Sample Sales This Week: November 28-December 4, 2011

Who: Autumn Cashmere Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off cashmere apparel and accessories.
When: Nov 28-Dec 2, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 231 W 39th St - suite 1111 (near 7th Ave)

Who: Katherine Kwei, Hunter Dixon, Marysia Swim Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off select items
When: Nov 29, 2011. 11am-7pm
Where: 611 Broadway - Suite 742 (near Houston St). 646.476.7665

Who: J. Crew Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off merchandise for men/women/children.  Daily restocking and through the sale!
When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 2011. Tues-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St). 212.725.5400

Who: L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers' Sample Sale
What: Discounts on fall and winter handbags.  CREDIT CARD ONLY!
When: Nov 29-Dec 1, 2011. Tues 8am-8pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 8am-6pm.
Where: 347 W 34th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Qi and Ainsley Sample Sale

What: Cashmere sweaters/dresses start at $50 and coats are $75-$125.

When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 2011. Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.

Where: 261 W 36th St (near 7th Ave).

Who: Derek Lam Sample Sale
What: Discounts on womenswear. The gold silk-lame blouse is $450 (was $1,490), striped flannel trousers are $250 (were $790) and the crinkle wool tank dress is $335 (was $1,090).
When: Nov 30-Dec 1, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where: 76 Mercer St (near Broome St)

Who: Botkier Online Sample Sale
What: Score up to 60% bags including styles like Trigger, Bianca, Brinks, Misha and more.  Plus - "Like" Botkier on Facebook and receive an additional 10% off!
When: Nov 30-Dec 2, 2011.  Starts at 9am on Wed Nov 30.
Where: Online

Who: Nicholas K Sample Sale
What: Score discounts on menswear and womenswear.  Samples are priced between $40-$180 while overstock merch is 60+% off.
When: Nov 30-Dec 4, 2011. Wed 11am-7pm, Thurs 10:30am-8pm, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Where: 809 Washington St (b/n Gansevort and Horatio St).

Who: Theory (Men's) Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off menswear.
When: Dec 7-Dec 10, 2011. Wed 12pm-8pm, Thurs-Fri (8am-8pm), Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 139 5th Ave - 2nd floor (b/n 20th & 21st St). 212.398.2777

Who: Theory (Women's) Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off womenswear.
When: Nov 30-Dec 4, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Where: 261 W 36th St - 2nd Floor (near 7th Ave)

Who: Gilded Age Sample Sale
What: Score 60-75% off menswear and accessories.
When: Nov 30-Dec 3, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-4:30pm
Where: 580 Broadway - 9th Floor, Suite 912 (near Houston St)

Who: Be&D Sample Sale
What: Up to 80 percent off. Convertible messenger styles are cut from $945 to $340, vintage carryalls with chain-link straps are $250 (usually $550) and braided-leather fold-over looks are chiseled from $398 to $180.
When: Nov 29-Dec 1, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 260 W 36th St - 8th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 212-290-1211

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What:  Up to 75% off womenswear and accessories
When: Nov 30-Dec 2, 2011. Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Where: 224 W 30th St - 14th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Shipley & Halmos Sample Sale

What: Deep discounts on menswear (this is the brand's first men's sample sale!). The Ruska Leather Jacket is $300 (was $850), the Harrison Cotton Blazer is $175 (was $415) and the Obama Chambray Woven Shirt is $75 (was $190).

When: Dec 1-3, 2011. Thurs-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-12pm-4pm.

Where: 8 Greene St (near Canal St) - 2nd floor.

Who: Archetype Showroom Sample Sale
What: 20-40% off labels including Iro, Surface to Air, The Reformation and Veda
When: Dec 1-3, 2011. 10am-7pm
Where: 676 Broadway - 2nd floor (near Bond St)

Who: Alexis Bittar Sample Sale
What: Deals on stylish jewelry.  CASH ONLY.
When: Dec 2-3, 2011. 9am-6:30pm
Where: 125 W 21st St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave).

Who: Amanda Uprichard Sample Sale
What: Discount on womenswear.  Silk dresses are $70 and silk blouses are $50.
When: Dec 2-4, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where:  5 Rivington St (at Bowery St).

