Pssst... Markdowns on Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

Mine! I literally clapped my hands with excitement when I found these.

I stopped by the H&M downtown on State St after work while waiting for a friend to wrap up.  I went through almost all of the store before noticing they still had some of the Maison Martin Margiela collection in stock.  And I didn't realize the pieces were marked down until I studied the tags because the original prices had be discretely covered with new prices.  Also, I hadn't checked out the collection earlier because I remember thinking most of it felt out of my price range!

There were two racks worth of womenswear collection left, including the Narrow Shoulder Jacket, Horizontal Dress, Blazer, Oversized Peacoat and just a few of the Hitched Up Dress.  Prices were roughly half off ($99+ after markdowns), and while limited in quantity, those styles were available in all sizes with the exception of the Hitched Up Dress.  To reference the lookbook, click here.  For Erin's write up on the construction and fit of some of the pieces, click here.

Ever since images of the collection were released, I'd been eying the footwear specifically the black patent wedges and black leather booties.  The wedges unfortunately didn't fit the way I would have hoped; my heels kept slipping out and the sides felt too stiff.  The booties on the other hand fit quite nicely, perhaps because I can wear them with socks.  While they fit comfortably, I must admit that I will have to walk a little differently in them to avoid clomping around because the lucite wedge has no give.

There were plenty of silver ($40) and black flats in stock ($60).  There were lots of wedges ($99) in black, red and tan and about a dozen pairs of booties ($129) left, mostly in sizes 8-10.  There were several pairs of black knee high boots (a great steal at $129) and a few pairs of the maroon ones left as well, but I didn't get a chance to look at sizing before I left.

H&M X Maison Martin Margiela: Menswear

Along with Erin - I ended up hitting the presale event at Columbus Circle last night.  The men's section was no where near as frantic as the women's (thank God it was on a different floor) but it was still bustling.   From what I could see, shoppers were definitely more selective with their choices - my guess is due to the heftier pricepoints.  Hopefully this will act as a deterrant for the infinite number of douchebags who try and turn a quick buck through reselling the items on eBay.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M at Columbus Circle

Tonight I was given the opportunity to shop the H&M x Maison Martin Margiela pre-shop event at the brand new sparkly location of H&M on the 2nd floor of the The Shops at Columbus Circle. It was nice to get to wait in line indoors – something to consider if you’re going to be waiting in line tomorrow morning to keep your fingers from getting too numb.  Being the fashion keener that I am, I was in the first 15 people in line, despite the fact that I have a bruised heel bone (due to a failed attempt cleaning up my closet and have been hobbling around for the past few days).
Upon entry to the sale it was chaos as usual as people ran to get their coveted items. In case you’re wondering what they are: the candy wrapper clutch and the disco ball mirrored leggings are the hot ticket and I spotted them in nearly everyone’s arms as they wandered through the sale. If these are on your wish list make sure you hit them up first – I spotted a few random hoarders carrying the clutches 4 at a time. Women’s shoes was also a fast mover with staffers continuously bringing out an armload of boxes at a time.

I struck quickly and soon snagged up everything from my wish list and ran to the change room for final confirmation. I learned my lesson at the H&M x Versace collaboration when I didn’t grab multiple sizes and soon found myself out of luck on the floral print bustier so I grabbed multiple sizes this time and prevailed.

See pictures of packaging and my product reviews after the jump.

A Few More Sales This Week!

Who: The Wrights Collection Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off Fall 2012 - CASH ONLY!
When: Nov 8-9, 2012. 9am-7pm.
Where: 110 W 40th St - Suite 1002 (b/n Broadway and 6th Ave). 212-391-2150

Who: AEFFE Sample Sale
What: 65%+ off menswear and womeneswer from labels like Alberta Ferretti, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschinom, Pollini and Cacharel
When: Nov 7-10, 2012. Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm
Where: 30 West 56th Street - 1st floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave). 212-632-9300

Who: Jamari Int'l Ltd. Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off kidswear
When: Nov 5-16, 2012. M-F 9am-5pm
Where: 525 Seventh Avenue - Suite 906 (at 38th St). 212-693-1733

