Island Company & Letarte Sample Sale

ISLAND COMPANY & LETARTE SAMPLE SALE

ENJOY UP TO 75% OFF RETAIL TO KICK OFF THE SUMMER SEASON!

APRIL 1ST – APRIL 6TH

TUESDAY – SATURDAY: 9AM–7PM

SUNDAY: 9AM–3PM

225 FIFTH AVENUE

BETWEEN 26TH AND 27TH ST

NEW YORK, NY 10010

*ALL CREDIT CARDS & CASH ACCEPTED


ISLAND COMPANY: Candy Stripe Shirt Dress
MSRP $145
Sale Price $40

ISLAND COMPANY

Storm Linen Pilot Shirt MSRP $145 / Sale Price $40

Indo Swim Trunks MSRP $95 / Sale Price $30

LETARTE: Long Sleeve Tie Front Tunic

MSRP $238

Sale Price $60

Updated: Rent the Runway Sample Sale

So I checked out the Rent the Runway Sample Sale today around 1pm, and it was a zoo! The craziest I've ever seen it. Shoppers were polite but it was way to crowded not to get poked by passing hangers or elbows. The dressing room line even extended from the back all the way to the front of the store. Definitely not a good idea to come to this sale during your lunch break. I've been going to this sample sale since Rent the Runway starting holding it seasons ago. This was the worst assortment I've seen, unless what I usually get was all long gone. No Helmut Lang or Yumi Kim dresses for me to snatch up, and instead of seeing most dresses under $100 last season, most seemed to be over $100. 

There was only one dress I really liked, the Parker Blanche Sheath ($425), which was on the sale for $108. It wasn't worth it to me considering the zipper was broken. I wasn't going to stand in the dressing room line to just try on one dress, so a few of us started a little 'changing nook' over by the XS racks racks. One shopper helped me get out of the Parker dress when the zipper got stuck. 

Maybe it will calm down later in the week but by then all the dresses will be picked over. I usually end up finding different dresses when I come back multiple days during the sale, but with the craziness I experienced today, I may opt to not come back and give my wallet a rest from sample sales this week. 

I think it's time for Rent the Runway to create a Friends & Family sale day. This was one of my favorite sales but now that everyone knows about it, be prepared for long lines, pushing your way through, and a disappointing selection as dresses quickly move off the racks and out the door.

- Kim Weling

IT Cosmetics Spring 2014 Preview and Beauty Must-Haves

I recently enjoyed brunch with fellow beauty editors at Serafina, as we learned about the newest, innovative beauty products from IT Cosmetics Spring 2014. This is the first time I'm really trying several different IT Cosmetics products, and I'm just in awe at how unique their products really are. 

Here's a round-up of new IT Cosmetics beauty products I previewed during the brunch:

Feel The Moment™ Anti-Aging Ultra Hydrating Sensory Awakening Primer Serum ($38): Another amazing product that can be used before or after a moisturizer and before applying makeup, for perfectly poreless, ultra-hydrated, airbrushed skin. This primer serum can also be worn over your daily moisturizer or after applying a night cream for maximum results.  With essential oils, it really does feel like a soothing spa experience in a bottle. Caviar Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Silk all work to nourish, hydrate, prep and prime the skin, whule Vitamins A, C & E, Deep Ocean Water, Argan, Jojoba and Avocado Oil infusions leave the skin soft and younger looking.

Your Skin, But Better™ CC+ Cream + Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum + SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Physical Only Sunscreen ($38): I use this CC+ Full Coverage Cream in place of foundation, and love that it increases hydration in my skin, has a SPF 50+ non-chemical sunscreen and anti-aging Peptides, Niacin, Algae, Vitamins A, C, B, E, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Collagen as well as antioxidants and natural botanicals. The CC+ Full Coverage Cream is available in five shades - Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich. The Medium blends in perfectly for me!