Fall 2011 Preview: Katherine Kwei

Last weak, Erin and I had the great pleasure of previewing fall collections from Charmco and one of our handbag favorites, Katherine Kwei. The event was held on the lovely rooftop terrace at The Thompson in Lower East Side. True to Katherine Kwei and Small Girls PR style, the event was chic and super fun. There was dim sum and even a psychic on site doing tea leaf readings. I did a tarot card reading, and it felt so personal and true that it totally gave me the creeps. But enough about that, onto the important stuff - bags!
Katherine Kwei names her bags after friends and family members. This style, the Vivan, had Erin and I gushing. We love how she created the classic look of quilted leather with her signature knotting. This bag will be available as a shoulder bag and tote.


Our other favorite style was the Jessica. I can't seem to get enough of crossbody bags. I love the simplicity and subtle details of this style, and I especially love the muted color palette: sage, slate and sand. This would make a great everyday bag.

No luxury handbag line would be complete without flashy clutches and wallets. These small leather goods are Clea, metallic snakeskin on the left and super soft embossed shargreen leather on the right.


And then our favorite, Lulu! For fall, Lulu will return in embossed roc print on calfskin in khaki and cream. I wish I had taken this picture earlier in the evening before sunset, so you could see the detail better. It's a lovely bag.

The fall collection is full of adorable bags and charms too!

We had the chance to catch up a bit with Katherine who is a new mom! I adore her! She's so wonderful, just so fun and down to earth.

Before we left, we took some time to learn the Double Coin Knot. I initially wanted to walk away because last time I got incredibly frustrated, but I always enjoy a good craft project.
For those who'd like to try out the Double Coin knot, we snapped a picture of the instructions. Just click on the picture to the right for the full size.

Pictures taken on trial HTC Droid Incredible 2

Sample Sales This Week: April 11-17, 2011

Who: Loro Piana
What: Snag discounts on Italian luxury goods.
When: April 10-14, 2011. Sun-Wed 9am-6:30pm, Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: 317 West 33rd St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)718-747-1656

Who: Tusk Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off leather bags and accessories for men, women and travel. Womens wallets are $40 (were $95), men's billfold wallets are $30 (was $70), leather totes are $80 (was $225) and travel items are $25-$60 (were $40-$90). Receive 5% off purchases of $200-$299, 10% off purchases of $300+ and 15% off regularly priced merchadise. Purchases come with a complimentary canvas tote!
When: April 11-16, 2011. Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Where: 242 West 26th St. (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Kaelen Trunk Show/Sale
What: Label to watch designer Kaelen Farncombe is hosting a chance to snag her Fall 2010 collection at 50% off(approx $80-575)in addition to new Spring 2011 looks at retail.

When: April 12, 2011. Tues 6pm-9pm

Where: Launch Collective, 11 West 25th St, 7th Floor (b/n Broadway & 6th Ave)

Who: Annie Yee Sample Sale
What: Up to 50% on past merchandise. 10% on the new Spring collection. Pre-order the Fall collection at our special Friends/Family prices
When: April 12, 2011. Tues 4pm-8pm
Where: EVA NY, 355A Bowery (b/n 3rd & 4th St)

Who: Clothingline Sample Sale
What: Snag items from Botkier:clutches, handbags, small accessories, shoes & more.
Eva Franco: spring dresses & more. Milly and Laila Azhar: one of a kind samples. Walter: limited quantities in tops, skirts, dresses & more. Alisha Levine: silk blouses, dresses & more.
When: April 12-14, 2011. Tues, Thurs 11am-7pm, Wed 11am-6pm
Where: 261 W 36th St, 2nd Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Elie Tahari Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off womenswear, menswear and accessories
When: April 12-16, 2011. Tues-Fri (8:30am-7:30pm), Sat (10am-5pm)
Where: 510 Fifth Ave, (b/n 42nd and 43rd St). 212.398.2622

Who: Charlotte Ronson
What: Discounts on womenswear including chiffon dresses for $80 and sweaters/shorts/skirts for $60.
When: April 13-15, 2011. 10am-7pm
Where: 1071 6th Ave - suite 301 (b/n 40th & 41st St)

Who: Bindya Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on scarves in various materials and prints.
When: April 13-15, 2011. Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 49 West 38th St, 9th Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Otte Sale
What: Up to 70% off Fall 2010 and early Spring 2011 RTW, accessories and shoes.

