Basics at AEO on 34th Street

Today's guest staff post is by Catherine, who stopped by AEO on 34th Street for some T's. Thanks, Catherine!

I'm a simple girl who likes simple things. And I really like simple things that come at reasonable prices, so I was pretty pleased with American Eagle Outfitters' spring offerings.

AE has a nice assortment of super soft, basic tees that beg to be layered. I admit they're nothing ground-breaking, but they're a necessary staple for spring. I paired one (below) with an Oxford shirt. In retrospect, perhaps coral wasn't the best choice for my blinding paleness. Regardless, they are great, thick shirts and come in both solids and gingham.

Left: Tee, on clearance at $6.95. Right: AE Oxford Shirt, on sale for $29.95

They have a huge selection of graphic tees for women, all of which are buy one, get one 1/2 off right now. When you're looking at starter prices of $15-19, that's a great deal.

Graphic Tees, $15.50-$19.50, currently BOGO 1/2 off

I found some sparkle in this collection of beaded tees. There were at least 6-7 different styles to choose from, mostly in white, gray and blue tones. I love this charcoal top with tons of detailing, including studs, beads, and sequins.

Beaded Tees, $29.50

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

Heels, Deals, and More on 34th Street

While on 34th Street last Saturday, I dropped by Payless on 34th and Broadway to find one pair of Siriano talon heels left in the whole store in lucky size 8:

Also, I tried on this boyfriend-cut white shirt by she said that was all over my March Lucky Magazine. I love it, and it's on sale now for $17.99. There were a couple smalls, and lots of mediums and larges. It's huge, but not in a bad way as one can wear it over leggings or tuck it into jeans.




















And last, Bare Escentuals is there for you and your quest for an impeccable complexion. This is a $136 value for $34, while supplies last.

Payless, 34th & Broadway
JCPenney Manhattan Mall, 33rd & 6th Avenue
Bare Escentuals boutique, 44 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Only on 34th Street: The Empire State Building Shoe

Care to take your Empire State Buildings out for a little walk?



Thanks to Geox, the Empire State Building is now memorialized in heels. And not just any heels, but 5-inch heels available in silver or gold with rhinestones that represent the windows of the building! That's just too adorable. And because they are Geox, they feature the brand's patented breathable sole technology. I'm requesting a pair for a trial run; I'll keep you updated. These are limited-edition shoes ($230) available only at the 34th Street store. Aptly so, as the store sits right down the street from the building itself.

So what do you think, which ones do you like? I'm partial to the purple and blue sequins as they remind me of the different colored lighting schemes the building features at night. But the black is very New York. I think these shoes really need to be seen in person. They debut on 34th Street this weekend, so go try them on and take the Empire State Building for a little spin.


Geox, 29 West 34th Street between 5th & 6th

Stella for GapKids & babyGap

The new Stella McCartney for GapKids and babyGap will be in 34th Street on March 30th. I guess the date was pushed back. The clerks kindly gave me a flyer, and told me 34th Street wouldn't be getting the whole collection. I then asked her if the 5th Avenue flagship would be getting the entire collection, and she said no, neither store was. Hmm, perhaps they are splitting the collection up round town? Either way, I'll be dropping by not to stuff myself into some large kids sizes, but to browse for Baby Herald.


The baby battle today was over hats. I love hats while my husband scoffs at them. Unfortunately I had no veto power this afternoon and had to cede the hat battle because I had just behaved badly in "BRUS" (Babies-R-Us) due to a very strong Café Americano and excess exposure to baby merchandise, a combination that made my head spin Exorcist-style.

I recommend staying out of the BRUS clothing section and saving it and the strong coffee for Stella at Gap.


Gap Herald Square, 34th Street & Broadway

Esprit 34th Street Opening: Love it and Leave it

Next Thursday, March 25th, is the big date, and there will be fabulous grand opening fun for all at the new Esprit on 34th Street. This space will soon be the largest Esprit store in North America and the second largest in the world. And that staircase I spotted last Monday? Guess I was thinking too small. This store will not be just two levels, but three. Looks like I got an intern just in time.

