ValStyle: The Blog

New York Fashion Week...Goodbye Bryant Park

2010-02-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

Knowing how frenzied fashion week can be, we opted to keep ours decidedly lo-key this season: champagne under the tents for one last Bryant Park Fashion Week happy hour with our favorite DC fashion blogger and accepting an invite to the launch party for myfdb.com hosted by Zoe Saldana with DJ Sky Nellor. Saturday February 13th, Manhattanites gathered at the meatpacking district lounge SL to celebrate the launch of what ChiChi212.com is dubbing "the IMDB of the fashion industry ".

Other stylish celebs turned up to support the brand new networking site including Molly Sims and Tinsley Mortimer.

Shout out to our girl, style & entertainment reporter Nakisha Williams, who accompanied us to the event. You can read Nakisha's coverage of fashion week for InStyle.com by clicking here.

Photos courtesy of Zimbio

ValStyle Hearts Tucker

2010-01-26T13:31:00.000-08:00

Hello lovers! Remember back in December when we told you Tucker by Gaby Basora was inviting fashionistas to send in pics of themselves in their favorite Tucker prints for a chance to win a gift from the coveted label?
Well, we did and we won!

An email received earlier this month from the good folks at Tucker:

We think you’d look amazing in this one -- It’s an animal print that was a shopbop exclusive which is now sold out.

LOVED it and wore it to Mayor Bloomberg's MLK Breakfast down at City Hall.

What do ya'll think of their selection?

Here are some close-ups.

Ours, of course, is sold out but get a similar print at http://www.tuckerbygabybasora.com/

and be sure to check out ValStyle's stock of hard to find Tucker prints such as these two

by clicking here. We've even got a few gems that aren't online yet....wanna check 'em out? Be in touch!

xoxo

Rather Fresh, Actually

2010-01-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

The SoHo Chanel boutique got tagged up the other day...

Source (Nylon)

MLK Day On: Mayor Bloomberg's Breakfast at City Hall & Teen Vogue's Clothing Drive For Haiti

2010-01-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the only national Holiday that honors one individual - a day of remembrance for the great Civil Rights Leader, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many welcome it as a much needed free "Day Off". Ever since the national holiday was instituted during my time as a student at Deerfield Academy and the school pegged it a "Day On", I have continued this tradition of a day of service to others.

The day began early, with an invitation by the city's first ever Chief Service Officer, Diahann Billings-Burford, to sing with an assortment of alums from my college a cappella group, Shades, at Mayor Bloomberg's annual MLK Day breakfast down at City Hall.

The event was attended by many distinguished guests - Former NYC Mayor David Dinkins (who was seated 5 chairs to my left in the front row), Senator Chuck Schumer, Council President Christine Quinn, and the Grammy award winning singer John Legend, among others.

Most notably, John Legend (a University of Pennsylvania graduate) did not attend to entertain the crowd with his glorious singing, but rather to speak passionately about the need to close the educational achievement gap in our city and our country. He spoke on the success of Charter schools and the NY state legislature's plans to cap the rate at which new charter schools can open in New York. He reminded us all that "education is the key to opportunity," as Melinda Gates put it, and that we cannot sit idly by while America's graduation and achievement rates continue to fall. I was immensely grateful for his powerful words and presence.

Shades closed the event with our famous rendition of "Amen/We Shall Overcome".

My "Day On" continued with pulling excess from my closet to donate to Teen Vogue's Clothing Drive for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Even in the middle of an incredibly tough recession, last week's tragedy illuminated just how fortunate and wealthy we Americans are compared to much of the rest of the world. My donations to Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation and the Red Cross were not enough which is why I was compelled to spend the day sacrificing some of my own material things for others. I cannot imagine being in their shoes right now. While dropping my donation off, I learned that Teen Vogue will be collecting clothing through the end of today as well. You can bring your donations to the Conde Nast building located at 4 Times Square (at the corner of 42nd & Broadway) and have security call extension x7420 upon your arrival.

Read Barack Obama's plea to America on "Why Haiti Matters" in Newsweek. Please do what you can; even the smallest amount will help in this immense time of need.

Make Yours A Tucker Holiday!

2009-12-09T19:38:00.001-08:00

Calling all downtown fashionistas: this one will tickle your Holiday fancy! The good folks at Tucker by Gaby Basora have been running a fabulous promo, and there's still time to get yours!

Send pics of yourself in your favorite Tucker top by midnight tonight to shop@tuckerbygabybasora.com; a selection of them will be posted on their website right before the Christmas Holiday.

The most fab gal will win a blouse courtesy of Tucker!

Be sure to email in your size and preference in styles. Good Luck!

