Despite the push to start Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving, midnight Friday is about the earliest most shoppers are willing to hit the stores. If you’re the type who can’t resist a “doorbuster” bargain, you’re more likely to get true deals if you heed our advice and avoid the following seven Black Friday pitfalls.
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Missoni madness swept through Target store shelves and even crashed Target’s website Tuesday September 13, 2011 as the retailer launched its latest designer partnership.
Fashionistas took off their stilletos and hauled away the high-end goods in carts when store doors opened at 8 a.m. Orders shot through the Target server and crashed the company’s website, which was down for three hours Tuesday morning. Target issued this statement midmorning, shortly before programmers put the website back up:
“Due to an overwhelming amount of traffic to Target.com as a result of the Missoni launch this morning, guests are unable to access the site. Providing a positive shopping experience to our guests is important to us, and we are working to get the site back up as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
For anyone still interested in purchasing Missoni for Target pieces, we suggest checking out Ebay.com there is an overwhelming selection of Missoni resale items.
Attention Recessionistas: Your prayers have been answered. National retail giant, Target, is about to unveil the epic 400 piece Missoni for Target collection. The checkbook-friendly collaboration, which will be available Sept. 13 through Oct. 22, 2011, features apparel and accessories for women, men, girls and babies, as well as home furnishings. Ranging in price from $2.99 to $599.99, the exclusive line will be available in stores and online.
You can findMissoni’s signature zig-zag print splashed throughout the collection in turquoise, ochers, peaches, corals and browns, all colors long favored by the Italian fashion house.
Angela Missoni commented on the budget friendly collaboration in a press release saying ”Working with Target to create a mass collection that reflects the spirit of Missoni has been extremely energizing. Each piece is special to me because so much thought and care went into every aspect of the design. I can’t wait to introduce the collection to Target’s guests across the United States.”
The all-encompassing super collection offers Missoni’s style concept to every part of your lifestyle – not just what is hanging in your closet.
When you think of the next ’it spot’ for fashion, SilverLake California probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Sure it has its fair share of urban LA culture, and a handful of amazing artists residing there, but up until what will soon be 3 years ago, there was a vacancy of fashion on the east side. One that not just anybody could fill.
Confederacy Store Front. credit: Styleseendaily.com
That is where Celebrity Stylist, Llaria Urbinati and her partner Danny Masterson came in and decided it was time for this side of town to come alive in the wold of fashion. Confederacy (named after the book ‘Confederacy of Dunces’), a 5,000 square foot space, which originally included womens’ and mens’ ready-to-wear departments, accessories, a wide array of books, and a complete gallery space, became the brainchild of them both, and soon found critical success from its peers.
We sat down with Ilaria to discuss the birth of Confederacy; “Originally Danny and I got together and wanted to be on the ‘east side’, because we wanted something to fill the void that was over there” Illaria said, “we were originally going to do a small store, since I was a buyer for Los Angeles boutique ‘Satin’ at the time, but since it was such a big demand, we found this 5000 sq ft space that would become a ‘one stop shop’ for art shows, book, and clothes.”
The space designed by Ben Shulman and Mariah O’brien Interiors was inspired by everything classic americana. With 16-foot ceilings, refurbished brick walls, center courtyard and vintage wooden fixtures, its provides a place for people to come and just ‘hang out’. “Since I’m European, I have always had a fascination with Classic Americana aesthetics, ‘old timey’, industrial even, very New York” Ilaria says, when asked where her vision for the space came from. With similar vibes and ambiance of stores in Nashville, and other urban cities, a lot of the focus is on all American comfort, the store has a 16ft leather couch centered in the ‘Shoe living room’, the invitation is clearly one to come and soak it all in.
Shoe Living Room
The Attention to detail and customer service also seperates Confederacy from other shopping establishments. With its roots in styling, the understanding that complete service extends beyond finding the correct size, and a ringing up a sale is evident. The old school customer service provided includes one-on-one consulting, ‘The Tea Room’ for private fittings, free valet parking, and a long list of details that normally go unnoticed, right down to every last ribbon on the final packaging. A row of vintage phone booths that double as dressing rooms have functional phone dials that connect you with the front desk, so customers can ask for a different size without having to leave their space.
