'Bring on Cyber Monday'

Black Friday shoppers head for electronics

If you thought Black Friday offered some good deals, then think again. Cyber Monday – without the need to wake up early or stand outside in the blistering cold for a decent discount – is here.

So don’t put your credit card away just yet. Here’s a list of some of current promotions going on today:

Saks Fifth Avenue with up to 40% Online Only

Intermix with 15% Off Every Full Price Item

Ssense.com with 30% Off Items Site-wide

Décor Innovation with 25% off Solid Blackout Curtains; 20% Curtain Rods and Pinstripe Curtains

yoox.com with 40% off and Free Shipping

Bloomingdales with 30-40% Select Merchandise

While Black Friday encouraged shoppers to wake up early and weather the cold so they can gain entry to their favorite shops, Cyber Monday could outperform Black Friday this year with all of its online sales. Critics predict sales will pass $900 million today, hitting an all-time record.

As we have seen with my list above, brick-and-mortar retailers are using their online stores to draw in shoppers who might have skipped Black Friday with exclusive online deals. While spending on Black Friday was definitely an improvement from last year, this year's event was only a 6% increase from 2009.

Personally, I already have my eye on a few items for myself and a dozen or so ideas for my family. And with my family having expanded dramatically this year (newborns and significant family friends), it’s imperative that I get the holiday shopping finished early.

Give the gift of sisterly love with this floral print pillow

Keeping in line with my sister’s all-white studio decorating scheme, a set of floral pillows in a cool palette of black, white and gray adds a sophisticated pop to her couch or bed.

Pour la Victoire oxfords on sale

Because restocking on wardrobe staples never goes out of style, my Cyber Monday buys include a pair of Pour la Victoire oxfords and tapered wool pants by Vivienne Tam on yoox.com. No where else would I find a better deal.

For my cousin who is looking to replace the drapes in her living room, I've picked out a set of crushed voile curtains in a neutral white and a set of satin stripe curtains in a burgundy. My hope is that the rich burgundy color will accent the warm brown colors of the leather couches and flooring.

I'm spending my Cyber Monday wisely. How about you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of etiole.com; decorinnovation.com; yoox.com

'Black Friday Draw'

The Thanksgiving leftovers have been sealed and organized in the refrigerator. The special china and silverware have been put away, and the coupons are on the table.

Bring on Black Friday.Between today and Nov. 27, the best selling solid blackout curtains are 25% off with promocode: BLACK.

With such savings and more than 19 different colors to choose from, find as many uses for the curtains outside of window dressing. Here are a few practical places to use curtains in the home:

Hide those no-need-know-supplies

1. Cover Unsightly Supplies

Instead of building another cabinet unit to store all of these items in your garage or basement, place a curtain over the shelving unit to hide the items. Use a full-length blackout curtain, or even a tie-up shade over a smaller shelving unit will do the trick. This is also a great way to introduce color to a much-needed space. Notice how in the above image, the ribbon in the curtain corresponds to the color of the shelves.

2. Edit the Look of Room

Draw attention to the collection of books you might have in your living room. Or decide that you instead want to make a room feel larger for the arrival of your guests. Raise a curtain over your bookshelves and have the final word on how your space should look and feel.

The oldest way to divide a space

3. Divide a Room

Do you live in a studio and want to create a little privacy? Or do you have a large room or basement and you want to divide the space? Building a wall might seem like a bit too much. Instead use a curtain to separate the space. A blackout curtain will act as makeshift wall with its ability to block noise and light.

Headboard made easy

4. Create a Headboard

Want to change the look of your headboard without having to go out to buy a new one? A curtain in your favorite shade is one of the fastest and ingenious ways to do so. Hang the curtain up on your wall and use your imagination to personalize the headboard. In the above image, a frame completes the look.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com

'Lanvin Love'

Lanvin hits H&M this past weekend

Never has there been so much excitement among my fast-fashionistas since TopShop opened its own flagship store in Soho in April 2009. Not even Matthew Williamson’s capsule collection for H&M merited this much excitement.

Of course, no other brand represents luxe and glamour like Lanvin. Lanvin for H&M launched this weekend with plenty of color, detailed construction and menswear accents one might expect from a Parisian luxury name.

Lanvin for H&M runway show Nov. 18

Designer collaborations with mega-retailers are not an unusual phenomenon, much in the same way celebrities have started their own lines. Lanvin welcomed this challenge and invested in a calculated multi-media marketing campaign that supersedes all other “fast-fashion collabos” of the past.

Teaser images of the collection were available earlier this month along with a well-executed video starring Natasha Poly and models in vibrant yellow Lanvin dresses prancing around in a hotel room. Creative Director Alber Elbaz, who appears in the video at a desk sketching pieces of the collection, plans to sell five original sketches on the line’s Web site until Nov. 26. All proceeds benefit UNICEF.

Anna Dello Russo walks the Lanvin for H&M runway show

Last week, Elbaz played host to a launch party and runway presentation of the luxe-for-less collection. Attendees Anna Sui, Sofia Coppola and Alexander Wang all came to draw attention to the stylish looks, which were modeled by Vogue Japan’s Anna Dello Russo and Pixie Geldof. The bow-tie wearing Elbaz has been spotted around New York City since, posing for pictures and generating as much media buzz among the fashion community as possible.

Teaser images of Lanvin for H&M

Elbaz explained to the press that “what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public.”

The collection, consisting of asymmetrical dresses in an overindulgence of ruffles and jewelry embellishments, is true to the Lanvin brand. There is a slight lack of sophistication in the styling, which is to be expected since the H&M client is far younger, trendier and hell-bent on a deal. Yet the collection, when incorporated separately into an existing wardrobe, is sure to add much flair and sophistication never seen before.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of stylecaster.com