SHOP: Event & Sample Sale

Earlier tonight I had the chance to check out the SHOP soft launch with Erin. SHOP is a five day shopping extravaganza that starts today and houses 39 different brands in one space. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the venue.

Each retailer has a space set up side by side all in the same area. Each retailer is separate from one another and all have their own individual areas to pay for your items. It actually reminded me a lot of shopping in Korea in a department store or in the marketplace.

First up was Warby Parker - the socially conscious eyewear that followed in TOMS footsteps and donates pair for pair. Priced at full retail at $95 a pop - these are still super affordable for prescription eyewear and support a great cause.

To the left of Warby Parker, Nikolas K was the first clothing section that we checked out. The prices were decent with shirts and pants coming in at $60, knits $50 and jackets for $200. There are two price lists - one for overstock (shown above) and another for sample stock where prices are similar but a bit lower and were stocked against the wall.

Next up were Burkman Bros. (top row) and Rogan (bottom row). The merch for Burkam Bros is actually sold exclusively at this event and not available at any other retailer. They also had some bracelets up for grabs at $10 a pop in loads of colors originally worn by Kanye West.

Steven Alan was up next - and while not as well priced as the sample sale that just passed, savings were still to be had. Button-up shirts were going for $126.

If you're in the market for some skincare and accessories, Malin+Goetz had a section set up (skincare), while A-Morir (above right) had a great beach like display set up with funky shades.

One of the spots I spent more time in was Public School. Prices were reasonable, sizes were plentiful and there was lots of merch (menswear). If you're a fan of this line it's definitely worth checking out.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race had an prize booth set up where you spend either $10, $100 or $1,000 to play a game (kind of like cups). A prize is hidden under a shell and whichever shell you choose dictates the prize you receive. While the concept was interesting, I don't how well it will fare compared to all the other retailers available where you can pick what you want.

Samantha Pleet was off to one corner and had some cute beachwear up for grabs.

Siki Im and Clae Shoes were further back in the venue. For Siki's clothing, shirts were around $200, jackets/blazers between $700-$1,000, shoes for around $200+ and elastic armbands were $20.

One of the things I appreciated about this event is that quite a few of the designers were there manning their own stations and greeting people - so we ended up getting to meet people like Siki Im and Nicholas Kunz (pictured above). There were also a handful of dogs playing around in the venue which is always nice.

In the end, I ended up with three pieces, a Nicholas K shirt for $60, a Public School leather collar jersey long sleeve for $30 and an arm cuff from Siki Im for $20. While I was checking out at the one of the booths, I was busy looking for my wallet when someone mentioned - "good choice" and when I looked up, it was Nicholas K wearing the same shirt I was buying!

Overall SHOP is a different kind of shopping experience than what you normally see in the city so it might be worth checking out. Also, if you're a fan of Nicholas K (for menswear and womenswear) or Public School (menswear) you might want to stop by. Both labels had plenty of merch, sizes and reasonable price points.

Who: SHOP Sale
What: A Five day retail event offering sample sale pricing, full retail and selective discounts on 39 of NYC's fave brands. Featuring brands including Burkman Bros, A-Morir, Nicholas K, Samantha Pleet, Public School, Siki Im, Rogan, Sena, Steven Alan, Warby Parker and more
When: June 16-20, 2011. Thurs, Fri, Mon (5pm-9pm), Sat-Sun (1pm-7pm)
Where: 150 Varick Street - 6th floor (b/n Spring and Vandam St)

Sample Sales this Week: June 13-19, 2011

Who: Richard Chai Sample Sale
What: Discounts on high quality men's and women's clothing
When: June 13-16, 2011. Mon-Thurs noon-8pm
Where: Odin, 750 Greenwich St (nr W 11th St)

Who: Tory Burch Sample Sale
What: Discounted womenswear, shoes and handbags
When: June 14-18, 2011. Tues-Thur (11am-7pm), Fri (10am-7pm), Sat (10am-4pm)
Where: 261 W 36th Street - 2nd Floor (b/w 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: SHOP Sale
What: A Five day retail event offering sample sale pricing, full retail and selective discounts on 39 of NYC's fave brands. Featuring brands including Burkman Bros, A-Morir, Nicholas K, Loomstate, Anna Sheffield, Samantha Pleet, Public School, Siki Im, Rogan, Sena, Steven Alan, United Bamboo, Warby Parker and more
When: June 16-20, 2011. Thurs, Fri, Mon (5pm-9pm), Sat-Sun (1pm-7pm)
Where: 150 Varick Street - 6th floor (b/n Spring and Vandam St)

