Inside the Twinkle by Wenlan & Friends Sample Sale

UPDATE: For the last day of the sample sale, prices are now slashed by 20% so if you were thinking of going and didn't make it over yet, hurry!  New prices are now all from $32 to $150.

Twinkle by Wenlan tunic $148, Hunter Dixon rainbow colored shorts $78, Twinkle by Wenlan stripe sweater dress $78 (was $168)

Thanks to the lovely folks at Twinkle by Wenlan, we have a good idea of what’s inside their sample sale and the prices before making the trip to midtown.  Typically sizes for at the Twinkle by Wenlan sale run from 0 to 10 with a huge coup of size 2 samples.  If you need your nautical fix, Twinkle by Wenlan has an assortment of striped styles.  If art and architecture is your thing instead there are a few prints that have a Chrysler building Art Deco feel and a Van Gogh Starry Night kind of feel.  Pieces from Pinkyotto appear to be soft romantic eyelet and draped jerseys that would be great for layering.  Hunter Dixon has an amazing variety of colorful shorts in every possible color.  Prices start at $40 and nothing at the sale tops $188.  Click after the jump to see more of what’s at the sale.

Sample Sale Report: Twinkle by Wenlan

I didn’t have a chance to run over to the Twinkly by Wenlan sample sale today, but fortunately a friend of mine snapped some pictures and gave a rundown of what to expect.  Perhaps this was the eye of the storm but the sample sale looked positively peaceful and almost serene in the photos around noon.  As per usual, since 2 is the sample size, this sale is a must go if you are a size 2.  They do also carry sizes 0-10 but these are not nearly as plentiful.

Expect to find everything marked at wholesale at this sample sale although you can find some samples for as low as $20.

Spring merchandise is around $110, Dress samples can be found for $90, tops at $60 and short skirts at $40.

There also were some whimsical cushions for home décor available for purchase as well.

Who: Twinkle by Wenlan 
What: Stock up on whimsical women's clothing at steep discounts. Jersey dresses now $118, Printed dresses now $176. 
When: May 12-13, 2011. Thurs, Fri 10am-6pm 
Where: 545 8th Ave -17th Floor

Inside Look: Twinkle by Wenlan Sample Sale

Attention Ladies! Just wanted to let you know that one of our fave labels is having their sample sale tomorrow! So head over to Midtown to check out the Twinkle by Wenlan sample sale.

We had an insider give us the low down and a sneak peek at some of the merch that will be featured at this bi-annual sample sale. It’s a treasure trove if you are a size 2 (as that is the sample size)! Don't worry if you're not a size 2 though, there is still a variety of sizes available from 0-10.

Also Twinkle’s famed knits vary in price from $25,to an entire box marked at $45 to $82 for a signature hooded chunky knit.

This studded zip dress from the Fall 2010 colletion is $152. You can also find sample dresses for just $30, while the newer collection pieces average about $150-180 a pop.

All those whimsical Pins and Earrings are just $10 each and bracelets are $15. Necklaces are $25 a pop. Looking for ideas for Holiday gifting? Stock up!

Who: Twinkle by Wenlan
What: Huge discounts on whimsical designs. Seriously up to 50% off wholesale!
When: November 17-18, 2010. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 545 8th Ave, 17th Floor (b/n 37th & 38th St)

NY Sample Sale Report: Twinkle by Wenlan

Stopped by the Twinkle by Wenlan sale over lunch and the environment was pretty calm for most part, there was a constant flow of traffic but still room to look around. Stock sizes range from 4-8 for most part and they have reduced prices from previous seasons sales. Dresses I saw were between $76-125. Not much topped $125 except for a few outerwear pieces.

The racks were just barely full as I have a feeling that people grabbed a lot of the merch yesterday at the friends and family preview.

No change room, large communal mirror/area to try on merch.

Samples are def the cheapest route to go but are mostly in the size 2-4 category with about 2 racks of samples to sort through. My fave picks were def the sample shorts and skirts that were just $25! I also liked the silky printed pants that I remember seeing on the runway a couple seasons back but they were $99.

Accessories were also a great buy with belts at just $10, necklaces $15 and bracelets $5.

