Photo Credit to Vogue.com

What took two mega giants-Gilt.com and Vogue sooo long to get together?

Could it have been the demise of the publishing industry and the rise of online shopping? Wonder powers activate?

Shop the pages of the February issue of Vogue (Jessica Biel-cover girl) through Gilt.com.

Let’s be clear it’s the index pages in the back, ,not all the shiny pretty editorial, more like Timex, J.Crew, and Theory at least you can still afford it.

Online sample sale giant Gilt.com collabs with blue blood Vogue to broo haha their own site and sales.

Now that the fervor and steam of online shopping has become status quo.

Shopping the pages of Vogue.. not at sample sale prices of course creates a whole new business model. Smart thinking Gilt Girls. Throw in a couple reasonable items mixed with more expensive items. Love your hi-lo strategy ladies.

Gilt.com‘s peeps creep for deals on last season’s merch. Other sites such as Hautelook.com, Rue La La, Ideeli have similar business models. While Gilt has created the highest end user, Shop the pages of Vogue on Gilt begs to wonder how they will do both. Create Luxury while buying last season?

Tune in at 9pm tonight find out. Could this be the death of the sample sale and the return of Luxury? You know what they say the pendulum can never swing just one way.

Gilt.com

Gilt.com is single handedly going to ruin retail. At this sample sale price i would spring for one of these 2 Marc Jacobs dresses myself. $168. Great price-tons of flexibility=Style strategy.

Styling in today’s times means looking for pieces that have optimum flexibility. A dress is never just a dress.

Always dressing for the smallest points of your body can actually look dated.. Check out Lisa Rinna, at 45, no one can deny the body she possesses.

If LR became a client of mine. Oh boy! She would smoke that much harder. A quiet attitude -far sexier. Never be afraid of losing your shape by layering.

Style tip- The first MJ dress- an ivory faille short sleeve double breasted square neck is much more than one note as you see photographed.

Open this dress up- Let it hang as a spring coat. Place the belt straps in the pockets instead of hanging. Pair over tanks and t-shirts-tons of jewelry draping. One of the most versatile items you can buy this season.

Wear over denim, trousers, short skirts, long skirts, short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops. You cannot miss or mess up with this piece.

Once you have gotten maximum wear from either dress, say bye bye-Ebay. Bet you make your entire sample sale investment back.

Double style tip- The second silk Marc Jacobs dress with shantung bodice will work really well on top of cropped pants perhaps with slits- ballet flats- gladiator style sandals.

Also pair with wide leg denim. The voluminous round neck collar creates a suiting effect without the jacket.

Color blocking-very architectural and the empire waist and a-line hem offers flexibility to the endth degree.

Are you dizzy yet? Buy what you like, make it work for your life.

Your budget needs to stretch as far as possible, make sure your options do too.

www.gilt.com

-Barbra Horowitz

The NY Times just published an article that really got me riled. On a trek with 3 fashion stylists to find chic pieces for women over 40. This article is written with such ageist generalities. But that’s a whole nother post.

As the article goes on to say-while the days of $20,000 Hermes bags are slowing down, a metallic leaf Marc Jacobs patterned coat for $2100 is a good buy. I’m sorry a silk dress for $1400? This freelance writer couldn’t be living this large. No way!

A stylist worth their hourly rate should be choosing designer pieces at a resale/sale price-point. Who can’t pick from the best collections at retail.

This article skues to the less than one percent reading the NY Times. Sure celebs who borrow from collections for press- and socialites who are able to ridiculously afford retail. If this isn’t you- please read on.

Giambattista Valli is on sample sale, you know the new term for retail. GV’s colorblocked strapless dress with grosgrain trim, single shoulder and empire waistline. Add unfinished hems and frayed edges. Need I say more?

Pair GV’s architectural sculpted dress with a short cropped Marni or boyfriend blazer. Effortlessly navigate your day from the boardroom to cocktails.

Ohm- my mantra-If it isn’t on sale, it isn’t on you. This label has resale value. Wear it for the season- Sell it next.

Style tip-It’s important to have just enough HI to go with your LO but please- spend it on sale-Sell it after. Clothing is no longer an investment how you buy it and when you sell it is.

Buy to Wear-Wear to Sell. Words to live by.

www.gilt.com

-Barbra Horowitz

Ok, my little label whores. Here’s a dress that I can write about and a label you love.

Just Cavalli is giving it away over at Ideeli.com This dress originally retailed for over $500 but is now on sample sale (you know the new term for retail) for $190.

Could this be RC’s merch from season’s ago. Whichever-Whatever. A jersey dress will work any time.

With Summer on it’s way, you might as well be prepared. The empire waist and plunging neckline are signature style strategies over here in my style camp.

Plunge- because we want to see your dessert tray. Empire cuz you can let your tummy breathe. Everyone wins.

Add these bright fun colors of majenta and yellow and you’re good to go. Don’t EVEN think of buying both. K?

Style tip- If you’ve got great legs cut this dress above your knees. Use any old scissors, fold the dress in half – Cut. Jersey rolls- you can never make a mistake.

Double style tip- Too much exposure for your girls. Wear a triangle bikini top for more coverage and dimension.

Triple style tip- Want to wear color but you were told it’s not your palette? Cut color with neutral colors. Ivory, cognac, chocolate brown. All those color therapists-just tell them to kiss my ass.

Final style tip- When temperatures are sky high, body issues diminish. Whatcha gonna do, it’s too damn hot.

