I spent a good portion of my weekend oohing and ahhing over sale shoes. It is that time of year, after all. I’m off to NYC this coming weekend, so I’m having to restrain myself (which is not one of my strong points), but here’s just a few that I wouldn’t mind seeing under my Christmas tree.

{If I had to pick just one, it would undoubtedly be #1, the Isabel Marant zebra print suede pumps. L O V E.}

I may have to bite on those Isabel Marant ones…

1. Isabel Marant Gatsy zebra-print suede pumps

2. Margiela wool-covered leather ankle boots

3. Jil Sander mesh oxford pump

4. Chloe two-tone Elaphe pumps

5. Robert Clergerie Olympy wedge

6. Miu Miu oxford wedges

7. Thimister platform wedge

8. Marni patent leather and suede wood platforms

9. Rag & Bone Odval desert wedge

10. Surface To Air lace-up suede wedge

11. Proenza Schouler lattice wedge

We believe that the biggest shopping day of the year (and the official kick-off of the biggest shopping season of the year) should be filled with some serious bargains. So, just for you, we’ve sorted through our inventory and marked a whole bunch of stuff down to as little as $50! With discounts up to 85% off, nothing’s more than $200 (and that includes shoes, y’all!) And because we’re feeling extra-generous, this sale is on all weekend long and through Cyber Monday. So what are you waiting for? Get your shop on now!

Shop the Black Friday sale.

7th Annual Randolph Street Market Festival that is!  Summer is not summer without Randolph St.  Mark your calendars everyone….kickoff weekend starts today and runs through the weekend May 29-30.  I love a great outdoor flea market and this one (much like previous summers) will be jammed pack with some fantastic finds.   If you miss the opening, Randolph is held one weekend of each summer month through Sept.  You can buy your tickets here online for $9 ($12 @ the door)

**1300 block West Randolph St & Plumbers Hall/1340 West Washington

Super cute bikes!!!

as my daughter, Kit, says "Fashion Baabashion!"

This last trip to NYC was all about the girl power. From the lovely Mariana and Ana to the luminous Lauren Hutton (we saw her at The Smile and I told her she was beautiful — I’m such a dork!), it was all about the girls. Well, the one-and-only Sonia Rykiel was a big part of the girl power for Arlene’s 9-yr old daughter, Kit. 

I probably don’t need to tell you that the combination of pink and blue and red and leopard and stripes and hearts was like a paradise for Kit (and the chocolate muffins certainly didn’t hurt, especially after her disappointing breakfast at Starbuck’s). Our rep, Mina, took an instant liking to Kit and presented her with the most adorable pink, sparkly pen/key ring sort of thing (I’m ashamed to admit that Arlene and I were a little jealous — I’m not proud of it, but it was Sonia Rykiel!) Anyway, it appears that the trip was even more influential on Kit than we knew. A week later, on our 1st night back in New York, Arlene showed me this picture that Kit had drawn…

Okay, is it just me or is this totally inspired by Sonia Rykiel? I mean, Hello, they’re all wearing berets! Judge for yourself — here’s a peek at a few of the sweaters we saw at the showroom…

I find it fascinating to see how this came out, interpreted by Kit. I can’t wait to see what my very special Kittersons ends up doing with her life. She is clearly going to be a creative force to be reckoned with!

And lastly, when we returned from our 2nd trip to NYC, we found a package for Kit. In it was a beautiful Sonia by Sonia Rykiel silver flower necklace. And 2 pink sparkly pen/key rings Thanks, Mina. You’re the greatest!

Everyone loves Sonia, even my precious little puppy, Kuma…

Kuma, wearing Sonia for H & M :)

The news is out: Rodarte will be designing a collection for Target’s Go International series, scheduled to hit stores on December 20th. There has been an awful lot of discussion about mass-market designer collaborations and how the items never live up to the designers’ higher-priced collections. Well, DUH. In order to make clothes less expensive, the materials have to be less expensive — and less expensive fabrics just don’t drape or hang as well. However, I do believe that there is some great design to be found. I, for one, have a number of pieces in my wardrobe that have come from various designer collaborations. A few of my faves: a Stella McCartney for H & M parka (still in great shape, actually), a Thakoon for The Gap white cotton tunic (that I live in), and my ultimate fave, a ball skirt from Alexander McQueen for Target (with a crinoline — it’s a lot of design for the money).

I don’t expect to walk into Target and find an affordable — and good-looking — version of those sick thigh-high boots from Fall09…

…but I do very much expect to get my hands on a rockin’ pair of knee-highs — shredded the way only the Mulleavy sisters could do it.

Manage your expectations and you just might find some cheap treasures to mix with your pricier ones!

Rodarte runway images from Style.com, Rodarte product image from Opening Ceremony, Stella McCartney parka image from iamfashion, and McQ image from Nitrolicious. 

