Cute Baby Hats and Great Campaigns

Baby Herald has been relying upon her cousin's hand-me-down sunhat, which is all fine except that it's blue and then everyone thinks she's a boy and I get tired of saying, "Actually, she's a girl." So it was time to get something a little more...pink. Or just not blue. We hit a standby baby source, Old Navy on 34th Street.

The purple madras was a little too big, but I liked the versatile brim and Baby Herald liked the tag and the fascinating pattern.














This is one of the cutest baby hats I've seen yet, well done, Old Navy.

Hats run from $2.99+ on sale and up to around $9 for full-price. We also love the Old Navy baby pajamas, hand-me-downs again, but look for new ones in the baby department on the third floor.

And while you're at Old Navy on 34th Street this weekend, shopping for baby hats or taking advantage of 4th of July sales, be sure to contribute to this excellent campaign to support our troops:



Click for details.

Updated to add - I just received more information on the military donation campaign: items accepted for donation are adult basic T's (men's and women's), adult underwear, boxer shorts, socks, flip-flops, sunglasses, lip balm, and foot powder. Items must be new and unopened. Also, if a customer buys a flag T-shirt, Old Navy will automatically donate one to the troops. And it doesn't stop there: the store will have a letter-writing station where they encourage everyone to stop by and write a letter to the troops. Happy Fourth of July, indeed!


Old Navy, 150 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

Going Fast on 34th Street

When you buy the Empire State Building shoes at Geox you get this carrying case:


Whenever I see cases like this I'm reminded of the rumored Secret Service guy who carries the President's briefcase with the nuclear arsenal control button. Not quite as important a cargo as the controls to world domination, these shoes are well-coveted and going fast. There are just a few sizes left in all colors (black, the purple, and the leopard).

Also going fast are items on sale at Swarovski on 34th Street. So fast that the store wanted me to be sure to tell you that pictured items may no longer be available:














30% - 50% off, so if you've got your eyes on duckies or parrots visit soon.




Geox, 29 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th
Swarovski, 200 W. 34th Street @ 7th Avenue

Sale: Swarovski 34th Street

If you haven't yet dropped by the new and very pretty Swarovski addition to 34th Street, now would be a good time to visit as their summer sale kicks off today.

Until August 1st shoppers can get 30%-50% off select items from their collection, including jewelry. The 34th Street store is full of charms and figurines, including lots of irresistible animal figurines. I'm not sure if they're on sale, but look for the ducks I mentioned here for a fun and different baby shower gift.

Swarovski, 200 W. 34th Street at 7th Avenue

Weekend Sales!

Sales are posted every Friday for the upcoming weekend. Please note that many of these offers will expire on the following Monday!*



Aeropostale, 15 W. 34th & Manhattan Mall, 33rd & 6th Avenues

• Bulldog Sale: Tops for $8.99, etc.
• BOGO shorty shorts
  

Aldo, 27 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Select shoes 50% off
  

American Eagle Outfitters, 40 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues

• AE Clearance Sale
  

Banana Republic, 17 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Save up to 40% off select styles

Desigual, 385 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street

• Store-wide Sale: Select items up to 50% off
  

Esprit, 21 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• Take an additional 30% off select styles
  

Express, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• 20% off clearance
  

Famous Footwear, 250 W. 34th between 7th & 8th Avenues

• Summer sale: select items 40%-60% off
  

Gap, 60 W. 34th Street at Broadway

• Summer Sale: up to 40% off select items
  

Geox, 29 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• Select items up to 50% off
  

H&M Herald Square, 34th and 6th Avenue
&
H&M, 34th and Seventh Avenue

• Sale items for $10, $15, & $20 - dresses, T's, jeans
• Sunglasses: 2 for $10
  

JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1&2, 33rd & 6th Avenue

• Lowest prices of the summer
  

Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th

• $39.99 Converse
• BOGO 1/2 off Nike flip-flops & FitFlops
  

Lane Bryant, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• Cacique Sale: Panties are 5 for $25 and Bras are B2G2 free
  
  

LOFT, 35 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Take an extra 40% off all sale styles
  

Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street btwn Broadway & 7th Avenues

• The Hot One Sale
  

Men's Wearhouse, 350 Fifth Avenue (on 34th btwn 5th & 6th)

• All designer suits BOGO free
  

Old Navy, 150 W. 34th Street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

• 30% off the entire store
• $15 banded-waist skirts

Payless, 110 W. 34th @ Broadway & 34th; 8th Avenue & 34th Street

• Shoes for $7, $9, and $11

Zara, 39 W. 34th Street @ 6th Avenue

• Semi-annual sale

*All sale information is subject to change. Please contact stores for more information.

