Sample sale season is gearing up before Thanksgiving with a multitude of sales to choose from. I hope to make it to Suno, Portolano, Samantha Chang, Mackage, Theyskens' Theory and Loeffler Randall. What sales are you looking forward to? As always let us know if you hit one up.

Who: Showroom Seven Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on designers like Erickson Beamon, Issa London, Charli London, Twenty Cluny, B-low The Belt, Liebeskind, Monika Chiang, Pier Antonio Gaspari, and more. Cash, Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted.
When: November 11-December 20, Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm
Where: 263 Eleventh Ave (b/n 27th & 28th Streets) 3rd Floor, 212.643.4810

Who: Jachs Sample Sale
What: 50-80% off on Fall collections.
When: November 11-24, Mon-Sun 10am-8pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (b/n 15th & 16th Streets)

Who: Portolano Sample Sale
What: Luxe Italian leather gloves, their gloves are available with both silk and cashmere lining in basic and fancy designs. Pashmina shawls from Nepal, handbags, small leather goods, handmade Italian silk ties, cashmere sweaters, plush shawls and coordinating hat, glove and scarf sets.
When: November 11-22, 2013. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 15 West 37 Street (b/n 5th & 6th Avenues) 2nd Floor, 212.719.4403

Who: Legwear Loft Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on leggings, tights, slippers, mukluks, basics and socks.
When: November 15-20, 2013. Mon-Wed 9am-5:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm
Where: 381 Fifth Avenue (b/n 35th & 36th Streets) 6tg Floor

Who: Giorgio Armani Sample Sale
What: RTW and accessories from Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Armani Jeans. Credit cards only. No strollers or children allowed in the sale. All handbags checked at coat check.
When: November 16-20, 2013. Sat-Sun 9:30am-6:30pm, Mon-Tues 9:30am-7pm, Wed 9:30am-5:30pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin Showroom, 317 West 33rd Street (b/n 8th & 9th Avenues)

Sample Sales NYC: Dec 10-16, 2012

Here comes another barrage of sample sales just before the holidays!

Who: Designer Lingerie Sample Sale
What: 50%-70% off retail on brands like Stella McCartney, Elle Macpherson, Pleasure State, Fayreform, Bendon and more.
When: Dec 10-12, 1012. Mon-Wed 10am-7pm
Where: 180 Madison Ave - Suite 1702 (b/n 33rd and 34th St)

Who: Candela Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off footwear and apparel
When: Dec 10-14, 2012. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 584 Broadway - Suite 1007 (b/n Prince & Houston St)

Who: Haute Hippie Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off womenswear
When: Dec 10-14, 2012. Mon 10am-10pm, Tues-Fri 10am-8pm.
Where: 127 W 30th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave)

Who: Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off women's clothing and accessories
When: Dec 11-14, 2012. Tues 9am-6:30pm, Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 9am-3pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Sample Sale Report: Mackage/Soia & Kyo

Stopped by the Mackage sale on my way home from work today at Chelsea Market. The weather has been so whack this entire winter (not that I'm complaining!) that there seemed to be a ton of stock at this sale.  Mackage will always have a special place in my retail heart - mainly because it's Canadian and one of the first outerwear brands that made me stop and go wow - I want/need/gotta have that!

The space is pretty gargantuan and spans 1.5 levels and is comprised mostly of womens outerwear (there's a few mens racks and a couple of womens RTW racks as well).  The merch is fairly organized with the exception of menswear - which is scattered on either side of the space in different racks (not the smartest if you ask me).

Sample Sales This Week: March 12-18, 2012

Who: Escada Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off womenswear.
When: March 11-14, 2012. Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Wed 10am-7pm
Where: 317 W 33rd St (near 8th Ave)

Who: Project Runway All Stars Sample Sale

What: Up to 80% off threads from Jerrell Scott, Kara Janx, Mondo Guerra, Michael Costello, Rami Kashou and Mila Hermanovski.  Prices start at $25.

When: March 14, 2012. 11am-6pm.