To view current Tucker styles, go to tuckerbygabybasora.com, to purchase prints that are sold out everywhere else, visit valstyleonline.com

Current Obsession: Sammy's Fishbox

2009-11-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

In NYC, it can be a challenge to find delicious food that doesn't break the bank. When I discover a new gem, I tend to get a bit obsessed. Spice thai had long held my favorite place to eat position until last weekend when i first encountered Sammy's Fishbox. Located at the tail end of City Island, a sleepy beach town off the Bronx, this had to be the most flavorful food/seafood I'd ever tasted in my life!
As if good food isn't enough, the restaurant is sprawling (so nice to not eat on top of your neighbors!), open after midnight, family friendly and also good for dates. Accessible by city bus BX29 or driving, a visit to Sammy's makes for a lovely summer lunch or cozy winter meal.
The portions are so huge, you'll be eating Sammy's for days! I had Shrimp Scampi, but next time I'm getting a Seafood Lovers Fried Platter :)

Other Sammy's fans? Regulars, Mariah Carey and the New York Yankees. I venture to say this is the best seafood in New York City!

ValStyle for Veronica Webb X Harlem United

2009-11-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, we received an email requesting our support of model/host/supermom Veronica Webb, who had been invited on behalf of Harlem United to run the New York City Marathon on November 1st.

Harlem United is an AIDS service provider servicing the most at risk segment of the population struggling with HIV/AIDS. Harlem United has helped over 3,600 people of color from all walks of life,especially patients who are mentally ill, homeless, dealing with gender identity issues, or drug addiction.

We were honored to sponsor Veronica in support of the cause.

On Sunday November 1st, she completed the marathon in an impressive 6 hours!

Read Veronica's Global Grind article "Run Like Your Life Depends On It" here. Follow her Tweets here.

I Love MObama

2009-10-27T12:15:00.001-07:00

Can I be this fly at forty-something?

That is all.

Look of The Century

2009-10-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

The headline might be a tad melodramatic, but seriously, Halle Berry showed up at Alicia Keys' Keep A Child Alive Benefit at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC (co-hosted by Padma Lakshmi) looking SMOKIN in this black sequin number!
She stylishly pairs this sexy Kaufman Franco dress with Christian Louboutin heels.

Anybody else agree with Halle that women are sexier once they become mothers?

Savings @ La Perla, Strictly For The Grown & Sexy

2009-10-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

We received a fabulous email in our inbox this morning...40% off at the new laperla.com (we're sooooo happy they FINALLY upgraded their site! and they're giving away lace eyemasks with every $200 purchase)!

We LOVE their lingerie!!!

Ladies, hit this up immediately!

Shout-out to our friends at BupGrade for the tip!

More Favorites

2009-08-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Recently Sold Looks We Can't Get Enough Of!

WSJ Covers Veronica Webb's Closet

2009-08-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Different folks know Veronica Webb in different lights -- supermodel. supermom. style maven. scenster. host. columnist. health nut. luxury lifestyle consultant.

Some know her as all of the above. And she's got the wardrobe to show for it.

Click here for a link to the WSJ feature on her incredibly fabulous closet.

Summer At MoMA. Plan Accordingly.

2009-07-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

There's a lot to see this summer; MoMA wants to help you plan accordingly.

ValStyle = Still In The Retail Business!

2009-07-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

We realize we've been bringing you lots of travel, culture and lifestyle insights as ValStyle expands into other domains, but retailing is still at our core!

Some favorite trades as of late....

Shout out to a couple of new ValStyle customers in Hong Kong and Oslo!

NYC Restaurant Week: July 12-31

2009-07-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the launch of 3 weeks of fine dining at over 250 of the city’s top restaurants!

Check out my list of “la creme de la creme” on Voyage Insider.

Prix fixe lunch of $24.07 and dinner at $35? All I can say is...Yum!

Visit Barbados For Crop Over, Stay At The Crane Resort

2009-07-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

ValStyle Founder and CEO Val Idehen has been tapped by new luxury travel platform Voyage.tv to manage the travel lifestyle channel voyageinsider.com.

From time to time, you'll see stories from Voyage Insider on ValStyle: The Blog

Check out her latest post on Crop Over

Barbados' biggest summer festival
as well as a look inside the elegant Crane Resort.

Elizabeth Alexander @ Summerstage

2009-06-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's a pretty gray day in NYC, but it can't dull my excitement to hear my college mentor read this evening at Central Park Summerstage with Sharon Olds and Thomas Sayer Ellis!

Learn more about this fabulous entrepreneur at ElizabethAlexander.net

Tracy Feith Hits Target

2009-05-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

...and high-value propsects promptly fly out of stock!

We were first introduced to the designer by none other than our fabulous First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama and her lovely choice of dress to the National Prayer Service the morning after her husband's Inauguration.

The designer, a Texan born surfer turned fashion dude, has a pretty interesting story too...

We were hoping to get our Michelle O on in this very ValStyle number:

but may have to settle for a comparable alternative:

Get yours while it's hot!

