Sample Sale Report: Matt Bernson

So I almost never end up in Tribeca and although I've lived in NYC for about 5 years now the area still manages to confuse me. Once I got off the train I had trouble determining directions and found myself wandering for a while and wondering if I should give up my search. Fortunately I persevered and I found my way to the sale. Make sure you stop by an ATM before you head over as this sale is CASH ONLY.The location had a vague warehouse look to it as boxes and boxes of shoes were lining the walls and sorted by size. If you are a size 5 there are a few pairs worth digging through the boxes to find. If you are a size 11 even smaller offerings, but if you are a size 6-10 the world is yours. Granted there may be some digging and a bit of struggle to match up separated pairs of shoes but the staffers were busy at work matching them up again with rubber bands to maintain order. And at the end of your searching you will find plenty of gems including clogs, wedges and espadrilles for just $40 a pop. These shoes are extremely comfortable!

There are about 4 chairs for sitting as you sift through your finds and a lone mirror to review your purchases but it was sufficient. The sale was buzzing while I was there in the late afternoon and shoes were moving quickly as nearly everything is just $40 including short boots. If you are looking for some bright and fun leather studded cuffs they will set you back just $10 but at the top end of the spectrum tall shearling boots for $100 each. The short darling zip front variety however only will set you back $40.

There is also an assortment of shoes at the back table displayed where staffers can check in the back for additional sizes as long as you are sizes 6-10.

There is also a table in the front with boxes of the $10 studded cuffs and quite a few Gold Bar bags that are really kind of tongue-in-cheek fun for $40 a pop.

If you are looking for some high quality shoes (many are leather sole) head on over and pick up some super cute merch at not to be missed prices.Here is what I snagged for myself.

Who: Matt Bernson Spring Sample Sale
When: Sandals, boots, and wedges start at $40. Cash Only.
When: April 29-May 1, 2011. Fri-Sun 11am-6pm
Where: 450 Greenwich St (nr Vestry St)

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Richard Chai for Original Penquin Launch

Yesterday marked the launch of the Original Penquin x Richard Chai collaboration that I mentioned last fall. There are three pieces comprised of one solid colored cardigan, one color blocked cardigan, and one short sleeved polo. The items are available online or in select stores (SoHo and Midtown location included).

First up is the solid colored cardigan. It's available only in grey and retails for $195.

The second color blocked cardigan comes in two colors (grey/cream and cream/grey) and retails for $135.

The last piece for this capsule collection is a short sleeved polo. It comes in three colors, washed grey, blue and pink. The polos retail for $95 a pop.

I ended up stopping by the Penguin store after work by 39th & 6th to take a closer look at the pieces and grab a couple pics. The washes on the polos were amazing and were uber comfortable, but ended up being a bit too long on me so I decided to pass. I wish they sold more of this collection in the States but oh well... c'est la vie! Guess I'll just have to wait for the fall collection to drop.

If you're in London by any chance, there are 6 different pieces up for grabs (versus 3 in the US) at Selfridges.

A Closer Look: Mr. Powers

A couple weeks ago I posted about the upcoming launch of Mr. Powers - Cynthia Rowley's menswear line. Thanks to the lovely folks at Cynthia Rowley, I got a closer look via the line charts for the upcoming fall collection set to launch this July.

The collection will house several button down cardigans which range in price from $265-$275. I think the cabin sweater with the broad collar is my fave of the lot since the weave of the knit adds texture and a geometric feel to the piece.

Continuing on with sweaters, the collection will house some v-necks and a square patterned piece which will retail for $275-$295.

Shirts will range anywhere from $165-$230.

Tweed chesterfield and velveteen cigar jackets will retail for $495-$595. These are one of my faves from the fall collection. There's just something about a great jacket that I love. The cigar jacket looks pretty dope with the trim - so I'm definitely planning on checking it out once the line drops.

Outerwear pieces range from $195 for the puffer vest to $595 for the down piece. The majority of the other jackets are set to retail at $495.

In addition to the cigar jackets, the other thing that I'm really digging from this collection are the Ts. Stripes are always a plus in my book and I lovethe color combo of the white/grey/orange in addition to the variation in the stripe sizes. The marbalized T has an amazingly organic and fluid print which just plain rocks. Both will retail for $125.

Last up are accessories. Striped socks are priced at $18, wool hats at $95, and belts at $125.

Can't wait until July when I can check out these pieces in person!

UK Style by French Connection Giveaway

So a couple of weeks ago I was introduced to the line UK Style by French Connection. Honestly, I haven’t looked at clothing at Sears in quite a few years and was pleasantly surprised by their new collaboration with French Connection. The retailer paired with the brand to create a line of super affordable clothing for Men, Women and Children. I had a chance to check out the well priced line in-person and pick out an outfit from the Spring/Summer 2011 closet to giveaway to all of you lovely readers.