Where: 242 W 36th St. - 8th floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Handbag Sample Sale
What: Discounts on leather and vinyl totes, hobos, satchels and wallets from Perlina, Mariposa, Plum & Nica.  CASH only and please bring your own shopping bags!
When: March 14-16, 2012. 10am-3pm
Where: 10 W 33rd St - Suite 210 (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Giles & Brother Sample Sale
What: Discounts on great accessories.
When: March 15-17, 2012.  Starts at 10AM on March 15 and lasts 48 hours.
Where: Online

Who: Mackage and Soia & Kyo Sample Sale

What: Score deep discounts on one of Sugar Rock Catwalk's fave Canadian outerwear labels.

When: March 15-18, 2012. Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

Where: 75 9th Ave (b/n 15th & 16th St) - Chelsea Market

Who: Tusk Sample Sale

What: 50%-70% off leather bags and accessories for women, men and travel.  All regularly priced merch is 15%.

When: March 16-24, 2012. 11am-7pm (closed Sunday March 18, 2012)

Where: 242 W 26th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Sample Sales This Week: August 22-28, 2011

Who: Mackage End of Season Sale
What: 50% off the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Snag super cute rainwear, trench coats & leathers for both Men & Women.
When: Ongoing
Where: Only at Mackage.com and the Mackage Soho boutique in NYC

Who: Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier
What: Up to 80% off retail, normally ranging from $3,200-$8,000. Find samples from internationally known wedding designers Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa, Peter Langner, Jenny Lee, Rivini, Jenny Packham, and more. Please contact the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier directly to set up an appointment at (212)319-6778.
When: August 23, 2011. Tues 10am-8pm
Where: 110 East 55th St(b/n Park and Lexington Ave), 8th Floor

Who: Honor Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off silk crepe maxiskirts and shirts, smart leather belts, striped sweaters and crisp white blazers. Camel silk-crepe shirt $195(was $695), white silk-linen blazer $550 (was $1,500), brown silk-cotton Bermuda shorts $195 (was $595)
When: August 23-25, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 48 West 25th St (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) 12th floor

Who: Morgane Le Fay Sample Sale
What: Bridal and Ballgowns for under $500. Many dresses at $75 and up. Most prices marked at 75-85% off!
When: August 24-28, 2011. Wed-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Where: 382 West Broadway (b/n Spring St & Broome St)

Who: Bonobos’ Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off on Bonobos, a premium men's wear brand who specialize in well fitting pants.
When: August 24-25, 2011. Wed-Thurs 6pm-10pm
Where: 45 West 25 St (b/n 6th Ave & Broadway) 4th Floor

Who: Barneys Warehouse Sale
What: 50-75% off designer shoes, accessories, and clothing for men, women and kids
When: August 25-September 5, 2011. Thurs-Fri Aug 25th-26th 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun Aug 27th-28th 10am-8pm, Mon-Wed Aug 29-31 10am-9pm, Thurs-Fri Sept 1-2 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun Sept 3-4 9am-8pm, Mon Sept 5 9am-7pm
Where: 255 West 17th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Yeohlee Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off on dresses, tops, pants, skirts, and coats up plus basics for under $150.
When: August 25-26, 2011. Thurs-Fri 8am-7pm.
Where: BoConcept, 105 Madison Ave (at 30th St)

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Morgenthal Frederics
What: Iconic glasses are marked down to $100-$150. Additional designer glasses are half off, and lenses are 20% off when purchased for sale frames.
When: August 13-28, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm

Who: Bird
What: 25-75% off on Rag & Bone tops, Rachel Comey blouses, Current/Elliott colored denim, Bantu bikinis and Steven Alan dresses and more. Acne crinkle trousers $189 (was $380), JBrand men's walker relaxed straight-leg jeans $99 (as $195), Girl by Band of Outsiders Allegra short floral-print skirt $149 (was $375).
When: Now through August 24, 2011. Mon-Fri noon-8pm, Sat noon-7pm, Sun noon-6pm
Where: Park Slope, Brooklyn - 316 Fifth Ave (b/n 2nd & 3rd Sts)718-768-4940. Williamsburg, Brooklyn - 203 Grand St (b/nBedford & Driggs Ave)718-388-1655. Cobble Hill 220 Smith St (at Butler St) 718-797-3774

