While you were all watching the Oscars on Sunday, ogling dresses like this one, and crinkling your nose at this, I was daydreaming about the new dress in my closet. Partly because I was bored by the "show" (with the exception of Hugh and the Pineapple Express boys' skit, I could've left it), but mostly because I now own a Carmen Marc Valvo. He hasn't dressed Michelle and he's not the belle of Bryant Park, but this designer is a master at modern eveningware. He's dressed Kate Winslet and Claire Danes—two celebs whose clean, sophisticated style I so admire—and he got his start with Nina Ricci, who is usually behind Reese's flawless ensembles.
Anyway, the dress. I found it at Saks Off 5th, where I was picking up handbags for a spring trends segment today on Twin Cities Live (tune in at 3pm). On a whim I wandered up to the third floor and found the following: 50 percent off already marked-down designer dresses. Apparently a slew of them were brought in especially for this rare promotion. Among loads of killer LBDs, red satin shifts, and gold sequin numbers was the perfect black silk, one-shoulder, knee-length Carmen Marc Valvo. For $30. That's 90 percent off retail. But the real beauty is that I would've wanted it for $600—a sign of a true bargain.
This sale is only on through TODAY, February 24. After that, the dresses return to their red-sticker prices. I plan on making another pass through the racks. Do say hello if you see me, but please know that no—I will not trade sizes with you.
Claire Danes in Carmen Marc Valvo
Another CMV design - on sale now at Saks Off 5th
Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 in Permalink
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Reader Comments:
I just wanted to tell you that you are fantastic on Twin Cities Live! I love your segments. You always have such good advice. Thanks for helping me out with fashion and beauty.
Thanks, Louwa! I have a lot of fun doing it. Please let me know if there's any topic you'd love to see us cover on TCL or in Minnesota Monthly.
Shoot! I missed it. I want to see a photo of the CMV dress! I could use a new LBD right now too. I wasn't into the one-shoulder thing and all of the sudden, I'm drawn to it. It's like a strapless,but won't fall down.
Dang! Well fret not - the dresses are now around $60, which is still a steal. And while I couldn't find of pic of my LBD, I know for a fact that there are plenty of these CMV little red dresses (pictured above) on the rack.
Good tip! I've heard the new LBD for spring is color, like this CMV dress. Can you comment? Also, your thoughts on the poofy bows at the Oscars -- will they make it to the Scene pages?
It's an extreme spring! Both nudes and blushes, and bold brights are big. Blue is really the color of the season, but you can't go wrong with red—it's a classic and looks good on everyone.
As for the bows, they only work when the placement is right. Who wants to add volume where you don't need it :)