NYC Sample Sales: November 4-10, 2013

There is a plethora of sample sales this week! I don't even know where to start from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Marissa Webb to Dolce & Gabbana to Rachel Zoe to Christian Louboutin to Samantha Pleet! There are enough sales to keep busy. I haven't figured out my sales strategy yet but I'll be sure to share if I drop by any sales. As always let us know if you stop by anything worthwhile.

Who: Barbara Bui Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on RTW, shoes and accesories from the previous collections.
When: November 4-6, 2013. Mon-Wed 11am-6pm
Where: 115-117 Wooster Street (b/n Prince & Spring St), Lower Level, 212.625.1938

Who: Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale
What: RTW, shoes, handbags, intimates and kids clothing.
When: November 4-7, 2013. Mon 10am-10pm, Tues-Wed 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street (b/n 6th & 7th Ave) 4th Floor

Who: Multi-Designer Coat Sample Sale
What: 65%-90% off retail on outerwear/coats for Men and Women from designers like BCBG, Miss Sixty and more. Leather, down, wool and faux fur available.
When: November 4-10, 2013. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pn
Where: 132C West 36th Street (b/n Broadway & 7th Avenue), Ground Floor. 212.594.6452

Who: Jamari Int'l Ltd. Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on C=children’s sportswear and ready-to-wear from several European brands and designers. There will be a diverse assortment of Spring/Summer samples as well as upcoming Fall/Winter stock from several designers. All sizes from layette to adult available. No strollers or children please.
When: November 4-15, 2013. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Closed Weekends.
Where: 525 Seventh Avenue (at 38 Street) Suite 906, 212.695.1733

Who: Chilewich Sample Sale
What: Snag home accesories from the award winning NYC textile designer's placemats, napkins, runners, floor mats and handbags.
When: November 5-7, 2013. Tues 12-7pm, Wed 11am-7pm, Thurs 11am-6pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th Street (b/n 7t & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor

Who: Giuliana Teso Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on Italian fur coats and jackets. Cash and credit cards accepted. All sales final. No strollers allowed in the sale.
When: November 5-7, 2013. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: Shelly & Renee Productions, 224 West 30th Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 808, 212.920.1211

NYC Sample Sales: May13-19, 2013

Who: Comme des Garcons Archive Sale
What: Up to 70% off items from all the Comme des Garcons lines.
When:  Ends May 13, 2013. Mon 10am-7pm
Where: 127 W 30th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave).

Who: Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
What:  Discounts on the infamous red soled shoes.  The sale is by invite only and one of the hardest to crash.  Here's a recap of the last sale.
When: May 13-17, 2013. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Where: 306 W 38th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Multi-label Childrenswear Sample Sale
What: Discounts on childrenswear from 100+vendors with sizes from infant to 14
When: May 13-17, 2013.  Mon-Fri10am-5pm
Where: 34 W 33rd St - 3rd, 9th and 12th floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave).
What: Up to 70% off women's RTW

Who: Buccellati Sample Sale
What: Womens jewelry, watches and silver including giftware, holloware, tableware, flatware and one-of-a-kind pieces. Credit cards only. No strollers allowed.
When: May 14-16, 2013. Tues-Thurs 9am-6:30pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd Street (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

NYC Sample Sales: May 6-12, 2013

Who: Ali Ro and Donna Morgan
What: Spring and summer frocks from both designers at up to 65% off.
When: May 5-7, 2013. Sun 10am-5pm, Mon-Tues 11am-7pm
Where: 261 West 36th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd floor

Who: Christofle, Judith Leiber, Di Modolo Sample Sale
What: From Christofle get Silver flatware (including 5-piece place settings),
holloware, crystal, porcelain, frames, gifts and jewelry at up to 70% off. Judith Leiber get evening and exotic handbags, accessories and eyewear at up to 70% off. Di Modolo has fine jewelry and watches at 65-75% off. Credit cards only. No strollers allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.
When: May 5-9, 2013. Sun-Wed 9am-6:30pm Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33 St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Furla Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on handbags and small leather goods - totes, clutches, messengers and shoulder bags.
When: May 5-7, 2013. Sun 10am-5pm Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: 261 West 36 St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 2nd Floor

Sample Sale Report: Christian Louboutin

I've always been curious what goes on at the infamous and super elite Christian Louboutin Sale - and I was lucky enough to go as my friend's plus one earlier today during the press preview.  The sale is known for being uber strict and it definitely was.  After checking in at the lobby, my wrist was stamped with the word "confidential" and I couldn't help but smile at the wording choice.  After being inked, we made our way up to the 4th floor where security guards checked our stamps again before proceeding to the bag/coat check.  Pictures and phones are not allowed in the sale so the only thing I could take a picture of was the stamp on my arm!