Unveiled: Sidewalk Catwalk

Sidewalk Catwalk crowd at Norma Kamali's mannequin at the end of the tour.














I got to Herald Square just in time this morning to catch part of the Sidewalk Catwalk opening ceremony in front of Macy's Herald Square, then walked up Broadway with Fern Mallis leading the way. Surprisingly, it was all very casual and intimate with designers, tourists, and Macy's executives strolling from mannequin to mannequin. Fern was waving at Betsey Johnson "Come on Betsey!" and commenting to Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren about one design "I just don't get it."

There were a few press people there, but I was expecting a bigger crush and a lot more blogger/fashion-fan types. I could have wiped sweat off Terry Lundgren's brow and often turned around to find Fern on my heels. As we all crowded the bike lane, taking photos of Yeohlee Tang, John Bartlett, Carlos Falchi, and Jill Stuart, messengers screamed "Bike lane, bike lane, get out of the way!" Yeah, you don't get much more New York City than that. Great, great event.

Carlos Falchi and his gorgeous daughter, the very friendly John Bartlett.
















Betsey Johnson and her fluffer.



















Fern Mallis and Jill Stuart, Yeohlee Tang.


















Be sure to take a walk down Broadway, the mannequins don't disappoint. And the topper, at the very north end of the catwalk, is Norma Kamali's bar code mannequin. Scan the codes with your smart phone and watch different videos and photos of Norma's collection. And yes, Norma was there, posing with her mannequin.

Norma Kamali on the phone, Elie Tahari spreading the love after admiring Maladrino's mannequin.




















Sidewalk Catwalk, Herald Square to Times Square on Broadway

Craig Investigates the Plus Size Situation on 34th Street

From Twitter: CambridgeCEOCOO: Ok so who sells the cutest most fashion forward plus size clothes on @34thStNYC !! Let's go!!!

We see your plus-size challenge, @CambridgeCEOCOO, and raise you an intern investigation. Let's go to Craig, who just yesterday went to check out 34th Street's plus-size situation:


As a boy who could not fit into Abercrombie jeans in high school, I understand the plight of the plus-size woman. We are constantly on the hunt for well-fitting clothes that aren't muu-muus (see: Homer Simpson when he became morbidly obese in order to work from home).

First on my journey was Lane Bryant. I loved every part of this store. There are so many different styles for every kind of woman. I'm in love with this drapey sweater at the front of the store. Let it free during the day and then cinch it with a belt, as seen here, when you go out for drinks at night.













I also love the fact that Lane Bryant acknowledges that not all plus-size women are the same. Their pants (above) come in three different styles as seen to the left and cover a range of styles from jeans to dress pants.

One of my favorite pieces was this utility shirt (right) that I've seen in other stores for the summer season. Although I didn't like the shirt it was paired with here, it has a range of uses and is definitely on trend.

There are so many pieces in which to make fabulous outfits here that I couldn't get pictures of them all. Be sure to check out Cacique, Lane Bryant's lingerie line. Other great things about Lane Bryant are the friendly customer service (even when I was just looking, the sales associates were fantastic) and the amazing sales they always run. Lane Bryant is definitely a must for plus-size women.

Next, I headed to Macy's plus-size section which is safely tucked away on the 7th floor of the 7th Avenue Building. I advise navigating your way through the tourists on the main floor, skipping the elevators, and taking the escalator. When I finally got to the 7th floor, my jaw dropped. The whole floor is dedicated to Macy's Woman. I was able to find several cute pieces among the many labels this floor boasts.

First, this gorgeous blue print blouse from Michael Kors that caught my eye as soon as I hit the floor. It's a light cotton so the color and material are perfect for summer. There are many other tops like this on the floor but, Kors certainly takes the cake.

The best part of Macy's Woman is the sheer choice of labels on the floor. There's the always-present Alfani and INC, as well as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tahari, and Jones New York. For the younger crowd, there's Dereon and Baby Phat.

Beyonce doesn't disappoint with her Dereon line. It's full of fun, printed tops and jeans that are perfect for going out.

The only downside to Macy's is the price of some of the labels. However, there is such a range that you're sure to find something you can afford.

Finally, I descended into JCPenney's expecting a big selection but I must admit I was disappointed. In the back corner of the first floor was a small plus-size section. If you're shopping JCPenney's home department, or looking for children's clothing, I'd drop by while shopping and browse the sale rack (right), that did have an assortment of styles at low prices.