Who: A. Turen
What: Discounts on Timo Weiland dresses and sheer cardigans, Current/Elliott cutoffs, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela and Iro blouses and Jarbo basics.
When: Now through August 26, 2011. Tues, Wed & Sun 1pm-8pm, Thurs-Sat 1pm-9pm.
Where: 85 Stanton St (at Allen St )212-533-8200
Where: 399 West Broadway (at Spring St)

Sample Sales This Week: May 23-29, 2011

Who: Mackage Sample Sale
What: Deep discounts on men's and women's outerwear and women's RTW.
When: May 24-25, 2011. 11am-7pm
Where: Chelsea Market - 75 9th Avenue (b/n 15th & 16th St.)

Who: Yumi Kim Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off womenswear.
When: May 24-30, 2011. 12pm-8pm
Where: 234 Mulberry St (b/n Prince and Spring St).

Who: Rachel Nasvik Sample Sale
What: NYC designed and made leather handbags are on sale at the factory which they are made. Prices range from $25-199. Credit cards accepted but cash preferred.
When: May 23-25, 2011. Mon-Wed 11am-7pm
Where: Leatherworks by Arturo, 153 W 27th St (b/n 6th & 7th Ave). Suite 709

Who: Best & Co Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off childrenswear.
When: Now through May 28, 2011. Mon-Fri (10am-6pm). Sat (9am-4pm)
Where: 260 5th Ave. (b/n 28th and 29th St)

Who: Be & D Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off handbags, footwear and small accessories. The Genesis bag in prailine is $495 (was $1,095), the Joe ballet flat in leopard is $175 (was $350) and the Woodstock homo in tiger is $795 (was $1,495).
When: May 23-25, 2011. 9am-7pm
Where: 260 W 36th St. - 8th floor (b/n 7th and 8th Ave).

Who: J Rosen Sample Sale
What: 50-75% off on fabulous designer swimwear, cover ups, flip flops, and jewelry sample sale. Some of the designer swimsuits include Debbie Katz, Despi, Brette Sandler, Cocobelle, and Tkees flip flops. Dressing rooms are available. Sizes include S-XL, 6-12; D and DD. Bathing suits and cover ups from $50-$110, Flip flops $20-$45, Jewelry $10-$40. Cash Only!
When: May 23-26, 2011. Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 231 W. 39th St. (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 1101. (212) 221-2349.

Who: Tracy Reese, Plenty and Frock! Sample Sale
What: One of a kind samples are $30-$50! The Tracy Reese black toile tiered gown is $150 (was$525), the Plenty by Tracy Reese floral inset strapless dress is $99 (was$258), and the Frock! Laurisa dress is $99 (was $228).
When: May 24-25, 2011. 9am-7:30pm
Where: 264 W 40th St - 8th floor, suite 801 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave).

Who: MCM Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off handbags, totes, clutches, wallets and more
When: May 24-26, 2011. 10am-6pm
Where: Flatotel - 135 W 52nd St (near 6th Ave). 212-729-9069

Who: Colette Malouf Sample Sale
What: 70% off jewelry and hair accessories.
When: May 25-26, 2011. Wed (10am-8pm), Thurs (10am-6pm)..
Where: 594 Broadway - suite 1216 (near Houston St)

Who: Dannijo Sample Sale
What: Jewelry is up to 75% off and materials start at $5!
When: May 24, 2011. 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: 423 W 14th Street - #3R (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: Tibi Sample Sale
What: Discounted womenswear
When: May 24-26, 2011. Tues (12pm-7pm), Wed-Thurs (10am-7pm)
Where: Happy Monkey Studio, 348 W 36th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Who: Joseph Abboud Warehouse Sale (hosted by Soiffer Haskin)
What: Deep discounts on menswear including suits, sportcoats, trousers and tuxedos. CREDIT CARD ONLY!
When: Now through May 26, 2011. Mon-Wed (9am-7pm), Thurs (9am-5pm)
Where: 317 W 33rd St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave).

