Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Holiday Shopping. eLUXURY's Last-Minute Red Light Special!

Are you a last minute shopper? Do you wait until the absolute last possible minute because you love the adrenaline rush of pure panic??? Or did you just forget someone? Never fear. There's still time!

Shop the eLUXURY Holiday Gift Boutique for the perfect presents for everyone on your list. They have made it easy for you to shop by recipient, by price, and by brand. Featuring over 60 designer gifts for under $100, you are sure to find the best stocking stuffers for that special someone.

Plus, for a limited time, take an additional 20% off all sale items (discount taken at checkout)! Shop the sale handbags, shoes, and ready-to-wear you've been wanting at even greater savings! This event won't last long, so shop NOW for the best selection!

Finally, enjoy FREE Holiday Shipping with guaranteed delivery by December 24th when you spend $150 or more!*

*Just place your order for $150 or more by Saturday (that's tomorrow), December 22nd at 11:59 AM (PST) and they guarantee that your packages will be delivered by December 24th (weather permitting). Select Express shipping and we will ship your order at no cost to you. No promotion code is necessary as the promotion will be automatically applied at checkout.

Shop eLUXURY now!

For gifts under $100 click here

For gifts under $200 click here

For gifts for HIM under $100 click here

For gifts for HIM under $200 click here

For gifts for HIM under $500 click here

This shipping offer does not apply to orders that consists of only Louis Vuitton merchandise. For Louis Vuitton orders, standard shipping rates will apply and will be guaranteed delivery by December 24th (weather permitting). Orders that fall below the $150 threshold will be charged regular rates for standard, priority or express. Offer applies to orders and does not apply to packages to Alaska and Hawaii. Not all Zip codes receive Express or Saturday delivery. Zip code exclusions are listed in the Help Section/Shipping Methods & Rates.

Holiday Shopping. Shopper's Delight. This Season It's a Buyer's Market.

The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting what you probably already know: shopper's are winning this season's budget battle. As Stepfanie Romine reports,

"Many analysts and retailers are already expecting a lackluster December as cost-conscious consumers hold out for deeper discounts closer to Christmas, especially with the holiday falling on a Tuesday. According to the National Retail Federation, the industry's largest trade group, consumers had completed only 36.4 percent of shopping by the end of November."

This means consumers are in control, and waiting for last minute deals and helpful services like extended hours are the rewards of their demands.

"Macy's is taking no chances on losing procrastinating shoppers in New York City. The Cincinnati-based department store behemoth said that beginning at 7 a.m. Dec. 21, seven of its stores in the New York metropolitan area, including its flagship store in Manhattan, won't close until 6 p.m., even on Christmas Eve.

JC Penney Co., including the stores in the local area, also plans to expand its hours in the final days before Christmas. Beginning Friday, most JC Penney stores started staying open until midnight. That will continue through Dec. 23, , said Barbara Keeling, general manager of the JC Penney store at Florence Mall. On Christmas Eve, JC Penney will close at 6 p.m.

Marshal Cohen, a retail analyst with The NPD Group market research firm, said it's a buyers' market heading into the holiday home stretch - stores will need markdowns and specials.

"(Consumers) can get anything, anywhere, at any price," Cohen said. "I've got choices of price and brand. We're just clearly seeing a whole new dynamic: The consumer is really in the driver's seat."

For the full scoop read below-- Joanne Molina, Senior Editor

Holiday Shopping. Watch Out. 5 Marc Jacobs Watches That Are On Time.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Cuff Watch $150 @ Eluxury

Marc by Marc Jacobs Nancy Watch $150 @ Eluxury

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lora Links Watch $150 @ Eluxury

Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Cuff Watch $200 @ Eluxury

Marc by Marc Jacobs Padlock Heart Charm Watch $125 @ Eluxury

Prada had better watch out. No pun intended. Marc Jacobs has moved beyond the trinket style watches and started designed some sculptured stunners. Last year's patent pieces were eye candy and these are really pushing my buttons. Capping out at $200, with most averaging $150, they're wallet friendly too. --Joanne Molina, Senior Editor

Holiday Shopping. Shopper's Passport. Window Displays from Around the World.

Berlin: Department Store Quartier 206

Los Angeles: Fred Segal

London: Fortnum and Mason

London: Harvey Nichols

London: Matthew Williamson

Milan: Dolce & Gabbana

Milan: Miu Miu

New York City: Barneys

New York City: Bergdorf Goodman

Paris: Galeries Lafayette

Thanks to WWD for taking the time to compile images of some of the world's most lovely window displays. From Berlin to NYC the world needs a bit of whimsy and I'm glad the Simon Doonans of the world are up to the task. -- Joanne Molina, Senior Editor

Second City Store. Oh, What Fun It Is To Shop With Twenty Percent Off Today — Hey!

Browsing through the site,
With a code for Second City Store,
We'll get 20% off
Plus free shipping all the way - Ho, ho, ho!

Use the discount code holiday20 at checkout and get 20% off your entire purchase at Second City Store. And, as always, there's free ground shipping! This offer is good through December 31, 2007.

Use the holiday discount for yourself (you have to look nice) or you can be nice and buy gifts for everyone! Here are just a few great selections. Shop  SecondCitystore.com and see for yourself!