ValStyle Offers Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs on EntreWorld Today Radio

2009-05-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

On the morning of Saturday April 25, Bobby Norrson, host of EntreWorld Today Radio Show invited us on to share the story of how we started ValStyle, and offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. Bobby founded the show over 8 years ago with the goal of creating the foremost trusted resource for entrepreneurs nationwide. The show’s mission is to point current and future entrepreneurs in the right direction through a straightforward and entertaining message with tips on how to launch, grow, market and maintain successful businesses.

The show broadcasts in Raleigh, NC from 8am-9am every Saturday morning, but anyone can listen live on the web.

Listen to our interview on Hello Beautiful!

Mayhem at Mayle Closing in NYC

2009-05-05T07:20:00.001-07:00

About a week and a half ago, I spent two fairly excruciating hours on what had to be the longest, slowest moving line in sample sale history! While waiting, I encountered everyone from quitters to disgruntled shoppers to patient loyalists who had already been waiting for five and a half hours!!...it all got me wondering -- how could a designer with such a fanatic customer base be going out of business? Didn't help that a couple nights before and four storefronts over, BabyStyle, owner of Cadeau Maternity shuttered all 6 of its doors and its web business-after 10 years of delivering maternity chic-in a liquidation of an expectantista's lifetime. So, what gives?

Is the economy gobbling up everything from excessive output to products people actually want, will wait and pay for? Has the recession killed the fundamental indicators of of successful business as we know it? I couldn't let this go, so I went home and did some research. Here were my findings: as it turns out, Jane Mayle decided to shutter her decade old line, despite healthy $5 million dollar annual revenues in 65 wholesale accounts, because she sensed the bubble before it burst and was ready to gracefully bow out. She'd actually decided to end the line earlier last year, and told Womens Wear Daily

"It seems like a commercial cul-de-sac in a way that the customer gets tired before collections even hit stores," Mayle said. "How I came into this business was all about dreaming and building a wardrobe you would be seduced by. That mystery and remoteness ans insouciance have disappeared from fashion in order to accelerate the product. I feel I have just become another cog in that machinery."

Well, Kudos to her for quitting while ahead. As scary as it is to see two popular storefronts on Elizabeth Street shut down within days of each other, not to mention all the other empty storefronts in the city, maybe this recession is for the better.

Maybe everyone recalibrates and this downturn leads us away from cheap money and excess and back to basics alongside creativity when it comes to American business.

Editorial Note: This post was originally published on Hello Beautiful.

Shopping Note: Are you a Mayle enthusiast? Email val@valstyleonline.com to check out what was acquired before it goes online!

ValStyle Online: Now Offering International Checkout

2009-04-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Of course our valued customers in London, Japan and Ukraine already knew we offered international delivery, but as of Friday April 10, ValStyle's officially Gone Global.

Customers from over 100 countries can now checkout on valstyleonline.com!

Payments may be received by US Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards or the eBay lovers' service of choice - Paypal.

Now if you choose to paypal your money, BE SURE TO FINISH THE TRANSACTION ON PAYPAL'S SITE AFTER COMPLETING OUR CHECKOUT!!! Otherwise, your item won't ship.

Delivery is offered through the USPS (which is somehow more reliable abroad than domestically).

So are you a fashionista in Seoul, South Korea? Mumbai, India? Champagne, France? We See You! Check out what's new to the mix and go 'head, get your shop on! ;)

xoxo

Label Lust Vol. V

2009-04-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

YO! This is the flyest clutch I've seen in a while.

Pink. Suede. Patchwork. Amazing. Most definitely ValStyle.

Barneys has my number. When this bad boy gets marked down, it's on like popcorn!

Emil Wilbekin Says ´Black Is The New Vogue´

2009-03-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

word up.

Label Lust Vol. IV

2009-03-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

heading crosstown on the M57 en route to brunch last Sunday when

we passed the new Miu Miu boutique and spotted (yes, from the bus window) these

amazing
pumps staring at us !!

We had to get out and drool up close. Oh, what we would do with these!

Alas, $750 shoes are definitely not in our lexicon. As always, a girl can dream!

Plan Your Next Weekend Getaway...

2009-03-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

at a Morgans Hotel Group! The chic hotelier is offering a complimentary night on them when you book two nights before April 30, 2009, we suspect as a result of the lagging economy.

Since it is tax time, we recommend you take that refund check and book the other two nights on Uncle Sam! :)

My girls and I fell in love with the recently opened Mondrian South Beach (shout out to our peoples at BupGrade for the original tip on launch) during a weekend getaway this past winter...

but Morgans properties span several fun locales -- whether the Mondrian Scottsdale, The Mondrian LA or Delano in South Beach, you're sure to leave relaxed and refreshed.

Thank us upon your return.

xoxo

Barbie Turns 50!

2009-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

On March 9th, 2009, Mattel Co. will celebrate the iconic doll Barbie's 50th Birthday. The company honored the occasion last month with a huge Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show here in New York City.

The show featured designs by 50 designers including looks from Alexander Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Catherine Malandrino, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, Tory Burch, Vena Cava, DVF and Rachel Roy (two of my favorites).

