NYC Sample Sales: May 19-24, 2014

With Memorial Day just around the corner, sales are plentiful this week! If you're in the mood for some luxe womenswear don't miss out on the Carlos Miele closing sale! Otherwise for perfect tees, I'd head to James Perse and for great jeans, don't miss the Hudson jeans sale.  For snazzy threads for the man in your life, Michael Bastian would be worth stopping by. If you don't want to leave the comfort of your home, maybe the Cardigan New York sale is the perfect one for you to pick up some downtown girl looks at 40% off. Which sales will you be shopping?

Who: Carlos Miele closing sale
What: Store closing sale. All merch is 80% off. Mixed seasons, including Resort 2013 ad Spring 2013. Gowns $400-$1000 (retail $3000-$5000). Cocktail dresses for $200.
When: May 12-31, 2014. Until the lease ends June 1, 2014
Where: 408 West 14 Street (b/n 9th & 10th Ave), 646.336.6642

Who: Piazza Sempione
What: Up to 80% off women's outerwear, daywear, eveningwear, and sportswear. Credit card only.
When: May 18-21, 2014. Sun 11am-5pm, Mon-Wed 10am-6pm.
Where: 37 West 57th St (b/n 5th and 6th Ave), 9th floor, 212-920-1211

Who: Hilton Hollis
What: Spring 2014 production pieces up to 85% off retail. Samples starting at $25.
When: May 19-23, 2014. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 347 West 36 Street (b/n 8th & 9th Avenues), Suite 1303, 212-575-0514

Who: The Collective Showroom
What: Discounts on women's. Brands include Creatures of Comfort, Lemlem (Liya Kebede's company), Marigot and Tanya Taylor.
When: May 19-21, 2014. Mon-Wed 3pm-8pm.
Where: 495 Broadway (at Broome St), 3rd floor

Who: Amy Matto
What: Up to 85% off dresses with prices at either $49 or $99.
When: May 19-21, 2014. Mon-Wed 9am-5pm.
Where: 270 West 38th St (b/n 7th and 8th Aves), Suite 1202, 212-398-2980

Who: Ted Rossi
What: Up to 75% off iconic cuffs, bangles and clutch handbags.
When: May 19-23, 2014. Mon-Fri 11am—6pm.
Where: 15 East 30th St (b/n 5th and Madison Ave), Suite 300

Designer Collaboration: Michael Bastian x Uniqlo

(image courtesy of WWD)

Designer collaborations are a dime a dozen these days - so by default I've become desensitized to them.  After going batshit crazy in the past and lining up to buying something only to never wear it, I've learned to seriously edit down my choices before I even set foot into a store.  However, every rule has exceptions and this is definitely one of them.  2011 CFDA winner Michael Bastian is doing a collaboration with Uniqlo comprised solely of polo shirts.  Bastian has done amazing things with GANT and is one of my favorite American designers so I'm glad he's pairing up with one of my go-to fast fashion retailers, Uniqlo.

Preppy, clean, wearable (IMO: this is the single most important factor when deciding whether or not to buy a collaboration piece) and incredibly affordable at just $19.90, I'm definitely going to try and pick up a few when the line drops on May 20, 2013.

Here's a closer look at the pieces:

(images courtesy of Uniqlo)

Dockers Designers Collection

Finally got a chance to stop by Bloomingdale's on 59th this past weekend to check out the Dockers Designer Collection. GQ's nominees for "Best New Designer" each had a chance to collaborate with Dockers to create one look to be produced and sold. Instead of having only the winner design a capsule collection (last year it was Billy Reid who created a collection with Levi's), this year all nominees a chance to work with Dockers.

Alexander Wang took home GQ's award this year and kept his look simple and in line with his T line. The utility pants are going for $200 and the T is going for $74.

For a more safari look - Michael Bastian's getup is bang on. The one pocket cargo pants are $200 and the 1/2 button up shirt is $175.

If you're going for a clean look - Miller's Oath has a great pair of cuffed pants ($200) and button up ($150).

If you're into pleats, Patrick Ervell created a pair of pants with tiny pleats at the waist line which are also going for $200 (accompanying shirt is $240).

For a more distressed look - Riviera Club has you covered (pants $200, top $150).

The last look (any my least favorite) is the getup designed by Rick Klotz (Warriors of Radness) - just personal preference I guess. The elastic bottom pants are going for $175 and the windbreaker is $175.

Overall, while I like the majority of the pieces - I think the pricing is a bit peculiar. Everything in the Dockers collection is priced relatively on par with each other - but when you look at the each of the designer's namesake collections, there is a definite divide in terms of price point (i.e. Michael Bastian being the highest and Warriors of Radness being the lowest). Also - A Wang's basic Ts retail for about $75 which is the same price as the dockers collab which again I find strange...

If you want to check out the pieces in person - head over to Bloomingdale's on 59th and Lexington.