NYC Sample Sales: Oct 29-Nov 4, 2012

Who: Ippolita Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off jewelry & accessories
When: Oct 27-30, 2012. Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Tues 9am-7pm
Where: 317 W 33rd St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Hickey Freeman and Bobby Jones Sample Sale
What: From Hickey-Freeman: A huge selection of classic and sophisticated suits, sport coats, top coats, trousers, dress shirts and ties. Knit and woven shirts, sweaters, trousers and outerwear. Suits $599, or 3 for $1,500 (retail $995-$1895). Sport coats $349 (retail $695-$1895). Dress trousers $159 (retail $295-$350). Dress shirts $79, or 5 for $325 (retail $145-$295). Ties $49 or 5 for $200 (retail $155). From Bobby Jones & Hickey Freeman Sportswear: Signature knit and woven sport shirts, sweaters, outerwear and trousers. Knit and woven sport shirts $59, or 3 for $150 (retail $150-$195). Sweaters start at $79, or 3 for $195 (retail $195-$295). Pants $79 (retail $98-$295)
When: Oct 28-Nov 1, 2012. Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 8am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion - 123 W 18th St - 5th Floor (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Fashionhaus Sample Sale
What: Discounts on men's and women's clothing
When: Oct 31-Nov 2, 2012. Wed & Fri 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 58 W 40th St - 9th Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Under Armour Sample Sale
What: Discounts on athletic wear
When: Oct 31- Nov 4, 2012. Wed-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: United Nude Super Sample Sale
What: Discounts on footwear.  Prices start at just $25 and will include Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 pieces.
When: Nov 1-3, 2012. 9am-7pm
Where: 146 W 29th St - Suite 9W (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Upcoming Sales:
Who: Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
What: Discounts on the infamous red-soled footwear.  INVITE ONLY (with a very tight door policy).
When: Nov 5-9, 2012. Mon 8:30am-3pm, Tues-Fri 8:30am-6pm 
Where: 306 W 38th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale
What: Discounts on footwear.  Basic heels start at $100.  VIPs are given first dibs but the sale opens up to the public afterwards.
When: Nov 6-7, 2012. Tues 9am - 11am (VIP), 11am-4pm (public), Wed 9am-2pm (public)
Where: 65 W 54th St (Warwick Hotel - near 6th Ave) - 2nd floor

Who: Alexander Wang Sample Sale
What:  Up to 70% off womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories
When: Nov 6-10, 2012.  Tues 9am-8pm, Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Where: 131 Greene St (b/n Prince & W Houston St)

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

More Sample Sales This Week!

Who: Cardigan

What: First annual virtual sample sale! Snag clothing for men, women and accesories for up to 80% off. Plus free shipping!

When: Now through May 30, 2011.

Where: CardiganNewYork.com

Who: Steven Alan New York Sample Sale
What: 30-75% off a wide selection of Men's and Women's Collections from Steven Alan and Other Featured Designers including Cardigan, Lem Lem, Generic Surplus, Onia, Relwen. Men's Reverse Seam Cotton Shirt was $168, now $78. Porte Tote was $198, now $75. Weekend Duffle was $198, now $75. Women's Cotton Reverse Seam Shirt was $158, now $68.
When: May 19-22, 2011. Thurs-Fri 8:30am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Where: 87 Franklin Street(b/n Broadway and Church)

Who: Sigerson Morrison Blowout Sale
What: Last chance to snag signature Sigerson Morrison and Belle styles like t-strap wedges, skimmer flats, ankle booties and platform sandals before the founders leave the company. Prices starting at just $25! Items marked down to 75% off on shoes in bold colors, metallics and exotic skins. save big on signature There will also be discounted handbags gloves, books, scent, candles and stationery from Mad et Len, Pilot, Assouline, and more.
When: May 20-22, 2011. Fri-Sat 1pm-7pm Sun 2pm-5pm
Where: Steven Sclaroff, 44 White St (nr Church St)

