Summer Picks at Zara 34th Street

Today guest poster Lindsey checks out Zara on 34th Street.

I must say, I had the most delightful experience in Zara the other morning! The colors, the prints, and the embellishments were right up my alley.

First I fell in love with this floral print summer blazer ($99.90) and paired it with this delicate tan crepe halter dress ($99.90). The combination has an Edwardian meets Pretty in Pink/Molly Ringwald feel to it.



Next I found this lovely little fuchsia halter dress. At first I was ambivalent about the “rosettes” huddled around the neck. It did have the “cute” factor of a Shirley temple curtsy that is hard to pull off beyond the tweenager years. However, I toughened it up with the addition of this gray embellished vest (below). Somehow the rosettes take on a more ironic role…something I find very appealing!



Fuchsia crepe dress $99.90, gray embellished vest $59.90.














After fully indulging in my crepe dress binge, I needed a more worn, rough-and-tumble feel. I looked no further than a muslin tank top printed with little ladies parading across the chest. I found this simply delightful. When paired with the gray vest, some long jean shorts, and tan sandals, I felt slightly boyish and feminine at the same time…what fun!

Muslin tank, $39.90, jean shorts $39.90.














The tank is so lovely you might find other uses for it as I have done with this simple, camel-colored high-waisted skirt ($99.90).





Either way, if you are looking for some kind of summer sparkle, my bet’s on Zara.








Zara, 39 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th

De-Stress with skyn ICELAND at Sephora 34th Street

Only in Iceland would the country still look amazing during a volcanic eruption. Check out these gorgeous photos on The Boston Globe.


No wonder Skyn Iceland founder Sarah Kugelman finds her treatment inspiration in Iceland. If you can look this good while covered in ash, you've got my vote of confidence. And this Friday from noon to six, you can check out Skyn's stress-relieving treatments for yourself at Sephora on 34th Street. Ms. Kugelman and her team can work on your skin, just call the above number (212-629-9135) and book an appointment.

Oh, and try their eye cream. My beauty expert, Craig, said he's heard wonderful things about it.


Sephora, 130 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th Avenue

Craig Conquers the Ralph Lauren Sale at Soiffer Haskin

Updated to add: Fashion Herald's intern Craig checks out the Ralph Lauren sale at Soiffer Haskin.

I've never been to a sample sale. The prospect of crazed women attacking each other in order to squeeze themselves into last season's clothes is enough to give me a panic attack.

I overcame my fear when I descended upon the Ralph Lauren sale at Soiffer Haskin today since an additional 75% markdown was announced. Please excuse my abstract camera angles. I had to utilize my stealth photography techniques mastered from years of watching spy movies (Soiffer Haskin doesn't allow photographs).

The selection is amazing. There is enough range of size and color to make everyone happy. Ralph Lauren is fantastic for office attire, as well as cute pieces that can take you through the evening.


While I was sweating at the mere thought of long sleeves in this unbearable humidity, there is an incredible selection of cashmere sweaters in colors that I have never seen cashmere come in before, like pink, green, and turquoise. Wear at your own risk.



There's also a lot of button-down dress shirts to choose from. As you can see, there are some colors that are only appropriate in an Easter parade.


However, my top pick from this sale has to be the V-neck cashmere dress for just $150 (find it in the back of the room). I think anyone can look fabulous in a long sleeve mini-dress. Besides, who wouldn't want to spend their whole night in 100% cashmere? Unfortunately, I couldn't get a picture of the dress because my clandestine photography methods were compromised. I swiftly left before making a scene.

The sale lasts until 5:00 pm this Friday so get there quick, because I didn't see much stock in the back and I know you all love some discounted Ralph Lauren.


Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd Street just west of 8th Avenue

Design Edition Shoes at Gap Herald Square

Here's the selection of Pierre Hardy Design Edition shoes currently in Gap Herald Square:

Denim platforms (left, $98) in sizes 6.5, 7, and 9;

The flower-strap wedge (below, $110) is available in sizes 6.5 and 8.















Personally my favorite is the tie-up denim wedge. I tried them on, and the tie is nice and stretchy so it doesn't create the unsightly and painful "tourniquet effect" around your ankle. The lace-up espadrilles ($65, left) are also in store in several sizes.

What did I buy? The boots from last winter in a size 8, below. Why when I'm a size 9+? Because they were $9.97. Holy $#*%. I don't know what I'm going to do with them, but every fiber of my being cried "Buy!" when the clerk told me these gorgeous boots were nine dollars and ninety-seven cents. What would you have done? Maybe I'll pack them away for Baby Herald for her future size 8 days.



Gap Herald Square, 34th Street & Broadway

Swarovski Open on 34th Street

Swarovski opened one of their "Crystal Forest" stores (one of two in Manhattan) this past weekend on 34th Street, and I am not exaggerating when I say the new store totally brightens up the corner of 34th and 7th Avenue.

And here's a big bonus: Swarovski refurbished Tourneau's old digital clocks (pictured below, one faces north and one faces east). Tourneau was the former tenant in the space, and commuters and visitors alike relied upon the digital timepieces to keep them on track for Penn Station trains and as a point of rendezvous. So a big thanks to Swarovski for saving the clocks!

Inside the store is a fun collection of Swarovski jewelry, watches, home accessories, and decor objects. There are adorable and colorful charms galore. I've got my eye on these ducks figurines (below, $100 per) because Baby Herald is seriously into ducks right now. Did you know rubber duckies really do stop bath time tears? Huh, and I thought it was just a classic song.




Swarovski, newly opened, 200 W. 34th at 7th Avenue

Pat Field Payless Charm: Sold Out (almost) on 34th Street

Yes, Patricia Field's four-leaf clover charm for Payless is sold out at the 34th & Broadway store, and there are only two left at the 34th & 8th Avenue store. They are also still available online as of this morning. A clerk assured me, however, that her shoes will be in store by September. I have been missing Pat Field in Payless, especially after the fabulous moccasin boot.

Updated to add: I heard from the Patricia Field for Payless PR people, and it looks like no, there will not be any shoes this fall. Instead, you can "...expect to see more charmed items forthcoming under the brand."

The charm was released to coincide with the Sex and the City Two release. Have you seen it yet? I was not disappointed, it was a total fun ride of fashion and girlfriends. I think my husband was secretly sad that I saw it without him, as I forced him to watch the first one with me and he was totally entertained. Don't worry darling, we'll rent it as soon as it's out on DVD.



Payless, 110 W. 34th at Broadway
Payless, 484 8th Avenue at 34th Street

Xmastime Hits Up K! pizzacone

Shoppers get hungry and often ask me where to eat on 34th Street. So yesterday I coerced Xmastime to meet me in Herald Square for a little video reunion, and when I told him about the new pizzacone chain in the 34th Street District (yes, pizza in a cone and it's called K! pizzacone), I thought he was going to fall out of his chair. Video! We packed up his charge (Xmastime moonlights as a Manny) and strolled over to where the pizzacone sirens were calling our names: 5th Avenue between 32nd & 33rd. Of course I shopped on the way.



Let me recommend hitting up K! pizzacone after you've tried on clothes, as this is carb-heavy snacking, so drop by Esprit first for their buy one get one 50% off summer T's.


K! pizzacone, 325 Fifth Avenue between 32nd & 33rd
Esprit, 21 W. 34th between 5th & 6th