Gilt City New York Warehouse Sale VIP Preview

Last night I attended the Gilt City New York Warehouse Sale VIP Preview at the Altman Building. Gilt Groupe's merchandise was up to 75% off, including apparel, accessories and lifestyle items for women, men and children.

Handbags and clutches were snatched up in a matter of minutes, including L.A.M.B. (priced at $50), Marc Jacobs (priced at $100), Rebecca Minkoff (priced at $150) and Jill Sander (priced at $150)

Apparel racks were filled with some of my favorite designers - Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Tam, Missoni and Chloe. There was a great assortment of shoes at ridiculously low prices, but none for me (size 5 is hard to come by at a sale!)

I was shocked how deeply discounted the merchandise was! I was ecstatic with my purchases - a Geren Ford double strap bustier top for $50 (originally $258), Kiki de Montparnasse silk demi bra for $35 (originally $175) and Hanro boyshorts for $5 (originally $41).

Shoppers also enjoyed makeup touch-ups, beauty consultations and hair styling by Mizu Salon and mini -facials by Gotham Skincare and Lasik eye exams by Gotham Lasik, along with specialty cocktails by Svedka and music by DJ Ross Goldin.

While I shopped I enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, brownie bites and Vita Coco coconut water but was really addicted to e.e. cookies and got to sample an assortment of their flavors. My favorites were definitely the oatmeal with dried cranberries, blueberries & walnuts and the white chocolate macadamia nut with dried cherries.

I really hope the Gilt City Warehouse Sale bcomes an annual shopping event in NYC! The public sale day was today and I'm sure it was a hit!





- Kim Weling

Diesel x adidas Originals Sneaker Collaboration

The Diesel Lexington store held a launch party tonight for the Diesel x adidas Originals sneaker collaboration, which launched on January 20th.

The limited edition (only 10,000 pairs available globally) sneaker series launches online at diesel.com on Thursday, January 27th, 2011.


FORUM MID DIESEL LEA, $160


ZX 700 DIESEL, $120 - classic running shoe infused with Diesel fashion collection materials and colors


FORUM MID DIESEL TXT: Punk meets Rock n' Roll, $140 - including details from the latest Diesel Fiat 500 collaboration - reflector touches on stitching, strap and lace eyelets, Mohican Head on the tongue.


STAN SMITH SPECIAL and STAN SMITH 80'S, $130 - Two stories being fused: Starting from 1971, the Stan Smith, adidas' tennis shoe is being reinterpreted by 1978 born Diesel - a puzzle-like street/denim design. Patches made out of camel leather.

Nicholas K Sample Sale

Columbia Sportswear's Women's Snowfall™ Thermo™ Boot - Must-Have Item for the Season!

Women's Snowfall™ Thermo™, $325

If you find yourself trudging through snow, ice and slush this winter, especially in 20 degree temperatures, you are going to want to pick up a pair of Columbia Sportswear's Women's Snowfall™ Thermo™ boot.

An electric heating system is integrated into the design of the boot! All you have to do is charge up the removable battery on each boot. With just a press of the button , you'll immediately feel your feet warm up. There are three temperature settings - High (Red), Medium (Amber) and Low (Green).

The Snowfall™ Thermo™ incorporates Omni-Heat® breakthrough thermal technology that helps maintain warmth and prevent heat loss, keeping you comfortable in cold weather. Omni-Heat® ensures you stay warm and comfortable in the most extreme cold conditions. The thermo reflective lining actually provides 20% more warmth by reflecting heat back off of the reflective surface and off the space in between, allowing moisture to be wicked away and evaporate.

Here are some of the features:

• Rich embossed full-grain leather and suede upper with faux fur cuff
• Removable, anatomically contoured EVA footbed with anti-odor treatment
• Techlite® injection molded material for lightweight cushioning and support
• Non-marking Omni-Grip® rubber compound outsole for optimal traction

I found the boot to be stiff at first, similar to a ski boot feel. I easily adapted to wearing them though, especially in the snow. I feel like I can walk around the city all day and night in the Snowfall™ Thermo™ boots! Wearing them made it very easy to clean the snow off of my car without my feet getting cold and they also have a great grip when walking on ice.

You definitely should wear a thick sock, and one that isn't going to slide off your foot as you walk. If you don't wear a thick sock you run the risk of your ankle rubbing against the boot, which may hurt or feel uncomfortable. I also tried wearing the boot over leg warmers and that kept me comfortable and warm.

I absolutely recommend these boots, and plan on wearing them throughout winter. Even if there's not really snow on the ground I prefer to wear them to keep my feet warm in frigid weather. I have received some great comments on them already. Some people have approached me on the street and in stores about the buttons on the boots lighting up. They are really amazed when I tell them they are heated boots! You can get the Snowfall™ Thermo™ at columbia.com.

- Kim Weling

American Eagle Outfitters Spring 2011

American Eagle Outfitters Spring 2011 collection is in stores now! Some of my favorites are eyelet embroidered and military-inspired pieces. You'll also find crop corsets, ruffle camis, hoodies, slouchy skinny cargo pants, denim minis and cropped jeans.