I am McQueen-OBSESSED and always log on to drool when it hits Gilt Groupe. Tomorrow is my birthday and even though I will be 43 years old, I can still expect a little birthday money. The irony (other than the fact that I’m still getting bday $ at the ripe old age of 43!) is that the money will not come until long after all the discounted Alexander McQueen is but a memory. I think the universe is definitely trying send me a message. I have received said message, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t still drool…

My first choice:

A leather suspender dress??? I would wear that thing all the time! I am pretty sure that I’ll be wearing it later tonight in my dreams

Many other drool-worthy pieces I could easily add to my wardrobe:

A few items still available, but you better hurry!! And if you do score something fab, be sure to tell me all about it!

XOX,

McQueen Lover

So, i just read on Sea of Shoes that Jane Aldridge has a capsule shoe collection coming out with Urban Outfitters. A number of the comments on her post were rather negative — calling her an “advertising opportunity” and her designs “knock-offs”. I am not going to deny that she is indeed a great marketing opportunity for a conglomerate like UO, nor am I going to deny the obvious influences of Margiela and Ann Demeuelemeester in her designs, but can we just step aside for a second and look at things the way they are? First of all, the girl is a mere 17 years old. Yes, she comes from an affluent family. Yes, her mother is an experienced style maven (with a closet laden with treasures). And yes, she has access to items that most of us can only dream about. However, the girl really knows her fashion and she’s smart enough to grab an opportunity when it comes her way. Even the wealthiest and most pampered of teenagers don’t even know how to pronounce Demeulemeester, let alone know who she is. Be jealous if you will, be critical if you will, but you have to admit that Jane has a taste level more sophisticated than many who call themselves fashion industry professionals. 

Let us not forget — fashion is a business. We recently posted about working a Hugo Boss sample sale and trust me, there was nothing glamorous about it. Were the suits expensive and fabulous? Yes. Was the event surrounded by paparazzi? No. There is definitely a blurry line between fashion and retail and, for some reason, that line seems blurriest in the US. The people that seem to be dressed the worst are the first ones to go after someone exhibiting a sense of personal style. Great style always seems to be equivalent to snobbishness in our society — and it definitely creates a frenzy of envy. Even if the aforementioned is wearing H & M. 

So what do I think about Jane’s collection for Urban Outfitters? I think it’s bloody fantastic! It’s hard to make affordable shoes look good and I think these look damn good. Hats off to Urban Outfitters and to Jane. They may be knock-offs, but I’d rather wear Jane Aldridge Ann D knock-offs than Nine West Marc Jacobs knock-offs any day.

It feels as though summer has finally arrived in Chicago (or maybe it’s just wishful thinking!) Either way, summer means one very important thing to us — MARKDOWNS!!!

Many of our very favorite items 30% off! It’s madness, I tell you!!

Shop sale here.

Don’t you just love irony?  

We wanted to do something spectacular and fabulous for our 100th post, but in an ironic twist of fate, this post is about what we did last week. A less-than-glamorous week of running around working a gigantic Hugo Boss sample sale — from load-in to break-down and everything in between, including an intimate pre-sale party for 300. The pictures really don’t explain all the time, energy, blood, sweat and tears that went into making this thing happen, nor do they convey all the interesting people we met and the crazy things that happened, but we thought it would be fitting — and fun — to share them with you nonetheless. This is just an example of the lives of Arlene and Brandon… we’ll do whatever it takes!

over 11,000 pieces ….Unloaded, set-up, beautifully merchandised, sold, broken down and moved out by 37 TEMPS!  

A few of the professionals..

And to all of you who are kind enough to visit our blog, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We really don’t do this just to hear ourselves talk, so thanks so much for listening. And thanks to all you other bloggers who are a constant source of inspiration to us. We just love you all! 

XOXOX,

A and B

Recently, I stumbled upon a blog called Public Personæ and I discovered the creative, stylish and gutsy Sarah X.

When I stumbled upon her, Sarah had just challenged herself — publicly — to come up with 30 days’ worth of original outfits (The 30 Day Challenge). She re-uses some basics, but the ensembles are all distinctly different. 

What I really love about Sarah — aside from the fact that she has the balls to put herself out there like that — is that she is a master at mixing high and low and at accessorizing. Her closet of accessories is, I’m sure, the size of King Tut’s tomb (packed with just as much finery). Sarah really knows how to dress and shop during a depressed economy without skimping on style. She frequently wears Topshop, Forever 21, H & M, Zara, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters. But paired with these items, she will throw in some pretty hot designers, like Boy by Band of Outsiders, Jeffrey Campbell, Bliss Lau, and DKNY. 

I think that Sarah’s 30-day challenge is the definition of “shopping your closet.” She is a master at maximizing her wardrobe and wearing what you love. If you love it, buy it, and WEAR IT. I think she reminds us that it’s okay to spend your hard-earned bucks on things that you love as long as you spend wisely. Why not take a page from her book and challenge yourself to break out of your own style rut? It’s always a good time to try and inject some creativity into your wardrobe. And when you can’t afford anything new, your closet is the only store you’ll be shopping!

Only 3 more days of the challenge left, but definitely tune in to see how she pulls it all off — publicpersonae.com/blog/