Inside: Audrey Grace Pop-Up Boutique

The Audrey Grace pop-up boutique on the High Line is like a sugary cupcake coming to life - it just might be the girliest shopping experience that I've ever had in the best possible way.  Everything is so irresistibly charming and adorable that you want or need it all.

Audrey Grace is a boutique that is actually located in Jackson Mississippi.  It was started by Jaclyn Bethany who travelled the world to source products for her boutique and culled brands from Australia, Thailand, England, France and from the USA.

The pop-up has a combination of artwork, photography and both vintage and vintage-look designs that will transport you back in time.  there are 40 custom dresses that were made especially for the shop by designers including Erin Fetherson, Rachel Antonoff, Orla Kiely, Jill Stuart, Manoush, Samantha Pleet, Kelsey Genna, Wayward Daughter, Sretsis, Lucy in Disguise, Wren and many more.  Cat print dresses, tutus, sailor dresses, hearts, bows, sparkle, ruffles, lace and the whimsical all abound.

Also lovely illustrations of women like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marie Antoinette are posted on every available surface from Artists/Photographers Dan Estabrook, Stacey Mark, Jessie Lily Adams,  Marie Zucker, Gunnar Larson, Jeannine Tann, Caitlin Shearer, Katy Smail, and many more.

More Sample Sales This Week!

Who: Jill Stuart Sample Sale
What: Snag discounts on the resort collection.
When: July 11-15, 2011. Mon-Fri 11am—7pm
Where: 100 Greene Street (b/n Prince & Spring St)

Who: Fresh Ink Sample Sale
What: Men's & Women's Denim. Everything is just $10!
When: July 11-15, 2011. Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm
Where: 264 West 40th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 303

Who: Jack Germain Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off Spring/Summer 2011 collection handbags. Prices starting at $65.
When: July 11-14, 2011. Mon-Thurs 10:30am-pm)
Where: EBC Showroom, 670 Broadway (at Bond St), Suite 503

Who: No. 6 sample sale
What: Snag discounts on indie-designer must-haves, including clothing and shoes from their own No.6 line, all up to 50% off. No. 6 silk Easy dress $157.50 (was $315), Henrik Vibskov sandwashed silk Vivienne top $110 (was $220), NOW suede Zagaria wedges $137.50 (was $275)
When: July 12-20, 2011. Tues-Sat, Mon-Wed Noon-7pm
Where: 6 Centre Market Pl (nr Broome St) 212-226-5759

Upcoming Sale:
Who: Billy Reid Summer Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on men's and women's collections as well as samples featured in his Fashion Week presentations. Men's outerwear, suiting, knits, shirting, and accessories as well as women's dresses, outwear, shirting, and accessories.
When: July 20-24, 2011. Wed-Sat 10:30am-7pm, Sun 10:30am-6pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (b/n 15th and 16th St)

Inside Designer Sketchbooks FW 2010

I honestly don't like to pay too close attention to the news on a daily basis (excluding the fashion & food world) because most of the time it it can be a bit depressing. I do randomly look at daily papers while I commute so I won't be completely clueless about the world.

The other day was just one such morning I was glad I looked! am New York featured some illustrations by various designers that showed a peek of what is to come starting today + some quotes about their inspiration. I love looking at illustration sometimes even more than looking at photos. There is so much feeling and thought with each line and I love how illustrations often reflect something about the designers themselves or their ideal woman.

To note, I love how Erin Fetherson's figure even resembles her! Jill Stuart & Herve Leger look to be sexy with an attitude. Vivienne Tam and Brian Reyes looks similarly sculptural and simplified, I'm interested in seeing the different execution of the real garmnts. The Tibi girls look to be funky and adorable. DKNY appears to be New York glam and cool but her figure looks a little shy and humble too. Pamela Roland and Edition by Georges Chakra look elegant, mysterious and untouchable. Do these sketches speak to you?

More Sales This Week: NYC

Who:Chloe & Reese Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off on Classic & versatile styles for day/office & evening.