Fine gauge knits were only $10 but not too many remained in the box. I thought the signature chunky knits were also very well priced at just $45.

If you are a Twinkle fan and between sizes 2-8 or in the need for some accessories I would check out as there are still some gems to be had.

Sample Sales This Week NYC: May 10-17, 2010

Who: MaxMara
What: Spring/Summer clothing and accessories at 60-80% off. Dresses are $199-$299 (was $995).
When: Now through May 14, 2010. Mon-Thurs 9am-6:30pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves.

Who: Herion
What: Everything is 50-80% off retail ($25-$100).
When: May 11-14, 2010. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 542 West 22nd St (b/n 10th & 11th Ave) 3rd floor

Who: Miguelina
What: Tops are $25 to $125 and dresses are $105 to $195 from Spring 2010.
When: Now through May 14, 2010. Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm
Where: 20 West 36th St (nr 5th Ave) 6th floor (212-290-2996 ext. 307)

Who: The Butter, Tibi, Bettye Muller & Something Bleu Stock/Sample Sale
What: Shop for beautiful sandals, chic skimmers and flats, and gorgeous peep-toes and platforms. Styles that were $250-$650, now available for $60-$100! Sample Shoes $60. Stock Shoes $100.CASH ONLY
When: May 7, 10-13, 2010. Fri 10am-7pm, Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm. (closed on Sat & Sun)
Where: 307 7th Ave.(b/n 27th & 28th St)Suite 2307 (212) 366-1822

Who: Showroom Seven
What: Up to 90% off Orla Kiely, Erickson Beamon, Charlotte Ronson, and more.
When: May 11-21, 2010. Tues-Fri, Mon-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 263 11th Ave (b/n 27th & 28th St) 3rd floor

Who: Lela Rose
What: Cashmere boyfriend cardigan $195 (was $550) and the ribbon-strip skirt is $250 (was $695)Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan $195 (was $550) Silk Faille Wave Front Strapless Dress $595 (was $1295)
When: May 12-14, 2010. Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-5pm
Where: 224 West 30th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 13th floor

Who: Tocca
Why: 60-85% off feminine womenswear, beauty, and baby items.
When: May 12-14, 2010. Wed-Fri 11:30am-7pm
Where: 542 West 22nd St (b/n 10th & 11th Ave)

Who: Rebecca Minkoff
What: Coveted purses at deep discounts. Morning After bag $327 (was $595), Beloved Mini $217 (was $395), Supernova Stud Devote bag $382 (was $695).
When: May 12-16, 2010. Wed-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Where: 155 5th Ave (b/n 21st & 22nd St)

Who: Isaia & Cortigiani
What: Menswear sample sale on Suits, outerwear, shoes, sportswear, and more
When: May 10-11, 2010. Mon 1pm-7pm, Tues 10am-6pm
Where: 37 West 57th St (nr 6th Ave) (212-920-1211)

Who: Twinkle by Wenlan
What: Printed silk skinny-leg pants are $80 (reg. $214) and a silk drop-waist dress with plunging neckline is $130 (reg. $341).
When: May 13-14, 2010. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 545 8th Ave (b/n 37th & 38th St) 17th floor

Who: Opening Ceremony
What: 60-90% off Rachel Comey, United Bamboo, Vena Cava, Proenza Schouler, and more.
When: May 13-16, 2010. Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-7pm
Where: 33 Howard St (b/n Broadway & Lafayette St)

Who: Bonpoint Childrenswear Sample Sale
What: Baby, girls and boys from newborn to preteen. Tops, Bottoms, Sleepwear, Outwear, Shoes, Accessories at up to 60% off. Credit card only.No Cash or Checks.
All Sales are final. No Strollers <-this amuses me as it's a children's wear sale!
When: VIP Sale May 12, 2010. Wed, 3pm-7pm. Public May 13-14, 2010. Thurs 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-3pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave), 5th Floor

Runway Review: Twinkle by Wenlan FW2010

(images courtesy of Elle)