Who: J Crew Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off women's, men's and kid's clothing, shoes and accessories.
When: June 14-18, 2011. Tues-Fri (10am-8pm), Sat (10am-4pm).
Where: 260 5th Avenue (nr 28th St)

Who: Melissa Shoes Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off plastic shoes
When: June 15-17, 2011. Wed-Fri (12pm-8pm), Sat (11am-5pm)
Where: 520 W 27th Street (nr 10th Ave) - Suite 702

Who: Nicole Miller Bridal Sample Sale
What: 30%-50% off select styles at the first ever Nicole Miller Bridal Sample Sale! RSVP at NMSOHO@NicoleMiller.com
When: June 16-19, 2011. Thurs-Sun 11am-6pm
Where: 77 Greene St (b/n Spring and Broome St) 212-219-1825

Who: Shoshanna Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off collection and swimwear
When: June 15-16, 2011. Wed (10am-6:30pm), Thurs (10am-6pm)
Where: 231 W 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) - Suite 422. 212-719-3601

Who: AKA New York Spring Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off womenswear. Prices range from $20-$100. CASH ONLY
When: June 14-15, 2011. 9am-7pm.
Where: 246 W 38th St - Suite 1109 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave).

Who: L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on handbags. The L.A.M.B. Malabo zip tote is $175 (was $448), the Lunette large hobo is $125 (was $368) and the Walderston satchel is $100 (was $298).
When: June 14-16, 2011. Tues (8am-8pm), Wed (10am-8pm), Thurs (8am-6pm)
Where: 144 5th Ave - 2nd floor (near 19th St)

Who: The Addison Story's Animal Lovers' Spring Sample Sale
What: Dresses are $60, tops are $45, bottoms are $35 and sweaters are $50. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the North Shore Animal League.
When: June 15-17, 2011. Wed-Fri 11am-7pm
Where: 270 W 38th St - Suite 1602 (nr 7th Ave).

Who: La Perla Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off sleepwear, lingerie, swimwear and RTW.
When: Now through June 16, 2011. Mon-Wed (9:30am-6pm), Thurs (9:30am-7pm)
Where: 225 5th Avenue (b/n 26 & 27th St). 212-725-5400

Who: Life Curated Stockroom Sale
What: 50% of menswear, womenswear, accessories, furniture and home goods
When: June 17-19, 2011. Fri-Sat(12pm-8pm), Sun (12pm-6pm).
Where: 186 Grand Street - Williamsburg, Brooklyn (nr Bedford Ave). 347-689-9143

Who: Echo of the Dreamer & Mars and Valentine Sample Sale
What: Summer Jewelry sample sale
When: June 14-18, 2011. Tues-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-4pm
Where: 242 West 30th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 14th Floor

Who: Ben-Amun Sample Sale
What: Shop wholesale prices on one-of-a-kind accessories
When: June 15-16, 2011. Wed-Thurs noon-6pm
Where: 246 West 38th St (nr 8th Ave) Suite 12A

Levi's x Billy Reid Collection

Earlier this year, Billy Reid was named the winner of GQ's annual Best New Menswear Designer in America. Other designers which made it to the finals included Burkman Bros, Richard Chai, Vincent Flumiani (Caulfield Preparatory), Frank Muytjens (J. Crew) and Eunice Lee (UNIS). Along with Billy's victory, he took home $50,000 and was given the opportunity to collaborate with Levi's to create a limited edition collection. In general, I'm definitely a fan of all of the finalists GQ selected - so kudos to Billy.

Generally speaking, there is a definite shortage of designer collaborations for men but hopefully this will change for the better in the future. I love collaborations since you get stylistic elements of two designers in one item and quantities are always limited so once it's gone - it's gone.

The collection was inspired by a blacksmith's work apron made out of duck cloth which was littered with abrasions, rust and oil stains. Overall, the pieces tend to be worked over with different treatments and in the end, all tie back to that apron.

The men's tote bag is a prime example of how the blacksmith's apron was incorporated into the collection. Tote bag = apron folded in half! Simple yet ingenious.

A few items were kept untouched including a high-rise jean based off of a pair of 1947 Levi's and a denim shirt (as shown on Billy Reid's picture above).

If you're looking to grab some of this gear, the collection is set to debut at select Bloomingdale's stores this fall so watch out!