Fellas Be a Bombfell: Pop that Color

A couple weeks ago I found myself at the Bombfell offices in midtown Manhattan. First off you might be thinking, what exactly is Bombfell? Bombfell is a subscription based menswear service that makes looking good easy with clothes picked just for you keeping in mind your preferences and body type by a stylist. It's meant to make men into the male equivalent of a bombshell! Hello Bombfell! You set your budget, can cancel or skip a month and there is free shipping both ways. Shopping made truly easy for those who don't have the time or don't like to dwell on fashion but still look good.

So I found myself immersed in row-upon-row of neatly organized menswear product from woven shirts, knit polos to sport coats and hoodies. Essentially everything the modern man needs to look pulled together.

I went through the new merchandise and picked out some of my favorite pieces. Anyone that knows me knows that I am a big proponent of color. My life changed from me being a shy wallflower who wanted nothing more than to blend into the background to being the confident and happier woman that I am, my wardrobe certainly reflects it. Color can make just about anything better.

I know a lot of men are a bit color-phobic but there is nothing like a bit of color to lift an outfit or make a man stand out from his peers, in the right way. A bit of color exudes confidence, comfort in ones own skin and a fun personality. What could be sexier? Add just one colorful item to classic neutrals to give your look a bit of swagger. Choose a well fitting, classic menswear style in a fun color and pair it with stylish neutrals. If you want to step it up a notch, mixing textures and subtle pattern add dimension to your look and is really sophisticated.

Below are the outfits I picked out incorporating that special pop of color - you can read more about it here.
Now Sugar Rock Catwalk readers can take $15 OFF your first purchase at Bombfell!

Go to bombfell.com/gimme and enter discount code SUGARROCK. Happy shopping.

Sale Report: Scoop Spring Closet Clean-Ups Sale

I checked out the Scoop Spring Closet Clean-Ups Sale over the weekend and I found plenty of merch at a great price. Sure it's not necessarily the latest or the greatest but there are plenty of contemporary designer level pieces and the house brand at a great price.

Basics like tank tops are in a veritable rainbow of shades and start at $19 a pop. You can also find plenty of sweaters for $69 each - many of which are light weight or airy and could take you through this weird transitional weather we've been having in New York.


Tunic tops and silky blouses were about $59. Where I ended up spending most of the time at the sale was browsing through the shoe collection. This Alice + Olivia ponte peplum number was $99.

There were shoes from Kors Michael Kors, Aperlai Paris, B Brian Atwood, Theodora and Callum and my favorite, Camilla Skovgaard. Sizes varied but ranged from a 6 to a 10 although I spotted the most variety in 6 1/2 to 8 1/2. Prices are now 50% off the lowest ticketed price which means you can snag shoes that were once $250 for $65, boots that were $750 for now $190 and so on. Camilla Skovgaards were about $160-$175.

At the sale you could also snag colorful denim shorts for $49 in solid and printed varieties and espradilles by Castanet for $39.

This sale is a great one if you don't mind not getting the newest merch. You can find some pretty sweet gems for a reasonable price. Things are fairly well organized aside from the shoes and staff is ready and willing to help search for anything you may need.

Who: Scoop Spring Closet Sale
What: Deep discounts on menswear and womenswear. Price range from $19-$129
When: April 22-May 5, 2013. For store hours click here.
Where: 430 W 14th St (at Washington St)

NYC Sample Sales: April 29-May 5, 2013

Spring weather brings sample sales galore and they continue with some good ones! I personally am hoping to hit up the Thakoon and Elizabeth & James sales. Let me know where you find yourself shopping this week and if it's worth the trek or not.

Who: Syn Jeans Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on men's jeans, shorts, shirts, jackets, and tee shirts.
When: April 22-May 17, 2013. Mon-Fri 11am-5pm
Where: 485 Seventh Avenue (b/n 36th & 37th St) Suite 1500, 212-967-3200

Who: Sister Tribes
What: Up to 85% off emerging designers from NYC and Paris, including Ace & Jig, Fleabags, The Sway, Upstate, Ivana Helsinki, Ambrym, Cidenzi Mori, and Cobra Society.
When: April 29-May 3, 2013. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 134 West 29th St (b/n 6th & 7th Aves) suite 807

Who: J Rosen Showroom
What: Bikinis, one-pieces, flip-flops, cover-ups, and jewelry from L Space, PilyQ, Despi, Debbie Katz, and Ipanema are $65-$100. Mix-and-match sizing and dressing rooms are available.
When: April 29-May 10, 2013. Mon-Fri 10am-6:30pm
Where: 231 West 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Aves) Suite 1101

Who: Under Armour Sample Sale
What: Performance undergarments priced to move
When: April 30-May 5, 2013. Tues-Wed 1am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St) 212-725-5400

