Sample Sales This Week: December 6-12, 2010

Who: Ali Ro Sample Sale
What: 70% off holiday and fall lines. Lined anoraks are $100 (were $285), scuba dresses with cutouts are $100 (were $285), and ruched zipper leggings are $100 (were $290).
When: December 9-10, 2010. Thurs (9am-5:30pm), Fri (9am-5pm)
Where: 530 7th Ave., suite 1403 (b/n 38th & 39th St.) 212-575-2550

Who: Autumn Cashmere Seasonal Sale
What: Up to 75% off men's and women's accessories and apparel. Women's striped berets are $55 (were $119), women's dolman double-V sweaters are $109 (were $275), and men's shawl-collar jackets are $155 (were $374).
When: December 6-10, 2010. 10am-6pm
Where: 231 W 39th St., suite 924 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 212-398-2244

Who: Gay Boyer Jewelry Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off jewelry and belt samples
When: December 6-8, 2010. 10am-4pm
Where: 19 West 36th Street, 6th Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Hive Showroom Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off with items starting at $10! Featured items include colorful fur vests, bold leather jackets, brightly printed dresses, soft cashmere cardigans, fine Italian men's dress shirts, and leather belts and bags.
When: December 7-10, 2010. 9am-7pm
Where: 544 W 27th St, 6th Floor (b/n 10th & 11th Ave)

Who: BeeQueenby Chicca Lualdi
What: One of WWD’s new designers to watch from Milan Fashion SS2011 Fashion Weekis selling FW2010 and SS2011 samples for 50-70% off.Tops $170 from $395. Cardigans $245 from $590. Pants $165 from $395. Dresses $270 from $645
When: December 7-10, 2010. 9am-7pm
Where: Hive Showroom, 544 W 27th St, 6th Floor (b/n 10th & 11th Ave)

Who: L.A.M.B. + Harajuku Lovers Handbag Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off handbags. The Vane Satchel is $125 (was $325), the Maria messenger bag is $75 (was $228), the Clutch Wallet is $35 (was $98), the Harajuku lovers candy bar tote is $25 (was $88) and the Harajuku Lovers Speedster Satchel is $35 (was $118).
When: December 8-10th, 2010. Wed (8am-8pm), Thurs (10am-8pm), Fri (8am-6pm)
Where:144 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor (b/n 19th & 20th St).

Who: Brian Atwood Sample Sale
What: 30-60% off footwear
When: December 6, 2010. 9am-6pm
Where: 444 West 17th St., (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: AKA New York Fall Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off retail. Sweaters, dresses, scarves, T-shirts and jackets are between $20-$100.
When: December 8-10th, 2010
Where: 246 West 38th Street, suite 1109 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave).

Who: James Jeans Holiday Sample Sale
What: $20-$80 for jeans.
When: December 7-10th, 2010. Tues, Wed (9am-7:30pm), Wed (9am-5:30pm), Fri (10am-2pm)
Where: 500 Greenwich Street, #202 (b/n Spring & Canal St.)

Who: Kara Ackerman Trunk Show
What: Online holiday sample sale. Receive 30% off! Just enter PROMO CODE: HOLIDAY2010 when checking out.
When: December 6-17, 2010.
Where: Online

Who: Miguelina Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off men's & women's underwear, underpinnings, loungewear, sleepwear and robes.
When: December 8-10th, 2010. 8am-8pm
Where: 336 W 37th Street, suite 1080. (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Religion and House of the Gods Sample Sale
What: Clothing for men, women and kids up to 80% off
When: December 9-10, 2010. 10am-6pm
Where: 648 Broadway, suite 301 (b/n Bond & Bleeker St)

Who: Thread Social Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off fun and flirty frocks.
When: December 7-8, 2010. 9am-8pm
Where: 26 W 17th St., suite 301 (b/n 5th & 6th Ave.)

Who: Diane von Furstenberg Sample Saple
What: Signature printed wrap dresses are $150 (was $325), embellished cardigans are $80 (were $495) and coats are $350 (were $625).
When: December 7-10, 2010. Tues (9am-6:30pm), Wed (10am-8pm), Thurs (10am-7pm), Fri (9am-5pm)
Where: 260 5th Ave. (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: Mai Cashmere
What: Cashmere Ts for $82 (were $325), drawstring pants for $122 (was $495), and V-neck cardigans for $96 (were $385)
When: December 8-10, 2010. 12pm-7pm
Where: 49 W. 38th St., suite 12a (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Natori
What: Lingerie, sleepwear, RTW and more for under $50
When: December 8-9, 2010. Wed (10am-7pm), Thurs (10am-4pm)
Where: 102 Madison Ave., 3rd flo0r (29th & 30th St).

Who: Gar-de & Friends Sample Sale
What: Gar-de, Rogan, Nomia, Sophomore and 80%20 shoes are up to 85% off
When: December 8-15, 2010. 10-7pm
Where: 135 W 36th St., 14th floor (b/n Sixth & Seventh Ave).

Who: Made Her Think Sample Sale
What: 20%-60% handbags and jewelry
When: December 10-11, 2010. Fri (12pm-8pm), Sat (11am-5pm)
Where: 195 Chrystie St., suite 301-7 (b/n Rivington & Stanton St).

