NYC Sample Sales: October 21-28, 2013

Sample sales in NYC are about to blow up with so many sales I'm excited to go to I am not sure where to shop first! Definites on my list are Laura Mercier and Matt Bernson! If I can swing it, I hope to check out Hanky Panky, YSL, Zadig & Voltaire and Robert Marc. Which sales are on your hit list? Let us know if you swing by if you snagged anything awesome! Happy shopping!

Who: Hanky Panky Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off thongs, bras, camisoles and sleepwear.
When: October 21-23, 2013. Mon noon-9pm, Tues-Wed 8am-8pm
Where: Prive Sales inside Chelsea Market, 410 West 16 St (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: Laura Mercier Sample Sale
What: Up to 55% off on beauty products from the celeb fave make-up artist at her first ever sample sale. I personally love her tinted moisturizer! Snag moisturizer, mascara, nail lacquer, eye pencil, lip gloss, brow pencils, and more.
When: October 22-24, 2013. Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36 St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 2nd Floor

Who: Yves Saint Laurent Sample Sale
What: Snag glam ready-to-wear, handbags, belts, small leather goods, jewelry, sunglasses and fragrances for women. For men there will be clothing, shoes, belts and small leather goods. All handbags and cellphones must be checked at coat check. Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted. Credit cards only.
When: October 22-24, 2013. Tues-Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33 St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Zadig & Voltaire Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on the brand's most recent collection of edgy Parisian threads for men, women & kids. Ladies' leopard-print blazers $190(was $770) and stud-accented coats $330(was $805). Men's wool peacoat $250 (was $630). Cash and credit cards accepted.
When: October 23-27, 2013. Wed-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: 260 Sample Sales, 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St) 212.725.5400

Who: Yumi Kim Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on womenswear. All sales final
When: October 23-27, 2013. Wed 3pm-8pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (b/n 15th & 16th St)

Who: Bonpoint Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off on the chic collection of boys and girls clothing from newborn to preteen. Sizes newborn to pre-teen. Credit cards only. All sales final. No exchanges or refunds. Stroller not allowed on sale premises.
When: October 23-24, 2013. Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-3pm
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18 St ( b/n 6th & 7th Ave), 5th Floor

Who: The Row Sample Sale
What: Sample and stock with RTW and handbags at up to 90% off retail. At the last sale there were leather pants $450 (retail $1500), ostrich leather mini-skirts $2500 (retail $8500), luxe totes $1620 (retail $5400) or small shoulder bags $1500 (retail $5000).
When: October 24-26, 2013. Thurs noon-7pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18 St ( b/n 6th & 7th Ave), 4th Floor

Who: Matt Bernson Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on heels, flats, wedges, boots and more for women. Credit cards accepted.
When: October 24-27, 2013. Thurs-Sun noon-7pm
Where: 129 Grand Street (b/n Broadway & Crosby St)

Who: Robert Marc Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 80% off on frames and sunglasses from Robert Marc, Lunor, Robi Genuine Horn and more. Robert Marc eyewear from $89 (retail $395-$695). Lunor eyewear from $89 (retail $495-$995). Robi Genuine Horn eyewear from $199 (retail $995-$1,295). Credit cards and cash accepted. All sales final.
When: October 24-27, 2013. Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (b/n 15th & 16th St)

Who: David Yurman Sample Sale
What: David Yurman’s luxury jewelry, timepieces and eyewear for women and men are on sale at up to 60% off. Expect no additional discounts during the sale, so shop early for the best selection.
When: October 24-27, 2013. Thurs 3pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18 St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave), Ground Floor

Who: Tusk Sample Sale
What: 50-70% off on select fine Italian leather bags and accessories for women, men, and travel. Women’s leather wallets $40 (retail $98). Men’s leather billfolds $30 (retail $70). Travel items $25 to $50 (retail $40 to $120). Women’s leather totes $80 (retail $320). Gift items $25 to $35 (retail $65 to $75). Save 15 percent off regurlary priced merchandise in their retail store during the sale. See previous report for what to expect.
When: October 25-November 2, 2013. Fri-Fri 11am-7pm, Closed Sundays.
Where: 242 West 26th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 212.242.8485

