NYC Sample Sales: January 13-19, 2014

Who: BCBG, Hervé Léger
What: Deep discounts on women's clothing from BCBG Max Axria, Herve Leger, and Max Azria. The sale will include merchandise from all seasons and in all sizes, with prices at wholesale and below.
When: Jan 13-16, 2014. Mon-Thurs 11am—7pm.
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th St (b/n 7th and 8th Aves), second floor (212-947-8748)

Who: Hunter Bell
What: Contemporary women's clothing at a significant discount with all merchandise priced at $50.
When: January 15-16, 2014. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 152 West 36th St (b/n 7th Ave and Broadway), Suite 206

Who: Honor
What: Up to 75% off the Pre-Fall/Fall 2013 collections. Prices for blouses from $135, pants from $165 and jackets from $450. Check out this previous sale report for what to expect.
When: January 15-16, 2014. Wed-Thurs 10am—7pm.
Where: 48 West 25th St (b/n 6th Ave and Broadway), 12th floor

Who: Mikimoto
What: Up to 70% off women's jewelry from the jeweler that specializes in cultured pearls.
When: January 15-17, 2014. Wed 11am-7pm, Thurs 10am—7pm, Fri 10am—5:30pm.
Where: 680 5th Ave (b/n 53rd and 54th St)

Who: Cruciani
What: Cruciani, the leader in cashmere in Italy, will have 65%-75% off men's and women's fall/winter and spring/summer ready-to-wear. Prices range from $80 to $300.
When: Jan 16-17, 2014. Thurs-Fri 10am—8pm.
Where: 41 West 57th St (b/n 5th and 6th Aves), 5th floor

Who: Cocolico
What: Up to 70% off shoes, with most prices below $200. The sale will include fall boots, booties, and wedges, as well as spring sandals, heels and flats.
When: Jan 17-18, 2014. Fri-Sat 11am—6pm.
Where: 670 Broadway (b/n Great Jones and Bond St)

Who: Fivestory
What: 60%-80% off women's and men's clothing, shoes, jewelry, and acessories. The sale will also include children's clothing and home goods. Brands include Alexander Wang, Nina Ricci, Balmain, Carven, Preen, Peter Pilotto, Comme des Garçons, Acne, Sacai, and more.
When: Jan 17-22, 2014. Fri 10am—7pm, Sat—Sun 11am—6pm, Mon—Wed 10am—6pm.
Where: The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery (enter at the side entrance on 3rd St)

Who: Cynthia Rowley
What: Up to 85% off women's clothing, including pieces from the current collection. All merchandise will be under $99, and handbags and shoes are $79. A double knit dress with leather and a black combo mesh dress are both $99.
When: Uptown January 17-20, 2014. Fri-Mon 10am—7pm. Downtown Jan 23-26, 2014. Thurs-Sun 11am-8pm.
Where: Uptown 43 East 78 St (b/n Madison and Park Ave), 212-288-1141. Downtown 373 Bleecker St (b/n Charles and Perry St), 212-242-3803.

Who: Scoop NYC Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 80% off men's and women's clothing, outerwear, shoes and handbags. Brands include Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang, John Varvatos, Paul Smith, and more. The sale will also be available online
When: Starts January 17, 2014. Mon—Sat 11am—8pm, Sun 11am—7pm.
Where: 473-475 Broadway (b/n Broome and Grand St) 212-925-3539

NYC Sample Sales: January 6-12, 2014

Happy New Year! Hope that you had a wonderful one spending it with your friends and family. I spent my holidays in Dallas/Fort Worth and Toronto and made it back in time to beat the storm Hercules into town. After some family time and rest I was excited be back at home and sleeping in my own bed again. Despite the comforts of home, 2014 decided to kick me in the bottom, literally. After catching a cold and falling down some subway stairs in a clumsy desire to get back in the rush of things, I've spent the weekend feeling sluggish with bruised bottom to boot. Guess maybe 2014 is a time to take time and remember to take things slower. Sample sales thankfully are off to a slow start this year but there are still a few to look forward to in the next couple weeks.

