Happy New Year stylish readers! By now you’ve nursed your hangovers and have lunged head first into your New Year’s resolution, therefor now it’s time to embark on a new mission — the wonderfully gratifying task of redecoration. As you tear down the holiday décor, take a peak around your home and pick out the rooms or corners that could use a pick me up. Need a collection of tchotchkes for your shelves, or perhaps an area rug to make your living room pop? Well this week you’re in luck with sales from Brika, Bloomingdale’s Rug Warehouse Sale, Shoe-Inn, and Circle Showroom.

Brika Sample Sale

I’ll be honest; I didn’t know a whole lot about Brika before today, but after getting lost browsing their website, which is chock full of crafty décor and artisanal finds, I immediately fell in love. The newly launched Toronto based marketplace has a community feel in the same vein as popular sites as Etsy. Beginning Saturday, Brika will host a pop up sample sale inside Free & the Brave at the Paramount Hotel on 46^th Street, where they’ll offer 30% off handmade goodies, clothing, jewelry and home goods. If that’s not reason enough to visit, The Couveteur has collaborated on this sale to create six different closets including her, him, little ones, the foodie, the home and a zodiac themed closet.

WHEN: 1/4 – 1/5; Sat-Sun (noon-5)
WHERE: Free & the Brave at the Paramount Hotel, 235 West 46th Street
(between Seventh and Eighth Avenues)

Bloomingdale’s Rug Warehouse Sale

Hoorah! Finally, Bloomingdale’s hops on the bandwagon this year and joins in on hocking their designer rugs for a fraction of the price. The Bloomingdale’s Rug Warehouse Sale is currently underway at The Metropolitan Pavilion, but hurry down as the sale wraps up on Sunday at 7PM.  Within the sale expect to find 75% off original prices on over 8,000 rugs including classic, contemporary, Persian, and Tufenkian rugs.

WHEN: 12/26 – 1/5; M-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-7)
WHERE:Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street
(between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)

Shoe-Inn Footwear Warehouse Sale

With over 7,000 pairs of designer shoes the Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale becomes a real shoe-inn to your shopping agenda this week. Taking place at Broadway’s Gotham Hall, the Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale features an abundance of great designers from Sam Edelman to Michael Kors and Tory Burch to Stuart Weitzman. Still looking for your winter boot staple? Frye boots will be on hand, with no price reaching over $200.

WHEN: 1/2 – 1/7; M-F (9-7), Sat-Sun (10-5)
WHERE: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway at 36th & Broadway

Circle Showroom Maternity Clothing Sample Sale

For those lucky enough to be bringing in a new bundle of joy in 2014, check out the Circle Showroom Maternity Clothing Sample Sale beginning on Monday. At this cash only sale, expect to find up to 90% off maternity clothes, with a special deal offering two free items of equal or lesser value when your purchase five.

WHEN: 1/6 – 1/10; M-W (9:30-5), Th (9:30-noon and 3-5), F (9:30-3)
WHERE: 347 West 36th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, Suite 601

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: ToryBurch.com

Shoppers! Only a few days to go before the world’s biggest gift giving holiday joyously greets us mid-week. You know what that means: it’s shopping crunch time! The dreadful Christmas Eve mall visit is inevitable, but try to reduce the stressful shopping visit by hitting up the amazing holiday markets New York City has to offer. The best part of all is that they are outside, meaning no hot department stores due to overcrowding. From the Columbus Circle Holiday Market to the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, there are plenty of options dotted throughout the island. Looking for original and edgy jewelry? Pop down to the Union Square Holiday Market and check out tables from Brooklyn Charm and Milly and Earl.

If you’re looking for designer goodies for your loved ones then don’t miss the last round of sample sales this year.

Botkier Holiday Sample Sale

Here’s your chance to wow someone special in your life with a gorgeous designer handbag. Lasting through the weekend, the Botkier Holiday Sample Sale will feature the brand’s popular designs such as their Capri Satchel for $125 (orig. $495) and their Wanderlust mini for $55 (orig. $195).

