JCREW Factory Store Online Opens

My inbox was abuzz this morning with news of JCREW's newest venture - opening up their Factory Store Online - but opening on weekends only. It's a website, isn't it easy for it to be open all the time? Yes. . .but that would not make it is exciting now would it?

I've popped into the JCREW Factory Store from time to time when I'm up that way, as most of them are usually off the beaten path. . .and have always been rather disappointed. I've found that the pricing isn't really that great, and the clothing isn't made as well as it's pricey partner.

Many of you might already know, but JCREW Factory is not just last seasons JCREW on sale, it is cheaper replica's of JCREW favorites that are mass produced to be sold exclusively at the JCREW Factory. This means not only cheaper materials, but also poor fit.

This is not to say I write the Factory Store off completely, from time to time I have found a great swimsuit or coat on sale, or found a silk top that I had yearned for at JCREW before it was discontinued. . .but more often than not they don't have the correct sizing either.

So now onto the Factory Store Online - I must say I was rather disappointed. It wasn't even cheaper than JCREW's sale! I found a shirt on there (the tissue tiers tank), which I purchased at JCREW in July on sale for around $15, it's on the Factory Store for $26, in the same exact color!

Check out this comparison below:















above: Kelsey JCREW Blouse - $39.99 below: Kelsey JCREW Factory Blouse - $48.50

Both blouses are the Kelsey ruffle blouse - now the one on sale at JCREW Online are more of summer colors, but with a blouse like this there is nothing wrong with buying off season, it will come back around in spring. Or you can match it with dark cardigans for fall.

The one from the Factory Store Online comes in more fall related colors, but is actually MORE expensive than it's better made counterpart at JCREW.

I did see a few cute jewelry items all under $20, which would be worth purchasing, but other than that I was left underwhelmed by the Factory Store, and when I'm looking for a deal from JCREW I'll stick to their Final Sale.

SEEING RED. . . .SOLES

Shoes Pictured from Saks, Neiman Marcus or Net-a-Porter

There is nothing like fabulous shoes to get me motivated and cure my writers block. . .especially when those fabulous shoes happen to from Christian Louboutin!

Since opening his first boutique in Paris in 1992, Christian Louboutin has flown to the top as one of the most coveted shoe designers of the century! His signature red soles are the epitome of style and wealth. The red sole itself came about as a "happy accident", Louboutin explains.

"I did not really choose the red sole. It’s more like the red sole came to me and had to stay with me. It started as a happy accident, which I kept. I was very inspired by pop art so all my drawings were really full of colors. So the first prototype arrives. It’s very very very very similar to my designs so I was very happy. But something was missing. Thank God I had this girl with me who was painting her nails. Grabbed her nailpolish… thank you to Chanel for that! (laughs)… I grabbed the nailpolish and I painted the sole. I started immediately in my shop to have the red sole the same season."

Thank goodness for that "accident", it is the red sole that has helped sky rocket the Louboutin brand and make his shoes so easily recognizable. Unfortunately. . .the red sole comes with quite the lofty price tag of $500 to more than $1000 a pair!

Guess what? TOMORROW Gilt Groupe is having a Christian Louboutin sale!!! This is nearly unheard of. . .I have scoured ebay as well as clearance sales at Saks, and it is nearly impossible to find a decent Louboutin for less than $250! Based off the wonderful pricing on past Gilt sales, I fully expect most shoes at the sale to be priced at less than the $250 mark!

Follow the below link to sign up with Gilt Groupe!

http://www.gilt.com/invite/lprattes

TIP: Louboutin's tend to run atleast a half size to full size small. . .so if you are typically a 7, order a 37.5 or 38!

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Louboutin myself when he came to Atlanta for an event at Jeffrey's this past October. He signed the bottom of my coveted Louboutin's that I bought in Paris 4 years ago at his flagship store! On my shoe he wrote: "Pour Lauryn, Devine. Louboutin"

I spoke with him in French for a few minutes, and just by that brief meeting I can tell what a kind and friendly man he is. I, along with my shoes, was featured in The Atlantan as well as Atlanta Peach Magazines. It was an experience that I will never forget!

As mentioned last week, online sample sales are a great way to buy designer for WAY less! One of my FAVORITE sample sale sites is Gilt Groupe, an invitation only sample sale! Well, my readers are in luck, you can follow the link below to join Gilt Groupe now!

http://www.gilt.com/invite/lprattes

This week at Gilt Groupe expect sales from some of my favorite designers!!! All sales start at noon, and you better check them out early! Items sell out fast, so shop early and if you like something, buy it, don't wait around.