Who: Ippolita Sample Sale
What: Save up to 65% off women's jewelry. Credit cards only. No strollers allowed. No children under 12 allowed in the sale.
When: October 26-29, 2013. Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Tues 9am-7pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33 St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Adrienne Landau Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on fur jackets, coats, shawls, capes, scarves, fur or faux fur throws and pillows. All sales final. No children. No strollers allowed.
When: October 27-30, 2013. Sun 11am-5pm, Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Where: 519 Eighth Avenue (b/n 35th & 36th St) 21st Floor.

Who: Christian Siriano Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on womenswear from the Project Runway Alum. All sales final. No children. No strollers allowed.
When: October 27-30, 2013. Sun 11am-5pm, Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Where: 519 Eighth Avenue (b/n 35th & 36th St) 21st Floor.

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Catherine Malandrino
What: 65-85% off women's ready-to-wear.
When:October 17-22. Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 12pm-7pm. Mon 11am-7pm.
Where: Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St (b/n Spring and Kenmare St)

Who: Jewish Community Project Pop-Up Sale
What: Save 60-95% off new and gently used women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, and handbags from Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Celine, A.P.C., Stella McCartney, Mui Mui and more. All proceeds will benefit The Jewish Community Project's educational and community programming. New inventory added daily.
When: October 20-23, 2013. Sun 12:30-6pm, Mon 11:30am-7pm, Tues 9am-7pm, Wed 11:30am-7pm
Where: 39 N Moore Street (b/n Hudson & Varick Streets)

Who: Amanda Uprichard Online Sale
What: Snag contemporary silk pieces for 50-75% off retail.
When: October 14-25, 2013.
Where: amandauprichard.com

Upcoming Sales:
Who: Club Monaco
What: Steep discounts on men's and women's clothing and accessories, including stock and samples.
When: October 28-November 1, 2013. Mon 1pm-7pm, Tues 8am-7pm, Wed-Fri 11am—7pm.
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36 St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave), 2nd Floor

Sample Sale Report: YSL June 2012

After the chaos died down from the first day of the sample sale, I decided to check out the YSL sample sale to see what was left.  Although some people may enjoy waiting in a 4 hour line, that is not how I roll.  Fortunately there was not a line to be seen and Soiffer Haskin asks you to check you bag but they are pretty orderly and quick about it, with 3 staffers just checking the bags.

Sample Sale Report: YSL

Yesterday marked the launch of the YSL family and friends sale.  The sale had an opening for VIPs earlier in the day and opened to the public at 5pm.  A line was already forming 3 hours prior to the public opening of the sale.  Sheer madness.  I ended up waiting in line and was stuck in front of the most irritating group of girls I've met in my life. I can't even count the number of times they bumped into me during our three our tenure...once the line stops moving - you should also stop moving ...I forget that sometimes common sense isn't really all that common...

With a three hour wait, all I can say is thank goodness for smartphones!  That being said, my battery ended up draining a lot quicker than anticipated and my phone gave way after I grabbed a few pics of the price lists (hence the lack of pictures in this post!). 

Overall this sale is not something that I recommend for menswear.  The menswear is mosly odds and ends and it's definitely not worth the wait.  Womenswear is a different story but expect lots of hoarding and greedy women holding more bags than can physically fit on their arms...

If you're willing to brace the insane line and looking for womenwear or shoes - it might be worth checking out. I spoke with a staffer who said that there were designated boxes of merch for each day so if you're a glutton for punishment, you can try your luck today and tomorrow.

