Introducing Everly (Full Lookbook)

I was recently introduced to the L.A. based label Everly just a few weeks back and was charmed by the  simple, feminine looks that were designed by 2 sisters.  Iwas completely surprised when I later learned that the price point of the collection is well under $100 with pieces starting at just $46 for a dress!  The collection incorporates easy-to-wear wardrobe staples in animal prints, graphic chevrons, dots and zig zag stripe.

Although there are a couple of body con dresses most of the silhouettes skim over the body giving plenty of room for eating, moving and just life in general.  Everly just exudes that effortless kind of pretty but not trying to hard attitude that could take you from the everyday to a great date night look.

More Sample Sales This Week

Who: 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale
What: Discounts on Women's & Men's RTW, Accessories and Shoes. Cash & Major Credit Cards
When: December 1-2, 2011. Thurs noon-7pm, Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 260 West 39th St, 17th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Sunner Sample Sale
What: Score dresses, shirts, shorts, coats and jackets in silk, cotton and wool for under $100 a pop.  Current season samples + Fall Stock
When: November 30-December 1,  2011. Wed-Thurs 8:30am-7pm
Where: 265 West 37th St, 9th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 646-290-6409

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% Off Retail Prices on Dresses, Knits, Pants, Jackets, Costume Jewelry, and Belts. Dresses were $995-1495, now $495-675
When: November 30-December 2, 2011. Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Where: 224 West 30th St, 14 Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 212-947-9204 x 14

Who: Minnie Rose Sample Sale
What: Cashmere Sweaters 50-80% Off! Prices range from $15-$150. All sizes are available.
When: Novemeber 28-December 9, 2011. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun CLOSED
Where: 264 West 40th St, Suite 702 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Cullen Women's & Men's Holiday Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Sweaters for men and women originally priced between $90-$450 are now $10-$125. Choose from a great selection of quality cashmere, cashmere blends, and other novelty yarns, as well as one-of-a-kind samples. Sizes for women are XS-XL and men's sizes are M-XXL.
When: November 28-December 2, 2011. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 231 West 39th St, Suite 1016 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Echo of the Dreamer/Mars & Valentine Sample Sale
What: Discounts on jewelry and Kevin O'Brien scarves and pillows! As a bonus, they are offering 20% off all jewelry purchases over $150.
When: November 29-December 16, 2011. Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-4pm, Closed Sunday
Where: 242 West 30th St, 14th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Candela Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on seperates & shoes
When: November 29-December 1, 2011. Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 584 Broadway, Suite 1007 (nr Houston St)

Who: Yarnz Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Cashmere hats and gloves now $20-$30, was $70-$110. Cashmere scarves and wraps now $20-$80, was $90-$200, Cashmere sweaters now $30-$80, was $175-$350.
When: December 1-16, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm
Where: 260 West 36th St, Suite 201 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 212-868-5883

Who: Parker Sample Sale
What: Fall and Holiday inventory, samples, and overstock for past seasons. Credit Cards accepted on purchases of $200 and above. Silk pieces $75. Sweaters $50. Embellished & beaded pieces $100.
Jackets $125.
When: December 1-2, 2011. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 234 West 39th St, 3rd Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave).

Who: Rodarte Sample Sale
What: Super secretive sale with clothing and samples from the Mulleavy sisters
When: Thursday, December 1, 2011.
RSVP: Email andy@rodarte.net for location and other details.

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: Great deals on super-hip brands Won Hundred, Surface To Air, The Reformation, Oak, and more.
When: December 1-3, 2011. Thurs-Sat 10am-7pm.
Where: 676 Broadway, 2nd Floor (b/n Great Jones and Bond St)212-529-1407.

Who: Freshpair Sample Sale
Wat: Women’s and men’s underwear and intimates at a discount at the Freshpair Sample Sale. Women’s bras will be starting at $10, and underwear from $5. Mens underwear will be $3-$10. Cash only. Women’s brands include Hanky Panky, Wacoal, Le Mystere, Bali, Chantelle, Calvin Klein, Elle Macpherson, and more. Men’s brand include 2xist, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Gregg Homme, Emporio Armani, C-in2, Hugo Boss, and more.
When: November 30-December 2, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 611 Broadway, Suite 523.(b/n Bleecker and Houston St)212-505-6900 ext. 236

Next H&M Collaboration: Marni (Video + Photos)

Hot off the heels of a rabidly successful collaboration with flashly luxe brand Versace, H&M has done it again and scored another highly coveted collaboration with the Italian brand Marni. Consuelo Castiglioni is set to design a collection that will encompass Marni's signature prints (like polka dots!) and whimsical touches.

