Bringing in the New Year with Vintage Sequins

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, I've got sequins on the brain.  For the holiday season I love sequins dresses from the 80s.  I'm not a girly girl, so I love balancing what otherwise might be super feminine with power shoulders.  And to avoid looking like a member of The Golden Girls or ironic hipster, I like to wear 80s dresses with modern pumps and booties.

If you're looking for the typical sexy New Year's Eve dress, you can stop reading this post now.  If you're open to trying something fun and funky, I hope you'll enjoy some of the vintage dresses I found on Etsy and the new shoes I've paired them with.

Vintage Adrianna Papell silk sequins dress, $88

Dolce Vita Kemp, $179.99 on sale (retail $189)

Vintage Laurence Kazar silk sequins dress with collar, $65

Eric Rothberg Rolv, $260

Rebecca Taylor Skylar, $149 on sale (retail $295)

Sample Sales NYC: July 30-August 5, 2012

Who: Osklen Men's and Women's Sample Sale
What: Snag men's and women's clothing and accessories discounted up to 70% off. Men's jeans was $277, now $110. Women's dress was $597, now $179. Women's sandal was $349, now $104.
When: July 25-August 1, 2012. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-7pm
Where: Osklen, 97 Wooster St (b/n Prince & Spring St) 212-219-8250

Who: Openhouse Gallery Nolita Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off retail on skirts, dresses, jeans, blouses, pants, sweater, swimsuits, accessories, handbags, ties and jackets. Designers include Tailor Byrd, Custco, Edun, Dolce Vita, 2B Rych and many more. Prices ranging from $10 to $90.
When: No through August 15, 2012. Daily 11am-8pm
Whre: 201 Mulberry Street (nr Houston)

Who: Jack Rogers Summer Sale
What: Up to 80% off on shoes & handbags
When: July 26-August 5, 2012. Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun noon-5pm
Where: 1198 Madison Ave (nr 87th St)

Who: Cinzia Rocca Sample Sale
What: If you are a size 6 in women's snag Fall/Winter coats and Spring coats at a discount. Children's Coats in size 6T only.
When: July 27 - August 3, 2012. Mon-Thurs 10:30am-5pm, Fri 9:30am-5pm
Where: 30 Central Park South (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Designer Loft Sample Sale
What:50-80% off select wedding gowns from Jenny Packham, Paloma Blanca, Rosa Clara and more.
When: Now through July 31, 2012. By Appointment Only. 212-944-9013.
Where: 226 West 37th St (b/n 7th and 8th Ave) 2nd floor

Fall Footwear: Lady Loafers

I'm a fan of menswear-inspired footwear especially for fall. Over the past two years, I've acquired quite a few lace up oxfords. My latest obsession? Slip-on loafers! They're comfortable and easy to wear to skirts or pants.


DV by Dolce Vita "Marcela", $69.00I love the wingtip detals and tassels. I bought these loafers in the natural sand color. It's a bit hard to keep light colored suede and white soles looking fresh, so looking back I kind of wish I had gone with the magenta. I'd imagine they'd hide the dirt better, and they're an affordable way to sport the jewel tone trend happening this fall.


Matiko "Lilo", $114.95These flats are a bit manish, but I'm a sucker for perforated leather and I love how sleek these look. They're black flats; you can't really go wrong.


By Paige Fox "Black Needlepoint", $147.00Needlepoint might seem a bit grandma, but I love how cozy they look. With fitted pants or a pencil skirt, these foxy flats could look great.



Steven by Steve Madden "Madee", $119.00Leopard, love leopard! Pair these with some classics like dark jeans or tapered black pants for perfection.


Jeffrey Campbell "Sunshine", $119.90These vintage-inspired loafers are perfect a preppy black to school look.