Who: Farylrobin Sample Sale
What: Shoes marked down to $10-90. Samples for $50. $10 shoes in size 6-7. Most shoes are sizes 7 and 8, limited selection in other sizes.
When: May 23-26, 2011. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Closed on Sat & Sun.
Where: 200 Park Ave S (at 17th S)t, suite 1610. 212-219-1211

Ongoing sales:
Who: Cardigan

What: First annual virtual sample sale! Snag clothing for men, women and accesories for up to 80% off. Plus free shipping!

When: Now through May 30, 2011.

Where: CardiganNewYork.com

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: Now through May 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: Now through May 27, 2011. Mon-Fri (10am-7pm).
Where: 199 Lafayette St - 4th floor, suite 4A-1 (nr Broome) 212-979-1735

Mackage Fall 2011

Mackage was another show that I was super stoked to be attending. After a long week I made my way over to the Studio after work for 9pm. As soon as I got into the center - I got a boost of energy - probably because Mackage is one of my all time favorite lines for outerwear and makes me proud to be Canadian!

For menswear - there were a few more casual pieces this collection which included a fur lined parka, varsity type jackets with leather sleeves, and a slightly puffy wool coat for added warmth. As always, Mackage's construction is solid, their lines are clean and their detailing subtle with the ability to make a statement. I usually pick up one jacket a season - but I'm not sure what to get this time....at least I have 1/2 a year to decide!

Similar to the mens's outerwear, the women's pieces were a bit more casual than previous seasons with a move away from their traditional wools and leathers into other textiles including fur.

In terms of the RTW, I noticed quite a few pieces with strong shoulder lines paired with sleek silhouettes. The creme colored blouse on the bottom right with pleated details had great movement on the runway and looked amazing.

Images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

What I appreciate the most in the RTW collection is the fit of the garments. Similar to their outerwear counterparts, the clothes hug in all the right places and look oh so sleek and elegant.

Sample Sale Report: Mackage

Earlier tonight I had a chance to stop by the Mackage sample sale. There was no lineup outside but the store was pretty full with the after-work crowd hitting up the sale. There were four racks of menswear (one rack of leathers and the rest a mix between puffers and wools), two racks of women's ready to wear and about 5-6 racks of women's outerwear.

The men's section was relatively untouched with only a few shoppers. For Mackage, the leather pieces will set you back around $400 a pop, wools around $300 and puffers $350. For Kyo, pieces were retailing between $175-$200 for wools and $250 for leathers. In terms of sizing, almost all of the Mackage pieces were 40 (with the occasional 38) and medium for Kyo (with very few pieces left).

This was the first time I saw the RTW collection in person and I have to say some of the pieces were really nice. There were some great dresses available with a distinct Mackage flare including leather trims and asymmetrical zippers. The pieces were going for around $200+.

All of the action was concentrated in the women's outerwear. Leathers were going for around $330 a pop (in mostly S and M) while wools also ran around $330 (in XXS, XS and M with the occasional S and L). There were a few Soia & Kyo jackets but this sale definitely seemed to be Mackage heavy (S&K prices ran between $175-$200).

On a side note, if you are extremely petite, Mackage's outerwear is a great option (since they carry XXS). I ended up grabbing a coat for my sister who is crazy small and has the hardest time finding anything that's not made for a child.

If you're interested in getting some shopping done before Thanksgiving, the sale ends tomorrow at 6pm.

Who: Mackage/Soia & Kyo Sample Sale
What: Discounts on outerwear for men & women. Cash only!
When: November 23-24, 2010. Tues (12pm-7pm), Wed (12pm-6pm)
Where: 275 W 39th St. - 7th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Sample Sales This Week: November 22-28, 2010

Last week's barrage of sample sales has calmed down this week just in time for Thanksgiving. There's a couple of sales going on this week with Mackage being my go to sale for the week!