At the turn of the year, Confederacy became exclusively a mens store. “The space evolved because it became such a strong focal point. It organically began to become a guys guy place to come and get ‘decked out’” Ilaria says. Styling some of hollywoods biggest leading men like Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, and Chris Evans its no doubt that guys flock the store to get their hands on the amazing selection of lines carried. Among them, Simon Spurr, J Lindenberg, Band of Outsiders, and vintage Kelly Cole. Also exclusive to Confederacy is Albert Hammen Jr, which Ilaria Co-designs. ”LA doesnt really have too many cool men’s stores, this makes it a little more fun”
Fun is an understatement when it comes to Conderacy, hosting some of LA’s most talked about events; including art shows and fashion parties. “We’re different from your typical LA fashion party, ours aren’t snobby, its just a bunch of good looking, well dressed people who get drunk and have a really good time.” Showcasing current brands and top clients is a great asset to the entire establishment, it creates an aura of comfort and luxury all at once, while reflecting the passion that both Ilaria and Danny put into their work.
“Three years in October… It feels like I’ve been here for ever!” Illaria says, but in fact, it has only been three short years, and so much has happened and has been accomplished, that the future of Confederacy isn’t looking anywhere but up. “A lot of talk and thought has been given into a menswear line, but only with time, we’re excited for more collaborations with designers, and more in store shops.”
With the converting of Confederacy into an all mens store, the opportunity to team up with designer Rebecca Minkoff, for an in-store shop presented itself, what once was the womenswear section in the front of store has been transformed into a great space for the Minkoff collection to be showcased and sold.
Rebecca Minkoff store front
“We also haven’t given up on the idea of an in-store cafe!” Ilaria joked, “the only thing that we dont serve yet is food. With every other venture that the store has going on, I don’t doubt that eventually that too will become reality, nothing would complete the amazing ‘Confederacy Package’ like a small nonfat vanilla latté and a biscotti. We try to make it have a little more of an intellectual vibe, LA is so vapid most of the time, its always JUST about fashion. The idea of the store is that there is more to it you know? something a little more layered.”
Visit ShopConfederacy, RebeccaMinkoff and follow the store on twitter @Confederacybtq.
Ladies, we can finally stop worrying about what bra will work with those tricky summer tops and dresses. There is now the Lace Attraction by Jezebel, a convertible bra perfect for any racer back, one shoulder, tube top, or any other type of top or dress you can think of. The smooth and seamless bra converts seven different ways. It’s basically like having 7 bras for the price of one, priced at $32.
High School Musical sensation Vanessa Hudgins at the 2009 Oscars. If you like Hudgen's red carpet look, jewelry designer Lisa Freede created an affordable cocktail ring, pictured above, that matches this look.
Hollywood’s hottest stars always dazzle in jewels on the red carpet. Take a peak to find out how to get the looks of Halle Berry, Frieda Pinto, and Penelope Cruz for less.
For those watching from home lusting after the stars’ shimmering baubles, Lisa Freede Jewelry provides a more affordable option. Creating everything from earrings to rings, bracelets to necklaces, and hair jewels to headbands, Lisa Freede now carries a variety of unique designs to suit any jewelry need.
Take a look at our StyleSeenDaily.com slidesow below to see some of Lisa Freed’s designs.
Visit www.LisaFreede.com to scoop up this jewelry.
With Hanukkah underway, the necessary giving of host gifts for holiday parties and then the usual shopping we all do this time of year, we thought we would share some great gifts that give something more than just to the recipient you have on your list, give a gift that gives back. We have put together some great gift ideas for anyone on your list — from the fashionista, wino, chef, lover, neighbor, teenager and yes even you! So read on for our Style Seen Daily top picks for holiday gifts that give twice (or more):
TOM'S Vegan Women's Boots
TOM’S Shoes for Him & Her, Ash Vegan Wrap Boots For Her 98.00 & Black Canvas Classics For Him $44.00. Giving soles that have soul, “Canvas for a Cause”
For each pair you buy, Toms donates a free pair of shoes to a child in need.
