Who: Free People, Charlie 5.0, Alternative, and more Sample Sale

Starts: 3/29 – 3/31, Tue (11-7), Wed (11-6), Th (11-7)

Where: 261 W 36th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave)
 

Free People
60% off retail prices
tanks, tees, shirts, sweaters, pants, dresses & more

Charley 5.0
jeggings, shirts, dresses & more

J Park
cotton tees, sweaters, dresses & more

TKO Orlogi
fun stylish chic acrylic fashion watches
for Women, plus 3 styles for Men

Nyla Noor
cross body bags & clutches

Alternative Apparel
tanks, tees, cardigans & more

Lewis Cho
tops, blouses, dresses & more

Joe’s Jeans
samples only
shorts, skirts, jeans, jeggings & more

Zara Terez
clutches, messenger bags & more

Michael Simon & Smitten
tanks, tops, sweaters & more

Fashion Girls for Japan Special Sample Sale

Fashion Girls for Japan will be hosting a special 2 day sample sale with 100% of the proceeds going towards disaster relief efforts. Designers including Theyskens’ Theory, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Marc by Marc Jacobs, DVF, Thakoon, and Vena Cava  will each donate ‘one rolling rack’ of their clothing. All items will be offered at 50% or more off the retail price.

$5 minimum donation for admission. Buy tickets online at FashionGirlsForJapan.com. Tickets also available at the door.

When: 4/2 – 4/3, Sat (11-7), Sun (11-5)

Where: Bowery Terrace at Bowery Hotel,
335 Bowery, New York

When these top models aren’t hitting the runways in New York, London, Paris or Milan, and still want to keep their beauty routine simple and chic, they all turn to the organic color cosmetic line: rms beauty.  Created by editorial and celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, rms beauty is based on living and organic principles that deliver healing nutrients to the skin – it’s no wonder these famous faces covet Rose-Marie’s award wining beauty products:

Supermodel Lindsey Wixon swears by the rms beauty raw coconut cream ($18) for it’s anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help remove, dirt, makeup and bacteria from the skin.  “I use RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream to cleanse my skin and take off my makeup. I also use the skin care line by Dr. Alkaitis – he’s based in California and his products were recommended to me by Rose-Marie Swift, the founder of RMS Beauty.” The Raw Coconut Cream can also be used as a moisturizer and is great for all types of skin – even sensitive and acne prone.

Supermodel and mother Miranda Kerr considers the rms beauty lip shines ($25) a staple in her beauty bag. Perfect for a touch of color on either lips or cheeks, lip shines are created to deliver shine while hydrating the skin.  Formulated with Moringa Oil, a nutrient rich oil straight from the miracle tree – the formula provides extra cellular anti-oxidant protection.  Available in 2 shades: Bloom and Moment (Rose-Marie created Moment especially for another supermodel star: Gisele) – these nourishing lip treats are quickly becoming a healthy beauty addiction.
 

rms beauty is available online at rmsbeauty.com

Lady Gaga revealed that her hair has started to fall out since she constantly dyes it. Gaga, a natural brunette, said that she misses her dark hair when she goes to "get a chemical haircut because my blonde hair is falling out."

Dr. Channing Barnett offers some Basic Healthy Hair Tips to our little Smartypanties:

Chemical damage from hair dyes, perms and products that straighten the hair are major contributors to hair damage that occurs over time. However, Dr. Barnett says what many people don't know is once hair is damaged you can't repair it.Once hair is damaged, the protective lipid layer is gone, causing frizz, "bad hair days", dryness and a dull appearance. For women with damaged hair, Dr. Barnett says moisturizing conditioners are necessary. “One of the most common misconceptions about hair is that it is alive, when in fact hair is nonliving and does not heal itself once it is injured,” said Dr. Barnett. “For this reason, once the hair is damaged it cannot heal itself except through new hair growth at the scalp. Women need to understand that the very things that they do to hair to make it appear beautiful, such as using hair dyes, perms and products that straighten the hair, will eventually end up damaging the hair’s structure and ultimately affect its appearance.”Products to minimize the effects of hair damage include conditioning shampoos in combination with hair conditioner during the rinse. Dr. Barnett also says hair products with dimethicone can restore shine, reduce static electricity and make hair more manageable. Serums applied to the hands and run through the hair – but not the scalp – are also recommended. If you wish to dye your hair, use colors as close to your natural shade as possible and go darker rather than lighter. Natural hair color is always best though.

The only way to repair heat damaged hair is to get it cut and let it regrow, but moisturizers can help some. To prevent more damage,, let hair air dry. whenever possible. Use low heat settings at first when using a blow dryer then gradually increase the heat. Buy hair dryers with variable temperature settings. To avoid damage from a straightening iron, use a moist towel between the iron and the hair. Barnett warns salon straightening with keratin is even more damaging because of strong chemicals.

Hit up United Bamboo's Sample sale for tsunami relief. All proceeds go to relief efforts in Japan.

Where: 217 Centre St., 6th Floor.
When: Tuesday, March 22nd through Wednesday March 23rd. 11am~8pm

Thanks for the tip, Mizhattan!

Hit up the 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale! Proceeds Go to American Red Cross Japan Relief Efforts

Look out the window and you’ll see that – however tentatively – spring has sprung…. Slowly but surely the temperatures are rising and the tulips and crocuses are nudging their way out of the winter soils of our parks and roadsides. It means that those woollen trousers and opaque tights will soon be banished to the back of the wardrobe for another year. Look to your feet and bid hello to those old, forgotten friends: bare legs!

The conundrum now is – what are you going to do with your precious pins this spring? If you’ve not been keeping an eye on the latest looks striding down the runways (and pavements) of the fashion globe, then have no fear. I’ve been keeping my eye out on the trends for spring/summer 2011 and this is where I’ll be compiling my favourite looks. Hopefully you’ll find something that makes you go ‘BINGO!’
One key trend still going from strength to strength is the long-length skirt.

In 2011 we’re seeing a diversion off the classic ‘maxi dress’ path (which can often float dangerously into Dynasty-on-holiday territory) and an increasing demand for maxi skirts from high street brands like New Look as well as top designers like Jil Sander. What’s more, this length seems to fit into a variety of different trends – we’re seeing some real eye-popping brights, fluos and neon shades on the catwalks, all part of the colour blocking trend, as well as some neat black varieties.

Not to be overlooked as well is the emerging obsession with pleats. Not as boring as it might sound, this one: just a quick glance of the fashion blogs show you how key this trend was for the attendees of the recent fashion weeks in Milan and Paris. We might associate them with kilts and schoolgirls, but you can combine this look is all about coverage and length: from 70s-inspired midi and calf-tickling peach tones to ankle length pleats in forest green and dark blue, those folds are a must-have. Combine with ankle boots, a simple white shirt and leather belt, and you’re good to go.

Finally, if you can’t resist giving those pins centre stage, there’s still plenty of love left for the shorter looks. Full and skater skirts have not waned in popularity: if anything, they’ve become a more solid trend – literally! Floatier fabrics are competing now with heavier-look textures (aided again by pleats and folds): linens and thick-weave cottons are a great alternative to all the chiffon flapping around this S/S 2011. Perfect for those who want to air a little more than their ankles…

FTC Disclosure: This Post was sponsored by one of Smartypanties wonderful supporters.