Friday, February 29, 2008

This Weekend's Sales (They're Good)

This weekend there are several great sales going on.
The barney's warehouse sale is coming to an end on sunday, March 2, an excellent time to stack up on tons of goodies. By sunday everything will be an additional 75% off, so you end up with great savings. Do not come expecting to go shopping at a department store, this sale is a mess, tons of women, long lines and no sales people.
255 W. 17th street. Get the link here.

The annual Intermix Warehouse Sale is this weekend as well. This one has a much smaller selection but is much more organized. There is a designer only section filled with great last season buys, but most of them are still a bit pricey. Sale ends sunday, at the metropolitan pavilion, just a couple blocks away from the barneys warehouse sale. 125 W. 18th street. Get this link here.

The semi-annual Calypso Christiane Celle sale is this weekend. They have tons of flowy dresses and skirts and cute bathing suits. There aren't any well known designers but tons of good quality things. In this case, it is worth waiting until the last hour, because at that point they are just trying to get rid of everything. Ends this sunday, 426 Broome street. Get the link here.

Yes, No, Maybe So




Viktor and Rolf ready to wear,
not much to say, the clothes speak for themselves.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Marion Cotillard; New Muse of 2008

Marion Cotillard Oscar acceptance speech was one of the most touching since Halle Berry delivered hers. You could see Cate Blanchett graciously jump up out of joy when the winner was announced. Marion Cotillard's performance as Edith Piaf inLa Vie En Rose was beyond breathtaking. She deserved the award and was close to speechless as she stood by Forest Whitaker and giggled and cried as she humbly spoke and was in clear shock.
She is a gorgeous young women filled with a youthful charm and glow. Her dress was unrivaled. This is just the beginning of Cotillard, we will be seeing her again. The award has given her worthy recognition, hopefully now she can continue to inspire.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Gemma's new film



Gemma Ward makes an appearance in the new film the Black Balloon. The transition from model to actress is usually awkward, but in Ward's case, it is different. This movie is not ruined by the model. The film describes Jackie Masters' (Gemma Ward) encounter with Thomas Mollison (Rhys Wakefield) and his autistic brother, Charlie (Luke Ford).

So far the movie is getting positive reviews. The Black Balloon scored a Berlin Film Festival Crystal Bear prize. The characters are being called authentic, comparable to those in the oscar nominated film Juno.

For the trailer to the Black Balloon click here.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Sasha Pivovarova Spotted


Sasha Pivovarova has been noticeably absent from catwalks this season. According to an IMG rep:
“Sasha was under the weather this season and thus unable to go to the shows so far. She is sorry she missed them, but decided to rest up and is already looking forward to next season.”
Sasha has been spotted by New York magazine in Williamsburg renting a Russian movie; Eastern Promises

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Lindsay does New York




Lindsay Lohan has just done a photo shoot with New York Magazine. In these pictures, she recreated a famous shoot taken by Bert Stern of Marilyn Monroe. The photos were taken in 1962, six weeks before the actress's death. Those photos are probably the most famous taken of Monroe and were her last nude ones.
Stern was the photographer for Lohan's shoot as well. So, why did they chose Lindsay? The two women share similar careers. They have both become more symbols of sex than of acting, and their fame can be justified by their personal life rather than the films they have starred in.
Unlike Monroe, Lohan does not plan on a young tragic death.

Lohan called Monroe’s suicide “tragic,” and then added, elliptically, “You know, it’s also tragic what just recently happened to someone else.” I asked whether she was referring to Heath Ledger. She nodded: “They are both prime examples of what this industry can do to someone.” Why some and not others, I asked, since it has often seemed that the thrice-rehabbed Lohan might meet a similar fate. Lohan replied with a flicker of annoyance: “I don’t know. I’m not them. But I sure as hell wouldn’t let it happen to me.”


The photos are gorgeous. Lindsay Lohan is clearly posing for a work of art. She does strongly resemble Marilyn with the hair and makeup. Most of the pictures are NSFW.

To check out all the pics and the accompanying article, click here

Saturday, February 16, 2008

TopShop Coming to NYC


Topshop, the well known European franchise has just signed a lease for its first American location, which will open in Soho. Construction is well underway and the store is going to be huge. The store is set to open this october and the exact location has not been confirmed.Topshop is basically the European version of Urban Outfitters, but unlike urban outfitters, it sells only topshop brand clothing.
Just recently MNG by Mango, a European H&M has opened the doors of its Soho flagship store, and it has been a success. Now it seems like the only thing they have that we do not is those old fashioned telephone booths.
Topshop has gotten its recent fame for its line designed by supermodel Kate Moss. Her clothes have been available at opening ceremony and Barneys NY, but based based on the warehouse sale, it seems as if Barneys is trying to get rid of it. The line has been selling for significantly higher prices at these two stores than in Europe, but at the new Topshop, prices will match those in Europe, so Barneys and opening ceremony will probably stop selling that line of clothing. Kate Moss has recently signed to design three more lines, so you will be getting a taste of her chic style.
Topshop spokesman Andrew Leahy has confirmed that the company is still looking for spaces, for an additional one, or possibly two manhattan locations. Sure October is a while, but until then, you can do your Topshop shopping here.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Be Mine


Just writing to wish everyone a happy Valentines day, with chocolates, flowers and kisses...with or without a valentine. So, will you be mine?

