Online Deal: C&T Costello Tagliapietra

Costello Tagliapietra is one of our favorite designer duos, so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered over a dozen of their dresses for under $100 at barneyswarehouse.com.

C&T Costello Tagliapietra 

Gathered front cross dress $79, Cowl back gathered waist dress $79, Sleeveless crossover front dress $69, Iris dress $69

What a deal!  These sophisticated dresses usually retail for almost $300.  I love these dresses because they're effortlessly elegant and could easily transition from day to night.

If you're not familiar with Costello Tagliapietra, check out this video.  You may spot a couple familiar faces towards the end around 4:20.  We love the bears and their work!

Chicago Events: Brooklyn Industries, Kelly Edwards, LOFT

Everyone loves summer in Chicago because the city is so alive!  After Memorial Day, it feels like there's something happening every day.  Here are a few events happening over the next week.

Tomorrow night, Brooklyn Industries Chicago is celebrating their 5 year anniversary.  For the party, they're teaming up with their neighbors at Lomography.  Enjoy PBR and art by Brian Willette, Anjali Pinto, winners of their Lomography photo contest and several other artists.  RSVP to events@brooklynindustries.com

Next Wednesday June 5th, there will be two special events - a book signing with interior designer Kelly Edwards and the grand opening of a new LOFT on Michigan Ave!

HGTV's Kelly Edwards is coming to Chicago to celebrate her new book at eDrop-Off.  Guests will have the chance to win a personal consultation and $500 gift card to Room & Board - yes, please! RSVP to RSVP@SHOPEDROPOFF.COM 

LOFT is opening a new two-story store on the Magnificent Mile!  The grand opening will be hosted by Chicago LOFT GIRLS: Samantha Saifer Berngard, Catherine De Orio, Erica Bethe Levin, Liz Schneider, Revae Schneider, Megan Taylor, and Jessica Zweig. RSVP to LOFT@skoogproductions.com 

Sample Sales NYC: May 27-June 2, 2013

Hope you all had a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend and a great start to the summer!  Here's the rundown on the sample sales going on this week.  Department stores will be taking their sales to the public this week as well =]

Who: Intimacy Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off intimates
When: May 28-June 2, 2013. Tues-Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: Vince Sample Sale
What: 50%-90% off menswear and womenswear
When: May 29-June 2, 2013. Wed-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Where: 75 9th Avenue (b/n 15& 16th St)

Who: Shipley & Halmos Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off menswear
When: May 30-June 1, 2013.  Thus 12pm-8pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 12pm-6pm
Where: 8 Greene St - 2nd floor (b/n Grande and Canal St)

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: Discounts on labels like Veda, Public School, LNA, Won Hundred, Porter Grey and more
When: May 30-Jun 1, 2013. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 12pm-7pm
Where: 676 Broadway - 2nd floor (b/n Bond and Great Jones)

Who: Helmut Lang Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off womenswear
When: June 2-5, 2013. Sun 10am-6pm, Mon 11am-8pm, Tues-Wed 11am-7pm
Where: 261 W 36th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Look for Less: Jenni Kayne D'Orsay Flats

Jenni Kayne d'Orsay flat $495

I've been admiring the Jenni Kayne d'Orsay flats for months, but knowing the price point isn't quite right for my budget, I've been on the look out for a more affordable version.  I've seen the ones by Shoemint and Steven Madden, but I don't like the feel of synthetic materials against my skin especially my feet.

Because I walk so much, I strongly prefer leather which breathes better and becomes more comfortable with wear.  That's why I was so excited when I found these flats from Sixtyseven at Shoe Market last weekend while visiting friends back in New York.  There were just under $100 and made of real leather.  The soles are plastic, but what matters most to me is the inside of the shoes.  I've worn them three times including a 13 hour day, and they've been good to me.

If you can't get to Shoe Market, you can find them at Nordstrom.  They carry them in black leather and a few colors in suede.

Sixtyseven 'Erin' flat $109

NYC Sample Sales: May 20-27, 2013

Sample sales galore continue! I wish I could make it to more but I'm moving next weekend and think I will find myself buried packing boxes for the next few days. If you stop by a sale that's awesome or awful, let us know!