This plaid special edition makeup bag by M.A.C. comes with a great on everyone shade of nude lipstick and matching gloss. 100% of your purchase goes to the MAC AIDS fund, which is helping fight the disease worldwide.
Viva Glam Lip Bag, $36.
Swell Bottle
Swell bottles merge style and function with environmental and social consciousness. They have been designed to fit ergonomically into your hand, bag and car cup holder. An estimated 50 billion plastic bottles of water are consumed each year in the US and over 200 billion bottles globally, less than 20% of these plastic, disposable water bottles are recycled. Water is essential, but one billion people, one sixth of the world’s population, do not have safe access to it. For every S’well bottle sold, 10% percent of the proceeds are donated to WaterAid, a non-profit organization that for the past 30 years has been working to deliver water solutions to world’s poorest communities. Every bottle sold provides almost a year supply of water for someone in need, and every five bottles sold provides a lifetime supply. The S’well Bottle keeps Cold Items Cold and Hot Items Hot too. Retail Price is $40.00.
Padma Lakshmi, of Top Chef & HSN Care, purchase this 2010 Heart Ornament for $29.90. Padma designed this handcrafted and mouth blown ornament made with Swarovski® Elements combines Old World flavor with a touch of nature, and is celebrating the charitable meaning of the season by giving proceeds to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. This is a HSN Exclusive.
ONEHOPE Wine
ONEHOPE offers award-winning wine with profits going to specific charities depending on the type, I’m personally a Pinot Noir Gal so I went for the 2009 ONEHOPE Arroyo Seco Reserve Pinot Noir which supports Children’s Hospitals for $23.99. $4.00 goes to the hospital and $2.40 goes to the charity of YOUR choice. Maybe you’re a Chardonnay person though, in that case 50% of your purchase benefits the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Wines are between $19 and $24.
Cookies For Kids Cancer, one package of gourmet cookies wrapped in a green bow, $30, proceeds go to Pediatric Cancer Research.
Aveda’s all-in-one package that comes with two of their best-sellers: Smooth Infusion shampoo and the style-prep smoother. Partial proceeds go to saving the Colombian Rainforest, $51.
PACT’s undies come in a variety of cool colors and designs. They’re ethically made, come in biodegradable packaging, and 10 percent of your purchase goes to one of PACT’s environmental nonprofits. $60 to $66 for women’s or men’s 3-packs.
FEED Guatemala 3 Large Ikat Tote: Flex your green muscle by slinging one of these FEED bags over your shoulder. Not only are they stylish, but these versatile tote bags are handmade by Nest, a nonprofit organization that empowers female artisans around the globe. Made with traditional Guatemalan Ikat fabrics, they are perfect for everyday use. $39 at Lord & Taylor.
Braille Hug & Kiss sterling silver Braille necklace. The characters read “hug” and “kiss.” Portion of sales donated to the American Foundation for the Blind. $140.
AKMD Sweet Dreams Holiday Gift Set, A rejuvenating nighttime skincare kit, proceeds go to Operation Smile, which fixes children’s cleft lips and cleft palates around the world. $74.
Beats Solo Special Edition HD On-Ear Headphones, feel good while rocking out knowing proceeds go to (PRODUCT)RED, the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa, these headphones also keep outside noises unheard, have playback control for iPods as well as hands free talking for iPhones, and they’re compact. They fold up entirely. $229.
A hand-carved salad server and apron set supports a unique cross-border initiative supporting families in both Rwanda and Kenya. From the Rwandan Virunga Artisan Cooperative, a community of refugees who’ve devoted their livelihood to gorilla conservation programs, comes the salad servers (embellished with the group’s gorilla insignia). The block-printed apron is the work of the Bombolu Workshop in Kenya, where adults disabled by the recent violence are helping support their local economy. This gift supports the two efforts and the strides they’ve made by working together. Salad server and apron set priced at $38.