Who: HANRO of Switzerland
What: Save up to 75% off retail on underwear, underpinnings, loungewear, and sleepwear.
When: April 30-May 1, 2013. Tues-Wed 8am-6pm
Where: 358 5th Ave (entrance on 34th b/n 5th & 6th Ave), 6th Floor

Who: Thakoon Sample Sale
What: Snag deep discounts on womenswear
When: April 30-May 3, 2013. Tues-Fri 8:30am—6:30pm
Where: 225 Varick St (at Houston St) suite 300

Who: Be & D Sample Sale
What: Save up to 75% off on handbags, shoes, wallets and belts. Sample size shoes, inventory shoes and sneakers in all shoe sizes. Prices start at $25.
When: April 30-May 3, 2013. Tues-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 260 West 36 St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 8th Floor

Who: Raoul Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off designer sportswear at the Raoul Sample Sale. All sizes available. Shop for a cause. A portion of the proceeds will be for the benefit of children with special needs.
When: April 28-May 2, 2013. Sun 11am-5pm, Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 37 West 57th St (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: AEFFE Sample Sale
What: Discounts on designer women's clothing, shoes, and accessories from Alberta Ferretti, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Cedric Charlier, Cacharel, Fuzzi, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, and Pollini.
When: May 1-4, 2013. Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm.
Where: 30 West 56 St (b/n 5th and 6th Ave) 212-632-9300


Who: Fashionhaus Spring Sample Sale
What: Multi-brand sample sale. Roseanna will have a selection of pants, jackets, swimwear, lingerie and ahost of other to-die-for items $125-495. Snag By Malene Birger RTW including knits and accessories for $45-395. Harvey Faircloth an American collection complete with Special Edition cashmere cardigans, party dresses and colorful flannel pieces to wear for Fall $75-300. M. Patmos the luxury NY based knitwear designer, eco conscious for $95-695.
Rene Lezard will have stylish and expertly tailored leather jackets, suiting, shirting, knits and dresses, ranging from $95 to $895. Jean Paul Knott for $125-695. Rene Lezard for Men tailored suits originally $1200-1600, now $595. Overcoats are $495 reduced from $1100 and broad assortment of shirting, originally $175, now $75. Also, trousers, sportcoats and ties as well as Allude cashmere sweaters, all 75% below retail.
When: May 1-3, 2013. Wed, Fri 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 58 West 40th Street, 9th Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Miriam Salat Sample Sale
What: Snag jewelry and accessories under $200! Plus a complementary gift bag with every purchase.
When: May 1-3, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri noon-5pm
Where: 12 West 57th Street, Suite 806 (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Elizabeth and James Sample Sale
What: Snag ready-to-Wear, shoes, jewelry, and accessories at up to 80% off.
When: May 2-3, 2013. Thurs-Fri 11am-7pm
Where: 233 Spring St (b/n 6th Ave & Varick St), 10th Floor

Who: Delicate Raymond Jewelry Sample Sale
What: Once-of-a-kind samples from Spring 2013, $20 to $60, at 75 percent off retail. And over 800 pieces of 80's vintage costume jewelry at $5.
When: May 3-6, 2013. Thurs-Mon noon-7:30pm
Where: 73A Orchard St (b/n Broome & Grand St)

Who: Yigal Azrouël
Why: Up to 75 percent off archive pieces as well as recent-collection dresses, leather pants, and tops. Leather jackets, dresses, and scarves from Azrouël’s Cut25 line are $50-$300.
When: May 3-5, 2013. Thurs-Sun 10am-7pm
Where: 129 Grand St (b/n Broadway & Crosby St)

Who: Gilt City Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 90% off men's and women's clothing and accessories, children's clothing and accessories. and home goods. Must buy tickets to enter. This event is 21+.
When: May 4, 2013. Sat 11am—9pm.
Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave) 212-967-3200

Who: Ali Ro and Donna Morgan
What: Spring and summer frocks from both designers at up to 65% off.
When: May 5-7, 2013. Sun 10am-5pm, Mon-Tues 11am-7pm
Where: 261 West 36th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd floor

Who: Christofle, Judith Leiber, Di Modolo Sample Sale
What: From Christofle get Silver flatware (including 5-piece place settings),
holloware, crystal, porcelain, frames, gifts and jewelry at up to 70% off. Judith Leiber get evening and exotic handbags, accessories and eyewear at up to 70% off. Di Modolo has fine jewelry and watches at 65-75% off. Credit cards only. No strollers allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.
When: May 5-9, 2013. Sun-Wed 9am-6:30pm Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33 St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Furla Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on handbags and small leather goods - totes, clutches, messengers and shoulder bags.
When: May 5-7, 2013. Sun 10am-5pm Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 261 West 36 St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 2nd Floor