Sample Sales This Week: May 16-22, 2011

Who: Yigal Azrouël Sample Sale
What: Over 50% off on men's and women's ready-to-wear and "cut25" collection. Ready-to-wear dresses $375 (was $1,240), tops $150 (was $495), pants $110 (originally $360). Men's ready-to-wear tees $70 (was $235), shirts $80 (was $270), and jackets $285 (was $945).
When: May 17-19, 2011. Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 225 West 39th Street (b/n 7th and 8th Ave) 212-902-1194

Who: Nanette Lepore Sample Sale
What: Steep discounts on printed dresses, beaded sweaters, tops, suiting separates, knits, and handbags. Dresses $145 (was $398), jackets $195-$275 (was $448 to $698). Skirts, pants and tops $95 (was $298).
When: May 17-19,2011. Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm
Where: 225 West 35th S (nr 7th Ave) 4th floor. 212-594-0012

Who: Theory Men's & Women's Sample Sale
What: Up to 65% off. Dresses are $109, jackets are 159, skirts are $89, and pants are $99.
When: May 17-21, 2011. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Where: Clothingline, 261 West 36th St (nr 8th Av) 2nd Floor 212-947-8748

Who: Bird Closet Sale
What: The owner of the beloved shop is cleaning out her closet. Past-season clothes and shoes by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten, Tsumori Chisato, Rachel Comey, and more are marked down. Get 20% off on current season merchandise.
When: May 18, 2011. Wed 5pm-8pm
Where: 220 Smith St (at Butler St) Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. 718-797-3774

Who: Elizabeth Gillett
What: Stock and samples including current spring/summer scarves for $20-40, coverups $40-80, and flirty tops and dresses from by Francine for $30-70.
When: May 18-20, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-5pm
Where: 242 West 38th St (b/n 7th and 8th Ave), 9th Floor

Who: Lela Rose Sample Sale
What: 50-80% off on dresses, knits, pants, jackets, costume jewelry and belts. Blouses $425 (was $795), skirts $295 (was $695), dresses $995 (was $1,595).
When: May 18-19, 2011. Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs-Fri 9am-6pm
Where: 224 West 30th St (nr 7th Ave) 14th floor. 212-947-9204 ext. 14

Who: Ali Ro and Donna Morgan Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on womenswear. Last sale included $40 Ali Ro Samples
When: May 18-20, 2011. Wed noon-5:30pm, Thurs-Fri 9am-5:30pm
Where: 530 7th Ave (nr 38th St) 14th floor.


Who: Onassis Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off on men's Fall/Winter Items. 100% off the proceeds will be donated to Tsunami relief.

When: May 18-20, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm

Where: 375 5th Ave, 2nd Floor (nr 35th St)

Who: Derek Lam Spring 2011 Sale
What: Stretch-canvas peplum-back blazer $295 (was $1,090), Cotton-voile embroidered dress $395 (was $1,490), Stretch-cotton trench coat $275 (was $990).
When: May 19-20, 2011. Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-4pm
Where: 10 Crosby St (nr Grand St) 3rd Floor.

Who: Eberjey Sample Sale
What: Snag adorable and comfortable lingerie at over 50-70% off.
When: May 19-20, 2011. Thurs-Fri 9am-4pm
Where: 40 East 34th St (at Madison Ave), Suite 1215.

Who: Lenny Swimwear Sale
What: 60% off swimwear from a Brazilian line.
When: May 19-21, 2011. Thurs-Fri 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Where: 580 Broadway (nr Prince St) Suite 1011

Who: Dolce Vita Warehouse Sale
What: Sandals start at $19, flats and oxfords start at $29, and boots and booties start at $59. Sale also includes apparel by Cynthia Vincent, Mink Pink, Sass and Bide, Blank denim, and more.
When: May 19-21, 2011. Thurs-Sat noon-7pm
Where: 156 Ludlow St (n. Rivington St) 4th floor

Who: The News Spring Sample Sale

What: Collections for both men and women from Anniel, Common Projects, Shipley and Halmos, Cheap Monday, Eternal Child, R13, Sacai, and many more.

When: May 19-21, Thurs-Sat 10am-6pm
Where: 495 Broadway (nr Broome St) 5th Floor

Who: Want Agency Sample Sale
What: 50-75% off spring/summer 2011 collection samples from Acne, Filippa K, and Nudie Jeans. Great finds for men and women including jeans, dresses, suits, pants, outerwear, knitwear, shirts, shoes, and accessories. Cash Only
When: May 19-20, 2011. Thurs-Fri 11am-8pm
Where: 60 Grand St (b/n West Broadway & Wooster)

Ongoing Sample Sales:
Who: Armani Sample Sale
What: Ready-to-Wear and Accessorize Armani Sale. Exclusive deals will be available on women's and men's apparel from Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans.
When: May 14-18, 2011. Sat-Sun 9:30am-6:30pm Mon-Tues 9:30am-7:30pm Wed 9:30am-5:30pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave).

