Devon Leigh

Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez (from here up: neimanmarcus.com)

Alex Monroe

Pamela Love

Pamela Love

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

Alex Monroe

Alex Monroe (from here up: netaporter.com)

Vera Wang

Milly

Elie Tahari

Vera Wang (from here up: bergdorfgoodman.com)

Such pretty pieces! I’d like to have that Kate Spade ring as a reminder of spring and summer, when those cold days of winter strike.

LINK LOVE:"Baubles and Beads"

It’s that time of year again when flowers blossom and little birdies hatch… oh yeah, and everybody gets married!! Rent The Runway has a whole category devoted to weddings to help make your life easier, especially on you wallet.

I have two back to back weddings approaching, one of which is this weekend. I actually should be packing right now, but I can’t even begin to bother with that. I’m on Rent The Runway checking out their latest inventory selections for Spring Weddings, still trying to decide which dress I want to rent. Of course you always want to look your best at weddings; you’re seeing people who you haven’t seen in months, sometimes years. Here are some of my fave choices so far:

The only fever we can’t shake this spring is for Rent the Runway, and it’s definitely contagious!  We are logging-on seven days a week to get our daily dose. As our obsession builds, we’ve noticed that their inventory books at the blink of an eye and we’ve lost out on some great looks.   We chatted with the stylist team to get the competitive edge.  They gave us the inside scoop on getting the goods before their gone.

• Reserve early. It’s officially busy season with weddings, graduations, proms, and formals so if you love something, book it immediately.   You can reserve up to six months in advance of your event.

• Search by date.  Search by date to see everything that is available for your event to narrow down your selection and quickly hone in on your best bets.

• Chat with a stylist.  They’ll help you navigate the site, find the perfect size, and tip you off to new arrivals.

Here are some of our favorite looks from Rent the Runway’s latest and greatest. Don’t forget, the first 1,000 Fashion Indie readers get $10 off their rental until May 9. Use promo code: indie2010.

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

What: Pop-up Sample Sale offering Summer and Fall/Winter womenswear and accessories.

The Designers: Cynthia Steffe, Cynthia Rowley, TWG, Yoana Baraschi, Mint by Jodi Arnold, Mackage, Chaiken, Tibi, Robert Rodriguez, Rozae Nichols, Nicole Miller, Diane Samandi, Tadashi, Fleurwood, Gypsy 05, Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo, Re:Sound, Soundgirl, Tyhlo, Nicholas K, Body Language and many more!

The Goods (and it’s really good):

* ALL merchandise 60-70% off retail.
* RSVP to arrael@rich-pr.com for an additional 10% off your total purchase.
* Register for a Fifth on Main account on-site and receive another 15% off already discounted prices! AND receive 5% of your purchase back in Fifth on Main Rewards Points, which can go back into shopping on www.fifthonmain.com or transfer to American Airlines miles or Marriot Hotel Stays.
* Sunday CLOSEOUT – an additional 10% off already reduced prices + discounts!

Even More Goods:

* Complimentary coffee daily 10am – 12pm
* Complimentary wine daily 6pm-8pm
* All major credit cards accepted

Where: 421 West Broadway, between Prince & Spring
Soho, New York http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=New+York&state=NY&address=421+West+Broadway

When: Friday, October 9th – Sunday, October 11th
10am – 8pm daily

RSVP: arrael@rich-pr.com for an additional 10% off your total purchase!

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.

This spring, SSENSE is introducing designers Alexandre Herchcovitch, Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens Drkshdw, Twenty8Twelve, Milly, Current/Elliot and Kris Van Assche to their boutique, which already includes labels like Acne, Ksubi, Robert Rodriguez, Clu and Black Halo.  This, along with the re-launch of their flagship boutique, puts SSENSE in high demand.

Opening in April 2009, on the corner of famous St. Paul street in Montreal’s historic Old Port, the two-story boutique boasts over 80ft of window display space showcasing fashion’s most exclusive design labels. The store’s interior, dominated by black brushed metal and glass, is a modern update to the boutique’s antiquated facade.  On the main floor, luxury designers Alexander Herchcovitch, Maison Martin Margiela and Rick Owens will be paired with artistic, avant-garde brands.  A steel and marble staircase leads underground to the second floor, where labels like OAK, Current/Elliot and Acne can be found.

This addition to the already well-styled website, ssense.com, will add a bit of punch to its merchandising mix. A boutique that carries Herchcovitch, Margiela and Owens in the same space almost makes me wish I was Canadian, almost.