Confession: I have a problem.

A polyvore problem.
Too many clothes! All the shoes! Bags! Jewelry!
Some of the stuff I decided to make:

s by gege41 featuring Alexander McQueen

d by gege41 featuring Luella bags

x by gege41 featuring J Brand jeans

ggg by gege41 featuring lutz cardigans

a by gege41 featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

I lurve playing with polyvore. I just wish I owned some of the outfits I put together.

Bebe steps up their fashion game

In high school, Bebe was always my go to store if I needed something tight, tacky, or trampy. They still have the tight market cornered, but they have been putting off a much more fashiony vibe lately.
They have a mesh dress (which I have):

 

 If it looks familiar that's because it looks the same as one of the Alexander Wang cutout dresses:

Not only have they been "inspired" by Alexander Wang, they're also taking hints from Balmain. 

Balmain:

 

And the Bebe version:

 

Well played, Bebe, well played. 

Their selection of shoes also show that they want to be more "respected" in fashion:

  

Necklines, Mesh, and Cutouts

So many of my favorite cuts of dresses are having a moment in a big way right now.

Necklines:
Detailing, asymmetrical, or just twisted and different; all the new necklines look so cool.
My favorite one is by Alexander McQueen. I'd love to wear it paired with a pair of pumps that match the lining.


This one by Camilla and Marc is really cool looking. I like the detail on the bodice. I think the dress would look cool with boots and a motorcycle jacket.

Mesh:
Can look really 80's (and not in a good way), but if done right and toned down the look is really sexy.
Alexander Wang has a few mesh dresses that were quickly knocked off by a few mall stores.

American Apparel makes a cute (cheap!) option. I have one, it has a nice slim fit, and I like the neckline a lot.

Cutouts:
You have to be careful with cutouts because it can look like things have been ripped or they can border on tacky. So long as the dresses aren't too short, I really like the look.This one by Leyendecker is the holy grail of cut out dresses. It doesn't get better than this, stop trying.

Psst...

"Secret sales" are nothing new.
Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman have both been doing this pre-recession. People who spend a lot get "tips" on deals going on. The article goes on to point out that the whole point of luxury is to keep some people out. It has to remain exclusive to continue to be marketable. That's why I think the "secret sales" are a good idea. It's still exclusive, and it increases sales by more people (who have money) spending more. It also provides an "incentive" for those who do already shop at these stores to get a coveted invite to the sales.
All in all, it's still remaining exclusive.

Despite the discreet nature of these sales, experts warn that the luxury shopper, like the mass-market shopper, may get used to never paying full price for anything.

Which is basically what Donna Karan said at the Council of Fashion Designers of America last month. She explained that American consumers have been trained to buy things on sale. Which there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, it's stupid to pay full price.

With online shopping offering designer goods at greatly reduced prices, stores are going to have to keep up with that. There are many websites that are invitation only which offer the same thing stores do, but for better prices. It's a good idea for stores to follow this model. The invitations keep things exclusive, and the sales keep people shopping.