Now Wearing...

Plaid is something I usually associate with the Fall season and lumberjacks! Lately perhaps because of my renewed love of the Fashion Bears (the lovable Costello Tagliapietra duo) I've been wanting to wear it in the summer time too. Fortunately this plaid top I picked up at a Savvy Sample sale for Torn by Ronny Kobo is super lightweight in a rayon blend jersey and perfect for the sizzling summer heat!

Plaid Tunic - Torn by Ronny Kobo
Cuffed Shorts - Club Monaco
Elastic Belt - No name
Chain Bracelet - Subversive for Target
Eagle Ring - Fallon
Textured Chain Necklace - DIY Piece of Chain tied with ribbon
Octagonal Heel Sandals - Stella McCartney
Nails - OPI Meet Me at the Star Ferry

Photography by James S. Rand

Sample Sale Report: Bendon Intimates

I went to the Bendon Sample sale today and I was amazed at the great prices and selection of pretty underpinnings. If they had more styles available in my size I think I could have easily gotten carried away. That being said I did walk away with quite a few things for a great price!

The sale was definitely well lit, spacious and had a variety of cute pieces displayed on the walls. It wasn't at all crowded during my trip and I had a very easy time navigating the very well organized boxes of merch on the tables that were arranged by size. I scarcely found something in the wrong box! Sizes of bras ran from 32A to 38J. Largest assortment in B, C, D and E.

As for bottoms they came in sizes S-L with more selection for S & M. Unfortunately compared to the bra's there were not as many bottoms to create matching sets. My method of shopping was to try on the bras I like and then sort through the bins to find anything that matches. Mismatches were put back into the bins.

Prices List was as follows:
Elle Macpherson
Bra $20 (normally retails for around $65)
Bottom $10 (normally retails for $26-35)

Stella McCartney
Bra $25
Bottom $15
Panty Pack $50

FayreForm
Bra $20
Bottom $10

Bendon Sport
Bra $20

Chemise $30 (Stella $40)
Cami $30
Short $15
Torsolette $10

Very small selection of Maternity Bra's for $20.

The largest selection for smaller sizes was definitely the Elle Macpherson line while larger sizes was primarily the FayreForm Line. Stella McCartney was the smallest selection of choices/size but also the greatest value.

As for fitting room, they have a communal fitting room out of the way of the shopping floor & prying eyes with curtained windows and mirrors available. As I was the only shopper when I stopped by I had all the privacy I needed. Staff was quite friendly and willing to help.

If you are in need of some pretty lingerie, this is a MUST go sale!

Who: Bendon Sample Sale
What: 50-75% off lingerie from Bendon Sport, Elle McPherson Intimates, DimitySO and Fayreform.
When: June 29-30, 2010. Tues 10am-7pm, Wed 10am-5pm
Where: 180 Madison Ave (b/n 33rd & 34th St) Suite 1702

NY Sample Sale Report: Tom Scott

Stopped by the Tom Scott Sale over lunch at the Fashion Incubator today. I was thrilled to see the spaces set up for the talented young designers were clean, bright and modern.

It was a small space but I was the only customer browsing the racks. There were only 2 racks altogether and they held a multitude of styles in sizes XS-L. The color palette was very sophisticated and predominantly neutrals: heather grey; charcoal; black; white; putty and nude. As for styles there were several sheer jersey leggings for $50 a pop as well as black, nude and charcoal seamed knee length leggings with fun zipper details. Also sheer jersey tees & dresses with panel details or cut outs ran from $75-125. Most affordable item I spotted was a lone pair of sheer fingerless gloves at just $20. There were also interesting textured knits at $125-200. In addition there were a few random inspiration samples included retro patterned sweaters, a shirt collar and a vintage cable knit.
Staff was very friendly and helpful. No “real” fitting room but they have a small nook behind a wall where you can have your own private dressing room and a large mirror by the racks where you can check yourself out in.

