snag mint green purses galore!

Basically masculine at the James Perse Sample Sale

 

The scene outside, around 2 p.m. on Tuesday

 

 

 

Some of the men's merch

 

Men's hoodie and lovely strawberry

shortcake colored women's tee

 

After impatiently waiting on line for about 30 minutes yesterday, we happily (as you see above) scored some great bargainst at the James Perse Sample Sale. The scene was crowded but not crazy, which was good since it was necessary to pick through each rack in search of misplaced items. Basic tees were marked at $20. The men's selection boasted a greater variety than the women's. Men had their pick of short sleeved tees in limited colors, long sleeved tees and heavier long sleeved shirts in a variety of colors, and comfy zip up hoodies.

 

For women, almost all of the basic tees had already been snatched up - the options that remained were mostly sample dresses, pastel tanks (a cool $15 each). There were also a wide selection of cropped cargo pants by Perse's Yosemite brand.

 

The bottom line: if you are looking for good deal on basic men's tops, it's worth the wait. Otherwise, you might want to save your $$ for one of the many upcoming spring sample sales! On the other hand, word is that they will be restocking, so maybe your luck will be better than ours!

 

The deets: 260 Fifth Avenue, through 4/21. W-F, 10am-7pm. Sat, 11am - 7pm. Sun, 11am-5pm.

 

Note: keep in mind that the brand sizing runs from 1-5, with 2 equating to abuot a medium.



January jewelry...Birdhouse

In what is apparently going to be dubbed jewelry month at StyleShifter, we will round out this last day of January with one more option! Birdhouse Jewelry, available on Etsy and at the Brooklyn Flea market, includes an array of fun casual options.

Our favorites are the state charms, which make fun and unique gifts. For $5, you can get a silver or gold plated charm of any state in the US. Another fun gift is the custom inscription pendant. For $20, you can have front and back inscribed with the message of your choice.

You can shop Birdhouse on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/amyetsy, or check out the brand's website: http://www.birdhousejewelry.com/index.html.

So, to recap January's jewels:
For beautifully crafted intricate adornment handmade in Mexico, read our post about Virgins, Saints & Angels here.
For cute, affordable, customizable Etsy artist Taryn's jewelry, check out the review here.
Or re-read the above about Birdhouse!

See you at NYFW!

Taryn's Treasures

With Valentine's Day coming up, who isn't thinking about jewelry?! In fact, with Fashion Week soon approaching we could all use some flash for the fetes and photogs!

Our favorite cute and affordable choice is Jewlery by Taryn. Taryn is yet another Etsy treasure - an artist hand-crafting all her pieces and available to customize! We just got the necklace pictured below, but got a version that is customized in red - <3 for a fun and easy day to night option! And whether a gift or not, each bauble feels like a present as Taryn packages each one its a customized gift box. 

Best of all, my StyleSetters get a discount on http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybytaryn! Enter code Styleshifter at checkout on Etsy for 10% off your order! 

(Of course, you can always check out Jewelry by Taryn on Facebook or @jewelrybytaryn.)

Stay tuned for Fashion Week coverage over the next few weeks!

Once Upon a Time...by VSA Designs

Once Upon a Time...

Our inner princess reveled as we adorned ourselves with intricately crafted crowns and tiaras.

Last night we were treated to a special viewing of Virgins Saints & Angels new collection. All handmade in Mexico, necklaces, earrings, rings and regal headwear sparkled.

Our favorite was a cocktail ring with a lovely translucent sea-hued face rimmed by its delicately detailed setting. It also slightly made us want to gaze into the stone, stylish fortune teller style, in the hopes of divining the future. Check out part of the the glittering collection below:

In fact, now that we think of it, maybe StyleShifter will start a movement for Tiara Tuesdays!

 

Virgins Saints & Angels: http://www.vsadesigns.com

We Wish You a Merry Sample Sale

Our pre-New Year's Resolution is to start Christmas shopping before Christmas Eve! Luckily, this week is jampacked with sample sale-ing opportunity...here's our shopping schedule:

12/3 - Candela at 584 Broadway (through 12/14)
12/4 - Current/Elliott, Joie, Equipment at 260 Fifth Ave (through 12/8)
       - Splendid/Ella Moss at 260 West 39th St (through 12/5)
12/5 - Olive and Bette at Third Ave between 71st and 72nd (one day only)
       - Shoshanna at 231 West 39th St. (through 12/6)
12/6 - Eberjey at 40 East 34th St (through 12/7)
12/7 - day of rest.

Basically, we should be ready for holiday weekend festivities fully bedecked in new apparel. Perhaps a Friday soiree in adress from Shoshanna and Eberjey lingerie and a Saturday jaunt in Current/Elliott jeans, Candela boots and a basic Splendid top. 

Oh...well, this is embarrassing...back to gifts.

Basically, we should be ready for holiday weekend festivities with the peace of mind that holiday shopping is nearly complete!  

And, because we know there is more to the season than gifts, we won't forget about our friends from the Salvation Army who are out in the cold this Christmas season looking for donations.

And to all a good week of sample sale battle...it's the most wonderful time of the year!