Imagine a world where you can find a monogrammed delight in every letter in the alphabet.  That world opened in SoHo in 2011 to an eager shopping public, and this week you can experience it on sale!

C. Wonder Sample Sale is locked, loaded, and ready for you to bust down the doors and scoop up some goodies.  Though priced lower than normal retail, the items aren’t terribly cheap, but neither is the quality.  From children’s toys to dog collars and handbags, this was a variety sale.

The entire left side of the store was stocked with women’s clothing, mostly shirts and sweaters, and plenty of it was the very on trend sheer polyester print.  These shirts were $40 and came in many prints, such as leopard, polka dot, and solid color.  Striped blouses, cable knit sweaters, and faux fur vests mingled with floral print and camo jeans for $45.  Vests and sweaters were a bit more, but if you are a fan scooping these up is smart at $80 for faux fur or cashmere.

Housewares were definitely the star of this sale, with monogrammed goods in many varieties, as well as tasteful vintage inspired items such as decorative drink trays, teapots, wine openers, trivets, pillow coverings, and even tech accessories.  Monogrammed plates and pillows in many different color schemes were unique to each letter.  Every letter was accounted for, with love for even the lonely letters X and Z.  Large plates, monogrammed storage boxes, decorative sculptures, and stationary can all be found in the long central aisles.

Towards the back, shoes, handbags, and belts were all the talk as people scanned the rows of loafers, flats, and boots.  Shoes were decently priced from $65 to $80, and there seemed to be many styles stocked.  Leather and vinyl totes were piled high as were smaller saddle type bags with decorative gold animal amulets.

Jewelry was a smaller area, costume type stuff, but sunglasses and regular glasses frames were actually adorable and decently priced at $45.  As usual with 260, checkout is a breeze and you even get a shopping bag to go.

C.Wonder is a great place to pop into if you need a gift for nearly anyone for any reason.  October may be a bit early to attract the ire of the ghosts of Christmas past, but getting a few discount gifts in October never hurt anyone!  Grab a plate or 20 and serve up a beautiful meal tonight for those close to you, you can even give them their own initialed plates.

WHEN: 10/14 – 10/19; Tue (9-8), W (9-7), Th-Sat (10-7), Sun (10-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th and 29th Streets
New York, NY 10001
212.725.5400
N/R/6 Trains to 28th Street

By Danielle Guercio

Celebrity lines can be anything from eccentric to basic, and some strike a balance between the two.  In the Early Aughts, The Olsen Twins were two very influential fashionistas, attending NYU and running from townhouse to towncar in what came to be known as their unique and iconic styles.

Harnessing that raw power that their influence has in the fashion world, the sisters founded fashion line Elizabeth and James, named after their non-identical younger siblings.  The line seeks to bridge the gap and the difference between both each other and the two schools of fashion thought they embody.  At the 260 Fifth Sample Sale space, Elizabeth and James goods were poised and primed to move just in time for fall season.

The clothes were a complete expression of a girl’s wardrobe.  Everything from the simplest button down or thick knit sweater to the multi colored fur vest was available and at great discount.  Tops ranged from $45 for a blouse to $100 for a blazer.  The embellished and grosgrain colored blazers we think should go very quickly, as we saw flower printed jersey knit blazers right next to grosgrain satin and poly blends with button studding on both shoulders.  These are really gorgeous pieces, and there’s no telling how long they will last.

This sale is organized by size, so bear to the left if you are a small and head to the middle if you are a medium or large.  Leather jackets and specialty outerwear probably won’t last through Wednesday, so if you had a hand painted biker jacket in your heart, go grab it now!  Fluffy down coats were $300 and came in a few styles most around waist length.  Many cropped and season appropriate chunky sweaters were still floating around, we know how big layering is for Mary-Kate and Ashley!  Their basics line, TEXTILE also had a few slightly cheaper priced basics such as 40 dollar sweatshirts, 60 dollar jackets, and 25 dollar tees.  There was a ton of camo and army green, still going strong in fall 2014.

One thing you don’t see at many sample sales is quality eyeglass frames.  For just $45, you can grab your very own mother-of-pearl vintage looking cat eyes, very stylish and putting an optical upgrade in anyone’s hands.  Though there were plenty of skirts and dresses, we didn’t see anywhere near the same amount of pants.  Don’t worry, they are still there, but they are not in as great of numbers as the plentiful tops, so again, get there quick if that is what you are wishing for.