If you are into that downtown cool NYC aesthetic that is slightly reminiscent of the style of Jen Kao/Katie Gallagher this is a sale that I’m sure you’ll love to check out. While the prices are not rock bottom, it is still very affordable for the type and quality of the merch available. A very easy going relaxed shopping experience with not much competition. Sale runs til 8pm tonight!

Who: Tom Scott Sample Sale
What: Spring 2010 samples and one-of-a-kind items at discounted rates of $50-200 (was $380-900)
When: June 28-29, 2010. Mon-Tues 10am-8pm.
Where: 209 West 38th Street(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 304

Now Wearing...

Navajo print dress - Steven Alan
Nude crossbody bag - Botkier Venice Feed Bag
Wood cutout wedges - Target from a few years ago
Sunglasses - Forever 21
Studded leather cuff - Linea Pelle
Tan skinny belt & wood ring - secondhand
As I wrote on Twitter the other day, spring in New York is heavenly and summer is hell. The other night I couldn't sleep because my apartment was so hot I was sweating the entire night. Gross. Time to install an AC unit.

When it's hot out, I find myself wearing a lot of dresses. They're just so much easier and more comfortable than pants. This dress is one of my favorites. I usually wear it with some sort of skinny belt or sash to give it a little shape.

The belt was a thrift find. It's actually a size XL, so it loops around me one and a half times. I usually push the buckle to the side to "hide" it and tuck the extra length in front, so it looks a bit like a double belt.

And lastly the shoes, they're just a pair of $24.99 wedges I bought from Target a few years ago. I'm surprised they've lasted me this long. The thought crossed my mind to get them resoled because I love them so much, but the pleather is starting to peel. So my plan is to wear them into the ground and part with them at the end of summer - which will help me with my goal of trimming down my shoe collection. Whoo!
Photography by Randy Smith

Milly Cabana Contest

Boy, New York getting hot. To celebrate the arrival of summer, Milly is launching a Cabana Contest! They're giving away $1,200 worth of Cabana merchandise: a signature Milly paisley-print bandeau bikini, cotton lace cover-up, luxe terry cloth tote and matching beach blanket with detachable pillow.

For a chance to win, just go to Milly's Facebook page, click on the contest and enter your name and contact info. With temperatures rising, who wouldn't want to win some super cute swimwear and accessories?

The contest ends on July 2nd, just in time for the holiday weekend, when the lucky winner will be announced and also receive $1 toward millyny.com for every Milly Facebook friend in their network.

iLike: Funktional Zip Prairie Cutout Dress

Awhile back when Erin and I had the chance to preview Funktional's upcoming collection, and I fell in love with the silk prairie dress. It was so feminine with the open back and flowly fabric, but the black zipper and cutout shoulders made this dress fresh and edgey.
And now, the dress is now available for purchase! You can find it at Revolve Clothing and Nasty Gal for $118.

Sample Sales This Week NYC: June 28-July 4, 2010

Who: J.Crew Sample Sale
What: Women, Men & Kids summer apparel, footwear and swim. Huge selection of women's but limited assortment of Men's & Children's wear
When: June 28-July 1, 2010. Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: Clothingline. 261 West 36th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave)2nd Floor

Who: Bendon Sample Sale
What: 50-75% off lingerie from Bendon Sport, Elle McPherson Intimates, DimitySO and Fayreform.
When: June 29-30, 2010. Tues 10am-7pm, Wed 10am-5pm
Where: 180 Madison Ave (b/n 33rd & 34th St) Suite 1702

Who: Borghese Sample Sale
What: Top of the line high-end cosmetics and skincare at ridiculously low prices!
When: June 29-30, 2010. Tues-Wed 10am-3pm
Where: 10 East 34th Street(b/n 5th Ave & Madison)3rd Floor

Who: Rachel Comey Sample Sale
What: 50-60% off all merchandise including Womens Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, and Mens Shoes. Farer's Suit in Wicker Dots was $414, now $205. Alvaro Shoe was $322, now $160
When: June 30, 2010. Wed noon-8pm.
Where: 335 West 35th St(b/n 8th and 9th Ave) 7th Floor

