Wonderwall: The Last Chance?

As Steve & Barry's is now completely kaput, liquidation sales are in progress, eg: 60% or more off of everything. You know I couldn't resist buying the man some more Wonderwall:

I even got another pair of board shorts for him - they were $3. And I know West Coasters must find those surf T's kind of silly ($2), but everytime he wears one the young, Wmsbrg. hipster types go nuts. Kills me!









Laird Hamilton, where are you and your wonderwall going? I will track you down, watch out Gabrielle. At least now the husband has enough board shorts & T-shirts to last him a lifetime.

As for me, I didn't see much in the way of clothes, although I may go back for a spring Bitten tunic top. But I've had my eye on these Bitten wallet things for a while, so I picked up two of the brightest for under $3.

And I couldn't resist the grey scarf hair thing, or the gold headband (Both around $1.50). Do not get the too-ridiculous-tight elastic hairbands(not shown) or you may do permanent brain damage. Or maybe it's just my ginormous head. I did buy the elastics, but for my cat who is obsessed and plays fetch with them for hours.

In other fascinating, discount store news, I just noticed on my Strawberry receipt that these:


are categorized as "Gym Active." I may have to go back for these (I bought the black) now that I know they are gym-appropriate. Brooklyn YMCA weightlifters, beware.

Steve & Barry's Manhattan Mall, (but not for long) 33rd & 6th Avenue

Thanks, Laird

Thank god for Laird Hamilton's Wonderwall collection at Steve & Barry's in 34th Street. Seriously, it's the only stuff I buy for my husband that he doesn't immediately reject. Usually his first reaction to clothing is "take it back." Then 24 hours later he'll give it the green light. I don't know, commitment issues?! Here he is in a long-sleeved shirt, grey sweat shorts and a striped polo I had to get because it's so soft, albeit very orange. All is $8.98.

White pocket T from Gap, $6.99 on sale. Note the solo cute orange buttonhole on the shirt and the little Wonderwall logo. Excuse the cleavage shot, the model hates shopping AND trying on clothes. And he's barely had his morning coffee. When the orange polo "shrinks," I'm so sleeping in it.










Steve & Barry's is still open in Manhattan Mall. The clerks say it's not closing. Prices have been raised to $14.98 & $19.98 for a lot of lines, but the Wonderwall is still $8.98. Best deal in the store.

Also, I always grab white Gap T-shirts for myself when they're discounted, so the other day I picked him up a couple, now on sale for $6.99. While in the men's department, I noticed this:

An attractive men's fedora, on sale for $18-ish. Perfect for him, yes?! Umm actually, no, so now I'm the happy owner of this hat. Ladies, always keep an eye out in the men's department for a little poaching.


Steve & Barry's Manhattan Mall, level 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue
Gap, 60 W. 34th @ 6th Avenue

Math is Hard

Something was amiss in my subway station last night. First, from seemingly out of nowhere, I was almost hit by a missile that looked suspiciously like pigeon droppings. I investigated and saw a couple pigeons up in the rafters having a good time trying to mess up evening commutes. Are we safe nowhere?

Then, when I got on my train, I noticed something screwy with the Venus Williams Powerade Zero ad:

Seven, Six, Two, One











Two, One, Three











Three, Five, Four











Five, Four, Zero!











That must have been one hung-over sign installer. Let's review, because math is hard: seven, six, two, one, three, five, four, zero! Not your usual countdown, but hey, I'm open to mixing things up.

And did you notice the dress Venus is wearing in the ad? Her very cute Wimbledon dress? Here's a better shot from latimes.com:

Venus, when playing, almost always wears her Eleven line from Steve & Barry's. I don't know what's going to happen with these celebrity lines at Steve & Barry's, but all of the Eleven I bought when it debuted has stood the test of time. And I like Venus' sporty aesthetic; it really is practical, comfortable, and looks good. However, I have yet to see that dress in store. I'll look a little closer next time. Before Steve & Barry's closes its doors for good, I recommend checking out the Venus Williams collection.

Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 6th & 33rd

Cheating

I've been very bad. After dropping off the man at grad school in a whole other city, I drove away sobbing, navigated my bereft way to a big box retail strip mall from hell, and cheated.

It was less than 1 hour since I dropped off my guy, and less than 48 hours since I was in Herald Square. But I walked right into Target and Kohl's with nary a second thought and bought up other, non-34th Street retailer's drastically discounted diffusion lines (now there's a mouthful).

