DEAL OF THE DAY: Lauren Merkin Sample Sale / Kisan Sale

LAUREN MERKIN SAMPLE SALE
*Up to 70% off bags, clutches, and accessories. Check their Facebook for updates as the sale progresses.
*Tuesday, August 10 through Saturday, August 14. 
*Tues—Fri 11am—7pm, Sat 11am—4pm. 
*231 W. 29th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, suite 201 (212-239-2459)


KISAN SALE
*50% to 70% off womenswear and accessories by labels like Vanessa Bruno, Tsumori Chisato, and Antik Batik. Shoes by Robert Clergerie are also 70 percent off.
*Through Wednesday, August 11.
*Mon—Wed 11am—7pm.
*125 Greene St between Prince and West Houston Sts (212-475-2470)

Happy Shopping!

-Natty

INSPIRATION STATION: To Die for Tie Dye

Tie dye is one of those styles that's been around for ages ... like literally since about 600 AD in China and Japan.  Of course it was those crafty hippies in the 60's who made it popular in mainstream culture - and while it disappeared temporarily from the fashion scene for a few years there, for several season's it's been back and better than ever.

The difference between our parent's tie-dye and our own - is that it's no longer limited to just t-shirts and psychedelic colors.  These days, we've seen tie dyed dresses, jackets, pants and even jeans spinning down the runways in colors ranging from the brightest brights to sleek and edgy blacks and grays.  

As for this California native, I think the tie die trend is pretty groovy.  So much so in fact, that I recently hosted a little tie-dying party for a couple of girlfriends!  For some DIY fashion fun, channel your inner flower child using a cool slouchy t-shirt or simple white cotton dress.  Pick up a basic tie-dye kit, and mix your own modern colors.  You'll feel like you're 11 years old again, but you'll wind up with some funky styles that are anything but faded...

-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Friday Refreshment III

It's time for your weekly Friday Refreshment courtesy of Megan Zimak.  This sangria packs a punch, and puts a healthy spin on a summertime fave.  To be enjoyed with some fresh fruit garnish and a bright sundress.

*Sangria Organica: 105 calories per serving

2 oz. cucumber-infused vodka, such as organic Crop Harvest Earth vodka
3 mint leaves
¾ oz. simple syrup
3 oz. white wine, such as Bonterra Viognier organic wine
4 oz. fresh pineapple juice
½ c. mix of red apple and cucumber, diced

Muddle vodka, mint and simple syrup in the bottom of a small pitcher. Fill pitcher with ice. Add wine and pineapple juice; mix. Add apples and cucumbers and serve.

-Natty

STYLE FILE: Sailing Style

I recently went sailing on the Hudson River with some friends, and played it low key on the wardrobe front.  But the prettiest thing we saw that day?  A rainbow arching over the city skyscrapers ... Mother Nature's version of her own fashion sense.

BIKINI: DVF

SHEER COTTON CAFTAN WITH EMBROIDERED TRIM: DVF

STRAW FEDORA: Street Vendor

GOLD FRAMED ROUND SUNGLASSES: Dolce & Gabanna

STRAW TOTE: Vintage find from the Brooklyn Flea

-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Alexander Wang Sample Sale TOMORROW!!

ALEXANDER WANG*Up to 80% off the designer’s coveted apparel and handbags
*Thursday, August 5th 2pm—7pm, Fri and Sat 10am—7pm, Sunday, August 8th. Sun 10am—4pm. 
*93 Mercer St between Spring & Broome Sts (no phone)


-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Is Joe Faux Real?

There are many reasons why I love Elle's Creative Director - Joe Zee.  Besides his obvious talent for style - it's Joe's sense of humor that really sets him apart from the often too self serious fashion set.  Case in point - this hysterical video courtesy of Elle.com: 

A perfect example of why you should never wear something, just because of the label.  Even the best designers make huge mistakes.  (more on this topic later...)

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: Chanel Costs Climb

YIKES - forget the metro fair hikes - Chanel has just instated a major hike of their own...

Article courtesy of Racked.com

Image via Handbagcomment.com

Last month, Madison Avenue Spy gave us fair warning and predicted that Chanelwould raise prices from 20% to 30% on August 1 and she was indeed correct. Chanel is now even more unattainable than ever. A sampling of the hike:

Medium Classic: formerly $2600, now $3400
Jumbo Classic: formerly $2995, now $3795
Jumbo Reissue: formerly $3600, now $4200

It's not just the bags, either. The basic ballerina flat is now $685, from $585 and some flats are priced up to $895. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman,Bloomingdales and Chanel itself have already updated their instore prices.Nordstrom seems to be the only holdout so far, but for for a few days only. Now is as good of a time as any to empty out the savings account.

(Racked.com)

-Natty