Who: Butter, Bettye Muller & Something Bleu Stock/Sample Shoe Sale
What: Discounts on boots, pumps, chic skimmers, flats, gorgeous peep-toes, and platforms. The sale will feature tons of current styles retailing from $250-$700, now available for $60-$280. CASH ONLY
Where: Nov 9-13, 2012. Fri, Mon-Tues 9am-7pm, closed Sat & Sun
Where: 307 7th Ave - Suite 2307 (b/n 27th & 28th St). 212-366-1822

Who:Portolano Sample Sale
What: Discounts on Men's & Women's, hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, hoisery and socks
When:  Nov 5-16, 2012.  Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, closed Sat-Sun
Where 15 W 37th St - 2nd Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave). 212-719-4403

Who: Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor&Rolf, MM6, & More Sample Sale
What:  Discounts on men's and women's apparel and accessories.  Based on previous sales, sizing is almost all sample size (M for men).  Credit/Debit ONLY.
When: Nov 8-10, 2012.  Thurs 2pm-7pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 12pm-5pm
Where: 220 W 19th St - 10th floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 646-613-8457

Who: Pamella Roland Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on evening separates, cocktail dresses and gowns. No strollers allowed.
When: Nov 6-8, 2012. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 501 Seventh Avenue (nr37 Street) Suite 300. 212-921-1211

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Lookbook

I keep telling myself that I will not get totally sucked into collaborations anymore after I spent slightly more than I wanted to on the previous H&M collaborations with both Marni and Versace. After all collaborations are nothing new anymore. Everyone and their mom has been doing it regularly for the past few years but the H&M one of the true originators of the collaboration have pulled out the big guns. Yes, Maison Martin Margiela as we shared previously is coming up fast and set to drop in select stores and online on November 15, 2012.

The MMM x H&M collaboration presents a re-edition of iconic garments and accessories from the archive of Maison Martin Margiela for both men and women that span across the brands lifespan of 23 years. The collection showcases MMM's creative approach to shape & volume, oversized elements, showcasing the process of tailoring, ambiguity and transformation.

From silhouette to color palette the collection stays true to the DNA of MMM which is a bit unfortunate for my wallet. Peep the entire lookbook/price list to start making your wishlists. I have a feeling I'm in trouble - I've got my eye on the mirrored leggings, the horizontal dress, the oversized jeans and the hitched up dress. Do yo have any favorites?

Preview: H&M X Maison Martin Margiela

Earlier this year, we posted about the upcoming collab between French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela and H&M.  The first ad campaign just launched so here are the images (courtesy of Vogue UK).  Can't wait till the full collection is released - stay tuned! The collection drops November 15, 2012 in select stores and online.

Coming Soon: H&M x Maison Martin Margiela

Yesterday, WWD confirmed that the next H&M collaboration to launch will be with French label Maison Martin Margiela.  If you're a fan of the avant-garde label here's your chance to snag some pieces at some down to earth prices.  As per usual, the collaboration will include womenswear, menswear and accessories. MMM x H&M drops in 230 select stores around the world and online November 15, 2012.  Can't wait!

The house of MMM released a statement that, "The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further...We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all. "

In the meantime here's a couple promo videos H&M just released - loving the illustrations!

Sample Sales NYC: April 30-May 6, 2012

Who: Norma Kamali Super Sale

What: Discounts on beauty products and womenswear.  Most styles will be under $100.

When: May 1, 2012. 5:30-8:30pm. 

Where: 11 W 56th St (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Botkier Sample Sale

What: 50%-70% off all handbags.  Caravel Satchel was $575, now $180. Phoenix was $575, now $288, Turner $575, now $288.

When: May 1-6, 2012. Tues-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

Where:  255 5th Ave (near 26th St).

Who: Inhabit Sample Sale

What: Women's cashmere is $80 (was $398), cotton apparel is $50 (was $298) and tank tops are $30. Men's cashmere is $80 (was $498) and cotton apparel is $50 (was $288)

When: May 2-3, 2012. 10am-6pm

Where: 320 W 37th St (near 9th Ave) - 14th Floor.

What: MCM Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off handbags, toes, clutches and wallets
When: May 2-4, 2012. Wed 9am-8pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 135 W 52nd St - Suite 5B (near 7th Ave).

Who: Be & D Sample Sale

What: Up to 70% off.  Shoes start at $75, handbags start at $125, clutches and wallets start at $40.