Who: Christian Francis Roth
What: Cute and colorful spring dresses by the ’90s prodigy are 40-60 percent off.
When: June 17-29, 2010. Mon-Fri & Sun 11am-8pm. Sat 10am-8pm
Where: 464 Columbus Ave (b/n 82nd & 83rd St) 212-787-1980

Who: OAK NYC 30/40/50 Sale
What: 3 week sale of Clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. The discounts are now 40% off for wk 2 and starting July 2, will be 50% off.
When: Now through July 9, 2010.
Where: OAK NYC, 28 Bond Street (at Lafayette Street) 212-677-1293
OAK Williamsburg, 208 North 8th Street (b/n Roebling St & Driggs Ave)718-782-0521

Who: DCK Sample Sale
What: Costume jewelry - earrings, necklaces, beacelets, rings, hair accessorie and more. Merch will include pieces that are currently selling at Diva, Freedom and TopShop. Deals like 3 for $10 and 80% off select TopShop and Macy's styles
When: Thurs July 1 5-8pm, Fri July 2 noon-5pm, Sat July 3 10am-4pm
Where: 366 5th Ave, Suite 803 (between 34th & 35th St) 212-564-0217

Who: Tom Scott Sample Sale
What: Knitwear designer's spring 2010 offers samples and one-of-a-kind items at discounted rates of $50-200 (was $380-900
When: June 28-29, 2010. Mon-Tues 10am-8pm.
Where: 209 West 38th Street(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 304

Who: Diesel Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on men's & women's denim and separates.
When: June 29-30, 2010. Tues-Wed 10am-6pm.
Where: 220 West 19th St (nr 7th Ave) 2nd Floor

Who: Fendi
What: Women's ready-to-wear, handbags, small leather goods, and fur
When: June 29-July 1, 2010. Tues 3pm-8pm. Wed 8am-8pm, Thurs 8am-3pm.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Boutique on 57 hosts Cavalli, Pucci, Blumarine & More Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off Spring/Summer collections of women's ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags and jewelry. Sizes 0-14. Special bargain rack starting at $25.
When: June 29-July 1, 2010. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 12 West 57 Street (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) Suite 807. 212.247.2229

Now Wearing...

I bought these cargo shorts at the Charlotte Ronson sale a few weeks back and I love them because they had a very military sort of feel without being too literal. Anyways decided to pair them with some "tough" accessories and a simple yet interesting tank. Btw this braided pony tail has become my hot weather hair of choice! What do you think? Lani told me it reminds her of video game hair!

Cutout Racer Tank - Alexander Wang
Cargo Shorts - Charlotte Ronson
Studded Cuff - Linea Pella, gift from Lucky Mag
Leather Satchel - Botkier Tao Convertible
Eagle Ring - Fallon
Platform Sandals - Delman
Nails/Toes - OPI Meet Me on the Star Ferry (Hong Kong Collection)
Shoe Chains - DIY

Photography by James S. Rand

Forever 21 Times Square Flagship Opens

I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard that a new Forever 21 was coming to town. Not just any old Forever 21 but a four-level flagship that takes up 91,257 square feet of real estate in the heart of Times Square.

Truthfully Times Square fascinated me as a tourist but now that I live here, I don't usually venture into it unless I have an out of town guest or am headed to a show. Also, most Forever 21's in NYC (ie. Herald Square) can be a little bit of a disaster and didn't make for the most pleasant shopping experience. I'd usually hit up the Soho location to pick up a few great accessories but never had much luck with clothing as with all things great in the city was picked over by the time I could look.

Fortunately the Times Square location does it right. Located at 1540 Broadway (nr 46th St) the store is equipped with 151 fitting rooms, 32 cash registers and 500 employees. The hours are also unbeatable, 8am-2am, 7 days a week! The multi-level location with the boutiques withing store of each of the Forever 21 labels housed make it feel like a shopping empire that reminds me a bit of London's Topshop Flagship store on Oxford Street.