During New York Fashion Week, Erin and I checked out Twinkle by Wenlan, a Sugar Rock Catwalk favorite and Fashion Week tradition! In fact, our first runway review was for Twinkle spring 2009. We've been covering show for quite a few seasons, and this season's show at the Bryant Park Promenade was the most crowded we'd ever seen.We were a little bummed about standing, but hey, we were just happy to be there.
Chunky, detailed knits are Wenlan's signature, and they were definitely my favorite looks from the collection. I especially loved the drama and coziness of the oversize collars.
In addition to knits, the collection also featured a lot of swingy jerseys and playful prints that we've come to love and expect from Twinkle. The palette consistent primarily of grays, black and muted neutrals with pops of gold and fuchsia.
This collection included a lot of the latest trends including: zippers, cutouts and geometric patterns. As with previous seasons, this collection was quirky, girly-cute and wearable! I'm adding the knits and a couple of the dresses to my fall wish list.

Twinkle by Wenlan FW 2010 Video

Photos and Review to follow

Twinkle by Wenlan Pop-Up Shop

To celebrate their 10th Anniversary SugarRockCatwalk fave, Twinkle by Wenlan has launched a brand new book, Twinkle Sews (published by Potter Craft, $24.99) and will be opening a pop-up shop in the East Village.

The Twinkle Sews book comes with 25 patterns including Little Black Skirt and Cool Contrasts blouse to more flirtatious pieces like the Budding Romance tunic. The book includes sewing tips and a CD which includes all PDF patterns (sizes 0 to 16) to print from the convenience of your home.

The pop-up shop will feature current season merch in addition to re-issued limited-edition pieces from the brand’s history including Ready-to-Wear, Jewelry and Twinkle Living. Anniversary items include Unicorn Crewneck Sweaters, Fox Turtleneck Sweater dresses, hand-knitted chunky hoodies, Fine Gold Deer Pendant, the infamous Milan mat, and knitted Christmas ornaments. Special exclusive merchandise will also be available such as a double sided purple wool jacket (was $336, now $198), Dreamer’s journal print shell top (was $235, now $98), and a black wool shirt dress (was $321, now $168). Not to be missed if you are a Twinkle Fan!

Who: Twinkle by Wenlan Pop-Up Shop
What: Current Season Merch, Limited Edition items at special pricing
Where: Cadillac’s Castle (333 E. 9th St #A)
When: December 10-12, 2009. Thurs,11am-6pm. Fri & Sat 11am-8pm

Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Sample sale mania!!! OMY!

Who: Rebecca Minkoff sample sale
What: Deals on lovely handbags including distressed-leather Morning After Bag $350 (was $635), leather Nikki hobo $350 (was $595), and patent-leather Morning After Clutch $195 (was $330)
When: November 18-22, 2009. Wed-Sun 10am-8pm.
Where: 17 West 17th St (near 5th Ave)(212-677-7829)

Who: Gucci Jewelry and Watches
What: Up to 90% Off Retail. Cash & Credit Cards
When: November 19-20, 2009. Thurs-Fri 10am-8pm.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (B/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Mara Hoffman and Isabelle Fiore.
What:Mara Hoffman Fall 09 styles - amazing coats, dresses and shawls that will be marked up to 70% off retail. Isabelle Fiore for up to 80% Off handbags and one-of-a-kind bags.
When: November 19-21, 2009. Thurs-Fri 10am-8pm. Sat 10am-7pm.
Where: Savvy, 42 Greene Street, 2nd Floor (B/n Grand & Broome Streets)

Who: Kid Robot Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% Off. Hoodies are $25, T-shirts are $15, and hats are $10.
When: November 17-18, 2009. Tues-Wed 11am-8pm
Where: 56 West 22nd St (near 6th Ave), 2nd floor

Who: Kooba Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% Off Current & Past Season Merch
When: November 17-19, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-2pm. 3pm-8pm. (Closed 2pm-3pm)
Where: 141 West 36th St (near 7th Ave) 19th Floor

Who: Scatola Showroom Sale
What: Up to 75% Off Fall merch from Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, Bliss Lau, and Ilaria Nistri
When: November 17-20, 2009. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 544 West 27th St (near 11th Ave) 6th floor

Who: Twinkle by Wenlan
What: Up to 75% Off Dresses, blouses, sweaters, coats, and accessories. Silk-georgette dresses $114 (was $335), wool coats $165 (was $484), and knitted accessories $40 (was $120)
When: November 18-19, 2009. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 545 8th Ave (near 37th St)