WHEN: 12/19 – 12/22; Th-Sun (10-7)
WHERE: 225 Fifth Avenue, between 26th & 27th Street

Earnest Sewn Sample Sale

Perfect for the loved one that marked down a new pair of denim on their wish list, Earnest Sewn is holding a sample sale through New Years Eve within both of their locations, where they are offering all denim for under $100. Since that purchase clearly won’t break the bank, pair the denim gift with a sweater for $50 or t-shirt for $25.

WHEN: 12/19 – 12/31; M-Sat (11-7), Sun (noon-6)
WHERE: 821 Washington Street, at Gansevoort Street &
90 Orchard Street, between Delancey and Broome Streets

Bess Sample Sale

Hit up this sale for the rock stars in your life. Bess, the typically expensive SoHo boutique, is holding a sample sale with slashed prices featuring store favorites such as Studded Converse for $99 (orig. $220) and Studded Combat Boots $99 (orig. $240). If you’re lucky, there may be a ripped and stained t-shirt or two on sale as well. A required taste, sure, but those with said taste will love everything Bess has to offer – holes and all.

WHEN: 12/18 – 12/24; daily (noon-7)
WHERE: 292 Lafayette Street, between Crosby and Houston Streets

Prive Holiday Warehouse Sale

For those who received crumby gifts this year, treat yourself to a little something at Prive’s Holiday Warehouse Sale beginning at 2PM on December 26^th.  Sort through contemporary apparel and accessories at the beautiful Chelsea Market

WHEN: WHEN: 12/26 – 12/31; Th (2-7), F-Mon (11-7), Tue(11-3)
WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue, between 15th & 16th Streets

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: Botkier.com

Goodbye tank tops, bikinis, and flip-flops, and hello rustic boots, oversized sweaters, and oh-so-soft cashmere scarves! Not to mention warm apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes, amongst other Fall Faves. Although we mourn the loss of extended weekends, beach days, and warm sunshine, Fall clothing is among the most fun and comfortable of the all the seasons. This week, stock up on cozy finds and bold accessories from Christopher Fischer, French Connection, Hermes, and POSH.

Christopher Fischer Cashmere Sample Sale

SoHo is calling! Beginning today and lasting through Tuesday, 80 Wooster Street is opening its doors to supply you with luxurious Christopher Fischer Cashmere, with everything from baby soft cardigans to the warmest of scarves and shawls. Last year, the sale at Fischer’s Wooster Street boutique features 80% off fun and fashionable sweaters, as well as home accessories. This sale is by far a do-not-miss as these pieces will be your staples through the cold weather seasons.

Hermes Handbags & Accessories Sample Sale

Although last year’s Hermes Sample Sale lacked one important staple – handbags – this year’s September sample sale promises an abundance of our favorite leather purses. Beginning Wednesday at Soiffer Hasken, up to 70% will be slashed from retail prices of handbags, accessories, clothing and more. Last year, although handbags were MIA, shoppers reported that everything was marked 50% off retail prices. Open toe shoes were spotted for $725, while booties were marked $1,500 and sweaters fell between the $350-$750 range.

POSH Clothing & Accessories Sample Sale

There’s nothing more posh than philanthropy. All benefits from the POSH Clothing & Accessories Sample Sale, beginning Thursday, September 19^th, go towards Lighthouse International, an organization helping people of all ages overcome vision loss. Apart from luxurious home goods, expect to find stellar Fall pieces from top tier designers such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, and Ralph Lauren.

French Connection Friends & Family Sale

The well-manufactured clothing from French Connection will be on sale starting Thursday, September 19^th. Expect to find French Connection’s European inspired styles, with black and white themes for 25% off. Their chic eveningwear and edgy jackets are a do not miss, as are their accessories – be sure to check out their affordable jewelry and handbags while you’re at it. Can’t make it to SoHo for the big blow out sale? No worries. Check out their website for addition savings.