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Cosabella Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off intimates. Prices range from $13-$80.
When: April 28-30, 2013. Sun 11am-6pm, Mon-Tues 11am-7pm
Where: 220 Lafayette St (b/n Spring and Kenmare St)

Who: Armand Diradourian Sample Sale
What: Wholesale or below on cashmere for men, women, home, travel and accessories as featured in Barney's and Paul Smith. Cash only.
When: April 24-May 1, 2013. Mon-Fri noon-6pm
Where: 19 West 21 Street (b/n 5-6 Avenues) Suite 1001, 212.924.5787

Who: Scoop Spring Closet Sale
What: Deep discounts on menswear and womenswear. Price range from $19-$129
When: April 22-May 5, 2013. For store hours click here.
Where: 430 W 14th St (at Washington St)

Sample Sale Report: Cosabella April 2013

I went to the Cosabella sample sale early afternoon today and the scene was busy but still civil. There was a modest line of a 10 or so ladies eager to get into the discount and happily exclaiming about the great prices when they saw the price list posted on the entry way while we waited to get in. Apparently quality of Cosabella is unparalleled and the underwear lasts for years, so it's what you would call investment lingerie.

Once inside the sale, while you're allowed to keep your purse and coat, if you have any large tote bags staff will politely ask you to keep it by the check out tables. Since no one is really keeping an eye on your belongings, make sure you don't bring any valuables in a large tote.


Thankfully no men were allowed inside of the sale room. Even the male security guard was very careful not to peek into the room. That said there is no change room and one mirror which women were hovering over while trying on their potential purchases. One women had brilliantly placed pasties over her nipples to feel comfortable trying on the various bras without fear of modesty - obviously a Cosabella veteran. This sample sale is not for the shy.

While there are a some bras, camis and babydolls hanging from racks around the room, most of the merchandise is in bin by type, but not size so you really will have to dig. As for sizes almost everything I came across while shopping was a Medium or a 34B. There were some Small's but they were few and far in between. There were also quite a few thongs in One Size Fits All. While shopping many women just decided to go ahead and buy size Medium underwear even though they normally wear a Small exclaiming that the Mediums didn't look very large. Since sizes aren't sorted, this is one sample sale that you'll have to spend time with to dig through and find the styles and colors that you want. Prepare to be there a while.

Thongs were $14, Bikini $15 and Hotpants $19. Bras were $30 for soft wireless and $45 for wire. Babydolls were $60, Robes  / Chemises $65 and Pajamas $75. Swimwear separates were $35 a piece or $60 for a one piece.

While there were plenty of cute styles and I really wanted to purchase a few items, the lack of Small sizing threw me off and baggy underwear at $14+ a pop was not really something I wanted to risk. If you like the one size underwear however it may still be worth stopping by. Size Medium and 34B ladies, you have it made.

Who: Cosabella Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off intimates. Prices range from $13-$80.
When: April 28-30, 2013. Sun 11am-6pm, Mon-Tues 11am-7pm
Where: 220 Lafayette St (b/n Spring and Kenmare St)

Sole Obsession: Clear Lucite Heels

 Image via style.com

I've been dreaming of clear heels since Chanel showed their Fall 2012 at Paris Fashion Week.  Last March I had stalked multiple Zara's in search of their budget-friendly lucite heels, but it wasn't until December that I was able to finally own a pair of clear heels via Margiela for H&M.



Since then an abundance of clear heels have hit the internet, and I now finding myself wondering if I should be allowed to have two pairs of clear heels.  One for spring and one for fall perhaps?  Here are some of the pairs I've been eyeing.

Senso "Sasha", $160

Miista "Tara", $265

Miista "Siri", $282

Minimarket "Singha", $437

Jeffrey Campbell "Sterling Light", $150

Jeffrey Campbell "Devandra", $147

More NYC Sample Sales April 2013

Who: Proenza Schouler Sample Sale
What: Up to 85% off on of Fall 2012 collection overstock and one-of-a-kind tops, bottoms and dresses. Prices from $30-$1950 (retail $225-$6495).
When: April 26-27, 2013. Fri-Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 76 Mercer Street (b/n Spring & Broome Streets)

Who: Diane Raulston Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off. Swimsuit sets now $50. Separate tops and bottoms $25. Long dresses $30. Short dresses $25. Chiffon sarong cover-ups $20.
When: April 28, 2013. Sun 12-7pm
Where: Sanat Hair Salon, 328 E 66 Street (b/n 1st & 2nd Ave)

Who: Kimberly Ovitz Sample Sale
What: Snag pieces from this contemporary designer at a super deep discount. Collection pieces are $25. O by Kimberly Ovitz are $15. Damaged goods are $10.
When: April 25-26, 2013. Thurs-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 401 Broadway (b/n Lispenard & Walker St) Suite 182