Who: Lisa Perry Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off. Original samples up to 90% off. Crepe dresses $200 (was $995). Knit wool A-line dresses for $200 (was $895).
When: May 16-28, 2013. Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
Where: 988 Madison Avenue (b/n 76th & 77th Streets), 212.334.1956

Who: Christian Siriano Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off womenswear
When: May 19-22, 2013. Sun 11am-5pm. Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Where: 37 W 57th St - 9th floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Adrienne Landau Home Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off on fur or faux fur throws and pillows. All sales final. No children or strollers allowed.
When: May 19-22, 2013. Sun 11am-5pm Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Where: 37 West 57 street (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) 9th Floor.

Who: Joseph Abboud Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off menswear overstock sportswear and tailored clothing including suits, sport coats, jackets, trousers, pants, sweaters, knits, sport shirts, dress shirts and more. All sizes. CREDIT CARD ONLY.
When: May 19-23, 2013. Sun 9-6 Mon-Wed 9-7 Thurs 9-5
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33 Street (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Jennifer Tyler Sample Sale
What: 60-80% off on knitwear from Spring and winter. Bolero cashmere sweater with camisole in four colors $100 (was $750).
When: May 20-23, 2013. Mon 4pm-8pm Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: The Surrey Hotel, 20 East 76 Street (at Madison Avenue). 212.288.3700

Who: Bauble Bar Friends & Family Sale
What: Snag one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces at up to 70% off. Space limited, must sign up via EventBrite for a time slot.
When: May 20-22, 2013. Mon-Wed 10am-8:30pm
Where: 230 Fifth Avenue, Suite 610


Who: Botkier Sample Sale
What: Snag elegant handbags from this Sugar Rock Catwalk favorite accessory designer at up to 60% off.
When: May 21-23, 2013. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (b/n 15th & 16th St), 212.543.4300

Who: Desigual Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on the Spring/Summer collection. Dresses $40 (was $119). Floral-print tees $20 (was $69). Fringe shoulder bags $30 (retail $89). Men's denim-detailed hoodies $30 (was $169). Print shirts $25 (was $104). Knit polos $20 (was $109).
When: May 21-23, 2013. Tues 11am-8pm Wed-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36 Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor

Who: Diesel Sample Sale
What: Discounts on casual apparel and footwear. Denim, tops, intimates, accessories, and the 55DSL line for men, women, and kids.
When: May 21-24, 2013. Tues 3pm-7pm Wed-Fri 11am-7pm
Where: 220 West 19 Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 5th Floor

Who: Tibi Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off retail on dresses, tops, bottoms and signature silks.
When: May 21-23, 2013. Tues noon-8pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 9am-5pm.
Where: Hartford Studio, 348 West 36 Street (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Hunter Dixon x Zinke Swimwear Sample Sale
What: Save up to 80% off Hunter Dixon dresses and blouses. Snag Bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups, and more by Zinke.
When: May 22, 2013. Wed 10am-8pm
Where: 147 West 22 Street (b/n 6th & 7th Ave) Suite 3S

Who: Araks Sample Sale
What: Ready-to-wear, lingerie and swimwear. RTW up to 65% off. Lingerie up to 75% off. Swimwear $40.
When: May 22-23, 2013. Wed 8:30am-7:30pm Thurs 9am-6:30pm
Where: 137 Grand Street (b/n Crosby and Lafayette) 5th Floor

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on feminine designs from the Resort & Spring 2013 collection. Score monochromatic dresses, dip-dye and solid pleated silk pants, and neon strapless dresses.
When: May 22-23, 2013. Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: 224 West 30 Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 14th Floor. 212.947.9204

Who: Olcay Gulsen Sample Sale
What: Red carpet worthy women's shoes and dresses at up to 75% off.
When: May 22-23, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 33 Union Square West (b/n 16th & 17th St) Suite 6F, 646.429.9243

Who: Ruthie Davis Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off shoes that normally retail from $600 to $2300. Sky-high shoes, sandals, wedges, and platform pumps, Spiked and metallic sneakers.
When: May 22-23, 2013. Wed-Thurs 12-7pm
Where: 511 West 25 St (b/n 10th & 11th Ave), Studio 806

Who: Thomas Laine Sample Sale
What: Snag jewelry from Ben Amun, Erickson Beamon, Gerard Yosca, Janis Savitt, Kara Ross, Kenneth Jay Lane, Lizzie Fortunato, Lee Angel, and more at 60-80% off retail. CREDIT CARD ONLY.
When: May 22-23, 2013. Wed-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 915 Broadway (East 21st Street) Suite 903