Above is the Jennifer Meyer ruby heart necklace available at Barneys, $1300

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Fairy Land


Prada Fairies Bag is to die for. In a collaboration with James Jean, Prada creates this gorgeous lamb skin bag covered in pictures of whimsical fairies. This bag will be difficult to get your hands on, it was up on Neiman Marcus but disappeared in a matter of hours. They may restock, but the bag does come with a hefty price tag; $2290.

Guilty Pleasure? Not so Guilty.


Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward have just dropped a song from their debut album volume one. Their music is wonderful. At first you might think the gorgeous Deschanel singing is just to good to be true-clearly it isn't. Their first song is so sweet and simple you could crank your speakers up to full volume and still enjoy the well composed lyrics and orchestrations. Their entire album will hit stores on March 18, but if you want to hear their first song, you can click here:

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Farewell Instant Pictures


Today Polaroid announced that it will discontinue its signature instant cameras and film. The company has decided to focus rather on making televisions and digital cameras. This is incredibly upsetting! The digital age is taking over. What will it bring down next?

Botkier Goes on Sale



Botkier.com, a carrier of gorgeous leather bags has finally begun a sale. Botkier is designed by Monica Botkier, a native New Yorker. The brand's philosophy consists of creating the "ideal." It has recently become well known for its Bianca bag, unfortunately this one is not on sale, but other lines, such as Bryant, Harley and Nomad have experienced well over 50% reductions. Most now retail for about $250 and were originally about $650.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Stella McCartney for Lesportsac


Stella McCartney has recently partnered with Lesportsac to produce a relatively high-end line of bags, clutches and suitcases. They will be available this spring/summer but are currently available for pre-order. Prices range from $98 to $475. There are limited pictures up, but the collection seems feminine and versatile. Can't wait!

http://www.lesportsac.com/stella/

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Louis Vuitton Comes to the Big Screen

Louis Vuitton's new commercial has been recently hit youtube and will soon be aired universally. Based on the first minute or so, one may assume that this is a commercial for a travel agency, or something along those lines. There is a subtle soundtrack and a narrator, explaining the meaning of a travel. The brand's bags are not explicitly shown or advertised, rather the signature "LV" print for a brief period of time. 
This will not be Louis Vuitton's (AKA Marc Jacobs) first attempt at video promotion. The previous one was a charming Japanese anime style clip. 
Does the commercial effectively market the classic Louis Vuitton? You be the judge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5xCGZuv



Louis Vuitton Comes to the Big Screen

Louis Vuitton's new commercial has been recently hit youtube and will soon be aired universally. Based on the first minute or so, one may assume that this is a commercial for a travel agency, or something along those lines. There is a subtle soundtrack and a narrator, explaining the meaning of a travel. The brand's bags are not explicitly shown or advertised, rather the signature "LV" print for a brief period of time. 
This will not be Louis Vuitton's (AKA Marc Jacobs) first attempt at video promotion. The previous one was a charming Japanese anime style clip. 
Does the commercial effectively market the classic Louis Vuitton? You be the judge.

Barney's New York Warehouse sale



The start of the infamous Barney's New York Warehouse sale is nearing. Twice a year their chelsea  basement warehouse is stocked with last season's designer dresses, jeans and shoes at incredible prices. By the last day, prices can be reduced by up to 90%. The warehouse is no where near as glamourous as shopping in the department store. It is filled with aggressive women who will grab anything they see, there are no dressing rooms and sales people are not present to help. Furthermore, you really must "dig" to find what you want in your size. Nevertheless, items are amazing. Last years finds included a Marc by Marc Jacobs silk dress for $60 (originally $465) and a pair of tsubi jeans for $30 (originally $185) as well as two large shopping bags worth of clothing. The sale begins on valentines day. It is worth arriving there early given the long lines. 

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Marc Jacobs 2008 Ready to Wear

Friday evening Marc Jacobs revealed his long anticipated 2008 ready to wear line. The models walked out it pastels and grays,     many sporting bazaar hats and thick headbands. Many outfits were somewhat masculine but remained true to his style and originality. Every individual piece was innovative and sent a message. When asked about his inspiration, Jacobs replied, "I really wasn't very inspired this season." It doesn't show. 

Friday, February 8, 2008

Vera Wang 2008 Ready to Wear




Vera Wang unveiled her new ready-to-wear line today. Unlike her past collections, this one is modern, inspired by the current painter Kees Van Dongen. The collection is gorgeous, it is incredibly "street-chic", hip and young. Every individual piece is charming and wearable.

Welcome New York

This is the first post-What a break-through!
Common Closet will be dedicated to helping New Yorker's fit the stereotype-We are the center of the fashion world and should show it!
This blog will show New Yorkers their city, from a different perspective. You can expect to hear about anything- from high fashion to sales, from technology to celebrities.
Fashion week has just come to a dramatic close, so what's a better time to start? 
I will try and post several times a week and would love to hear your input through comments. Have faith in this blog, spread the word, keep it going.

Enjoy

read. dress. inspire.