WWD announced today that the collaboration will be hitting 260 stores worldwide as well as online on March 8, 2012. Are you prepared for the madness that is sure to ensue?  Although we don't have online shopping available in North America yet, I see websites crashing in the near future.

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements”. Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director.

 “We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will do the same. Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of print and colour, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time, as a lovely statement for spring“. Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor H&M.

Now Wearing…

My trip back to Toronto was filled with the glorious kind of Fall weather that you only dream about.  Crispy, bright and not a cloud in the sky.  My outfit however is a little bit of a stormy ombre look – dip dye on dip dye why not?  I also threw in a tie dye tee that looks a little to me like a lightning tornado.  Wardrobe staples like my lace up boots that are getting pretty beat up and classic cardigan help anchor all the elements and keep the look from swirling out of control.

Tie Dye Tee – Norma Kamali

Dip Dye Fringe Skirt – Topshop

Classic Cardigan – Uniqlo

Dip Dye Tights – DIY

Rhinestone Bib Necklace – Courtesy of Mimi by Sorrelli

Eagle ring – Fallon

Lace Up Color Block Boots – Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sample Sales This Week: November 28-December 4, 2011

Who: Autumn Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off cashmere apparel and accessories.
When: Nov 28-Dec 2, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 231 W 39th St - suite 1111 (near 7th Ave)

Who: Katherine Kwei, Hunter Dixon, Marysia Swim Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off select items
When: Nov 29, 2011. 11am-7pm
Where: 611 Broadway - Suite 742 (near Houston St). 646.476.7665

Who: J. Crew Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off merchandise for men/women/children.  Daily restocking and through the sale!
When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 2011. Tues-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St). 212.725.5400

Who: L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers' Sample Sale
What: Discounts on fall and winter handbags.  CREDIT CARD ONLY!
When: Nov 29-Dec 1, 2011. Tues 8am-8pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 8am-6pm.
Where: 347 W 34th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Qi and Ainsley Sample Sale

What: Cashmere sweaters/dresses start at $50 and coats are $75-$125.

When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 2011. Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.

Where: 261 W 36th St (near 7th Ave).

Who: Derek Lam Sample Sale
What: Discounts on womenswear. The gold silk-lame blouse is $450 (was $1,490), striped flannel trousers are $250 (were $790) and the crinkle wool tank dress is $335 (was $1,090).
When: Nov 30-Dec 1, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where: 76 Mercer St (near Broome St)

Who: Botkier Online Sample Sale
What: Score up to 60% bags including styles like Trigger, Bianca, Brinks, Misha and more.  Plus - "Like" Botkier on Facebook and receive an additional 10% off!
When: Nov 30-Dec 2, 2011.  Starts at 9am on Wed Nov 30.
Where: Online

Who: Nicholas K Sample Sale
What: Score discounts on menswear and womenswear.  Samples are priced between $40-$180 while overstock merch is 60+% off.
When: Nov 30-Dec 4, 2011. Wed 11am-7pm, Thurs 10:30am-8pm, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Where: 809 Washington St (b/n Gansevort and Horatio St).

Who: Theory (Men's) Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off menswear.
When: Dec 7-Dec 10, 2011. Wed 12pm-8pm, Thurs-Fri (8am-8pm), Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 139 5th Ave - 2nd floor (b/n 20th & 21st St). 212.398.2777

Who: Theory (Women's) Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off womenswear.
When: Nov 30-Dec 4, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Where: 261 W 36th St - 2nd Floor (near 7th Ave)

Who: Gilded Age Sample Sale
What: Score 60-75% off menswear and accessories.
When: Nov 30-Dec 3, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-4:30pm
Where: 580 Broadway - 9th Floor, Suite 912 (near Houston St)

Who: Be&D Sample Sale
What: Up to 80 percent off. Convertible messenger styles are cut from $945 to $340, vintage carryalls with chain-link straps are $250 (usually $550) and braided-leather fold-over looks are chiseled from $398 to $180.
When: Nov 29-Dec 1, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 260 W 36th St - 8th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 212-290-1211

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What:  Up to 75% off womenswear and accessories
When: Nov 30-Dec 2, 2011. Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Where: 224 W 30th St - 14th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Shipley & Halmos Sample Sale

What: Deep discounts on menswear (this is the brand's first men's sample sale!). The Ruska Leather Jacket is $300 (was $850), the Harrison Cotton Blazer is $175 (was $415) and the Obama Chambray Woven Shirt is $75 (was $190).

When: Dec 1-3, 2011. Thurs-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-12pm-4pm.

Where: 8 Greene St (near Canal St) - 2nd floor.