Upcoming sales:

Monday 2/23: 

• CFDA on the Red Carpet Accessories
  
• CFDA on the Red Carpet Eveningwear
• Hickey 
• Adam

Tuesday 2/24:

• Richard Chai
• Richard Chai Men's
• Isabella Fiore
• Me&Ro

Wednesday 2/25:

• Cynthia Rowley
• Oscar de la Renta Home
• Vince Men's
• Cynthia Rowley Handbags

Thursday 2/26

• Zac Posen
• Tibi
• Badgley Mischka Platinum Handbags
• Ted Baker Shoes

Friday 2/27:

• Michelle Vale
• Ben-Amun
• Ted Baker
• Effortless Outfitting
• Fall Accessories Sale

Saturday 2/28

• Lola3

OMG! 2 Hour sale NOW!

Bluefly is having an AMAZING 2 hour only (1 more hour left!) Sale on Versace handbags!!!! Get handbags that were $2000-$5000 for only $499!!!!!!!!! They still have amazing bags left! Go now!!!!

Also. . . until midnight 50% off designer accessories!

Rants, Raves and Red Soles

I'll start with the Raves from my day. . .which would be that Saks Fifth Avenue is currently having a FANTASTIC sale! Currently almost all reduced items are an additional 50% off! This is a perfect time to score a DVF Wrap Dress for less that $100. . .just make sure that the item is something you can hold on to for a while! Check out some of my favorite finds for under $100 below!

Saks Fifth Avenue

Now on to my Rants. . .although I was thoroughly impressed with the sales at Saks today, I will say that I was UNIMPRESSED with their customer service skills! This is the second time I have visited the Saks store at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia and not received any help from a sales person! I was in the store for 25 minutes, weighted down by clothes across 3 different departments, and not ONE salesperson approached me! When I'm paying Saks Fifth Avenue prices, I expect a little respect and help from the sales department!

And now. . .the Red Soles! This was the single best moment of my shopping experience (followed by sadness as they were the wrong size!) I stumbled across the most glorious pair of Christian Louboutin Yoyospina shoes (size 37) on sale for $150!!!! Yes, you read that right, Louboutin's for under $200!!! If they hadn't been peep toe, I seriously might have cut off my toes to fit them in the shoes! The sales lady searched the Saks system and no other Saks in country had these shoes in my size! (38.5 or 39) :(  

>

I managed to find this pair on EBAY. . .but they aren't quite my size. . .and are still $375! Anyone that knows me knows  that Louboutins are my FAVORITE! Look for a post later this week about me getting to MEET Mr. Louboutin and having him sign a pair of my shoes!!!!! (all time best day ever!)

Shopping the Holiday Sales!

It's back to work after the busy holidays. . .and for me. . .this means battling the massive crowds at the mall! The struggling economy is also making this year the BEST for after Christmas sales! Every store I have been in has had amazing sales, plus additional percentages off! But don't fall into the trap of impulse buying. . .and don't get overwhelmed by crowds and messy racks.

Here are a few tips to help make your shopping trip a little easier from parking to checking out:

1. Wear comfortable clothes: this doesn't mean to show up in pajamas. . .but choose casual jeans, flats and a sweater. Make things simple to change in and out of to make trying on clothes easier. 

 

2. Avoid parking decks: parking decks are a mad house around the holidays. . .instead try to find a parking spot in one of the outside lots near a department store.

3. Leave your coat in the car: prepare for stores to be hot and crowded, a coat is just an extra layer to have to hold onto. Suck it up for the walk into the mall, and you will be glad to not have to keep up with a bulky coat.

4. Pack a snack: The food court will be a zoo during sale season, so be sure to pack a protein bar to hold off any hunger pains! Also be sure to pack a bottle of water to stay hydrated in the heated stores!

5. Remain Calm: Don't get overwhelmed by crowded stores and messy racks. Take your time and tune out the crowds. Also, don't be discouraged by long lines for the fitting room or cash register. They tend to move pretty quick. 

6. Website shop: check out websites of stores before you shop to get an idea of some items you might be looking for! 

7. Don't get sucked in: Don't buy something just because it is on sale. If it is something you have been waiting to go on sale, buy it. Otherwise stick to items that you can wear now as well as into Spring. 

8. Know upcoming trends: By knowing what will be popular next season you can score some great sale items that you can wear longer. Check back later this week for my thoughts on what will be big for Spring!