When: April 13-14, 2011. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 37 West 26th St, Suite 305 (b/n 6th Ave & Broadway)

Who: Katherine Kwei Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off retail prices on leather accessories. The Joyce clutch is $170 (was $335), the Donna Snake Satchel and clutch are $800 and $460, respectively (was $1,555 and $935), the Joyce shoulder bag is $350 (was $625) and the Teresa tote is $350 (was $625).
When: April 14-15, 2011. 10:30am-7:30pm
Where: 611 Broadway - Suite 742 (at the corner of Houston & Broadway).

Who: The Sak Brand Group NYC Spring Sample Sale
What: Bags range from $5-$60!the sak Iris Crossbody was $79 is now $30
the sak Silverlake Crossbody was $129 is now $40, Elliott Lucca Millana Flap was $198 is now $60, Elliott Luca Capella Pleated Demi was $268 is now $60, Sakroots Artist Circle Nano was $49 now is now $30, Sakroots Artist Circle Crossbody was $79 is now $30, Lina Carina Large Satchel was $59 is now $22
When: April 15, 2011. Fri 9am-6pm
Where: 339 5th Avenue, 2nd Floor (b/n 33rd and 34th St) 212.329.4500

Who: Oak NYC + Friends Sample/ Warehouse sale
What: Score amazing deals on past seasons' merchandise and special samples on brands like Pleasure Principle, Hyden Yoo, Funktional, and Standard Issue. Cash Only
When: April 15-17, 2011.Fri-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm.
Where: 208 N 8th St (b/n Roebling & Driggs), Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Who: Earnest Sewn Sample Sale
What: Their FB page says there will be some "amazing samples this time around..." Last sale had jeans at under $100.
When: April 16-24, 2011. Sat-Sun 10am-8pm.
Where: 821 Washington St, 2nd Floor (b/n Little West 12th St & Gansevoort)

Who: Daryl K
What: Up to 70% off on jackets, dresses, pants, and more from their Daryl K collection and sister line Kerrigan
When: April 12, 2011. Tues 11am-8pm
Where: 21 Bond St (b/n Lafayette St and Bowery) 212-529-8790

UPDATED Sample Sales This Week: April 4-10, 2011

UPDATES:
Who: JF & Son
What: Up to 40% off fall dresses. 10% of sales going to the Red Cross for Japan.
When: Now through April 6, Wed noon-8 pm
Where: 56 University Place (at 10th St) 212-343-3131

Who: J Rosen Showroom
What: Up to 70% off designer swimwear, cover-ups, and sandals from the likes of Brette Sandler, Debbie Katz, Tkees, and Cocobelle.
When: Now through Friday April 8, 2011. 10am-7pm daily
Where: 231 West 39th St, Suite 1101 (b/n 7th & 8th Aves) 212-221-2349

Who: Ted Rossi
What: Up to 70% off on Python, leather, and Swarovski crystal jewelry and handbags.
When: April6-7,Wed-Thurs noon-6pm
Where: 15 East 30th St, suite 300 (b/n 5th Ave & Madison Ave) 212-683-1726

Who: Erica Weiner
What: The designer’s signature charm necklaces, antique etched cuffs, whimsical stud earrings, and more at up to 40% off.
When: April 8-10, 2011. Fri-Sun noon-8pm
Where: 173 Elizabeth St (b/n Spring & Kenmare St) 212-334-6383

Who: Betsey Johnson Sample Sale
What: 50% off accessories and 75-80% off apparel.
Where: Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 West 44th Street, 6th Floor (b/n 6th Ave & Broadway)
When: April 6-9, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm

Who: Boutique on 57
What: Up to 75% off on Spring merch from UGG & Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Prada, and Valentino
When: April 6-8, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 12 West 57 St(b/n 5th & 6th Ave) Suite 807. 212-247-2229
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Who: Odin & Pas de Deux Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off menswear and womenswear from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Richard Chai, Alexander Wang, Burkman Bros, Shipley & Halmos and more. The majority of the merch is menswear with a couple of racks of womenswear.
When: Now through April 10th, 2011.  Wed-Fri 1pm-8pm, Sat noon-8pm, Sun 1pm-7pm
Where: 159 1st Avenue (b/n 9th & 10th St). 

