bargain news

The The Dennis Basso Sample Sale could not have come at a better time! With bone-chilling wind gusts that register below zero and temperatures that barely reach twenty degrees, there is seriously no better day for discounts on the warmest jacket around: Fur coats!

Although a glamorous, celebrity obsessed and world-renowned designer line, Basso began his business grassroots style. The humble designer’s very first store was, well, a town car. Basso got his start back in the early 80’s by hawking furs out of the trunk of his car to passerby’s and those who flocked to him via word of mouth. On days like today, I hope he was wearing one of his own jackets for hypothermia’s sake.

Now, Basso is beloved for not only his stunning designer fur coats and ready to wear pieces, but also for his recently launched bridal line, fragrances, and uber affordable faux fur line over at QVC.

Today, a considerably small jumble of chilly and glamorous shoppers flocked to midtown to check out his sample sale at Soiffer Haskin. Although a morning that people wouldn’t dare leave the warmth of their own home, diehard fur fans didn’t pass up a sale like this with record low prices on high-quality furs.

I was incredibly surprised by the Dennis Basso dress collection. A wide variety of dresses were on hand in various styles, with a few avant garde pieces and well made skirts tossed in. Do note that these dresses were obviously used in photo shoots or on the runway, if not tucked away in storage for some time, as some merchandise that was lighter in color, appeared a bit drab. Be on the lookout for snags and stains at this sale.

Back to the dresses (I will be brief fur fans!), there were an equal amount of merchandise distributed in every size section (2-14) with stand outs including the tutu-esque Hand Embroidered Satin Organza Dress in Peach ($2,150, orig. $8,500), the very interesting Satin and Chiffon with Embroidery and Feathers Cocktail Dress in Navy ($1,450, orig. $5,800), a Champagne Daisy and Tulle Cocktail Dress ($5,800, orig. $14,500) and a Silk Chiffon Organza with Satin and Embroidery Floor Length Gown ($800, orig. $8,000).

Okay, it’s fur time, here we go! As expected all of the intention was focused on the coat section. Many coats were twists on your classics in sizes 2-16, with only one single full length fur coat on hand (a Natural Dark Sable Ankle Length $65,000, orig. $150,000). There are multiple sizes in most styles and while browsing, refer to the chart to figure out which size will work best for you as they are broken down as follows: 2=A, 4=B, etc. The coats are mainly arranged by color. Some of the lusted after pieces included a Dyed Charcoal Grey Shearling with Toscana Trim ($1,920, orig. $4,800), a Brown Knee Length Shearling ($1,950, orig. $6,500), a Red Brown Shearling with Fox Trim Poncho ($1,575, orig. $4,500), a Dyed Brown and Blue Sheared Mink that falls just above the knee ($7,350, orig. $21,000), and a sharp and edgy Slink with Raccoon Trim Cropped Waist Jacket, which was my personal favorite ($1,920, orig. $4,200).

There were quite a few vests available as well. About a dozen of the Dyed Desert Shearling with Beaver Trim Vest ($395, orig. $2,500) were lined up for a very affordable price. As was the Natural Brown Sculpted Sable Vest ($2,975, orig. $7,500). Two racks of fur trimmed raincoats were being ignored, perhaps because there were no great deals of the bunch (prices ranged from $1,295 – $4,375, plus, who wears fur in the rain?).

The accessories table wasn’t all that impressive. About four pairs of leg warmers were jumbled in a messy pile ($450) and a half dozen scarves were on display, from a Knitted Sable Scarf ($3,125, orig. $16,500) to a Knitted Mink Multi Camel Color Scarf ($300, orig. $1,500).

Before heading home, take a peak at the very interesting Bleached Pearl Sparkled Mink Coat ($5,775, orig. $16,500), the soft cardigan-like Blue Grey Sable and Cashmere Coat ($6,300) and the Dyed Antique Beige Shearling Coat ($1,440, orig. $4,806).

All in all, if you are in the market for a high quality fur coat, then look no further than the Dennis Basso Sample Sale. Do be aware that most items here are not traditional, these are fashionable furs, so if you’re into the classics, especially full length furs, then this very well may be a waste of your time.

WHEN: 1/26 – 1/30; Sat-W (9-6:30)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(Just west of 8th Avenue)
New York
(718) 747-1656, M-F (9-6)

By Caitlin Colford

Outside of an elite minority of buyers, iconic handbags in the five or six digit price range are an unrealistic splurge for many. Fair enough. Spending over 10 grand on a bag — more than a year’s worth of rent in my case — seems an eager display of extraordinary affluence.

Still, many argue — and prove their point via purchases — that owning a well made, coveted designer handbag is a worthy investment. (Granted, bags that sit comfortably in the three to four digit retail range are more often procured than their exorbitant 10k to 500k brethren.)

I’m not here to preach or even to sell you a bag, but I will say that splurging on certain handbags makes sense. Especially if you are fashion forward and appreciate the creative genius behind quality products.

Keep in mind that, yes, bags serve a utilitarian purpose, but they’re also art. Art that’s viewed by most everyone who passes you by on the street, as opposed to art that hangs on walls and is only viewed by the few who visit your home.

“While the dress goes out of style — or gets stained if it’s me we’re talking about — and a shoe gets ruined while running for the bus, a bag could really be forever,” notes Mirela, Stylish City founder and Upper East Side shopping ambassador. “Why not invest in something that really says who you want to be, as sometimes [bags] really are aspirational pieces.”