I'll blame Target on eeps. She wrote about the ridiculous markdowns on the Rogan line, and I couldn't resist. Perfect casual clothes and it's organic! Rationalize, rationalize. Actually, I got everything online, but ordered all the wrong sizes so had to reorder and then return to the store. Whew. Naturally while there I had to pick up a few things for the apartment, and voila! More money for Target. In case anyone else out there is considering buying Rogan for Target and is 5'10+ and a size 6-8, buy the mediums. I highly recommend the white sleeveless hoodie and the zebra silk tops and dress.

I'll blame Kohl's on my housemate, Erica. It seems that every time we walk to the subway together I'm complimenting her cute dress, or bag, or dress again, and she says "It's my secret, Vera Wang at Kohl's!" Well, a girl is sometimes pushed too far and has no option but to try something a little different.

Kohl's required some major clearance rack digging (Vera's fall merch looked OK, but I was not paying full-price). Of course, without man in tow I was free to dig for hours. If you go, look for the adorable long, satin shorts, the satin skirt, and don't miss the accessories. I picked up a couple of cute headbands (left, how Vera is that headband?) and was tempted by the scarves. As for sizing, it'll run slightly big for you petites, but it was right on for me. I was easily fitting the 6's. Vera's line is better made and designed than a lot of diffusion lines, but price points start at $40. Some of her bags were tempting, but too $$ for this trip. This was my dirt cheap, sleazy cheating jaunt.

I did spot, in Vera's fall collection, a white blouse that looked exactly like this:

One of Philip Lim's Gap Design Editions shirt! Diffusion line stealing, has it come to this? I mean, I cheated a little, but I paid for it.

Fashion Herald Hits the Gym!

Here's video #2, our foray into the world of New York Sports Club on 34th Street. To light a fire under Xmastime's non-dieting ass, we visited 34th Street's Foot Locker for some clothes and then hit the gym. Because rumor has it (and I think you can find photographic evidence on this blog) that Xmastime has gained weight since we started blogging about his New Year's resolution to trim some poundage. Observe:



Reminder to self: don't stand over subway grates when filming videos.

Many thanks to our great media partner, 3KnightsMedia, Melissa at Foot Locker and Lisa at New York Sports Club.

Thanks also to The Royal Wylds (who will be properly credited next time, promise!) for our theme song, their version of Stayin' Alive written by the Bee Gees.

New York Sports Club, 34th & 6th and 34th & Park
Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
Foot Locker and Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th
Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd & 6th Avenue
Smoothie stand, 33rd & 8th Avenue

Cheapo, Even For Pleather

I dropped by the Steve & Barry's in Manhattan Mall yesterday to see if it was still open and selling everything for $8.98. Yes, and yes. There is even some fall merchandise I hadn't seen before, like this Bitten pleather jacket:

Note I again was put in the big handicapped dressing room. Hmm.




















The photos don't really do it justice as I was working with borrowed equipment. But I tested it on my co-workers later back at the office. They said "cute" "it looks vintage" "that cost how much?" and "get me one tomorrow!" It also got a pass from Jeffrey (office's toughest critic), but with a disclaimer "Cheap fabric on cheap fabric means lots of pills." True, unfortunately, the sweater part on the arms will hit the sweater part on the body, and pilling will ensue. And I don't really like it zipped up as the neck strangles me, but I prefer it open anyway. Buy this a little small. Of course, as it's Steve & Barry's, there are lots of XL's, but luckily there were several XS's also.

Any buying hesitation you may experience it mitigated by the $8.98 price. Another plus is how the sleeves are all wrinkled. It is now sitting in my closet in a little ball, as I'm hoping to get that wrinkled effect all over.

Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall, level 2, 6th & 33rd

Steve & Barry's: What To Buy

Before the store goes away, try and get some of these:













As you can see, Wonderwall by Laird Hamilton is a men's line for the surfer/skate dudes in your acquaintance. Although my man threatens me all the time with a skateboard purchase, I think I've convinced him he's too old to start (I'm not an ageist, this is for the safety of the general public). But the clothes he can wear, particularly when they're cute, very inexpensive, and well-made. The Wonderwall line has soft cottons and nice design elements, like pull strings on the inside of the cargo shorts and lining in the board shorts. The graphics are cute and the prints are stylish. I've got my eye on a palm tree T-shirt for myself.

This is, unfortunately, not me and my husband.

The flip flops (above, also come in tan) got a big thumbs up, as the soles are fabric. Important for those who have sweaty feet in the summer. I didn't know I was married to a foot-sweater until this Fourth of July holiday; he wore his cheap rubber flip-flops and was sliding out of them during a long walk. Finally he had to take them off and go barefoot. Ewww, barefoot in Brooklyn.