Who: YSL Friends and family sale

What: Up to 75% off handbags ($600, was $1,550), shoes ($300, was $795), and accessories ($50). Jackets, pants, dresses, and sweaters for $150-$350.
When: October 26-28, 2011. Wed 5-8 pm, Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Sample Sales This Week: October 24-30, 2011

Who: Nexus Showroom Sample Sale
What: Fall/Winter merchandise by exclusive European designers up to 85% off.
When: October 20-28, 2011. Weekdays 10:30am-6pm (closed weekends)
Where: 39 West 56th St. 212-265-0856

Who: Hickey Freeman & Bobby Jones Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on men’s clothing, furnishings and sportswear. Credit Cards Only. No Strollers or children under 12.
When: October 23-27, 2011/ Sun 9am-6pm, Mon- Wed 9am-6:30pm, Thurs 9am-5pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Rena Lange Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off retail on women’s clothing from Fall/Winter 2011 and previous seasons. No Strollers, no children under 12. Credit Cards only.
When: October 23-25, 2011. Sun-Tues 10am-6pm
Where: 430 West 14th St, Suite 201. (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: MCM Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on handbags, totes, clutches, wallets, and small leather goods.
When: October 25-27, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: Flatotel, 137 West 52nd St (nr 7th Ave) 5th Floor. Suite B. 212-729-9069

Who: Adrienne Landau Sample Sale
What: 40% to 75% off retail prices on exotic skin & fine leather bags, clutches, and amazing gems! No Childeren or Strollers.
When: October 25-27, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 519 8^th Ave, 21st Floor (b/n 35^th & 36^th St). (212) 920-1211

Who: Global Fashion Fight Sample Sale
What: Sample Sale during Breast Cancer Awareness Week to benefit Fashion Fights Cancer Therapeutic Programs. Featuring some of the top names in fashion like Tadashi Shoji, Carmen Marc Valvo, Shoshanna and more...
When: October 25, 2011. Tues 6pm-10pm
Where: 25CPW, 25 Central Park West (at 62^nd St)

Who: Shelly and Renee Productions Designer Sale
What: Cocktails and Gowns starting at $99 by Marc Bouwer, Anne Bowen, Donald Deal, Pamela Roland,
Melissa Eng, Lela Rose, Heidi Weisel and more. European ready-to-wear designers starting at $99 for Valentino, D Exterior, Boss, Weil, Hotel and more.
When: October 25-27, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 519 8th Ave, 21st Floor (b/n 35th & 36th St)

Who: YSL Friends and family sale
What: Up to 75% off handbags ($600, was $1,550), shoes ($300, was $795), and accessories ($50). Jackets, pants, dresses, and sweaters for $150-$350.
When: October 26-28, 2011. Wed 5-8 pm, Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Post Card Sample Sale
What: 50-75% off on quilted, down, leather, fur trimmed, and fur lined coats for both men and women ffrom Italian company that specializes in warm, luxurious, ski-grade jackets, overcoats, pants, and ski accessories.
When: October 26-29, 2011. Wed-Sat 9:30am-7pm
Where: 225 5th Ave (b/n 26th & 27th St)

Who: Bonpoint Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off on fashionable baby and kids clothing. Sizes newborn to pre-teen.
When: October 26-27, 2011 Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-3pm
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18 St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 5th Floor.

Who: Want Agency Semi-Annual Sale
What: Enjoy from 50 - 75% off Fall/Winter 2011 collection samples from Acne, Filippa K, Nudie Jeans, Want Les Essentiels de la Vie, and Swims. Great finds for men and women including jeans, dresses, suits, pants, outerwear, knitwear, shirts, shoes and accessories. Cash Only
When: October 26-27, 2011. Wed-Thurs 11am-8pm
Where: 262 Mott St (b/n Houston & Prince St)

Trends: Summer Leather

Celine Spring 2010, Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2010

For Spring 2010, leather was allover the runway. While leather never really goes out of style, it seems to have evolved into new forms of casual dress.

Hermes Spring 2010, Balenciaga Spring 2010

Thanks to Phoebe Philo's Spring 2010 Celine collection, I have never wanted a leather t-shirt so bad. Clean lines in a slick unexpected material look so perfectly modern and minimalist. At Balenciaga, leather thrown into school girl kilts looked perfectly good girl gone bad. And while leather shorts are nothing new, the way it's been paired with neutral tone basics makes leather look day wear acceptable, light and summery.