Jewelry was also incredibly on point, most of Elizabeth + James’ stuff is normally pretty expensive, but this sale had discounts around 60-70% of retail.  Head up to Flatiron this week for some clothes from the brains of some of fashion’s most unexpected but perfectly attuned devotees.  Grab a funky fur or a chill sweater, both are on hand as different as can be!

By Danielle Guercio

Lord & Taylor decided to take advantage of the hullabaloo that is New York Fashion Week and coordinate their new shoe salon opening.  This was a big and shiny affair, with DJ’s designers, bartenders, and an array of New York’s stylish.

Lord & Taylor knew just when to pop the cork with this one, the fall styles are overflowing.  Fifth Avenue is a shopping mecca for tourists and locals alike, and every noteworthy department store has some form of representation on this street.  Lord & Taylor was one of the first department stores in New York City, so it is fitting that they would make such an entrance.

Dance music, mixologist cocktails and a fashionable scene were all at hand to witness the new look of the store’s 5th avenue and 38th street store.  Shoes upon shoes upon shoes filled tables, shelves and all manner of displays.  Designs from Ivanka Trump, Vince Camuto, Steve Madden, Michael Kors, Frye, Hunter, Converse, Sam Edelman and loads more!  A huge portion of this floor in the store was mapped out with the path to all of your new favorite shoes.

The atmosphere was great for a little buttered up shopping.  Nothing gets people to buy more stuff during a sale than alcohol.  Champagne flutes and heels clicked while girls went gaga over the selection of boots.  Fall is around the corner and you don’t want to get caught in the first cold rain with your sandals on.

The most important part of this new shoe wing, Shoe Obsession, is the color selection.  All important colors are present, and trending styles such as pony, camo, and red and olive suede.  Hunter boots in the most colors we have seen yet were a distraction.  Having good wellies is a survival must in this city.  Converse and Sam Edelman slides tempted right at the escalator.  Stiletto anklets from Michael Kors in camouflage pony were a hot item, as were Coach tan knee high boots.

Lord & Taylor knows fashion, and shopping at one of New York’s original department stores is so simple when it is right in the heart of midtown and surrounded by glitz and glamor.  Snag a great pair of fallsies for under 200 dollars, there are so many great styles to choose from!

Lord & Taylor
424 5th Avenue
(between 38th and 39th Streets)
Shoe Floor
New York, NY 10018

By Danielle Guercio

This fashion week, people from all walks of life and with all tiers of access are zipping around this fair city to set their eyes on the most important stage of the year, the Spring/Summer ’15 New York Fashion Week.

New York is arguably the most important city in the world when it comes to fashion, and getting your show noticed can be hard. One way to ensure standing out is to have a presentation in SoHo, where there are far less gawkers and stalkers to crowd the area and a larger percentage of guests are media. Cynthia Rowley’s presentation launched her take on activewear. Cynthia Rowley came to NYC direct from Chicago where she attended school, and was lucky to be selling collections out of the gate.

Activewear and comfort forward fashions have always been important to this designer, as leggings and wetsuits have always had their place in Cynthia’s collections. Widely known also for the iconic first few Target collaborations, Cynthia Rowley is an accessible brand whose vision of active does not translate to boring.

The collection was full of pieces that are interpreting this year’s huge resurgence of sportswear, with a feminine and fantasy element to keep it grounded. The models were clothed in pants, dresses and tops that could pass for just a regular collection, but all with comfort in mind. There was a very organic feel to the collection with a backdrop of tree branches, sun, and creatures behind all of the happenings.

One of the more interesting things to us were the interpretations of the T-shirt. Rather than screen-print something and call it a day, Rowley’s team came up with some really stylish versions of a tee involving a ‘normal’ front and a stylized back. We for one can truly appreciate the desire to stand out and push the boundaries of what we are used to seeing.

Overall the collection had a warm palette and appeared to be comfortable, though with catwalk footwear on I never know how these models can stand still for so long in any outfit. Keep your eyes open for this stuff in stores, and run from the gym to a cocktail hour with the same look for a change!

By Danielle Guercio

The signature woven intrecciato technique is synonymous with the brand Bottega Veneta. Referred to as a heritage brand, Bottega Veneta’s timeless and quality luxury goods keep artisan industries alive in a time of downsizing and penny pinching.  On 18th street between 6th and 7th avenues you can find a steep, fleeting discount on some ‘heritage’ goods.

