Introducing Everly (Full Lookbook)

I was recently introduced to the L.A. based label Everly just a few weeks back and was charmed by the  simple, feminine looks that were designed by 2 sisters.  Iwas completely surprised when I later learned that the price point of the collection is well under $100 with pieces starting at just $46 for a dress!  The collection incorporates easy-to-wear wardrobe staples in animal prints, graphic chevrons, dots and zig zag stripe.

Although there are a couple of body con dresses most of the silhouettes skim over the body giving plenty of room for eating, moving and just life in general.  Everly just exudes that effortless kind of pretty but not trying to hard attitude that could take you from the everyday to a great date night look.

More Sample Sales This Week

Who: 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale
What: Discounts on Women's & Men's RTW, Accessories and Shoes. Cash & Major Credit Cards
When: December 1-2, 2011. Thurs noon-7pm, Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 260 West 39th St, 17th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Sunner Sample Sale
What: Score dresses, shirts, shorts, coats and jackets in silk, cotton and wool for under $100 a pop.  Current season samples + Fall Stock
When: November 30-December 1,  2011. Wed-Thurs 8:30am-7pm
Where: 265 West 37th St, 9th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 646-290-6409

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% Off Retail Prices on Dresses, Knits, Pants, Jackets, Costume Jewelry, and Belts. Dresses were $995-1495, now $495-675
When: November 30-December 2, 2011. Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Where: 224 West 30th St, 14 Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 212-947-9204 x 14

Who: Minnie Rose Sample Sale
What: Cashmere Sweaters 50-80% Off! Prices range from $15-$150. All sizes are available.
When: Novemeber 28-December 9, 2011. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun CLOSED
Where: 264 West 40th St, Suite 702 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Cullen Women's & Men's Holiday Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Sweaters for men and women originally priced between $90-$450 are now $10-$125. Choose from a great selection of quality cashmere, cashmere blends, and other novelty yarns, as well as one-of-a-kind samples. Sizes for women are XS-XL and men's sizes are M-XXL.
When: November 28-December 2, 2011. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 231 West 39th St, Suite 1016 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Echo of the Dreamer/Mars & Valentine Sample Sale
What: Discounts on jewelry and Kevin O'Brien scarves and pillows! As a bonus, they are offering 20% off all jewelry purchases over $150.
When: November 29-December 16, 2011. Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-4pm, Closed Sunday
Where: 242 West 30th St, 14th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Candela Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on seperates & shoes
When: November 29-December 1, 2011. Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 584 Broadway, Suite 1007 (nr Houston St)

Who: Yarnz Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Cashmere hats and gloves now $20-$30, was $70-$110. Cashmere scarves and wraps now $20-$80, was $90-$200, Cashmere sweaters now $30-$80, was $175-$350.
When: December 1-16, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm
Where: 260 West 36th St, Suite 201 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 212-868-5883

Who: Parker Sample Sale
What: Fall and Holiday inventory, samples, and overstock for past seasons. Credit Cards accepted on purchases of $200 and above. Silk pieces $75. Sweaters $50. Embellished & beaded pieces $100.
Jackets $125.
When: December 1-2, 2011. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 234 West 39th St, 3rd Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave).

Who: Rodarte Sample Sale
What: Super secretive sale with clothing and samples from the Mulleavy sisters
When: Thursday, December 1, 2011.
RSVP: Email andy@rodarte.net for location and other details.

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: Great deals on super-hip brands Won Hundred, Surface To Air, The Reformation, Oak, and more.
When: December 1-3, 2011. Thurs-Sat 10am-7pm.
Where: 676 Broadway, 2nd Floor (b/n Great Jones and Bond St)212-529-1407.

Who: Freshpair Sample Sale
Wat: Women’s and men’s underwear and intimates at a discount at the Freshpair Sample Sale. Women’s bras will be starting at $10, and underwear from $5. Mens underwear will be $3-$10. Cash only. Women’s brands include Hanky Panky, Wacoal, Le Mystere, Bali, Chantelle, Calvin Klein, Elle Macpherson, and more. Men’s brand include 2xist, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Gregg Homme, Emporio Armani, C-in2, Hugo Boss, and more.
When: November 30-December 2, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 611 Broadway, Suite 523.(b/n Bleecker and Houston St)212-505-6900 ext. 236

Next H&M Collaboration: Marni (Video + Photos)

Hot off the heels of a rabidly successful collaboration with flashly luxe brand Versace, H&M has done it again and scored another highly coveted collaboration with the Italian brand Marni. Consuelo Castiglioni is set to design a collection that will encompass Marni's signature prints (like polka dots!) and whimsical touches.