Who: Mackage/Soia & Kyo Sample Sale
What: Discounts on outerwear for men & women. Cash only!
When: November 23-24, 2010. Tues (12pm-7pm), Wed (12pm-6pm)

Where: 275 W 39th St. - 7th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Jay Godfrey Sample Sale

What: Up to 85% off fall and holiday collections.

When: November 22-23, 2010. 10am-6pm

Where: 333 W 39th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave)

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Heike Jarick Sample Sale
What: 40-80% off womenswear from The German born designer is known for timeless designs, impeccable draping of modal jersey and incredible fit.
When: November 16-24, 2010. As well as Black Friday, November 26th. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday and Thanksgiving closed
Where: 262 West 38th Street, Suite 503 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Portolono Sample Sale
What: Discounts on cashmere hats, gloves, sweaters and scarves for both men & women.
When: November 18-19, 22-23, 2010. Thurs-Fri, Mon-Tues 10am-6pm.
Where: 15 West 37th St (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) 2nd Floor. (212)719-4403

A Little Piece of Home...

I've been home for the past week and when I compare NYC to my home in Toronto, NYC has my hometown beat in almost every category from food, to shopping, to nightlife and entertainment.

But thankfully, Toronto has a couple things that outshine NYC....

#1 Chinese food:

Chinese food in NY is just plain bad. It's wrong on so many levels....which is something I just don't understand. Food in general is AMAZING in NY whether it's Venezuelan food from Arepa Arepa, southern food from Pies'N'Thighs, Japanese soba from Soba-ya, and the list goes on and on. Everything is stellar except for Chinese food which is sub-par.

A few weeks ago, I ordered delivery from a dumpling place that had great reviews on GrubHub and I seriously couldn't eat it and chucked it. I can eat whatever is in front of me usually and hate wasting food but I literally couldn't eat what I ordered. Nasty.

Here's what Chinese food is supposed to look/taste like....

#2 Soia & Kyo & Mackage

Excluding sample sales in NY, Mackage/Soia & Kyo merch in Canada retails below what it does in NY since it's a Canadian based company (go Canada!). I've been scouring NY for the new KYO line (click here to see our previous post on the line) but haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Toronto Eaton's Centre

Low and behold, the very first mall I hit up in Toronto carried the line which was awesome to see in person. Quality wise - Kyo's wool are ok. They're not the best but they're not terrible. Their puffers on the other hand are amazingly warm. I was getting really hot just trying it on in the store so I picked one up for myself for this winter.

The puffy jackets have some great detailing including multiple zippered pockets (all lined with fleece for added warmth), removable hood and a removable elastic piece that lets you wear your jacket like a backpack when you're indoors. When carrying the jacket like a backpack it looks a bit awkward but it frees up both of your arms up which is super practical.

Mackage: The Fall Lineup

Mackage just released their Fall/Winter 2010 lineup online this week so here's a quick peak at the styles for the upcoming season. Hopefully, I can score something at an upcoming sample sale, since I've never been in the same city as their sales until now! (Mackage holds sample sales in Montreal and New York)

As previous collections, Mackage has three categories of outwear this season: wools, leathers and puffers. If you're in the market for a great wool or leather coat - Mackage is something I would definitely recommend. I love most of their pieces for the sleek styling and great fit.

Leathers:

Puffers:

The short puffer in blue looks pretty decent!

Wools:

Of all types of outerwear - I have a soft spot Mackage's wool winter coats. They have amazing leather detailing and great collars which hold their shape which is what made me fall in love with the line years ago. I'm totally digging the jacket with the off-center zipper right now.

Also, new for this season, Mackage introduced the very first men's accessory - a pair of leather gloves. These are currently the only style online, but it's a start.

On a side note - if you're looking for a wallet friendly alternative, Kyo, as mentioned previously, will be launching this fall (Mackage's sister label).