Most known for their handbags, a center table held a selection of bags, most in the woven style.  Bags were in the $200-$1500 range, and depending on the construction or type, well worth the price.  All of Bottega Veneta’s bags are renowned for the quality of their construction, and are meant to last for generations.  There were totes, clutches, satchels, and a small collection of luggage.  One of the most exciting prospects, the area with crocodile and alligator leather.  Any crocodile or alligator priced less that $2000 is worth a peek.

Checkout line was pretty long, and we heard a rumor that this sale will not be restocking, so we really suggest getting there ASAP if you know what is good for your wardrobe.

Small leather accessories were plentiful, next to a limited costume jewelry selection. Belts and luggage tags were mingling in different sizes and colors.  Across the room, the shoe selection was truly awesome, with pairs going for $100-$300 and for both men and women.  Woven styles looked expertly made, and you know that they are, making them truly worth the price.  We saw on trend menswear details on women’s boots and raffia pumps that are still a viable purchase with one month left of summer.

Men’s clothing had coats, leather pants, cargo pants, fitted canvas pants, and a few pairs of suit pants.  We saw one or two sweaters and coats, but the three racks of men’s items were absolutely swarmed with gentlemen callers.  The pieces are well tailored and their suitors appear the same, meaning this sale is one for those truly in the know and with the extra cash to invest.

Womenswear was a bit more adventurous, with this season’s favorite leather accent trend permeating even the top brands such as this. Earthy colored gowns hung next to oscar worthy organza gowns, and for around $300 to $500, you could grab your gala dress for a fraction of it’s normal price.  Coats were raw textured and brightly colored, but again only a few left and in smaller sizes.

Most attendees seemed very much in the know about what they were purchasing, and were headed for the dressing room with piles of items that they were likely to walk out with and into their waiting sedan.  If you have the big bucks, this is a must see, if you are looking for a few higher priced faithful pieces, again you must visit.  If you are a browser, you might want to skip this one, especially if the line is long.

WHEN: 7/30 – 7/31; W (11-7), Th (9-6)

WHERE: Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street
between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

Women from many different backgrounds were gathered on 39th street between 7th and 8th avenues to scour the selection of tees, dresses and bottoms offered by Vivienne Tam and her team.

Vivienne Tam has been a part of the NYC fashion scene since the early 90s, when she released her controversial ‘Mao’ collection.  This brought her center stage in the high end market, and her pieces have been adorning celebrities and luminaries ever since.  The design house has a heavy Asian influence which comes across sometimes subtly and other times right up front.  Vivienne Tam’s designs show her 90s sensibilities, which are becoming in vogue again, things tend to come full circle a few times in the fashion industry.

Prices were to die for at this sale with only certain pieces rising above 100 dollars. Most items were between $20-$50 and very stylish. One thing of note was a predominantly small size selection. Most sales we have been to have a wide variety of sizes to choose from, but being a traditional style design firm, this sale mainly had sizes 0 to 4 with a few 6 to 10. Skirts and pants were affordable if small, meaning petites need to hop over here asap!

There was a large selection of tee shirts with print and embellishment. Most of these were all different sizes and also oversized styles allowing for a greater variety of body type. The tees had funny prints of monkeys, chihuahuas and other animals. Some were plain, some had damask-ish prints and others were straight up basics.

Dresses were the real show stopper, though not a wide size selection, the style selection was incredible. There were sheers, 70s style wrap dresses, jersey tube dresses, fitted silk numbers, and many different embellishment styles. One of our favorite looks was the striped silks that have a geometric top, showing plenty of skin in new places, and definitely a trendy and on season look. The dresses ranged from $50 to $180, so whether you were aiming for causal or gala, you could snag something great on these racks.

Overall, this sale wasn’t large but provides for a special type of lady who goes to these sales specifically for markdowns.  It can be incredibly helpful to put full price styles on a wish list to take with you to these sales.  Single designer sales like Vivienne Tam are in-house, and the team will be more knowledgeable about the actual garments and what season they came from, etc.  You can end up with a dress that was $695 for $150 if you are quick on the draw.

WHEN: 7/23 – 7/25; W (9-8), Th (10-7), F (10-6)

WHERE: 260 West 39th Street
between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
11th floor
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

The 260 Fifth space took a break for summer, unleashing a new and exciting pop up sample sale: Calypso St Barth. Originated in the 90s in St. Barth, this brand is bent on bringing luxury resort wear to every woman in every season.

As usual with the 260 Fifth space, loads of merchandise as well as staff to help are on hand. Expect extremely long waits for the dressing room, as Calypso’s intense embellishment game is not for the faint of heart. This sale is perfect for the impulse shopper with a small to medium budget. You will get in and out faster by not trying things on. The rows were packed with eager shoppers literally grabbing everything in sight, so this is a sale you will want to get to early.