So load up on Wonderwall before it disappears, and maybe resurfaces elsewhere. But if Mr. Hamilton's line is (hopefully) picked up, everything will not be $8.98. We've learned that doesn't quite work.

I'll end with a little love letter to the great surfer:

Dear Mr. Laird Hamilton,

If you're great line survives, can you please convince your lovely wife [Gabrielle Reece, pictured above] to design one for the ladies? Thanks,

Fashion Herald

Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall, level 2, 33rd & 6th Ave.

Steve & Barry's Files Chapter 11

According to a Crain's story, Steve & Barry's has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy:

"But now Steve & Barry's is the latest victim of a sluggish economy that's been especially tough on retailers. The Port Washington, L.I.-based apparel company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Wednesday, is still operating its 276 retail locations, but many, if not all, are expected to close if the firm does not find a buyer soon."

Sad to hear they "...axed 172 corporate and field staff jobs immediately." This story says they started closing offices Wednesday. When I was in the store last Thursday I overheard a couple shoppers talking about "free clothes." And then a gentleman greeted a manager-type, who advised "Hey, ____, get everything you want because this is going to be it." Besides inducing a panic response (I immediately grabbed 4 Wonderwall shirts for my husband), that comment made me surmise that laid-off staff was given a shopping free-for-all. Good for them, if true. I sent an email to PR, asking them to confirm, but most likely the PR department is part of the corporate axing.

Guess this makes the opening of the downtown store highly unlikely. Oh, and if there's a Steve & Barry's near you, or you're in midtown, go to Manhattan Mall soon and pick up those Wonderwall* shirts. They're made surprisingly well and even my husband was impressed upon trying them on and complimented the fit.

*From Crains: "Sears Holding Corp. is said to be negotiating with Steve & Barry's for the rights to sell some of the brands in its bargain stores, Kmart and Sears." So SJP could end up at Sears?


Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall, level 2, 33rd & 6th

Sale Racks

On 34th Street yesterday:

GAP

I'm very happy I didn't pay $78 for this Phillip Lim Design Edition white shirt, because I got it for $9 yesterday;











This bargain joy was soon negated by the Pierre Hardy gladiator sandals, which are now marked down to $40 from $78 (silver, white & brown). I think I'd throw a fit in the store if they were $9. For those of you who need a good black flat, the Pierre Hardy flat is $50 and cute. I can also vouch for their comfort;

Artist Edition T's are now $14.99 and there are lots, including one of my favorites, the high-heeled Marilyn Minter (far left, pics from the exhibit in Bryant Park).

STEVE & BARRY'S

I dropped by to check its pulse. Was a little worried with all the store closing/bankruptcy talk. The Manhattan Mall store still has everything for $8.98, and Bitten jewelry is 3 for $15. There are some pretty earrings and colored bead necklaces. I bought a lot of Wonderwall for the mister (the colorful dress shirts are a bargain), and finally got the Bitten bathrobe I've had my eye on for the past year. And I even spotted the Project Runway Bitten dress; it's back to haunt me. I would have pictures of the bathrobe but I'm having technical difficulties. Don't worry, George is on it.

Here's to all the Steve & Barry's employees, and hoping the store pulls out of this one. Every time I visit it's packed with moms and kids buying shoes and clothes. It's the go-to store for low price points, something a lot of families need this year.

VICTORIA'S SECRET

Bins of thongs and undies for $3.99 and up. There's Angels, Body by Victoria, the whole shebang.

BEBE

There's a rack in the back that's 65% off the sale price. That's where I found this floral print:











This dress is charming, it just looks weird on top because my torso is too long for the bustline and it's too small for me. Petite ladies, go check it out. 65% off of $99.

EXPRESS

All the Celia Birtwell's are now $29.99. There's mostly dresses left, but you can find some of the tops at the Manhattan Mall store. The 34th Street store just had dresses. These are now officially a deal.

There's also a v-neck Tshirt dress on sale for $9.99; I'd pick it up in white, black and grey, a perfect basic. It's nice and form fitting.


Although it's great getting a bargain, I'm now greedily anticipating the arrival of sweaters, boots, and cozy furry jacket things.

Gap, 60 W. 34th @ Greeley Square
Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd @ 6th
Victoria's Secret, Herald Square, 34th & 6th
Bebe, 1 W. 34th @ 5th
Express, Manhattan Mall level 1, 33rd @ 6th, &
Express, 7 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Your Friendly Manhattan Mall Update

Manhattan Mall, the mall of midtown and home to Steve & Barry's and Strawberry, is going through some changes:










The bottom floor is what used to be the food court. A loss, yes (no more food samples), but all this construction will bring JCPenney to midtown Manhattan. I haven't stepped foot inside a JCPenney since I was a kid. And back then we had more family ties to Sears as my sister was a top seller in automotive (employee discount, baby!). So send me some JCPenney comments, I'm curious as to what you all think.

