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

BEST IN (Armory) SHOW! - Decorative Arts Showcase

I recently attended a mid-century show at the famed Armory building in New York on Lexington Avenue.   (For all you fashion fans - that is the place that Marc Jacobs always has his runway shows!) The show was jam-packed with great finds and collectible items from galleries all over the world.   To participate in the show, a gallery must be invited.   As you can imagine, being in the show brings prestige to any gallery and attendees come from near and far to attend.  

In a time of economic uncertainty, it was interesting to see people investing in these pieces.   It does make sense - these items are limited and do retain their value.   In many cases, increasing from year to year.  Considering what is happening on Wall Street these days - these pieces might be a better investment.   

While everything you see is for sale - the show is also a great place to get some design inspiration.   If you are planning to do any decorating of your own, you can come away with great ideas about color palettes and furniture options in general.

The show is organized by Stella Show Management and is open to the public.   There is a charge, but really worth the $20 entry fee.  If you are prone to sensory overload, do half the show - get a hand stamp, have lunch - then go back for more!

There were many great finds - but I have to point out three galleries that made me stop in my tracks.

J. Lohmann Gallery

212-734-1445

Featuring decorative arts from the 1920's - 80's  gallery owner Joern Lohmann has collected an impressive assortment.   Mr. Lohmann is located on Manhattan's Upper East Side and East Hampton, NY - by appointment only.     The truth is that so much of the shopping now occurs on-line.   With the internet you can make your choices and just - point and click and have the items delivered.  Mr. Lohmann has a wonderful website that really showcases his collection.   It is refreshing to see a site free of clutter, which makes the items jump off the page!   Stand out pieces are the sterling silver items, ceramics, and metal works.

 

 

Tutto dal Mondo

610-664-7475

Sheila Parish has quite a name for her gallery - but if you have ever seen her displays - "All the World" is a fitting moniker.   She has just about everything collectible in her collection.   Stand outs are her unbelievable collection of costume jewelry - most noticeably the bakelite bangle bracelets!  They are hot collectibles of course and I have never seen such an extensive collection.  If there is a bracelet lover in your life - you must visit her website!

Sphere Gallery

Gaspare Asaro has assembled  a large assortment of deco and mid-century furnishings and collectibles.   There are wonderful sofa options for the true collector and again - visiting the website is a must.

J. Lohmann Gallery has also been invited to participate in the prestigeous Park Avenue Armory show-MODERNISM - taking place on November 14th -17th.   There is an opening night preview party to benefit the Brooklyn Museum.   For more information and tickets to the preview or the show, contact : Brooklyn Museum

This is going to be an excellent show!

BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT!

YES WE CAN!!

After the longest presidential campaign in U.S. history - CNN has declared Barack Obama the President Elect.   He will be the 44th president of the United States.     Let the global economies begin to bounce back overnight!  Change is on the menu.   I think we are all hungry.

The U.S. has never been able to change it's image in a moment.  Happy Wednesday morning everyone!!!

The cheers of joy are audible all over New York City tonight!!!

The British Invasion Continues

New York's Meat Market has been the "New" Soho for some time now.   The transformation is almost complete.   The neighborhood is just about unrecognizable from 5 years ago.   14th Street west of 9th Avenue is just like a mall near you - that is if you are lucky enough is live near a very nice mall!   The Apple mega store recently opened.    Barneys NY announced they plan to build a full size department store just down the street across from Jeffrey NY.   (Jeffrey is the man who put the hood on the map!).    Always known to have his finger on the pulse on what is cool - Hotelier Andre Balazs is opening a HUGE Standard Hotel in 09 here as well.

The latest designer to break ground is Matthew Williamson.   The British designer will feel right at home down the block from fellow Brits Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen.   All three designers are  Londoners, but that is about all they have in common.  Each has such distinctively different styles.  Psychologists could have a field day analyzing "what makes them tick" theories as to what they do.   I think it would be an interesting study to read!  One is known for oversized knits, one is known for avant garde evening wear, and the third uses wildly colorful prints season after season.  Calling Dr. Freud!

While this latest addition does put one more nail in the coffin of my low key Saturday morning plans... it will make the street more vibrant and bring more revenue to the city.    Stay tuned......