The displays are also great and try to incorporate a playful urban NYC feel. Expect these to change often as fashion and merchandise is expected to move faster at this location.

From the directory you can see that the Ground floor being the smallest level is devoted to the Latest Trends and doesn't look too different from other Forever 21's.

The lower levels however are an entirely different story! Accesories, Lingerie, Cosmetics and the contemporary labels find a home. Also important to note, menswear is available at this location. It doesn't usually go to every store and it often sells out quickly.

I found that despite the crowds I had a pleasant experience as there was still plenty of room to look around and browse. The store was bright and cheerful, the displays/fixtures showed off the huge assortment of merchandise well so it was easy to see. This is a store that invites and encourages shopping.

Despite being in Times Square, I think it's definitely worth the trip through tourists to shop the store. I'm actually excited at the prospect of late night shopping. I always thought it was awesome that in Asia you could shop around the clock at night markets and I'm glad that North America is getting a taste! I know I'll definitely be stopping by again in the near future when I have more time to browse...half an hour is definitely not enough for this store!

Talk Nerdy to Me: Nerd Boyfriend

Ladies, if you have a boyfriend or boy friend (funny how a little space can have such meaning), you might want to pass along a link to nerdboyfriend.com. It's a cute little blog with images of famous "nerds" and links to clothes and accessories for that look.

More Sample Sales This Week

In case all these sales weren't enough for you check out what else is coming up! Let us know if you stop by anything and what you get and follow us on Twitter to get the latest sale updates as they happen.

*CORRECTION* So sorry to anyone who tried to go to the Proenza Schouler sample sale! I've been having a hard week personally, work has been busy and my allergies going crazy, so it's been harder to think straight. I was going through the inbox and misread some dates thinking that the upcoming sale was this month instead of next. I usually try to post closer to the sale dates to keep them fresh in you memory. I'll try harder to double check dates and bring you reliable sale info. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience. Forgiveness please! xoxo - Erin

Who: Proenza Schouler Sample Sale
What: Resort & Spring merch starting at just $70
When: July 21-22, 2010. Wed-Thurs 9am-6pm
Where: 495 Broadway (b/n Spring & Broome St) 8th floor

Who: Me & Ro
What: 50% off on silver & gold jewelry, 70% off platinum jewelry
When: June 23-24, 2010. Wed noon-7pm, Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 13 Crosby St (near Howard St) 2nd floor. 646-747-5900

Who: Elise Øverland
What: Up to 60% off spring/summer 2010, up to 75% off archival pieces
When: June 23-24, 2010. Wed-Thurs 9am-6pm
Where: 601 West 26th St (b/n 11th & 12th Ave)suite 1515. 212-239-4004

Who: Jay Godfrey Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off!
When: June 22-27, 2010. Tues-Fri 9am-7pm. Sat-Sun 11am-7pm
Where: 260 5th Avenue (b/n 28th & 29th St) 6th floor

Who: Rolando Santana Sample Sale
What 50%-60% off womenswear. Now priced $50 to $125.
When: June 23-25, 2010. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 306 West 38th Street (b/n 8th & 9th Ave) Suite 603

Topshop Tour Bus Hits NYC

Remember that fun Topshop van that everyone was following just before Topshop opened it's doors last April? Well now that they've been in town for a while they decided to continue to promote the store on wheels, this time taking a tour bus on the road packed full of activities and keys to get you to visit the store.

Who: Topshop
What: Topshop will have a tour bus travelling the city to different offsite locations for various planned activities. Also, to get you to visit the store, 400 special keys will also be given away. Be sure to mark your calendars, one special key will unlock a wardrobe at the TOPSHOP store to reveal a daily gift. Activities include Makeovers, Personal Shopping & Customization!
When: June 23-26, 2010. noon-7pm Wed-Sat. In addition vistors to the Topshop store during the tour dates who spend $80 or more will receive an exclusive gold chain key necklace!
Where: Various locations across NYC as listed below.