Who: Butter, Bettye Muller and Something Bleu Shoe/Stock Sample Sale
What: Sample shoes are just $60 and stock shoes are $100 (were $200-$400). CASH ONLY
When: May 13-18, 2011. Fri (10am-7pm), Sat (11am-6pm), Sun (closed), Mon-Wed (10am-7pm)
Where: Butter & Something Bleu Showroom - 307 7th Avenue (btw. 27th & 28th streets), Suite 2307

Who: The Bridal Garden Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off wedding dresses from Ulla Maija, Junko Yoshioka, Judd Waddell, Rosa Clara and more.
When: May 12-26, 2011. M,W,F (12pm-8pm), Thur (3pm-8pm), S,Su (11am-7pm). By Appointment ONLY.
Where: 54 W 21st St.- Suite 907 (b/n 5th & 6th Ave). 212-252-0661

Who: Nolita and RA-RE Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off men's, women's and kids' clothing.
When: May 13-27, 2011. Mon-Fri (10am-7pm).
Where: 199 Lafayette St - 4th floor, suite 4A-1 (nr Broome) 212-979-1735

Dupli-CAUGHT: Dolce Vita vs. Target

Dolce Vita "Pela", $170.00
Last spring, Dolce Vita came out with these wedges, and I remember because I was stalking them in black and brown. They were featured in Lucky and a couple other publications for being a great versatile pair of wedges, and size 7 was sold out pretty quickly.

I guess all sizes sold well because they're available again this summer at a handful of retailers like Saks, Bloomingdales, Solestruck, and Endless. You can find them in black, brown, pink, and nude


DV by Dolce Vita "Pali", $89.00
This season, Dolce Vita replicated this style for their lower end line, DV by Dolce Vita. This style is almost half the price of the original, but you get what you pay for.

I read through the product details and reviews, and it seems that these are slightly less comfortable and up close you can notice the lower quality. The original has leather lining and soles. The DV version has leather uppers like the original, but the lining and outsole are synthetic. It's not a big deal if you're not walking a lot, but in the summer humidity, I tend to avoid synthetic materials because they usually don't breath and increase the chances of blisters.


Mossimo "Pilar", $29.99
Target has jumped in on the wide strappy wedge action with their Mossimo version. It's an exact copy of the Dolce Vita wedges: same straps, zipper detail, even color options. They're available in black, brown, nude and pink. And as you would expect for $30, the shoes are made from faux leather.

It's not uncommon for a mass retailer to copy designs, but I do find this particularly interesting because there's currently a Dolce Vita for Target collection in stores. Why would you copy someone you're collaborating with?

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!

Deal of the Day: Dolce Vita Helix Platform Sandal

I love Dolce Vita wedges for the wide straps, heel cutouts and chunky heel. The hardware on the straps reminds me a bit of the coveted pair from Chloe Sevigny and Opening Ceremony. These wedges are great because you could wear them the rest of summer and into fall with socks and tights.

And perhaps best of all, they're easy on the wallet. They're on sale at Endless for now $96.43 (retail $167).

There's only one review on Endless, and it doesn't seem too positive. But I've tried them on in stores and they seemed comfortable. Plus, they have good reviews on Zappos and Piperlime. And if they don't work out, Endless has free returns. Hurray!

Upcoming Sample Sales

This week seems to be a deadzone for sample sales but here are a few sales coming up next week to get excited about!

Also, if you're bored remember the OAK 30/40/50 sale is still ongoing and is currently at 50% off marked pieces.

Who: OAK NYC 30/40/50 Sale
What: 3 week sale of Clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. The discounts are now 50% off for wk 3!
When: Now through July 9, 2010.
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

If you'd rather shop online:
Temperley London is up to 60% off on their summer sale
Dolce Vita is now up to 70% off Shoes + Free Shipping

Upcoming Sales:
Who: Vivienne Tam Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off 2010 Spring line. A silk chiffon butterfly-print tunic now $150 (was $375). Bonus. Shoppers who spend$200 or more will receive a FREE GIFT! (printed butterfly scarf)
When: July 14-16, 2010. Wed 9am-8pm. Thurs 10am-7pm. Fri 10am-6pm.
Where: 260 West 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 11th Floor. 212-840-6470.

