Opinions

You have officially one week before Memorial Day Weekend. Translation being: There are exactly seven days of shopping before your mini-vacation commences and a teaser to summer begins. What to wear, what to wear? I need not say, but your outfits for those backyard barbeques and beach soirees must be fabulous. And don’t forget to accessorize! Showing summer what you’re made of with half of an effort is unacceptable, therefore be sure to check out sales from Botkier, Diesel, Tibi, Tracy Reese, and Christian Siriano this week for your perfect pre-summer wear. Clear your schedule for Tuesday, because it’s going to be a sample sale showdown!

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Botkier Sample Sale

Ah, Botkier, how we love thee. Prepare to unearth the ultimate Memorial Day Weekend accessory at the Botkier Sample Sale. Within Chelsea Market’s exclusive Prive sale space, Botkier will line up their amazing bags decorated with hip designs and feel-good pastels for 60% off. Get there early on Tuesday as last year the line wrapped around the block, and by the time I was through, the best of the sale was through as well.

Diesel Sample Sale

Rebels unite: It’s time for the Diesel Sample Sale. A plethora of uniquely structured and colorful edgy wear will be on hand beginning Tuesday at 220 West 19^th Street on the Fifth Floor. Past sales featured tee shirts for as low as $15, bathing suits for $15, denim for $45 and accessories for only $5.

Tibi Sample Sale

Who doesn’t love Tibi? You’d be hard pressed to find a Stylish City reader who doesn’t. The Tibi Sample Sale is noted for their amazing selection of both true sample and stock, and come Tuesday, both will be available at Midtown’s Hartford Studio for up to 70% off. Last year, stock ranged from $200 for long dresses, $125 for day dresses, and $75 for pretty tops, while samples ran $50 for pants, $40 for skirts, and $100 for day dresses.

Tracy Reese Sample Sale

Another great sale to look forward to this week is the Tracy Reese Sample Sale. After your Tuesday sample sale binge, enjoy a calm Wednesday sorting through stock and true samples in Midtown for up to 65% colorful patterns on silk dresses ($150), drop-waist frocks ($150), and samples starting at $50. Last year’s sale excited shoppers with Plenty by Tracy Reese dresses for $35 as well as summery dresses for $170.

Last Minute Stops

Still need to find and outfit for your new Botkier, or a cashmere cardigan to drape around your gorgeous Tracy Reese dress? Then look no further than the Christian Siriano Sample Sale for 70% off designer dresses for a purse pair up, the Hunter Dixon & Zinke Swimwear Sample Sale for their Mem Day Blowout, and last but not least, the Jennifer Tyler Sample Sale for an oh-so-soft lightweight cashmere cardigan to keep you warm during those chilly nights on the beach.

Thank goodness for a low-key shopping Friday so we can get our rest in before those margaritas in the sun over the weekend!

By Caitlin Colford

There is a bag check which isn’t strictly enforced and  though there was no price list there were many reasonably priced items at the Christopher Fischer Sample Sale. As you walk in right before you is an abundance of sweaters and cardis. Due to the nature of the product most items are folded on the tables in foot high piles. The sweaters and cardis are so many and so varied that there was not a definite pile of any specific style or color. Its one of those sales where you really have to dig in and search for what you want.

The scarves, gloves and hats on the other hand were strategically displayed and easy to find and sort through. Most gloves (cashmere/wool) were priced between $25 – $55. Cashmere, wool or silk scarves were between $35 - $45. Various hats were priced between $35 – $70.

There were a few racks with various cashmere, linen and cotton dresses priced from $60 – $195 as well as a handful of skirts.

On my way out I spied a table with tank tops and tshirts for only $10.

If you’re in the market for a few cashmere pieces, stopping by this sale is a must.

An abundance of sweaters and cardigans

Cropped sweater: $60

Cashmere, wool or silk scarves: $35 - $45

Most gloves (cashmere/wool) were priced between $25 - $55

Hats were priced between $35 - $70, Skull hats with small metal skulls were $45

Round Rabbit Fur and Cashmere hats: $70

Cotton dress: $65

WHEN: 5/16 – 5/19; Th-Sun (10-7)

WHERE: 80 Wooster Street
between Spring & Broome St
SoHo, NYC

By Jessica Florent

The most under appreciated job in the world doesn’t deserve a day it deserves an entire month.  But until that bill is passed, we’ll have to settle for one day to shower our loving mother’s with love and appreciation for, well, putting up with us all of these years. They are among the only human’s on earth that love us unconditionally, no matter what, so make sure you never forget that. So, where are you taking your dashing diva of a mother for brunch on Sunday? If you’ve yet to settle on a plan, why not wow her with a Mother’s Day Brunch at 2West Restaurant in Ritz-Carlton Battery Park where $85 a person will not only land you glitz and glam, it will also serve you lavish desserts and top notch cuisine. After you’re done pampering the leading lady in your life, prepare to indulge yourself in the finer things in life as you shop sales from Christian Louboutin, GANT, The Limited, The News, and Theory. 

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Christian Louboutin Invite-Only Sample Sale

If you’re among the fabulous lucky shoppers out there, then you have already scored your invitation to the Christian Louboutin Sample Sale. For the rest of us, put on your thinking caps in order to determine your way “in” to the Christian Louboutin bi-annual Sample Sale where heels are marked for as low as $200. C’mon, it’s New York, everyone knows everyone – who can get you in? If you have come out with no ideas, then give waiting in line a whirl – rumor is security decreases over time during the sale.