By Caitlin Colford

This wonderfully mild and sunny weather is the perfect treat for mid-August, a time when we’re usually whining about humidity and suffering from heatstroke. Enjoy the cool temperatures, and soak up your last days of summer. Begin mapping out your ultimate city escape for Labor Day — don’t wait until the last minute! Once your bed + breakfast is reserved and rental car booked, jet on over to the hottest sample sales this week from Alexander Wang, Barneys, Bird and Michael C. Fina to scoop up your wardrobe for your final vacation of summer.

Michael C. Fina Ring Sample Sale

If you like her then you should put a ring on it. Blast those wise words from the pop princess Beyoncé this week, and put the idea in your man’s head to attend the Michael C. Fina Ring Sample Sale for the ultimate gift. Engagement rings and wedding bands will be on sale for up to 70% off beginning Tuesday, August 20^th, in addition to the diamonds that will be on hand for personal customization. Last August during their annual sale, we found more than simply a fabulous selection of rings. Diamond encrusted tennis bracelets were on sale ($1,404, orig. $2,340), as were cute anchor pendants ($339, orig. $565) and more traditional pieces for up to 40% off.

Alexander Wang Sample Sale

To all the downtown fashionistas out there: Tuesday is a day of celebration, and should be considered a holiday. If there’s one day to go in late to work this week, it’s Tuesday, in order to be among the first in line for the Alexander Wang Sample Sale on Greene Street. Beginning at 9AM, and just in time for chillier weather, Alexander Wang will slash the prices of his Pre-Fall 2012, Fall 2012 and Resort 2013. We’re talking up to 70% off for apparel and accessories. Expect to find Wang’s signature leather satchels for $350 and chiffon tops for $275. Last August we found T by Alexander Wang shirt dresses for $35, $160 chunky patterned sweaters and $180 statement dresses. Sky-high boots were also on hand for as low as $170. Most racks are broken up by price, allowing you to jump right to your personal price limit in order to commence sorting. Due note that although credit cards are accepted at this sale, last year required a $200 minimum for charging.

Barneys New York Warehouse Sale

It’s back! Making a first time appearance at the Metropolitan Pavilion on Thursday, the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale re-debuts a block away from their original location, for up to 75% off designer clothes. Although the Barneys Warehouse Sales are not what they used to be, they are still worth a trip or two to dig for those diamonds in the rough. This past February during the final Barneys Warehouse Sale at their 255 W 17^th Street location, we snooped around to unveil treasures such as Proenza Schouler Wood Wedges ($629, orig. $1,580) and $250 Manolos. At this August’s sale that lasts through Labor Day, expect to be beat out by the boys. While womenswear will be available and on sale, most merchandise will consist of menswear.

Bird Annual Warehouse Sale

If you crave cute aesthetic in your ambience and a great selection of designer wear in your shopping, then make sure you include a trip to Bird’s Annual Warehouse Sale in your weekly itinerary.  Up to 70% off will be deducted from the retail prices of women’s merchandise at the Bird Sample Sale beginning Friday. Expect to find APC color denim biker jeans for $59 (orig. $250) and Demylee cashmere Rory striped boatneck sweater for $79 (orig. $270).

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: Alexander Wang

Sales that are hawking their final batch of summer goods are everywhere we turn these days, even in the bright aisles of Duane Reade, where whiffle balls and high SPF’s are marked down to an all time low. By now we’ve accumulated heaps of tanks, sandals, and bathing suits, making us well prepared for a summertime apocalypse. This week, get it all out of your system before Fall clothing cloud our vision, by visiting sales from Scoop, In God We Trust, ABC Carpet & Home, No. 6 and Lauren Merkin.

ABC Carpet & Home Bronx Warehouse Sale

The ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Sale is currently underway, drawing Manhattanites and Brooklyn dwellers to the Bronx for up to 70% off furniture, rugs, lighting, linens and accessories. In the past, shoppers have claimed that the relatively easy drive to the Bronx is well worth the deep discounts for top tier merchandise, including 60% off Calvin Klein and up to 75% off hand painted Turkish rugs.

