Sample Sales this Week NYC: Jan 18-23, 2010

Who: United Bamboo
What: Up to 85% off retail
When: January 18-19, 2010, Mon & Tues 10am to 8pm
Where: 217 Centre Street, 6th Floor

Who: The Angel Sanchez Showroom
What: Angel Sanchez Couture eveningwear and bridal collections. Prices up to 85% off. Bryan Bradley Contemporary sportswear and Tuleh by Byran Bradley Day into evening dresses and separates. Prices up to 75% off.
When: January 17-19, 2010. Sun 11am-5pm, Mon & Tues 10am-6pm
Where: 148 West 37 Street. (b/n 6-7 Avenues) 7th Floor. 212.920.1211

Who: Oak NYC
What: Week 3 of the 3-week sale with 50% off this week! Clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women.
When: Final Week!
Where: OAK NYC, 28 Bond Street (at Lafayette Street) 212-677-1293
OAK Williamsburg, 208 North 8th Street (b/n Roebling St & Driggs Ave)718-782-0521
or Online.

Who: J.Crew, Madewell & Crewcuts
What: Clothing & footwear for Men, Women and children. Sample sizes only for men's & women's clothing. Limited stock of shoes: Womens shoes size 5-12, Men's shoes size 7-13. Madewell denim sizes 25-31.
When: January 19-23, 2010. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Where: Clothingline. 261 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor b/n 7th & 8th Ave

Who: Judith Ripka
What: 50-70% off Jewelry
When: January 21-23, 2010. Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm
Where: Carlton Hotel / Seville Room, 88 Madison Ave

Who: Cole Haan
What: Up to 75 off on women's and men's shoes and handbags . Women's Joana Air tall boot in chocolate stretch nappa now $199, orig. $498. Women's Phoebe large triple zip satchel in soft gold now $239, orig. $598. Men's Air Jarvis plain oxford shoe in coffee brown calf now $71, orig. $178.
When: January 23-27, 2010. Sat-Tues 9am-6:30pm, Wed 9am-6pm
Where:317 West 33rd - Soiffer Haskin (b/n 8th & 9th Aves)

Lady O, Day to Night

After much speculation on who Michelle Obama would wear on inauguration day, as anything she has worn has instantly brought national recognition to the designer of choice, our questions have been answered. She can make those only recognized in the design world, suddenly huge household names. I am really glad to say that she so strongly supports the American design industry, she is a beacon of light in troubled times.

She started the day wearing a sparkling gold sheath dress and coat by acclaimed Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo, who is best known for her slightly avant-garde style. Michelle completed her outfit with green gloves from J.Crew and green Jimmy Choo pumps. It's good to see her dressed appropriately for the occasion but I only wish was that the size was one size bigger, as it seems to be pulling slightly at the bust and hips. I'm impressed she could look so chic in spite of cold weather!

I'm not really going to get into the family much but President Obama kept it simple with a classic red tie and white shirt with a suit, overcoat and an American flag pin. I wish his tailor had hemmed his pants.

Their daughters Malia and Sasha both wore Crewcuts by J. Crew wearing more accesible American fashion, that in the bright colors and cost was very age appropriate.

For the inaugaration ball, Michelle Obama wore a long one shoulder Jason Wu that featured 3-D Applique treatment. Like First Lady's Laura Bush and Jackie Kennedy, the dress choice was white. Perhaps a symbol of a fresh start? Jason Wu the young Taiwanese-American designer was an interesting choice as he only has 3 seasons behind his belt, but not entirely surprising as he was chosen as last years Fashion Group International's Rising Star award and nominated for a CDFA award. I'm not sure how I feel about this silhouette for her, as I don't find it entirely flattering (esp from the hips down). The First Lady is a beautiful, chic woman, but I'm not sure this gown best represents who she is. Wu could do better, although I do believe that the dress and Wu were discovered by Mrs. Obama at a Chicago boutique, Ikram.