Who: Helmut Lang
What: Up to 70% off womenswear. Blazers are $199, leather pants are $199, and skirts are $79
When: December 10-12, 2010. Fri (8am-8pm), Sat-Sun (10am-6pm)
Where: 139 5th Ave, 2nd floor (b/n 20th & 21st St)

Who: Lee Angel
What: 30%-75% off accessories
When: December 8-10, 2010. Wed-Thur (11am-7pm), Fri (10am-5pm)
Where: 524 Broadway - 6th floor (@ Spring St)

Who: Leifsdottir Private Sale
What: Discounts off apparel
When: December 8-10, 2010. 11am-7pm
Where: 209 W 38th St, 7th floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Multibrand sample sale including Cynthia Steffe
What: Great deals on Cynthia Steffe on samples and select stock pieces from spring, summer and fall. Cynthia Steffe items are $20 (except leathers and outerwear which will set you back $50)
When: December 7-10, 2010. 10am-6pm
Where: 218 W. 37th St - 7th floor (b/n 7th & 8th ave)

Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Who: J.Crew Sample Sale
What: Spring and summer merchandise for men, women, and kids. The linen sleeveless beach dress is $25 (was $50), the soft tissue top with ruffles is $10 (was $40), and the linen dress with a knotted, hand-appliquéd neckline is $60 (was $185).
Where: Clothingline, 261 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave., 2nd floor
When: July 12-16, 2009. Sun 10am–5pm, Mon–Thurs 10am–7pm.

Who: Nanette Lepore Sample Sale
What: Dresses are $75 to $150 (was $335 to $595), skirts are $100 (was $195 to $295), and shoes are $100 to $250 (was $255 to $525)
Where: 225 W 35th St nr 7th Ave, 4th floor (212-594-0012)
When: July 14-16, 2009. Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm

Who: Betsey Johnson Sample Sale
What: Evening dresses are $75, day dresses are $50, and sportswear is $35
Where: 145 W 44th St nr. Broadway, 6th fl. (212-789-7546)
When: July 15-17, 2009. Wed-Fri 10am-8pm

Who: Elie Tahari Warehouse Sale
What: 60-80% Off Women’s and men’s samples and stock
Where: 75 9th Ave, nr 15th St
When: July 15-19, 2009. Wed-Sun 10am-7pm

Who: Made Her Think Sample Sale
What: 60% Off Jewelry
Where: 195 Chrystie St nr Rivington St, Suite 301-7(212-228-2144)
When: July 16-17, 2009. Thurs-Fri 1pm-8pm

Who: Dior, Gucci, YSL Sample & Stock Sale
What: A broad selection of dresses, skirts, tops, pants, jackets, and an amazing assortment of designer sunglasses and accessories. All sizes are available. Prices are up to 80% off retail.
Where: 41 West 57 Street(b/n 5th-6th Avenues) 5th Floor
When: July 15-19, 2009. Wed-Sun 11am-7pm

Who: Boutique on 57 Sample Sale
What: Women's ready to wear, designer shoes, handbags, and jewelry. All up to 80% off. Special designer rack starting at $50. Brands like Ungaro, Valentino, Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Lacroix
Where: 12 West 57 Street(b/n 5th-6th Avenues)Suite 807. 212.247.2229
When: July 14-16, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm

Who: Otte
What: Moving Sale now up to 80% off designers like Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, See by Chloe, and Mike & Chris
Where: 132 N 5th St, Brooklyn (718-302-3007)
When: Ongoing. Mon—Sat 12pm—8pm, Sun 12pm—6pm.

What: Stella McCartney
Why: Platform sandals for $179 (reg. $895), dresses for $139 (reg. $695), jeans for $59 (reg. $295).
When: July 14 & 15. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: April May
Why: Up to 80 percent off fall and spring collections. Plus a beauty bonanza fire sale.
When: July 14-17. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: D2 Publicity, 611 Broadway, at Houston St., ste. 613b (212-421-6485).

What: Lela Rose Wedding
Why: Fifteen styles of white gowns are $500-$3,000 (that’s up to 80 percent off).
When: July 15-17. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 224 W. 30th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 13th flr.

Trend Report: Knuckleduster Rings

I've been on the look out for the perfect knuckle ring for years, and over the past few months I've noticed a huge wave of knuckleduster rings coming through. Knuckle rings are hot. They're tough, edgy and when done right, chic. When done wrong, they can be oh so tacky.

My recommendation when wearing knuckle rings is to keep it simple. If you plan to wear a knuckle ring, don't load up your arms with chunky bangles or bracelets. And unless you're intentionally dressing like a ghetto girl or over-accessorized pop starlet, no hoop earrings.

Melody Ehsani, $50 & Made Her Think, $110The first ring is a little kitchy, but since it's in mirror rather than colored plastic, it works. The second ring from Made Her Think is one of my favorites because the shape is less expected. I wanted to buy one last week from Save Fashion, but they were out of my size! Sad day.

Lauren Ramirez, $190 & Bijules, $229-$250I like these rings because they're simple, sleek and from young designers with noteworthy collections. You can check out more from San Francisco's Lauren Ramirez on etsy.com and New York's Bijules at bijulesnyc.com.

Vane, $120Being a unisex ring, this piece from Vane is the most masculine and the toughest of the bunch. I love it for its New York pride and classic knuckle ring style.