You can’t love style and fashion without also really loving to shop and tomorrow is the mecca of all shopping days, Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving is no longer owned by football games and leftovers, it’s become a national shopping holiday, and as such, must be planned for and researched with the same due diligence and forethought that you’ve given your Thanksgiving meal.
Good news? We’ve done some of your research for you. Better news? There are some wicked sales out there that will give you that triumphant shoppers high. Sort of bad news? You really should get up early if you want to take full advantage of everything Black Friday has to offer. So shrug off that turkey induced tryptophan coma, and dress in something cozy n’ chic and hit the ground running with coffee in hand.
Take a look at a few selected events, steals & deals that we’ve spotted for you across L.A., and as always, happy shopping!
More bang for your buck.
Westside Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA:
The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, CA:
Los Cerritos Center, in Cerritos, CA:
Lakewood Center, in Lakewood, CA:
Santa Monica Place, in Santa Monica, CA:
As if shopping weren’t fun enough.
At Lakewood Center, in Lakewood, CA (Opening at Midnight):
At Los Cerritos Center, in Cerritos, CA (Opening at Midnight):
At Santa Monica Place, in Santa Monica, CA (Opening at 8am):
The W Los Angeles- Westwood created a winter wonderland to celebrate the opening of their ice skating rink CHILL for the season. The event, which served as a charity fundraiser for the Children’s Action Network, was hosted by Scoundrels actress Virginia Madsen, writer and director of his self-named movie and former foster child, Antwone Fisher, and the I Hate Valentine’s Day actress Nia Vardalos. They all came out to show their support for national child adoption and to enjoy a night filled with ice skating, Ciroc vodka drinks, delicious food, and winter fun.
Antwone Fisher and his family at the CHILL Launch event on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
‘Tis the season to bundle up for winter, and even though it was 60 degrees at the CHILL event, the guests filled me in on some of their favorite winter fashion items. A Christmas Wish actress and winner of Skating with the Celebrities Kristy Swanson brought her adorable son Magnus to the event, and told us that her favorite winter accessory is hats. She likes that you can only wear wool hats and beanies in the colder months so she takes advantage and loves to keep her head warm and cute.
Kristy Swanson and son Magnus came to take a spin on CHILL at W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.Co-host Virginia Madsen told Style Seen Daily that she loves wearing leg warmers in the winter. An avid bikram yogi, she gets compliments all the time on her fashionable ankle accessory.
Actress Virginia Madsen co-hosted the charity event at the W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.To pull off Virginia’s look, try these Falke Eve Leg Warmers, priced at $39 on shopbop.com.
Falke Eve Leg Warmers. Shopbop.comFive Star Day actress Jena Malone showed up to the red carpet in a gorgeous Sonia Rykiel knit dress, she said she loves knits this winter. Jena told us,”Knit underwear, knit bras, knit everything!”
Actress Jena Malone looked beautiful in a knit dress and platform heels at W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.We love knits too, especially crochet socks, like the Free People Crochet Anklet, priced at $24. They look great with Mary-Jane heels or ballet flats to keep your feet warm this winter.
Free People Crochet Sock. Freepeople.comAlso, for the jewelry lover, check out these Style Seen Daily Knitted Knot Earrings, $74.
Knitted Knot Earrings. Style Seen Daily Showroom.
Event co-host Nia Vardalos, known for making being Greek cool, told us she just bought a bunch of soft silky scarves this season. The Spokesperson for National Adoption wowed in a Griffin coat and super high Vera Wang booties that she said are so comfortable she could run in them.
Co-Host Nia Vardalos in a stylish coat, striped tights and Vera Wang heels at W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.My favorite item this winter would have to be my comfortable and stylish low-heel booties from Aldo. The shoe company has a ton of funky and cool ankle booties this season.
Me in my favorite Aldo booties at the W event. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
For the second year, the W Los Angeles turned their pool deck, WET, into the hybrid ice skating rink CHILL, where guests and visitors got cozy in fatboy lounge chairs, wonderland scenery, and rink side cabanas.