Theory Throwdown

This week not only brings us one Theory Sample Sale, but two. That’s right, a double dose of sleek and sexy blazers and cute prep ware. Tuesday kicks off the throw down with Theory & Theyskens’ Theory Sample Sale at the Chelsea Market. Past years’ sales graced us with $69 shorts, $89 skirts and leather for only $249. If that’s not enough for you, swing on over to Clothingline’s Theory Sample Sale come Wednesday for discounted stock merchandise. During the tail end November’s Theory Sample Sale, an additional 30% was taken off price tags.

GANT Sample Sale

If you want to drip with style, then head to the GANT Sample Sale to stock up on clothing and accessories for 80% off retail prices. Expect to find $50 sweaters and cotton blazers for $195. Past sales have featured Gant, Gant Rugger and Gant by Michael Bastian.

The News Sample Sale

The funky News Sample Sale is back beginning Thursday at 495 Broadway. This sale always features steals and deals for the downtown fashionista. Check out the 5^th floor for rock bottom prices on Anniel shoes (a perfect summer bootie), a slew of Cheap Monday jeans (did I mention cheap?), Clu and Highland.

The Limited Sample Sale

The Limited may just be your average, run of the mill suburban mall staple, but let’s not forget that during their Sample Sale on Thursday, items are priced at $5 a piece. That’s just twenty quarters for your next favorite blouse and stylish bottoms. There’s literally no going wrong here, even if you only where your purchase once. This sale is cash only, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Do you think they accept quarters?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

By Caitlin Colford

Say sayonara to your clunky, boxy shoes, ladies. At least for a little while. Pointy toed shoes are a definite do for spring and summer and I’m here to tell you how to wear them well. In addition to some styling tips, I’ll also give you a brief 411 on choosing a shoe that fits as it should.

Throughout the story, you’ll also see pictures from NYC’s very own Boutique on 57, a store that provides high fashion must-owns that won’t send you into a panic attack after buying them. In other words — they’re affordable. Boutique on 57, which happens to be across the street from Bergdorf Goodman, truly embodies the sophisticated New York shopping experience. Shop ’til you drop for designer label business suits, casual attire, cocktail dresses, red carpet gowns, handbags, shoes, and jewelry at up to 75% off retail.

Kasia Bosne

Boutique on 57

Styling Your Pointy Shoes

Fact #1: Pointy shoes actually elongate your leg, making you look longer, leaner and taller. And if they’re nude and pointy? Even longer! Your legs will look like they go on for days.

Fact #2: Pointy toed shoes can be worn with anything. Anything. Skinny jeans, cigarette pants, trousers, leggings, bodycon dresses, maxi skirts, cropped pants, midi skirts, summer dresses, shorts. Seriously — anything!

I recommend owning a pair of high quality (read: invest), pointy toed shoes in nude, red, black and white. There’s not an outfit in your closet that won’t go with one of those colors. From there, branch out into funkier colors or prints. Trendier shoes don’t have to be as high quality since you won’t wear them for as long, but they do need to fit well and be comfortable (read below for tips on that).

As for heel height, right now the pointy-toed pump is actually your trendiest option. That’s not to say it’ll ever really go out of style, though — it’s just what everyone’s wearing this season. I find pumps are your most versatile option in terms of styling, as they work in a variety of settings (office, casual meetings, dinners, etc.).

Pointy-toed kitten heels are another option. Though I find that kitten heels aren’t as flattering as pumps, they’re an ideal option for someone who wants a wee bit of extra height without worrying about falling.

Pointy toed stilettos are less easy to style, simply because they have a sort of sexy appeal to them. If you’re going for a business professional, casual or serious vibe, opt for the pump or kitten. If you’re heading out for a night of cocktails, rock those stilettos.

Oh, and I can’t forget flats. Pointy toed flats aren’t extremely common, but they do exist. I recommend them with jeans or a breezy summer dress. Basically, wear them anytime you want to go for an ultra casual or carefree vibe.

Comfort Is Important

You want to know what isn’t sexy? A woman hobbling around in ill-fitting shoes.

You never want to wear shoes that are too tight, nor do you want to wear shoes that are too loose. Heels that are too loose can lead to twisted ankles and even tripping if your foot accidentally slips out.

Shoes that are too tight are a more common problem with pointy toed shoes. That’s because the toes jut inwards quickly, leaving less room for your toes. For pointy toed shoes, you may need to go up a 1/2 size (this also allows for extra room when your feet swell during PMS, air travel, etc.).

A properly fitting, pointy toed heel should allow your toes enough room to wiggle around slightly. They should never be so cramped that you can’t move them at all. Additionally, your arch should be completely supported. Higher quality shoes typically come with some sort of padding that eventually molds to the interior of your foot, so look for that padding when buying. Mid-End brands I recommend include Ivanka Trump, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, Nine West and Cole Haan. Almost all of the luxury brands you’re familiar with (Jimmy Choo, Badgley Mischka, Prada, Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Alexander McQueen, etc.) will also have that necessary padding. For example, the shoes pictured here, found at Boutique on 57, are all winners.

Ralph Lauren Heels

YSL Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Suede Pumps

Brian Atwood Booties

Blue Girl Leopard Print Heels

D-Squared open toes heels

Tip: Buying in stores is always a better choice. This gives you an opportunity to walk around in the shoes and see how they feel on your feet. When buying online, read the return policy very thoroughly and never buy unless you can return the shoes for a full refund or exchange them for a different size.

I’ll leave you with the following advice: Always have a pair of rollaway flats in your bag. Wear the flats when you’re running to catch the train or walking long distances and switch into your heels later.

By Wendy Rose Gould