When: May 2-4, 2012.  Wed-Thurs 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-6:30pm

Where: 260 W 36th St - 8th Floor

Sample Sales This Week: August 15-21, 2011

Who: Morgenthal Frederics
What: Iconic glasses are marked down to $100-$150. Additional designer glasses are half off, and lenses are 20% off when purchased for sale frames.
When: August 13-28, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm
Where: 399 West Broadway (at Spring St)

Who: Bird
What: 25-75% off on Rag & Bone tops, Rachel Comey blouses, Current/Elliott colored denim, Bantu bikinis and Steven Alan dresses and more. Acne crinkle trousers $189 (was $380), JBrand men's walker relaxed straight-leg jeans $99 (as $195), Girl by Band of Outsiders Allegra short floral-print skirt $149 (was $375).
When: Now through August 24, 2011. Mon-Fri noon-8pm, Sat noon-7pm, Sun noon-6pm
Where: Park Slope, Brooklyn - 316 Fifth Ave (b/n 2nd & 3rd Sts)718-768-4940. Williamsburg, Brooklyn - 203 Grand St (b/nBedford & Driggs Ave)718-388-1655. Cobble Hill 220 Smith St (at Butler St) 718-797-3774

Who: A. Turen
What: Discounts on Timo Weiland dresses and sheer cardigans, Current/Elliott cutoffs, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela and Iro blouses and Jarbo basics.
When: Now through August 26, 2011. Tues, Wed & Sun 1pm-8pm, Thurs-Sat 1pm-9pm.
Where: 85 Stanton St (at Allen St )212-533-8200

Who: Loden Dager Sale
What: Menswear, art, objects, and accessories from the spring, summer, and fall collections at discounted prices.
When: August 15-18, 2011. Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm
Where: Vogt Gallery, 526 West 26th St, Suite 911 (nr 10th Ave)

Who: IF Sample Sale
What: 70-85% off merch from Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Comme des Garcons and more. Martin Margiela caped jacket $480 (was $1595), Yohji Yamamoto long pleated tunic $486 (was $1620), Rick Owens leather zip motorcycle jacket $816 (was $2718).
When: August 15-21, 2011. Mon-Sun 11am-7pm
Where: 94 Grand St (nr Greene St)

Who: United Nude Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off architectural statement making shoes
When: August 15-21, 2011. Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm
Where: United Nude Flagship Store - 25 Bond St (nr Lafayette St) 212-420-6000

Who: Issey Miyake Sale
What: Deep discounts on menswear and womenswear from his namesake label in addition to secondary labels Haat, Pleats Please and Cauliflower.
When: August 16, 2011. 9am-4pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion – 123 W 18th St. (b/n 6th & 7th Ave) – 4th floor

Who: One of a Kind Sample Sale
What: 30-75% off on merch from Ace & Jig, Erica Weiner, Mary Meyer, Tucker by Gaby Basora, and more
When: August 17-18, 2011. Wed-Thurs Call for Hours
Where: 20 West 29th St (nr Broadway) 212-679-1947

Who: Onassis Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on menswear. Denim is $35, chambray shorts are $20, print tees are $15, and cotton-stretch point-collar shirts are $20!
When: August 17-21, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun noon-6pm
Where: 375 5th Ave (nr 35th St) 2nd floor. 212-965-8886

Who: Gargyle End of Season Sale
What: Up to 80% off! Vena Cava Cat People romper $175 (as $495), United Bamboo halter romper $75 (was $176),Ringleader shoes by Rachel Comey $125 (was $383)
When: August 18-20, 2011. Thurs-Sat 11am-7pm
Where: 16A Orchard St (nr Hester St)

Who: Project No. 8 Sale
What: The A Detacher Dagna dress $165 (was $550), Maison Martin Margiela distressed heel $280 (was $560), men's Adam Kimmel black canvas shirt $97 (was$363). Designers include Bless, Henrik Vibskov, Stephan Schneider, Tom Scott, Zero + Maria Cornejo, and more.
When: August 18-20, 2011. Thurs-Sat noon-7pm
Where: 38 Orchard St (at Hester St) 212-925-5599

Who: Cynthia Rowley End-Of-Season Sale
What: Up to 80% off on clothing & accessories! Includes exclusive archive & one-of-a-kind samples.
When: August 18-21, 2011. Thurs-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Where: 376 Bleecker St (nr Perry St) 212-242-3803

