For the next two days, the elegant fashion icon of Oscar de la Renta is selling suits, evening gowns, jackets, and separates at up to 75 percent off.  A CFDA lifetime achievement award winner, he has dressed numerous First Ladies as well as  current A-list celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce Knowles.  Indulge in elegance (for a lot less!)  Don’t forget to enter in the giveway for a one-of-a-kind gown and personalized, signed sketch by the designer!

Through 6/18. 137 W. 52nd St., nr. Seventh Ave., fifth fl.

(917-533-8251); W (9–7), Th (9–6).

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Box clutches are an insane passion of mine. From Bottega Veneta to vintage, I find them to be the absolute most chic clutch a woman can carry, especially for evening. This Jeweled Box Clutch from Oscar de la Renta is a box clutch lover’s dream. Embellished with jewels on both sides, the purse has loads of depth thanks to the tonal details. Not just another little black handbag, this clutch has leather trim on the edges and closes with a substantial jewel closure. Proof that black does not always equal boring. The Jeweled Box Clutch retails for $895 and is available at net-a-porter.com.

$895 for this?!? You must be joking. If ever there was a case of the “emperor has no clothes,” it’d be this flimsy Oscar de la Renta Transparent Travel Tote. There’s nothing to it - and certainly nothing to warrant even a fraction of that price. The bag is made of clear PVC with white or black leather trim and gold hardware. You’re really just paying for the de la Renta name, but for $895 one would expect to at least have some actual material so your personal belongings aren’t on display. Nice try, Oscar.

$895 at Neimanmarcus.com

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This ornate Oscar de la Renta Satin Clutch may be conventionally beautiful, but there’s something a little uninspired and, frankly, out of touch about it. An older woman could easily get away with the dressy-dressy clutch (available in black or nude), but younger fashionistas can do better than the elaborate, questionable clear crystal brooch the bag sports. It’s certainly not hip or cutting-edge, that’s for sure. This semi-garish embellishment would have been better left to the Bob Mackie “Dynasty” gowns from whence it came. $795 at Neimanmarcus.com

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Usually when I hear the word “embroidered,” my mind summons up images of quaint “Home Sweet Home” pillows stitched up by Grandma herself. Thankfully this Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Leather Tote is a lot more stylish and cutting-edge than that. Available in cream or red, the geometric-shaped leather bag boasts intricate distressed floral embroidery that is striking and a bit exotic. It’s definitely not old-fashioned or cutesy, which so often happens with this technique. And who can resist the tortoiseshell-chain detail on the shoulder strap? This looks like a handbag you might have picked up in a faraway land, and is sure to garner lots of compliments.

Around $2k at Neimanmarcus.com

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In principle, I have nothing against this Oscar de la Renta Python Hobo. In reality, however, I feel that only residents of Miami or some other flamboyantly tropical destination can get away with carrying it. C’mon - it’s turquoise-tinted python! That’s not going to go down too well in black-is-best NYC, and it’s not even sold in California. Still, the camel leather trim and strap and tortoise logo plate are pretty hard to pass up…and it is an Oscar de la Renta. You could always buy it now and save it for your next South Beach vacation.

$2,850.00 at Bergdorfgoodman.com

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It doesn’t get much more unique than this. Oscar de la Renta makes even wicker a subject of fascination with this new wicker clutch. Available in your choice of exquisite gold or sharp white wicker, this clutch is just stunning. It features a kiss-lock closure and a top handle, two details that don’t usually team up - at least not successfully. Here, though, it all pulls together beautifully. The clutch is elegant, smart and stylish, perfect for casual lunches, dressy affairs and simple outings. Just look at it and imagine how well it will complement just about anything in your closet. Those kinds of purses are few and far between. This charmer is $595 at neimanmarcus.com.

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About two or three years ago Jessica Simpson came into the spotlight and made us realize that a girl can never have enough It Bags. This girl is probably one of the chosen few who can lust and actually purchase every It Bag she comes across. Here she is toting one of her new prized possessions, a beautiful and ornate Oscar de la Renta Bag. Although her outfit doesn’t go match her bag, I honestly don’t care. The Oscar de la Renta Bag is just beautiful enough to look at, too beautiful that our attention is veered away from her horrible outfit.

* photo courtesy of people.com

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Oscar de la Renta could make a bathrobe look exquisite, and his fall 2007 ready-to-wear show at New York’s Fashion Week was chock-full of stunning pieces. There was shimmery fabric, trim belted sweaters, both skinny and wide-legged trousers, lots of fur trim, and updated versions of houndstooth. It’s easy to see any of his designs transition perfectly into the office or on the street, and his tasteful coats were to die for. De la Renta’s evening gowns were especially beautiful, including one refreshing and youthful hot pink long belted column dress that contrasted nicely with his more classic long black gowns. It’s nice to see a male designer with a keen understanding of what women want, and de la Renta’s collection surpassed all expectation. Start saving those pennies, ladies.

Runway photos available at www.style.com.

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Oscar de la Renta offers his signature regal glam in this embroidered stirrup bag. The general shape of this Oscar de la Renta Stirrup Embroidered Shoulder Bag is casual enough, a simple shoulder bag that is easy to carry. However, this incredibly elegant leather bag has gold leaf embroidery, antiqued gold pailettes, crocheted gold metallic thread in an elaborate and intricate pattern all over the purse that is done by hand. When you pay for a luxury handbag, this is what you pay for, the hours and hours of workmanship that makes you, as the customer feel important. For a closer look at the artistry on this purse, stop by Bergdorf Goodman, or look online for some close-up photos.

$2,200 at Bergdorf Goodman

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posted: January 4th, 2007 comments: No Comments