After Christmas Designer Sales

The After Christmas Sales and End of Year Sales are well on the way with many haute sales offering hot prices currently going on. So if you missed out on that perfect Christmas gift, now is a great time to shop around for a bargain and if you're after a high-end designer label, you'll find many designer clothing and women’s designer shoes as well as designer handbags and purses as well as jewelry labels on sale now and more to come over the comings weeks. One designer sale that stands out and definitely worth a look at is the After Christmas Sale still in progress at Neiman Marcus where with an extra 25% OFF you can save as much as 60% OFF plus FREE online shipping at any price!

Designer Clothing Sale

There's a big lineup of designer apparel including clothes in many styles and colors from Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Stella McCartney and Zac Posen to name a few. I like the Faux Wrap Dress from Neiman Marcus' 3.1 Phillip Lim collection. This designer dress was originally priced at $575, then reduced to $345 but now available at $258.75 with the extra 25% off during the Neiman Marcus After Christmas Sale.

The Faux Wrap Dress is in a Sapphire/multicolor floral print and features a surplice neckline with ruffle and button detail. In pure silk, this designer dress has half sleeves with gathered cuffs. It looks super chic here with the high waist belt in Black calf leather with antiqued gold metallic leather piping and Goldtone hardware.

Designer Shoe Sale

With labels including Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Sergio Rossi, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, you must also check out the women’s designer shoes on sale. Again there is something for everyone here, boots, pumps, wedges, sandals and slingbacks. I like the Prada Studded Pump in Gray or Black suede originally priced at $870 then reduced to $696 and on sale now at $522 with the extra 25% off. Chic hey!

The Stella McCartney Drape-Neck Bootie available in Violet or Black faux patent and featuring a 3 1/2" covered heel is also cute. This designer shoe was originally priced at $675, then reduced to $540 and now on sale at $405 with the extra 25% off during the Neiman Marcus After Christmas Sale.

Designer Handbags Sale

If it’s a new designer handbag that you fancy then the Neiman Marcus After Christmas Sale has a good range to choose from. The sale collection includes totes, shoulder bags,  satchels and hobos, as well as clutches and small accessories from designers including Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture, Versace, Lauren Merkin and Kooba.

I just love the Marc Jacobs Multi-Pocket Harley Tote. Made in Italy in Black leather with Silvertone hardware, this Marc Jacobs designer handbag features Lobster-clipped shoulder straps with brown insets and logo plate, a front zip pocket and flap pockets on the sides. It zips at the top. It's a versatile tote with signature Marc Jacobs edge. This gorgeous designer handbag was reduced to $667 down from its original price of $995 but now with the extra 25% off during the Neiman Marcus After Christmas Sale you can snag this designer bag at $500.25.

The Puckered Mouse Linda Clutch, Royale from the MARC by Marc Jacobs collection is also chic. It's striking in Royale/multicolor patchwork suede and Royale (blue) leather trim with Golden hardware. This super chic clutch is great value with the extra 25% off Neiman Marcus After Christmas Sale discount.  It was originally priced at $268, reduced down to $168 but now on sale at just $120!

Neiman Marcus After Christmas Designer Sale

If you are after high-end designer items then you'll find a great range of designer clothes and women’s designer shoes as well as designer handbags and purses as well as jewelry in the Neiman Marcus After Christmas Sale. This designer sale is online and in stores. Qualifying items online will be designated on the site with an indication on their product page with savings being reflected at checkout. In store savings off already reduced ticket prices only. This sale ends January 4, 2010 at 11:59 PM CT.

$10,000 Designer Shopping Spree!!!

It’s a yearly adrenaline rush. As much as I hate to see the end of summer barbecues and beach days, the anticipation of fall gives me a jolt of excitement that rivals any 4^th of July fireworks display. That’s right, although I’ll miss the flirty sundresses and flip-flop friendly days of summer, they’re no competition for the rich hues and weighty fabrics of fall designer fashions. After all, there’s a reason why the September issue is the centerpiece publication for every fashion magazine. This is the time when fashion is at its finest. So, while my male cohorts are enjoying a little friendly competition in their fantasy football leagues, I thought, “Why not partake in a seasonable sport of my own with some fantasy shopping?” So, armed with a $10,000 budget but limitless enthusiasm, I set out on a fantasy designer fashion shopping spree to three of my favorite fashion retailers: Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Barney's. First stop: Neiman’s!

As I walk into what can only be described as high fashion nirvana, I can’t help but think, “What better way to welcome the cooler temperatures than with a spectacular coat?” And the selection at Neiman Marcus is positively lustworthy! With so many lavish fabrics and designer styles to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. However, it is Armani, one of the most prestigious names in fashion, who tops my most-wanted list this year with the super-chic winter wool coat shown below.