Thanks, Craig! Looks like Macy's and Lane Bryant are plus-size destinations on 34th Street. And right now Lane Bryant is having great BOGO deals on their lingerie, eg: buy two and get two free bras.


Lane Bryant, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Aves.
Macy's Herald Square, 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue
JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1 & 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue

Playing Nicely Together on 34th Street: Aldo & H&M

I was digging through some photos and found these clogs ($80 + maybe some change):










which I spotted in the window at Aldo last month. They reminded me of this ($69.95 at H&M Herald Square a few weeks ago). It's not a poncho if you don't show off the crazy shape by touching your hair:


















However, these Aldos ($100 and maybe some change):


















I don't think I can do anymore. I had to take off my heels at a wedding on Sunday and wear flip-flops (sigh, a first). I'm going to blame it on toting Baby Herald up and down stairs. But this H&M jumpsuit:


yes can do, and I almost bought it but it's just a bit too short for me.






Aldo, 27 W. 34th Street
H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue

Craig Critiques: Irmat Pharmacy

A few weeks ago Intern Craig dropped by Irmat Pharmacy to give us his professional opinion. And I saved it for a busy, Fashion Herald brain-dead day. Bless you, Intern Craig, and happy belated birthday!


Today, I decided to abandon the hustle and bustle of Herald Square for Irmat Pharmacy between 33rd and 32nd on Park Avenue. The website promised many cosmetic brands, including those not easily found in stores, so I was really excited.


However, I really wasn't prepared for the range of lines that they do carry. This pharmacy, dare I say, rivals Sephora in terms of brand choice. They have the basics like Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, and St. Ives, as well as, Murad, La Roche-Posay, and more Burt's Bees products than I have ever seen in my life.

It's perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed by the great amount of product, as the employees here have a strong product knowledge base. During my time in the store, I saw them tackle a range of concerns for different customers, and I was completely impressed.

They also have an incredible haircare selection ranging from L'Oreal, Tigi, and other popular brands to higher end lines like Aveda, Bumble and Bumble, Phyto, and Mop.

Another point of interest within this pharmacy: TESTERS! I absolutely hate it when I need to try a lotion or shower gel and can't smell/feel it. Irmat has a tester for every single product, including products from their higher end ranges.

My only advice is to educate yourself on the price of these products before you visit. Essie nail polish is a dollar cheaper here than at Duane Reade, yet OPI is more expensive here.

Irmat also delivers same day within all 5 boroughs, and international shipping is available through FedEx. So next time you're on the east side of 34th Street, be sure to check this neighborhood pharmacy out.


Irmat Pharmacy, 2 Park Avenue between 32nd & 33rd Streets

34th Street Rumors: Imminent House of Hoops Arrival?

The New York Observer House of Hoops 125th Street photo courtesy of leesean via Flickr

The New York Observer heard it first, and I'm looking for confirmation from Foot Locker* **, but in the meantime I can moan: Where will Bakers go? I so had them in 11 West 34th, the old Shoe Mania shop, but looks like I'm wrong. Instead, as reported by the Observer, House of Hoops is possibly moving in to 11 West 34th.

Perhaps Bakers is not re-opening their 34th Street store (before Desigual it was Bakers Shoes). Again, I'm trying to get some confirmation. This would make me very sad as then Aldo would be the reigning, 34th Street under-$100 trend resource (just like Kelly Cutrone's very cute boots). I don't like a shoe-opoly, as when I get bitchy sales staff I prefer to walk out of their store and stroll into their competitor down the block. Of course, there's still Steve Madden, but I consider Steve Madden a step above the Aldos and the Bakers. You know, like a $30-$50 step.

I also noticed this while browsing Bakers' site:

H as in Huh? H by Halston shoes? Now available at Bakers. And yes, if you call it multi-glitter I will buy it.

*Yes, this is confirmed, so Welcome HOH to 34th Street! We'd like a big party with Lebron James, please, for the opening, maybe throw in a little Paul Pierce (♥) and don't forget to invite us, k thanks.

**This is not confirmed. House of Hoops on 34th Street is back to being a rumor!


Aldo, 27 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Aves.
Steve Madden, 41 W. 34th Street at 6th Ave.
Possible new House of Hoops, 11 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Aves.

SheSaid Nails the Jacket, Again

she said military jacket (on sale for $39.99, add weekend coupons for less) from JCPenney Manhattan Mall this week, and plaid she said jacket from January
I'm just so impressed by this she said line at JCPenney, it's becoming a problem. Because, on my way to other departments, I always stop in the she said/I Heart Ronson/Twelfth of Eleven section and grab armfuls of clothes, then get stuck in the dressing room trying to fix the lighting for photos by covering the lights with my jeans (fail!), and then never get over to the Liz or ana sections. I need to go the other way when I get off the escalator.