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: 20-40% off labels including Iro, Surface to Air, The Reformation and Veda
When: Dec 1-3, 2011. 10am-7pm
Where: 676 Broadway - 2nd floor (near Bond St)

Who: Alexis Bittar Sample Sale
What: Deals on stylish jewelry.  CASH ONLY.
When: Dec 2-3, 2011. 9am-6:30pm
Where: 125 W 21st St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave).

Who: Amanda Uprichard Sample Sale
What: Discount on womenswear.  Silk dresses are $70 and silk blouses are $50.
When: Dec 2-4, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where:  5 Rivington St (at Bowery St).

Now Wearing...

The past few days in Toronto with Jeff and Erin has been the perfect mini vacation - lots of eating, walking, window shopping and lounging.

The city of Toronto is quite large in size and made up of many, many neighborhoods.  Kensington reminded me a lot of San Francisco with its hippie vibe and low key vintage shops.  The clothing and home decor boutiques, eateries and galleries of Queen Street West and West Queen West reminded me of Wicker Park, Chicago and west Chelsea in Manhattan.

There's basically no culture shock going from the States to Canada, but it's certainly fun to observe and experience the little differences like paying with a 2 dollar coin.  Overall, Toronto is kind of like Chicago but with hills, Monopoly-colored money and ketchup flavored potato chips.

Striped top - Zara
Skirt & pink belt - secondhand
Black booties - Rockport (packed these because the weather forecast originally included rain)
Neon satchel - The Cambridge Satchel Company

My friend Havy gave me this bag for my birthday back in June.  It was one of the sweetest gifts ever.  She ordered it monogramed directly from The Cambridge Satchel Co site.  If you're not looking to get it monogrammed, you can also order it from Mod Cloth (neon pink or orange) or ASOS (cracked neon yellow & handful of other colors are on sale).

I love the color and sturdiness of my Cambridge Satchel, but I will say that I'm disappointed with the buckles.  They're a pain to fasten and unfasten, and the neon around the buckles has already started to crack with very minimal use.  If this bag had faux buckles with magnets closures instead, it would be the perfect bag.  It gets compliments literally everywhere I go.

Thank you to Erin and Jeff for showing me their hometown and Havy for setting me up with a hot little bag for my travels.  And... obligatory, happy jumping photo!

Now Wearing…

So all summer long I was searching for the perfect sunburst pleated that wouldn’t break the bank.  After a lovely blue number that was in the window display at Zara I was just about ready to give up when I found exactly what I wanted, a maxi pleated skirt with short lining, at ASOS.  Since they ran out of the petite sizes, although I ordered this skirt a while ago, I finally had a chance to hem it on my trip home to Canada.  Since I’ve been in Toronto I’ve had a chance to catch up on sleep, play with kids and puppies (things absent from my NYC life) and eat lots of delicious food.  I’m thankful to have a chance to finally wear it while I spend my days catching up with friends and family.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Eiffel Tower Sweater Dress – Cacharel

Sunburst Pleated Maxi Skirt – ASOS

Lace Tights – Cynthia Rowley

Grey Leather Satchel – Botkier

Over-the-Knee Boots – Delman

Pom Pom Hat – No Name

Industrial Cocktail Ring – Courtesy of Mimi by Sorrelli

Tear Drop Link  Necklace – Courtesy of Mimi by Sorrelli

A Couple More Sales

If you're in the city for black Friday - here's a couple more options for you to choose from if you're in Soho.

Who: Aritzia Black Fiveday Sale
What: 10-50% off everything!
When: Nov 23-Nov 27, 2011. Closed Nov 24 for Thanksgiving. Wed, Fri-Sat 10am-9:30pm, Sun 11am-8:30pm
Where: 524 Broadway (at Spring St). 212-965-2188

Who: Philip Lim Sale
What: Up to 40% off select fall/winter merch.
When: Begins Nov 25, 2011.
Where: 115 Mercer St (b/n Prince & Spring)

Recycled Fashion: Vintage Finds

I love vintage shopping. Correction, I'm obsessed with vintage shopping.

1. Fashion recycles itself. Many runway trends borrow from previous decades.
2. It's fun. It's like a treasure hunt, and you can end up with something that feels one-of-a-kind.
3. It can be affordable. With some dedication and good luck, you can score some great deals.

In my last shopping post, I wrote a bit about the shopping in Chicago. The vintage shopping here is pretty great. It's less picked over than New York and full of gems. There are plenty of curated boutiques to browse and thrift stores to scour.

Here are a couple of my recent finds, inspired by items from my wishlist.