• Wool & cashmere day dresses $150-$190 (retail $395)
• Silk party dresses $180-$250 (retail $500)
• Blouses $90 (retail $295)
• Special group of dresses $50

When: January 5-9, 2010. Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm
Where: 313 West 37 St ( b/n 8-9 Ave) Suite 601A. 888.317.1695

Who: Jill Stuart
What: 30-60% off women’s and select jewelry, plus a sale on vintage! Two racks full of F/W 09 for $150!
Where: 100 Greene Street (b/n Prince & Spring Sts)
When: January 4-21, 2009. Daily 11am-8pm

Who: Oak NYC
What: The start of the 3-week sale with 30% off this wk, 40% off next and 50% off in 2 wks! Clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women.
When: Now through approx 3 weeks from now!
Where: OAK NYC, 28 Bond Street (at Lafayette Street) 212-677-1293
OAK Williamsburg, 208 North 8th Street (b/n Roebling St & Driggs Ave)718-782-0521
or Online.

Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Who: James Jeans
What: Straight, Skinny and Legging jeans reduced from $180 to $80. All Bootcut styles are now between $70 and $90. All one-of-a-kind samples are $50.
Where: 500 Greenwich Street #202 (B/n Spring and Canal) 212.221.4603
When: Tuesday, July 21st through Thursday, July 23rd; 9:30am-7:30pm

Who: Jill Stuart
What: 60% off all spring and additional markdowns on select vintage and accessories.
Where: 100 Greene Street. 212-343-2300
When: July 23-31, 2009.

Who: Manolo Blahnik In Store Sale.
What: Coveted heels are now marked down to 50% off
Where: 31 W 54th St. 212-582-3007
When: Starting Monday, July 19, 2009.

Who: Frette sample sale
What: 80% Off on linens
Where: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, 855 Grapevine Court, Central Valley (845-928-4866)
When: July 20-26, 2009. daily 10am-9pm

Who: Doo.Ri Sample Sale
What: Dresses are $200 to $450, tops are $100 to $250, pants and skirts are $125 to $300, and gowns are less than $1000. Select shoes and knits are under $100.
Where:39 W 38th St near 5th Ave
When: July 23-24, 2009. Thurs-Fri 9am-6pm

Next Week:
Who: Sunner
What: Sample sale featuring cotton & silk dresses, cami's and sweaters
Where: 265 West 37th Street, 9th Fl., NYC
When: July 28-29, 2009. 8:30am-7pm

Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Who: Jen Kao
What: Samples from past and current collections, one-of-a-kind show pieces, shoes, cashmere knits, shoes and jewelry at wholesale prices and below.
Where: 250 West 39th St, Suite 1802
When: June 2-4, 2009. Tues-Thurs, 10am-7:30pm

Who: L.A.M.B, Jill Stuart, Kidrobot, Harajuku Lovers
What: Discounts on handbags...
L.A.M.B.
* Signature Collection, Cambridge Satchel in pebble grain coated canvas. Originally $495, at sale $150
* Signature Collection, Moneague Tote in pebble grain coated canvas. Originally $525, at sale $195
* Darjeeling Leather Collection, Orissa Clutch Wallet in shiny smooth cowhide leather. Originally $275, at sale $75
* Darjeeling Henna Collection, Jaipur Tote in printed cotton canvas with smooth cowhide trim. Originally $ 395, at sale $125

HARAJUKU LOVERS
* Poppin school bag in printed nylon twill with jacquard web.
* Originally $128, at sale $40

KIDROBOT
* Slinger crossbody made in cotton canvas printed with the iconic Kidrobot head, with nylon jacquard webbing and metal logo hardware. Comes with a collectible Kidrobot toy. Originally $98, at sale $30.
Where: 145 West 18th St b/n 6th & 7th Ave
When: June 2-4, 2009. Tues-Thurs, 10am-8pm

Who: Diane Von Fustenburg
What: Up to 75% Off on Dresses, Swimwear and separates from Resort and Spring 2009
DVF wrap dresses and vintage: $150
Dresses: $125
Jackets: $125
Blouses: $80
Skirts: $80
Pants: $80
Where: 260 5th Avenue b/n 28th & 29th St
When: June 2-6, 2009. Tues 9am-6:30pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Who: Cesare Paciotti
What: Up to 80% off! Cash only
Where: 12 W. 57th Street Suite 901, New York City
When: June 2-4, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm

Who: Lauren Moffatt
What: Dresses, tops, and jackets by Lauren Moffatt are on sale.
Where: 214 W. 29th St nr 7th Ave, Suite 1503 212-333-8567
When: June 2-4, 2009. Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm

Who: Tory Burch
What: Discounts on Spring/Summer apparel, handbags, and footwear
Where: Clothingline, 261 W 36th St b/n 7th and 8th Aves, 2nd floor
When: May 31-June 5, 2009. Sun 11am—5pm, Mon 10am—7pm, Tue—Thurs 11am—7pm, Fri 10am—6pm.