Who: Oscar de la Renta Bridal Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off bridal dresses, shoes & accessories at this annual event.
When: April 25-28, 2013. Thurs-Sun 10am-9pm
Where: Woodbury Common Premier Outlets, 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley NY

Who: Wendy Mink Sample Sale
What: 50-80% off on jewelry. Hoop earrings $45 (retail $245). Crystal Beaded necklaces $50 (retail $222). Feather teardrop earrings $35 (retail $148).
When: April 26-28, 2013. Fri-Sat 12-7pm Sun 12-6pm
Where: 72 Orchard Street (b/n Broome & Grand St)

Zoya Nail Polish Exchange 2013

Who: Zoya Earth Day Nail Polish Exchange
What: To encourage Spring cleaning and refresh your nail polish collection, Zoya is inviting you to get rid of old nail polish that is not 5-free (Free of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, DBP and Camphor) and trade it in for a their award winning and long lasting greener formulations. Just apply the code ZOYAEARTH2013 at checkout and receive 50% off! Ship back the equivalent number of bottles you received (ie. If you got 6 bottles of Zoya – you would would mail 6 NON-ZOYA polishes). For all details click here.
When: Now through April 26, 2013.
Where: Zoya.com

Try: Make Up For Ever Pro Finish

I am a bit of a lazy girl when it comes to make-up, the simpler the better, despite my love of products, since I can't wake up in the morning I can't be bothered with anything that takes a lot of time in the morning. That is why when I first tried powder/mineral make-up I was hooked. However I was soon turned off it for the winter months because my face becomes insanely dry and most powders / mineral make-up has the tendency to make me look chalky and flaky and not at all attractive. So for a long while I switched to tinted moisturizer. A few months ago I was given the chance to try out Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation and I had my doubts. I was fearful of looking chalky and gross but boy was I pleasantly surprised to learn that this product seems to be immune to those typical powder make-up failures.

Make Up For Ever Pro Finish is formulated in a unique way using vegetal coated bio-mimetic pigments. This unique formulation makes it customizable to the look that you want. You can apply it dry for a matte finish and moderate coverage or for a satin finish with sheer coverage, apply it wet. The formulation never clumps up or gets cake-y. The powder foundation has a velvety texture that blends in very naturally into skin for a lightweight and natural look. While it can't cover up cystic acne (what really can?), it makes the overall texture of my skin look more even, my pores minimized and I feel that my skin has a natural glow that is often covered up by make-up. If you are looking for full coverage, I don't think this is your answer. However, if you are a lazy make-up girl like myself, or need a touch-up on the run, this is the perfect compact to slip into your purse. This really is the perfect product for those days when I ran out the door so fast that I forgot to put on make-up. It is a product that revives tired makeup before running on a date afterwork and makes a difference with how put together I feel. The compact case has a good sized mirror and a separate compartment to store your foam sponge with air holes so if you use the product wet, the sponge can dry easily without fear of getting moldy. Overall from practical packaging to product quality I am won over. It is the perfect answer for lazy make-up girls like myself who are on the go.

Suno x Uniqlo Designer Invitation Project

I am a huge fan of Suno New York. Since 2008 the womenswear label, by Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, has been churning out amazing prints with production from Kenya, India, Peru and its home base of New York for a truly global fashion collection. Now Suno New York is partnering with Uniqlo as part of the Designer Invitation Project initiative.

The collection that will hit stores and online on May 20, 2013 is an East-meets-West design approach taken with mixed print dresses, striped tops and floral patterned jeans dubbed "Japanese Americana".


With prices ranging from $19.90 to $39.90 I think I won't be able to stop myself from snagging it all. There is a sweet, eclectic flavor that effortlessly mixes stripes with florals for a look that is distinctly American prairie girl with a modern twist. The shapes are not all prairie girl fortunately! I love the drawstring skirt, the mixed print dresses and the printed pants! If you have always wanted to do the whole mixed print look, this collection makes it easy. Are you as excited as I am?

Designer Collaboration: Michael Bastian x Uniqlo

(image courtesy of WWD)

Designer collaborations are a dime a dozen these days - so by default I've become desensitized to them.  After going batshit crazy in the past and lining up to buying something only to never wear it, I've learned to seriously edit down my choices before I even set foot into a store.  However, every rule has exceptions and this is definitely one of them.  2011 CFDA winner Michael Bastian is doing a collaboration with Uniqlo comprised solely of polo shirts.  Bastian has done amazing things with GANT and is one of my favorite American designers so I'm glad he's pairing up with one of my go-to fast fashion retailers, Uniqlo.

Preppy, clean, wearable (IMO: this is the single most important factor when deciding whether or not to buy a collaboration piece) and incredibly affordable at just $19.90, I'm definitely going to try and pick up a few when the line drops on May 20, 2013.

Here's a closer look at the pieces:

(images courtesy of Uniqlo)