Who: Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
What: It’s invite only but if you’re willing to take a risk you might be able to score some of those ubiquitous red soled shoes for $150-400.
When: May 17-20, 2011. Tuesday VIP only. Wed 8am-6pm, Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-3pm
Where: 306 West 38th St (nr 8th Ave) 3rd floor

Who: Farylrobin Sample Sale
What: Shoes marked down to $10-90. Samples for $50. $10 shoes in size 6-7. Most shoes are sizes 7 and 8, limited selection in other sizes.
When: May 16-20 and May 23-26, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Closed on Sat & Sun.
Where: 200 Park Ave S (at 17th S)t, suite 1610. 212-219-1211

Who: Jonathan Adler Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 70% Off furniture, rugs, lighting, pottery, pillows, dinnerware, accessories & more. First Quality, new merch!
When: May 20-22, 2011. Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Where: 513 Irving Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn. Take a Brooklyn-bound L train to Halsey Street.

Who: Lovely People Sample Sale
What: Flats, sandals, wedges, and heels are $15 to $50!
When:May 18, 2011. Wed 5:30pm-8pm
Where: 1385 Broadway (nr 38th St) 5th floor

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: Shop among their featured designers, including Holy Tee, IRO, LNA, Quail, The Reformation, Won Hundred, YMC, and Spring & Clifton, at discounted prices.
When: May 19-21, 2011. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat noon-5pm
Where: 676 Broadway (nr Great Jones Street) 2nd Floor, 212-529-1407.

Sample Sales This Week: November 8-14, 2010

Who: ESCADA Sample Sale

What: Up to 95% off on jackets, pants, cocktail dresses, gowns, shoes and handbags from the latest collections. New merchandise arrives daily.
When: November 7-9,2010. Sun-Mon 10am-7pm, Tues 10am-5pm
When: The Altman Building, 135 West 18 St(b/n 6th & 7th Ave) Ground Floor. 212-852-5446

Who: Andrew Marc Sample Sale

What: Up to 65% off outerwear, handbags and travel bags for men, women and girls.
When: Now through November 14, 2010. Mon-Fri (8am-7pm), Sat-Sun (10am-6pm)

Where: Penn Plaza Pavilion. 401 7th Ave (b/n 32nd & 33rd St.) 212-840-1800

Who: MCM Sample Sale
What: Fine leather bags will be sold at up to 70% off retail price!
When: November 8-11, 2010. Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 265 West 37th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 16th Floor

Who: Chelsee Eyes Sale

What: 30-60% off sunglasses by Mikli, Dior, Lafont, and more

When: November 8-21, 2010. Mon-Fri (10am-5pm), Sat (by appointment)

Where: 20 W. 20th St., Suite 804 (near 5th Ave). 212-242-4823

Who: Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

What: Discounted womenswear, jackets and coats. Dresses are $145 (were $398) and jackets/coats are $195-$275 (were $448-$698)

When: November 9-12, 2010. Mon & Wed (9:30am-6pm), Tues & Thurs (9:30am-7pm).

Where: 225 W 35th St.(b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 212-594-0012

Who: Rachel Leigh Sample Sale

What: 30-80% off Jewelry. The Tycoon bracelet is $100 (was $310) and Stella snakeskin bangles are $10 (were $66).

When: November 9-11, 2010. Tues-Thurs (10am-5pm).

Where: 252 W 38th St., Suite 902 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 646-290-6034

Who: nOir Jewelry Sample Sale

What: 50-80% off necklackes, bracelets, earrings and rings. The Maasai necklace is $95 (was $220), and the Dagger ring is $45 (was $80)

When: November 9-11, 2010. Tues-Thurs (10am-7pm).

Where: 350 West 38th St., 5th Floor (b/w 8th & 9th Ave). 212-244-4846

Who: Tibi Sample Sale

What: Great savings on tibi clothing

When: November 9-11, 2010. 10am-6pm

Where: 409 W 39th St (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: J.Crew Sample Sale

What: Up to 60% off retail on women's styles from previous & current collections.