Made in Italy of angora, wool and cashmere, this designer coat from Neiman Marcus’ Armani Collezioni collection, features an ultra-feminine a-line skirt, slit pockets and a removable rabbit fur collar. My fave element though is the oh-so-chic waist-defining belt. For a stunning investment piece like this, I’ll happily pay the $3,315 pricetag. It is fantasy money after all! ;-)

Whew – that was a pretty big chunk of change, worth every penny of course! Still, I don’t want to get carried away. If I want my stay in fantasy land to extend beyond five minutes, my next item should be a bit more budget-friendly. Oooh – I’ve found the perfect pick in the form of one of this season’s must-haves: the vest. I love the casual, slightly structured version from La Rok shown below

I would wear this buttoned or open with my fave skinny jeans. And the sequined tank looks fabulous with it! Metallics are so hot right now. This would make a great Saturday night look -- I should really pick the tank up too. Wait a minute – the tank is attached?! This is almost too good to be true. At $278, this vest-tank combo is definitely a stylish steal. Sold!

Okay, since life isn’t all play, I should probably find something for the office. Time to look for some suiting! I have to confess, I’m a “suitaholic.” An impeccably tailored business suit gives me an instant confidence boost like no other item can. And this fall’s geometric silhouettes are more exciting than ever. My ultimate pick though is the structured couture jacket by Aquilano Rimondi shown below.

In a season that’s all about the bold shoulder, Rimondi serves up an unexpected chic with voluminous three-quarter sleeves and detailed folded cuffs. Made in Italy, this Black wool designer jacket features a notched collar, hidden front closure and front slit pockets. At $1,555, it’s going to put a dent in my pocketbook, but that’s a-okay with me. I love it!!

I’m not usually one to veer far from my fashion comfort zone. However, I’m in the rare mood for a little risk-taking today, so I think I’ll check out a trend that’s been at the top of every must-have list for fall. That’s right my fellow fashionistas – I’m going to open my mind (and my wallet) to leggings! Looking at the diverse selection, it’s clear that the designer versions of today are much more sophisticated than the ones that I remember from the 80s. I see all kinds of uber-chic styles in leather, snakeskin and even lace, but I don’t think I’m quite ready to take that much of a fashion plunge. (Maybe next year!) Instead, I’ll go for the luxe comfort of Donna Karen’s cashmere version shown here.

Although they’re also available in Light Grey, I’ll opt for classic Black. At $495, they may not be the most budget-conscious interpretation of the trend, but I’ll bet that they’re the most comfortable. After all, they’re a combination of two of my favorite things: cashmere and stretch! Plus, who knows more about fit and flattery than Donna Karen? I’ll trust her designs every time!

Uh-oh. I’ve already spent half my budget and I’ve only been in one store! Okay, time to head to Bergies. As hard as it is to pull myself away from Neiman Marcus, I know that the fashionable finds at BG will be just as enticing!

My first stop at Bergies is the cocktail and evening section. I have a few dinner parties coming up, and I’d love to treat myself to something new that’s sophisticated without being too formal. Wow – that didn’t take long. One look at Heidi Weisel’s off-the-shoulder sweater and silk crepe pant ensemble below and I’m sold. The flowing Black silk pants are the

epitome of modern elegance. But it’s the pure silk chiffon lining that gives them major strut appeal. Paired with the off-the-shoulder cashmere and nylon fitted sweater, this perfectly put-together look is both sleek and slightly seductive. I also love the ease and versatility of separates. I’ll definitely wear the sweater with other pants and jeans. The fitted shape will contrast beautifully with a slouchy bottom to create a sharp silhouette. At $1265 for the pant and $585 for the sweater, they may not be the most cost-effective choices, but they’re just too tempting to resist. I can’t wait to wear them!

The next item for my shopping bag is destined to be one of my go-to pieces this season. Just one look at Autumn Cashmere’s Dark Grey cashmere hoodie shown below and I know that I’ll want to live in it!

I love the fact that the cowl collar can also be worn as a hood. And what could be more inviting on a cold winter day than the comfort of being draped in sumptuous cashmere? At $396, this is definitely a must-have!

Yikes! My budget is dwindling and I haven’t even looked at shoes yet! Time to hit Barneys New York for some fabulous footwear before the best finds of the season are gone.

Since my apparel choices haven’t been overly wild, I think I’ll release my inner diva through footwear. And my first choice is definitely a scene-stealer. The shoe bootie is one of the hottest items this season, and Christian Louboutin kicks up the style quotient with the black lace platform shown below

The Clic Clac Black bootie gets its “wow!” factor from sultry lace detailing and a 4’ 7/10” platform heel that is truly runway-worthy. This attention-grabber is made all the more interesting by the juxtaposition of the black lace, a nighttime staple, against suede, a material traditionally reserved for daytime looks. I also love the added embellishment of the button and loop closure and, of course, the signature Loubouton Red leather sole. Made in Italy, this statement bootie is $1,045. I can’t wait to wear this designer shoe. It will bring instant chic to any outfit!

