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.

Ever have one of those friends that will ditch you when they get invited to a better party? Well Scoop doesn’t have just one of those “friends,” they have four. It all started when the top selling designer Diane Von Furstenberg decided to open her own shop across from the Meatpacking District location in March of 2007. After Diane hit the ground running, Tory Burch became the best selling label at Scoop with her logo flats and cardigan sweaters. I guess it doesn’t matter how much business Scoop did for Miss. Burch because she, too, decided to pack up and open her own place across from the Washington and W. 12th street location. If that wasn’t bad enough, Vince and Paige Jeans are opening shop right around the corner from other New York Scoop stores. 

Granted, I’m not the biggest fan of Scoop, but I would hate to see a store that so many people love, go belly up because designers don’t want to sell there anymore. I get it, times are tough, but we’ve got to give one another a break every now and then. 

Thanks Fashionista!

Spotted this photo of Liv Tyler looking effortlessly stylish. Here is how you Inder’s at home can get this same casual look in just four easy pieces. 

The Dress:

Vince Funnel Elastic Scoop Dress  FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. Vince puts a feminine spin on minimalism. Slinky jersey dress with smocked banding at bust and back. Short sleeves. Lined. 36″ long, measured from shoulder. 76% acetate/18% polyamide/6% elastane. Dry clean or hand wash cold. Imported. – Coastal

The Glasses:

Dita Targa Aviators  FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. Dita brings a certain glamour to the classic aviator. Contour aviator sunglasses with plastic frame and metal temples. Gradient lenses. Metal logo detail at top. Storage pouch and case included. Imported. This item cannot be shipped outside the U.S.A. – Black

The Bag:

L.A.M.B Handbags Kathy Bag  FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. Street cool meets uptown sophistication in classic L.A.M.B. fashion. Canvas-jacquard handbag with leather trim and contrast piping throughout. Logo lock detail and magnetic-snap closure at front flap. Leather patch at chain strap. Print-lined interior features 7″ zipper pocket. 8″H x 10″L x 2″D. 8″ strap drop. Imported. – Black/Natural

The Shoes:

KORS Michael Kors Merge Thong Sandal  FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. The classic flip-flop gets all glammed up. Metallic-leather thong sandal with 7-strand straps and ring detail at vamp. Leather-lined, flexible foam footbed. Rubber sole. Made in Brazil. This item cannot be gift-boxed. – Gunmetal