Sample Sales This Week NYC: April 26-May 2, 2010

Who: Matt Bernson Sample Sale
What: Sandals, Ballet Flats, Boots, and more starting from $40. Cash Only
When: April 30-May 2, 2010. Fri-Sun, noon-7pm
Where: 450 Greenwich Street (b/n Debrosses and Vestry St) 212.941.7634

Who: AEFFE USA Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off brands like Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Pollini, Liberty of London, Jean Paul Gaultier
When: April 28-May 1,2010. Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm
Where: 30 West 56th Street (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Foley + Corinna Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on Foley + Corinna ready-to-wear and handbags, plus vintage clothing, handbags and jewelry curated by the designers from spring & fall 2009 and one-of-a-kind archive samples. Bonus: Join the Foley + Corinna mailing list and receive a $50 Gift Certificate redeemable at any Foley + Corinna retail stores.
When: April 29-May 2, 2010. Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Where: 186 Orchard Street (b/n Houston and Stanton St)

Who: Acne/Nudie/Flippa K Sample Sale
What: SS10 collection at 50-75% off. CASH ONLY
When: Friends & Family April 27, 2010, Tues 11am-8pm. April 28-29, 2010. Wed-Thurs 11am-8pm.
Where: 269 Elizabeth Street (b/n Houston & Prince St)

Who: Sigerson Morrison and Belle by Sigerson Morrison Warehouse sale
What; Up to 70% off on boots, shoes and sandals. SM starting from $150, Bell starting at $95. Handbags were $600-$2,000, now $150-$400.
When: April 28-30. Wed 10:30-7pm, Thurs 8am-7:30pm, Fri 9am-3pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion 125 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Paul & Shark Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% Off Italian Made menswear. Luxury Men's Light Weight and Heavy Outerwear, Short Sleeve Polo's, Jeans, Trousers, Swimwear, Wool and Cotton Sweaters, select Cashmere Outerwear and Sweaters, 100% Cotton Woven Shirts and Men's Shoes.
All sales are final. No returns or exchanges. All samples size large, but select size scales are available.
When: April 27-29, 2010. Tues 9:30am-5:30pm, Wed 9am-5pm, Thurs 10am-5pm
Where: 79 Madison Ave, Suite 1206 (at 28th Street)

Who: Frette Sample Sale
What: Save up to 80% off fine Italian linens. Save up to 80% off on bed sets, duvet covers, light quilts and bedcovers. Save up to 60% off robes and tabletop. All sales final. No strollers please.
When: April 25-29, 2010. Sun 1pm-5pm Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 4 West 58 Street(b/n 5th-6th Ave) 9th Floor. 212.920.1211

Who: Hickey-Freeman/ Bobby Jones
What: Menswear Sale! 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 start at $499.99 (was $1,395 -$3,295), sport coats $299.99 - $699.99 (wasl $995 - $2,495) dress trousers $139.99 (was $225 - $295), and dress shirts start at $69.99 (was $150 - $225). Bobby Jones: Signature knit and woven sport shirts $59.99 (was $150 - $195), sweaters start at $59.99 (was $175) and trousers $49.99 - $149.99 (was $135 - $375). Assorted sizes from all seasons. All sales final. No exchanges or returns. Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted. Credit cards only.
When: April 25-29, 2010. Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Wed 9am-6:30pm, Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: 317 West 33 Street (b/n 8th-9th Ave) 718.747.1656

Who: Blumarine
What: Up to 80% off feminine frocks! Lace minidresses was $1100, now $200, multicolored leopard gowns now $395 (was $2,100) and bright satin lingerie was $1400 now $290
When: Now through April 29, 2010. Daily 10am-6pm
Where: 37 W 57th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, ninth floor (212-920-1211, blumarine.com)

Audio Obsession: Marina and the Diamonds

Artist: Marina and the Diamonds
Recommended If You Like: Little Boots, Dragonette, Annie, I Blame Coco

My most recent audio obsession has been Marina and the the Diamonds, who have been on repeat all this week ever since my friend Nick introduced her to me by telling me that her's was a MANDATORY concert. Unfortunately, I missed the concert and now I am hoping that she returns to NYC soon but looks like it will be a while. However anyone going to SXSW I highly recommend as she'll be performing both March 19 & 20th!

