Shop This: J.Crew & Madewell Sample Sale

Destination Shopping: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

It takes a lot to get me out of bed at 6:30 in the morning on a Saturday, but when I was offered the opportunity to head up to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets one recent Saturday, suffice to say I SET MY ALARM.

Located a quick and easy hour outside of New York, Woodbury Common is easily among the BEST outlet centers in the country. There, you'll find a range of outlets high to low, including a few of my favorites (Barney's New York, J.Crew, DVF and Last Call Neiman Marcus) and a few "onlys" (including an all new Tom Ford outlet opening this weekend - July 7, in fact!)

I easily had the most successful outlet shopping experience of my LIFE at Woodbury this go-around, with my final spend coming in at about $350. Included in my haul was an amazing Pamela Love cuff from the Barney's New York Lady Gaga Holiday Workshop, originally tagged at $390 - now just $18.81. Can you even? I can't!

Here's what you need to know if you're planning a trip up to Woodbury Common:

• Shop early or late to avoid crowds - we arrived at 10am on a Saturday, and shopping was a breeze.
• Know what to expect from your favorite brands in terms of quality, and avoid making exceptions for a great deal. MANY mass retailers manufacture product exclusively for outlets, including J.Crew and all of the Gap brands - Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy - and in some cases, the quality and fit can be widely disparate.
• Buy what you love, but MAKE SURE YOU LOVE IT before leaving - after all, will it be worth another hour drive just to return? 'Nuff said.
• Shop STRATEGICALLY! Whenever I hit Woodbury (at LEAST once yearly), I start in Grapevine Court as that's where most designer brand outlets are clustered. 
• Sign up for the Premium Outlets VIP Shopper Club here for access to a VIP coupon book with pages and pages of exclusive discounts - even if you just use one or two, it's well worth the time invested.

Learn more about Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and find directions and transportation online!

[#GIVEAWAY!] I Came, I Saw, I Conquered: Tanger Outlets

Truth be told, I'm not much of an outlet shopper, friends. I'm actually one of those rare, STUPID women who's willing to pay full price for things she loves. What can I say? I'm all about convenience. BUT when the peeps over at Tanger Outlets came a knockin' with a shopping CHALLENGE - oh, and a $500 gift card - I simply couldn't say no. I'm a Leo, you know, which means I live for a challenge. SO, off Sarah and I went, whisked away by car and driver to Riverhead, Long Island last Sunday and shop, we did - at Tanger Outlet stores like Converse, Lane Bryant, UGG, Barney's New York, Saks Off Fifth, Banana Republic, J. Crew and so many more...We also ate Auntie Anne's pretzels, but I digress.

Along the way, we learned a few lessons on outlet shopping:

1. Come with your curiosity, not a shopping list. It's impossible to predict what you'll find at an outlet center like Tanger, so keep your eyes open and enjoy the discovery process.
2. Pay careful attention to quality. Most mass retailers - i.e. J. Crew, Gap, Coach, Banana Republic and many others - produce dedicated factory merchandise, and in some cases, the quality is nothing short of tragic. Don't be seduced by a brand name you trust - make sure that the merchandise they've put their label on is what you've come to expect.
3. Wear sensible shoes. I'm not kidding. Of course, MY idea of "sensible" is likely far, far away (see above) from the AVERAGE woman's idea of "sensible", but either way, shopping the outlets can be EXHAUSTING, so wear something comfy and warm  - layers are a must in cold weather as most outlet centers are outdoors.
4. Last but not least, if you see something you love, snag it - you'll probably be too tired to swing back around for it at the end of the day!

So, what did I buy with my $500 gift card?  (all prices with tax):

• Kate Spade Blackberry Pouch: $13.04 (I know it's EMBARRASSING. But yes, I have a Blackberry. It's for work. My J-O-B. No judgement allowed.)
• Theory Jufina Turtleneck Sweater: $230.83 (Half price!)
• J. Crew W-Pieced Buckle Belt, Stripe Painter Scoopneck Tee, Couplet Dress: $94.46 (total; all Factory-specific product)
• Saks Off Fifth: Two large NEST Candles, Green Saks Fifth Avenue Cashmere Ombre Scarf: $116.81 (total)

Remaining Gift Card Balance? $44.86!

I'm curious! What would YOU snag with a $150 gift card to Tanger Outlets?  This isn't just speculation, peeps - leave a comment here and Like the Tanger Outlets Facebook Page for a chance to win just that! I'll choose three comments at random next Friday, December 16 at Noon!