WWD announced today that the collaboration will be hitting 260 stores worldwide as well as online on March 8, 2012. Are you prepared for the madness that is sure to ensue?  Although we don't have online shopping available in North America yet, I see websites crashing in the near future.

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements”. Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director.

 “We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will do the same. Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of print and colour, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time, as a lovely statement for spring“. Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor H&M.

The collaboration will include a women’s and men’s collection plus signature accessories like those chunky necklaces with a homespun feel, the trademark conical hats and silver shoes.

For women, the colours are vivid and the prints are bold, be they African inspired or simpler colour blocks. The silhouettes are all Marni staples, with full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knit, and fabrics range from silk to crisp cotton poplin. To finish the complete look the collection also includes jewellery, shoes, bags and scarves.

For men, the colours and fabrics are softened for a relaxed take on menswear staples that is truly Marni. The use of print is subtle, often as a lining or as a contrast detail for shirts, the silhouette a modern and relaxed take on masculine classics.

Are you as excited for this collaboration as I am or are all these collabs burning you out?

Now Wearing…

My trip back to Toronto was filled with the glorious kind of Fall weather that you only dream about.  Crispy, bright and not a cloud in the sky.  My outfit however is a little bit of a stormy ombre look – dip dye on dip dye why not?  I also threw in a tie dye tee that looks a little to me like a lightning tornado.  Wardrobe staples like my lace up boots that are getting pretty beat up and classic cardigan help anchor all the elements and keep the look from swirling out of control.

Tie Dye Tee – Norma Kamali

Dip Dye Fringe Skirt – Topshop

Classic Cardigan – Uniqlo

Dip Dye Tights – DIY

Rhinestone Bib Necklace – Courtesy of Mimi by Sorrelli

Eagle ring – Fallon

Lace Up Color Block Boots – Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sample Sales This Week: November 28-December 4, 2011

Who: Autumn Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off cashmere apparel and accessories.
When: Nov 28-Dec 2, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 231 W 39th St - suite 1111 (near 7th Ave)

Who: Katherine Kwei, Hunter Dixon, Marysia Swim Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off select items
When: Nov 29, 2011. 11am-7pm
Where: 611 Broadway - Suite 742 (near Houston St). 646.476.7665

Who: J. Crew Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off merchandise for men/women/children.  Daily restocking and through the sale!
When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 2011. Tues-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St). 212.725.5400

Who: L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers' Sample Sale
What: Discounts on fall and winter handbags.  CREDIT CARD ONLY!
When: Nov 29-Dec 1, 2011. Tues 8am-8pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 8am-6pm.
Where: 347 W 34th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Qi and Ainsley Sample Sale

What: Cashmere sweaters/dresses start at $50 and coats are $75-$125.

When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 2011. Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.

Where: 261 W 36th St (near 7th Ave).

Who: Derek Lam Sample Sale
What: Discounts on womenswear. The gold silk-lame blouse is $450 (was $1,490), striped flannel trousers are $250 (were $790) and the crinkle wool tank dress is $335 (was $1,090).
When: Nov 30-Dec 1, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where: 76 Mercer St (near Broome St)

Who: Botkier Online Sample Sale
What: Score up to 60% bags including styles like Trigger, Bianca, Brinks, Misha and more.  Plus - "Like" Botkier on Facebook and receive an additional 10% off!
When: Nov 30-Dec 2, 2011.  Starts at 9am on Wed Nov 30.
Where: Online

Who: Nicholas K Sample Sale
What: Score discounts on menswear and womenswear.  Samples are priced between $40-$180 while overstock merch is 60+% off.
When: Nov 30-Dec 4, 2011. Wed 11am-7pm, Thurs 10:30am-8pm, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Where: 809 Washington St (b/n Gansevort and Horatio St).

