More NYC Sample Sales April 2013

Who: Proenza Schouler Sample Sale
What: Up to 85% off on of Fall 2012 collection overstock and one-of-a-kind tops, bottoms and dresses. Prices from $30-$1950 (retail $225-$6495).
When: April 26-27, 2013. Fri-Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 76 Mercer Street (b/n Spring & Broome Streets)

Who: Diane Raulston Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off. Swimsuit sets now $50. Separate tops and bottoms $25. Long dresses $30. Short dresses $25. Chiffon sarong cover-ups $20.
When: April 28, 2013. Sun 12-7pm
Where: Sanat Hair Salon, 328 E 66 Street (b/n 1st & 2nd Ave)

Who: Kimberly Ovitz Sample Sale
What: Snag pieces from this contemporary designer at a super deep discount. Collection pieces are $25. O by Kimberly Ovitz are $15. Damaged goods are $10.
When: April 25-26, 2013. Thurs-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 401 Broadway (b/n Lispenard & Walker St) Suite 182

Who: Oscar de la Renta Bridal Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off bridal dresses, shoes & accessories at this annual event.
When: April 25-28, 2013. Thurs-Sun 10am-9pm
Where: Woodbury Common Premier Outlets, 498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley NY

Who: Wendy Mink Sample Sale
What: 50-80% off on jewelry. Hoop earrings $45 (retail $245). Crystal Beaded necklaces $50 (retail $222). Feather teardrop earrings $35 (retail $148).
When: April 26-28, 2013. Fri-Sat 12-7pm Sun 12-6pm
Where: 72 Orchard Street (b/n Broome & Grand St)

Buy It Now: Dolce Vita x Target

photo courtesy of NY Mag.com

Get in on the shoe collaboration by Dolce Vita for Target. These shoes were part of the Harlem Target Designer collections for the store opening this past Sunday. They weren't slated to hit more doors until August 22, 2010 but they are available online now! Wish I could say the same about those Isabel & Ruben Toledo towels but at least the swimwear is available online too! I've heard rave reviews for the quality of the red asymmetric ruched one-piece!

Try Before You Buy: Norma Kamali Swim Sample Sale

Norma Kamali is having a swim sample sale online. I know what you're thinking, "How will I know if it fits?"

T.B.Y.B. "Try before you buy." If you order from normakamali.com and agree to the terms, you will have 48 hours to try on the swimsuit and make a selection.

All of the swimsuits included in the panic print, a few in white and almost all in yellow. Prices range from $18-$85. While there are some awesomely crazy one pieces on the site, I don't think I would feel comfortable in them given my non-model proportions. Shopping for myself, I'd probably go with one of the more basic one pieces ($65) or bikini separates ($18 each),

Milly Cabana Contest

Boy, New York getting hot. To celebrate the arrival of summer, Milly is launching a Cabana Contest! They're giving away $1,200 worth of Cabana merchandise: a signature Milly paisley-print bandeau bikini, cotton lace cover-up, luxe terry cloth tote and matching beach blanket with detachable pillow.

For a chance to win, just go to Milly's Facebook page, click on the contest and enter your name and contact info. With temperatures rising, who wouldn't want to win some super cute swimwear and accessories?

The contest ends on July 2nd, just in time for the holiday weekend, when the lucky winner will be announced and also receive $1 toward millyny.com for every Milly Facebook friend in their network.

Question of the Week: Affordable, Flattering Swimsuits

Question:

"Can you recommend some good one piece swimsuits? For the budget conscious? Pretty please? Culinary school is not good for my cellulite..."

- Ms S, San Francisco

Lani's Picks:

When shopping for swimsuits like with regular clothes, darker clothes tend to be more flattering, but don't limited yourself to just black! The right colors can compliment your skintone and bring out your best, and prints can be a great way to distract from anything you may feel self-conscious about. Design details like ruffles and shirring can add some flair and in some cases can hide some "problem areas".

Old Navy Ruffled Swimsuit $29.50
Esther Williams Classic Sheath One Piece $89.99 at ModCloth
also available at esther-williams.com for discounted price of $65

Erin's Picks:

All-Over Control Floral Sculpting Maillot was $49, now $39

All-over Control Contrast Maillot was $49, now $29.99

I just discovered Shape FX in my search for a hot one piece swimsuit and I was really impressed with this style in particular. Each suit has power mesh underneath the frame to suck you in and slim the whole body while I think the combo piping is ultra flattering and slimming. This one even comes with a demi-bra to support and shape the bustline. I'm personally into the floral version but if you are looking for something with more graphic appeal, I think the simple black and white version is super sleek.

J.Crew Solid Wrap Front Tank $80

If you are looking for a more covered up and less overtly sexy option, this J.Crew swimsuit may be simple but it comes in a wide range of colors and the crossover wrap neckline are quite elongating. My fave color is the deep peacock but you can pick from 8 colors. It also features hidden underwire for extra support.

Urban Outfitters Kimchi & Blue Deep V Shirred One Piece $88

With a plunching V-Neckline and strategic side panel ruching I feel like this one could hide a multitude of flaws. While the back is low-cut, it still offers a good amount of coverage on the bottom.

Kathleen Cook Azur Cross Back Tank $126

This one is a bit more of a splurge but Kathleen Cook's Azur Cross Back provides the right combination of classy and sexy simplicity.