Wednesday June 23, 2010. MAKE – UP MAKEOVERS @ Union Square
Makeovers, video tutorials, live tutorials, tips & tricks. The first 100 visitors to the Tour Bus win a free make up bag! The first 400 receive special keys, but only one key, opens the wardrobe at the TOPSHOP store that holds a beauty box of goodies for the lucky winner!

Thursday June 24, 2010. PERSONAL SHOPPING @ Washington Square Park
On the Tour Bus! - TOPSHOP’S ever so stylish Personal Shoppers will be on hand to provide trend tutorials, key looks and insider fashion summer tips and tricks. The first 400 visitors receive special keys. Try your hand at opening the wardrobe for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree and an appointment with one of our Personal Shoppers!

Friday June 25, 2010. CUSTOMIZATION @ McCarren Park
Make, Mend & Customize. Rejuvenate your summer wardrobe with NY stylist Whitney Fierce. TOPSHOP provides the white tees and Whitney provides the tips on how to re-do and makeover your style. Be the first 400 visitors and receive special keys to try your luck at winning a collection of limited edition TOPSHOP dresses.

Saturday June 26, 2010. POP UP SUMMER @ TOPSHOP
Come join us for a bit of island fever, just outside the TOPSHOP store. Put your feet in the sand, lounge and listen to live music. Gone shopping? For any spend over $50, refresh and rejuvenate with a glass of frozen lemonade from the tour bus. Be sure to come on down; on this final tour date, 400 keys will be given away, but only one will unlock the wardrobe to reveal a $250 summer spree!

*Keys will be color-coded each day; keys must be tried the same day they are distributed.

NY Sample Sale Report: Sunner

Stopped by the Sunner sale over lunch! Unfortunately they wouldn’t allow photography save for the price list. Nothing over $50. Not too crowded but the staffers are anticipating that the sale won’t last through tomorrow as merch is moving quickly. There is about 8 -10 racks of merchandise, 3 bins and a huge table full of plaid shirtdresses that are full of various sizes from 0-10 and XS to L. Sizes had a tendency to run on the small end of things. A rack full of wool coats yielded many a cute style. Mostly plaid variations and some with cropped sleeves that looked a bit cape like in a cool Sherlock Holmes kind of way. If you are looking for an adorable romper, this is your sale there were plenty of options. I especially loved one romper that had a ruffled collar and looked like the top had a Victorian feel. Many classic Sunner tops and dresses w/ ruffled halter neck available.

I really feel like the selection and quality of fabrics has improved drastically since previous sales with softer cotton lawns and a nicer silk with more body used in most of the styles. By far the best deal I thought were the silk pants w/ elasticized waistband for $25. I picked up a pair in olive but only a few pairs were left when I left.

Be warned, no fitting rooms and no designated fitting area, so it’s a free for all and just one large mirror to check yourself out in. Happy Shopping! Go soon if you want to get something. Esp silk dresses, wool cutesy coats or rompers.

Who: Sunner Sample Sale
What: Nothing over $50 on Sunner jumpers, tunics, coats and more
When: June 22-23, 2010. Tues-Wed 8:30am-7pm
Where: 265 West 37th Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 9th Floor

Now Wearing...

White studded burnout tee - Lucca Couture
Green skirt - Seneca Rising
Metallic mini messenger - Madewell
Black bonjour necklace - Alex & Chloe
Multi-color tribal print wedges - Cynthia Vincent for Target
I was out in Maryland this weekend for a little time away from the city. I was rural town, but we drove out to the big mall to see Toy Story 3 Saturday night. Nothing says suburbia like a man-made lake and paddle boats.
My sister bought me these Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges for my birthday! It really was the sweetest gift ever. They sold out pretty much instantly online and were nowhere to be found at the Brooklyn Target. My sister scoured multiple Targets in southern California to track these down for me. I love them so much! Love, love, love!
The funk pattern and bright colors are so perfect for summer, and they fit perfectly. They're incredible comfortable and light weight. My only complaint is that they're not going to last past these season. As with many cheap mass produced shoes, the quality is rather poor (velcro closures and thin rubber soles), and at the rate I'm going they're going to be completely soiled and destroyed by September. Oh well, I'm so happy to have them even if just for a few months!

