SP Staff Blog

Gas prices are steadily climbing, but that's not stopping us from shopping great deals. Savvy shoppers, read on.

From July 2 to July 9, Fickle Manor's got all spring and summer clothes marked down 30-50 percent off. And July 10-16, everything is 50-70 percent off. Great finds from Notice, Liquid, Nicole Miller, Veronica M, Curtsey, Envi, Johnny Was and more. www.ficklemanor.com

Get deep discounts at the Boutique Warehouse Sale Friday, July 18th & Saturday, July 19th from 10 to 6 at Atlantic Station (above Metropolitan Deluxe). Enjoy merchandise at 50-75 percent off from The Fickle Manor, Sandpiper, Bloom, Boogaloos, Chelsea Parkes, fab'rik, Pella, Mooncake, Tulipano, Liv's and more. www.boutiquebargainsatl.com

Since today is the official opening for H&M's Atlantic Station location, I wanted to add a few details to Meryl's post about the H&M preview.

Outdoors
The party (oh, it was a party!) started at 7 p.m. and was supposed to end at 10. I and my girlfriend arrived around 7:45.

Even though this was an invitation-only preview, the line was long, wrapping around the building. Security and very friendly staff/PR people were always in sight. I felt lucky when I was allowed to sneak in ahead of the line with the good ol' press pass.

Indoors
The first thing I noticed were the models offering trays of wine (different varieties of both red and white), cocktails and hors d'oeuvres that ranged from tuna tartare to creme brulée.

In the center of the first floor was a stylish DJ spinning everything from old-school house music to just-released hip-hop. She kept the crowd moving through the store all night. I frequently saw people dancing in the aisles, although I'm sure the unlimited pouring of alcohol had something to do with that. Unfortunately, I never got the DJ's name.

The H&M staff were all ultra-friendly and easy to talk to. I couldn't turn around without seeing someone who was ready to help with anything I might need—always with a smile. That isn't the most common thing these days, especially under the pressure of a new opening. I was impressed.

After looking around for a few minutes, I went upstairs to browse the men's section. As is typical almost everywhere, this section only takes up a small portion of the store. But I can't complain too much, because everything on site was something that I would wear; and that's why I've always enjoyed H&M.

I got out of the building with a receipt that fit in my pocket. My girlfriend, on the other hand, ended up with a receipt folded at least 17 times, but she'll still be able to pay the rent. So I guess I don't even need to mention that everything is so damn cheap! OK, I won't mention that. And the quality is generally good. I won't mention that either.

I haven't seen people this excited for a store opening in a long time. As I type, I've received word that more than 200 people have camped out for today's public opening of the store. I'll try to post some photos tonight.

H&M should stand for Hot & Modern!

Rich

Wednesday evening I had the opportunity to attend an early viewing of the new H&M store at Atlantic Station. Never having been in an H&M store before, I was very impressed with the quality of the clothes and the prices. The two-story building carries a variety of styles, from basic t-shirts and jeans, to evening wear, catering not just to women, but men, babies and children as well. You’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for and then some without breaking the bank. H&M is sure to attract a crowd when it opens Friday, June 13 at noon.

Wednesday evening, I attended an early viewing of the new H&M store at Atlantic Station. Never having been in an H&M before, I was very impressed with the quality of the clothes and the prices. The two-story building carries a variety of styles, from basic T-shirts and jeans to evening wear, catering not just to women, but men, babies and children as well. You’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for, and then some, without breaking the bank. H&M is a welcome addition to Atlantic Station (and Atlanta), and is sure to attract a crowd when it opens Friday, June 13, at noon. Get there early to score tees and gift cards.

The style community joins together today to mourn the passing of YVES SAINT LAURENT at age 71.

A true visionary, and the namesake of the famed couture house in Paris, Saint Laurent suffered from brain cancer. He was in the presence of longtime friends Betty Catroux and Pierre Berge in Paris at time of death. Funerary services will be held on Thursday, and Saint Laurent's remains will rest in his famed Majorelle Garden in Marrakech.

Apprenticed to the late Christian Dior, Saint Laurent went on to become the inventor of ready-to-wear as a category of fashion, and routinely broke new ground as a designer by challenging conventions. The designer found himself in a category with Coco Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga, Karl Lagerfeld and Monsieur Dior himself—a very small and ingenious collective of creative minds. Contemporary designers often saw him as an inspiration, looking to Saint Laurent as one of the godfathers of fashion.

"He's my big fashion hero and always has been, and it's really sad that he's gone," said Marc Jacobs. "I just think to me and so many others he has been such a great inspiration in terms of everything, first and foremost in terms of design. Saint Laurent was the first to look at youth and street culture and take elements and make them chic."

The designer  left a huge body of work andan amazing legacy that will no doubt inspire many future generations of designers to come. Adieu, Yves.

Here comes the sun. Grab your shades, and head to two fabulous shopping events:

Tonight, Thursday, April 24, in Morningside at Fickle Manor, from 6 to 9 p.m., three local designers present their haute spring/summer wares: Olive, a line of girlie, vintage-y dresses; Aquanada Jewelry; and Ann Roth Shoes.

Saturday, April 26, at Form .02 (101 E. Court Square, Decatur, 404-378-1214), get the latest in spring and summer looks for men, women and children from local boutiques Boogaloos, Kaleidoscope, Squash Blossom. Drinks/food from Twain's, the Brick Store and other area restaurants. Jenn Hobby of Q100 hosts & DJ Christo spins. $20 entry fee.

So shop it up! Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., on the rooftop of the Tribute Lofts in the Old Fourth Ward for casual cocktails and shopping. Enjoy one of the best views of Atlanta, while perusing the latest goods from Veruca Boutique, Amanda Gary Handbags, Joyeux Home + Garden, Adaptation Floral Designs, Bou Cou jewelry, Marcellina G. - Modern Vintage Jewelry, and Hi Heels Boutique. RSVP to Caren West PR at rsvp@carenwestpr.com or 404.614.0006. Ample parking is available. Enter on John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE.