Which is why we want you to win this $500 bathrobe FREE!

Today and tomorrow, shoppers can begin their night at the VIP Hospitality Tents from 5 p.m. where they can enjoy complimentary Italian food and beverages from Pizza Roma and Serafina Restaurant. Shoppers will be able to pick up a map including information on participating retailer events in the area as well as a VIP Shopper Card, which will give them access to special promotions being offered. Check out the promo video below to learn more.

Shop Italy NYC Week 3 from Luis Del Valle on Vimeo.

The extensive list of participating retailers includes some of FashionIndie’s favorite iconic Italian brands like Etro, Furla, Giuseppe Zanotti, La Perla, MaxMara, Moschino, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Sportmax. Here is the list of amazing events going on today and tomorrow:

Alessi – Shop Karim Rashid at Alessi Soho. 20% discount on all Karim Rashid designed Alessi products and introduction of the new Rashid designed watch: JAK. Signed by Karim Rashid (While supplies last).
Bisazza – Bisazza Bagno Preview. New Bisazza Bath Collection.
Cappellini (July 7 only) – Preview of 2011 Fall Collection.
DOM Interiors/Valcucine Showroom – Sustainability At Its Best – A Look at New Products. Wine reception. 15% discount for Shop Italy customers on selected items.
Fontana Arte – 2011 Collection Preview. 5 – 7 pm.
Il Bisonte – Shop Italy Cocktail Party.
Kartell – Magic Garden. Preview of the New Outdoor collection designed by Phillippe Starck, made by Kartell.
La Perla – New Shape Couture. Cocktail party and model presentation.
Luceplan – Shop Italy Promotion. 30% discount on MSRP. Spend over $3,000 for a 35% discount. Cheese and wine.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti – Fall 2011 Collection “Sneak-Peek”. Cocktail party.
Poltrona Frau (July 7 only) – 2011 Fall Collection Preview.
Scavolini (July 6 only) – Design and Gelato. Renown Italian ice cream GROM will be served. Special Shop Italy NYC surprise! 6 -8 pm.
SICIS – Aperitivo in Celebration of New Art Collection.
Solstice – Italian Designer Brand Presentation.
Sportmax – Shop Italy Promotion. Cocktail Party with hors d’oeuvres. Receive a complimentary gift with all purchases.
Technogym – Shop Italy Cocktail Party.

If you have any questions about Shop Italy NYC or want to know more, check out the website fashionitalianstyle.com or get at me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.

From June 15 to July 7, between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday of each week, shoppers will experience everything the finest Italian retailers in Manhattan have to offer – June 15 and 16 in the Meatpacking District; June 22, 23, 29 and 30 on Madison Avenue; July 6 and 7 in SoHo.

Throughout the month-long Shop Italy NYC event, each Wednesday and Thursday night from 5 p.m. shoppers can begin their night at the VIP Hospitality Tents where they can enjoy complimentary Italian food and beverages from Pizza Roma and Serafina Restaurant. Shoppers will be able to pick up a map including information on participating retailer events in the area as well as a VIP Shopper Card, which will give them access to special promotions being offered. Check out the promo video below to learn more.

Shop NYC Event at Madison Avenue from Luis Del Valle on Vimeo.

“The Italian Trade Commission is extremely pleased to organize Shop Italy NYC promoted by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development,” said Mr. Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner for the United States. “This month-long event will be held in the most prestigious locations in Manhattan. We are proud to showcase the exceptional heritage of Italian excellence, tradition, craftsmanship and distinctive design. Shop Italy NYC will provide a dynamic experience throughout the city and encourage consumers to visit and shop Made in Italy.”

The extensive list of participating retailers includes some of FashionIndie’s favorite iconic Italian brands like Etro, Furla, Giuseppe Zanotti, La Perla, MaxMara, Moschino, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Sportmax. Here is the list of amazing events going on today and tomorrow:

- Brics: Campari Limited Edition Collection Launch. Travel with style. Please join us for an exclusive shopping event. 20 % discount on your purchase.
- La Camiceria Italiana: Shop Italy Wine Reception.
- Claudia Ciuti: Shop Italy Promotion. 15% discount for Shop Italy customers.
- Davide Cenci: Fall Collection Preview. 15% discount on made to measure orders. 5 pm till 6:30 pm.
- Domenico Vacca: Shop Italy Promotion,Complimentary Prosecco + 15% discount.
- Etro: Shop Italy Promotion. Complimentary Prosecco. Free alterations & delivery to all “Shop Italy, NYC” shoppers.
- Frette: Shop Italy Promotion. Complimentary Prosecco. 10% discount on all purchases.
- Furla: Furla Fall 2011 Collection Preview.
- Geox: Shop Italy Promotion. Enjoy 30% discount on the second pair of GEOX shoes purchased. Complimentary Prosecco.
- Michele Negri: Fall/Winter 2011 New Collection Presentation. Special 10% discount on all new items.
- Monnalisa: Private Fall/Winter 2011-12 Collection Preview. Fashion show and Cocktail party. Extra 20% discount storewide.
- Paul & Shark: Spring/Summer Collection Sale. 30% discount on selected items. Until 6 pm.
- Tincati Milano: Personal appearance by Mr. Antonio Tincati from Milan. Tailor will be making ties on the spot so you can see how a seven fold tie is made. New fabric preview.
- VBH Luxury: Wine Reception. Free delivery to Shop Italy customers.