When: November 9-12, 2010. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm

Where: Clothingline,261 W 36th Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Shoshanna Fall Sample Sale

What: Up to 75% off select merchandise

When: November 10-11, 2010. Wed (10am-6:30pm), Thurs (10am-6pm).

Where: 231 W 39th St., Suite 422 (b/w 7th & 8th Ave). 212-719-3601

Who: Catherine Malandrino's Fall/Winter Sample Sale

What: Select merchandise on sale. The v-neck tiered blouse with flower embroidery is $99 (was $395) and the cowl neck cap sleeve dress with pointelle detail is $124 (was $495). Also the selling for the first time at a sample sale, Malandrino. Make sure you RSVP to samplesale@catherinemalandrino.com to receive an additional 10% off!
When: November 10-12, 2010. Wed-Fri (8am-8pm)

Where: 123 W 18th St. (b/n 6th & 7th Ave). 212-463-0200

Who: Vivienne Tam Sample Sale

What: 60-70% off womenswear. The military shirtdress is $150 (was $375) and the Mosaic circle-belt dress is $230 (was $575)

When: November 10-12, 2010. Wed (9am-8pm), Thurs (10am-7pm), Fri (10am-6pm)

Where: 260 W 39th Street (b/w 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: AEFFE USA Sample Sale
What: Discounted clothing and accessories from Alberta Ferretti, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Cacharel, and Pollini. The Philosophy cream crepe-de-chine floral-print dress is $286 (was $895), the Alberta Ferretti red sleeveless dress is $409 (was $1,226) and the Moschino leopard-print shift dress is $565 (was $1,625).
When: November 10-13, 2010. Wed-Fri (10am-6pm), Sat (12pm-5pm)
Where: 30 W 56th St. (b/n 5th & 6th Ave). 212-632-9300

Who: Lafayette 148 Warehouse Sale
What: 75% off feminine separates, leathers, knitwear and more (petite and plus sizes available).
When: November 11-12, 2010. Thurs - Fri (9am-7pm)
Where: 148 Lafayette St. (b/n Howard & Grand St)

Who: Anlo Sample Sale

What: Up to 75% off denim and silks.

When: November 10-11, 2010. Wed (10am-6:30pm), Thurs (10am-6pm)

Where: 231 W 39th St., Suite 422 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: DSquared2 Sample Sale
What: Discounts on merch by the Canadian design duo,twins Dean & Dan Caten
When: November 11-13, 2010. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat Noon-5pm
Where: 220 West 19th Street, NYC

Who: Arak's Fall Sample Sale
What: 60-80% off on ready to wear, lingerie, and swimwear.
When: November 12-13, 2010. Thurs 8:30am-7:30pm, Fri 9am-6:30pm
Where: 137 Grand St (b/n Crosby Street & Lafayette Street) 5th floor

Who: Manolo Blahnik
What: Heels starting at just $100 for leather, suede or satin to $300 for lizard boots. CASH ONLY
When: November 11, 2010. Thurs 9am-3pm
Where: Warwick Hotel 65 West 54th St(at 6th Ave)

Who: La Perla Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off merch including lingerie, sleepwear, swimwear and ready-to-wear. Pink lace balconnet bra was $258 now $51. Pink lace culotte was $204 now $40. Black silk lace chiffon chemise was $437 now $87.
When: November 14-18, 2010. Sun noon-5pm, Mon-Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 9:30am-7pm
Where: 225 Fifth Avenue (b/n 26th and 27th Street) 212.725.5400.
___
*DISCLAIMER: Rumored Sample Sale*
Who: Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
What: Shoes starting at just $250.
When: November 11-12, 2010. Thurs-Fri 9am-?
Where: 306 West 38th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave) 14th Floor

Look for Less: Christian Louboutin Spike Heels

Ever since Christian Louboutin collaborated with Rodate for their show in 2008, I've been keeping an eye out for heels with crazy studs.

The black pair on the left is Louboutin's Clou Noeud which retail for $1,195 - epp! If I could spend that kind of money, I would probably get them in nude.

The silver and clear spiked pair on the right is St. Jeannette 120 which are available on bluefly.com for slightly less at $780.

Enter, Sam Edelman's Lorissa heels...
They're not insanely cheap, but they are much more affordable at $200 a pair. These heels are hot and remind me of something Rihanna would wear.