Who: Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale
What: Over 7,000 pairs of women's designer shoe and boots by Tory Burch, Tom's, Cole Haan, Ugg's, Via Spiga, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Michael Kors, Kors, B Attwood, Converse, Frye, Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade, Zalo, Cynthia Rowley, Calvin Klein, Converse, Aquatalia, Moschino, Steve Madden, Fontini Baker, Andre Assous Minnetonka, Jack Rodgers, Shute, Vince, Mk Bennet, Aerin Lauder, Sigerson Morrison, Belle, Vince Camuto, Fly London, Dr. Martin, Hudson, Lola Cruz, Lucchese, Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Fitflops, 1000 pair of waterproof boots, and many others. All boots and booties are priced $50, $75, $100, $150 and $199, all shoes are $25, $50, $75 and $99.
When: Jan 2-7, 2014. Mon-Tues 9am—7pm
Where: 1356 Broadway (between 36th and 37th Sts)

Who: Circle Showroom
Deal: Up to 90% off maternity clothes and nursing tops and dresses. By five items and get two (of equal or lesser value) free. CASH ONLY.
When: Jan 6-10, 2014. Mon—Wed 9:30am—5pm, Thurs 9:30am—12pm and 3pm—5pm, Fri 9:30am—3pm.
Where: 347 West 36th St b/n 8th and 9th Aves, suite 601 (212-268-1152)

UPCOMING SALES:
Who: BCBG, Hervé Léger
What: Deep discounts on women's clothing from BCBG Max Axria, Herve Leger, and Max Azria. The sale will include merchandise from all seasons and in all sizes, with prices at wholesale and below.
When: Jan 13-16, 2014. Mon-Thurs 11am—7pm.
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th St (b/n 7th and 8th Aves), second floor (212-947-8748)

Who: Cruciani
What: Cruciani, the leader in cashmere in Italy, will have 65%-75% off men's and women's fall/winter and spring/summer ready-to-wear. Prices range from $80 to $300.
When: Jan 16-17, 2014. Thurs-Fri 10am—8pm.
Where: 41 West 57th St (between 5th and 6th Aves), 5th floor

Who: Cocolico
What: Up to 70% off shoes, with most prices below $200. The sale will include fall boots, booties, and wedges, as well as spring sandals, heels and flats.
When: Jan 17-18, 2014. Fri-Sat 11am—6pm.
Where: 670 Broadway (b/n Great Jones and Bond St)

Who: Fivestory
What: 60%-80% off women's and men's clothing, shoes, jewelry, and acessories. The sale will also include children's clothing and home goods. Brands include Alexander Wang, Nina Ricci, Balmain, Carven, Preen, Peter Pilotto, Comme des Garçons, Acne, Sacai, and more.
When: Jan 17-22, 2014. Fri 10am—7pm, Sat—Sun 11am—6pm, Mon—Wed 10am—6pm.
Where: The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery, enter at the side entrance on 3rd St

LA Sample Sales: Nov 18-20, 2010

NY isn't the only city with sample sale fun this week. LA has some great ones kicking off today and running through the weekend.

Who: Geren Ford
What: Recent season overstock up to 90% off. Hundreds of true samples ranging from $10-$50. Cash and Major Credit Cards Accepted
When: Friday, November 19 from 11AM-8PM and Saturday, November 20 from 11AM-6PM
Where: Smashbox Studios, Stage Sky at 8549 Higuera Street Culver City, CA 90232

Who: eM Productions sample sale featuring L.A. faves Seneca Rising, Society for Rational Dress, Something Else, Gar-de
What: shop wholesale. Cash only.
When: Thursday, November 18, and Friday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: eM Productions Sample Sale at The Cooper Building, 860 South Los Angeles Street, #402, (between East 8th and East 9th streets); 213-614-9292.