If you have any questions about Shop Italy NYC or want to know more, check out the website fashionitalianstyle.com or get at me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.

Maintaining a zen-like calm amidst a flurry of phone calls, text messages and BBMs, I was lucky enough to sit down with Unik and he was lucky enough to find time to eat. Turning 40 this Sunday, Unik revealed to me that among the things he’s learned is that with getting older, there’s no need to stress. “It doesn’t help anything.”

How he maintains that calm is a wonder, however. A highly in-demand promoter, Unik has worked for brands like Nike, Diesel, La Perla, Valentino, and Microsoft, while organizing events for the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals as well as New York Fashion Week. But the subject closest to his heart is his home country of Haiti.

Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Unik settled in America permanently in 1990 and immediately got to work. He parlayed his love of partying into a successful career and uses his high-profile contacts to help out his native land. For his 35th birthday, instead of gifts, he asked his friends to donate to any foundation that helped the children of his country. After raising $15,000, he decided to keep the tradition growing and the following year Edeyo was born.

Tonight, Unik once again gathers his celebrity pals to raise money for the children of Haiti and bring light to their cause. Naomi Campbell and her boyfriend Vladimir Doronin donated their custom Lotus for the event’s auction, which also includes two trips to the Caribbean. But when I asked Unik what the night’s  biggest surprise would be, he responded in his Unik Ernest manner: “Raising $100,000.”

Here’s hoping he gets his birthday wish.

I’m Lauren, resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and creator of my blog Diary of a Fashion Addict. My philosophy: There’s never a reason to pay retail! I’m constantly looking for a discount code to score those Zanotti’s on a budget. Want the “in” on these super hush hush NYC or online sample sales? Check in with me here, every Tuesday where I’ll be your guide to the best “Steals & Deals” coming your way. For more sales, style inspiration & savvy shopping tips, visit my blog DiaryofaFashionAddict.com.

Deal for a Day:

Fun, flirty and feminine dresses & separates to remind us why it’s kick-ass to be a girl. Catherine Malandrino on Gilt Groupe, June 14.

For an invite to Gilt Group, email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

Discount Code DL:

Amazing hand-selected art, apparel & accessories for Men and Women from top designers Acne, Vena Cava, Band of Outsiders and more… ie get these sick Alexander Wang Dakota lace-up booties (orig. $650) for $455 after the discount.

Use code “Luckybreaks5” for 30% off your order @ Tenoversix!

Sale on Sale:

Calypso St. Barth is the epitome of Bohemian Beach Chic. Check out their awesome online sample sale HERE, featuring already deeply discounted maxi dresses, lace skirts & out of this world prints. Use code “Samplesale” for an additional 50% off at checkout!

Real Life NYC Sample Sale:

Do you love that feeling you get when you put on some cheeky lingerie before a night on the town, but not dying to pay $$$$ for it?! For swimwear, sleepwear, and lots of sexy lingerie so naughty, you’ll want to take it off as soon as it’s on, head over to the La Perla sample sale asap!

La Perla Sample Sale:

When: 6/12-6/16

Where: 225 5^th Avenue, between 26 & 27^th.

M-W (9:30-6), Th (9:30-7)

The Male Sale:

Just in time to shop for Father’s Day…and you of course! Shop Men’s, Women’s and Kid’s up to 60% off at the annual J.Crew Sample Sale:

When: 6/14-6/18

Where: 260 5^th avenue (near 28^th street)

T-F (10-8), Su (10-4)

Bonus: The City Steal

A deal so good, we had to add it as this week’s bonus! Get up to 54% off salon services at legendary NYC salon Warren-Tricomi.

- One haircut & blowout for $91

- Three blowouts for $120

- Full head of highlights for $175

Warren-Tricomi Salon via Gilt City

**offer ends Friday 6/17 at 10am.

For even more Steals & Deals check Diary of a Fashion Addicit!

1. Nude is a no-show. White undergarments do not disappear under white garments, so get the idea out of your head. Unless you’re going for the whole “look at my underwear” thing and are positive you can pull it off, wear nude undergarments when you see color is showing through your clothes. Chantelle Icone T-Shirt Bra in Skin combines comfort, style and function. As for underwear, Commando Low-Rise Girl Shorts in True Nude and Hanky Panky Lace Thong in Nude are both excellent options.