Whistles Hilda Leopard Collar Cardi, $170.72

I've become a bit obsessed with Peter Pan collars, specifically leopard, so I decide to buy a detachable collar that I could wear with a variety of cardigans and sweaters.

1940s collar from Etsy.com, $30

You can plenty of faux fur leopard collars on Etsy, both vintage and newly handmade for $20-$50. ModCloth has one that's a bit bigger than I would like, but priced under $20, it's an affordable option.

Collar of the Wild, $17.99

The other item on my wishlist was a pair of finely studded flats. Knowing that wearing heels daily isn't healthy, I find myself wearing heels more often than I'd like, so I've been on the hunt for a pair of classy flats.

Pour La Victoire Radley, $125.95 sale (retail $229.00)

Loeffler Randall Blaise, $325.00

Last weekend while I was helping my coworker search for jewelry to wear to a wedding, I came across these adorable vintage Anne Klein flats at Buffalo Exchange. They fit perfectly, so they were definitely meant to be!

1980s flats found at Buffalo Exchange Wicker Park, $14.00

For more vintage shopping tips, check out this old video from me and Erin entitled "How to Shop Vintage". It was one of our first videos, so it's a bit dated and sound quality isn't the best but the tips are still relevant!

Sample Sales This Week: Nov 21-27, 2011

Due to Thanksgiving, sample sales are on the lighter side compared to last week!  Good luck if you decide to hit up any Black Friday sales!

Who: Crumpler Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off bags and accessories.
When: Nov 25-27, 2011. 11am-9pm
Where: 45 Spring St (b/n Mott and Mulberry St). 212.334.9391

Who: Delicate Raymond Sample Sale
What: Discounts on jewelry.  Vintage monogram necklaces are $60 (were $165), mini cutout initials and charm necklaces are $10 (were $48).
When: Nov 25-26, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where: 470 7th Ave - #402 (b/n 35th-36th St)

Who: Midnight Madness Sale at Woodbury Commons
What: Extra savings and extended shopping hours.
When: Nov 25-27, 2011. Fri 12AM-10pm (the mall is open 22 hours STRAIGHT), Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 8am-9pm.
Where: 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY

Who: Simon Spurr/SPURR Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on great fitting menswear pieces. The sale has been extended until Tuesday (click here for last week's sample sale report) and everything is an additional 30% off!  
When: Now through Nov 22, 2011. 9am-6pm. 
Where: 210 11th Ave - Suite 903 (b/n 24th & 25th St). 212.796.5431 x 12

Toronto Bound....

I can't believe its Thanksgiving already. I'm still not used to the holiday falling in November vs October but c'est la vie! This year has literally flown by...and I'm looking forward to a full week of nothing! This year, Sugar Rock Catwalk is doing something different - we're all going to Toronto to spend the holiday! It's been a while since we've seen Lani Love so can't wait!

Since we'll be busy showing Lani where we come from, catching up with family and friends and binging on real Chinese food, our posts will likely be a bit on the sparse side next week. Hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving!

Sample Sale Report: Rebecca Minkoff

I quickly stopped by the Rebecca Minkoff sale after work on my way home. The new location is a bit larger than the SoHo counterpart but overall its still the same sale. Naturally handbags dominate the sale and are set up in rows of tables byt type of style lengthwise. There's a a few racks of RTW and a table of shoes in the front. No bag or coat check required! For a full price list - scroll to the bottom.

If your looking for the MAC clutch - take your pick - there are plenty of colors to choose from.  From reds to blues to tans, Rebecca Minkoff has you covered.  I didn't spot very many of the classic colors like black, chocolate brown or olive. The clutches are going for $180 a pop.

Same goes for the MAB and Mini MAC ($300-$325) - there's a sea of colors to choose from but the selection definitely leaned towards fashion colors.

If you're looking for a larger option, there's plenty of Nikki Hobo bags going for $300.

The entrance area was well stocked with zippered clutches and a few smaller bags. I was actually looking for the Mini Mac Clutch for my sister ($120) but they were out of stock. I spoke with one of the staff who let me know there was another shipment coming in for the weekend which may or may not have more of this particular style.

There's a few racks of RTW off to one side. Shoes were on display on one table near the front - if you want to try them on, there's a salesperson there who can help you find your size.

Here's some pics of the price lists:



Since the sale boast new styles being added every hour, it can't hurt to go back and have another look if you're a Minkoff fan.
Who: Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale
What: Score discounts on leather bags, accessories and RTW.
When: Nov 15-20, 2011. Tues 4pm-9pm, Wed-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Where: 14 W 14th St (near 5th Ave)