Glam Damn It
Dernier Cri
Meatpacking District, West Village
869 Washington Street
(between 13th and 14th street)
(212) 242-6061
Dernier Cri literally means ‘the last cry’, but don’t worry, these are shouts of joy. Sandwiched between the Scoops on Washington, you could easily miss this small boutique, but take a peek inside and you’ll be absolutely hooked on this store. Umbrella lamp shades hang above the entrance and like much of Meatpacking, the store has brick walls, exposed duct work and a gallery feel. Upon entering, the first thing you will notice is Yohji Yamamoto’s new diffusion line, Coming Soon, which just dropped in NYC this summer and isn’t available in most stores until Spring 2009.
It is every woman’s dream – that shoe that just makes you go “Wow!” These spring season shoes warm our cold little hearts this December in the best possible way. Deliciously elegant and eye-catching, these are what we call show-stoppers. Take Christian Louboutin’s python ruffle pièce de résistance, or Chanel’s classic color-block pump. Calvin Klein is bringing sexy back with the resurgence of the pointed toe paired with shiny nude color and a graphic heel – fair warning: don’t be surprised when people have trouble keeping eye contact. Viktor and Rolf are also showcasing a pointed toe this season with their beautiful pale pink lace-up heel. This shoe is so gorgeous you could probably wear it while naked and no one would notice the rest of you. This shoe literally has it all – sequins, ruffles, satin and snake-skin detail - without looking overdone.
Intermix
Flatiron
125 5th Avenue
(between 19th and 20th Street)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 533-9720
www.intermixonline.com
Intermix, meaning “to be or become mixed together,” strongly lives by the meaning of its name, but has since become more of a lifestyle brand than anything else. Since 1993, this boutique has carried fashions ranging from innovative trends to highly evolved personal style. Catering only to women, Intermix merchandises their clothing in the way that women actually want to wear the garments. Being a self-proclaimed fashion forward and unexpectedly stylish retailer, Intermix has not only created a name for itself but has also instituted a code of conduct in the fashion biz.
The National Retail Foundation is urging President-elect Obama to support sales-tax-free holidays to encourage spending, reports WWD. Under the NRF’s plan, sales tax holidays would occur in March, July and October, and last 10 days. The federal government would reimburse participating state governments for their tax losses at an estimated cost of $20 to $25 billion.
The federal government cannot impose new tax legislation on the states, so it will be up to individual state governments to decide whether to support the holiday. The possibility of a sales-tax holiday in New York is looking grim. Governor David Patterson recently proposed eliminating the tax exemption for clothing and shoes under $110 in order to raise revenue.
L’Occitane
92 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012
www.loccitane.com
Treat the man in your life to a close shave this season with L’Occitane’s Cade Shave Cream ($28). On contact with the skin this cream turns into a thick moose that purifies and cleanses with Provencal oils and Shea Butter. Couple with the Cade After Shave Balm ($28) made with shea butter and birchwood sap extract to moisturize.
Adding luxury and excess to 5th Avenue, Bottega Veneta’s two floor store offers a sophisticated and classic spin on lavish shopping. With a sky-high wall of stacked purses and glass-encased jewels, Bottega Veneta’s dazzling pearls and priceless diamonds are designed to enhance their business savvy fashion. With the first level breaking off into multi-layers and small display rooms featuring exclusive items, like antiqued aviator glasses, crosshatch leather boots and heels, or extensive jewelry collections, the second floor caters to clothing designs and home décor.