Lauren Merkin Sample Sale

Wake up feeling alive and revived Tuesday, thanks to Monday evening’s gorgeous Perseid meteor shower and celestial light show and pop over to the Lauren Merkin Sample Sale on 29^th street for up to 70% off retail prices. Upon entering, be sure to rush over to the $20 bargain bins to secure some incredible deals, followed by the section featuring small leather goods for $15. After you’ve had your fill, keep your eyes peeled for the mini Marlos denim and camel clutches for $175 (orig. $325) and Vivi Coral Shimmer Croco clutch for $125 (orig. $295).

No. 6 Clothing & Accessories Clean Out Sale

Everyone seems to be personalizing their sales this week. We have everything from your average sample sale, to a warehouse sale, followed by a group sale, and now the No. 6 Clean Out Sale. Designed by Vintage collector Morgan Yakus and stylist Karin Bereson, No. 6 has been growing in popularity thanks to their famous clogs and floral clothing. Beginning at noon on Thursday, No. 6 will slash up to 70% off their clothing and accessories to bring shoppers boots for $225, clogs for $150 and collar necklaces for $375, all within their Nolita shop.

Scoop Warehouse Sale

Last season when I visited the Scoop sale, I scored a T by Alexander Wang sweater for $40 and his famous Slub Classic T-shirt for $17. With that being said, be sure not to miss Scoop’s Warehouse sale beginning Thursday in their Meatpacking District location. Clothing will be up to 85% off retail prices, and will feature designers Helmut Lang, Alive and Olivia, Rag & Bone, Current Elliot, and of course Alexander Wang, among others.

Swords-Smith + In God We Trust Massive Group Sale

In God We Trust, among one of the cutest and most original shops in town that mixes vintage styles with feminine edge, is teaming up with Swords-Smith for a Massive Group Sale in Williamsburg. Beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend, the Swords-Smith and In God We Trust Sale will feature clothing from over 80 designers, including Lauren Moffatt, Samantha Pleet, Chromat, Creatures of Comfort, M. Carter, and Nomia.  Expect to find clearance items, pieces from past collections and true samples, in addition to designer experiments.

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: Lauren Merkin

I hate to say this, but it’s already August. July was a good one, but there are simply not enough days and nights in order to properly enjoy this city summer! Make the last half of the summer count this week. Do something new – go horseback riding or white water rafting on the weekend, take a sunset sail on the Hudson after work and make sure you book a reservation at the hottest restaurant in town, featuring the most obscure menu full of foods you’d never thought you’d eat. While you’re at it, be sure to visit sample sales of designer clothes you’ve never shopped before, including Wes Gordon, Oonagh, J.A.C.H.S., and Condor. See below for an introduction to these designers and why their sales are a “Don’t Miss” this week.

J.A.C.H.S. Sample Sale

Heads up prepsters, there’s a new casual wear in town. With echoes of Ralph Lauren Denim Supply, J.A.C.H.S. aims to achieve a vintage American style, featuring vintage-inspired woven shirts and clothing with unexpected details and finishes. Be sure to check out why J.A.C.H.S. calls themselves “ruggedly sophisticated” at their sample sale beginning Monday within the Chelsea Market where literally everything is only $39 including shirts, dresses, tunics, bottoms, knits, polos, etc., etc. Hop to it prepsters!

Condor Sample Sale

At the Condor Sample Sale beginning Tuesday, expect to find a whole slew of designers you may have never shopped before including Hoffman, Cut 25, We Are Handsome, Hanky Panky, and Ace and Jig. The extra special treat of the sale is selections from Vivienne Westwood and Theory will also be on hand for up to 80% off. Here, expect to find Cut 25 dresses starting at $99 and Vivienne Westwood shoes for as low as $55.

