34th Street Weekend Sale Picks: Shoes, Denim, & Leather

#1.  Steve Madden
Because they are having a Sneak Peek sale for select  new fall arrivals, and you can get the below for 30% off (see store for details).  41 West 34th Street

#2.  Old Navy
Because they are having a $15 denim sale. And while you're there trying on jeans, look for these vegan (aka: pleather) jackets for fall and the really adorable and comfortable striped dress.  150 West 34th Street

#3. Daffy's Because, sadly, the end is near and the big liquidation sale has started. Still too sad to talk further about this, except to say DAFFY'S WE WILL MISS YOU.  Herald Center, 1311 Broadway at 34th Street 

Sad News: Daffy's Closing Shop

A WWD article over the weekend confirmed that Daffy's is shuttering its doors, with most stores "...set to go dark by the end of October." Liquidation sales will "start shortly."

This is very sad news to us at the 34th Street Partnership, as Daffy's was a regional retailer that took great interest in the neighborhoods in which it operated stores. We would like to extend our thanks to Daffy's for its years at Herald Square, and say in earnest: We are really going to miss you. 

Personally, I'm going to miss the great deals Daffy's always provided, like much of the below from a store visit last week. Daffy's carries smaller, lesser-known European labels, in addition to some of the big ones. I'm going to miss the high quality, chic finds Daffy's was so consistent in providing. Also, their kid's clothing and shoe buy? Always the best in town for the price. 

Daffy's Herald Square

34th Street and Broadway in Herald Center

34th Street Weekend Sale Picks: Friends & Family

#1.  Macy's Herald Square
Because it's Friends and Family all weekend. Print up the coupon below and shop!  34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Ave

#2. Daffy's Herald Square
Because you can get 20% off an entire purchase with the coupon below. Print it up and, you know, shop! 34th Street at Broadway in Herald Center

#3. Bebe
Because if you spend $125, you get 15% off, spend $250 and get 20% off. Print up the coupon below and visit 34th Street!  One West 34th Street at Fifth Avenue

Daffy's 50th Anniversary on Icing

Those hems are buried in icing! Love it.

Last week was Daffy's 50th Anniversary party, and they celebrated in Greeley Square with a runway cake. No joke, the models walked on icing maybe five inches thick, and not a single one slipped and fell. It was still a great show, anyway. What? Please, you know everyone at fashion shows love a good fall! It's the whole long skinny arms and legs flailing thing.

The styling in this show was beautiful. I want this entire outfit.

Those boots are so cute I'd take them post-icing runway walking. Photo courtesy of Daffy's.

Seriously, though, I had a great time at the show. I've done some whack runway shows myself in the past (involving shopping mall food courts, really slobbery giant poodles, Wizard of Oz costumes, sparklers, bunnies, doggie accidents on the runway...the list goes on and on) but I never walked on icing. And I have to admit it, this show made me nostalgic. The Daffy's models worked it even towards the end of the show when the icing was a mess, like sidewalk curbs the day after it snows in New York City mess.

The icing aftermath.

I join many a devoted Daffy's fan when I say "Thank you for everything, Daffy's!" Greeley Square was packed, probably the highest attendance we've ever had for an event there, and that just speaks to the great love us New Yorkers have for Daffy's. Keep bringing us those fabulous shoes, leather vests, dog sweaters and long cashmere cardigans at your ridiculous low prices. Truly, Irving Shulman, the founder of Daffy Dan's Bargain Town, started a beautiful thing 50 years ago.

It was a crush of Daffy's fans in Greeley Square.

Daffy's Herald Square 34th Street and Broadway

34th Street Weekend Sales Picks: The Liz Week Edition

#1.  JCPenney

Because it's Liz Week, and you get extra savings when you buy Liz Claiborne this weekend. Go here to enter their 7 Days of Style contest and check out Facebook exclusives. Look for the cargo vest, below right, this poncho, and then go pick up that really cute I heart Ronson dress before I buy them all up.   Manhattan Mall, lower levels  1 & 2, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue

#2.  Old Navy

Because they are having a killer BOGO sale: In store only through Sunday, look for mix-n-match BOGO for 75% off items all over the store. See if you can BOGO these faux motorcycle jackets and get the traditional black with the more unusual light brown.   150 W. 34th Street

#3.  Daffy's 

Because they just celebrated their 50th Anniversary in Greeley Square yesterday, right outside of their Herald Square store, with a huge "cakewalk," thick icing layer and all (see crappy iPhone video below for icing finale). Go to Daffy's Herald Square for the shearling sale and other great fall/winter items for a lot less.   Herald Center, 34th Street and Broadway

Happy Anniversary, Daffy's! (and how to get free birthday cake)

There's a party in Greeley Square tomorrow and you're invited. Just look for the big pink runway/cake:

10 ft tall cake made by Vinny Buzzetta, star of Staten Island Cakes. Photo copied from Elle.