What a treat!

Celebrity attendees included Heidi Klum, Rachel Roy (and daughter), Catherine Malandrino,

Annie Leibowitz, the ever stylish Joe Zee,

Simon Doonan,

the still sexy after sixty, DVF
and socialite Fabiola Beracasa who donned a wonderfully surprising ValStyle- approved look

A classic American beauty, as impossibly sized as she was, we all played with our Barbies and loved her dearly, as did Ken and the occasional teenage mutant ninja turtle, even if she didn't look much like us. And when she eventually got her multi-cultural makeover and Nigerian Barbie hit the shelves, well, needless to say, we just couldn't get enough! :)

Still smokin at 50, our gal Barbie gives us something to look forward to. All quite timely as we recently made friends with the founders over at iColllectBarbies.com, a web portal for Barbie dealers, traders and enthusiasts, alike.

While we didn't get to attend the show in person, thanks to our homegirl from IMG, who saved us a super stylish trinket, we felt like we were there in spirit. What can we say? ValStyle girls are Barbie girls!

Thanks K!!

Learn more about Barbie's 50th here.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Moves To Our 'Hood

2009-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

We happen to be located just blocks from Lincoln Center and are quite excited by the news :)

Coming Soon: More Love To Men

2009-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Rogan i.e MAJOR expansion to ValStyle Men!

Stay tuned....

Goodbye Sweet Dress

2008-12-27T09:35:00.001-08:00

well it's time to go. I hate to leave you but I really must say goodbye sweet dress, goodbye.

By now, it's no secret ValStyle began partly as a vessel, an outlet through which we'd productively channel a severe addiction to fashion and style, a way to live vicariously through our clients and customers' purchases -- in addition to a a desire to offer quality, stylish merchandise at refereshingly affordable prices. It's also no secret that running a start-up can be the greatest challenge of one's life. The need to be everywhere at once sucks the joy out of shopping and shifts the pleasure point to the process of passing a great find from our closet to yours.

Earlier this month, we faced the bittersweet experience of shipping one of our favorite pieces to enter the closet to date: Prada's Resort 08 One Shoulder Silk Dress. A true beauty. A timeless investment that will span decades to come. The perfect inaugural ball gown. Congrats to the lucky Floridian who scored this gem at a fraction of the retail price!

BupGrade Your Holiday.

2008-12-17T14:51:00.001-08:00

While all the other retailers are losing their minds in markdown mayhem, trying to drive you crazy and broke along with them, ValStyle continues to make your life easy with pre-selected savings and style, at your service.
The editors at BupGrade got it right: ValStyle is your kind of shopping. Visit BupGrade.com for the full story and a coupon code for additional savings at checkout.

Join Us On Fifth!

2008-12-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

The economy is affecting everyone these days and we are all forced to scale back. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck this holiday season, consider ValStyle as a place to look for gifts at 30-70% Off Retail.

Are you in New York this evening? Consider yourself invited. Come Join Us on Fifth!

The ValStyle Holiday Sale
hosted with Ameriprise Financial

Thursday Dec 11th, 2008
7p-9:30pm
@ 530 5th Avenue, 16th Floor

Wine & Cheese will be served.
Please RSVP to val@valstyleonline.com

Shop 30-70% Off Retail, Mingle With the City's Finest Professionals!
Merchandise By:
Diane Von Furstenberg
Kooba
Gucci
Yves Saint Laurent
Plenty Frock by Tracy Reese
Joe's Jeans
Marc Jacobs
Citizens of Humanity
7 For All Mankind
Lewis Cho
Jill Stuart
See By Chloe
3.1 Phillip Lim
C & C California
LeSportsac
DRU New York
& More!

*We will also be honoring our 20% Off party dresses priced $250 or more promotion currently running with The Fashion Bomb blog :)

All Are Welcome!

Hope to see you there!
Val

Holiday is Here!

2008-12-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

ValStyle is featured on today's Fashion Bomb (!) offering you the chance to get your holiday party dress on with savings on us.

And - just because we loved it so much - Olivia Palermo's Style Lesson on how to update your party look, from this month's Marie Claire. Enjoy!
'Buy a great oversize clutch that works for day or night. Keep double-sided tape in your bag to shorten a hem in a pinch. Mix hard and soft, masculine and feminine. Overdress rather than underdress. Forget red and green for the holiday season - too predicatable. Try platform heels, which look hot but put less stress on your arches when you're standing all night at a party. Play with hot pink. Pack baby powder to absorb oil from both your hair and face. Load up on heavy gold jewelry. Invest in a long winter coat for evenings so your bare legs aren't exposed.'

BLACK FRIDAY: Skip the Crowds and Join Us Online!

2008-11-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

This Friday November 28th, The ValStyle Closet Goes On SALE!

>Starting 12:01 AM EST , visit valstyleonline.com for awesome discounts on merchandise you've been lusting after since their arrival!

