NYC SAMPLE SALES!!!

What: Tevrow+Chase

Why: Coats, sweaters, blouses, and dresses sold at Saks and Harvey Nichols are $30-$150.

When: May 1-3. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 416 W. 13th St., b/t Ninth Ave. & Washington St., ste. 313 (212-929-1810).

What: Lorelei
Why: Up to 70 percent off patent clutches, beach totes, and cosmetic cases.
When: May 1 & 2. Tues. & Wed., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 53 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., ste. 1102 (212-239-7102).

What: Helmut Lang

Why: One day only. For men and women.

When: May 3. Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 261 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves. (212-947-8748).

What: Lola Hats
Why: Every style imaginable (including turbans and head scarves) is up to 60 percent off.
When: May 1-3. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 535 Eighth Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 20th flr. (212-366-5708).

What: Charlotte Ronson

Why: Keyhole dresses, were $225, now $82; crochet halter dresses, were $189, now $60.

When: May 2-5. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 1071 Sixth Ave., b/t 40th & 41st Sts., ste. 301 (212-616-1005).

What: Dolce & Gabbana, D&G, and D&G Junior
Why: Clothing and accessories for men, women, kids, up to 70 percent off.
When: May 4-6. Fri., 9 -6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 85 Spring St., b/t Broadway & Crosby Sts., 2nd flr.

What: TSE

Why: Cashmere and more for men, women, and babies, all up to 80 percent off.

When: May 6-10. Sun.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Where: 317 W. 33rd St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves. (917-606-6795).

What: Showroom Seven
Why: Charlotte bomber jackets, were $600, now $250; Issa dresses, were $450, now $220; Erickson Beamon necklaces, were $565, now $226.
When: May 7-18. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 498 Seventh Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 24th flr. (212-643-4810).

What: LeSportsac
Why: Totes, travel bags, and other whatnots are 50-80 percent off.
When: May 3-6. Thurs. & Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 123 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 4th flr. (212-736-6262 ext. 2013).

What: The Wrights
Why: Leather jackets, were $900-$1,600, now $300-$600; cardigans, were $220-$660, now $70-$180.
When: May 2-4. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 110 W. 40th St., b/t Broadway & Sixth Ave., ste. 2207 (212-391-2150).

KATE MOSS + TOPSHOP

TopShop is finally coming across the pond! Barneys will bring the UK design house to the masses by premiering the Kate Moss for TopShop line! View the collection's lookbook here!

The line will be available, exclusively at Barneys Co-op, on May 9th!

Now you too can have Kate's enviable style. She basically carried her favorite pieces to TopShop's designers who then made their version. Get your own!

That white dress, below, has my name written all over it!

White dress approximately $168.00

Click here for vintage Style Collaborations!

STYLESTAR: DOBI KWE + CD GIVEAWAY

Check out UK's finest, Dobi Kwe! This funky, fearless, musical fashionista shares her style sense and CDs with StyleChile!!! Send us an e-mail, at stylechil@gmail.com, with your name and shipping address and you'll get your own copy of Dobi Kwe's debut C.D., Don't forget to Remember!** Check out Mr. Nice! That's 'gonna be live in my iPod for some time. This cd may be her first, but she's no ingenue! Dobi's a classically-trained pianist and vocalist, and is a self-taught bassist and amateur DJ.

Keep reading for my interview with D. Kwe! You can almost hear that British accent jumping off the page...loves it!

StyleChile: When did you 1st become interested in music?
Dobi Kwe: Well as far as music is concerned I think I was born interested! I’ve always loved and been surrounded by music, my mum had the most awesome record collection at home, from Pavarotti, to every Michael Jackson album, all the Motown classics, Abba, The Beatles, the list goes on. Certain songs still trigger some of my earliest memories – Steve Wonder’s Happy Birthday – was heard at every single birthday party without fail! Music’s just such a prominent feature in my life that I can’t remember a time when it didn’t interest and stimulate me.