Same goes for color. When it’s hotter than a pug panting for a popsicle, that’s your cue to pile the color on.

www.ideeli.com

-Barbra Horowitz

Erica Davies uberly talented designer of the now defunct collection, Development by Erica Davies has sadly succumbed to the economy.
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These dresses I’m blogging about are actually from Erica’s higher end collection. I know her line well. I took it to NY last summer. My girls Alex and Mimi can tell you first hand, these dresses are worth the wholesale plunge.

As the maxi dress continues it’s reign, Alex and Mimi were ahead of the curve cuz they know me.

The elegant and feminine fit mixed with all that chiffon. Pure bohemian jetsetter. South of France here you come ok perhaps just a staycation.

Style tip- Long dresses don’t always mean high heels, in fact pair this dress with a sandal, little sweater and GO anywhere.
Don’t be afraid to dress down dressy.

Double style tip- ED’s dresses can live in your wardrobe for the next couple season’s. Then demote down your high summer vacation wear.

www.Hautelook.com

-Barbra Horowitz

I’m not a watch girl don’t like the way it bulks up your wrist. I’m constantly trying to get clients to let go of their watches. Isn’t that what your Iphone is for? Ok, Ok, you want to wear your watch, hold your phone for double security. I’ll leave that one alone.

Stylewise I prefer a clean wrist OR your watch layered with other bracelets.

G’s licensed watch division oh so average to the rest of the brand. But I am a huge fan of retro Gucci, so today’s pick gets my vote,here’s why.

First-The price-HELLO! Style only happens on sale you know that!

Second- Gucci’s signature stripe down the center of the face, signals the dopest time of Gucci’s legacy. Way pre Tom Ford.

Third- The red rubber band. Rubber is backkkkkkkkkk in accessories.

Fourth- This watch is super lean, truly meant to be worn with other bracelets. Now you’ve signaled Coco Chanel.

2 legendary designers on the same wrist at the same time? That’s a watch worth wearing!

Style tip- One watch, two bracelets, you have my approval.

Double style tip- Keep your wrists watch free for formal attire. Cell phone optional.

www.Hautelookk.com

-Barbra Horowitz

DANG Da-nang! I’m not usually a fan of Da-nang even on sample sale BUT I love this green chinese camo pant over at Rue La La. Yep, ooh la la over to the Rue. The trouser fit with camo styling equals great fit, tons of cool.

But I am a huge fan of army green. Not only does it scream organic, urban and cool, these pants will go with frickin everything. You can get dressed in the dark and still not screw anything up. Now, that’s my kind of outfit.

Style tip-Army green is one of the most neutral shades on the color wheel. I dare you to show me a color that it doesn’t work with.That being said, lean hoodies, gladiator type sandals, tank tops and GO!

Double style tip-The chinese pattern is much more feminine than traditional camo, these pants that can get your through any weekend or casual Friday. Good use of your green stuff.

Say HELLO to your new shlep. You’re friends and family will thank you.

www.ruelala.com

-Barbra Horowitz

The sample sales are happening today. Now that you snapped up your Christian Louboutin’s at Gilt.com, check out these unisex shades at Hautelook.com. La Guardia the name of the frame originally $120 bucks on sample sale price for only $30. Score!!

When it’s this cheap try a shade out of your comfort zone. Lucite is trending very strongly this season, paired with ever still popular yellow, this frame will update your entire wardrobe.

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, make sure you’re wearing a great pair of shades.

Style tip-Don’t be afraid of yellow. It’s a stronger hue than ivory but in the same family.

Double style tip- The (I’m a welder look,where’s my hard hat) very much trending in eyewear, don’t be afraid, it’s all part of your new image.

www.hautelook.com

-Barbra Horowitz

At 10:45 Los Angeles time, Christian Louboutin is not sold out!! I have to say, New York girls, what gives? I would have figured you would have snapped em all before we West Coaster’s had a chance to get our first soy latte.

The recession must be having it’s way . Dita Von Teese’s faves should have been sold out in minutes.
Perhaps it proves my theory when luxury brands like Christian Louboutin sell out on sale, what does that mean for their brand?

There’s a new sale in town. Point, click and shop. Gilt.com has every size STILL available.

Here are my three picks at the right price and just right for heading into Spring. You should own one to two better shoes in your wardrobe BUT wear em into the ground then rinse and repeat.

These shoes are made for walking, well not really.

Style tip- Skin tone shoes are my favorite for long lean legs even if you don’t happen to be long and lean, the illusion is all yours.

www.gilt.com

-Barbra Horowitz

Gentleman rev your engines. Oh sorry, ladies set your clocks.
12 noon East coast, 9am West.

While you may not have to fight that bitchy hot girl in person, you’lll have to be quick draw mcgraw with your mouse.. Winner takes all. The Louboutin, Christian if your nasty is on sale at Gilt.com.

I mean, if CL is working the sample sale circuit you best be buyin. No more full price gotta have em loubou’s. It’s all sample sale now baby. Love when luxury brands dilute their brand. Your gain.

If you aren’t a member of Gilt.com, here’s your link to join right frickin now. I’m posting this late late the night before, Ok, after a bit of red wine, that’s how much I love you. P.S it was just a little red wine. See, I can still type. Click on this link to enroll http://www.gilt.com/invite/barbigb

Style tip-Those red soles can be yours for $350 and under, otherwise PASS. Trust me, if they aren’t half off or more in these tight times say buh bye.

If you do score, go out, get dressed, you only have about 2 1/2 hours max on your tip toes, then it’s off to bed. Mmmmm with who?

www.gilt.com

-Barbra Horowitz