Checkout looked like smooth sailing, but we would wager the morning, lunch, and after work crowds might cause a bit of line buildup. Entry lines we could also see getting pretty large, so this is a show for the big girls or the big fans of Calypso St Barth.

The clothes themselves were pretty wide ranging. One of the most awesome things about Calypso St Barth is the range of styles of embellishment. From ikat to beading to tie dye, nearly every style and technique could be found on a tunic. Tunics were one of the most ubiquitous items at the sale. Quite literally every style of tunic could be found. Draped, fitted, extra long, mid thigh, and from sheer silk poly to linen. The tunics were plain, dyed, printed, embroidered, beaded, sequined, lace, and woven.

Dresses were another popular and plentiful item, with styles going from casual sundress to full on lace or sequin numbers that dare we say could even pass for bridal. Other than the very glamorous, there was even stuff we would consider strange, not an everyday occurrence at a mid level sale. Huge long sweater dresses covered in tassles mingled next to gold leaf metallic and there were beads and sequins for days. Dresses ranged around $79.

Also in the sale, numerous long and short sleeve basics in jersey, cotton and poly for around $19. Everything at the sale is priced as marked, but most things were around $19-$79. Pants were another varied option, with trousers, denim, leggings, and you guessed it, embellished styles. Shorts and skirts were also on hand, there were many types of trouser style shorts in mostly lighter softer colors.

Not the sale for your work clothes, but definitely the sale for your off-duty pursuits, hop a few stops over to 28th street if you want to grab a bag full of sunshine.

WHEN: 7/15 – 7/20; Tue-Th (10-8), F (10-7), Sat (11-7), Sun (11-4)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28 & 29th Streets
NYC NY 10001
N,R,6 Trains to 28th street
212.725.5400

By Danielle Guercio

When a mid priced lingerie brand has their sale, most of us flock over.  Sometimes some of us can’t justify 30 dollars (or more) for panties, but when they are on 50 to 70% discount, all bets are off.

Eberjey was founded in the 90’s and set to bring trendy styles of underwear and intimates to the masses and they have been up and running for almost 20 years now.  Their styles are feminine and light, evoking a true boudoir feel with prices that don’t break the bank.  They held their sample sale near 34th Street and Madison Avenue near their home office, and women were out in full effect to scoop up the discounted skivvies.

Prices were pretty great at this sale, and it wasn’t quite crowded, but wasn’t empty either.  There was plenty to see but limited space to do it, so we recommend getting there sooner rather than later, when more people will fill up the space and make it harder to shop.  Pajamas and chemises lined the left wall, with bathing suits and cover ups to the back.  Bras and panties hung on the right, and teddies and camisoles hung in the back.

Most items were prices around $15 to $30, and we really didn’t see many better deals this season in the lingerie department.  All panties were $15, and there were colors, textures, and many different fabric selections.  Plenty of red, soft pink, leopard, white, cream, teal, and purple could be yours.  Lace, eyelet, fringe, and both striking and delicate patterns were available.

A large number of shoppers were flocking to the pajama section, which was one of the largest.  The same delicate lace details you can find on camis and chemises could also be found on pants, shorts, and longer sleeved tops.  The robes ranged from satin to jersey knit, and there were many many colors.  Every woman should own a robe for each season, and the ¾ sleeve cream jersey robes are perfect for these hot summer days when you are sweating before you leave the shower.

Our favorite pieces were the chemises and teddies.  These were some of the first things to go over at Natori, so we don’t see this large selection lasting much longer here either.  Teddies were made for summer sleeping, when it’s too hot for much else.  Chemises are the sexier cousin to the teddy, and they had sheer, full lace, jersey cotton, lace details, and many many colors.  All chemises and teddies were on sale for $30, meaning you could score sexy sleepwear for half the week for around 100 dollars.

Checkout was a breeze and we are telling you right now, if you need undies, get thee to Madison avenue before it is cleaned out!

WHEN: 7/1 – 7/2; Tue (9-7), W (9-5)

WHERE: 183 Madison Avenue
Suite 1215
Entrance at 34th Street
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

OK, we won’t lie, sometimes a shoe sale can feel a bit small, but today checking out Matt Bernson was anything but.  Traipse on down to 14th street, no side street or office building steez here, and pop right next to Jeffrey’s department store to experience the downtown flair that is Matt Bernson Archive Sale.  Between 9th and 10th avenues you can find this beautiful little pocket of joy.