While leather is now tissue thin and somewhat breathable, I still have a difficult time taking the plunge as something to wear now. I've seen adorable leather t-shirts at Theory, Lani's loving pleather shorts at Rachel Rachel Roy, Timo Weiland had amazing perforated leather tanks, and Veda has a variety of leather tank & short options.

No doubt the look is adorable but in New York City this summer has seen weeks on end where the asphalt hit 100+ degrees Farenheit (or 37+ degrees Celsius) and humidity makes a girl find ways to sweat while standing still, I've had difficulty wearing anything but the sheerest jerseys or cottons.

As more and more summer leather hits the shelves, the question remains, would you wear summer leather?

Chloé Spring 2010, Michael Kors Spring 2010

Trends: Agate, Geode & Druzy

A trend I've been noticing recently has been drawn from nature and has ended up in retail stores are Rocks! Well not just any rocks but rocks that are layered, crystalline and colorful like agate, geode and druzy. I first noticed it on Marios Scwab's Fall RTW 09 collection but more recently in the prints from Alexander McQueen's current collection in stores. He created an agate print dress as well as accessories including this scarf. Yves Saint Laurent's current jewelry collection also includes agate in the form of the lovely purple earrings that seem to glow from within.

A more recent discovery for me is by jewelry designer Dara Ettinger whose fabulous jewelry includes this amazing gold dipped druzy geode ring. This is jewelry with a cause! For a limited time until March 31st, 2010, Dara Ettinger is donating 30% of all sales made on this website will go to support the rescue and relief efforts to the Haitian people. So feel good if you purchase :)

But if these options are a little out of reach, Etsy never fails to impress. My fave finds include this Maya pendant by eringotz, the brazillian necklace by anabananajewelryinc and these slice agate earrings by indiablue.

dupli-Caught: Club Monaco vrs YSL Cage Belt

Club Monaco "Hailey Cage Belt"

I was looking at the Club Monaco accessories page when glaring off it comes this heavily inspired by Yves Saint Laurent belt. Yes, the YSL Cage belt and shoes had legions of fans drooling when it came out at the beginning of the year, but Club Monaco did you think that we wouldn't notice your obvious inspiration?

Differences to note, the Club Monaco Version is not Patent, features grommets to lace up and is a shorter 2 tiers. They also perhaps tried to fool us by photographing with the ties up?

The YSL Cage belt is a super shiny patent leather, a more statement making 3 tiers and has longer ties and features metal hook fasteners to lace up the belt.

Does anyone know how much the Club Monaco version is retailing for but the YSL version is now on sale on Net-a-Porter for $198.

YSL Cage Belt

A Few More Sales this Week

Who: Yves Saint Laurent
What: Up to 80% off original retail prices. Including $10 Socks, $100 Cashmere Scarves, $300 Shoes, $650 Coats and $500 Muse Two Bags!
Where: 123 West 18th St b/n 6th and 7th Aves, 4th floor (212-463-0071)
When: October 28-30, 2009. Weds-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-2pm

Who: Repetto Fall Sample Sale
What: 60-70% Off Footwear
Where: 84 Wooster St near Spring St, Suite 604
When: October 27-28, 2009. Tues-Wed 10am-6pm

Who:ERES Sample Sale
What: Bras $30. Panties $20. RTW $30. Swimsuits $30. Pareos $15. Cash only!
Where: 120 5th Avenue, 4th Floor
When: October 30, 2009, Thurs 10am-5:30pm

Who: Gant
What: 80% off preppy fall/winter gear
Where: 20 W. 55th St b/n 5th and 6th Aves, 11th Floor (212-230-1949.)
When: October 27-30, 2009. Tues noon-6:30pm, Wed & Thurs 8:30am-6:30pm, Fri 8:30am-5pm.

YSL x Puma

Yves Saint Laurent has teamed up with Puma to create a high-top sneaker. The partnership uses Stefano Pilati's aesthetic paired with Puma's athletic shoe capabilities. Unfortunately, this one's for the boys only. According to WWD, "The men’s style, available in black leather or gray suede, just arrived in YSL boutiques, however, in the U.S. it will be sold exclusively on the brand’s e-commerce site. Puma has already collaborated with other Gucci Group brands, including Sergio Rossi and Alexander McQueen."