Who: Gemma Redux Online Sample Sale
What: 30-80% OFF Gemma Redux jewels! COLLEEN NECKLACE: Copper and gunmetal chains with faceted hemimorphite nuggets was $444, now $252. JAC NECKLACE: Emerald hydro quartz necklace with gold, gunmetal and green gold plated chains was $398, now $202. KARINA NECKLACE: Lapis stone necklace accented with gold butterflies, steel and gold plated chains was $532, now $242.
When: August 16-18, 2011. Tues-Thurs 12PM EST- 6PM EST
Where: Online Only www.gemmaredux.com/samplesale

Updated Sample Sales This Week: May 2-8, 2011

Who: Thakoon Sample Sale
What: Discounted womenswear. CASH/CHECKS ONLY.
When: May 4-6, 2011. 8:30am-6:30pm
Where: 270 Lafayette St - suite 1005 (b/n Prince & Jersey St).

Who: Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale
What: Luxe exotic skins handbags at over 50% off. Clutches now $750,Medium bags are 1150. Small bags $1000, Medium Size Bags $1250, Large bags $1450.
When: May 2-3, 2011. Mon 10am-7pm, Tues 10am-3pm
Where: Flatotel, 135 West 52nd Street (5th Floor)

Who: Jane Mayle Kamikaze Pop-Up
What: Up to 50% off her collection of limited-edition favorites, including rompers, dresses, handbags, and more. Standouts include a Clothilde romper in Zebra Fleur (now $475), Samira soft fold in Green Jacqueline (now $45), and Lala dress in Grey Gardens (now $375).
When: May 3-6, 2011. Tues noon-6pm, Wed-Fri noon-7pm
Where: 2 Great Jones Street (at Broadway)


Who: Botkier Online Sample Sale

What: Up to 70% off on lightweight leather and exotic skin handbags. Snag classic styles in never before seen colors including the Trigger, Bianca, Sasha and more. Free shipping and gift with purchase.
When: May 3-6, 2011
Where: Online Only.

Who: Furla Sample Sale

What: Sale on Women and Men's bags, clutches, belts, key chains and more. Also pick up briefcases, totes, computer bags, duffle bags that would be great Mother's & Father's Day gifts! All sales final.
When: May 3-5, 2011. Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th St (b/n 7th and 8th Ave), 2nd Floor

Who: Borghese Cosmetics Mother's Day Sample Sale
What: Cosmetics, skincare, and gift sets. High-end skin care at ridiculously low prices. Cash Only. Bring your own bag.
When: May 4-5, 2011. Wed-Thurs 10am-3pm
Where: 10 East 34th St (b/n 5th and Madison) 3rd Floor

Who: MiH Jeans Sample Sale
What: Shop wholesale prices on jeans, shirts, and jersey basics
When: May 4-6, 2011. Wed-Fri 9am-8pm
Where: 584 Broadway (b/n Houston & Prince St)646-374-1730

Who: Fashionhaus Sample and Stock Sale
What: Up to 80% off on merch by Matthew Ames, By Marlene Birger, Harvey Faircloth, and more.
When: May 4-6, 2011. Wed & Fri 9am-6pm. Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 58 West 40th St, 9th Floor (nr 5th Ave) 212-575-1500

Who: Dsquared, Maison Martin Margiela, MM6, Viktor & Rolf Sample Sale

What: Jackets starting at $200, pants $100-300, skirts and shirts $100-200.
When: May 5-7, 2011. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat noon05pm
Where: 220 West 19th St (b/n 7th and 8th Ave), 12th floor

Who: Catherine Malandrino Sample Sale
What: Spring/Summer merch from both the Catherine Malandrino line and the Malandrino Runway collection. Blouses were $395, now $95. Skirts were $275, now $65. Dresses were $525, now $155, leather jackets were $1200, now $295. For an addtional 10% off make sure you RSVP here.

When: May 5-8, 2011. Thurs-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

Where: 155 5th Ave (b/n 21st & 22nd St)

Who: Comme des Garcon Shopping Festival
What: Up to 70% off on men's & women's clothing and accessories from all of their collections. NYC food vendors will be setting up shop to provide food and beverages. Entertainment will also be on hand.