Spanx Structured Colorblock Swimsuit $198

While this last option is not by any means the most affordable, I had to include it because it's made by Spanx and therefore pretty much guaranteed to flatter. I also think the color block and paneling is not only slimming but also pretty hot. Like the Shape FX suit, it includes demi cups to flatter the bustline and an inner liner to suck you in. So if you like this suit but can't afford it, I think the Shape FX graphic version pretty much serves the same purpose at a fraction of the price.

Those are our picks. Readers, do you have any suggestions for our friend in San Francisco?

In Stores Now: Cynthia Rowley for Roxy

Last week, Erin and I stopped by Barney's Co-op to check out the new Cynthia Rowley for Roxy collection. We got a peak at the clothes, but didn't get to study them for long since it was a really crowded press preview. From what we saw though, the pieces are super cute and definitely beach-worthy.
The collection includes wetsuits, swimsuits and surf-inspired clothing and accessories. My personal favorites were the neoprene dress and pencil skirt (bottom right). And I'm usually not a big fan of graphic tees or tanks, but I actually really like the kaleidoscope tank (left).
I feel like neoprene is making it's way out of the ocean and into the streets. I've seen a few edgier designers like Jeremy Scott use it before, and I think Cynthia Rowley's collection will Roxy will probably help this trend take off.
I was a little disappointed in the crinkle silk dress (bottom left) as it looked a little frumpy, but I was into the softness and quality of the gray cotton hoodie (right). And I liked the shark tooth zipper detail. Again, I think the real winning pieces are the neoprene ones. They're so flattering and unique, clearly something from Cynthia Rowley and Roxy.
Most pieces retail for under $150 with the exception of the $160 neoprene dress and the $225 wetsuit. The collection will be available at Barney’s and Colette, as well as roxy.com.

Lisa Curran Sample Sale - Prices Reduced

Who: Lisa Curran Swim Prices
What: For the Last Day, Up to 50% off the original reduced Sample Sale Price. Bikini Tops and Bottoms starting at $19 a pop.
When: September 1-4, 2009.
Where:
Shop Online. Sept 3, 2009, 10 am - Friday, September 4th 12 AM (Midnight)

Shop In House. 307 West 38th Street, 18th Floor (btwn 8th and 9th)
Thursday, September 3rd 10am-7pm

Online Sales: Hayden-Harnett and DVF

Who: Hayden-Harnett
What: 50-80% off! Sandals start at $63!Convertible flight tote for $99.
Where: Online
PS. Type in code "hotsale" at checkout for and extra 10% off your sale purchase! It's also free shipping :) I just got a pair of sandals I can't wait to rock!

Who: Diane Von Fustenburg
What: 70% on Select swimwear, shoes and luggage. Shoes from $58.50, Bikini's from $55.50
Where: Online, not so hidden anymore ;) click here.

Beauty and The Beach: Hayden-Harnett & Tarte

Summer time is here and can't think of a better combo than Beauty and the Beach, either can Brooklyn based Hayden-Harnett and Tarte cosmetics! They have a contest right now for the chance to win both!

Grand Prize?
A tote bag, swimsuit, sandals plus all the cosmetics like lip stain, self tanner and other goodies! Basically everything you need to take you from the city to the beach!

Enter online now! Contest ends June 10, 2009.

Preview: Phillip Lim Shoes, Lingerie, Swimsuits

Lim lovers rejoice, today WWD.com announced that Phillip Lim will be expanding his line 3.1 Phillip Lim to include three new categories: shoes, lingerie and swimwear! While most brands are struggling through these challenging times, Lim boldy declares, “We’re not fearful of the economy"

I think the genius of Lim is that he really understands the contemporary woman's heart and what she needs to feel beautiful, unique and luxurious at a price point that isn't too far out of reach.

His swimear line will debut in time for summer and there are 2 one piece looks and 1 bikini. Lingerie will be debuting at 3.1 Phillip Lim boutiques May 20, but are slated to hit everywhere else by Spring 2010. And for shoes? Shoes will be here in time for Fall 2009. Guess that means no more collaborations with the likes of Tatami or Christian Louboutin?

Ashley Paige for Target - Available Now!

Knit bikini queen Ashley Paige's collection for Target available online now! None of these looks are as glammed out as her regular line, but I think this striped bikini is rather cute! Summer is coming!

Ashley Paige for Target

*images are from Ashley Paige's current F/W 08 Collection

Ashley Paige, the swimwear designer who started making hand-knit bikinis at age 18 to put herself through design school, will be collaborating for Target in a collection to be named Ashley Paige for Target or Bikini Love. The Los Angeles based designer will be creating 11 pieces for Summer 2009. A spokeswomen tells WWD to expect to see "at least two in her signature crochet style and one monokini...It is really colorful…[and] is based off of Ashley’s classic pieces”.

Fan's of Ashley Paige include celebs like Lindsay Lohan, Paris & Nicky Hilton, Fergie, Jessica Alba, Liv Tyler, and Kate Hudson.

Ashley Paige is also an animal advocate who brings homeless dogs down the runway, wears t-shirts reading “Save a stray”, and hosts weekly pet adoptions at her boutique-studio in Hollywood.