$39.99 online. This is one of the few times I can say I like this jacket on me better than the model online. The shoulders look weird on her, I'm confused, is she crunching them up? It's so much more cute in person.
Oh, and you might plan on picking up some very soft Twelfth of Eleven shirts on sale soon because the brand is no longer online (you get shirts when you search, but there's no 12th of 11 section anymore). I'm wondering if it is being discontinued? Emailing PR people now...

Update: no definite word yet, but they have not heard that it is axed, so perhaps it's on summer hiatus?


JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1 & @, 33rd & 6th Avenue

Accessories Yes: Afaze in Manhattan Mall

For me, accessorizing extends to an occasional hat (particularly when I've got 2-inch roots), a Wendy Brandes necklace, my engagement and wedding rings, and sometimes a scarf. I even try to eliminate the purse when possible. Yes, I don't care for bags. But whenever I wander into the small but well-culled Afaze at Manhattan Mall, I find something to buy. The other day it was this straw hat (I'm very fair-skinned so big straw hats are all I buy in the summer):

Last season it was this headband:

I get compliments on this every time I remember to wear it (it's a little too much accessorizing for me). Afaze also has another favorite thing of mine: a standing rack full of Braza girl remedies. I could browse this for an hour, I swear. I'm fascinated by clever Braza products. Whispers, tape, petals, Afaze has a great representation of this line...
















...including the "Secret Stash." For a girl who hates bags, I can only say "Where have you been my whole life?"





Afaze Manhattan Mall, level one, 32nd & 6th Avenue

I Heart Foreigner: Meet Charlotte Ronson & Mick Jones

Looking for ironic 1980's band T's? Want to attend a designer/celebrity appearance and get a free shirt? Want to commemorate one of Fashion Herald's first concerts, which was, if I remember correctly, Lover Boy opening up for...
















Foreigner. Or maybe it was Foreigner opening up for Journey. It was a long time ago. Anyway, Mick Jones, famed Foreigner guitarist and songwriter, and his stepdaughter, designer Charlotte Ronson, will be at JCPenney Manhattan Mall this Thursday, June 17th, from 5pm - 7pm. They'll be giving away limited-edition T's* ** inspired by the legendary band's album art. This double appearance has good Father's Day potential for you 20-somethings.

I don't think the new dad in my family (husband) has ever seen Foreigner. Many, many times in the past have I been forced to defend my attendance at this first concert to punk rock and metal friends. Of course, their first shows were always Black Flag or The Bad Brains. But now the Ronsons have deemed Foreigner hip and I am free at last. Give it time, kids, as in fashion all things once deemed uncool will someday be reborn as hipster chic.

*limited quantities so come early
**Update: There is no T-shirt giveaway! The PR people apologize for the incorrect information, but Charlotte Ronson and Mick Jones will be signing autographs and taking photos for fans. T-shirts retail for $26, but three styles are currently available online for $9.99.


Charlotte Ronson/Mick Jones Personal Appearance
JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower level 1, 33rd & 6th Avenue
Thursday, June 17th, 5pm - 7pm

Fossil for Fall: Men's and Watches

Craig wraps up our Fossil fall preview by reporting on men's shoes and watches.

Is it fall yet? These previews make me want to skip summer completely. Fossil's upcoming men's shoe collection is true to the brand yet, a nice departure from its typical aesthetic.















The first shoe that caught my eye was the leather desert boot (above). I know that GQ, Esquire, and Details all demand that I wear suede desert boots but I don't think they realize how nasty suede gets when wet. The last time I checked, NYC was not the Sahara. The leather desert boot is a fantastic and reasonable variation of this trend. I applaud you, Fossil.

No man's wardrobe is complete without a pair of driving loafers (below). They transition from day to night easily and are much nicer (and cleaner) than wearing flip-flops around the city. It's quite easy to pay an extravagant amount for a simple driver but Fossil delivers an appropriately priced alternative to a pair of black Prada drivers in size 11.5 (my birthday is June 19th. Take note, all!)

Fossil puts a slight twist on this popular style by extending the sole up the back of the shoe. I love the leather strap across the top which is very reminiscent of old-school penny loafers. This definitely sets the Fossil drivers apart from others by adding a touch of class to a relatively casual shoe.



Of course, no discussion of Fossil is complete without showing you some watches. I'm obsessed with the nautical themed watches that are currently in stores. These watches are gorgeous without being too cheesy. These are so perfect for summer and I hope a friend or relative is reading this because I want one for my birthday.