Who: Tracy Reese Sample Sale
What: Snag samples, stock and one-of-a-kind pieces from Tracy Reese and Plenty by Tracy Reese from Pre-Spring 2013 and Spring 2013. Sizes 0 to 12. Samples start at $50. Patterned frocks, block shifts, and bright weekend dresses from her main line are $150. Pieces from Plenty ring up $75-$100.
When: May 22-24, 2013. Wed-Thurs 9am-7pm Fri 9am-5pm
Where: 552 7th Avenue (b/n 39th & 40th St) 3rd Floor, 212.807.0505

Who: VPL Sample Sale
What: Snag some luxe ready-to-wear and coveted lingerie at up to 75% off.
When: May 22-23, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 5 Mercer Street (nr Howard Street)

Now Wearing...

photo via Trés Awesome

Every piece in this photo has been in heavy rotation for me.  I picked up this varsity jacket from Topshop a couple months ago after DJing their prom shopping event, and I've worn the hell out of this thing!  It's so comfortable and makes every outfit instantly brighter and more playful.

The bag is a Botkier Valentina, which is on super sale at Amazon.  I'd be upset that I paid more except that I've had the bag for four months, and I've used it literally everyday.  For work, I'll occasionally carry an additional canvas tote bag, but for the most part, the size of this bag is perfect for me. There are just enough compartments for me to keep my things straight, but not so many that I forget where I've stashed things.  And the keychain is the best thing ever!

This photo was snapped by Chicago street style blog Trés Awesome (Emma Arnold).  I've heard quite a bit about Emma and her blog since starting at Leo Burnett last May because she's a Burnetter too!  Check out this video that our agency made featuring Emma and her life outside the agency.

And because I'm a very lucky lady, the agency recently featured me as well.  The video was filmed at The Bedford where I DJ monthly.  I'm spinning there again in a couple weeks on Saturday, June 1st.  If you're in town (and you should be because Chicago summers are the best), come say hi!

Sample Sale Report: : Lenny Niemeyer, LELO & Tuleste

What will you not find at the Lenny Niemeyer, LELO & Tuleste sample sale? It's a coming together of unexpected things for a sample sale that is full of wow factor. Super sweet jewelry by Tuleste is all rose petals, bows, four leaf clovers and ladders. Sexy swimwear by Lenny Niemeyer is in a multitude of colors, prints and styles from both 2013 collections and the previous season. If you want to turn it up a notch sexier, there is lingerie by LELO featuring seamless styles, massage oil, maid outfits and even a substantial section devoted to pleasure toys.

For the tamer soul there is plenty of Tuleste jewelry that is priced all between $10-$40! This is the cheapest it's ever been priced at and considering you can find the pieces usually between $65 and $295 it is a substantial bargain. Bow rings a plenty are just $10 each. I couldn't resist picking one up. An assortment of charming necklaces is priced at just $20 a pop and so are ornate metal cuffs.

Dangling earrings are just $20 while really interesting flower ones are $15.

Super dangly star/heart earrings are $25-30. For 2013 merchandise it is all hung up on clear body forms for easy viewing and they are all size Small samples, although there is another much smaller section of goods in a full size range. 2013 merch is $90 for Solid or Print suit with no accessories, $100 for Sold or Print suit with accessories. The real bargains for suits come in the front section of the sample sale in these IKEA shelves stuffed with boxes you can find 2013 samples for just $50 each. If you don't care what season an item comes from you can find the truly great prices if you take the time to dig through boxes you can find suits organized in their color categories (not by size) for $10 for separates and $20 for maillots and $30 for Lasercut seperates.

Now for the steamy brand LELO, Seamless underwear in briefs and thongs are packaged in box upon box for $10 a pair and ranges in size from XS-XL. There are examples of the lingerie on a rack but most of the stock is packed up in little neat envelopes in boxes. There are very few men's items with robes at $100 and boxers for $33. Massage oil for $20, massage candle for $15. Signature robes for women are $149. Open front babydoll is $55. French Maid set is $55 while separates are $20. For theh pleasure sets they range in price from $70-107. There are plenty of devices starting at just $31 to $126.

