Sample Sales This Week: February 20-26, 2012

Who: Barneys Warehouse Sale
What: Enjoy up to 75% off on designer clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.  NOTE:  I stopped by this this past Friday and like everything else I've read, I don't think it's worth your time (for menswear or womenswear).  Designer merch is slim, Barney's house label is available in droves, and prices are high.  My advice is to wait it out until the weekend when final markdowns occur.
When: Monday, February 20th, 9am~9pm
Tuesday, February 21st through Thursday, February 23rd, 10am~9pm
Friday, February 24th, 9am~9pm
Saturday, February 25th & Sunday, February 26th, 9am~8pm
Where: 255 West 17th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave.)

Who: Balenciaga Bag Sale (hosted by Elite Sample Sales)
What:  If you've been eyeing the City bag, here's your chance to snag one at a discount.  These bags don't really go on sale so maybe it's your time to splurge!  Only 70 bags are in stock and are available in black, grey, navy and red and are going for $990 (retail for approx $1,500+).  The classic work bag is also available for $1,090. 2 bag limit per customer.
When: Feb 21, 2012 - starts at 10am
Where: 381 5th Ave (b/n 35th & 36th St), 2nd floor. 212-684-8622

Who: nOir Jewelry
What:Up to 75% off on statement jewelry
When: Feb 23-24, 2012. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 350 West 38th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave), 5th Floor

Who: Project No. 8 Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off menswear and womenswear. The men's Maison Martin Margiela latex-dipped boots are $445 (were $890), the men's Hope Yale sweater is $31 (was $101), women's A Detacher Huxley buckle clogs are $176 (were $438), and the women's Maison Martin Margiela woven leather ankle boots are $394 (were $985).
When: Feb 24-26, 2012. 12pm-7pm
Where: 38 Orchard St (near Hester). 212-925-5599

Who: Gargyle's end of season sale
What: End of season sale!  Some merchandise will be organized by $100, $75, $50 and $30 and under bins. The men's Acne Winston coat is $350 (was $770), the women's Lover cable-knit jumper is $100 (was $342), and the Surface to Air Alley boots are $175 (were $566).
When: Feb 24-26, 2012. 11am-7pm
Where: 16A Orchard St (near Canal St)

Who: Freeman's Sporting Club Expedition Sale
What: 30%-80% off outerwear, T's, sneakers, knits and denim.
When: Feb 25-26, 2012.  10am-6pm
Where: 327 Bleeker St (near Christopher St). 212-255-5509

Who: Court Jeans Sale
What: Score skinnies or relaxed fits for $55, shorts for $20 and $85 or less for other fall merch!
When: Feb 23-26, 2012. 12pm-8pm
Where: 178 Mulberry St (b/n Kenmare and Broome St).

Who: Krizia Warehouse Sale
What: 70-90% off on RTW & accessories.
When: February 19-28, 2012
Where: 446 West 14th St (b.n 9th & 10th Ave)

Fall 2012 Trends: Metal Plated Shoes

I know winter has barely begun, but as I was perusing GQ's 100 Best Pairs from Fashion Week,  I noticed quite a few pairs featuring metal for Fall 2012. Classic silhouettes paired with chunkier hardware accents provide for an edgier take on modern footwear.

From Costume National, to Louis Vuitton, to Salvatore Ferragamo, to YSL - there were plenty of options which were showcased down the runways.

 Costume National

 Salvatore Ferragamo

 Louis Vuitton

YSL

(images courtesy of GQ)

But to be fair, it looks like everyone took a page from Balenciaga and Louboutin - who actually introduced this in their Fall 2011 collections.

Louboutin metal capped wingtips (image courtesty of luxuryculture.com)

Balenciaga Fall 2011

Markdown on Sam Edelman 'Zoe' Boots

If you still want them, the Sam Edelman "Zoe" boots that were once selling for more on eBay than the original Balenciagas that inspired them are now marked down at jildorshoes.com. They were $345+, but now you can get them for $199.

Trend Watch: Red Hot Shoes

Pre-Spring 2010 brings footwear back to center stage with the bold use of ruby red. From subtle touches at Prada and Balenciaga to classic patent pumps at Lanvin, to Over the knee Satin boots at Chanel red shoes will definitely pop whatever you're wearing. For extra red hot flair do as they do at Valentino & Celine and go for red legs too. Or if you're feeling rebellious, pair with bright primary tights like at Balenciaga. One thing is for certain, it's about red, it's about shine and it's gotta be on your feet!

Sam Edelman Zoe Boots Are Back!

Sam Edelman Zoe Boots, $345.00
The coveted Sam Edelman "Zoe" boots are being re-released! These boots were inspired (cough, knock off) from Balenciaga's fall 2006 collection and widely associated with Mary-Kate Olsen.

Balenciaga Fall 2006
And since then the boots have popularized thanks for some all star bloggers like Rumi of Fashion Toast, Susie of Style Bubble and Jane of Sea of Shoes. Fall 2006, that's almost three years ago, but these boots are still a hot commodity, selling for $500+ on eBay.

Rumi of Fashion Toast & Susie of Style Bubble
While $345 is still pretty hefty, if you're been eyeing these boots for awhile, it just might be worth it. Nasty Gal, one of my favorite online shops, is currently accepting pre-orders, with a deposit of $10 taken immediately. You can also find them for the same price at Jildor.

Double Vision: Couture vrs RTW

As I was looking at some of the Fall 2009 Couture collections, I noticed something interesting happening. Usually I feel like the couture shows are a jumping point for creativity and inspiration. But this time around perhaps it's just a coincidence but I really felt like couture was inspired by ready-to-wear! While the looks aren't identical, the silhouette and feeling is the same except for most part the couture looks more polished (exception being Balenciaga vrs Chanel Couture). Which version do you prefer?

Balenciaga Fall 2009, Chanel Fall Couture 2009

Balmain Fall 2009 vrs Armani Prive Fall Couture 2009

Alexander Wang Resort 2009 vrs Alexis Mabille Couture Fall 2009

Lanvin Fall 2009 vrs Armani Prive Fall Couture 2009

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2009 vrs Givenchy Fall Couture 2009