Lucky Magazine's Lucky Shops = Lucky, HAPPY Shoppers

Lucky Magazine is known for it's amazing reviews of trendy fashions, accesories and lifestyle items. This entertaining and informative print publication has introduced legions of women to designers, and retail and online shops readers might never have discovered on their own. I didn't make it to the press preview event on Thursday night (hopefully, next time) but on Friday, I joined the first group of eager shoppers from across the country for LUCKY SHOPS. The venue was the Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues in Manhattan--the "it" space for sample sales and fashion week runway shows. On Friday and Saturday, October 26th and October 27th until 7pm, it's the place to be to score amazing bargains on everything from fragrance to famous designer frocks.
This mammoth shop-fest, literally brings the pages of Lucky Magazine to life, with a veritable Fashion Week Designer display of clothes and accessories discounted into the realm of reason to purchase. There is a fee to attend ($75 on Friday in advance and $85.00 at the door/ $45.00 on Saturday in advance, $40.00 at the door) but the events can easily sell out fast.

Why spend money to spend money? Because the fee is really minimal when you consider the value of what's for sale. The designers are mostly high end, with names you can't help but recognize, such as Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Catherine Malandrino, Chloe, Cynthia Rowley, just to name a few. Everything is at least 50% off, with many items more 60-70% off. Even the online discounter, Bluefly featured high-end Prada, Gucci and more at even steeper discounts than the site usually offers. I spied a sterling and crystal ring from Lee Angel, for example, that was selling for a mere $24.00--that's less than wholesale! New and luxe, Botkier bags in perfect condition worth over $700 (some from Spring, some current) could be had for just $150--$375.00! Women were snapping them up at a rapid rate, and some had arms literally ringed with bags (well, the holidays are coming soon). Other features were a Lycra denim bar with designer jeans and an on-the-spot hemming service (jeans pickup in 30 minutes)! The Ultimate Closet and The Love, Recycled Boutique offers unique items from a variety of designers all in one place. I wish I had time to really check out the re-sale shop, apparently filled with collectible pieces from names like Balenciaga and Blahnick, from well-dressed and well-known women.


A nice touch (besides the great bargains) at Lucky Shops is the way shoppers purchase items. You select your item or items, someone at that booth puts them right into one of these re-useable, canvas, Lucky Shops tote bags. You get a slip with a number and your name on it. You take your "chit" to the cashier, pay for your item(s) and come back to pick up your purchase(s) already packed and ready to go in a LUCKY SHOPS tote. Although you have only one hour to complete the entire process, it, leaves your hands free to continue shopping, and to consider whether or not you really want that particular item. If you don't pay and return with your receipt, the item is put back into circulation for another LUCKY shopper. Just in case anyone was feeling a bit guilty about spending, spending, and spending: this season, a portion of proceeds from tickets and select merchandise sales will benefit Jessica Seinfeld's charity, Baby Buggy. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing NY families in need with essentials for their infants and young children.


The show was only open an hour when I began to see women amassing impressive collections of LUCKY SHOPS bags. But the totes were not the only bonus. Most of the designers had contests to enter, and Sunsilk was giving away full-sized bottles of their Sunsilk shampoos, conditioners and styling treatments for free, with a colorful fabric hairband (your choice of color). York offered full-sized tins of mints. Pom tea, Starbucks, Figi Water kept shoppers hydrated (it's pretty active work being in a bargain shopping environment and it does get hot, especially if you're carrying lots of bags). Free lounge area--priceless! On the way out, shoppers receive another bonus-- a Lucky Magazine goody bag featuring a bright orange, re-useable, LUCKY SHOPS tote. I'm assuming that each bag is slightly different but the offerings in my bag were a bit skimpy: another re-useable tote bag, socks from 9 West, nail polish, a nail file, a variety of fragrance and skincare samples including a small spray vial of "Covet" fragrance by Sarah Jessica Parker and a generous helping of discount coupons for future shopping. Then again, the tote is just an additional bonus...the awesome discount shopping is the real reason to attend.


Shopping in this type of environment is fun, but here are some tips: wear slim fitting clothes so you can try items on over them, carry a light purse and only what you need. Come early for the best selection, and bring credit cards. Sit down in the lounge areas and take a break, if only for a few minutes. Stay hydrated. Set an approximate budget before you go, and don't overspend what you can afford, no matter how great the price! There were plenty of groups of "girls" working the booths, together, and a fair number of what appeared to be mothers and daughters bonding through shopping. Single or in a group, this is an event that is not only fun, but a great way to save on items from designers you otherwise might only dream about owning.

Just in case you are wondering whether or not you want to attend the next LUCKY SHOPS event, here's a more complete list of designers --and remember--you'll get at least 50% off any probably, much more: Acne Jeans, Alexis Bittar, Alice Ritter ,Balenciaga ,BELLE by Sigerson Morrison , Bing Bang , Bluefly.com , Botkier , C.H.A.R.M , Catherine Malandrino , Charlotte Ronson , Chloé , Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker , Cynthia Rowley , Daryl K , Derek Lam , Designed To Shine Ring Collection , Devi Kroell , Diane von Furstenburg , Erickson Beamon
Fifi Tee , Foley + Corinna , Geren Ford , Giambattista Valli , Hanii Y , Havaianas , Helen Ficalora , Inca Girl , Inhabit , Innies ‘n outies , J Brand , James Colarusso , Jill Stuart , Kipepeo
Kipling , Kooba , Lacoste , Lauren Wolf , Lee Angel , Lela Rose , Lenny Swimwear , Levi's Capital , Lolli by Reincarnation , London Sole m Love, Recycled® , Lucky Brand , Marc by Marc Jacobs , Marc Jacobs Accessories , Matthew Williamson , Mblem , Michael Kors , Miguel Ases , MINT Jodi Arnold , MNG by Mango , Mulberry , Narciso Rodriguez , Nicholas K , Nine West , Onitsuka Tiger , Origins , Peter Som , Pierre Hardy , Rafe , Rafe for Chevy Malibu , Rebecca Taylor , Sari Gueron , Sass & Bide , See by Chloé , Serfontaine , Siwy , Stella McCartney , Sydney Evan , Tevrow + Chase , Theory , Theory Accessories , The Ultimate Closet , Thread Social , Timex® , Timi & Leslie , Tory Burch Accessories , Tracy Reese , Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent , Twinkle , Velvet , Vena Cava ---- visit http://www.luckyshops.com/ for information on the next event!