I definitely think though that as I grew and had a lil’ more control over what I wore, my dressing became very influenced by the music I would listened to at the time - so in that sense, fashion and music went hand in hand. Lots of people pick up cool trends from music videos, their favourite artist performing or whatever and adapt it to their own personality and comfort zone, I did the same. Funnily enough some of the men in my life played a huge role gearing me towards fashion – my brother, and my cousin, especially with their endless nights watching America’s Next Top Model…

Since Uni I’ve taken more of a personal interest in the fashion industry, in particular modelling. There’s so much more discipline to it than just ‘looking pretty’ and I now appreciate that. I recently took part in London’s Swatch Alternative Fashion Week

StyleChile: Who were your fashion influences?
Dobi Kwe: Hmm well all kinds of people really, from top supermodels like Naomi (Campbell), and Kate (Moss), to pop stars and rock stars, to the average Jack and Jill doing their thing down the High Street. I’m very much like “I see something that works, I’ll try it”. But I always try to mix it up a lil’ to match my own sense of style. You could see me rockin’ a hoodie and baggy jeans one day, knee-highs and skinnies the next, converse and khakis on another. Having said that we all need a lil’ inspiration from the top and I ain’t no exception to that. Thanks Vogue!

StyleChile: How do you manage to stay fashionable?
Dobi Kwe: By being 100% me. Fashion’s pretty changeable, it’s very cyclical so I feel like I’m free to add my own lil’ spice to the pot! Like I could be walking down the street and stop to admire the most outrageous outfit I would never wear, but it looks great on this character because they are comfortable, confident and they totally think they look hot! You look as good as you feel. But it’s also helpful to know your best features and work with those. I’m lucky long legs are always in fashion lol!


StyleChile: Do you have any tips of advice for today’s fun, fashionable females?
Dobi Kwe: Sure, ladies the most beautiful asset you could ever have is self-esteem and confidence. I ain’t saying you can’t do your part to keep in shape, watch what you eat, etc. But when you’re happy with yourself it shows, and it shines through the clothes. Fashion’s cool, it’s great to have all those people who spend so much time creating and deciding what works, but it’s just a guide, so it’s more important to form your own identity outside ever changing fashion industry.

StyleChile: How do you stay inspired?
Dobi Kwe: My inspiration comes from God. I try to let him have the first and last word in whatever I do and he never lets me down. I stay inspired by the people around me - my family and friends who are a constant source of encouragement and love, so important! I’m inspired daily witnessing the hard work and persistence of great musicians, models, businessmen, and all kinds of success stories who started with nothing - that’s enough to inspire anyone.

** Information submitted will only be used in connection with StyleChile's giveaway and will not be distributed to any third parties.

FASHIONABLE FICTION: IN COMMERCIALS

Check out these fashionable commercials.....


While watching television, I have noticed over and over again celebrities in fashionable commercials. I first caught a glimpse of Charlize Theron in a Dior spot, then saw Nicole Kidman in a Chanel spot, followed by Hilary Duff in a With Love spot and finally Sarah Jessica Parker in a Lovely spot. These celebrities bring beauty and grace to the next level AND these are hot scents for spring.

Check out all these celebrities and more with various scents on Daily Mail.

WEEKLY STYLE REVIEW

Check out these stylish celebs!

THE WORLD'S NEXT TOP MODELS

Check out Vogue's May 2007 cover!

The cover features models Hilary Rhoda, Lily Donaldson, Raquel Zimmerman, Doutzen Kroes, Jessica Stam, Sasha Pivovarova, Agyness Dean & Coco Rocha, Chanel Iman (wait, is that really her name?!?!?!) and Caroline Trentini.

Love, love, love the skirts! The silhouettes and peacock colors are all fabulous! Note the not so subtle hints of Jay-Z Blue!

Surprisingly, the models are all wearing white shirts by Gap! For more information on the Gap's white shirt initiative with designers Doo- Ri, Thakoon and Rodarte check out my previous post here.

Click on the label below for vintage Cover Style posts!

SNAKE CHARMER

Slip into something sexy and sultry when you wear snake motifs. For centuries the snake has symbolized all that is forbidden. No longer is this the case. If you've missed it, this style trend can be introduced to your wardrobe easily with accessories. Here are my favorite picks.

1. Gold-plated snake necklace, Patch NYC, $95; www.patchnyc.com, 2. Sterling Silver Large Snake Ring, Ross-Simmons,$45; www.ross-simons.com 3. Sterling Silver Serpet earrings, $31. 50 ; www.thesilverdragonjewelry.com 4. Zhen-U.N.Solo Ring, $45; www.luvcharlie.com 5.Pearl ring with tcw diamond snake, $147; www.chopard.com 6. 18kt gold wrap bracelets, Gale rant, $225; www.fab&faux.com 7. 14kt. Gold and diamond earrings, Manon VonGerkan, $998; www.manon.net 8. Sterling Silver Green Jade Snake Ring, Ross-Simmons, $85; www.ross-simons.com

O.k. I must admit some of my picks are pricey. Simply take these choices as examples, and adorn yourself with charms within your budget.

NICOLE MILLER + JC PENNY

Am I the only person that did not know about Nicole Miller's collaboration with JC Penny? It seems like it...This information is definitely not new, but was recently called to my attention by StyleChile reader, Shamika. I see how they do at Harvard Business School Sham! But I'm not mad...keep it coming :) The department store has gotten a much needed boost from the designer's "Nicole by Nicole Miller Line"!

This bed jacket was less than $50.00!

NYC SAMPLE SALES!!!

What: Inhabit
Why: Cashmere tunics, apron dresses, and men’s cardigans for as little as $60.
When: Apr. 25 & 26. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 1441 Broadway, b/t 40th & 41st Sts., ste. 3101.

Special thanks to the Krupp Group for the Inhabit tip!

What: Tufi Duek
Why: Dresses, were $495-$950, now $95-$200; knits, were $220, now $45.
When: Apr. 18-20. Wed.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 530 Broadway, at Spring St., 10th flr. (212-925-8277).

What: Reem Acra
Why: Evening togs were $450 to $10,000, now $150 to $4,000.
When: Apr. 22 & 23. Sun., 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Mon., 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: 14 E. 60th St., b/t Fifth & Madison Aves., ste. 212 (212-421-3200).

What: Hayden-Harnett
Why: Bags and newly launched clothing line at up to 80 percent off.
When: Apr. 10-12. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 330 W. 38th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., ste. 503 (212-564-3720).

What: Calypso Warehouse Sale
Why: Siwy skinny jeans, were $200, now $75; John Robshaw sheets, were $170, now $45; Jacqueline Schnabel sandals, were $230, now $50.
When: Apr. 12-15. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 378 Broadway, at White St.

What: Alvin Valley
Why: Spring collection pants, were $300-$700, now $129; jackets, were $675-$1,040, now $199; blouses, were $289-$535, now $109.
When: Apr. 25-29. Wed.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 632 Broadway, b/t Houston & Bleecker Sts., 6th flr. (212-253-0095).

What: Hable Construction
Why: Bold upholstery fabrics, quilts, pillows, and other home goods, up to 75 percent off.
When: Apr. 11-13. Wed., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 195 Chrystie St., b/t Stanton & Rivington Sts. (212-228-0814).

What: Hanro
Why: Luxe loungewear, underwear, sleepwear, and robes at 75 percent off.
When: Apr. 17 & 18. Tues., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 40 E. 34 St., b/t Madison & Park Aves., ste. 207 (212-532-3320 ext. 11).

What: Auto
Why: Andrea Corson jewelry, Paul Smith accessories, Twinkle by Wenlan duvets, and Egg by Susan Lazar.
When: Apr. 19-22. Thurs. &Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.

Where: 803 & 805 Washington St., b/t Gansevoort & Horatio Sts. (212-229-2292).

Be sure to attend a Fashion Bomb sponsored Shop and Mingle sample sale this weekend. Also, check out today's Fashion Bomb for more info on a unique online boutique, aptly named Sui Generis!

IN THE CLEAR

Lucite is going to be big this season... It fits perfectly with the edgy, space-agey theme that is so popular right now...think gunmetal and Balenciaga! This glass acrylic serves as an accent to many of the season's pieces, but is most commonly incorporated into shoes. What better way to balance those chunky heels? It's clear... your wedges will appear as if they're not there! Your feet may not feel like it, but at least you can look like you're walking on air!

My lucite picks are below!

Top: Oscar de la Renta lucite necklace $1,100.00; Erika Peña lucite chandelier earrings $58.00; Lanvin "Nopalea" bag $2,980.00-barneys.com; Middle: Giuseppe Zanotti purple velvet lucite wedge sandals $375.00- bluefly.com; Fendi peeptoe Platform $705.00- barneys.com; Bottom: Fendi plastic and embroidered bag $1,580.00(not lucite, I know!); Faceted oval lucite necklace $48.00- shopintuition.com; Silver-plate lucite cuff, Alexis Bittar, $190 at Alexis Bittar 212-625-8340; patent leather lucite shoes $89.00- ninewest.com

I have long been a fan of lucite furniture, and have my eye this
Philip Stark Ghost Chair ...and I like lucite accessories too...but, I am not so sure that I like, or ever will like, lucite heels! Don't get me wrong, I think they are interesting, and would wear a pair should someone buy them for me, but I will not buy lucite shoes anytime soon, I digress...Check out other style trends posts here, or click the link below!