Marina and the Diamonds is the stage name of Marina Diamandis, a London based half Greek half Welsh solo artist. Her debut album The Family Jewels was just released on February 22, 2010 in the UK but won't be released stateside until May 25, 2010. Honestly, I think it's one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. The catchy electropop tunes and strong vocals will have you dancing in your chair at work! My fave tracks are Hollywood, I am Not a Robot, Mowgli's Road, Obsessions, Shampain and Are you Satisfied. You can download a Remix of her song Hollywood for free here, stream from her myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds or for the most tracks, check out her YouTube channel.

Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up Closes Early

Just in from our friends at Racked, the Liberty of London for Target pop-up closed this morning because almost everything sold out!

"Sales exceeded all records from previous pop-ups, and more than 11,000 people stopped by over the shop's two short but glorious days of existence.

If you missed out, you can still get your hands on some floral prints this Sunday, when the collection arrives in stores. Or stalk the website: Everything should become available for sale at midnight on the 14th. Note that the bike is only available online, and that if you're ordering clothing, you should probably go one size down from what you normally wear."

NY Preview: Liberty of London for Target

If you're in New York and haven't already, you should stop by the Liberty of London for Target pop-up shop on 42nd St. It's a floral explosion.

As Erin mentioned in her post about Liberty of London for Target fit and sizing, I was actually pretty calm at this sale and she was freaking out over everything. Usually it's the other way around. It's a well-executed pop-up shop with wonderful merch, but I think the clothes didn't appeal to me as much as they did to Erin. For me the highlights were definitely the housewares.

Pillows, bedding, tea cups, cookie jars, piggy banks... all ridiculous cute! And for anyone trying to organize their closet, the nylon canvas-covered storage bins are great. Like Erin mentioned in her note, they're sturdy and better quality than what you would find at Ikea.

My other favorites from the Liberty of London for Target collection included the sleepwear. I loved this airy camisole and babydoll bustier top.

The bras were also super cute, but unfortunately, the quality was lacking. They felt rough to the touch, and I'm not sure how well they would hold up after a few washes. I really wanted the garters, but I would only want them with a matching bra. The swimwear on the other hand seemed pretty well-made. I wish I had a chance to try it on, but I didn't have enough time before work.

Lastly the totes and duffel bags! Of all the prints in the collection, these two were probably my favorite. There was also a wallet in the blue floral on the left and a raincoat in the yellow-green floral on the right. Looking back, I maybe should have grabbed that rain coat. Well, I do have until Saturday! Fingers crossed for my size!

Who: Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up Shop
What: Shop the collection before it debuts nationwide
When: March 10-13, 2010. Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 9am-8pm
Where: 1095 6th Ave (at 42nd St)

In the Change Room: Liberty of London for Target

So in case you haven't heard New Yorkers, Liberty of London is having a pop-up shop in Midtown. I had the fortune of checking out the press event this morning and I was hardly able to contain my excitement. Usually when we go to sales, Lani is excited and I am the calm one but this morning I was bouncing off the walls with ADD. I loved everything and could hardly begin figuring out where to look. And even though I feel like I went a bit buck wild, I am actually wishing that I bought a few more things! I may go back tomorrow morning to try my hand at picking up some mugs. The prices are great with almost everything I picked up under $19.99. There were plenty of maxi dresses, but I wasn't really drawn to them for some reason.

I tried on a few of the pieces in one of the 5 or 6 fitting rooms in the pop-up shop and then again at home.

So from the lookbook I saw this jumper and had to try it on. Unfortunately, I pulled the strap out as I was getting it off the hanger so I had to kind of hold it in place. The jumper was in a thin poly crepe fabric and fully lined in poly chiffon to help keep it from showing through. It had a very lounge wear feel and was a bit long for my 5'3" height. I'd probably have to hem this but it might have been good on a much taller person. Be careful about the strap pulling through the hole when trying this one on.

This dress with the ruffle I saw on the mannequin and it made me want it. Contrast fabric makes it look like you have a scarf tied around your waist and a piece is trailing down. It's simple shape gives it a very vintage feel but for some reason I tried on a size 2 and it was very big on me. The bodice was much looser than on previous collections. Perhaps made for someone bustier?

