Fifth On Main, a new e-commerce boutique targeting the contemporary womenswear & accessories markets. Officially launches online November 1st.

Lord only knows how many times I passed by this store without the “hmm, maybe I should check this out” thought running through my head. After several  designer budget-saver recommendations and a bit of fashion evidence from some friends, I decided to set my ego aside and pay a little visit to the Loehmann’s Chelsea location. 

The first several visits left me unimpressed. The store was unorganized and crowded, wasting over 45 minutes of my life I was sure I’d never get back. Taking the wise advice of my mother, I gave the store a second chance, stopping in early on a Thursday (aka inventory day) just before February’s fashion week. Heading upstairs to “The Back Room,” the discounted designer label department, I was floored by how many great pieces there were by the fashion industry’s cream of the crop. $300 later, I walked out of Loehmann’s with over $2500 worth of  Robert Rodriguez, Vince, Mint and Helmut Lang clothes and accessories. Happy girl? You bet.

After probably a two month hiatus from the discount haven, I stopped by Loehmann’s this morning, Although I only purchased some jewelry (I got a Burberry-esque spike bracelet and a match necklace for $40. Beat that.) I was amazed to see dozens upon dozens of pieces from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection. The clothes might be two seasons old, but where else are you going to find a Marc Jacobs Americana romper marked down to just $70!? Other great buys included gorgeous Givenchy boot-heels, Comme des Garcons drop-crotch sweats (too bad they were a size 14…), a plethora of springy Philosophy dresses and tons of chunky Miu Miu, Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgely Misckha sunglasses. 

All in all, if you haven’t yet been to Loehmann’s, now is the time to check it out. But be forewarned, be there early on weekdays or be prepared to dig.

Who: Fifth On Main, a new e-commerce boutique targeting the contemporary womenswear market, launching late Spring 2009.

What: Pop-up store holding a Fall/Winter & Resort Sample Sale + Spring Preview Sale, open to the public.

Designers: Abaete, Alvin Valley, Brian Reyes, Badgley Mischka, TIBI, Twelfth Street, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor, Mint by Jodi Arnold, Theory, Chaiken and more!

The goods: 40% – 60% off retail prices

Even more goods: RSVP to lauren@rich-pr.com and receive an additional 10% off your total purchase!

Where: 109 Spring Street, between Greene & Mercer
Soho, New York

When: Friday, April 17th 10am – 8pm
Saturday, April 18th 10am – 7pm
Sunday, April 19th 10am – 7pm

With the Hamptons season almost here, seems like all designers are trying to get their piece of the pie, DVF will open a store (May 1st) , and Carmen Marc Valvo has designed a line of plates, to be sold exclusively for QVC.

According to WWD, the designer has developed Carmen Marc Valvo Home, tableware, serving pieces and decorative items. Entering the category is a first for Valvo, who said he entertains frequently in the Hamptons and “really gets obsessive about the food, flowers and matching the napkins to the plates.”

Peter Som. Sass and Bide. Vera Wang. Betsey Johnson. Carmen Marc Valvo. DKNY. What do all of these labels have in common? Well, they won’t be showing their collections on the runways of Bryant Park, that’s for sure. The economy has certainly taken a toll on the fashion industry and sadly enough, it has pilfered designers abilities to show off, publicize and get some well deserved recognition. But before designers decide to shrink their collections, minimize their advertising and slap sale signs in their windows, they pull the plug on showing during fashion week. That being said, are runway shows a thing of the past? If designers can survive the recession, sans the runway show, does that mean that fashion week is really the extra credit that doesn’t count on designers homework? The recession has changed many a mindset, but it is frighteningly possible that it can make designers realize they can succeed without dropping major dough on a show.

On the flip side, the idea of a runway show can be viewed as 2009’s It-bag, only the rich and glamorous can afford it and bystanders look on in amazement. Who knows, maybe this recession is simply the fashion industry’s version of spring cleaning, making runway shows only for the invested, focused, and prepared designers. Oscar de la Renta’s double runway delight is a prime example of this notion. 

Either the runways become “so last year,” sending hundreds of bean-pole models home packing or they get put on a pedestal, an honor to have your collection even grace one. Oh runways, you are a scary toss up.

When I think Citrine, I think of porcelain-faced model boys, college girls ready for a Sex and the City-styled night out, and Christian Siriano (the Project Runway hosted his birthday bash there). I’ve never thought, however, that the venue could be home to Carmen Marc Valvo’s show for the upcoming February Fashion Week.