When: May 6-9, 2011. Fri, Sat & Mon 10am-7pm, Sun noon-8pm
Where: Croatian Church, 502 W 41st St (b/n 10th and 11th Ave)

Ongoing Sales:
Who: BGN Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on Dresses, suits, tops, and pants
When: Now Through May 31, 2011. Tues-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 202 West 40th, Suite 902 (nr 7th Ave)

Who: Missoni, Valentino, Red Valentino Sale
What: Get up to 80% off on spring/summer items, including clothes, outerwear, bags and shoes.
When: Now through May 6, 2011. 10am-7pm, Daily
Where: 41 West 57th St, 5th Floor (nr 5th Ave) 212-935-2670

UPDATED: A Few More Sales this Week

Who: Staff USA Sale
What: Mens & Women's Fall Samples & Stock of Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf
When: November 12-14, 2009. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Where: 220 West 19th ST. 11TH FL (BETWEEN 7TH & 8TH AVE)

Who: Lewis Cho
What: Up to 80% off current samples and past-season stock
When: November 11-13, 2009.Wed—Thurs 11am—8pm, Fri 11am—7pm.
Where: 225 W. 36th St b/n Seventh and Eighth Aves, suite 702 (212-629-9329)

Who: Lafayette 148
What: Up to 75% off on jackets, dresses, cashmere, and leather
When: November 11-13, 2009. Daily 9am—8pm.
Where: 148 Lafayette St between Howard and Grand Sts (877.523.1488)

Who: Bailey's Pop Up Shop (Check out Time Out NY for photos)
What: Bizarre but true, Bailey's Irish Cream is hosting a shoe pop up shop featuring Sergio Rossi, Farylrobin, Vanessa Noel, L.A.M.B., Barbara Bui, Claudio Merazzi and much more—all marked down to $75 a pair.
When: Until November 13, 2009. 11am–7pm.
Where: 421 West Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (no phone).

Trends: Fringe, Fringe and More Fringe

Maison Martin Margiela, ACB Necklace

Fringe has been a growing trend for a while and suddenly I'm seeing it explode everywhere! From the runways at Maison Martin Margiela to this fun ACB necklace to fun dresses at Pixie Market.

White Trumpet Dress and Style Stalker Dressat Pixie Market (Unfortunately Sold Out)

Street Shot, New York

My most recent place I saw fringe was while picking up lunch at Pret-a-Manger. Her Prada Fringe Purse totally made me notice the rest of her great outfit! It added some extra panache to her Khaki biker jacket and buckle boots! I think fringe accesories are a totally easy wearable way to work this trend into your everyday outfits.

Fortunately, for those of us who can't afford the Prada version, Gilt Fuse is going to have some fun fringe purses by Susan Farber on Sale today at noon.

Belize Brick Bag now $219 (was $598). Evil Fringe Clutch now $129 (was $598)

Topshop Fringe Skirt

For an even more affordable way to add fringe to your wardrobe, check out this Topshop Drape Fringe Skirt for $65.

Mason Martin Margiela is Timeless

Thank you to Is Mental for bringing this collection to my attention!
These pieces are from Maison Martin Margiela's "Eleven" collection. Margiela is known for his avant garde designs; remember the wig coat? I love Margiela and this collection in particular because it's literally timeless!

I love the concept, but price aside, I'm not sure I would actually buy from this collection because it would be an easy DIY. And if I ever saved up enough money for a Margiela piece, then I would buy a bolder statement piece like L’incognito sunglasses. Though if I had it my way, I'd have enough for the sunglasses and a timeless ring. You can check out the collection and more from Maison Martin Margiela at Colette.

Dress to Impress? No...Dress to Distress!

Antonio Berardi Spring 2009 - Sexy but not First Date Friendly

We all know that people dress for different reasons. Sometimes women dress to impress men, sometimes to impress other women, but hopefully most of the time you dress for yourself. Sometimes I look at my wardrobe and I find myself feeling like I have nothing to wear when it comes to certain occasions. When the time comes for a first date, I usually try to tone down what I would normally wear a couple notches. Nothing too fashion forward, nothing too tight or too sexy, definitely nothing that is uncomfortable or fussy either.

Gareth Pugh & Maison Martin Margiela Fall 2009 - Pretty Boy Unfriendly :)

Recently I had another dilemna, finding myself the object of some unwanted affection, I tried my best to dress to distress. Have you ever gotten dressed in hopes to discourage someone you're not interested in? So far I'm thinking boy-unfriendly options could include jumpsuits/rompers, trapeze dresses, perhaps really avant garde pieces. What else do you think qualifies?