This is one sample sale that you'll never know what you'll find and some of the prices are quite fabulous. To note, I didn't see any changing areas to try any of this on so perhaps it would be best to go knowing your size.

Who: Lenny Niemeyer, LELO & Tuleste Sample Sale
What: 50%-90% off swimwear, lingerie and jewelry
When: May 15-17, 2013. Wed-Fri 9am-8pm
Where: 580 Broadway - Suite 1011 (b/n Prince & Houston St)

Sample Sale Report: Lulu Frost

I stopped by the Lulu Frost sample sale last night before closing and it was moderately crowded at the sale. Ladies were busy filling up their trays with baubles galore and I noticed quite a few leaving with Lulu Frost shopping bags. Unlike most sample sales where you walk away with a brown paper bag, at this one they give you the real deal.



The sale abounded with statement jewelry galore and if you are a fan of Lulu Frost's unique aesthetic which combines the best elements of estate, vintage and modern jewelry to create new classics with a grand Great Gatsby sort of feel.

The sample sale had a relaxed vibe in spite of the crowds and encouraged ladies to be social by tagging @Lulu_Frost and the hashtag #LFSampleSale on Instagram for a special coupon code redeemable for your next purchase.


Prices started at $20 and go up to $225 but aside from the bangles that were $20 for thin ones and $30 for thick ones I didn't spy much at this end of the price spectrum aside from plenty of choices in chain and leather bracelets. Items are marked by color coded string/ribbon carefully tied around each item. The majority of what I wanted was in the $115-$225 category. If you can't make it to the sale, what I've discovered is that a few of the pieces are available at the online sample sale for the same price.

For the necklaces above, the necklace with all the faces is $225, the medallion beside it is $115. Sparkly earrings are $45-75. The necklace with triangles is $115, the lion necklace is $130.

While prices are significantly reduced from retail it is still a bit of a splurge for this sale. However if you have been wanting to snag some Lulu Frost, now is your chance!

Who: Lulu Frost Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% jewelry
When: May 16-17, 2013. Thus 12pm-8pm, Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 12 E 20th St (b/n 5th & Park Ave)

Coming Soon: Target x 3.1 Phillip Lim

I know I know - another collaboration!  But this one is worth taking note of - I promise!  Next up on Target's roster is none other than Phillip Lim - what's not to love?  P Lim killed it for his Fall 2013 collections for both men and women so I'm excited to see what this collab will bring.  Set to launch September 15, 2013, the collection will include apparel and accessories (including bags), shoes, travel gear for men and women on the go.  Can't wait for this!

Iron Man 3 x Schwan Brands

Last week, Jeff and I were invited to attend Schwan's screening of Iron Man 3. I'm not going to lie, I was super excited because I am a bit of a geek when it comes to super hero movies, probably stems from my childhood days of watching TV shows made for boys thanks to my younger brother. Anyways the screening was super fun and we were spoiled with an assortment of pies from the Schwan's collection! Pizza pies in all shapes and forms by Red Baron, Tony's and Freschetta. Also dessert pies from Mrs. Smith's and Edwards in flavors like cherry, apple crumble and chocolate cream. Something about seeing these frozen foods kind of brought me back to childhood, even though I could no longer eat them with my GF,  DF diet, everything smelled wonderful and I was a bit jealous of all those around me. I overheard folks chattering that movies will never be the same again now that they got to eat pie while watching.

The movie itself was a lot of fun! I really got into it and embarrassingly even screamed out loud a couple of times. Yes, I can't stand surprises, even when I know they are coming. I am not normally a fan of 3-D movies, this was well done. While Iron Man 3 is not at all artful or cinematically beautiful, it is action done right and in some ways a tech lovers dream.

Buy: Lulu Guinness x Uniqlo Tees

So Uniqlo has been really on it in terms of collaborations these days, turning around capsule collections at a lightening speed that some are even going under the radar. Although I hadn't heard about the British designer Lulu Guinness collaborating with any brand, lo and behold a mini tee-shirt collection just launched for Uniqlo yesterday! Featuring super cute and feminine graphic tees in black, white and blue for just $19.90 a pop! Some with peter pan collars, others with lip prints and others with the face of a girl or a cat are wearable and endearing. Snag them online or in store while they last.