This tunic with the ruffle bottom is not my usual style but I thought it was super cute. The poly crepe is a bit heavier than on the dresses but has a good weight to it. This had a nice boxy fit to it. Probably perfect for days when you eat a bit too much :) I like that it doesn't cling too much to the hips.

This ruffle neck blouse is the same fabric in the heavy crepe and offers a feminine easy fit. It's not as boxy as the tunic but skims over the body. The finishing feels quite nice on this piece and it seems sturdy. I think it would be super cute with shorts.

I also picked up this foldover wallet that has a very ladylike change purse clasp. It uses magnets to hold it closed and they seem pretty strong. The material is like a vinyl laminate that seems like it could hold up to some wear and tear.

Next up, I pulled this from the men's section but I was admiring the printed shirts. I picked up a men's small which is the smallest size. It's in 100% cotton lawn, which I just found out that Liberty of London is famous for. I don't think that this is the same Tana lawn that is woven in England and often costs upwards of $40 a yard but it's a lightweight cotton that feels dry, smooth and has a cool hand. With the sleeves rolled up, belted or tied I think this shirt will make a great wardrobe staple. It includes collar stays and standard men's flat felled seaming.

I also picked up this babydoll bustier top which perhaps was meant to be a sleeper but I think is far too pretty to be left at home. It incorporates 2 different prints and has underwires and a mesh bra back in addition to 2 kinds of lace, sweet striped ribbons and tiny buttons. At $19.99 this one is an absolute steal for the amount of work and sheer adorableness. I think it would be perfect for achieving that prairie girl look that's starting to hit the runway. Not recommended for very busty girls.

However, if you are into this look but want to keep it more intimate they had tonnes of bras in sizes ranging from 34A to 40 DD (?) and matching panties from XS-XL.

I also picked up this printed duffle bag in Cotton sateen. I wish they used more cotton sateen in this collection as it's smooth luster makes it look expensive. It feels lightly padded and strong enough to be a gym bag or overnight bag. This bag features nylon zippers that are smooth to use unlike the scratchy metal ones that have been in some handbag collections of the past. Everyone who saw this duffle was in love.

I also couldn't help but pick up this necktie. I sometimes love shopping the men's section but this tie is 100% silk and only $17.99! It actually looks great with a printed shirt or paired with olive. I wish actually that the scarves they were selling were also silk but alas they were cotton lawn that didn't feel as finished.

As for home stuff, as I mentioned I should have picked up some ceramic mugs at $4.99 each! The dinnerware looked cute but I'm not personally into the melamine or plastic tumblers. I suppose melamine would be great for picnics or if you have a real garden for bbqs. I think that for longevity anything in ceramic like the teapot, mixing bowls, piggy bank and jars are winners. Also their storage boxes were so cute. I picked up a couple of these large storage bins at $12.99 a pop. They are sturdy and covered in nylon canvas and look better than anything I could pick up at Ikea.

Go now and snag up some flower power! I'm headed back tomorrow :) Look for more images and store shots to come.

Who: Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up Shop
What: Shop the collection before it debuts nationwide
When: March 10-13, 2010. Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 9am-8pm
Where: 1095 6th Ave (at 42nd St)

Sales this Week NYC: March 8-14, 2010

Who: Steven Alan Post-Winter Sale
What: Additional 25% off on already reduced prices
When: March 8-14, 2010.
Where: New York & Los Angeles Sale.
New York: 465 Amsterdam Ave. 212.595.8451
L.A.: 1937 1/2 Hillhurst Ave. 323.667.9500

Who: Steve Fabrikant
What: Sample & Stock sale on designer knits, great jackets, separates, dresses and eveningwear, all below wholesale prices. When you purchase two outfits, save 50% off on the third. Cash only.
When: March 10-12, 2010. Wed 4pm-8pm, Thurs 7:30am-4:30pm, Fri 7:30am-11:30am
Where: The Regency Hotel, 540 Park Avenue(at 61st St)

Who: Flatotel Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off Carol Kauffmann jewelry, Pamella Roland eveningwear, MCM handbags, Cassin furs, and more
When: March 9-11, 2010. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 135 West 52nd St, 5th floor(nr 6th Ave) 212-920-1211

