LEAN & CLEAN - CELINE - SPRING 2010

CELINE - SPRING 2010 - PHOTO: MONICA FEUDISo Fresh, So chic, so right on.   The first collection Phoebe Philo showed for Celine was a breath of fresh air for the French Fashion house - to say the least.   The collection is hitting boutiques as I type, and the pieces are sure to be coveted by fans of Philo's former work at Chloe - and any women who appreciate beautiful, classic fashion.PHOEBE PHILO

The collection was minimal in silhouette, yet luxurious in fabrication.   A perfect combination at a time when women are feeling strange about spending large sums of money, for clothing that seems too over the top or extravagant.   The Earth tones of tropical wool trousers and rich brown leathers give a feeling of heritage and permanence, but are cut in modern shapes that flatter.  Several dresses were strong points of the show and overall the palette was muted, but never mundane. CELINE - SS 2010 - PHOTO: MONICA FEUDI

It seems as if the few years Philo had away from the spotlight gave her a fresh perspective.   Her vision of Celine is relevant and accurate in her interpretation of what women want, and what Celine needs to recapture an audience.   While the house has a chic reputation - rarely has it rang true at the cash register. 

CELINE- SS 2010 PHOTO: MONICA FEUDIFormer creative director - Michael Kors , was never able to make the brand a household name in America.   To his credit, Mr. Kors was able to breathe new life into the ultra classic brand.  (Think Chanel before Lagerfeld).  This was of course before Mr. Kors was reborn as a judge on Project Runway- and had, himself, become a household name.   Timing is everything and maybe it would have been Celine boutiques popping up in every mall across America instead of Michael Kors boutiques, if things had been different.    I'm guessing Michael is happy with how that worked out! (Actually I know Michael from the beach and once, years ago, friends and I sneaked into his house to surprise him and his house guests.  We interrupted movie night by taking over the stereo to blast Beyonce's -Bootylicious and dance on his coffee table..we were neighbors and bored and obviously had enjoyed a few cocktails -but that is a story for another time..)  Bravo Michael, for having the foresight to say yes to Project Runway and for never taking yourself too seriously.   Your collection has never looked better!CELINE - SS 2010 PHOTO: MONICA FEUDI

As for Phoebe Philo and Celine - the best is yet to come.   Judging from the first collection for Spring 2010 - what is coming, should be fantastic!   The Spring 2010 collection will be limited to just 24 boutiques globally. CELINE - SS 2010 PHOTO: MONICA FEUDI Three locations are in the U.S.  

Available in New York at Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys, and in Bal Harbour, Florida at the Celine Boutique in the posh Bal Harbour Shops.   

I told you the collection would be coveted!   Click CELINE to visit the website.  Find the store nearest you, before the items are as long gone as my bootylicious beach memories! 

ON-Line not In Line with Retailers.....UPDATE

THIS JUST IN.  It turns out - that chicken little was wrong!   After all the dust settled - on-line sales on Monday were actually up 15% from the previous year!!!  Sales were over $850 million - making it the second biggest on-line day ever!   Profit margins as I previously mentioned are another story - but the news sent the market rallying in any event.

Cyber Monday - the Monday after black Friday has proved to be the busiest day of the year for on-line retailers the last few years.   This year however, the click click clicking was not so loud.... e-tailers as they are called saw a decrease in sales on Monday from a year ago..    Traditional retailers however saw increases in thier business this weekend - but you have to ask yourself at what price?   The stores are practically giving away the merchandise - so it doesn't take an economic genius to forecast profits will be down in the next quarters.   Lets hope this WAKE UP CALL to manufacturers to stop  over-producing is really taken to heart this year.   Also, lets all do our part to conserve and buy less quantity but more thoughtful gift this holiday season.  

Many of your favorite retailers are offering HUGE sales and all kinds of incentive programs and even free shipping.   Barneys has great current sale merchandise and free ground shipping on their site.  Every price category is getting in on the act this year ranging from K-Mart to Chanel there are deals happening.   Chanel has a limited time offer of free shipping on cosmetics bought on-line.   This might be the only time you will ever see me write the words Chanel and Free in the same sentence!!  Get started on that holiday shopping before everything is gone!!

40 is the new 20!

You have heard 40 is the new 30 before, usually when we are talking about beauty and age.  This fall however, 40 is the new 20.. at retail!  

Thats right, this fall the most prestigious stores in the world are offering 40% off (or more) the current merchandise.   You have been living under a rock in you don't know why, the economy has been killing retailers this season.  

Lets hope the stores can move that merchandise and planned for a leaner, tighter Spring 09.

Hit the following links and shop, save, and smile!  Even if these stores don't normally fit in your budget - with the steep savings - you might be surprised!

Barneys

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's

Saks 5th Avenue

Neiman Marcus