Who: Mixed Brand Footwear Sample Sale
What: Current and past collections from Mea Shadow, Yosi Samra, and Messeca priced at just $10-$70. Yosi Samra’s metallic gladiators (were $100, now $20) and Mea Shadow’s open-toe Marisa wedges (were $255, now $50). CASH ONLY!
When: July 15, 2010. 11:30am-5pm
Where: Messeca New York showroom, 78 5th Ave (b/n 13th & 14th St) 9th Floor.

Who: Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off Clothing and Accessories
When: July 16-18, 2010. Fri-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Where: 376 Bleecker St (b/n Perry & Charles St)

Deal of the Day: 25% Off Dolce Vita + Free Shipping

Dolce Vita is having a friends & family sale, 25% off plus free shipping. The sale ends tonight, so shop fast! Thees are my personal favorites.


Dolce Vita Pela, (reg $165)
These are really the perfect wedge. They're basic and would great with just about everything and could be worn into fall with tights. The wider straps, wedge and zipper heel gives these wedges a modern touch.


Dolce Vita Elijah, (reg $135)
These sandals featured on the main page are a great pair for summer. The rope is slightly nautical, definitely funky.


DV by Dolce Vita Hank, (reg $49)
Gold shoes are a fun way to add some bounce and flash to your step. Gold jazz shoes? Yes please.

Sample Sales This Week NYC

Who: The Warehouse Sale - One Stop Denim shopping!
What: 80% off brands like 7 for All Mankind, AG Jeans, Antik Denim, BCBG, Chip & Pepper, Frankie B, Rock & Rebublic, True Religion, William Rast & mire,
When: December 4-5, 2009. Fri-Sat 10am-8pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 W 18th St. 4th Floor
*BONUS: Shoppers who mention "Sugar Rock Catwalk" at the cash register will receive 10% off the entire purchase

Who: Botkier
What: 50-75% off Handbags, Shoes & Wallets! Bonus. If you come to the sample sale wearing your fave Botkier bag or shoes recieve and extra 10% off your purchases
When: December 3-5, 2009. Thurs-Sat 11am-7pm. Sun noon-5pm
Where: 195 Lafayette St. (between Broome and Kenmare)

Who: L.A.M.B., Harajuku Lovers and Kidrobot Handbags
What: Up to 70% off on handbags
When: December 1-3, 2009. Tues 8am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: Savvy 42 Greene Street, Second Floor(B/n Grand & Broome Streets)

Who: Thread Social
What: Super cute dresses and more
When: December 3-4, 2009. Thurs-Fri 9am-7pm
Where: 26 W 17th Street, Suite 301, 212-314-8844

Who: Dolce Vita
What: Up to 70% off Spring & Fall Shoes. Up to 80% off on clothing from Dolce Vita, Tsesay, Caroline Hadaya, and Dolan.
When: December 5-6, 2009. Sat-Sun noon-7pm
Where: 156 Ludlow Street, 4th Floor; 212.643.4810

Who: Charlotte Ronson
What: Up to 70% off Fall 09 Clothing & accesories
When: December 2-4, 2009. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 1071 Avenue of the Americas, Suite #301

Who: Kidrobot Sample Sale
What: Women's & Men's Apparel & Toys at 60-80% Off
When: December 4-6, 2009. Fri-Sun 10am-7pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (b/n 15-16th St)

Who: Hanky Panky Sample Sale
What: Lingere, bridal, thongs, panties, gifts, and everday styles all $10. All thongs, buy 12 get 1 free.
When: December 1-4, 2009. Tues-Thurs, 8:30am-8pm. Fri 9am-1pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave(b/n 28th and 29th St)

Who: Sweetface & JLO by Jennifer Lopez
What: 70%-90% Off Silk tops, dresses, leather jackets, camis, jumpers, vests, jeans, cashmere, and much more!
When: December 2-4, 2009. Wed-Fri 9am-6pm
Where: 1071 6th Ave(B/n 40th & 41st Street)