Who: n0ir Jewelry Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off accessories. Necklaces will be $10-$95, cocktail rings will be $15-$65, animal rings $50-$75, and bracelets/earrings will be $5-$40.
When: April 6-8, 2011. 10am-7pm
Where:350 W 38th Street - 5th floor (b/n 8th & 9th Ave). 212.244.4846

Who: Kara Ross Sample and Stock Sale
What: Snag discounts on exotic skin and leather handbags and gemstone-studded jewelry.
When: April 5-7, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 225 West 37th St(nr 7th Ave) 15th floor. 212-920-1211

Who: Rachel Leigh
What: 30-80% off on jewelry. Stella snakeskin bangles $15 (was $72), the Zelda Waltz Cluster necklace $50 (was $182), and the Gumball ring $25 (was $96)
When: April 5-7, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm
Where: 252 West 38th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 902. 646-290-6034

Who: Tucker and Felix Ray Joint Sample Sale
What: Discounted printed silk womenswear (Tucker) and handbags, clutches and totes (Felix Ray). Handbags start at $25!
When: April 7-9, 2011. Thurs-Fri (9am-7pm), Sat (10am-6pm)
Where: 413 W 14th St - Suite 403 (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: Tusk Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off leather bags and accessories for men, women and travel. Womens wallets are $40 (were $95), men's billfold wallets are $30 (was $70), leather totes are $80 (was $225) and travel items are $25-$60 (were $40-$90). Receive 5% off purchases of $200-$299, 10% off purchases of $300+ and 15% off regularly priced merchadise. Purchases come with a complimentary canvas tote!
When: April 8-9, 11-16 (closed on Sunday the 10th), 2011. 11am-7pm
Where: 242 W. 26th St. (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Shoshanna Spring Sample Sale
What: Everything under $75!
When: April 5th, 2011. 10am-6:30pm
Where: 231 W 39th St (b/w 7th & 8th Ave)

Upcoming Sample Sales:
Who: Katherine Kwei Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off retail prices on leather accessories. The Joyce clutch is $170 (was $335), the Donna Snake Satchel and clutch are $800 and $460, respectively (was $1,555 and $935), the Joyce shoulder bag is $350 (was $625) and the Teresa tote is $350 (was $625).
When: April 14-15, 2011. 10:30am-7:30pm
Where: 611 Broadway - Suite 742 (at the corner of Houston & Broadway).

Who: Elie Tahari Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off womenswear, menswear and accessories
When: April 12-16, 2011. Tues-Fri (8:30am-7:30pm), Sat (10am-5pm)
Where: 510 Fifth Ave, (b/n 42nd and 43rd St). 212.398.2622

Who: Charlotte Ronson
What: Discounts on womenswear including chiffon dresses for $80 and sweaters/shorts/skirts for $60.
When: April 13-15, 2011. 10am-7pm
Where: 1071 6th Ave - suite 301 (b/n 40th & 41st St.)

Katherine Kwei S/S 11 Fashion Video

So on President’s Day while everyone else was sleeping in and enjoying the extra day of rest, Lani and I were up as early as a typical work day and trying to solve the fashion dilemma of coming up with an outfit that had no black or no grey. Ironically just as I was about leave the house, Lani texted me that she was wearing yellow pants and a blue top – the exact same combo I had on. Guess the fashion equation had only one solution! I was slightly afraid that we’d be too matchy or totally clash with each other, nevertheless I had to get moving if I wanted to make it on time to Williamsburg on that snowy morning for our Fashion Video debut with our lovely co-star the Lulu Bag by Katherine Kwei.