And some Manhattan Mall windows:










At Steve & Barry's, the Sex and the City T-shirts by Bitten. Umm, "I'm with Mr. Big," not really interested but perhaps it's my age/marital status. You?

Also at Steve & Barry's, the Wonderwall line by Laird Hamilton. "We are all equal before a wave." Maybe if one is a world-class surfer, yes. Me, not so much as I discovered on my honeymoon after a bit of a tropical storm. But Laird's line looks pretty good. I eyeballed the collection today and am buying some later this week (the lunchtime line was too long). There are some decent looking striped shirts and also plaid shorts for the guys. And it's all $8.98 or less. Will try to get Husband (a much more "equal before the wave" type) to model.

And I was inexplicably drawn to this Victoria's Secret window:

then it hit me: this was exactly what I had needed for my own wedding gown. Something reasonable to pouf up Mom's dress. She and I had some gut-busting fun shopping for a crinoline (the original had been lost). The only ones we could find were huge, as in "bigger than the church aisle" huge. So I hope this helps someone out there who is also overwhelmed by too-too poufy wedding undergarments.

The rest of the Victoria's Secret wedding collection looks vintage, pretty and sexy. Has anyone tried it on? Lingerie trying-on was not happening today as I haven't been to the gym in over a week.

Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd @ 6th
Victoria's Secret, Manhattan Mall level 2

I Bought The Dress

Would you buy something that's been prominently displayed in The New York Times as possibly one of the world's cheapest dresses? Well, I did. I also bought its less infamous yellow sister seen below. Both from Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line, and both cost $8.98. So for under $18 I got two colorful summer dresses.

Do I care it had its 15 minutes in The New York Times? Nah. Perhaps I'll wear my blue dress like a flag? Look, here it is, and I'm damn proud! Not a penny more than $8.98!

pretty yellow dress front, full-skirted, & backwards (couldn't resist, felt very Westwood) - pretty blue dress front, back and front again - and you can wear chunky heels or flats















Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd @ 6th

So Much To Do...

Fuel up, kids, because there's a lot of new shopping on 34th Street today. First up, the Gap Artist Editions T-shirts in celebration of the 2008 Whitney Biennial debut in stores:


I spotted these in The New Yorker, and have my eye on the Hanna Liden big bird (bottom right). And Stephanie Seymour in the Jeff Koons? Sexy. Looks like they are all $28.



Next, get thee to Footaction on 7th & 34th at 3pm for an old school, bad-ass celebrity sighting: the Rev Run will be dropping by to promote the release of the "Icon Sneaker." Ladies, I may have to stalk him a little because Run-DMC is, well, remember the video for "Walk this Way?" Aerosmith has never been so cool.

Last, Steve & Barry's Laird Hamilton Wonderwall collection, a surf and skate apparel line for men, debuts today. Everything is $9.98 or less. Not familiar with Laird Hamilton? Girls, he's the hot blond surfer dude married to Gabrielle Reece and famous for mastering those crazy, 70 ft. waves. Take a cue from Laird's collection and plan a guy-centric night at home for the man. Rent Riding Giants, a seminal surfing movie starring Laird, surprise your guy with a new pair of Wonderwall board shorts (above), and dress yourself down with SJP's Bitten loungewear (this should include boy shorts). Works every time.

Gap, 60 W. 34th at 6th Avenue
Footaction, 430 7th at 34th
Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd @ 6th

Steve & Barry's = $8.98

Everything in Steve & Barry's in Manhattan Mall is $8.98. Space is limited in the store (looks like big renovations), so I'd recommend shopping during off hours. During lunch and peak hours it will be crowded. Still, those checkout kids are fast.

Here's what you should pick up:













Bitten goods. Dresses and denim jackets for $8.98 is a bargain. That disco pink bodysuit is the most Carrie item I think I've seen SJP do for Steve & Barry's. It fits surprisingly well, although yes, it rides up. But show me a bodysuit that doesn't. The black and white dress are the same style, very cute and nice feminine details (pleated, swingy bottom). And buy that denim jacket small and tight (you can take the girl out of the heavy metal club....)

Also get the EleVen sweatpants. They are soft, long (remember, Venus is tall) and wash well (I bought these months ago). And they are $8.98! There are also lots of T's and long sleeved shirts, but it looks like most of the pretty sweatjackets are gone.

Then pick up a pair of Steve & Barry's cargo shorts for your man. Because it's going to get warm and they're $8.98.

Steve & Barry's, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd @ 6th