Who: Pamella Roland Sample Sale
What: All dresses will be 90%-95% off retail price. Dresses, Gowns, Jackets, Skirts, Sweaters, Pants. Mostly Sample Sizes 4 and 6.
When: December 2-4, 2009. Wed-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 501 Seventh Avenue, Suite 300 (b/n 37th & 38th St)

Sales Next Week:
Who: AP Bags USA
What: Up to 80% off women's handbags, shoes, luggage and small leather goods from Rafe New York, Missoni shoes (limited quantities available), Mandarina Duck, Coccinelle, Barbara Hulanicki, Braccialini, Gherardini, Amazon Life and more.
Where: 85 Fifth Avenue (at 16th Street) - 12th floor
When: December 9-11, 2009. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm. Fri 10am-5pm

Who: Lauren Merkin
What: Up to 70% off on Handbags, clutches and accessories
Where: 231 W 29th Street, suite 201 between 7th & 8th Avenues, 212.239.2459
When: December 8-12, 2009. Tues-Sat 11am-7pm

Updated Sample Sales This Week: NYC

Who: Acne
What: Up to 50% off on jeans, shoes, accessories and the Acne and Lanvin capsule collection.
Where: New York & LA...
In New York: Acne Studio at 10 Greene St. Telephone: 212-628-2828.
In LA: Opening Ceremony at 451 N. La Cienega Blvd. Telephone: 310-652-1180.
When: July 9-31, 2009.

Who: Tocca & Milly
What: Milly separates $39 - $49, dresses $99, blazers & coats $99 - $109. Tocca separates $25, dresses & coats $65
When: July 7-9, 2009. Tues 10am-7pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-6pm.
Where: Clothingline 261 W 36th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave

Who: Built By Wendy
What: Up to 70% off spring/summer styles
When: July 1-August 31, 2009. Mon—Sat 12pm—7pm, Sun 12pm—6pm.
Where: Nolita: 7 Centre Market Place b/n Broome and Grand (212-925-6538) Williamsburg: 46 North 6th Street b/n Wythe and Kent (718-384-2882)

Who: Dolce Vita
What: Take $25 off any purchase over $100, $50 off anything over $200, $80 off anything over $300, and $115 off anything over $400
When: Now Through Tuesday, July 7. Mon—Sat 12pm—8pm, Sun 12pm—7pm.
Where: 149 Ludlow St b/n Stanton and Rivington and 159 1/2 Ludlow St at Stanton St (212-529-2111.)

Who: Alexander Wang Sample Sale
What: Alexander Wang's Spring Collection...nough said ;)
When: July 9-11, 2009. Thurs 2pm-8pm, Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm
Where: 83 Wooster Street between Spring and Broome Streets, NYC

Who: Rachel Comey
What: Up to 60% off, plus special deals if you buy 3 or more items.
When: July 8-11, 2009. Wed-Thurs 5 to 9 pm; Fri 11 am to 7 pm; Sat 12 to 5 pm.
Where: 335 West 35th Street, 7th Floor

Who: Halston
What: Yellow nubuck hobo bag for $395 (reg. $1,495), strappy high-heel sandals for $175 (reg. $695), sapphire blue chiffon gown for $995 (reg. $5,995).
When: July 7-9. Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 96 Spring St., b/n Broadway & Mercer St., 2nd flr.

Sales Next Week via Daily Candy:
What: Stella McCartney
Why: Platform sandals for $179 (reg. $895), dresses for $139 (reg. $695), jeans for $59 (reg. $295).
When: July 14 & 15. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: April May
Why: Up to 80 percent off fall and spring collections. Plus a beauty bonanza fire sale.
When: July 14-17. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: D2 Publicity, 611 Broadway, at Houston St., ste. 613b (212-421-6485).

What: Lela Rose Wedding
Why: Fifteen styles of white gowns are $500-$3,000 (that’s up to 80 percent off).
When: July 15-17. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 224 W. 30th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 13th flr.

Dolce Vita Clearance Sale

Final Markdown on Shoes & Boots now $29.99-99.99! Plus $25 off $100, $50 off $200 etc and free ground shipping! Online Now :)