Who: Earnest Sewn
What: Deals on Men's, Women's and Kid's Denim...
Women's Five Pocket Jeans Regularly Retailing for $225, now $60
Women's Denim Skirt Regularly Retailing for $225, now $60
Women's Dresses and Tops, now $125
Women's Denim Jackets Regularly $275, now $60
Men's Five Pocket Jeans Regularly Retailing for $210, now $60
Men's T-Shirts Regularly $62, now $20
Men's Button Down Shirts Regularly $155, now $30
Men's Sweaters Regularly $300, now $75
Kid's Denim Regularly $155, now $40
Where: 260 5th Ave. b/n 28th and 29th Streets
When: June 8-14, 2009. 1pm-8pm

Who: Polo Ralph Lauren

What: Men & Women's samples, including Purple & Black Label, Lauren, other Polo brands. Also footwear, small leather goods, home decor, and accessories.

When: June 3rd and 4th, 2009. 9AM- 6PM

Where: Soiffer Haskin/317 West 33rd Street, West of 8th Avenue

NY Sample Sale Report

We've got a few sample sale reports for you - Delman, Gucci, and the L.A.M.B., Jill Stuart, Harajuku Lovers, & Kid Robot.

Who: Delman Sample Sale
When:Nov 19-20, 2008. Wed–Thurs 10am–7pm, Fri 10am–6pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion. 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave., fourth fl. 212-399-2323

We stopped by yesterday. Lots of inventory, well-organized, and not too crazy. Delman heels were $90 and up, and most boots were $200. Size 6.5 samples were $49. They also had Nina shoes and Nina Dolls for sale, $50 and $20 for all pairs respectively. If you signed up for the Delman mailing list on your way out, you got an extra $5 off your purchase.

Who: L.A.M.B, Jill Stuart, Harajuku Lovers and Kidrobot Handbags and Totes
When: Ending today!
Where: 145 W. 18th St

With the sale ending today, prices were reduced. A decent L.A.M.B. purse was $120 and wallets are about $50. Jill Stuart pieces were $80-$120. All Harajuku Lovers was $30 or under. Kid Robot bags and totes were 2-for-1 at $45-$80.

What: Gucci Group Watches
When: Nov. 20 & 21. Thurs. & Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Ave

We tried to stop by the sale to check out reduced prices on timepieces from Gucci and The Bedat & Co, but the line was half an avenue long as of 8:50 AM. People at the front said they were there since 8 and still waiting. Apparently you can get two watches for $300.

Sample Sale Alert - UPDATED

Who: Té Casan
What: Shoes for up to 75% off. Flats now, $75, retailing at $265-$325. Pumps now $95, retailing $295-$425. Booties now $125, retailing $395-$475. Boots now $175, retailing at $425 and up
When: Nov 18-22, 2008. Tue-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St). Ground Fl. (212) 584-8000

Who: Falls
What: 30-90% off feminine tops & dresses
When: Nov 17-18, 2008. 11am-8pm
Where: 54 East 11th St, 8th Floor

Who: Prps
What: 50-70% off Denim designed with form, function, and durability in mind."product with a purpose."
When: Nov 17-21, 2008. 11am-7pm
Where: 250 West 39th St

Who: L.A.M.B, Jill Stuart, Harajuku Lovers and Kidrobot Handbags and Totes
What: Up to 70% off this seasons collections
When: Nov 18-19, 2008.
Where: 145 W. 18th St

Who: Sari Gueron
What: Up to 80% off Pre-Fall and Fall 2008 merchandise from Sari Gueron and Sari.
When: Nov 19-20, 2008.
Where: 133 W. 25th St., 4th fl.