>PLUS, we'll be emailing our favorite customers their very own personalized discount codes, so keep your eyes on your inbox

Who Needs Crowds When You Can Shop Online? Ready, Set, Click.

BUT WAIT - there's more. Are you a New Yorker looking to visit The Closet in person for even steeper BLACK FRIDAY deals? Email val@valstyleonline.com for more info!

Let Us Introduce You to Your Maker.

2008-11-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

What on earth do we speak of? Why, Chanel, of course.
It all began when our one of our girlfriends (who just happens to be the BEST web designer ever!;) comped us into the annual Pier Show along the Hudson this past Saturday.

Like many of you out there, we're in no position to over indulge these days. Like our fellow citizens, now more than ever, we must make our purchases count....but with the entry fee waived and the venue right in our neighborhood, there was no twisting of the arm required. We would simply hold back; head straight to our friend's booth and right back home.

Ha!

As soon as we walked in... there he was.

Virgil. Also known as the hottest ticket in town!

We looked to our right.
We looked to our left.
Ooooooooodles of Chanel.

Chanel, Chanel, everywhere!

We simply had to stop, in awe, and admire.

We got to chattin with Virgil and learned he began simply as a collector, a fan of of the impeccably designed creations. Then one day, he decided to start selling from his collection and the rest is history. Now, known for his taste, hard finds and pristine assortment, his highness is in demand.
Virgil is living proof that passion truly does lead to success in business and has generously extended his friendship to ValStyle.

So, all the lucky souls who haven't been too affected by our struggling economy, you just got even luckier. Looking for your next Chanel bag?

Be in touch. We can help. ValStyle LOVES Virgil. We'd be glad to make your introduction.

ValStyle Does D.C.

2008-11-06T11:16:00.001-08:00

This weekend, we're excited to visit our nation's capital - a fittingly timed trip as our fellow citizens usher a new American consciousness into Washington and our great country. We'll be celebrating with some of our very best girlfriends, networking at the Essenc e Young Women's Leadership Conference and sharing our w ar es with DC fashionistas at our signature shopping event Shop & Mingle. If you're in town, you're absolutely invited to join us! xoxo

We Can, We Did!

2008-11-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

November 4th 2008, Barack Hussein Obama (pictured with David Gergen in September 2007) has been elected the 44th President of the United States of America. That is one thorough brotha. Half-man, half-amazing. History in the making!

Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit

2008-11-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

Experience desire. Really. Tell me - when's the last time you shut out the rest of the world and surrendered all your senses to your innermost dreams....your hidden longings? Zaha Hadid and Karl Largerfeld's tribute to the ever classic Chanel 2.55 quilted chain purse will force you to do just that.

It is at once nomadic, curious, engaging, sexy.

You will leave transformed.
And more in love with the quintessential handbag than ever. If you live in New York City, I urge you to find a way to Rumsey Playfield before November 9th. If you don't have the time, make time! If you don't live here but can get to the city, get here! And if you really can't make it happen, experience as much as you can, vicariously through Amy Larocca.

The Exhibit is up until November 9, 2009 and is free and open to the public.
Visit Chanel-mobileart.com for tickets, or take your chances and head for the stand-by line. Caveat: the line could be hours long as it was yesterday.....

...and, well, I'd rather spent that wait time Baracking the Vote! xo

ValStyle Puts On For Your City

2008-10-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

We're feeling more American than ever these days and we know you feel it too.

In an effort to reach out and connect with our fellow fashionistas in other great states of the US of A, we've designed the 'ValStyle Puts On For Your City' Coupon Series.

Coming soon to an inbox near you, ValStyle will randomly put your hood on with a coupon code to shop our Closet. And we'll give the backstory on the reason for the shoutout. Think of it as our *thank you note* for all the love you've shown us thus far.

The coupon series debuts soon, so be on the lookout.

Then put on for your city with ValStyle ;)

ValStyle to Visit Columbia!

2008-10-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

New York's premiere personal shopping service brings its signature shopping event to busy graduate students at Columbia University!

Shop & Mingle COLUMBIA
Tuesday October 28th, 2008
12:30-2pm in Warren Hall
Amsterdam Ave between 115th and 116th streets
Room # 207

Shop designer merchandise for up to 60% off retail
Mingle with fellow students & chat with ValStyle CEO about entrepreneurship

Brands include:
Diane von Furstenberg
Jill Stuart
Botkier
Gucci
Marc by Marc Jacobs
James Jeans
J Brand
Juicy Couture
Hudson
Kooba
Theory
Loeffler Randall
Mike & Chris
M Missoni
Tucker
Manolo Blahnik
Tory Burch
Lewis Cho
Prada
LeSportsac
Catherine Malandrino
Tracy Reese
Wayne
& more!

Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Paypal/Cash Accepted

ValStyle is "Manhattan Service" for busy professionals. We currently offer personal shopping by appointment, with our event sales and at http://valstyleonline.com We carry women's merchandise acquired directly from designers & fine retailers. Our clients and customers include media executives, retail buyers, teachers, graduate students, bankers, lawyers, fashion editors, fashionistas, stylists and other professionals with limited time.

ValStyle Loves Lewis Cho!

2008-10-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

We've been lovin' the line ever since we started offering their merchandise in Spring of 2007 and this weekend, you're invited to love along with us!

Saturday Oct 25th, ValStyle invites you to
Shop & Mingle LEWIS CHO
in the Upper West Side.

Shop F07 and S08 of the line for up to 50% off retail.

Mingle with the designers, Annie Lewis and Helen Cho

Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to shopandmingle@gmail.com for location information.

Lewis Cho is the creation of designers Annie Lewis and Helen Cho - both of whom previously designed for Anna Sui. Lewis, a Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising grad, and Cho, who studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, met at work and went on to collaborate on a variety of design projects. Their latest collaboration offers stylish, versatile pieces meant to be worn from season to season. Lewis Cho has been featured on the pages of Vogue, Lucky, and WWD.

We Goofed. Use Your Amex, Save On Us.

2008-10-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Have you seen something you loved on ValStyle Online but gave up on ordering because you couldn't use your American Express Card? :/

We would have done the same thing and we're terribly sorry. We've resolved the issue. Now we want to make it up to you.

Please accept our sincerest apologies by using your American Express with savings on us. From now through the end of the year, enter AMEX in the discount code box at checkout for 20% off your order.

http://www.valstyleonline.com/

FASHION WEEK = FRENZIED

2008-09-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

and we're still recovering! Hence, it's taken so long to post...

Let us take you through our week:

FRIDAY NIGHT @ SAVANT

When Socialite friend Malik "So Chic" Sterling mentioned he could use extra hands on the show he was producing, ValStyle was happy to loan out prized intern Teneke Noel.

It was quite a fashionable scene down in Chelsea.

Malik "So Chic" Sterling

Six Six Sick Member in Mischen

The show turned out to be the launch of avant garde line SAVANT started by designer Feng Feng Yeh who we learned was one of the original chicks behind the Tuesday party Six Six Sick at Happy Endings. The girls have since started a blog, which we perused and found rather interesting. (We fell in love with this post right here. That outfit is so sick!) Yeh has since left the group to work on SAVANT, and we don't blame her as she also holds a full-time job in sales at YSL.

Designer Feng Feng Yeh

How much do we at ValStyle love a multi-tasking woman? Let us count the ways.

SATURDAY MORNING ON FIFTH

A two hour wait at Colette x Gap's temporary boutique on Fifth Avenue forced us to miss this uber-exclusive giveaway at Bryant Park

but scored us a couple of the 50(!) Longchamp totes that were released in the US and only available also in Paris.

WEDNESDAY @ YSL
Our love affair continues. How else could we be up, dressed, full of coffee and on line at 7:20AM for the friends and family sale? Didn't help that it was publicized all over New York. We had to get our weight up for this event. With dreams of acquiring a Muse or Downtown bag and the perfect running mate in tow,

we were on this one. Not even a line of 50 ahead of us

nor the anxiety-laced line quickly building up behind us

or even a rickety operation of malfunctioning credit card machines and having to "leave purchases behind until phoned" could stop us.
Ladies and gents, we did not disappoint.

Check out our current offerings @ ValStyle Online, or set an appointment to visit The ValStyle Closet for much more.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON @ STEPHEN BURROWS

Our lovely friend Ise White was hired to style the Stephen Burrows show and we couldn't have been happier to attend! We arrived just in time for the towering Andre Leon Talley to graze us on his flight upstairs, only to find him perched outside of the showroom by a bucket of single serving bottles of Piper Heidsieck we when got off the elevator. Prob not the best seat to wait in as an accidental spill caused him to leave before the show started :(
A bit of a bummer to see him go, but an exciting scene nonetheless - Miss Jay in the front row, countless magazine editors and the most pleasant run-in of the day - Norma, owner of Spoonbread Inc, who told us she used to model for Stephen Burrows! We surely stuck around, and it was marvelous. Our favorite look of the collection:

An eventful week by any measure!

It's New York Fashion Week But Philly Stand Up!

2008-09-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Another awesome Webisode from our girl Andrea at Fly.

Label Lust vol III

2008-09-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

So, this season, my famed JCrew rainboots

receive compliments no more.
Let's go in for a closer look.

Yep. Dunzo. 3 years of New York wear-n-tear will not allow for another winter.

So I've been thinking of going Hunter...but am not completely sold.

Enter Loeffler Randall. Already placed firmly in fashionista hearts for mastering the art of the comfortable and stylish winter boot

and, of course, the delicate yet edgy

awesomely chic flat sandal.