Oonagh by Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

Yet another blowout sale! Nanette Lepore’s flagship label, Oonagh (French for pure) features glorious dresses, striped tunics, and floral-print cut out frocks, evoking fashionably feminine style with a dash of edge. While you browse the Oonagh by Nanette Lepore line at the upcoming sample sale beginning Tuesday on 35^th Street, expect to find true samples of tanks, dresses, silk shorts, and linen pants, marked between $15-$50.

Wes Gordon Sample Sale

At 26 years young, Wes Gordon has hit the ground running in the fashion industry. As a designer, his boyish charm mixed with his elegant yet edgy designs with bold colors and patterns, has wow-ed fashion forward celebrities with the likes of Lena Dunham and January Jones. This Thursday, check out what all the buzz is about at the Wes Gordon Sample Sale in Tribeca. Expect to find Red Crushed Satin Twill Plunge Tees and Pants for $200/$300 and Wide Leg trousers for $200.

Make August count!

By Caitlin Colford

All I have to say is WOW, has it been hot out there. Hope you fashionistas are keeping cool with your cute mini skirts and espadrilles, and blocking the aggressive sun with your oversized shades, because really, that’s our only saving grace. The July 4^th holiday melted away all sample sales in its vicinity, leaving nothing for us but scraps these past few weeks. Have no fear though, for this week sample sales return. Cool down with price slashes from Theory & Helmut Lang, Vivienne Tam, Heike Jarick, and Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino.

Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale

Start your week off with a bang, thanks to Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale. Beginning Monday, 261 West 36^th Street (2^nd Floor) will house killer deals from Theory, including shirts for $45, pants for $50 and dresses for $65. After you’re done stock pilling in the Theory section, pay attention for similar steals from Helmut Lang, including shirts, sweaters and pants for $45. During last July’s Theory & Helmut Lang Summer Sample Sale, we beat the heat with incredible handbags that ranged from $129-$269, sexy leather jackets for $329 and cool loose designer tees for $129. Needless to say, by the looks of it, you’ll be receiving even better deals this time around.

Vivienne Tam Sample Sale

I feel that we tend to forget Vivienne Tam at times, so lets give credit where credit is due. Tam utilizes fantastic structural choices and mixes them with Asian designs that really makes outfits pop. See what you can score this Wednesday at the Vivienne Tam Sample Sale on 260 West 39^th Street, a mere three blocks from Theory & Helmut Lang. Up to 75% off retail prices will score you a Triangle Printed Applique Sheath Dress for $185 (orig. $605) and a Mandala Cotton Skirt with Piping and Mesh Details for $90 (orig. $305).

Heike Jarick Sample Sale

The Stylish City loves Heike Jarick. When we visited her showroom last July, we couldn’t help but fall in love with her edgy yet sophisticated designs. Do yourself a favor and try something new by stopping in to check out the Heike Jarick Sample Sale this week any time between 9a-6p. You can’t beat innovative, original designs for 50% off. Above that, Jarick’s staff will help to land you each sample you fall in love with in your specific size after you pick out your own fabric from their stock room. Apart from the exciting customized design option, earlier this year shoppers spotted leather pants for as low as $75 and a gorgeous cocktail dress for $135.

Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino Annual Designer Blow Out Sale

Boutique on 57 is offering discounts on an abundance of designers this week with the likes of Balenciaga, Valentino Annual Designer Blow Out Sale (not to mention Hermes, Gucci and Prada as well). For up to 80% off expect to find past season designer wear, shoes and accessories at their final markdown price. Sizes offered are 0-10 and shockingly enough, trying on is permitted.

Be safe out there shoppers and try to stay cool!

By Caitlin Colford

New York City’s hottest sample sales are nothing short of pandemonium. Various fashion blogs feature weekly reviews of the hottest sample sales. They’re full of pictures and prices, providing our beloved readers with an accurate opinion and description of the sale at hand, exhibiting sufficient reason to attend or skip the sale at hand, as to not waste their time.  It sounds like a pretty simple job, right? Wrong. It may sound fun to shop for a living, and don’t get me wrong – it is! – but with all good must come bad, and it’s about time we point it out for no other reason than to give fashionistas a behind the scenes glimpse to an average work day for a New York City sample sale reviewer.