Who:Filippa K (Cash Only)
What: Uncomplicated and modern clothes for Men's & Womenfrom Fall 2008 collection
When: Nov 19-20
Where: 33 W. 26th St., 5th fl

Who: What Comes Around Goes Around
What: Bi-annual SAMPLE & STOCK SALE featuring vintage-inspired New Collection as well as WCAGA vintage favorites for men & women.
When: November, 20th - November, 23th
Where: 351 W. Broadway

Who: Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, & Sophia Kokosalaki
What: Apparel and accessories for men and women from 2008 fall/winter collections. Jackets now $200-$800, orig. $400-$1,200. Pants now $100-$300, orig. $200-$400. Skirts now $100-$200, orig. $200-$400. Shirts now $100-$200, orig. $200-$400
When: Nov 19-20, Wed & Thu 10am-7pm
Where: 220 W. 19th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave.), 10th Floor (646) 613-8457
Double Click for More Sales...
Below Sales Via Daily Candy
What: Aloha Rag
Why: Celebrate Hawaiians in the White House with 40 percent off Balenciaga, Chloé, Linda Farrow, and Tom Ford.
When: Nov. 18. Tues., noon-9 p.m.
Where: 505 Greenwich St., at Spring St. (212-925-0882).

What: Bindya New York
Why: Scarves, handbags, and tunics are 65 percent off. Free gift with every $50 spent.
When: Nov. 19-21. Wed.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 49 W. 38th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Ave., 9th flr. (212-730-8852).

What: Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak
Why: French stripe sweaters are $88. Other layers start at 50 percent off retail.
When: Nov. 20 & 21. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts., ste. 305 (212-431-8900).

What: Filippa K
Why: Modern Swedish coats for men and women at $250 or $300.
When: Nov. 19 & 20. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 33 W. 26th St., b/t Broadway & Sixth Ave., 5th flr. Cash only.

What: Frette
Why: Italian linens good enough for The Ritz are 70 percent off.
When: Nov. 17-20. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 4 W. 58th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 4th flr.

What: Gucci Group Watches
Why: Comb out that Gucci mane and save 90 percent. Save 70 percent on Bedat & Co. bling.
When: Nov. 20 & 21. Thurs. & Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: Heikejarick
Why: Voluminous and tailored coats in cashmere and alpaca. Diffusion line is 30 percent off wholesale.
When: Nov. 19-26. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 262 W. 38th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 5th flr. (212-764-0878).

What: John Robshaw Textiles
Why: Sheets, duvets, curtain panels, kaftans, and decorative pillows marked down at least 60 percent.
When: Nov. 20-22. Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (cocktails, 6-8 p.m.); Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 245 W. 29th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Ave., 11th flr. (212-594-6006).

What: La Perla
Why: Naughty bras were $268, now $67. Satin slips were $346, now $85. Men’s tees were $65, now $16.
When: Nov. 24-28. Mon.-Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thanksgiving Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts. (212-725-5400).

What: Noir
Why: Giant cocktail rings are $20-$60; bracelets and bangles are $5-$45.
When: Nov. 19-21. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 350 W. 38th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves. (212-244-4846).

What: Obedient Sons & Daughters
Why: Get into woodsy mode for autumn/winter duds at sample sale prices.
When: Nov. 22 & 23. Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 237 Lafayette St., b/t Prince & Spring Sts.

What: Rebecca Minkoff and Nicholas K
Why: Get your hands on Morning After bags and other cult favorites. Dresses, tops, pants, and accessories are 50 percent off.
When: Nov. 20-23. Thurs. & Fri., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 33 W. 17th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.

What: Rogan and Loomstate
Why: Past-season overstock, rare samples, and one-offs are up to 75 percent off.
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 7. Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 91 Franklin St., b/t Broadway & Church St., behind the Rogan shop (646-827-7554).

What: Sari Gueron
Why: Ridiculously priced cocktail attire ($2,950) now somewhat less obscene ($590).
When: Nov. 19 & 20. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 133 W. 25th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 4th flr. west.

What: Steven Alan
Why: Eponymous label at up to 75 percent off. Some Odd Rubies, The Generic Man, Demy Lee, and more for cheap.
When: Nov. 20-23. Thurs. & Fri., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 87 Franklin St., b/t Church & Broadway (212-219-3305).

What: Three as Four
Why: Denim from the past three seasons ranges $4.44-$44.44. Very special archival pieces range $77-$666. Really.
When: Nov. 20-24. Thurs.-Mon., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 77 Delancey St., at Allen St.

What: Yigal Azrouël
Why: Merch from past and current seasons is 60-80 percent off.
When: Nov. 19-21. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 225 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 7th flr. (212-302-1194).