2. If show-through is your thing, keep it one color. The sheer trend is big, especially when letting your undergarments show through a dress. I am all about it and ready to partake come summer, but don’t channel the rainbow. Stick with one color, or block of colors, for both your bra and panties. The VPL Insertion Bra and matching VPL Convexity Undi are meant to be shown and great if you’re looking for a bright spring statement. Pair this Agent Provocateur Melody Padded Underwire Bra with the Eberjey Pima Goddess Low-Rider Bikini for a super sexy nighttime look.

3. Smooth with a slip. Gone are the days when women wore slips under everything, which isn’t a bad thing per se. But remember, slips smooth-out lumps and bumps under clingy fabrics and body-conscious designs. With a plethora of adorable and sexy slips on the market today, there is no excuse to look your best in the teeniest spring dress. For full-body options, the Agent Provocateur Zelma Satin Contour Dress will give you show-stopping curves while the Organic by John Patrick Bias Slip is perfect for the thinnest sundresses. If a half slip is more your style, the Carine Gilson Egérie Silk-Satin Half Slip is so gorgeous, you’ll never want to go without.

4. Say no to visible panty lines. This is simplest, yet most readily broken rule. If you’re wearing tight pants, WEAR A THONG. There is nothing grosser than seeing panty lines bulging out from a fitted dress or pair of pants. All lovely and comfortable, these four thongs are safe to try: Elle Macpherson Intimates Obsidian Eleanor Stretch-Silk Thong, Cosabella Soire Low-Rise Thong, La Perla Iconic Surpiqué Satin Thong and Topshop White Deep Lace Thong.

5. Conceal your bra straps. There’s nothing wrong with your bra casually peeking out from a weekday tank top, but for the love of God, don’t let it show when you’re all dolled-up and fancy. There are plenty of comfortable options out there that convert into many different styles, so all you need is one or two to start. As far as convertible options go, Donna Karan Luxe Solutions Halter Bra, Natori Body Options Convertible Bra and Huit Cupcake Bandeau Bra are some of the best. If a plain ‘ole strapless is what you’re looking for, the Calvin Klein Ivory Customized Lift Strapless Bra and Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless Bra are both great options.

What are your secrets for looking great underneath your spring wardrobe?

Gaultier Createur Thong, $198

Gaultier Createur Babydoll, $913

Gaultier Createur Waist Cincher with Panty, $1240

Balconette Bra, $393

Gaultier Createur Underwire Bra, $523

If none of these are anything to your liking SHOP here!

This time Gaultier is playing with shoulder volume. A bra with built-in shoulder shapers will give you the instant Emmanuelle Alt signature, even in a shlump shouldered jacket. My biggest hope – no, not hope, more like a prayer – is for a Blonde Ambition world tour Rocket Cone Bra flashback. The structured line will be out in the UK January 17th in Harrods.

Link Love: Full Frontal Fashion

Below are some fab photos from the spread and interview quotes:

On being a sex symbol: “It’s definitely powerful. I don’t find myself as sexy as everyone thinks. I’m a lot more insecure than people would assume, but with little stupid things. When I get dressed, I’m always so indecisive.”

On being in Playboy: “It was an independence thing for me. I was always by the book, such the straight arrow when it came to pleasing my parents and being a good daughter. I felt like this was one decision that only I could make. And I think it looks great. I’ll have those pictures forever.”

On her success: “I’d be foolish not to take some of these opportunities that are coming my way. We all know this can go away at any moment.”

On what she thought she’d be doing at 30: “If you had asked me five years ago what I would be doing at 30, I would have said, ‘Married with a kid or two.’ Not in a million years did I dream that I would be doing all the things that I’m doing.”

Check out the full photo spread here.

The issue is available on the Glamour app (iPhone, iPad and iTouch), the new B&N Nook Color and newsstands nationwide on January 11.

Retro inspired suspender in classic AP colours with delicate pink nylon lining the lace panel and pretty black bows decorating the suspender front and back. Helena Suspender, $140

Striking scarlet playsuit, created in luxuriously soft silk satin. Ruched strapping frames the figure, whilst playful oversized bows adorn the neck and hips. This fabulous playsuit features built-in knickers for ease of wear – pair with our red heart pasties for a dazzling look. Birthday Suit Playsuit, $240

Midnight blue rhinestone playsuit with silver ring detailing. This starburst design seductively sculpts your body whilst elongating and accentuating your curves. Wear with the midnight blue star pasties for a sparkling bedroom look. Bullet Playsuit, $330

Striking scarlet babydoll created in the finest silk satin chiffon. Playful oversized bows sit at each shoulder, whilst soft silk piping decorates the neckline. The flattering a-line silhouette suits all shapes and sizes. Birthday Suit Baby Doll, $250

Fun and flirty, this luxurious tiered skirt has been created in beautiful French lace. Perfect paired with the Thelma body or your favourite black lingerie for a playful look. Thelma Skirt, $390

SHOP

La Perla takes over this CYF December 2010 shoot!