Known for his “everyday luxury” Matt Bernson’s shoes were so tempting that even we couldn’t resist shopping.  How can you not when Harrison bootie sandals were on sale for $100 down from $290?  There were wall to wall shoe boxes and literally a full team, jerseys and all ready to help you find the shoe of your dreams.

High end shoes with leather soles and perfect hardware are just some of the perks of this TriBeCa based designer’s repertoire.  We saw perforated leather booties, wedge sandals, slide sandals, gladiator sandals, pony flats, embossed pony flats, and much, much more.

We have said before after visiting Loeffler Randall that it is very easy to tell the difference between high end shoes and decidedly not high end shoes.  Thick, hard leather soles and thin but stiff leather inner soles are usually your first indicator.  Not seeing glue smears skipped stitches, or similar imperfections is another.  Matt Bernson shoes had nothing of the sort, just clean, beautiful varied shoes for around $60 to $100, normally priced much much higher.  Many of Bernson’s styles also come with memory foam.

The space was well lit and we think the format of the sale will help it to run smoothly.  Numerous bar height tables have roughly 10-20 styles a piece, some in multiple colors, and a helpful staffer behind.  Each table is staffed and this person will give you the style in the size you need to try on.  There were shoe benches spread throughout the space, making it easy to pop down and decide if the shoes in your hand are a keeper.  You will basically be able to shop like a classy lady, not having to get your hands dirty, and knowing right away if a style was sold out.

I mentioned earlier that even I couldn’t resist the urge to purchase a pair of these fine shoes, and checkout was a breeze!  With prices nearly 60% off there is no reason not to go and find your new everyday shoes, after a few hours of breaking them in, I must say the squishy soles make a big difference.  No insoles needed, and stylish does not even begin to describe these babies, I think I found my summer shoe, and you can very easily do the same.  Perhaps pop into Jeffrey or Sephora after, your feet won’t hurt if you zig zag all over this shopping area after hitting the #mbarchivesale .

WHEN: 6/26 – 6/29; Th-Sat (11-8), Sun (11-7)

WHERE: 427 West 14th Street
between Ninth and Tenth Avenues
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

A gathering of a few premium brands can be in your favor.

I hate to say it, but sometimes knowing what a sale holds can make or break whether or not you attend.  Vente-Privee had a few big name brands on site for a new sale this week, but there was more room to walk around than things on the racks.  This means if you can get there asap, by all means stop in and help yourself to pieces by DVF, Catherine Malandrino, and Elizabeth and James among a few others.

Not much of a line for the opening allowed a nice easy start to this sale, located on 36th street between 7th and 8th avenues.  The checkout queue was also not yet bustling, but we have seen it get miserably long very fast.

Brands we saw included many big names, but oddly enough, there was a rummage sale type feel to the rest of the sale.  Now don’t get me wrong, there isn’t a single thing wrong with thrift shopping, vintage shopping, bag sales, yard sales, and estate sales.  Those are some of my all time favorite ways to shop especially on the cheap.  We have all scored countless times for all of the digging, even huge designer names and rare goodies never seen anywhere else, but this is a sale with prices that enter the triple digits.  So seeing bins of miscellaneous t shirts and junky vinyl handbags next to pricey dresses was a bit of a mismatched scenario.

To be honest it seemed like they needed some ‘filler’ to this sale.  But lo and behold the real reasons for coming were not a disappointment by any means.  Gowns lined the better portion of the front of the space, and they were joined by a plethora of cocktail dresses and other one off big name pieces.  We saw Catherine Malandrino, Halston Heritage, Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and James, and Erin Featherston, and Oscar De La Renta.

Most of the big name tags could only be found on the dresses, but there was no lack of selection.  Rich blues and poppy pinks were all on hand to make a special event just right, and the cocktail dresses were even more varied.  There were drape-y styles and plenty of fitted styles to suit many body types.

A few other things we saw were denim, in dark blue and white, but no one too notable on the tag.  Shoes were a decent variation, with plenty of pairs from DVF going for $80.  There was a small amount of mens shoes to choose from too.  A large rack of designer pajamas and nighties was in the middle, bathing suits lined one wall and lingerie another.

This sale would make an OK lunch break stop if you need an occasion dress and have money to spend.  If you don’t, we suggest skipping this one.

WHEN: 6/24 – 6/26; Tue-Th (11-7)

WHERE: Clothingline Sample Sales
261 West 36th Street
2nd Floor
between 7th and 8th Avenues
New York, NY 10018

By Danielle Guercio