The most hardcore way to go for the glitter is with a full-length red carpet ready dress. Elie Saab nailed this in emerald during Fashion Month. We can’t wait to see who wears this on the red carpet.

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!

This collaboration is part of Uniqlo’s initiative to celebrate New York designers. Costello Tagliapietra and Charlotte Ronson have launched collabs there in the last month, and we saw Philip Lim there over the winter.

Each piece is no more than $29.90 – a freaking steal for any of these coveted designers! So thanks Uniqlo for making their stunning aesthetic available for a price that doesn’t jeopardize our first borns.

Check out the line at Uniqlo.

The site sells both Vena Cava and Viva Vena lines. In addition, it features a “vibes” page and “Garage Sale” tab. The “vibes” page shows real life friends of the brand modeling the clothes in an everyday way. The “Garage Sale” is a mix of items for sale that were handpicked by Sophie and Lisa.

Visit the site at VenaCava.com

Working mostly in black, Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock also introduced another 90s staple, color blocking to great effect in a crepe de chine skirt, followed by a blouse in similar fabric and design.

A slate grey leather skirt paired with a jersey silk top in umber provided a strong contrast between the girlish allure and a sort of rugged charm the designers flirted with throughout the collection.

The final look, a pleated chiffon crescent gown with a mid-riff baring cut-out ended the show on a high note. That the model was wearing what appeared to be biker shorts underneath seemed to only reinforce the fact that Buhai and Mayock feel particularly at home amidst a decade that is quickly gaining its moment in fashion.

Photo: NY Mag

Barneys fashion director Julie Gilhart said:

“We never thought of Co-Op as a place where you find secondary collections. It’s a place where you find something different.”

Truer words have never been spoken. If you want to snag any of these limited edition items, head to Barney’s Co-Op ASAP.

LINK LOVE: Fashionologie

LINK LOVE: Vena Cava

WWD recently asked some fashion heavyweights to give their definitions of “cheap finds”. While everyone provided actual tips like Margiela inspired looks at Costco (Vena Cava) or $35 Ninja Pants from Chinatown (Philip Lim), Ken Downing SVP/Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus had this to say…

“At Neiman Marcus we have Fab Finds, which are great deals! Great design, amazing quality, at a price that puts a smile on the customer’s face. My favorites this season: Lanvin leopard jersey dress, $990, and from Narciso Rodriguez, olive knit silk and Lycra dress, $850.”

I just don’t think this is what they are talking about when they think “cheap”, but I guess when you run the land of “Needless Markups” it’s important to remember that some people are rich enough to consider $1000 bucks cheap…

Check out resort collection from Micheal Kors, Rachel Roy, Yigal Azrouel, VPL, Z Spoke, Burberry Prorsum, and Vena Cava on WWD.

• Lisa Mayock’s birth certificate and social security card – It’s not only creepy to sell that information online.  It’s creepy that someone actually bought these items!
• Nunchucks -  I mean really? wtf?!
• Vena Cava Esteem – Apparently it’s Lisa’s self-esteem bottled up in a vintage jar … no comment necessary
• Pakastani Sword – Where does one even purchase such a weapon?
• Drug Poster – Alright, I’ll admit I’m a little envious of this purchase.  (to the person who bought this: if you read this, I will pay you double what you paid!)

For all you not-so-lucky people to score the above mentioned items, don’t worry there is still plenty of randomness to be purchased! If you collect old, strange paperback books then you’re in Heaven! I’m personally contemplating the Vena Cava ‘beer cosy’.  That way I can keep my cheap PBR (only appropriate beer to drink in a Vena Cava beer cosy, in my opinion) nice and chill, while wearing my $700 Vena Cava dress!

Stars were seen on the runway for this spring in various forms. Prints, emblems, and embellishments in the shape of stars found their way in some designer’s collections, such as Francesco Scognamiglio, Vena Cava, and Derek Lam. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this trend—especially in the way Derek Lam used it on those navy shorts.

LINK LOVE: NY Mag

Also on Gilt: Vena Cava, Shipley & Halmos, Gryphon, and Cass & Co. All sales start at noon, click here to join.

Thanks Teen Vogue!