Who: Theory (Men's) Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off menswear.
When: Dec 7-Dec 10, 2011. Wed 12pm-8pm, Thurs-Fri (8am-8pm), Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 139 5th Ave - 2nd floor (b/n 20th & 21st St). 212.398.2777

Who: Theory (Women's) Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off womenswear.
When: Nov 30-Dec 4, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Where: 261 W 36th St - 2nd Floor (near 7th Ave)

Who: Gilded Age Sample Sale
What: Score 60-75% off menswear and accessories.
When: Nov 30-Dec 3, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-4:30pm
Where: 580 Broadway - 9th Floor, Suite 912 (near Houston St)

Who: Be&D Sample Sale
What: Up to 80 percent off. Convertible messenger styles are cut from $945 to $340, vintage carryalls with chain-link straps are $250 (usually $550) and braided-leather fold-over looks are chiseled from $398 to $180.
When: Nov 29-Dec 1, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 260 W 36th St - 8th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 212-290-1211

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What:  Up to 75% off womenswear and accessories
When: Nov 30-Dec 2, 2011. Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Where: 224 W 30th St - 14th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Shipley & Halmos Sample Sale

What: Deep discounts on menswear (this is the brand's first men's sample sale!). The Ruska Leather Jacket is $300 (was $850), the Harrison Cotton Blazer is $175 (was $415) and the Obama Chambray Woven Shirt is $75 (was $190).

When: Dec 1-3, 2011. Thurs-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-12pm-4pm.

Where: 8 Greene St (near Canal St) - 2nd floor.

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: 20-40% off labels including Iro, Surface to Air, The Reformation and Veda
When: Dec 1-3, 2011. 10am-7pm
Where: 676 Broadway - 2nd floor (near Bond St)

Who: Alexis Bittar Sample Sale
What: Deals on stylish jewelry.  CASH ONLY.
When: Dec 2-3, 2011. 9am-6:30pm
Where: 125 W 21st St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave).

Who: Amanda Uprichard Sample Sale
What: Discount on womenswear.  Silk dresses are $70 and silk blouses are $50.
When: Dec 2-4, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where:  5 Rivington St (at Bowery St).

Now Wearing...

The past few days in Toronto with Jeff and Erin has been the perfect mini vacation - lots of eating, walking, window shopping and lounging.

The city of Toronto is quite large in size and made up of many, many neighborhoods.  Kensington reminded me a lot of San Francisco with its hippie vibe and low key vintage shops.  The clothing and home decor boutiques, eateries and galleries of Queen Street West and West Queen West reminded me of Wicker Park, Chicago and west Chelsea in Manhattan.

There's basically no culture shock going from the States to Canada, but it's certainly fun to observe and experience the little differences like paying with a 2 dollar coin.  Overall, Toronto is kind of like Chicago but with hills, Monopoly-colored money and ketchup flavored potato chips.

Striped top - Zara
Skirt & pink belt - secondhand
Black booties - Rockport (packed these because the weather forecast originally included rain)
Neon satchel - The Cambridge Satchel Company

My friend Havy gave me this bag for my birthday back in June.  It was one of the sweetest gifts ever.  She ordered it monogramed directly from The Cambridge Satchel Co site.  If you're not looking to get it monogrammed, you can also order it from Mod Cloth (neon pink or orange) or ASOS (cracked neon yellow & handful of other colors are on sale).

I love the color and sturdiness of my Cambridge Satchel, but I will say that I'm disappointed with the buckles.  They're a pain to fasten and unfasten, and the neon around the buckles has already started to crack with very minimal use.  If this bag had faux buckles with magnets closures instead, it would be the perfect bag.  It gets compliments literally everywhere I go.

Thank you to Erin and Jeff for showing me their hometown and Havy for setting me up with a hot little bag for my travels.  And... obligatory, happy jumping photo!

Now Wearing…

So all summer long I was searching for the perfect sunburst pleated that wouldn’t break the bank.  After a lovely blue number that was in the window display at Zara I was just about ready to give up when I found exactly what I wanted, a maxi pleated skirt with short lining, at ASOS.  Since they ran out of the petite sizes, although I ordered this skirt a while ago, I finally had a chance to hem it on my trip home to Canada.  Since I’ve been in Toronto I’ve had a chance to catch up on sleep, play with kids and puppies (things absent from my NYC life) and eat lots of delicious food.  I’m thankful to have a chance to finally wear it while I spend my days catching up with friends and family.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Eiffel Tower Sweater Dress – Cacharel

Sunburst Pleated Maxi Skirt – ASOS

Lace Tights – Cynthia Rowley

Grey Leather Satchel – Botkier

Over-the-Knee Boots – Delman

Pom Pom Hat – No Name

Industrial Cocktail Ring – Courtesy of Mimi by Sorrelli

Tear Drop Link  Necklace – Courtesy of Mimi by Sorrelli