Heels like these might seem a bit intimidating, but they really could go with just about anything. In fact, they could be a really nice way to add a little edge to a dressed down look with jeans or a strong feminine touch to a pair of dress pants.

If you're into these heels, you should act fast. They've already sold out at nordstorm.com and there's only a size left at solestruck.com and karmaloop.com. But hurray for Zappos! They have both black and white in all sizes with free shipping & returns. Happy shopping!

Random Fun: Barbie as Lady GaGa

Watch out Louboutin's Cat Burglar Barbie. As cute as you are I don't think you are any match for this insanely amazing Lady GaGa tribute in Barbie doll form that I noticed thanks to Refinery29. They are created by Beijing based doll artist Veik. Unfortunately these Barbie dolls are not for sale.

His meticulous attention to detail really gives life to his creations that derive from Lady GaGa's best/or rather most memorable outfits but in tiny doll form! From Kermit the Frog, to her ensemble when meeting the Queen to McQueen's infamous Armidillo heels, Veik's got the details down!

Veik even gives tutorials on how to create your own GaGa dolls! Omg I want :)

Preview: Phillip Lim Shoes, Lingerie, Swimsuits

Lim lovers rejoice, today WWD.com announced that Phillip Lim will be expanding his line 3.1 Phillip Lim to include three new categories: shoes, lingerie and swimwear! While most brands are struggling through these challenging times, Lim boldy declares, “We’re not fearful of the economy"

I think the genius of Lim is that he really understands the contemporary woman's heart and what she needs to feel beautiful, unique and luxurious at a price point that isn't too far out of reach.

His swimear line will debut in time for summer and there are 2 one piece looks and 1 bikini. Lingerie will be debuting at 3.1 Phillip Lim boutiques May 20, but are slated to hit everywhere else by Spring 2010. And for shoes? Shoes will be here in time for Fall 2009. Guess that means no more collaborations with the likes of Tatami or Christian Louboutin?

iWant My Wings

Tis the Season where angels get their wings. I want to get my wings too, but more like Hermes from Greek mythology than an angel. Perhaps winged shoes half make me believe that will I be able to float in comfort and style. These Christian Louboutin Peplum T-Bar's got my attention right away because the fun gold wings totally remind me of Wonder Woman but are not at all costume. I love the retro t-bar silhouette with the peep toe...proportional perfection? At $895 I doubt I'll own these.
But fear not there is Kathryn Amberleigh's Angelika. This shoe comes in 3 colors including Marine, Red & Green with Silver trim for all. Although these don't scream Wonder Woman like the Louboutin's I don't think she would object to these fun pumps either. I'd still feel like I'm walking like a superhero and at $135 they are a lot easier on the wallet.

Bye Bye Beyonce, Hello Sasha Fierce?

I notice style but I don't normally notice celebrities. People always ask me if I have seen famous people, but I'm usually oblivious to them unless a friend points them out. I just saw Beyoncé and I'm a little bummed that I didn't have a chance to ask her to take a picture of her outfit.

photo courtesy of NYMag.com

Spotted in the underground mezzanine of Rockerfeller Center surrounded by an entourage at 8:24pm today (so I immediately wrote to Gawker Stalker). Beyonce was wearing a long sequined gold gown (not the one pictured above) with a fur coat and sky high platform Louboutin's. Or at least I believe they were, I peeped the red sole from the back. She looked radiant and I was shocked at how small her face was! Her hair was in a half bouffant, similar to the above photo. She looked very petite but tall for her frame...not at all the "curvy" I would expect.

I know that she's been trying to test out a new look to go with her alter ego Sasha Fierce, also the name of her new album. She tells MSNBC “Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I’m working and when I’m on the stage.” She seems to be trying to do that with avant garde looks by designers like Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen and a metal glove. I'm not sure how much I like the new look, but today in the shimmering gold number it was old Beyoncé, with a new hairdo.

She said hello as she passed our table, in an awkward way as if she was a bit uncomfortable that we were staring not so subtly. Woops! I was only 5 feet away so hopefully next time I'll be better prepared to snap a photo.

Not sure what she was doing but perhaps she was preparing for her live appearance at the 11th annual "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" telecast?