Who: Splendid /Ella Moss warehouse sale
What: Discounts on Splendid, Ella Moss, Ella Moss Black Label. Splendid Little’s, Splendid Mills, Splendid Girl and Ella Moss Girl for gals, guys, tweens and kids There is over 20,000 square feet, packed with racks of merchandise, for every member of the family all priced 50%-70% below retail
When: 11/19-11/20 9am-4pm
Where: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Cash/ CC only. Tell ‘em BargainsLA sent ya!

Who: BCBG Maxazria Holiday Warehouse Sale
What: Save 60%-85% on the latest trends in women’s dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and more. Prices start at $5. Tipsters have told us to be prepared for long lines and no-try ons.
When: 11/20 9am-3pm
Where: 2761 Fruitland Ave., Vernon, 90058. Cash/ CC.

Who: Junior Drake warehouse sale
What: Save 60%-90% on buttery soft handbags. Factory overstock, discontinued samples, seconds and overproduction in handbags, wallets and accessories. Prices as low as $39 for bags that normally retail for $400+. Cash/ CC only
When: 11/19-11/20 (10am-7pm) and 11/21 (10am-5pm)
Where: 740 East 60th St., Los Angeles, 90001, 800.813.1803

Good Shopping Day on Gilt Fuse

Lots of exciting sales happening at Gilt Fuse today! Cute clutches from BCBG MAXAZRIA for $69, Rich & Skinny jeans and Genetic Denim for $64-78, lots of fun Mara Hoffman print dresses for approx $100-$150 range and some great casual jersey pieces from Young Fabulous and Broke.

This is not an advertorial. I'm genuinely excited about these sales. I'm waiting on this Mara Hoffman dress right now. It's in another member's cart. Such competitive shopping! Haha.

And I'm not sure if this is some sort of typo, but there's a Young Fabulous and Broke dress going for $5?! There's one small left, but no surprise, it's already in someone else's cart.

Friends & Family: BCBG

Who: BCBG
What: Friends & Family get 30% Off
When: November 5-8, 2009.
Where: In Store and Online, enter promo code FRIENDS09 at checkout

Fashion's Night Out Adventures

I definitely had an interesting night on Fashion's Night Out! It was really fun for me knowing that every fashionista and fashion loving person in the city was out doing the same! To have Fashion Week stop and designers take a time out to meet and greet with the public is amazing!

I started out my adventure in Williamsburg around 6:30pm at one of my fave boutiques, Bird. I saw the balloons in the distance and knew I was in for a fun time. They had dunk tanks (brrr...), games, a popcorn and cotton candy machine (yum~). I even got to take my picture with Karl & Donatella, in cutout form anyways ;)

I was also excited for the chance to see the Vena Cava limited edition Tee-Shirt dresses that are on sale for only $100 a pop first-hand! The top of all the dresses are white, but the skirts vary in hue and print. A green/rust leaf version was my favorite!

The next stop on my list was the Matthew Williamson boutique in the Meatpacking District around 7:10pm. The scene was really chill and the store wasn't too crowded. I had alot of fun taking an up close look at his beautiful prints and beading! My fave part of the store was this tropical display case. Amazing! They had raspberry vodka drinks and champagne.

The next stop was only a door down at McQueen at 7:30pm. The store was definitely more crowded and the feeling was definitely more posh and intimidating than the other events that I went to. They had by far the best Champagne of the night! It had a strawberry slice and was a rosey hue, but unfortunately no idea what it is.

As I was headed back to the train, I noticed a huge crowd around the Hugo Boss store at 7:50 pm and noticed a Burlesque performance in the window.

Next up was BCBG at 8:15pm, I really was hoping to see the re-creation of the runway show but I didn't want to waste time by waiting until 9pm. This store was by far the most crowded of the evening! People were getting makeovers and drinking champagne but I was chasing Max Azria himself :)

I caught up with him as he stepped outside for a smoke break and he was quick to pose for a photo when I asked. He seems kind, robust and very congenial!