Who: Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up Shop
What: Shop the collection before it debuts nationwide
When: March 10-13, 2010. Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 9am-8pm
Where: 1095 6th Ave (at 42nd St)

Who: Fenton/Fallon Jewelry Sample Sale
What: Wholesale and below prices on graphic, bold, edgy fashion forward jewelry.
When: March 12-13, 2010. Fri noon-7pm, Sat noon-6pm
Where: 187 Chrystie St (nr Rivington St) 212-477-1315

Who: Felice Dee Eyewear
What: 40-80% off on eyewear from Alain Mikli, Mykita, Thierry Lasry
When: March 11-13, 2010. Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm
Where: 69 East 71st St (nr Park Ave) 212-717-7062

Who: Escada Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% on jackets, pants, cocktail dresses, gowns, shoes, and handbags.
When: March 7-10, 2010. Sun-Tues 10am-7pm, Wed 10am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 West 19th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Dolce & Gabbana and D&G Sample Sale
What: Reduced Prices on last seasons collections on cocktail dresses, tailored pants, jackets, bags, shoes
When: March 11-14, 2010. Thurs-Sat 9am-7pm. Sun 9am-6pm
Where: 125 West 18th Street (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Infants and Kids Sample Sale
What: Clothing for boys and girls from infant to size 12 from Jacadi, Kule, Marie Chantal, Rachel Riley, Imps & Elfs and Kids Case and Dante Beatrix
When: March 8-10, 2010. Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 W 36th Street, 2nd Floor(b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

First Look: Liberty of London for Target Home

Here's the home segment of the Liberty of London for Target collection that's set to hit stores on March 14, 2010. I personally am a little more excited for the home collection than the clothing! And that almost never happens. I wish more of the dinner ware was glass/ceramic as opposed to melamine, but guess beggars can't be choosers and the melamine keeps things affordable for the Target customer. I personally am a fan of the piggy banks, but I don't know how I'm going to choose because I like just about everything here!

Square Pillow in Turquoise/Peacock or Multicolor Floral Print $19.99
Rectangle Pillow in Turquoise or Multicolor FloralPrint $16.99

Square Pillow in Print $19.99
Rectangle Pillow in Multicolor Floral Print $16.99

3-pc. Comforter Set with Shams in Green/Blue Print in Full/Queen and King Sizes $59.99 – $69.99

Quilt in Pink Floral Print in Full/Queen and King Sizes $49.99 – $59.99
Standard Sham $14.99 King Sham $24.99

Lamp Shade in Multicolor Floral Print $17.99
Lamp Base in Silver $19.99

Piggy Banks in Black/White or Pink/Purple Floral Prints, or Turquoise/Peacock Print $9.99 each

Scented Candles $9.99 each
Available in Vanilla Bean, Spiced Black Tea, Lotus and White Flower, Violet Fig, Ocean Minerals and Sugared Grapefruit

Media Bin in Black/White Floral Print $6.99 Milk Crate in Pink/White
Floral Print $9.99 Medium Tapered Bin in Multicolor Floral Print $8.99
Large Tapered Bin in Black/White Floral Print $12.99
Lidded Storage Box in Multicolor Floral Print $14.99

4-pk. Notecard Set $5.99
3-pk. Notecard Set $6.99

Melamine Trays in Black/White Floral or Multicolor Prints $12.99 each

Mugs in Teal Peacock Print, Green/Blue Print, or Multicolor
and Black/White Floral Prints $4.99 each

Melamine Dinnerware in Pink/White Floral Print
Dinner Plate $2.99 Salad Plate $2.49 Bowl $2.49

Ceramic Canisters in Assorted Floral Prints
Large $19.99 Medium $17.99 Small $14.99

Melamine Two-Tiered Dessert Tray in Multicolor Floral Print $14.99

Ceramic Teapots in Multicolor Floral or Black/White Prints $12.99 each

Watering Cans in Black/White or Multicolor Floral Prints $19.99 each

Gardening Gloves in Multicolor/Orange $6.99
3-pc. Tool Set in Pink Floral Print (Includes trowel, cultivator and pruner) $19.99

Planters in Pink or Multicolor Floral Prints $9.99 each

3-pc. Ceramic Prep Bowl Set in Green/Blue Print $19.99