Who: Cole Haan
What: Women’s and Men’s shoes and handbags
Why: Up to 75% off plus new markdowns
When: Today (9am – 6:30pm) and Tomorrow (9am – 6pm)
Where: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street (Just off 8th Avenue)
718-747-1656
Last week, the Soiffer Haskin was selling pearls and shiny baubles. This week, they are selling shoes and clothes. I recommended going to the Mikimoto sale as early as possible to get the best selection since there are no markdowns as the sale progresses. Clothing, shoes and bags are a different story. There are usually some markdowns after the first or second day. The Cole Haan sale is well underway but I got an email today promising markdowns and new inventory. The sale might be worth checking out today.

I just realized that I haven’t set any goals for the new year. I remember when I was a teenager I would set goals every January and by December, 90-100% of them would be accomplished. As an adult, I’m a failurer at keeping my new year resolutions. Chances are, I won’t get to most of them but it’s good to write them down anyway. And besides, I’m writing them down on this very public blog. We’ll do an audit in 2011 and see how far I got. How embarrassing would it be if I didn’t scratch anything off the list? Here’s my TOP TEN: Read more…
The best dress of the evening was definitely Sandra Bullock in this Bottega Veneta chiffon number. She looks gorgeous in the color purple.

via www.instyle.com
I arrived at the Mikimoto sale around 9:30am yesterday. They did not ask to see the invitation but did ask for a driver’s license or ID to check in. The check-in guy wrote down first and last names along with state of issue. Coat check was mandatory but everyone can hang out to their purses. There was about 75 people on line. The wait to get in was 1 hour. The line was much shorter than last year where the line was out the door, into the building and up the stairs. It took me 3 hours to get in last year. Tighter wallets or are people skiing in Aspen?
A lot of the pieces are the same as last year but I did see a few new styles. Blue Lagoon – Mikimoto’s lower end line – was cast off to a separate showcase booth on the side. Discounts ranged from 50% off to 75% off retail prices. Most strands were only 50% off. However, a few of the eccentric pieces could be had for 75% off. Each piece was tagged with a colored sticker: red = 50% off, blue = 60% off, green = 70% of, yellow = 75% off. Don’t expect a box unless you do some damage – like $5,000. Otherwise, your jewelry will go in an unmarked pouch. The most extravagant piece I saw was a two strand 13MM golden South Sea pearl necklace with diamond detailing for $275,000 on the retail sticker. It was tagged with a red sticker; that’s $137,500 in savings!!!

Here are a few photos from the sale:




Recently, I have been seeing these Yuzu fruits everywhere. Once upon a time, these citrus fruits were only available in Japan but in 2006, farmers in the US started to grow them also. This Japanese grapefruit is a hybrid of grapefruit and mandarin oranges. It’s very juicy and not nearly as tart as grapefruit. In fact, I would even go as far as to say it’s sweet. It’s also extremely fragrant. It taste very similar to a pomelo except it’s about the size of an orange making it perfect for one serving. It’s probably $59 at Wholefoods but you can also find it at Chinese markets for about $.50 each. Plus it’s a great 3pm snack.
Who: BonChon John St.
Where: 104 John Street
New York, NY 10039
Why: Perfectly crispy chicken with tons of flavor sans the grease.
Last night was the Soft Opening of the John St. BonChon Chicken eatery and bar in the Financial District for select friends and friends of friends. I had the pleasure of being someone’s plus one. We had the chance to sample the eats and unique Asian fusion drink inventions in advance of tomorrow’s grand opening. Amongst the delicious eats were the crispy Korean style fried chicken in spicy and garlic soy flavors. As for drinks, there is everything from Asian Pear Soju to Lychee Bellini.
The BonChon crew is attentive and the atmosphere is laid back and modern. This is destine to become an after hours hangout for young Wall Street and chicken lovers alike! They will love it like Chelsea loves Brother Jimmy’s.

MORE PHOTOS THIS WAY –> Read more…
This weekend at the 9th Annual Arts & Leisure Event in New York City, Natalie Portman was spotted in this Rodarte for Target butterscotch-colored dress. The tulle dress retails for $39.99. Kate and Laura from Rodarte are geniuses in the fashion industry but the look of this dress is a little disappointing. It looks like a fairy princess Halloween costume for a child.
Image via www.huffingtonpost.com
Here are a few photos of Karen Elson for St. John (from St. John via The Huffington Post). She looks absolutely beautiful and flawless in the photos….so femme fatale…so alluring…so captivating…and bold.


In Spring of 2006, Angelina Jolie became the new face and spokeswoman for St. John. When the campaign was launched it created a lot of buzz in the fashion industry. At the peak of her career, Angelina was the essence of Hollywood glamour. People believed her independence, sexiness, sophistication and success would help rejuvenate a brand who’s image was becoming way too stuffy. Yesterday, the firm announced that Angelina Jolie had been replaced by Karen Elson as the face of St. John, citing that Jolie’s iconic image had overshadowed the luxury brand.
What do you think of this bold move?

Just dropped by the Gap and all the sale stuff is an additional 40% off. The sale is only at stores. You can find cotton fleeces and sweaters for under $10!!! It’s also a great time to load up on socks and black tights. This winter chill has just begun.