Here are my top picks for spring:

• Long Spring Cardigan, $44.50
• Casual Cropped Popover, $39.50 - picked this up over the weekend! I look forward to lounging in it on the weekends
• 3/4 Sleeve Popover Hoodie, $39.50 - so comfortable!
• Fitted Eyelet Corset, $29.50
• All-Over Eyelet Blouse, $39.50
• High Waisted Eyelet Skirt, $39.50
• High Waisted Scallop Skirt, $39.50
• Swiss Dot Corset Dress, $39.50
• Surplus Military Bermuda Shorts, $39.50
• Cropped Military Jacket, $69.50 - I already have this too - it's lightweight and great to layer over an outfit.

Beaded, embroidered and woven bracelets

Stashable anoraks, $39.50, Canvas Graphic Makeup Case, $15.50 and Leather Rainbow Card Case, $12.50, Coin Purse, $12.50 and Top Zip Pouch, $15.50

Cute totes and bags for the season, including the Signature Canvas Tote, $24.50, Utility Messenger Bag, $39.50 and Pocket Cross-Body Bag, $24.50.

Love the new rugby stripe canvas pieces

One of my favorite aerie pieces is the Surplus Vest, $39.50 along with the Surplus Pocket Tank, $19.50 and Layered Sports Bra, $29.50.

New aerie underwear including floral boyshorts, birds boyshorts, wide lace boybriefs and floral boyfly boybriefs, 5 for $25 or $7.50 or $9.50 each.

-Kim Weling

Lands' End Spring/Summer 2011

I'm hoping that just by thinking of spring/summer, it will miraculously start getting warmer out. It's never too early to start thinking about bathing suits, and Lands' End has a few good ones, including the Seaside Sheath One Piece Swimsuit, which looks like it's a two-piece but is actually a one-piece. I love anything with ruching since it has that slimming appearance. There are also a few bikinis in red and blue and colorful prints.

Seaside Sheath One Piece Swimsuit, $59.50

Check out these fun beach totes! Guests that attended the preview received a monogrammed tote (shown on bench) with pockets deep enough to fit a bottle of wine, which we also received along with a striped blanket. The tote is perfect to bring along for a picnic too!

The multi-purpose canvas totes are Lands' End classics

Luggage pieces for weekend getaways and summer destinations

Shelby Collection bedding

Gotta love Lands' End Canvas. The ruffle tank, roll sleeve tee, Heritage sailor tee, hoodie, Heritage chino and new denim are in for spring/summer.

The Nautical Double Breasted Sweater Jacket, $69.50 is one of my favorite pieces for spring, especially when you need that extra layer but don't feel like wearing a jacket.

Route 63 Messenger Bag, $79.50

- Kim Weling

LOFT Spring 2011

LOFT Spring 2011 is a happy collection of vibrant colors, and graphic and bold patterns. Here's a sneak peek at my favorite looks. I think coral and papaya orange is going to be two of my new favorite colors for spring!

• Jungle Flowers Ruffle Shell in Warm Orchid, $49.50
• Charmuese Front Tee, $34.50
• Nautical Stripe Tee, $49.50
• Safari Zip Cardigan, $89.50
• Three-Tier Ruffle Windbreaker, $98
• Cropped Drape Jacket, $79.50

Left:
Patch Pocket Safari Sweater, $89.50
Coral Print Ruffle V-Neck Tank, $49.50
Modern Straight Jeans in Rinse Wash, $59.50
Short Flower Necklace, $39.50
Right:
Slub Cotton Metal Jacket, $79.50
Ombre Dip Dye Tee Shirt Dress, $59.50


Ruched Ripstop Anorak, $98.00
Scattered Leopard Print Dress, $79.50
Braided Belt with Ribbon Bow, $34.50

Nautical Stripe Tee Shirt Blouse, $49.50

Modern Denim Trousers in Rinse Wash, $69.50

Wide Knit Belt, $39.50

Relaxed Tailored Long Blazer, $98.00

Satin Stripe Top, $49.50

Relaxed Tailored Shorts, $49.50

Stone Necklace with Braided Cord, $34.50

Three-Tier Ruffle Windbreaker, $98.00

Coral Print Ruffle V-Neck Tank, $49.50

Drapey Modal Skirt, $59.50

- Kim Weling

Ann Taylor Spring 2011

This ruched top is one of my favorites to pair with a pair of pants or a skirt!


Here's a look at what you'll find in store at Ann Taylor for Spring 2011. Expect to see a lot of neutral pieces including bronze, khaki and black, along with feminine prints in lilac and violet, with traditional navy and white.

Skinny Stripe Wrap Top, $78

You can be sure to see animal prints as a continuing trend

Cascade Front Shirt, $88

Graphic Utility Fringe Skirt, $158

Left : Burnished Medallion Necklace, $88

Right: Deco Pendant Necklace, $58

Left: Statement Tassel Necklace, $68

Iris Canvas Platform Peeptoe Boot, $228

Burnished Treasure Necklace, $98

Holly Gladiator Heel, $198

Charming Bag, $148

Perfect Skinny Belt, $38

Love the shoes in the middle - can't wait for these to come out!

Left: Rosemary Canvas Strappy Platform Sandal, $198

Right: Reid Stretch Canvas Platform Sandal, $178

Right: Ivy Colored Platform Pointy Slingback, $178

Left: Perfect Skinny Lizard Belt, $38

Middle: Exotic Minaudiere Clutch, $98

Holly Gladiator Heel, $198

Look out for more wedding dresses at anntaylor.com. These are my two favorites. The strapless silhouette is my favorite for a petite frame.

Guests received a special Ann Taylor tote bag with a necklace. I received the Statement Tassel Necklace, $68.

- Kim Weling