I stepped inside and noticed an insanely tall girl and realized it's Alex Wek! My 2nd time in 2 days...I asked to take a picture and thought ohhh she's sooo tall, this will be a bit awkward but the sweetheart bent her knees so she could be in the photo with me! Alex definitely has a unique look and great skin!

I decided to run over to Lord & Taylor because it was only a couple blocks down around 8:30pm. Then I spotted Alex Wek again...I hope she doesn't think I'm stalking her! I also spotted these 2 lovely ladies, but as I'm not a great recognizer of famous faces I can't quite put my finger on who they are! If you know the answer, help a girl out!

The were holding a private Conde Nast party in the back and I ran to my chictopia friend and fellow blogger UnoCosa.

Soon I was sucked into the world of keys and trying to find one! I found the jar at the ladies handbag department but was told they were out of keys. A couple minutes later 3 keys appeared magically so we began our journey through the store! We were told there were 11 prizes left so we ran. I felt a bit like I was in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a chance for a golden ticket.

Unfortunately the keys yielded no prizes and as I left at 9:20pm I noticed the jar of keys had been refilled. My guess is that alot of the fantastic prizes were left unclaimed. I kept the key as a souvenir and it was fun looking while it lasted.

Last stop on my list was DSW, with a contest to win 12 pairs of shoes, I was excited. So I arrived at 9:52pm for the Grand Prize Drawing at 10pm.

There was a flurry of last minute scuffling as staff sorted through to make sure there were no duplicate entries. When it came time to draw for the prizes, it was almost comical as women groaned every time they pulled a man's name, but as you had to be present to win, the names kept being drawn except for mine. At 10:05pm I thought about checking out Opening Ceremony, but I decided with work tomorrow to check myself home. Especially since my Fashion's Night Out yielded much bubbly but no food and I was starving!

Sales This Week: NYC

As fashion week rolls in, the sample sales come to a near halt as the fashion community focuses on what's next! If you're feeling a drought I suggest that you take a look at the Fashion Night Out calender! There are hundreds of events happening all over the city and world wide! If you find the options overwhelming checked out Racked.com's compilations of Top Ten Events or The Cut's Frugal Guide. I'm personally thinking of attending the BCBG Store event where they re-create the fashion show in store, plus your chance to meet Max Azria and goodie bags.

Who: Showroom Seven
What: Wholesale and below, up to 90% off brands like Erickson Beamon, Charlotte Ronson, Orla Kiely, Issa, Tony Cohen, Tee Party, Bloch London, Robin, Krocoa & Primp
Where: 263 Eleventh Avenue, 3rd Floor (Between 27th and 28th Streets); 212. 643.4810
When: September 8-22, 2009. Daily 10am-7pm, Except Thursdays 10am-9pm.

Who: French Sole
What: Ballet flats from $29-109
When: Now through September 10, 2009. Mon—Thurs 10am—7pm
Where: 976 Lexington Ave b/n 71st and 72nd St (212-472-9200)

Who: Operations Sale
What: Up to 70% Off Men's & Women's Spring Merch. Women's Mackinaw jacket is $227 (was $700) and the waxed cotton Russian trench is $168 (was $500). For men, the Sportsman blazer is $249.87 (originally $832) and the Gent's Roadster two-piece suit is $323 (was $1,786)
When: Now Through September 11, 2009. Mon–Sat 11am–8pm. Sun noon–7pm.
Where: 60 Mercer St. at Broome St. (212-334-4950)

Sample Sale Report: Lee Angel

Stopped by the Lee Angel Sale on Friday with low expectations. The flyer looked less than appealing, but I got word that they were a jewelry vendor for many major companies including J.Crew, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, French Connection, BCBG, Ann Taylor and more. Also, I heard that they had $5 bins so I thought it was worth checking out as I love junk jewelry.