Eyelift in a Tube™ Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer / Hello Light™ Liquid Brightener ($29): The IT Cosmetics product I've been most familiar with is the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer so I was super excited to see this combined a luminizer. I definitely need 8 hours of sleep in a tube, since I actually usually get half that amount and concealing dark circles and tired eyes are main concerns of mine. Eyelift In A Tube is formulated with Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peptides, Niacin, Antioxidants and Drops of Light Technology™ for a flawless radiant complexion. This is one product I can't live without. Bye Bye Under Eye is available in 4 Shades - Light, Neutral Medium, Tan and Rich while Hello Light™ Liquid Brightener comes in 2 shades - Medium and Deep. The Neutral Medium/Medium combo is perfect for me. 

Celebration Foundation™ Illumination Full-Coverage Anti-Aging Illuminating Foundation ($35): This pressed powder is best applied with the Heavenly Luxe™ Double Airbrush Foundation Brush, sweeping skin lightly with a circular motion. My T-Zone usually gets oily as the day progresses so I like to start the day with the CC+ Coverage Cream and use this pressed powder foundation for touchups. It's formulated with high quality ingredients that leave skin fresh and hydrated and never dry or cakey. Available in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich. 

Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette ($42): This beautiful palette contains 14 matte eye shadows that can take you from day to night. I love how the Transforming Pearl shade turns matte shades into softly pearlized ones, by dipping your brush into a matte shade and then tapping it into the Transforming Pearl shade. This is such a versatile palette - it can be applied wet or dry, worn alone or mixed and also doubles as eye liners. These eye shadows also include anti-aging ingredients including Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acai, Green Tea, Silk and Antioxidants. 

No-Tug™ Heavenly Luxe Dual Shadow Brush ($24): IT Cosmetics make-up brushes are just beautiful and extremely soft. This shadow, crease and smudge liner brush create an airbrushed look. The large flat side is used for applying all over shadow and lid application. To use as a "no-tug™" crease brush, just turn the large end sideways using back-and-forth windshield wiper motions. The smaller smudge brush is used for below your lash line 

Liner Love™ Waterproof Anti-Aging Crème Gel Eyeliner with No-Tug® Technology and Lash Enhancing Peptide Serum ($24): This crème gel glides on smoothly and effortlessly. It's easy to apply the gel eyeliner along the upper, lower or inner lash line, from a natural line to a smudging smokey eye, when using the Heavenly Luxe® Ten-in-One Tightliner™ Brush. 

Tightliner™ 10-in-1 Dual-Ended Brush ($24): This is by far my favorite brush, with a Tightlining End and a Bent Liner End. Makes applying eyeliner easy, with a precise, firm, even stroke. This brush duo also comes with a cheat sheet on how to create 10 looks - naturally defined, elongated eye, winged tip, wrap around smudging, cat-eye, bottom lined, inner rim wide eyed, top line definition, double-winged top & bottom and smoky eye. 

Waterproof Tightline Full Lash Line & Length Black Mascara Primer with Peptides, Collagen, Proteins, Biotin, Nettle Extract, Green Tea and Jojoba ($24): The skinny wand makes it easy to allows you to coat the root of your lashes, by holding the wand horizontally and then wiggling and sweeping to the tips, adding additional coats for a more dramatic look. To achieve more of a visible eyeliner effect, I press the wand along the root of my lashes to fill the gaps in between my lashes and move along the entire upper lash line for a Tightline eyeliner effect. This multi-tasking product provides the ultimate length, volume and definition, filling in any sparse spots. The skinny wand allows the conditioning serum to infuse a blend of lash-enhancing ingredients including Peptides, Collagen, Proteins, Biotin, Nettle Extract, Green Tea, Jojoba, Rose and Vitamins. Available in Black. 

CC+™ Liquid Lip Serum Hydrating Anti-Aging Color Correcting Crème Gloss ($24): If it's one product I make sure I am always carrying in my bag now, it's this one! I can't say I've ever owned a beauty product such as this one - a plush and super hydrating serum with radiant color (available in one shade - Love). It acts as a serum but goes on like a gloss, without being sticky, runny or cakey. I've been using this daily and the color correcting rich pigment minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it really does add shine and keeps my lips hydrated. Ingredients include 9 essential oils and butters such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, avocado oil, argan oil, and jojoba plus collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid. 

Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain ($24): This gloss stain glides on like a lightweight serum, similar to the CC+™ Liquid Lip Serum Hydrating Anti-Aging Color Correcting Crème Gloss, complete with anti-aging oxidants. Available in 6 shades. I love both the Naturally Flushed and Sweet Rose shades. They had just the right amount of color to my lips and perfect for day or night.

I'm really excited to add IT Cosmetics full-coverage anti-aging products to my makeup routine. It is interesting to note that many of IT Cosmetics products are developed with leading plastic surgeons, with products that are the first of its kind. IT Cosmetics is available at ITCosmetics.com, ULTA Beauty stores, ULTA.com. You can also find select products at QVC and QVC.com and The Shopping Channel & theshoppingchannel.com in Canada. 

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Serafina

- Kim Weling

Peter Som for DesigNation Exclusively at Kohl's

Peter Som for DesigNation exclusively at Kohl's features chic, affordable pieces all under $100 for Spring 2014, perfect for the office, an upcoming vacation or brunch with friends. Key pieces include the tank maxi dress ($78), jumpsuit ($88), moto jacket ($78), elastic cuff pants ($48) and a button-down shirt dress ($74). The collection, inspired by St. Barths, evoke the culture and the bliss of island life in a palette of antique white, indigo, fiery red, dynamic stripes and prints. 

 Peter Som for DesigNation exclusively at Kohl's launches in store and online at kohls.com on April 10th, with sizes starting at 0/XXS and prices ranging from $38 to $88.

- Kim Weling

United Bamboo Sample Sale

Rachel Zoe "Living in Style" Launch Party at DreamDry

On Wednesday, March 26th, I celebrated the launch of Rachel Zoe's new book, Living in Style: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Glamour with ELLE and essie at DreamDry, at 35 W. 21st Street. Rachel Zoe signed copies of her book for guests, as they enjoyed cocktails, delectable sweets, dry styling and braids by DreamDry and complimentary essie manicures with the new essie spring 2014 collection. 

In Living In Style, Rachel offers tips and advice, along with style insights from fellow insiders, friends and family members. You'll find photographs from Rachel's private archives and learn about her personal icons and earliest influences as she shares the story of her own style evolution.

- Kim Weling

SEPHORA + PANTONE Pop-Up Greenhouse Featuring Radiant Orchid

Yesterday, March 27th, I stopped by the SEPHORA + PANTONE Pop-Up Greenhouse to celebrate the Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid. The Sephora makeup artists and Bumble and bumble hair styling team created my perfect spring look. The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry Set for a smoky eye, Rush Luster Cheek Sweep and Radiant Paint Gloss were used for my evening look, while Bumble and bumble's Prêt à Powder and Cityswept Finish were used to create my loose waves. I got so many compliments on my look, I can't wait to recreate it myself! I also fell in love with the lip lacquer, which is a stunning, pigmented Radiant Orchid gloss.

Guests also enjoyed mini cupcakes, candy and refreshments and captured their new spring look at the digital photo booth. Each service took about 15 minutes and then I was on my way! There's one day left for you to stop by the pop-up for complimentary beauty services! The pop-up is located at Big Screen Plaze, behind the Eventi Hotel, at W 29th Street between Avenue of the Americas and 7th Avenue. Click here for more information on the pop-up and for more Radiant Orchid looks, go to sephora.com/coloroftheyear.

- Kim Weling

United Nude Sample Sale

The United Nude Sample Sale is one sale you don't want to miss, with prices from $25, $50, $75 and $100!

What: United Nude Sample Sale

When: Tuesday, April 8th - Saturday, April 12th

Time: 9am - 7pm

Where: United Nude Showroom, 146 West 29th Street, Suite 9W (Between 6th

and 7th Avenues)

The sale will include up to 80% off past styles.

Cash & credit card payments will be accepted.