Orlando Espinoza Belted Raglan Sleeve Top
Get instant style with this chic belted raglan sleeve top with jersey sleeves. 100% Sueded Silk Charmeuse.
$290 —With discount code $232

Jules Hammered Bar Earrings and Necklace
Hammered and happy! Wear them together or separate, this chain-link necklace and earring set is too pretty to go without.
Necklace 18" chain. 14k Gold filled.
Necklace $200 —With discount code $160
Earrings $120 —With discount code $96

Vika Ruffle Dress
How cute is this dress? It's flirty and fabulous. 100% Wool with Silk Ruffles.
$390 —With discount code $312

Elyse C. Bec Fishnet Scarf
Get double duty from this colorful scarf. Pure alpaca knit fishnet scarf stretches to be as long and wide as you need. Wear it as a long scarf or a small wrap. Hand-woven alpaca, 80"l x 10"w. Now this makes a great gift!
Colors: Periwinkle, Black, Ivory
$49 —With discount code $39.20

Laura J. Designs Large Onyx Stone Necklace
This cool and simple layered necklace is so easy: two strands – one clasp!
Gold plated and brass strand with onyx drop (Top strand is 16", bottom is 18")
$62 —With discount code $49.60

Shop SecondCityStore.com Today!

 

Male Box. Say NO to Gift Cards.

Thomas Kikis for Second City Style Magazine

Christmas is almost here and you’re a gift card away from giving up. Not this year. I’ve started early, and hopefully my purchases will steer you in the right direction.

Doorman, Coworker, Cousin, Secret Santa:

1. Believe it or not, guys get razor burn and many of us have sensitive skin. We just don’t complain about it. This is the only shaving cream I’ll use.
l'Occitane Cade Shaving Cream $28 loccitane.com

2. I’ve worn the same cologne for 6 years: Cartier Pasha. This summer I was given a bottle of Narciso Rodriguez For Him and it’s definitely one of the best fragrances I’ve smelled in years. Saks says it has “intoxicating vibrations of lavender…and textured woods”, my neck didn’t vibrate, nor does it intoxicate me, but everyone around me seems to love it.
Narciso Rodriguez for him EDT Spray/1.6 oz. $54 saksfifthavenue.com

Read more here...

Shopping. Holiday Gift Ideas. Now Get 20% Off at SecondCityStore.com

Second City Store has some great gifts for under $100 - right now you can get 20% off at SecondCityStore.com (and on top of that - there's free ground shipping!)  Use the code holiday20 at checkout. Be the show-off gift giver with extremely unique and beautiful gifts by Indie Designers.  Here are just a few of many gift ideas.

Cyndi Chan Red Chiffon Pleated Scarf - This chiffon pleated scarf is so beautiful, the color is so rich and intense - it adds instant chic to any outfit. $80, with code $64.

K.Amato - "The Chicago" Necklace - A simple necklace with not so simple charm, this necklace is the perfect accent for any outfit. Expandable 15.5 - 17" gold-filled necklace with a large Swarovski crystal drop. Also available in silver. $64, with code $51.20

Melanie Nicole Ultimate Halter Top – Draped or gathered in multiple ways, this top can be worn in a variety of styles. This makes a great gift because it is easy to fit! Choose black, deep red, or olive. $100, with code $80

Alexis Drake Sterling Silver Tag Link Swarovski Teardrop Earrings - Earrings that dangle, dazzle and shine are a pair that every girl needs to own. The Swarovski teardrop earrings are not only beautiful to look at, but available in 8 different colors. Black, crystal, rose, emerald, lavender, gold, cherry & aqua. How fun - get the perfect color for each of your friends! $70, with code $56

Get shopping!

Holiday Shopping. Are You a Naughty (Rude) or Nice Shopper?

The weather outside is frightful and so is some of our behavior this holiday shopping season. According to an article in STORES Magazine by editor Susan Reda , sales people are not always the rude ones. They take their fair share of lumps for bad customer service, but Reda is willing to cut them some slack after what she witnessed this weekend. Rude, ill-mannered shoppers seemed to be out in full force, and she found myself rooting for the sales associates to fire back with a nasty comment (none did).

Yes, we all know the “customer is always right” credo. But that doesn’t give you a free pass to act like a jerk.

Click here to read this article. If you see yourself in this tale of woe (like talking on your cell while checking out)...stop what you are doing and remember, BE POLITE!

Holiday Gift. Handbag Alternative: Wallets that Wow.

Goldenbleu Carmen snap wallet in black $295 @ PinkMascara

   
Tory Burch logo stamped patent leather travel wallet $175 @ ToryBurch

Isabella Fiore glitter croc zip wallet $239 @ Nordstrom

Yves Saint Laurent Belle du Jour continental wallet $445 @ Saks

Miu Miu Spazzolato continental wallet $235 @ Saks

If a handbag is a bit too much of an investment or if you're just too overwhelmed by the options, why not try a wallet. Investing in a quality wallet is just as important as investing a quality bag. Housing your most personal documents, this small object reveals just as much about you as your favorite arm candy.-- Joanne Molina, Senior Editor

Trends. Top It Off: These Holiday Blouses Will Make You Ditch the Dress.

Hanii Y Rosette halter top $426 @ Net-a-porter

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Soul silk blend top $400 @ Net-a-porter

Development Printer chiffon blouse $295 @ Net-a-porter

Graham & Spencer winter lace blouse $290 @ Net-a-porter

Proenza Schouler Pleated bustier top $2195 @ Net-a-porter

I admit that I am seduced by dresses. Whether it's black tie or just cocktails at the last minute I'm the first one to throw on a dress. However, after taking a peek at some of these beautiful blouses I might have to change the routine.-- Joanne Molina, Senior Editor