Pictures taken with HTC Droid Incredible

Preview: Neurotica Fall Winter 2010 Lookbook

Browsing through Neurotica's new lookbook, I started to get excited at the thought of fall and winter. This collection titled "Thief in the Night" stays true to Neurotica's signature look of soft jersey and hand-illustrated prints.

These are my favorite looks from the lookbook. A hood with cat ears is obviously a little kitschy, but I think the ears on this piece are subtle enough for everyday wear, especially when compared to the bunny ears popping up at mass market retailers like TopShop and Forever21.

The bottom photos, I'm in love with drapey pants. I have yet to find a pair that work on my shorter frame, but I may give these a try when they hit stores. If not the pants, I will definitely consider the circle scarf - or "snood" (hood + scarf) if you must. And of course, I'm in love with the cape dress. You know how much I love capes!

The pom pom necklace (top left) is part of an accessories collaboration with textile artist Gemma Marissa. Neurotica can be found in the US at Reward, OAK, Pixie Market, Acrimony, Buy Definition, Candystore and 80's Purple.

Custom Eco-friendly Printed Fabric: Spoonflower

My good friend Mike Wechsler introduced me to a crafter's dream, spoonflower.com. At Spoonflower, you can design and print your own fabric! They use eco-friendly textile printing, and everyone who uploads their own design automatically qualifies for the 10% designer discount.

Custom printed fabrics would obviously be great if you want to design your own garments, but for the beginner DIYer, basic home decor items like curtains and pillows would be super easy and fun to sew.

If you're not a designer, there is a huge collection of designers to browse through. It reminds me a bit of Threadless. Here are a couple of my favorites, which just happen to both have birds.


Multi-Owls by petunias


Doves by troismiettes

Now Playing: Dancing On My Own

Maybe you're already a fan of Swedish pop star Robyn. Personally I've enjoyed some of her songs in the past but really I think it's this one that has captured my heart. Dancing On My Own is a track hot off her new album Body Talk PT 1 that was released on June 14, 2010.

She describes it as a song inspired by her "love of inherently sad, gay disco anthems such as Ultravox’s Dancing With Tears in My Eyes, Sylvester and Donna Summer. I just know that not only is this track dancable but the lyrics are totally relatable. I'm sure that this song is bound to become one of my fave new tracks this summer!

You can stream her whole album here myspace.com/robynmyspace

Hope you enjoy!

Sample Sales This Week NYC: June 21-28, 2010

Who: Eugenia Kim Sample Sale
What: Super cute men's and women's hats and hair accessories- including runway, samples, and one of a kind styles all at 50-75% off! Eugenia will be also be personally designing and trimming 100 one-of-a-kind straw hats just for the sample sale! Come and get a unique Eugenia Kim original, not sold in stores!
When: June 22-25, 2010. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 347 West 36th Street, Suite 502

Who: Catherine Malandrino
What: Designer shorts are $45 (reg. $245), dresses are $145 (reg. $495-$695), and tops are $95 (reg. $325).
When: June 21-23, 2010. Mon 10am-9pm, Tues-Wed 8am-8pm
Where: 123 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Loomstate and Rogan Sample Sale
What: Over 75% off casual cool gear for men & women
When: June 23-25, 2010. Wed-Fri 8am-8pm
Where: Rogan/Loomstate Showroom, 91 Franklin Street (b/n Church & Broadway)

Who: Sunner Sample Sale
What: Nothing over $50 on Sunner jumpers, tunics, coats and more
When: June 22-23, 2010. Tues-Wed 8:30am-7pm
Where: 265 West 37th Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 9th Floor