Although it was technically a working Holiday we had a blast working with the lovely and talented director Celia Rowlson-Hall while hanging lovely blogger ladies Claire Geist (faboomadness.blogspot.com), Sara Zucker (sarazucker.com), Bianca Caampued (biancarocksout.com) and Casey Kettleson (styledon.com).

Our first location was in a classroom and it was my first time sitting in one of those grade school desks in ages. It brought back a flood of memories – passing notes to girlfriends, when everything was a big deal, secret snacks I’d hide in my desk, being too tired to hold my head up off the desk and endless doodling. Time flew although the antique looking clock on the wall never did – if I was really in school I think that clock would have killed me! Although being students of style kind of appeals to me!

After a short break, we got to finish off the day with a toast while having drinks at The Thompson in the Lower East Side. The perfect end to a fun day! Hope you enjoy the video as much as we did making it! Special thanks to Small Girls PR for making sure everything in the day went so smoothly and on schedule!

Katherine Kwei Lulu S/S 11 from celia rowlson-hall on Vimeo.

SS11 Preview & Chinese Knotting with Katherine Kwei

Awhile back, we were invited to what was perhaps the cutest press event ever. We had the pleasure of meeting Katherine Kwei and previewing her spring collection of handbags at her breathtaking apartment and studio space in Soho.
Katherine Kwei is incredibly friendly and personable. Talking to her almost feels like talking to an old friend. It was really fun to hear about the start of her four year old line.

Back in the day she worked at Louis Vuitton. She always loved accessories, and one day she decided to pursue accessories design by going to school in London. While working in her thesis she remembered traditional knotting from her grandmother and incorporated it into her designs. Her initial prototype at the factories took something like 20+ hours; it may have taken even longer but I'm not the best with numbers.
What Erin and I really admire and love about Katherine Kwei is the way she tastefully incorporates her Chinese heritage into her work - the red lining inside her handbags, decor in her home/studio, and catering the event with dim sum from Chinatown Brasserie.
One of the highlights of the night was the lesson in Chinese knotting. We were each given a chance to make our own keychain, and wow, let me just say that it was incredibly humbling. Erin, being the craftster that she is, managed to learn multiple knots in the time it took me to create one charm.
Katherine Kwei's home and studio was truly amazing, and being surrounded by beautiful handbags, I felt like I was in heaven. The spring 2011 collection is quite extensive. There are slouchy hobos, structured totes, convertible bags, mini crossbodies, and of course adorable clutches in a variety of colors from calm nudes and tans to vibrant oranges and teals.
I tend to gravitate towards more structured bags, so the "Kate" bags are currently at the top of my spring wishlist. I loved the shape and the embossed, bubbled leather.
The snakeskin "clea" clutches and accessories also caught my eye with their unique shine and color.
And in my humble opinion, spring isn't spring without some bright, playful colors. For spring, Katherine Kwei has updated her signature Donna style with some hand dyed leathers.

Now Wearing...

Earlier this week, we stopped by Katherine Kwei's studio to preview her spring 2011 handbag collection. Her space was incredible, and the bags were beautiful! More to come in another post. In the mean time, here's a snapshot of what we wore Tuesday night.

Image courtesy of nickydigital.com
Lani
If you've been a long time follower of our blog, you probably remember these shirt from older posts (2008 & 2009). It's an XL men's shirt that I wear as a tunic because I love the colors and print so much. Lately I've been thinking about taking it to a tailor to get it better fitted, though it does look fine with some careful belting.

Shirt - Faconnable
Faux snakeskin leggings - Silence + Noise, Urban Outfitters
Black lace up boots - Kelsi Dagger Eva
Studded watch bangle - Buffalo Exchange

Erin
My outfit took elements of 50’s Rockabilly style so I took it a bit further by styling my hair into a mini pouf ponytail braid. Kept the color selection simple with black, white & red for a simple but bold statement.

Patent Mary Janes – Delman
Skinny Zip Jeans - Courtesy of Rich & Skinny
Tie Neck Blouse – Amanda Uprichard
Puff Sleeve Jacket - Vintage via Clothing Swap
Eagle Ring - Fallon