Also from Christian Loubouton, the Josefa sandal shown below manages to encompass three huge trends – the peep-toe, platforms and metallics – without looking over-the-top. The suede-covered platform is an elegant show-stopper with its metallic leather criss-cross detailing. Although I love the dramatic contrast of Black and Gold, I also covet this showstopper in its two other incarnations: Pewter and Nude. At $1,025 a pair though, I can only afford one. So, in the interest of making a dramatic entrance (and exit!), the Black and Gold it is!

Oh no. I only have $41 dollars left and I feel like I’m just getting started! I suppose I could hit the sale sections and try to find a fun knock-off of one of the season’s must-have accessories like an oversize cocktail ring. On second thought, maybe I’ll save the balance for my next fantasy shopping spree. I could definitely put it toward any number of designer finds. Now if only my fantasy money were accepted at Neiman’s, Bergies and Barney’s. (Sigh) Still, real or not, I’ve had a blast. The guys may not agree, but I think this beats fantasy football any day! :-)

Neiman Marcus Last Call Summer Clearance Sale

Big news, style-seekers, here’s a great opportunity to shop fashion's top names for women’s, men’s and children's apparel, shoes, jewelry, handbags and more! From July 22 to August 3, Neiman Marcus Last Call Stores will be holding a massive Summer Clearance Sale with savings of up to 80% off Neiman Marcus original prices! This is the perfect opportunity to scoop up some luxurious, in-season designer clothes and designer handbags, as well as designer shoes and accessories that were previously sold in Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores and without the high-end, designer price tag.

And if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get out your Neiman Marcus credit card (as if we need one!), here it is: If you use your Neiman Marcus card, you’ll enjoy an additional 5% off your entire purchase!

With so many chic designer labels to choose from, you’re sure to find something to quench your thirst for style on these hot summer days. Here are just a few of the Neiman Marcus Last Call Summer Clearance items that have caught my eye:

I love a roomy handbag and the Chloe Pearl Metallic Satchel is a gorgeous one. Originally priced at $1,550, this designer handbag by Chloe had been previously marked down to $930 at the Neiman Marcus Last Call Stores. And now this gorgeous designer handbag has been reduced an extra 30% to $651. The Pearl Metallic hue goes with just about everything, and the high quality of the Chloe designer label means that you’ll enjoy it for many years to come.

Also from Chloe, the Bay Patent Large Tote shown below is positively lust-worthy. This is a true statement designer handbag, made of sumptuous patent calfskin in eye-catching glossy black. Originally priced at $2160, this stunner had been previously reduced to $1295 at NM Last Call Stores. As part of the NM Last Call Summer Clearance, it’s been marked down an extra 30% to $906.50. I could definitely justify dipping into my vacation fund for this one. ;-)

Oh look I just can’t help myself…..lol. I also love these Tory Burch kitten heel slides called Aerin and available in many colors. Originally priced at $250, these chic slides by Tory Burch had been previously marked down to $149 at the NM Last Call Stores. Now with an extra 20% at the Neiman Marcus Last Call Summer Clearance, they’ve been discounted down to $120 :)

So, if you’re lucky enough to live near a Neiman Marcus Last Call Store, you may want to take advantage of this fantastic Summer Clearance Sale. Even if you don’t live near one, what better excuse for a day trip!? After all, we still have two glorious months of summer ahead of us, so why not forget about Fall and pick up a stylish new designer piece (or two) that you can enjoy right now? Carpe Diem and Happy Shopping all!

July 24 Update - EXTRA 50% OFF on Neiman Marcus Clearance Prices

Now get an EXTRA 50% OFF on top of already-reduced clearance prices

July 24-27: TAKE AN EXTRA 50% OFF Last Call Store's already-reduced clearance items. For four days only, all Neiman Marcus clearance merchandise, already color-stamped an extra 20%, 35%, 50% or 75% OFF, is an EXTRA 50% OFF giving a total savings of 75% to 90% OFF original Neiman Marcus prices!

Don't miss these four days of mega-deals.

August 6 Update - Four Days of Special Savings

Don't miss Last Call Store's special offer of 20% to 30% off merchandise in departments throughout the store for four days only. Today through Sunday, check out deals on select items in contemporary apparel, men's and women's shoes, handbags, and jewelry! Plus, ask an associate how you can save an extra 30% off already-reduced color-stamped clearance items!