YSL the Musical?

Who didn't love Yves Saint Laurent? The world, particularly the fashion world mourned at his funeral last June, making it the largest fashion funeral in attendance since Christian Dior. But is that enough of a reason to create a musical?

According to WWD, "French signer Alain Chamfort and songwriter Pierre-Dominique Burgaud are working on staging a musical production based on the late couturier’s rise to the pinnacle of fashion fame, starting with his early days at Christian Dior to his many couture exploits. Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent’s partner, said he has listened to the songs. “They are very good,” said Bergé. “They are moving.” The production comes less than a year after Saint Laurent’s death from brain cancer last June."

I'm not sure what a musical about the life a couturier/designer will amount to, but there are certainly musical's about odder topics. As long as Bergé agrees they are appropriate, who am I to complain?

Full Look: YSL Edition 24

At a time when every where you look, from Rachel Roy to Catherine Holstein 2009 presentation, you can't help but remember Stefano Pilati's genius haunting us. You can't help but think of him when you see the looks below!

Catherine Holstein Left, Rachel Roy Right both from Fall 2009 presentations

Now Stefano Pilati brings you YSL Edition 24 which is a 50 piece seasonless unisex line that will retail from $338. Careful not to call it a diffusion line it is described as “timeless” and “versatile” with patent trenchcoats, safari jackets and tuxedos among the pieces. You may recognize some of the pieces as a smaller sized rehash from the Men's Spring/Summer 2009 line but does he make it look hot on women or what? I do wish that the pieces were modelled on both men and women so I could get a feel for how truly unisex and versatile it is. From what I can gather though the line looks great!

Visit the pop up store now through February 21!
Who: Edition Unisex Pop-up
Why: Just look at it and you won't have to ask!
Where: 55 Great Jones, at Bowery
When: Now through February 21. Open daily, noon - 7 p.m.

Housing Works Vintage YSL

I stopped by the Housing Works Vintage Yves Saint Laurent event last night with little expectation. I never dreamed I would own YSL, at least not in the immediate future, nor at a price point I could afford.

Thanks to the generosity of a single donor (English Professor Annie Janowitz donated her late mother Adeline Tintner's collection), 500 vintage YSL Rive Gauche Pieces were on sale to the public. As with all Housing Works Sales, all profits are donated to homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

The sale started at 6pm, and I got there at 6:05pm but so much of the really special merchandise was already snatched up. But there were plenty of trousers and blazers that I browsed through. And I had a few things in hand when I decided to stand in line and I happened to talk to a kind woman who let me look through her discards. She pulled forth this most amazing 3-pc suit. She loved it but wasn't sure she would ever wear the harem pants and so she offered them to me. I wasn't sure how it would work out, but I just had to try it on. Fortunately the fit wasn't too far off at all, so I happily pulled out my wallet, blowing my clothing budget for the month.

The suit is not only incredibly YSL with such intricate detailing but in amazing condition. The lining is in perfect condition without stain or defect. It feels archival or museum worthy. It's like I purchased a piece of history rather than just an article of clothing. And it's even more amazing because these are pieces from when Yves was still designing the Rive Gauche collection.

Guess I wasn't the only one that thought this, because as I was walking around staff commented how amazing the outfit I was holding was. A man told me that it was actually his favorite of the bunch and actually it was filmed earlier in the day to show on CNN today between (8:30am-9am). He told me to wear the outfit while I watch it on TV.

I also bought a more everyday YSL piece, a totally 80s boyfriend jacket in stripe jacquard. That I'm planning to wear with rolled sleeves.
If you missed out on the sale, there is still a chance. Housing Works has put 10 more special pieces online only. Peep some of what's on sale below.

Leisure Suit
Jacquard Jacket
Plaid Suit

Moire Tuxedo Jacket