I never viewed Vena Cava as one of the classier labels on the market, but designers Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock are certainly turning the tables. Spring 2010 introduced a bit more simplistic style with subtle details, while maintaining their playful patterns in elegant cuts. But don’t be fooled, the collection still holds onto that darker, downtown vibe Vena Cava is so well know for!

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Vena Cava Spring 2010

Thanks Style!

There will be specialty cocktails, pizza, disco DJ’s and carnival games as well as a limited edition Vena Cava dress which is being made from the designing duo’s archival fabrics. The dress will run you $100, the memories will last a lifetime.

Block-party revelers will also be entered into a raffle to win a studio tour and free dress from the designers.

Definitely a carnival I don’t want to miss.

LINK LOVE: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nymag/fashion/~3/0WfQYH7SaEM/bird_to_stock_limited-edition.html

Cry Wolf- Located in St. Marks (111), this boutique features goods for men and women from awesome designers such as: 80%20, Chronicles of Never, Creative Recreation, S2Vs, Jeffrey Campbell, Gram, and Nudie.  Find the best shoes, accessories, and clothing from your favorite indie designers worldwide, without having to scour through tons of internet sites.

Inven.tory- Located at Lafayette and Spring, get GREAT deals (outlet pricing) on emerging designers, and catch up on the latest trends! Inven.tory’s inventory changes weekly, so stop in frequently to make sure you get the best stuff! They don’t have a site quite yet, but you can check out their blog for all the latest news about the store, and what you should be wearing.

Gargyle- Located on Orchard near Canal (16A), this store is aiming to revitalize the country club lifestyle, and features designers like Vena Cava, Fred Perry, Karen Walker, and Surface to Air (among others).  They claim to love ‘golf, tennis, concerts, and parties,’ so if you fit into any or all of the above, or just enjoy ‘anything that lets us have fun with our family and friends,’ check out Gargyle.  Shop online if you must, but to get the full country club party experience, you have to stop in!

In God We Trust- They’ve got three stores in town, 265 Lafayette, Ludlow btwn. Stanton and Rivington, and 135 Wythe in Brooklyn.  Stop in for the sickest jewelry, antique and new, as well as fun, adventurous clothing that brings out the vintage nature in everyone.  Check out their site for previews, and stop in to get the real treasures.

Tokyo 7- Located on 7th St. btwn. 2nd and 3rd Ave, this consignment store offers limitless designer goods, everything from Prada, Gucci, D&G, Miu Miu, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Heatherette, and 5Preview.  Save on anything you could possibly want, and enjoy the ever-changing stock. No site available, sorry to all of you non-NYC natives.

Love Brigade- Located at 230 Grand Street, you’ve probably heard us talk about Love Brigade, but we want you to love them as much as we do.  They sell their original line Love Brigade, a diffusion line (ex.oh), as well as an experimental line (As We Are), as well as selected pieces from other great indie designers.  Stop in and say hi to our friends, and get some awesome clothes while you’re at it!

Assembly- Located on Ludlow btwn. Stanton and Houston, this store is just for the boys (with the occasional women’s accessory filtering through).  Get new and vintage clothing and accessories from the greatest collector in town, with tons of foreign labels and indie stuff, too.  There’s even a vinyl section in the back, so you can get your music and fashion all in once place!

Valley- Located on Elizabeth btwn. Prince and Spring, the ultimate experience in one-stop shopping.  Enjoy looking through clothing from avant-guard designers, and favorites like Grey Ant, Lady Leisure, and Caroline K, and also enjoy the skin, nail, and waxing salon, and a cafe.  This store really has it all, check it out as soon as you can!

Kiosk- Located on Spring St. btwn. Broadway and Mercer, this isn’t exactly a clothing or accessories store, but they sell a bunch of random trinkets and other goodies that would be great for a DIY project.  If you’re in one of those moods to look for something, but you aren’t exactly sure what, head over to Kiosk.  Plus, they’re right next to that window that sells the mini cupcakes, which is awesome.