Honestly, I was super impressed by the satin ruffle top and all the detailing it included including inset lace considering the retail price of just $36.90 so that was the basis for this outfit. I also am a fan of baby doll tops because they are great for going out and knowing that you can eat til your heart’s content. To pair with the top since I am a fan of grey wash denim, I picked a super cute cropped pair that retail for $29.90. Since I didn’t want a completely monochromatic look, I thought I could liven it up for Spring with a super soft jersey cardigan in a fresh green tone.

For your chance to win this outfit- the jeans, blouse and cardigan – (accessories not included) just like us and UK Style on Facebook. Then Like the post about the giveaway. Just so you know, the top is a size XS, and the jeans are a size 4. Unfortunately there can be no size substitutions. Enter by May 5, 2011 (contest only open to those with valid US mailing address).

All photography courtesy of the wonderful James S. Rand.

More Sales This Week!

Who: White + Warren Sample Sale
What: Snag luxe cashmere at a discount
When: April 28, 2011. Thursday 8am-7pm
Where: 80 West 40th St (near 6th Ave) 6th floor

Who: Freshpair
What: Stock up on Men's and women's underwear, bras, and loungewear. Buy two, get one free.
When: April 28-29, 2011. Thurs-Fri 1pm-6pm
Where: 611 Broadway (at Houston S) suite 523

Who: A.P.C. Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on Men’s & Women’s Clothing
When: April 30, 2011. Noon-7pm
Where: The Invisible Dog, 51 Bergen St (b/n Court & Smith St) Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Who: Montblanc
What: Discounts on luxury accessories, including leather bags and the brand's signature pens
When: April 28-29, 2011. Thurs 8:30am-5:30pm, Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Where: Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Ave (b/n 50th and 51st St) 4th Floor

Who: Jill Platner Sample Sale
What: Pick up metal baubles and sculptural necklaces and bracelets. Take advantage of discounts on her one-of-kind jewelry pieces, classics collection, current spring line, and more—including pieces from Jill's personal archives.When: April 29-May 1, 2011. Fri-Sun noon-7pm
Where: 113 Crosby Street (b/n Prince and Houston St) 212-324-1298 and online at jillplatner.com.

Who: Brooklyn Kitchen Sidewalk Sale
What: Up to 40% off on kitchen accessories from brands like Le Creuset and All-Clad
When: April 29-May 2, 2011. Mon–Fri noon–8pm, Sat 10am–8pm, Sun noon–5pm
Where: 100 Frost St (at Meeker Ave)Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 718-389-2982

Who: Slane Jewelry
What: Up to 50% off on Archive and one-of-a-kind styles.
When: April 28-29, 2011. Thurs-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 48 W. 25th St (nr 6th Ave) 11th Floor

Nick Von K at Nicole Miller's Soho Store

Last night Erin and I had a chance to hit up the Nick Von K showing (New Zealand jewelry designer) at the Nicole Miller store in SoHo. We had a chance to scope out Nick's jewelry up close and examine the amazing craftsmanship behind the pieces.

Erin had a quick chat with both Nicole and Nick so here's her take on that:

Had such a fun time at the Nicole Miller store the other night where we got to meet Jewelry designer Nick Von K. It's interesting because last time I met Nicole Miller she was wearing some of his very distinctive pieces and since I couldn't keep my eyes off of them, I was compelled to ask about them, and tonight she was wearing the very same pieces we first saw. The two designer's met at New Zealand Fashion Week a few season's back and Ms Miller ended up buying several pieces personally.

Nick tells me that when Nicole Miller first suggested bringing some of his pieces Stateside he found it an interesting combination. He was a little surprised at first "because Nicole's clothes are so elegant" it is a stark contrast to the subject matter of his jewelry. I personally find the contrast to be refreshing and each bringing more life to the other. Although the subject matter includes things like skulls, skeletons, bones and snakes the craftsmanship behind each piece is painstakingly refined. The level of detail of each piece is amazing.

On to the accessories:

The majority of the items were necklaces with one main pendant/charm. While the pieces are not loud by any means, they definitely make a statement. Overall, you can tell that there is great care, attention to detail and a delicacy involved in the execution of this accessory line. Below are a few of my favorite pieces that I saw.

The level of detail is simply stunning on these items. The intricacy of the pieces can only be truly admired up close once you get a chance to examine each item in detail with all the carvings, etchings, patinas and grooves. The gold piece in the top left corner is actually meant to be a hummingbird skull!

The other thing that I thought was absolutely stellar were the chains used on about 85% of the necklaces. They were rectangular links of the highest quality and aesthetic and just elevated each piece that much more. Often times the chain on a necklace takes a backseat to the focal point of the accessory but here, the chains used hold their own and just serve to compliment whatever creation they carry.

There were also a couple cases of jewelry composed mostly of earrings and rings which share the same qualities as the rest of the collection.

If you're looking for some amazing pieces to add to your collection, stop by the Nicole Miller store in SoHo and have a look.