Luck Shops 2007. Heaven on earth for the fashionistas of Manhattan. This annual event hosted by the iconic magazine "Lucky" is an absolute treat for the women and men who live, breath and sweat fashion.
Now I am especially 'lucky' (ha) when it comes to this yearly bash because I have THE in of all time. My aunt, who could easily be mistaken for a model amongst the sea of shoppers, works in PR for Lucky and is kind enough to include me in the event. As a young person in New York City there are not many opportunities to skip the line and get the red carpet treatment so this truly is a treat.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Lucky Shops event, every year Lucky magazine creates a sample sale of sorts. Countless designers come together, slash their prices and indulge the label hungry populace of NYC. You can find anything from clothing, status bags, shoes and beauty products from designers such as Marc Jacobs, Catherine Malandrino and Cynthia Rowley just to name a few.
My favorite feature of Lucky Shops is the jean bar. Good lord! Designer jeans are sold at practically half price and they hem them for you right there! This year I proved my loyalty to J.Brand and picked up a fantastic pair of wide-leg trouser jeans that would make you melt! They're like butter. Basically you grab a bunch to try on, make your way into the impromptu "dressing tent" and get at it. There's such a pleasant sense of solidarity in the changing area. All of the women compliment each other's denim saying things like "Oh my god, you HAVE to buy those" and "Those jeans make your butt look amazing!" How could you not get them after an experience like that?
My mama combing through the Michael Kor rack
The atmosphere of Lucky Shops is absolutely insane and could probably provoke an anxious person into a complete panic attack. There is so much energy between the bargin hunters, house music and free starbucks samples. Male models roam the aisle with trays of snacks, which most people are too busy to eat. The eye candy is probably much tastier than the snacks anyway.
When you find your fashion booty at a particular tent, your pieces are placed in a bag and put aside for you. You're given a receipt so that you can purchase your items later on and continue shopping sans the heavy merchandise. You have to be strategic though, you only have an hour to bring your receipt to a register and claim your things. Time flies by when you're trying on vintage Prada.
By the end of the afternoon I ended up with a pair of J.Brand trouser jeans, a dusty pink shirt from Theory and a Nicholas K jacket one woman described as "fierce". I couldn't be more pleased! (Although I did have to force myself to walk out of the door in fear I would blow my tuition on designer digs)
Thank you Aunty M. for yet another stylish day amongst the racks of such fine garments. What's better than christmas and the Barney's sample sale combined? Lucky Shops! 365 more days until my next urge to splurge
Enjoy!
Gift bags :)