Posts Tagged ‘Shopping’
T. J. Maxx: Designers, Deals, and The Runway (for real!)
I recently was invited to check out the latest offerings and brand-spanking new T.J. Maxx store at 99th and Columbus in NYC, and was quite surprised to see such a vast array of designer items with most prices clocking in at 50% or more off of retail. The new T.J.’s in Manhattan is a spectacular space, incredibly well stocked, organized, tidy, and superbly merchandised in every department. Everything was very well organized, and this location features a ‘Runway’ section, that carries just that — high-end designers, at a fraction of the price! Don’t expect to walk away with a pair of Ferragamos for $15, but it’s reasonable to expect that if they normally cost $450, you can get them for around $225.
Some items found in the Runway section included Moschino, Valentino (see pics above), Ralph Lauren, and many more. The shoe section is where I ended up spending most of my time — although I was given a gift card from T.J. Maxx to use, I did spend a significant amount more — Diane von Furstenberg flats were 70% off, as were a pair of Taryn Rose heels. The home goods section offered great gift ideas, from gourmet coffee to bamboo cutting boards, picture frames, and other knick-knacks that are perfect for gift-giving, or back-up gifts if you weren’t expecting someone to get something for you! Although T.J. Maxx has no plans to jumpstart an online business, and I am an online-buying junkie, I do have to say that a trip into the store is well worth the effort.
Forever 21 Pick of the Day: Mineral Wash Vest, $16
Loosely draped fabric, from infinity scarves to slouch boots and long loose sweaters are all the rage these days, so why not indulge while putting an ’80s spin on your item. We’re really digging the Mineral Wash Vest, $15.80, in charcoal or navy, because it gives the loose draping effect, contrasted with a fitted vest. Plus, we love the name ‘mineral wash’ — it sounds a lot more appealing than the ’80s reiminsicent-sounding ‘bleached’ or ’stonewashed’ denim.
Fashion Pulse Daily’s 2009 Fashion in Pictures
As the year draws to a close, I thought it would be fun to look through some of the fashion that we’ve covered in 2009 – plus look back at my 2009 style resolutions (hey – I did manage to uphold most of them!). Cheers to more beauty, creativity, and looking absolutely chic in 2010!
Me & My Sorel Hoonahs: A Love Story
I had ‘thrown in the towel’, thinking that there was no way to truly keep my feet warm, dry, and stylish in the winter, especially with the black ice, mysterious dark puddles at every curb, and endless blocks to walk in increment weather in NYC. I had resigned to a life of rotating between UGGs, Hunter rain boots, Sportos, and a pair of vinyl, puffy winter boots I called my “Napoleon Dynamites”, yet I never quite felt that each boot could serve multiple purposes, especially in the style department.
Alas, I had settled, and felt defeated regarding my winter boot dilemma. But like they say about love, when you least expect it, that’s when it finds you! As I was flipping through a holiday J.Crew catalog, I saw a model sporting a belted puffer vest, a cute corduroy skirt, and traditional Sorels. ‘Oh yeah, I forgot about Sorel!’ I said to myself, thinking how great they looked styled with the outfit. Sorel was kind enough to let me try out a pair of boots, and I was immediately drawn to the Hoonahs in ‘delta’, a chestnut shade with two buckles, a zipper, and a cream-colored canvas calve detailing.
The amazing features of the boot include waterproof leather, 100g Thinsulate insulation, a knit wool lining that spans from knees to toes, easy-on/easy-off closures, a removable and molded footbed, a traction outsole, and equestrian-inspired design. And that is how it all began – we’ve been together every day since, practically inseparable, doing everything together. Besides the versatility found in the essential functions of the boot, the stylish design looks great with leggings, jeans, cords, skirts, and even lbds. I can’t tell you the plethora of compliments I’ve received, which seems unusual, since after all, it is a winter boot. I guess I all I can say is that we were meant for each other.
The Sorel Hoonah is available in ‘delta’ or ‘black’ for $180 at Sorel.com
MJ Puts the Petal to the Metal
Via our friends at thefind.com:
This has got to be one of the sweetest handbags I’ve seen recently from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The Petal to the Metal leather satchel ($200 at Net-a-Porter) comes in a shade of tobacco called ‘newsprint’, yet it’s style shouts indulgent cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. Overall this is a charming bag because of its compact size. Clearly it is an example of the affordable whimsy and wit so clearly defined and redefined again each season at Marc by Marc Jacobs.
The Petal to the Metal leather satchel is a pint sized messenger bag adorned with a small bird on its front flap. The front flap is accentuated with a zipper detailing around the edge, although not functional it adds an interesting texture and outlines the shape of the bag. Inside is a pouch compartment lined in an ’80s inspired geometric twill print. The closure is secured by a magnet on the outside and a small non-functional strap loops under the gold-toned dove. I am not sure why the purely aesthetic strap does not cross over the entire bag, it does dilute the look of the design a bit. The dove has is embossed with a tiny circle so small you’ll need a magnifying glass to read the Marc by Marc Jacobs logo. The long strap and makes this messenger bag perfect for carrying only your most basic essentials. Overall I do like the look of this bag and it would make a perfect bag for a post-holiday trip abroad or a charming gift for aspiring fashionista teen. This whimsical bag is also the ideal accessory for adding a bit of eclectic fun to your casual weekend look. Pair with an oversized tee and or blazer, skinny black leggings and some oxford flats.