Beckham looks happy and relaxed in the cover photo shot by Ruven Afanador. I love the Gaultier for La Perla bra and Eres panty combo.

LINK LOVE: Design Scene

Shop W Style is a retail celebration of W’s first-ever shopping issue. On Saturday, March 27, W will bring its unique take
on chic to the Meatpacking District with in-store events, appearances by Weditors & experts and special offers at over 40 retail destinations.

Highlights will include:

The Shop W Style Lounge
W’s headquarters for the day will be in the Shop W Style Lounge at The Standard Hotel, New York. Be sure to visit the Lounge first for:

* A detailed event map and W shopping bag
* Make-up applications by Shiseido expert Renato Almeida and his team of talented make-up artists
* Appointments for a stylist-on-demand
* Exclusive opportunity to shop Tacori’s new 18k925 line
* Private Style Sessions at Hugo Boss with celebrity stylist, Sarah Gore Reeves

More info here.

Participants include: ADAM, Brass Monkey, Buckler, Calypso, Catherine Malandrino, Charles Nolan, Diane von Furstenberg, The Earnest Sewn Co., Generra, HUGO BOSS, La Perla, Wonderland Beauty Parlor, Moschino, Paige Denim, Ports 1961, Revel, Scoop, Theory, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Trina Turk, VINCE., Yigal Azrouel, Zero Maria Cornejo

Take a break from the holiday frenzy and refresh yourself before the family arrives at Yelo Spa, exclusively on Mintbox. Also on Mintbox, ongoing in store sales include Otte and La Perla, and the Edon Manor sale has been extended through the end of the month.

Yelo- All December, refresh yourself with any 30-minute Reflexology or Massage service and add-on a complimentary invigorating foot scrub (hot chocolate or limoncello) or rejuvenating mini facial peel. Plus, until December 24, receive up to 20% off any product purchase of $50 or more. As always, your Mintbox RSVP gets you an additional 5% cash back.

Otte- Shop in-store or online through Mintbox December 7 – 31 and receive 20% off all full-priced merchandise, including Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Helmut Lang, Comme des Garcons and Rag & Bone. 15% off at the time of purchase, plus 5% cash back with your Mintbox RSVP.

La Perla- Shop online today through – December 25 and receive $50 off your full-priced purchase of $150 or more. As always, your Mintbox RSVP gets you 5% cash back on your purchase.

Edon Manor – From now through December 31, head to Edon Manor, the high-end shoes and accessories boutique in TriBeCa, were you’ll receive 10% off plus 5% cash back on all purchases with your Mintbox RSVP, including styles already reduced by up to 30% from designers such as Alexander Wang, Chloé, Alaïa, Valentino, Proenza Schouler and Givenchy.

Check out Mintbox.com and become a member with code FIMD2. Follow @MintboxInsider on Twitter to keep posted on great giveaways and gift card offers.

On December 10 from 6-9pm, join La Perla and Gen Art at a private party in the La Perla Black Label boutique in the Meatpacking district. A few more Mintbox RSVPs can get on the list (+1) and get 20% off your purchase all night. Space is limited. Click Here to Sign Up

Last season is so last season. Mintbox is a newly launched members only club where fashion hungry shoppers can discover exclusive discounts on current season collections from top designers and stores including La Perla, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone and more both INSTORE and online.

Not only that, Mintbox provides access to private events, New York fashion week shows and designer previews/trunk shows. As a bonus, Mintbox members receive 5% cash back on EVERY purchase made through Mintbox invitations with their registered credit cards.

Mintbox lets you be become a fashion insider, with deals and exclusives that normally only editors and top bloggers get. We’ve got an exclusive invite for you to join, just CLICK HERE and use code FIMD2 to join.

La Perla has launched a new website, aiming to bridge the gap between the e-commerce experience and shopping in their retail stores. The CEO, James Gardner stated, “One of the fairly common challenges facing brands with the previous generation of e-commerce sites is that the brand and shopping experiences are two separate experiences.”

LINK LOVE

Tomorrow, Daniel and I are heading to the Hamptons courtesy of Women’s Mafia founder Marcy Clark and The Hampton’s Concierge David Shapiro. We will be there for three full days of relaxation, fun in the sun, and, of course, parties. The plan, hang on the beach, visit the boutiques, and sneak into the La Perla Party tomorrow night. With our phones in hand, Daniel will be his usual Twitter Bug and update you on all that is The Hamptons!

Join our Twitter to get all the goods!