We also saw the new Starck collection for this fall. I was borderline drooling at these. Sleek, modern, and so affordable. Price points hover around $100 but these look far more expensive than that. I can't even wait until these are in stores.




Finally, I have to give a shout out to the mother of pearl band watches. They're beyond gorgeous and a classy twist on such a common style of watch. I can't rave enough about this watch.













The shoes and watches are slowly trickling into stores throughout summer and into fall so be sure to keep your eyes open if you're interested!


Fossil, 38 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

Lane Bryant's Intimate Party on 34th Street

Cocktails, the author of The Bra Book, Gemini Magazine, and curvy plus-size model Asia Mone't? 34th Street's Lane Bryant really knows how to hold an "intimate" get-together. I say "intimate" because this is a bra event where you'll be getting fit tips from author Jené Luciani and Asia Mone't.


Mark it in your calendar for next Saturday, June 19th, from 1pm-3pm. Do you have problems finding a great bra? Because I honestly don't think I have one perfect bra, and I'd be curious to find out where I'm going wrong! Maybe I need to drop by and have a little chat with Jené and Asia?


Lane Bryant, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

Weekend Sales!

Sales are posted every Friday for the upcoming weekend. Please note that many of these offers will expire on the following Monday!*



Aeropostale, 15 W. 34th & Manhattan Mall, 33rd & 6th Avenues

• All shorts: BOGO free
  

Aldo, 27 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Select shoes 50% off
  

American Eagle Outfitters, 40 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues

• T's, tanks, and polos are BOGO 50% off
  

Banana Republic, 17 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• 25%, 35%, or 50% off with coupon - see store for more details
  

Bebe, 1 W. 34th Street at 5th Avenue

• All final clearance is up to 70% off
  

Desigual, 385 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street

• 30% off select merchandise until June 15th

Dr. Jay's, 33 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• Red-tag sale: look for the red tag for Dr. Jay's lowest prices

Esprit, 21 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• BOGO 50% off summer essentials
• 40% off all menswear for Father's Day
  

Express, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Dress sale: 30% off select dresses
• Print this coupon for $30 off your $90 purchase
  

Famous Footwear, 250 W. 34th between 7th & 8th Avenues

• Summer sale: select items 30%-50% off
  

Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

• Select apparel BOGO 50% off

Gap, 60 W. 34th Street at Broadway

• 25% off for Gap cardholders, June 10th - June 13th

Geox, 29 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• Select items up to 30% off
  

H&M Herald Square, 34th and 6th Avenue
&
H&M, 34th and Seventh Avenue

• $4.95 summer tops and shirts

JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower levels 1&2, 33rd & 6th Avenue

• Click here for Manhattan Mall store ad/sale: good until the 12th

Lane Bryant, 7 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

• Enter the Rock the Wardrobe Sweepstakes here
• Mix-n-Match all crops, tops, and shorts: Buy one get one 50% off
  
  

LOFT, 35 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Summer Sale preview: 50% off select items

Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street btwn Broadway & 7th Avenues

• Summer Sale: click here for a sale pass
  

Men's Wearhouse, 350 Fifth Avenue (on 34th btwn 5th & 6th)

• All designer suits BOGO free
  

Payless, 110 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

• BOGO 1/2 off the entire store

Perfumania, 20 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• Buy two gift sets, get one free

WHO.A.U, 22 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

• All shorts 30% off
• All graphic T's are $19.50
• Spend $50 and get a free, limited-edition WHO.A.U 34th Street T-shirt
  

*All sale information is subject to change. Please contact stores for more information.

Esprit Father's Day Sale!

Be sure to drop by Esprit on 34th Street for Father's Day. Ack! I'm completely blank for Father's Day, and gifting isn't really my forte. I'll stop by Esprit, however, because they are doing a 40% off all full-priced men's merchandise thing until June 19th. And you know my man always needs some clothes. Before, I was well-dressed and he, poor thing, was practically in rags. Now, Baby Herald is well-dressed and we're both practically in rags! And by rags I mean last-season's clothes. Horrors, I know.

If I get him this, I'm going to borrow it (was $59.50, will be under $36):He's in dire need of swim shorts (was $49.50, now just under $30). He lost weight in grad school and now loses his shorts every time he jumps in the ocean.And if you can't make it in store, the sale is online too, but you only get 35% off. That's a 5% incentive to walk down to 34th Street. Oh, and you'll burn some calories too. Which I usually negate with peanut-butter sandwich cookies at the 'wichcraft kiosk in Herald Square.


Esprit, 21 W. 34th between 5th & 6th Avenues