The posh rink side cabanas to watch the skaters take the ice at W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
At the launch, guests watched a performance under the snowflakes by the Beverly Hills Ice Cabaret Theater in their rink side cabanas and then were able to take to the ice with friends.
Children and adults escaped to the W's Winter Playground at CHILL's launch in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
The bartenders poured Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka signature drinks like the Ciroc Starlet and White Frost.
Ciroc sponsored the event with many delectable drink specials at the W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
And of course everyone took part in the food. A cauliflower soup garnished with a gourmet grilled cheese, filet minon or turkey breast, tuna tartare, and chicken skewers, were among the many delicious choices for the evening.
Delicious Cauliflower soup and grilled cheese wedges at the W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
Sweet Lucie’s Organic Ice Cream made for a wonderful treat for the kids as they handed out the cold creations from their adorable ice cream stand.
Antwone Fisher and his daughter got some yummy ice cream from Sweet Lucie's stand at the W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
Check out more skating fun when Skating with the Stars premieres this week on ABC and then get into the spirit by taking a few spins, and hopefully not too many falls, on the CHILL ice rink this winter.
The Skating With the Stars cast. abc.go.com
CHILL will be open to the public from November 19 through January 2, 2011 at the W Los Angeles- Westwood.
Children taking a spin on the ice at the W Westwood in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Style Seen Daily.
Click here for more information on the “W’s Winter Playground.”
The W in Westwood launched their winter playground, ice rink CHILL, for all to enjoy.
Since the announcement of Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin, as the newest designer for the H&M Fall/Winter 2010 collaboration, the fashion world has been on its heels awaiting a peek at the designs. This week the Swedish brand gave fans a preview of the collection that is set to be in stores November 23rd. The photos of the Lanvin x H&M collaboration, released on November 3rd have stirred up much excitement in anticipation of the release of the affordable and stylish line.
Lanvin and H&M come together to create a chic and afforable collection availabe in H&M stores beginning November 23th 2010.
Lanvin, a Parisian luxury brand, is known in the fashion industry for producing high quality, innovative designs and this collaboration is no exception. Although the collection is for H&M stores, the Lanvin identity can still clearly been seen in the pieces.
Sleek animal prints and romantic, ruffled pieces give H&M the Lanvin, luxury feel. Photo Credit: H&M.
The women’s collection will consist of 30 pieces and 15 accessories ranging from shoes to clothing to jewelry and lipstick.
It features rich hues of pinks and blues on ruffled, silk mini dresses, each priced at $199. Fabulous cocktail jewelry and accessories are also play a large part in this collection, including pointy-toed pumps for $99. A faux-fur vest, that is right on trend for this season, and the zebra trench coat add a sultry flair to the collection and are two more must-haves, both priced at $199.
The Lanvin x H&M men's collection features plenty of fashionable suiting and outerwear pieces. Photo Credit: H&M.
The menswear collection, which consists of 25 pieces and 10 accessories, is full of classic items like suits, tuxedos, and sweaters.
Lanvin and H&M collaborate to create refined clothing at a price that's afforable for more consumers. Photo Credit: HypeBeast.com.
Elbaz’s signature menswear features also make an appearance, such as his classic floppy bow tie, and the pieces are all finely detailed which gives the collection a luxury feel at an affordable price. There are even a few men’s jewelry pieces included, such as metallic brooches.
Alber Elbaz is the artistic director of Lanvin in Paris and has been since 2001, after working in the fashion industry for more than 13 years. He has earned honors such as The International Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America and named as One of the 100 Most Influential People of the Year by Time Magazine in 2007.
Elbaz helped to make Lanvin, the oldest fashion house worldwide, a favorite among celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss, and Chloé Sevigny.
H&M has launched several designer collaborations with luxury brands since 2004 to build their fashion house, but this Lanvin collaboration is the most anticipated to date.
Check out Lanvin for H&M- The Show, a video sneak peek of the Lanvin x H&M collaboration, to watch video of all of the pieces from the collection.
Mark your calendar: These pieces hit the H&M stores on November 23 rd.
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