When I got there it was a large fairly well lit room with bins upon bins of merch! In fact everything in the entire room was $5! It was a bit of a time consuming sale because I had to dig through bins that were mixed pieces all wrapped up in plastic baggies that obstructed the view of the jewelry but it was definitely worth the trouble. While some pieces weren't really my taste I felt like the selection was so broad I'm sure there's something for everyone.

There was another little adjoining room that was much smaller and also filled with bins, but this merch was actually under the "Lee Angel" name. It was generally higher quality and more intricate merch and the prices definitely reflected that. Prices in this room ranged from $20-300. Initial pendants and some rings were around $20.

The cuff bracelet above I was sort of in love with but with a $150 price tag, I couldn't quite justify it. But it was blingtastic and so rocker girl chic.

Pieces that I picked up for $5! I re-bought a French Connection necklace that I already own that I love to death but has started loosing stones. At this price, it's cheaper than buying extra stones!

Btw I don't have my ears pierced but I did pick up a cute pair of earrings for my friend Shelly.

This is one I wouldn't miss if you're in need of some cheap baubles to polish your look. Be warned it's a bit time consuming! I spent an hour there! There are few mirrors to check out how things look. Also, you should use one of the trays they have available to carry your finds while browsing.

Who: Lee Angel Sample Sale
What: Jewelry from Lee Angel and various brands for up to 75% Off + $5 Bins!
When: August 24-27, 2009. Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm.
Where: 524 Broadway (nr Spring St). 6th Floor. Cash and Credit.

iWant Hervé Léger Multifacted Oval Clutch

I'm so jealous of that model. One, she's a model, and two, she's got a bunch of Hervé Léger clutches!

The clutch I want is from Hervé Léger's spring 2009 collection. I fell in love the first time I saw it, but since it retails for $598 I forced myself to move on. Months later I find myself still lusting after the darn thing, so I figure it's time for an overdue iWant post.

It's cute, geometric and comes in bright, bold colors. How could one resist? Oh, right, I need to eat and pay rent. If I was a baller or had some extra cash, I'd definitely go for the lime green clutch. What color would you pick?

Black Friday Online Sales - UPDATED

It's been an interesting year of shopping. Like someone wrote on Racked.com, Black Friday is going to be kind of weird because almost everything is already on sale. With the US experiencing the big R-word, retailers and designers have been forced to drop their prices - sales, sales, and more sales. While it's always exciting to get a deal, it's also kind of worrisome, no? Ok, before I become Debie Downer, I'm going to link you to a few of my recommended Black Friday online sales.

Catherine Malandrino Buzz Pleat Bodice Dress

$272.25 this weekend ($495 retail)

Chickdowntown.com: 45% off regularly priced merch, plus 20% off everything on sale with user code "BLACKFRIDAY"; exp Monday, December 1

BCBG Crepe Back Satin Dress

$209.00 this weekend (retail $418.00)

BCBG.com: 50% off everything on the site; exp Monday, December 1

Barneys.com: Up to 50% off; ongoing

Bluefly.com: 10% off current sale prices; Monday, December 1 and an extra 15% off handbags today only

SSense.com: 30% off everything on the site including already reduced prices; exp Monday, December 1

Shuuemura-usa.com: Enter SHUFRIENDS code at checkout for 20% off and code WINTER08 for free shipping on any order; exp Monday, December 1

Kiehls.comEnter FAMILY code for 20% off and code KIEHL for free shipping on orders of $75 or more

San Fran Sample Sale: BCBG & Ella Moss

Bay area, this one is for you. Shop over 2,000 dresses, tops, hoodies, and bags from designers such as BCBG, Ella Moss, and Splendid. Find all sizes 0-12, in most styles, including cocktail dresses at 50-70% off.

When: Saturday, Nov 22 10am-4pm
Where: Fort Mason Center (free parking)
Building A - Golden Gate Room
Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
Payment Accepted: Cash, Visa, MC - additional 10% off cash purchases