Heather McDonald of Chelsea Lately will be hosting, you'll see a runway show on a cake, and you can enter to win a $500 gift card. Other discounts and surprises, too, so drop by Greeley Square tomorrow at 5pm, rain or shine. And yes, Elle Magazine, there is a park in Herald Square. Greeley Square is the triangle park south of Herald Square Park, just walk down Broadway from Herald. Use the big pink cake as your beacon of light.

Daffy's Anniversary Party 

5pm in Greeley Square Park between 32nd and 33rd and Broadway and Sixth

Rainy Day Gear: The Best Umbrellas on 34th Street

Last week, during yet another summer rain storm, I ran across the street to Duane Reade for an umbrella but they were sold out. I was cursing myself for not picking up more of these the last time I was at Daffy's Herald Square:

I have to keep this hidden away, or every day I'd be bumping into the bumblebee. Those are also Daffy's pajamas.*

Daffy's never lets me down with weather gear. Raincoats, hats, gloves in the winter, a wall full of scarves, and always a brand of fabulous rain or snow boots, you should definitely stop by here (and grab two umbrellas, one for home and one for the office) before you pay full price for stuff like, yes, bumblebee umbrellas. The above was under $5 in the kid's department. It was between this and an Elmo umbrella, and I'm confident I made the right decision.

*Oddly I have a hell of a time finding decent pajamas for toddlers that aren't rough cotton and $$. These pajamas, also Daffy's Herald Square, came with pants and shorts, are soft, and cost around $10.

Daffy's Herald Square Herald Center, 34th Street and Broadway 

Summer Leathers in Daffy's Herald Square

I tweeted out this photo last week, wondering how I could be loving leather in 95° heat. But this morning it was so chilly I wore a leather jacket to work, and thought again of this pretty fabulous little leather coat.

I forgot to get the price but see the orange ticket? Major discount.

From Daffy's Herald Square on the sixth floor. Think about what you're going to need come fall. I think you're going to need this light color leather.



Daffy's Herald Square 34th Street and Broadway

Blouses are Back

I don't think blouses ever went away, I'm just doing a magazine cover catchphrase. Because believe it or not, this morning I was lying in bed thinking "Last week I wore blouses two days in a row." That's kind of unprecedented for me as I'm a cotton T and jacket junkie. Is it the warmer weather? Am I in the need of soft flowing fabric against my skin? I went to Daffy's Herald Square to further investigate my new found love for blouses.

This Les Copains blouse, $59.99, is my favorite.

Blouses by Italian label Rinascimento ($39.99). Check out the Daffy's blog for the Rinasimento dresses recently arrived in stores.

The blue print ($49.99) is unknown Italian designer, so someone big, and the lovely olive is by Transit, $39.99. As you can see, Daffy's has all your spring blouse needs covered. Keep them light and loose, and you'll be wearing them into summer.

Daffy's Herald Square 34th Street and Broadway

Holiday Miscellany Haul

It's miscellany post day, mainly because it's 4:29pm and I've failed in making it six blocks south to 34th Street. Sigh. But since "hauls" are the future of everything these days, I'll show you a few things the family got over the holidays:

Please ignore the chipped nails and focus on the gorgeous, long, feather earrings from Karma Krafting at The Holiday Shops in Bryant Park. Thanks to Suzanne, who kindly gave me these earrings while we were shooting this video. On the same post I also endlessly shake the world's cutest kitty bank from Karma Kiss. Although both Karma's are now closed for the season, select holiday shops are open for a few more weeks in Bryant Park. Go here for a list.

PF Fliers for the husband found at Daffy's, $29.99. He's been begging me for more PF Fliers since I got him a pair at Daffy's ages ago. When I spotted black and purple PF's with a lime green lining during a video shoot with Midtown Girl, I knew I had to get them.

Surrounded by new toys (trust me, to her left are a cajillion gifts from her aunts), Baby Herald plays with what? The remote control. Sometimes the old haul is as good as the new. Please note the glittery pink boots by Stride Rite, bought at Macy's Herald Square on Black Friday morning. Desperate for some winter shoes for the baby, I asked the clerk "Are these winter boots?" and she said "No, honey, these are fashion boots." Sold!

Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway

Macy's Herald Square, 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, between 42nd & 40th and 5th & 6th

"Go a Little Crazy" with Daffy's

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Following is a post from her co-worker Catherine who is filling in as guest blogger.

If you've been in Daffy's lately, you may have noticed a model who is layered to the extreme. Stop by the store anytime through December 24th to guess how much her ensemble costs at Daffy's and the total of the manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MRSPs). She's located on the top floor of the 34th Street/Broadway store.

