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September 30, 2005

To a Tea

As luxurious as Mighty Leaf’s seasonal teas sound (take for instance new fall varietals like Ebony Flower and Rose Silver Needle), sometimes a simple blend will do ya. Case in point: Mighty’s black tea flavored with good old-fashioned vanilla bean, which comes loose or in the stylish company’s handcrafted pouches. Each cup of the classic infusion is as rich and aroma-filled as the last, plus it boasts the antioxidant benefits of tea and calming effects of vanilla. $7.95, mightyleaf.com

September 30, 2005 at 07:13 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Free Bags at Bluefly

Yes, there are the usual fantastic new deals at Bluefly. But don’t get distracted from the mission: to win a bag from the web outlet’s 30 Bags-in-30 Days instant-giveaway game. Potential arm candy includes Chloe, Balenciaga, Gucci, Hermes, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Jimmy Choo … you get the idea. Then you can whip out the credit to splurge on current discounts like up to 55% off accessories from Prada, John Varvatos and Ben Sherman; and up to 60% off black-is-back getups from Vera Wang, Theory and Gucci. bluefly.com

September 30, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Artful Spender (NYC)

Go to enough sample sales sans dressing areas and you’ll start noticing that far too many women need tans. Which is why it’s hard to pass up an event with full-on changing rooms. Check out The Art of Shopping sample sale through Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, for walls of denim (Hudson, 575, Blue Cult, 7 For All Mankind) priced at $50-$75, and tops, skirts and jackets (Park Vogel, H. Starlet, Grass) starting at $10. Note: L.A. bargain hunters can look forward to The Art of Shopping sales on the left coast starting in November. theartofshop.com

September 30, 2005 at 12:03 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 29, 2005

Spending ‘IN:LA’

Unless you’re in Tiger Woods’ tax bracket, chances are you haven’t been invited to carry American Express’ ultra-exclusive black Centurion card. But good news: Now you can fake it. AmEx’s IN:LA Card (notice its fashionable color) launches today, with reward points redeemable at hot spots like Chaya Brasserie, Katana, Spider Club and MOCA. Member privileges of the fee-free charge card also include a unique point-sharing system and Tuesday discounts from partners like Max Studio and Spectrum Health Clubs. in-la.com

September 29, 2005 at 05:26 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weekend Sale-a-thon (L.A.)

Prepare to run amok for fabulous designer steals this weekend. Ready, set, go …

• First up is Find Outlet's new Culver City location inside H.D. Buttercup. Today through Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., get 50%-80% off Antik, Yanuk and Joe's jeans, along with LaRok, Lotta, C Label and more.
• Then on Saturday, shop the Stylish Girl sample sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m for 30%-60% off labels like Louis Verdad, Park Vogel, Original Penguin and Beautiful People.
• Also on Saturday, your $4 admission to the A-List Sample Sale gets you slashed prices from 10 a.m.-5 p.m on wares from stores like Tracey Ross and Medak. Runs through Sunday.
• And Saturday’s hottest spot: Fred Segal Melrose, where everything (yes, everything) for men and women at Ron Herman is 50% off (Chloe, Stella, McCartney, Marc Jacobs, True Religion, et al); discounted items will also be available on the newly launched ronherman.com. Runs through Oct. 15.

September 29, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chez Williams-Sonoma (L.A.)

The blueprint for tonight’s party celebrating the new Williams-Sonoma Home store: Guests (including Minnie Driver and interior-design glamour girl Kelly Wearstler) mingle the two-floor, 18,500-square-foot space on Beverly Boulevard; check out the high-style merch; sip Jouet in pretty flutes; and depart with plenty o' swag. The flagship officially opens tomorrow morning for the hoi polloi; unfortunately no freebies, but lots of transaction-worthy items for bed, bath and beyond. 8772 Beverly Blvd., (310) 289-2420

September 29, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 28, 2005

Manolo's Foot Prints

In the land of free-gift-with-purchase, this might be the chic-est deal to date. Manolo disciples will want to log onto Neiman Marcus' website before Oct. 17 to claim limited-edition prints of beautiful sketches by the shoe genius; get one free with each online purchase of $600 or more. Currently, the drawing of the Kremlin mule is available, and next up will be the Talonelo boot. Sure beats those nylon totes the cosmetic counters are offering. neimanmarcus.com

September 28, 2005 at 01:56 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sweet 'Kisses' at Fragments (NYC)

Put away your kukui-nut necklaces because bohemian looks have worn out their welcome. Right in line with the shift to a more delicate, ladylike look, L.A.-based designer Lexi Craven will show her latest Neckisses collection of pretty jewels at Fragments’ Madison Avenue outpost on Thursday from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and Friday from noon-5 p.m. Sip Sparkletinis and check out bracelets, earrings and necklaces made of semi-precious stones, pearls and Swarovski crystals. Call (212) 226-8878 ext. 50 to RSVP, 997 Madison Ave.

September 28, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Passport to Fashionland (L.A.)

You know there will be fodder for the water cooler when Sharon Stone shows up. The "Basic Instinct 2" star will help kick off Macy's Passport '05, a fashion extravaganza benefiting local HIV/AIDS orgs, by hosting an auction Thursday night at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar. Festivities also include a fashion show featuring J. Lo’s fall collection, gourmet bites and a post-show party (tickets are still available through Ticketmaster). Then on Saturday, select Macy’s will offer a $10 voucher that will get shoppers 10%-20% off most purchases throughout the day. macys.com

September 28, 2005 at 12:03 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 27, 2005

Eye of the Tiger

Something about the ferocity of tigers that just gets folks pumped up. Witness Sly in “Rocky III” training to Jim Peterik's catchy tune, “Eye of the Tiger.” Along those lines, designer Rebecca Norman’s bold tiger-eye jewel will also have bauble lovers pumped up — to shop. Her latest creation for fall is a striking strand of linked vermeil with a dangling oval of tiger eye, which will add a bit of bite (pun intended) to the season's muted shades of cream, taupe, mocha and olive. $235, rebeccanorman.com

September 27, 2005 at 03:04 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)