THE GAP + DOO-RI, THAKOON & RODARTE

The Gap is doing big things!

"This month the Gap will introduce limited-edition shirts designed by Doo-Ri Chung, Thakoon Panichgul and Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte, all winners of a fashion contest organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue magazine."

Apparently, each designer was given a white button down shirt with which to create their own unique design, for a total of three garments that will be sold as part Gap's upcoming white shirt campaign.

This collaboration follows on the heels of their recent synergy with Roland Mouret. Check out today's New York Times Styles writeup for more information! For more style collaborations click here, or the link below!

NAUTICA JEANS WINNER!

Congratulations to Mario Singleton from Atlanta, Georgia! Mario is the lucky winner of a pair of N-Series Jeans by Nautica. See original post here. Many thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for more StyleChile give-a-ways!

WEEKLY STYLE REVIEW

Check out these stylish celebs!

BITTEN!

I was super excited when I realized that Sarah Jessica Parker would launch a clothing line! I'm sure that SJP was encouraged to add her name to the growing list of celebrity designers after winning the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2004 (that and the millions of Sex and the City fans with Carrie fever!).

The line, Bitten, will be available at discount sports retailier, Steve and Barry's, US stores.

Admittedly, I was more than a bit flummoxed when I googled Steve and Barry and saw their site. WTF? Anyhoo, it looks like Carrie, um, I mean Sarah Jessica Parker was on to something, as sportswear is heralded as one of the key looks of the season!

ESSENCE: CALLING ALL FASHION DIVAS!

The Essence marketing team is preparing a video presentation that will highlight a sample of their consumer audience that have smart style. They would like to unearth the motivations that drive African American women to shop and spend more than the average woman. Essence will begin filming in April, and will need representation of their true audience to share their style and experiences. They are looking for the (i) Diva, (ii) Professional, and (iii) Young-un. See descriptions below!

THE DIVA (25 to 40): This alpha-female of fashion is all about designer garments. She not only knows the latest collection from Gucci, Louis, Donna Karen and Lauren, but she's got the best pieces hanging in her closet. She knows what designers work for her and knows exactly how (and when) to wear them. She doesn't leave the house without being prepared to shop.

THE PROFESSIONAL (20s-40): The working mom, household-income-contributing wife, or single entrepreneur who makes sure that her style mixes her want for high-end fashion with an affordable, multi-functional look. Her wardrobe takes her from the boardroom to the cocktail party to dinner at home with ease. She keeps the Saks, Nordstrom and Macy's credit card in her purse.

THE YOUNG-UN (18-25): She's got all the makings of a diva, but this single girl is fresh out of school and in her first (second) entry level position is living on a fashion budget. Though she may not have a designer clothing budget, that doesn't mean she lives without style. She's the girl in the crew who can make H&M look like Gucci. She can find fashion at any mass retailer.

Potential participants must live in the New York City area (or be in town during the week of the shoot 4/9). Send an e-mail to Fred Jackson at fjackson@essence.com by April 3! Good luck!

Thanks to reader, Kelly, for the tip!

SEEING DOUBLE: DVF v. FOREVER 21

I think this showdown between Diane Von Furstenberg and Forever 21 is Hilarious! Much funnier than it probably is...I mean, as a lawyer, I should be a bit more sensitive to the issues surrounding infringement, plagiarism etc...However, I cannot help but laugh each time I think about DVF's "Cerisier" dress v. Forever 21's "Sabrina".

Can you spot the difference?

DVF- $325.00 Left; Forever 21- $32.00 Right

Even though I am guilty of buying higher priced items when I know that a lower priced version is just as good, I think it's high time that designers are called out for their flagrant and unjustifiable markups.

It's one thing if a product is made of superior materials and required a ridiculous amount of manpower to produce, but it's another thing when one charges hundreds more for the same fabric and design.

Let's be real. We all know that designer-wear is aspirational, and most people will buy the more expensive items only to separate themselves from the hoi polloi--who cannot afford them. And so, even though, by all accounts, Forever 21 is just wrong, wrong, wrong I think this incident will do more to shed light on misplaced importance many place on acquiring expensive items--only because they are expensive--and is a riotously funny victory for the folks who cannot afford them!

For more seeing double posts, click here!