For well over two years I have been covering sample sales, visiting every variety, shape and size sale you could possibly dream up. I can easily predict the crowd, selection, prices, and overall environment before even stepping foot into the mayhem.

However, despite the crazed fashionistas and deal hungry shoppers, who merely foam at the mouth for an 80% off pair of heels, the biggest grief givers within sample sales are the organizers and employees themselves. This isn’t the case for all organizers mind you (namely 260 Fifth – they are by far the most professional), but as for the other half, they seem to get their kicks by barking at shoppers, forcing them to stand in inclement weather for hours at a time, being inconsiderate with the prized designer bags, laptops, and leather jackets that customers are required to check upon entering, and perhaps worst of all, placing dressing rooms off limits, forcing shoppers to strip down to their unmentionables as they try on discounted jeans, blouses, and well, even bathing suits. What else are they supposed to do given the no refund or exchange policy? After all these years the sample sale has been eternalized as a hubbub of rabid and crazed shoppers who are itching for deals, but are the organizers actually the ones to blame for inducing this behavior?

Most sales also have a strict “no photography”  policy, and balk when they see journalist like myself scribbling away in her notebook. Perhaps they hope that without press, a mystique will be added to the sale and in the end draw in more curious customers. At one recent sale in particular–which shall remain nameless– they were not allowing press inside. Being that The Stylish City is relied on for delivering same day reviews, no one was going to stop me from entering this sale. Well, aside from the estimated 2.5-hour wait that is. Using my vast sample sale knowledge I found a loophole. There was about 5-minutes before the doors opened to the public, and boxes of merchandise were still being wheeled in through their loading dock. Sneaky me tip toed toward the side entrance and made my best attempt at “blending in” with the deliverymen. Walking slowly behind them I quickly ducked into a public bathroom before being snagged by security. While inside the restroom, I impatiently stared at my watch until opening time struck. As I heard the herds role in, I quickly scampered inside, successfully entering the hottest sample sale of the week without even having to wait a minute.

It’s true, sample sale shoppers can be rude, grabby, and exhibitionists. They don’t care who is in their way of a $20 Alexander Wang tee-shirt and they will most likely risk jail time for the discount. But as I mentioned, aside from the rabid fashionistas, the employees are those who immediately come to mind when envisioning the negative side to sample sale shopping.

By Caitlin Colford

I think it’s safe to say that summer is here to stay! Get those toenails ready and summer dresses pressed, because it’s time to kick back and relax in the sun as you treat yourself the summer of your life, drink in hand of course. Be sure to take some time for yourself during these warm days – go on day trips, take a dip in the ocean, and splurge on bright colored bags and cute wedges. This week, it’s all about the casual cool wardrobe, so don’t miss J.Crew, Cynthia Rowley, Mikimoto, Lilla P, and Label+thread.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Casual Tuesday Threads

Spend your Tuesday with sample sales and a stroll on the Highline. Start off near Madison Square Park and make your way down to the Meatpacking District thanks to the perfectly arranged line up of sample sales.

T’S BACK! The J.Crew Sample Sale has returned to 260 Fifth Ave to bring us 60% off retail prices of dresses, shoes, denim and jewelry. This is an extremely popular sale — namely in the Spring when all are after the perfect beach look – so make it a point to get there well before 10AM when their doors open. Note that there is typically a large offering of samples at the JCrew Sale, so be on the look out for something original to stand out from the crowd. Last year, we found some classic summer steals during their June sample sale, including pebbled leather handbags for $120, shoes for $65, swimwear for $25 a piece, shorts for $25, and day-time dresses for $60. Don’t forget to scope out their Madewell selection as well!

Hop on down a few blocks to the Label + thread Sample Sale where apparel will be marked 80% off and samples will be offered for $50 or less. The NYC based up-and-coming brand has amazingly soft and comfortable cashmere and cotton knits as well as scarves, t-shirts, and gorgeous summer dresses that will be on hand for under $100.