Here's the fabulous Esprit deal they're calling Love it and Leave it, straight from the media alert's mouth:

"In honor of the Esprit 34th Street's grand opening to the public on March 25th and March 26th, Esprit 34th Street invites customers to "Love it and Leave it."At 9am, noon, and 5:30pm, the first 50 people lined up outside who have an invitation will receive a wristband to participate. When they fall in love with a new Esprit outfit and decide to leave a clothing item of their own for donation to the Salvation Army, they get that outfit for free! Anyone who is not participating in "Love it and Leave it" and tries on any item in the store will receive a $20 Cash Card. Get an invitation and learn more at: www.loveitandleaveit.com."

See? It's fabulous when you get twenty bucks just to try something on! If I got twenty bucks every time I tried something on I would have been out of debt years ago. What a fun hello to 34th Street shoppers. So be sure to drop by next Thursday and Friday, bring those clothes that have been hanging long ignored in your closet, and get yourself some new, 34th Street Esprit.


Esprit 34th Street, opens 9am March 25th between 5th & 6th Avenues

Craig Critiques: JCPenney Manhattan Mall for Home

Earlier this week, Fashion Herald intern Craig checks out the home department at JCPenney Manhattan Mall.

I haven’t shopped JCPenney since middle school, but there is something about the Manhattan Mall location that is so magnetic. It’s got a clean look and is better organized than many other JCPenney locations. Most importantly, it’s nice to get a good bargain in the over-priced land of Manhattan.

Today, I was on the hunt for new bedsheets as my fleece sheets are not comfortable in spring weather. I descended the escalators to the bottom floor and was surprised to find the Home Décor section tucked away in the back corner! But good news: it's an expansive bedding section. While JCPenney and I don’t always agree fashion-wise, this store never lets me down in the bedding department. When I first went away to college, it was the only store that had a multitude of dorm bedding to choose from and all for very reasonable prices.

This is what I first encountered when I got to bedding:

NEON COLORED SHEETS. I don’t have a problem with these colors, but I just don’t know how anyone could possibly work these into a room’s color scheme. That being said, if you do know how to reasonably work these sheets, you must tell me, as I am secretly in love with the neon green.

Seventeen Magazine also has a line of bedding out with a lot of crazy patterns and colors. Obviously, this did not appeal to the 20-year-old male college student (me), but I’m sure that young girls LOVE this. In fact, I did find this quilt a little cute.

I finally made it to my favorite section: Bed In A Bag. I love when decisions like this are made for me, but I was a little disappointed upon arrival. There wasn’t a large selection and the only one that somewhat caught my eye...


was only available in twin (I spoiled myself and bought a Queen size bed when I moved to New York).

My trip was not a complete bust because all pillows were on sale for (get ready for this) BUY ONE, GET ONE FOR A DOLLAR.

Yes, I didn’t believe it either but there were so many pillows and not enough time so I had to leave. I expect to be back by the end of the week so you better leave me some pillows!

So, the hunt continues for my new sheets. I shall keep you all posted on my future bedding bonanza.

JCPenney Manhattan Mall, lower lvls 1 & 2, 33rd & 6th Ave

Spring Coats at Geox 34th Street

Today's guest staff post is by Kati, who dropped by the Geox store this week and tried on coats.


Geox on 34th Street has some serious contenders for this spring’s best coats. I sampled an array of styles and colors, and I’m pleased to report that there should be something for everyone here.
















Both of these are great, short options for the season. The shimmer on the black coat adds a little something to a wardrobe staple, while I love the versatility of the grey colored jacket with the zip-off hood. Black was priced at $125, and the grey one had no price tag (what my Mom would call “Free!”).

For $175, the red color with white piping is a nice twist on the typical trench coat. And below is a more traditional style with a cute lining ($160).




























I loved the cut of this one (left, $150), and the orange color is a fun twist on a the more predictable yellow rain slicker. Add the waist-cinching tie and adjustable arm length, perfect for rainy days turned hot and muggy, and this coat is definitely worth the price.

I was impressed with the quality and detailing on all of the jackets. You could tell time was taken in designing the details: the lining, the flaps, the hardware. My one complaint was the excessive brand stamping all over the pieces. Every buckle and lapel says a little too loudly “GEOX."

(ed. note) Ahh, we can't complain about logos without mentioning our friend The Preppy Princess! Nobody better describes our shared distaste for ginormous logos on our clothing and everything else that could possibly be branded. Luckily these Geox logos fall on the subtle side of logo-ing.

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