First Among Equals- Located at 177 Orchard, this store sells 0044, Bess, Dunlin, Michel Berandi, and more (just for guys).  First Among Equals has recently opened a dark downstairs that you enter through a narrow spiral staircase, and enjoy a private shopping feel with handpicked clothes from designers, offering a rare flair that you won’t find anywhere else. Check out their site for up-to-date sales, but don’t miss out on this unique shopping experience.

What’s your favorite store in New York City?

Get ready to travel all the way to the west side for fashion week, Milk Studios will be the new Bryant Park this season. Not to say that many will still show at the tents, but designers such as Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Band of Outsiders, Vena Cava, and many more will be showcaseing Spring 2010 at 450 W 15th St.

Last week we revealed that Alexander Wang is designing a khaki biker jacket for the Gap, this week we get a first look at the Vena Cava for Gap collaboration, which also includes khaki in the form of a dress with exposed zipper detail (above), as well as some pleated shorts.

LINKAGE: The Pipeline via Racked

Clothing from Acne, Alexander Wang, Mayle, Vena Cava, and more is up to 75 percent off at Bird’s three locations. Through 1/5.

220 Smith St., at Butler St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-797-3774); 316 Fifth Ave., nr. 2nd St., Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-768-4940); 203 Grand St., nr. Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-797-3776); call for hours.

via The Cut

Finally! A plus-size model story with success, confidence, recognition and a happy ending! If you think back a few years to the runways of Vena Cava, Heatherette and most notably, Jean Paul Gaultier, you’ll probably remember seeing a model that looked a little out of place…a plus size model. Although model Crystal Renn started off as a thin model in the industry, after being told to lose 1/3 of her body fat she threw in the towel. That decision, my friends, has made all the difference. Renn gained 70lbs, putting her back at a normal and healthier body weight, and was re-marked by agents as a plus-size model. Happy, healthy and on scoring editorials in Vogue and Harpers Bazaar. Honestly, what could be better!? I don’t care if Crystal Renn is a size 2 or a size 12, she is the woman that this starving, corrupt modeling industry needs.
 

Thanks Bobble Bee!

If there is one must own for the season, it’s this dress by Vena Cava. Own it.

Above, left: Feather headband by Boyfriend, dress by Vena Cava. Above, right: Hoodie by Complex Geometries, harness by Wrath Arcane, jeans by Oak.

Above, left: T-shirts by Erik Hart. Above, right: Headband by Boyfriend, shoes by LD Tuttle.

Oak wants to take you to the dark side.

To celebrate Fashion Week, Oak has invited some of its favorite local indies, like Vena Cava, Philip Crangi, and Black Sheep and Prodigal Sons, to explore their inner kinks and create limited-edition pieces evoking the idea of bondage. The result is a limited edition collection that will be showcased starting on the 8th for a show called “Bond Age”.

Naughty fashionista’s can find pieces inspired by spanking, voyeurism, and a little S&M at Oak. Be sure to head to the premiere party to get a little extra dirty with cocktails from Belvedere Vodka.

Thanks to Refinery29 for spotting this delectable event.

The resort 09 collection for the Vena Cava label has been released. Teamed up designers Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock have allowed Vena Cava to soar. The line features a number of materials that allow the designs to speak for themselves. Models strutted in sunglasses as they advocated for the collection. Sporting simplistic designs that are clearly wearable, the Vena Cava collection embodied an intact undeniable elegance.

To view more of the Vena Cava collection click here

Oscar de la Renta Presenting the award to Proenza Schouler

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has announced this year’s 10 contenders for the $200,000 award, which bestows $50,000 for each of two runners-up. Finalists include Albert Q. Swanepoel of Albertus Quartus, Alejandro Ingelmo, indie fave Alexander Wang, Irene Neuwirth, Jason Wu, Juan Carlos Obando, Swaim and Christina Hutson of Obedient Sons and Daughters, John Patrick of Organic, Richard Chai, and Lisa Mayock & Sophie  Buhai of Vena Cava, who were finalists last year as well.

Since its inception in 2003, the program has awarded over $1,000,000 to help build brands like Doo.Ri, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler (above), Rodarte, Thakoon, Thom Browne and Trovata. The awards will be presented on November 17 at a private dinner in New York.

Really excited about this, crossing our fingers that we may get invited to the dinner…