Disclosure: Tanger Outlets sponsored my shopping trip last week, and graciously provided gift cards for this giveaway.

 

Holiday Wish List 2011: I've Been Nice!

Gift guide, schmift guide, y'all.

Truth be told, I remain relatively uninterested in what I'm buying OTHER peeps, and selfishly, MUCH more interested in crafting my own holiday wish list for the year. I'll get to the fam and friends in the coming weeks, or so I convince myself. But back to me. In case I've made it to any of your must gift lists (BLESS YOUR HEART and BREAK OUT YOUR WALLET), here are my wishes for the impending, looming, etc. season:

Brulee's chic and sexy piped silk robe ($280) makes me loooooong for loungetime.

I never grow tired of the whimsical signature Lips clutches from Brit designer Lulu Guiness. But bedazzle that noise in some shocking pink Swarovski crystals, and I'm completely SOLD. $1,025 later, you can cook yourself some ramen for dins after buying me this.

The NARS Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set ($125) elevates lipstick to high art. Imagine this on my vanity - no, stop, PUT THIS ON MY VANITY.

No woman epitomizes glamour like Carine Roitfeld, the former editor of Paris Vogue. Her new book Irreverent ($60.51) is a must on my list - it'll be the perf supplement to my already exploding collection of fashion and style books.

Say what you will about fur, but I love animals every which was possible - as pets, meals and yes, even accessories, i.e. 3.1 Philip Lim's deliciously decadent dyed fur iPad case ($502, but a bargain at any price) - truth be told, I can think of no nobler end for a bunny.

Samantha Jones once said "Women with candles have replaced women with cats as the new 'sad thing.'' Well, guess what, Samantha? I have cats and I have candles. Actually, it might be more aprop to say that I can NEVER have ENOUGH candles, and my favorite brand is  D.L. and Co. This snazzy gift set - it's both decadent and edgy - is just $36 over at HSN (related: HSN. Who knew!?)

Everyone in the world in the world wants cashmere socks, but few will cough up the pennies to indulge themselves. These Corgi Cashmere Socks ($88) from J.Crew are hot on my hit list for quality time at home with my DVR, and to peek out of my fave Loeffler Randall booties.

If, mayhaps, you might prefer to simply stuff my stocking this season, I'm ALWAYS open to that. And ahem, Deborah Lippman's Get the Party Started set ($42) -with three glittering shades of nail lacquer - would give me just enough sparkle for any holiday bash.

What's on your holiday wish list this year, kids? Also, much more importantly, do you think Santa will deem you NAUGHTY or NICE?

Shop This: J. Crew Sample Sale

Petite plaza coat, $298.00 at J.Crew

Who: J. Crew

What: Sample Sale!

When: November 28 - December 3, Tuesday - Friday, 10AM -8PM; Saturday, 10AM - 6PM

Where: 260 Fifth Avenue, between 28th/29th Streets (New York, NY)

Why: J. Crew and Madewell merch for women, men and kids, up to 60% off!

Happy Shopping!

Real Estate Boner Alert: Jenna Lyons BK Brownstone for Sale

It takes a lot to get me excited about Brooklyn real estate, but if there were ever a woman to do it, it would be J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Lyons is single-handedly responsible for a complete refresh of the brand and her spectacular taste - glamorous, classic, with a slight twist - is apparent in every SINGLE room of the glorious 4 floor, 7 bedroom townhouse in Brooklyn's North Slope that's now available for sale, due to her impending divorce from artist Vincent Mazeau.

If you've got a cool $3.75 mil to spare, this would be the place to spend it, friends. Check out the full listing here, and try to contain your drool.

OOTD: The Power of Simplicity

Despite my occasional love of the sartorially absurd - think glitter, sequins and paillettes - my style in recent months has evolved to a much simpler, and dare I say it, happier place. While I still enjoy a little fashion DECADENCE on the regular (I'm a woman, after all - made of flesh and blood, you guys), Thursday's OO was anchored by two timeless, indefatigueable classics - the perfect chambray shirt and a clean white jean.

Head to toe, here's what I wore:

• Tom Ford Anouk Sunglasses (no longer available, try eBay here)
• J. Crew Outlaw Blouse
• Toy Watch (colorway no longer available, other styles here)
• Seven for All Mankind The Skinny Second Skin Jegging in Clean White
• Loeffler Randall Peep Toe Platform Heels (no longer available)

 

Shop This: J. Crew Sample Sale

OOTD: A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

'A Thin Line Between Love and Hate' means many things to many people, but to me, it MOST aptly describes the pants I'm wearing today. Namely, the new Diesel Skinny Ankle Length Zivy Jean in Spearmint. These jeans are pretty much the most MINT GREEN things you've ever seen in your life, and frankly, they make me feel a wee bit like a Jordan Almond gone bad or more appropriately...naughty (in the best way possible, of course.)

