SERIOUS SHOPPING
So I’m dashing out to the office in North Hollywood one fine Friday, scrambling to deliver the latest installment on a reality series I am doing for A&E. Before I head out the door, I get a last minute e-mail from my pal Kelly-an invite to go shopping at “Vogue Presents Billion Dollar Babes -THE Premiere Designer Sample Sale.”
Acknowledging my ever-increasing distaste for L.A. traffic, I wanted to know where exactly THE Premier Designer Sample Sale would be taking place. “Sony Pictures in Culver City” was the reply. Hmmm… just as I feared, the other end of the universe from the ad-crazy environs of NoHo.
What exactly was this hip happening once again? “THE Premier Designer Sample Sale,” I was told. “Sample sale of sample sales, a stylish event of epic proportions, the Super Bowl of shopping, thousands of premium designer garments, must-have foot wear and hot, hot accessories at well below wholesale.” They were even throwing in a spate of clothes-conscious celebrities like Denise Richards, Sela Ward, Zooey Deschanel and a bit of bubbly to boot. There was no way around it, Malibu Seen would have to jump on this assignment.
I soon found myself in the sun-drenched atrium of Sony Studios and just as Kelly promised, it was a heavenly designer paradise filled with neat see-forever rows of Jenny Packam, Sass & Bide, Eva Franco, Jenny London and KAROO, to name a few -all ridiculously off their original prices.
Before you could say Kitson, I was in the dressing room checking myself out in a scene-stealing Edward An red, white and black silk suit ($150). Next came a fetching Jenny London cocktail dress ($80) and a pair of Oliver Peoples shades ($60). There were other incredible deals and steals too numerous to mention.
Needless to say, I spent the remainder of the day in shopping nirvana at THE Premier Designer Sample Sale. Due to the diversion, Malibu Seen labored the entire weekend making up for lost time, but no matter. The minute we have our first drops of rain and I emerge in my fabulously fitted Ya-Ya trench ($80), it will have been worth every added hour and penny. Thanks Kelly. You really know how to get to a girl!
ANGELIC ENDEAVOR
If you happened to miss THE Premier Designer Sample Sale, never fear. Project Angel Food has a shopping extravaganza that’s sure to warm your heart. Divine Design is right around the corner. The stylish soirée takes place Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 at the old Robinson’s-May locale in Bev Hills.
The event features five days of spectacular shopping as well as a celebrity-studded gala honoring Teri Hatcher as the 2006 Woman of Style. With $6 million in merchandize from Tracey Reese, Vera Wang, Piazza Sempione, Moschino, Judith Ripka, Gucci, John Varvatos, Fred Segal and more, Divine Design could have its best year yet.
So trend setters take note: whether your look is safe, sexy, elegant or outrageous; there’s no better way to bag a bargain. And remember-helping good causes is always in fashion!
For more info, check out www.divinedesign.org