Who: Cinzia Rocca sample sale
What: Prices are below wholesale on women's jackets and coats (sample size 6), children's coats (sizes 4 to 8) and accessories
When: June 21-25, 2010. Mon-Thurs 9:30am-5pm. Fri 9:30am-1pm
Where: 30 Central Park South (nr 6th Ave) penthouse

Who: Prairie New York Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off wholesale prices on spring/summer collection. Prices start at $10.
When: June 21-25, 2010. Mon 3pm-7pm. Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm. Fri 11am-2pm
Where: 306 West 38th St (nr 8th Ave) 2nd fl. (212-967-8166)

Who: IRO Sample Sale
What: Discounts on uber chic French line.
When: June 22-24, 2010. Tues-Wed 10am-7pm.
Where: Simon Showroom, 95 5th Avenue (at 17th St) 3rd Floor

Who: Carlos Falchi Sample Sale
What: What: Up to 70% off purses, handbags & clutches
When: June 22-23, 2010. Tues 10am-7pm, Wed 10am-5pm
Where: 260 West 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 7th floor

Who:Scatola Showroom Sample Sale
What: 60-80% off on merch from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Iodice, IMPROVD, and more
When: June 22-25, 2010. Tues-Fri 10am-8pm
Where: 544 West 27th St (near 11th Ave) 6th floor

Who: Oonagh by Nanette Lepore
What: First ever sample sale for Oonagh. Dresses $85, skirts $65, and shorts $30. Everything is under $100
When: June 23-24, 2010. Wed-Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 225 West 35th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 4th floor

Who: Rag & Bone Sample Sale
What: As listed or below on T-shirts $45, denim $95, dresses $175, and jackets $225
When: June 24-27, 2010. Thurs-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat noon-6pm, Sun noon-5pm
Where: 75 Ninth Ave (near 16th St)

Sample Sale Report: Vena Cava

Stopped by the Vena Cava sale after work in hopes of finding a great sample but unfortunately was too late. The sample bit was quite ravaged and not much remained save for some odd chunky rib sweater tanks, a hoodie scarf and a t-shirt dress that was in need of some repair. Perhaps only 6 or 7 items left altogether but at $20 a pop I'm not surprised they were all gone.

The crowd was moderate so it made for easy shopping although there is no real changing area, most girls tried on just by the entry way near a large mirror.

The selection is limited to 5 racks but there is a great variety of styles and staff reports that additional sizes are available. Staff was friendly and helpful. Important to note that the sale is cash only for purchases under $300 and even if you use a credit card, credit card fees apply.

All belts and jewelry seem to have vanished by the time I got there just before closing. Shoes priced at just $75 are still available but with only 10 pairs or so left. They are various sizes from 6 1/2 to 10 but with a tendency to the upper end of the spectrum.

Super cute were these jersey tee-shirt dresses with great safetypin neck pieces attached! They were available in multiple sizes! These dresses are super lightweight and perfect for summer plus no think dressing as they come already accessorized and ready to go!

Also on this table were some black knit body con dresses that reminded me of the old 90210 for some reason (perhaps because I could totally picture Kelly wearing them!).

Small selection of Faux fur gillets, suede jackets with cropped sleeves and super cute assymetrical vests.

For screen printed tanks I only saw a handful of them and they were plain white racer back with black logo & graphic print that looked reminiscent of the Vena Cava x Gap collaboration. Also fun were the tees that looked like the edges were pierced by hoop earrings.

There were a few overstock styles from Barneys x Vena Cava exclusives available also.

Overall great prices and selection, although sizes tended to be on the small end. Mostly XS-Medium. Don't expect rock bottom prices but very reasonable for Vena Cava. Do check it out if you're a fan!

Who: Vena Cava
What: Silk dresses $175 (was $450-$500). Samples and one-of-a-kind pieces are $40.
When: June 17-19, 2010. Thurs-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm
Where: 457 Broome St(b/n Greene & Mercer St) Suite 2f (buzzer #3)