Once you’ve had your fill, cross town and take the Highline downtown for a scenic stroll to the Lilla P Sample Sale in the Meatpacking District. The Lilla P Sale will offer rock bottom prices, ranging from $10 to $60 of her fabulous casual classics including flattering tees, lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts.

Mikimoto Sample Sale

You’re going to need some elegant jewelry to spice up all of that casual wear you have just purchased. Pearls are the perfect addition to a beach-y summer dress or a pastel linen tee, so why not head to the Mikimoto Sample Sale on Wednesday for 50-70% off cultured pearl jewelry. Earlier this year, the Mikimoto sale brought on long lines but offered great deals including a black south sea strand of pearls for $5,200 (orig. $13,000) and a classic strand of pearls for $917 (orig. $2,620).

Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale

Wrap up your sale week with the Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale where the Bleecker Street sale will offer 85% off ready-to-wear and accessories, in addition to one-of-a-kind Spring 2013 collection samples. Did I mention 85% off yet? If that’s not reason enough to attend, expect to find crew neck sweaters for $109 (orig. $295), confetti shorts for $99 (orig. $145), jeweled collar trophy dress for $99 (orig. $595) and double knit dresses for a special buy one for $99 and get a second style for $49 deal.

And with that, I’ll leave you with a quote by Maud Hart Lovelace, from Betsey-Tacy and Tib: “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: J.Crew

June has made its way well into our schedule, but not yet into our hearts. The strange hot and cold, wet and dry weather we have been enduring can drive the average gal insane. (Especially those who have hair that is driven equally as crazy by this noncommittal forecast, much like myself.) Treat yourself to a pick-me-up this week as you wait patiently for blue skies and strong rays thanks to a stellar line up of sample sales from Nanette Lepore, Ritual Vintage, Tory Burch, and Alice + Olivia.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Alice + Olivia Sample Sale

Attention lovers of the cutest dresses on the block: the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale is back! Up to 70% off incredible summer dresses for the daytime and evening, as well as tops, skirts, denim and more. But wait, here is where the tricky part comes in – this sale will happen in two locations this year, 260 Fifth Avenue as well as 72 Greene Street. Although this sounds stressful, two sale spots can be a positive thing. Just think, smaller crowds at each location, the possibility of double the A + O selection, and the opportunity to head to the 2^nd location in the event the 1^st doesn’t carry your size in your favorite dress. Last year, prices were marked as $79 for pants, skirts and tops, $199 for dresses and true samples for $29-$99.

Tory Burch Sample Sale

After you purchase your favorite summer dress you’re going to need the perfect pair of designer shoes to pair with it. Tuesday brings us the lusted after Tory Burch Sample Sale happening at 261 West 36^th Street. Be sure to grab a latte and croissant and get there early as last time around lines wrapped around the block. Last December we found ballet flats for $150, driving shoes for $125, wedges for $165 and booties for $200. Although known for her shoes, be sure not to pass up Tory Burch’s fabulous apparel collection. The last sale brought skirts for $85, blouses for $95 and cardigans for $95.

Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

Bought too many shoes at the Tory Burch sale? Do not fret my friends I have just the remedy! Head on over to the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale, which will be going on only a block away, in order to land additional outfits to pair with your pumps. Nanette Lepore’s Spring 2013 swimwear will be on hand in addition for tops from $95 to $125, dresses from $145 to $175, pants for $125 and skirts and shorts for $95. During Lepore’s March Sample Sale shoppers scored shoes for $30, for those of you who were not fans of Burch’s selection.

Ritual Vintage Sample Sale

There’s nothing better than a dash of vintage to go along with your new designer outfit. It adds flair and personality, not to mention style and originality. End your sample sale week with the Ritual Vintage Archive Sale to find a wide range of vintage pieces priced between $10 and $50, including high-end options from YSL, Ungaro and Bill Blass. At past sales there were vintage pieces from the 1880s through the 1980’s.

Good luck out there shoppers!

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: Tory Burch