The closest guess of the Daffy's Total Price wins the Grand Prize: a $500 Daffy's shopping spree plus a fabulous NYC weekend for you and three friends including a star-studded evening of limousines, dining, a concert and a luxury hotel stay. Don't worry, you have two chances. If your guess of the Total MRSPs is the most accurate, you'll win the First Prize: a $500 Daffy's shopping spree. And we all know that at Daffy's, $500 goes a long way!

Daffy's, 34th Street & Broadway

Boots Galore

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Following is a post from her co-worker Lindsey who is kindly filling in as guest blogger.

We New Yorkers spend so much time walking around town, that what we put on our feet is as important as any other sartorial choice. On this particular day, I’m looking for the ubiquitous city boot with a twist. I happened to find several treasures at great prices in Daffy’s.

Joan and David boots with zipper and tie. These pretty things can be worn in the office and out and about.
$59.99 at Daffy’s, retail at $225

Nine West Black ankle boots. Simple but chic.

$89 at Daffy’s, retail at $139.99

Then I saw them…the perfect weekend boots. I’ve seen similar boots at vintage shops on Prince street for double the price!
$69.99

If you want to mix in some flair add these colorful knit tights and you’ve got a winning combination.

Le Gale tights in a variety of colors and patterns, $6.99

Daffy's, 34th Street & Broadway

Trailblazing Fashion

Tricia Lewis, our Fashion Herald blogger, is out on maternity leave. Following is a post from her co-worker Barbara who is kindly filling in as guest blogger.

Daffy’s is where this blogger buys almost everything she wears. Daffy's offered Fashion Herald several tickets for a viewing of Amelia at the majestic Ziegfeld, but movies aren’t exactly on Fashion Herald’s mind right now. I jumped at the opportunity to fill in! It is so rare to view a film in the grandeur of an old-fashioned movie palace with over 1,131 seats.

In lieu of previews, there was an interactive advertisement performance showing "The Fitting Dance."



As a Kansan, I didn’t care about the movie’s lackluster reviews; I wanted to see the story of Amelia Earhart! I vividly remember visiting her childhood home in Atchison, Kansas, which is spectacularly located on a bluff overlooking the wide Missouri. How could you not want to know more about a woman whose spirit of adventure compelled her to be the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean? Adventurous women have inspired styles for decades. (Remember that great aviator jacket Lindsey found in JCPenney?)

Another trailblazing Kansan woman who captured my imagination as a child (especially because she grew up in my home town of Chanute, Kansas) was the adventurer, aviator, and naturalist Osa Johnson. She and her husband Martin Johnson explored the then-unknown lands of East and Central Africa and South Pacific islands during the 1920s and 1930s, and through their popular travel books and safari documentary films, introduced Depression-era Americans to the beauty of East Africa. They were the inspiration for store chain Martin + Osa, and American Eagle Outfitters, which you can find right here on 34th Street.


Daffy's Herald Square, 34th St & Broadway
American Eagle, 40 W. 34th Street btwn 5th & 6th

It's an Epidemic

I know, all I've posted about lately is Daffy's. I've been unable to do many store posts this week, but had to return something to Daffy's. And Daffy's does that grocery store thing where they place all the good candy by the register. Here's yesterday's good candy:

the black jeans that have a hidden satin strap that turns them into stirrups when you wear them with boots. I'm over my stirrup pant fear this season.

i don't think the silver charm does anything but look cute.

these have satin piping and are brown black.

















Are you all familiar with Radcliffe jeans? I wasn't, but am now. They're $29.99 (reg. $170), they're soft as heck and they're sitting on a rack right in front of the registers on the 6th floor.

For a bonus, look for this Patrizia Pepe short jacket:

Ms. Pepe puts out some cute little pieces. This one's $69.99














Daffy's Herald Square, 34th Street & Broadway

Les Copains Love at Daffy's Herald Square

Someone please go to Daffy's Herald Square today and buy this Les Copains jacket for $219.99 (was $1,148):

click for gorgeous details; I had to keep saying "credit card debt" over & over in my head to resist this classic piece. this is an 8, but fits more like a 6.










Or this Transit jacket for $89.99 (was $450):

love the gathering! this was a 4, too small for me.














I was going to put them on hold yesterday, but they only hold items till the end of the day. These can be found on the sixth floor next to the dressing room.

Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway

Daffy's Dressing Room: Round Two

The Designers:

For the lunching ladies;
Valentino red sweater (79.99, reg. $475), Sonia by SR skirt ($79.99, reg. $510)











For the zipper lovers, there's one on each side;
Marc Jacobs skirt, $79.99, Lanvin silk blouse worn throughout, $149.99












For the hip girls;
Stella McCartney skirt, $89.99, Perserico front button skirt, $49.99











To keep us warm:
Chloe sweater, $98.99, Sonia Rykiel skirt, 59.99, Sita Murt vest, $29.99








Daffy's Herald Square, 34th & Broadway