These jeans are not, OBVIOUSLY, for the faint of heart. Frankly, they come close to STOPPING TRAFFIC on the street, much like an adorable French Bulldog puppy will. In fact, as you'll see above, a handsome young gentlemen couldn't help but stop and photobomb my OOTD today - that's how striking he found my pants.

I have to say that outfit photos are an amazingly valuable exercise for anyone that loves fashion, as you'll sometimes be immediately be struck by elements of your look that you'd have changed, and in retrospect today, I likely would have chosen a lighter shoe. Thankfully, I've got the Kyte from Sole Society in my office, and did a quick switcheroo for fresh take.

Head to toe:

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• J. Crew Cardigan (no longer available, similar here)
• American Apparel Deep V-Neck Tee
• Balinese silk scarf
• Diesel Skinny Ankle Length Zivy Jean in Spearmint (gift)
• Lia Sophia Cuff (gift)
• Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 30
• Cynthia Vincent Mason Platform Buckle Wedge (available on Swirl TODAY!)

OOTD: A Burberry Hangover

As we all know by now, I believe firmly in investing in the basics - wardrobe classics that will take you day to day, season to season and year to year. Of course, a trench falls among the most classic items imaginable, but even I was not mentally prepared for the significant investment that I spontaneously made on Sunday, when I popped by the Burberry flagship on 57th Street after a particularly rigorous Physique 57 class.

There, I was (as one might expect) greeted by trenches of all varieties, and an extraordinarily patient Outerwear Specialist named Lisa, who allowed me to try on every single khaki or honey colored trench (among my only requisites) in stock in my size...despite the fact that I was wearing cropped Lululemon leggings and an Old Navy fleece hoodie for the occasion.

And while I almost caved on an uber-classic style, at the very last moment, I spotted the Leather Strap Trench Coat (seen above) out of the corner of my eye. As soon as I put it on, I knew - THIS was the trench for me. It's classic, but with just enough edge to allow me to still feel like myself. As Edith Piaf so sagely sang (cc Felicia Sullivan), Je Ne Regrette Rien (that's I Regret Nothing, for the non-francophiles among us.)

Head to toe, here's how I wore my latest acquisition in today's dreary, WINDY New York weather:

• Burberry Leather Strap Trench Coat
• J. Crew Funnelneck Cashmere Sweater (no longer available, other options here)
• 7 For All Mankind Skinny Second Skin Legging Jean in Clean White (no, it's NOT too early for white jeans, but thank you for asking)
• Loeffler Randall Claudette Platform Wedge (no longer available)

Photo snapped by Christine White of Court and Hudson, whose hair inspires me on a daily basis.

OOTD: On the Power of Wardrobe Basics

When the opportunity presented itself to snap an outfit photo featuring the WIDEST leg jeans ever (J Brand's Kiki in Lotus) in front of the word SKINNY, I just couldn't pass it up. Let it never be said that I can't get down with irony, peeps. But I digress.

This morning, I found myself staring desperately into my closet, wondering WTF to wear. Candidly, this doesn't happen often, but on occasion, even I'm left with a dearth of style inspiration. When those days roll around, my approach is simple -  I lean on the most BASIC items in my closet (hello, take a look at the gray tee, black cardigan, jeans and black booties seen above...it doesn't get much easier!) and then spice them up with a little accessory love (today some colorful statement bangles, a bedazzled safety pin necklace and my trustworthy gold pyramid stud earrings.)

Head to toe:

• MAC Russian Red Lipstick
• J. Crew Merino Wool Cardigan (no longer available, a myriad of alternate cardigans here, however)
• HUDSON Collection Tank (no longer available/gift)
• CC Skye Safety Pin Necklace (no longer available)
• J Brand Kiki Bell Bottom in Lotus (gift)
• Charles Jourdan Alda Ankle Boot
• Jessica Kagan Cushman "When I'm Good I'm Very Good But When I'm Bad I'm Better" and " You Can Agree With Me or You Can Be Wrong" Bracelets

 

What's your approach to sartorially-challenged days? Do tell, I can always use a little further inspiration.

Photo snapped by Felicia "That broke my heart, Dina" Sullivan