Who: Yigal Azrouël
What: Up to 70% Off Womenswear, menswear, YYigal items, and accessories. Tops $125 (was $430), dresses $235 (was $790), and knits $170 (was $575)/
When: November 18-19, 2009. Wed-Thurs 9am-7pm.
Where: 225 West 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) (212-302-1194)

Who: Nanette Lepore Sample Sale
What: Over 50% Off. Dresses $140 (was $335 to $595), skirts $100 (was $195 to $295), jackets $190 (was $285 to $495), and tops $95 (was $215 to $340)
When: November 18-20, 2009. Wed-Fri 9am-7pm.
Where: 225 West 35th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 4th floor (212-594-0012)

Who: Tracy Reese Sample Sale
What: Discounts on Tracy Reese, Plenty and Frock. The first 150 customers will receive a gift bag of full-size beauty products.
When: November 19-20, 2009. Thurs-Fri 9am-7pm.
Where: 260 West 39th St (near 8th Ave) 19th floor (646-438-6928) CORRECTION

Who: Reem Acra
What: Up to 90% Off ready-to-wear and eveningwear samples from current and past seasons
When: November 19-20, 2009. Thurs-Fri 9am-7pm.
Where: 53 West 36th Street (near5th Ave)

Who: Ali Ro
What: Over 65% Off merch
When: November 19-20, 2009. Thurs-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm.
Where: 530 7th Ave (nr 39th St) 14th floor (212-575-2550)

Who: Armani Sample Sale
What: Men's and women's clothing and accessories are up to 80% off.
When: November 19-21, 2009. Thurs 3pm-8pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th St (near 6th Ave) 4th Floor

Who: Hickey and Original Penguin sample sale
What: 60-80% Off men's fall samples of button-down shirts, suits, ties, polos, coats, and more. Hickey ties $19 (was $125), Original Penguin hoodies $35 (was $98), and Cold Method long peacoats $95 (was $315)
When: November 19-22, 2009. Thurs-Sun 10:30am-7pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave (near 15th St)

Who: Strenesse Sample and Stock Sale
What: Up to 80% Off outerwear, sportswear, and dresses
When: November 17-19, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 50 West 57th St (near 6th Ave) 8th Floor. (212-920-1211)

Who: Nancy Gonzalez Sale
What: Up to 50% Off Classic crocodile clutches
When: November 17-19, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 50 West 57th St (near 6th Ave) 8th Floor. (212-920-1211)

Who: Marlies Dekkers Lingerie Sale
What: 70% Off Samples & Stock
When: November 17-19, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 50 West 57th St (near 6th Ave) 8th Floor. (212-920-1211)

Who: MCM Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off Handbags, totes, clutches, and wallets
When: November 17-19, 2009. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 50 West 57th St (near 6th Ave) 8th Floor. (212-920-1211)

Who: Rubin Chapelle Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off
When: November 19-21, 2009. Thurs-Fri noon-7pm, Sat noon-6pm
Where: 410 West 14th St (near 9th Ave) (212-647-8636)

Runway Review: Twinkle by Wenlan

Lani and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Twinkle by Wenlan show today in Bryant Park. Special thanks to our good friend JS for making it possible

The first thing I noticed about Twinkle by Wenlan this season was that everything seems more pared down and simpler. The clothing was definitely easier to understand than previous seasons but it definitely felt right for the time. Modern, new classics with a feminine twist.

The color palatte was sherbert brights with neon pops against black and ivory neutrals. The styles? Colorful fun leggings, floaty tops and dresses, adorable jumpsuits and shorts. The knitwear was relaxed, drapey fits that was reminiscent of Deauville.

PS. Special thanks to Hautelook.com and Sony Vaio as I am blogging from the Haute Look Lounge for bloggers :)
PPS. I'll be uploading more photo's when I get the chance at home!

Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Who: Twinkle by Wenlan
What: Spring 2009 collection and jewelry for up to 70% off. Vintage-inspired floral dresses was $425, now $90. Printed silk tops was $290, now $70 and hand-knit slouchy dresses was 478, now $95. Cashmere blend fine gauge sweaters was $205 now $50. Accessories marked down to $20 from $120.
Where: 545 8th Avenue, 17th Floor (b/n 37th and 38th)
When: May 7-8, 2009. Thurs 11am-8pm. Fri 10am-6pm

Who: Betsey Johnson
What: Up to 75% off dresses, sportswear and accessories. Evening dresses are $75, day dresses are $50, and sportswear is $35!
Where: Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 West 44th St., 6th Floor. 212.789.7546
When: May 6-8, 2009. 10am to 8pm.

Who: Rebecca Minkoff
What: Up to 75% Off
Where: 33 West 17th St b/n 5th & 6th Avenues
When: May 6-10, 2009. 10am - 5pm

Who: Loeffler Randall
What: Shoes, clothing, handbags. Prices start at $125 for flats and sandals, $78 for clothing, and $80 for handbags
Where: 525 Broadway at Spring Street, 2nd floor
When: May 7-9, 2009. Thurs, Fri 10am-7pm. Sat 11am-6pm.

Who: Botkier
What: Shoes & Handbags for over 75% off. The James tote was $670 and is now $275, the Sasha duffle was $450 and is now $150, and the Bianca satchel was $450 and is now $100.
Where: 172 Mercer St., at Houston St(646-747-4149)
When: May 7-10, 2009. Thurs 12–8pm, Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm

Who: Delman
What: Flat Sandals, Gladiators. Metallics, Ballets and Much More! - ALL SHOES $89 to $109 up to 75% off Retail Prices
When: May 6-8. Wed, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-3pm
Where: 145 W 18th St b/n 6th & 7th Ave

Twinkle by Wenlan - Fall 2009

So this is post is beyond long overdue, but as Fashion Week still carries on in the world, I thought maybe I could still share the experience with you.

The Twinkle by Wenlan Fall 2009 show was at Classic Car Club in Manhattan a couple weeks ago. After years of being in Bryant Park, designer Wenlan Chia decided to go off-site to create a full on experience. Curtains hid what was to come but the scene was set from the beginning.
As crowds amassed, we were greeted by lovely servers on roller skates distributing beautiful chocolates, champagne and wine. There was also popcorn being served from a little rolling cart. As Lani previously mentioned, Yin Chang from Gossip Girl was on the scene and seemed to be enjoying herself.

When the curtains finally opened, there were classic cars and old movies being projected on the wall. I am brought back to the 1950s and at a drive-in movie. I am witnessing a girl, going on her first date. At least that was the inspiration for hair and make-up via Gregory Arlt from M.A.C. and John Ruidant from Redken. The bold red lips were in line with what we've seen on other runways.

As for the clothes? Feminine, girlish but never stuffy. The clothes have a sense of relaxed ease that makes them totally wearable and understandable. The color palatte is generally in somber darks with mauve, navy, grey, taupe and black as the dominate color story. But touches of golden yellow and pops of turquoise help keep things light. Prints included Ombre effect/Dip Dye, winter florals and a brush stroke print. Chunky knits and plaids contrasted satins, chiffons and sheer layering knits.

The look on the far left is my favourite look of the show. I loved the intricate cascading pleating on the blouse and the skirt! The look on the right with the one shoulder is a little reminiscent of Alexander Wang's Combo Dress, but feminized and softened.

The runway gave way to a free for all photo snapping extravaganza as the models being posed around the 4 cars and we got to take an up close look at the clothing and the jewelry!

For most part, skirts were slightly voluminous and mini length. The pleat from trousers made a slight jodphur look that feels very now, a good alternative to those fearful of full on harem pants.

The chunky knit cocoon sweater was interesting.

But personally I preferred the off shoulder chunky (above) it looks so relaxed and easy. Tees and tanks only skimmed the body and were deftly tucked into trousers or skirts to create a slight blouson effect.

I also loved the plaid drapey neck coat on the right!

Twinkle is and has been consistently pretty, wearable and interesting with beautiful prints and an innovative mastery of chunky knits. I overheard a buyer raving about how much she loved everything and would have a hard time narrowing down her buy! I think I would have a hard time choosing too!