*Sigh*
(sidebar: the following delicious 5 1/2 gem hits your favorite virtual store shortly...

along with many other sick finds from the notoriously treacherous Barneys Warehouse Sale -- which was especially picked over this year....but ya'll already know ya gurl is the best Warehouse Sale Shopper alive! ;)
Back 2 the brand at hand. This fall LR introduces their Matilde version of the rainboot, a slight wedge heeled wellie to keep you dry in rain or snow.
Barneys has already ordered the yellow

and some online retailers picked both yellow and black.

What do we think, hot or not?

Romper Report.

2008-08-22T06:46:00.001-07:00

When you're a professional shopper, friends and colleagues alike look to you for thoughts on trends, style suggestions and tips on where to find specific goods. So when a girlfriend recently reached out for guidance with her foray into the jumpsuit movement, I was delighted. I'd just met a friend of a friend who was styling a lovely light denim urban outfitters score the day before.
This, along with having seen them everywhere--from the red carpet
to a casual LA day in the life of Young Hollywood

to fashion editors' everything-old-is-new-again editorials--sparked this here report. One of the greatest things about living in New York City is that fashion is everywhere, ideas abound left and right. I came up watching the natives' individual sense of style. Thus, eager to please, we here at ValStyle went into passion mode: racking our brains, scouring the web, getting tips from fellow pro-shoppers, and snapping shots of our peoples to deliver the information to you.
Here were our findings:
Quite an assortment at Urban.
A couple of highlights

A C&C Organic terry jumpoff in one of our major color obsessions, navy.

Great for the beach, lounging poolside...indoor or out.
And, of course, irreplaceable vintage.

Lovely...

Intel from our dashing galpal:

"Vintage rompers are always a good look if you can find them...Bebe Noir in Harlem had a cute, simple romper in their store a few weeks ago...don't know if they still have it. Was pretty inexpensive...maybe $80 or so."

We're predicting loads of rompers throughout the city this labor day weekend. Now, they may not work in NY once fall gets underway, but they sure will work for a weekend in Miami.

The ValStyle Closet holds one super exclusive, hella sassy black eyelet number acquired from Beth and Melissa at New York darling line Thread Social.

Could be a great look come resort.

Label Lust vol II

2008-08-14T08:53:00.001-07:00

Okay seriously - what are the chances either of these will go on sale?

I know, I know......a girl can dream!

Label Lust.

2008-08-13T17:54:00.001-07:00

Perfection.

UPDATE: Barneys has added this genius hobo to their co-op collection in black, dark portobello and NEON GREEN. "Get your 80's on," they call it. what do you say? yay or nay?

My Girl @ FLY

2008-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sup peoples.

Let me introduce ya'll to my girl Andrea.

Fly, ain't she?

It's Been A Long Time

2008-07-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Shouldn't have left ya'll, without a blog post to check for. Well folks, things have been quite busy here in Midtown West. Lots of shopping, lots of shipping, and lots of very happy customers.

Some of our favorite trades over the past month include:

And, of course, there are the new acquisitions that didn't even make it to ValStyle shoots:

Yes, yes ya'll, we've been pleasing quite a few New Yorkers lately...and ever since the site launch, other Americans too!

One shopper from Missouri writes of her LeSportsac Riviera Nolita Tote:

Val,
I opened it as soon as the delivery man dropped it off and I love it!

Another satisfied customer from Alaska writes of her Botkier Bianca Satchel:

Thanks for being so accomodating on shipping. Absolutely amazing bag. Lovely!

A thrilled shopper from Santa Monica wrote of her Jimmy Choo Orange Suede Shoulder Bag:

I absolutely love it! You are the BEST!!! Thank you so much. A+

And another from Nebraska of her Kooba Meredith Bag:

Thank you for a gorgeous bag and superb service!

*Sigh* Music 2 a Personal Shopper's Ears :)

In other exciting news, Teneke Noel joins ValStyle as its very first dedicated intern! And what a wonderful worker bee she's proving to be. Here she is plugging away:

Say Hi Teneke!

You know what this means for ValStyle: More, more, MORE.

xoxo

girl about town.

2008-06-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

what a week it's been! It all started with my brother & sis-in-law's baby shower on Sunday (i'm gonna be an auntie!!! ;) , then The Prep for Prep Lilac Ball at the Waldorf on Monday, How to Produce Galas, Launch Parties & Charity Events with Gwen Barrett at FIT on Wednesday, everyone's favorite Studio Production Exec's Farewell MTV Bash on Thursday and Drinks with pals in the LES last night! Between all that and shopping DVF, Theory & Thread Social, needless to say, I am spent!...and haven't had much time in front of my computer...Tonight is The Last Poets 40th Anniversary Concert at The Schomburg so I need to muster up some energy before then. Luckily, they just announced a second show at 10p -- I just might be dat.