- Kim Weling

Monika Chiang Sample Sale Update with Reduced Price List

Hoping to snag some more leather pieces, I stopped by the Monika Chiang sample sale around 1pm on the first day. I was shocked to see a lot of new apparel and shoes that wasn't at the last sale.  No lingerie, or home items this time around, and looks like the belts are sold out. They don't expect to get another shipment in but I'm still on the lookout! I have updated this post with the current price list as reductions were taken today. Now this sale is really worth checking out!

I ended up getting the Perforated Leather Tee in Black for $60 (originally $750) and the Fitted Peak Lapel Jacket for $55 (originally $575). I also got the Calf Hair Cobalt Equidae Bootie for $60 (originally $525) and the Gunmetal Harness Necklace for $30 (originally $295). This sale has been just as incredible for the second round this month! This sale is definitely worth stopping over at!

- Kim Weling

Discover Radiant Orchid with the SEPHORA + PANTONE Pop-Up Greenhouse

DISCOVER RADIANT ORCHID AT THE SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE COLOR OF THE YEAR POP-UP GREENHOUSE IN MANHATTAN

Inspire Your Beauty, Thursday, March 27th Through Saturday, March 29th

WHO: SEPHORA, the revolutionary beauty retailer that continues to change the face of prestige cosmetics with its dynamic, open-sell atmosphere and its curated assortment of over 200 world-class brands, including classics, cult favorites, emerging collections and Sephora’s own private label, SEPHORA COLLECTION

WHAT: SEPHORA is celebrating spring and the launch of its latest SEPHORA + PANTONE Color of the Year cosmetics collection with the SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Pop-Up Greenhouse. For three days only, this one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory beauty experience will offer complimentary on-site beauty services featuring Radiant Orchid, the 2014 Pantone Color of the Year, amid a lush floral oasis.

WHERE: SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Pop-Up Greenhouse

Big Screen Plaza, behind the Eventi Hotel

W 29th Street (b/w Avenue of the Americas and 7th Avenue)

WHEN: Thursday, March 27th through Saturday, March 29th, 2014

11AM - 7PM daily

WHY: In addition to receiving a Radiant Orchid beauty look from SEPHORA PRO artists, guests will be able enjoy a style service from Bumble and bumble, and capture their look amongst exotic flowers, orchids and greenery at a digital photo booth. Special offers and surprises will be part of the excitement, too, especially if you’re a member of Sephora’s Beauty Insider loyalty program. Follow the action with @Sephora and #SephoraPantone

Frozen Food Favorites

With the schedule I have, between work, blogging and events, that doesn't leave a lot of time for cooking at home. I am all about preparing quick and easy great-tasting meals. Frozen foods don't have to be dull and boring. My frozen favorites are comprised of Luvo, EVOL Foods, Farm Rich and Garden Lites. 

Luvo, formerly sold and packaged as LYFE Kitchen Retail, encourages a healthier lifestyle, with meals made of nutrient-dense ingredients, less than 500 calories and contain 500 mg of sodium or less per entrée. Red Wine Braised Beef & Polenta is a new entrée I have yet to spot in my local grocery store, but I am on the lookout for it. Some of my current Luvo favorites that I've tried include Oat Bran & Ricotta Pancakes, Chicken Chile Verde and Orange Mango Chicken. 

EVOL Foods deliver fabulous flavors with simple all natural ingredients. My EVOL favorites include Fire Grilled Steak and Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese but now I'll be searching for EVOL's newest launches, Gluten Free Uncured Bacon Mac & Cheese and Butternut Squash & Sage Ravioli. 

Farm Rich frozen appetizers are the perfect for when I just need something to snack on, either before or after an event. They are also great to serve during gatherings or parties. The newest Farm Rich frozen appetizers include Toasted Ravioli and Crispy Dill Pickles. Some classic favorites include Mozzarella Sticks and Queso Cheese Bites.

Garden Lites is a line of vegetarian, all natural soufflés and zucchini "pasta" dishes filled with nutritious real flavors. My favorites include the Veggie Chili & Cornbread Melt, Southwestern and Zucchini Chocolate Veggie Muffins. The various Garden Lites muffins are great for breakfast or as a snack. I'm really interested in trying the Pumpkin Spice or Roasted Vegetable. 

- Kim Weling