Next week is a bit less crazed so I'll be around taking appointments. See you soon!

xoxo

musings on the movie

2008-06-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

by now you've seen Sex and the City: The Movie twice. how unbelievably bomb was the fashion? 'cept i really wasn't feeling the first wedding dress. sorry viv. (did appreciate the Vogue spread though. very much so.)

stay tuned for images of our fav fashion from the movie and a photo-post on amazing celebrity style.

until! xoxo

Paying Homage

2008-06-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

ValStyle Salutes Legendary French Designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Read the news of his passing here: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hxE4j3tcXJ0X7tcHvmfLbGP0bc6AD9121NJ85

The Muse bag is currently half off at Bergdorf. I'd get it before prices sky-rocket.

ValStyle Loves Bilingual!

2008-05-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Bilingual loves you, too, baby.

We discovered your love for Jacqueline Floro's fabulous designs during the course of our Shop & Mingle events last Spring. Was quite amazed at how quickly (though understandably so) pieces flew out of stock in a matter of mere months.

Designer Floro's story is one we can relate to. One of aspiration.

'She began her career at a lingerie design company, Natori, and went on to Polo Ralph Lauren and New York & Company where she held positions in sales, merchandising/buying, public relations and production. An opportunity at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter presented itself where she further developed her business, analytical and language skills. Upon leaving the firm, Floro set off with a backpack to explore her roots in South East Asia.

After months of being alone in the rice fields of Indonesia, exploring the flea markets in Thailand, and getting lost in silk farms in Cambodia, the richness of color, elements of textile, and fascination of design, instantly inspired her. Floro knew she belonged back in the fashion industry where her career began. In time, Bilingual was born. '

We aren't the only ones in love -- Halle Berry gave her cell phone # to a Los Angeles Boutique and asked that they "call when more comes in from this designer" and Paris Hilton made the layered peacock dress famous in a red carpet moment captured by In Touch Weekly. (My top version was, indeed, a hit at the 2006 MTV Networks' Employee Holiday Party).

This racy crochet dress has turned up in an HBS classroom.

And - a certain off shoulder silk number has made quite a few appearances in the past year: In March, my Shop & Mingle co-host scooped one of the two Navy versions before doors even opened, and minutes after hitting the event market, a popular Fashion Blogger snatched up the other. Her readers can't contain themselves whenever they catch a glimpse of her fashion statement for the day. Apparently, we couldn't deliver 'em fast enough. DailyCandy was also on it: http://www.dailycandy.com/atlanta/article/31146/Talk+Shirty+to+Me

And, Delta Sky Magazine loves too. (If you were ballin' on Delta this month you probably peeped us on the cover.

If not, catch us on the next one!)

We re-connected with Floro recently and made some brilliant discoveries -- Not only has The ValStyle Closet acquired the very last of this dress in a bodacious teal (!), Floro 's been hard at work at a "plus size" collection called INES. (I use quotations, not really believing in the term, but rather clothing that fits!) We are delighted to inform you, a gorgeous replica of Bilingual hits ValStyle racks this June at the return of Shop & Mingle.

Til then, plug in to ValStyle. Your off-shoulder beauty lands in a couple of weeks.

xoxoxo

ps- had the lovely fortune of visiting the Murakami exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum Friday afternoon. An absolute must-see!

ValStyle Online is Here! (Finally!)

2008-05-26T09:47:00.002-07:00

Hello World!

How goes it? Welcome 2 ValStyle: The Blog. For those who don't know me, I am Val, a 25 year old personal shopper from the most glamorous New-Yawk-City ;) --also known as, fashion epicenter of the world!

From as far back as I can remember, Saturdays were shopping days in the Idehen Household. Mom would take me down to TriBeCa and we would scour the consignment shops for hours on end in search of deals on deals. Apparently, this weekly obsession turned into a real gift-- I can't tell you how many times I heard "Val, I LOOOOOVE your style!" throughout college and beyond.

Last March, I turned this fashion savvy into a full on business and started ValStyle Shopping - a Manhattan service designed to serve my busy friends and co-workers who never seemed to have time to shop, loved my sense of style and trusted me to bring the best of designer wares straight to their homes (Read: ValStyle's Shop & Mingle event sales/ more on that later!).

Well, over a year has passed...who knew a shopping site would take 8 whole months to develop?? ValStyle Online is finally here and with the site I hope to bring The ValStyle Closet to fashionistas all over the country and around the world. I have direct relationships with designers, showrooms and fine retailers that allow me to scour the earth for la creme de la creme of in-demand designer merchandise -- and in many cases, my offerings are the last of that designer piece you will ever find. Current examples of these exclusive items? Catherine Malandrino's *darling* Halter Bubble LBD available in the ever elusive size 2 and -- not one, but two(!) -- of Rachel Roy's gorgeous Layla Jersey Dress in Navy which sold out at shopbop! Get it while it'ssss HOTT! ;)

Subscribe to ValStyle: The Newsletter on our homepage to hear about these scarce items as soon as they go up!

The site is dedicated to my Fellow Fashion Fiends. Visit often for daily additions to The Closet and New Features each week!

http://valstyleonline.com/ Happy Shopping!

xoxo