Speaking of investing in something that tells the world who you are (or who you want to be), we’ve rounded up eight of the most iconic handbags to date. Some have more history than others, but all are prized by the world’s most fashion savvy veterans. Based on the bag’s appearance, history, price range and celebrities who carry it, we’ve generated a mini profile about the person who chooses to carry each bag.

Hermès Birkin

About the Bag: Hermès designed this bag in 1981 for English singer and actress Jane Birkin. Legend has it that Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to Birkin on a Paris to London flight when the contents of her current bag took a spill. After explaining that she couldn’t find a suitable leather weekend bag, Dumas created the now world-renowned Birkin bag.

Celebs Who Carry It: Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Zoe, Katie Holmes

What it Says About You: The Birkin bag was created as a weekend tote, so it’s large. In addition to being large in size and price, this bag also has a larger than life reputation. As a result, women who carry the Birkin most likely enjoy standing out in a crowd, clearly care about the way they’re perceived and are often high maintenance. The bag’s sophisticated, streamlined design also shows that the woman who wears it is confident and isn’t afraid to stand her ground.

Balenciaga City Motorcycle

About the Bag: At over 10 years old, Balenciaga’s City Motorcycle bag remains a treasured favorite to celebrities and fashion icons across the world. It features a naturally distressed leather exterior — available in just about every color under the sun — and a hearty supply of pockets, tassels, studs and buckles.

Celebs Who Carry It: Khloe Kardashian, Christina Aguilera, Tori Spelling

What it Says About You: The owner of a Balenciaga City Motorcycle bag is a chick with an ultra tough exterior and style sense that’s easy, relaxed and downright cool. Despite her hard shell, though, the City Motorcycle owner has a soft heart. As a result, she’s easily moved by heartwarming stories, romantic gestures and charitable deeds.

To Be Continued………

By Wendy Rose Gould

Perhaps this dates me, but as a child I remember watching the 1994 re-make of The Little Rascals (you know — the kids movie with Alfafa, Spanky, Buckwheat and Darla). In this movie, there was a great divide between the neighborhood boys and girls. So much so, in fact, that the school-aged boys belonged to an exclusive society dubbed the “He-Man Woman Haters Club.”

That club is the first thing I thought of when I heard about the various single-sex restaurants, clubs and societies popping up across the world. Only instead of guys nailing a “boys only” sign on doors, it’s the women who are saying ex-nay on the xy chromosome combo and creating their own female-exclusive venues.

Take the “Ladies of the Rise” organization, located in London, which hosts women-only soirees throughout the city. It’s one of several blossoming social groups that plans and hosts single-sex community events. Others are taking their cue from these new groups, as well. For example, central London’s Kate Percival launched a ladies-only members club called “Grace Belgravia” and KC Gates, a Canadian rugby player, has plans to turn her Soho bar Sofakingcool into a restaurant where only chicks are allowed to dine.

Women-Only Clubs/Organizations in New York City

NYC’s Colony Club (Park Avenue and 62nd Street) was ahead of the curve on this one. This private social club was founded in 1903 in response to the various gentlemen-only clubs popping up in the city. It was modeled after said mens clubs and to this day only admits men as guests.

The Cosmopolitan Club (122 East 66th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues) is another ladies-only social club that hosts classes, lectures and special events for members or member-guests. Since its establishment in 1909, it’s served as an oasis for accomplished NYC women to rub elbows, exchange ideas and embark on new friendships.

Also in New York City is The Junior League (130 East 80th Street), an “organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” This by-women/for-women charitable organization was founded in 1901 and its 2,500 volunteers donate over 250,000 hours of their time annually.

While the Big Apple does provide some organizations and clubs for women, the sort of modern-day, single-sex restaurant/venue trend that’s sweeping through the UK hasn’t really come to fruition in the United States. If it does, though, how would you respond? Would you be the first to attend one of these events? Or would you observe from a distance? Or maybe you’d cry out in revolt against the division of the sexes?

We’d love to hear your opinion on the matter, so share it in the comment section below or share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

By Wendy Rose Gould

The semi annual Oak NYC 30/40/50 Sale is currently underway in the East Village, with darkly colored avant garde and edgy clothing  being sold at a whopping 40% off original retail prices. The best part? Every single item within the store — excluding fragrances — is on sale. You’ll be hard pressed to find soft colors and neons within this downtown boutique, as this is a two-floor sale stop for Alexander Wang lovers and fans of radically cut pieces alike, all featured in blacks, olives, maroons, and dark blues.

Considering Oak held their 30% off run of the sale last week (next week will be 50% off remaining merchandise), I was surprised to find a great deal of steals in all sizes. Unfortunately, the majority of the Alexander Wang merchandise has cleared out, leaving behind mainly pieces from Cheap Monday, Mother Jeans, Harmon, A. OK, and Won Hundred Jeans as well as numerous selections from Oak’s personal line, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

To begin, the four Alexander Wang survivors was his Duffle Bag Shirt Dress w/ Open Back  that is available in olive and maroon ($237, orig. $396, pictured), Ruby Monk Strap Flat Leopard Shoes ($402.50, orig. $575, pictured), Ruby Monk Flat Back in Leather ($297.50, orig. $425, pictured) and his Emile Hornback Bag ($555, orig. $925). Now here is where the age old retail sale vs. sample sale argument comes into play. Considering we just braved the Alexander Wang Sample Sale in the Fall, some may feel they have had their fill. However, during the sample sale we were shopping past season’s pieces with a few current goodies tossed in for good measure. If you are a diehard fan of this designer brand, than consider shopping at sales like Oak’s and paying a few bucks more for current season merchandise in order to be ahead of the crowd. To give you an idea of the small margin in price points, the Duffle Bag Shirt will cost you around $175 (vs. $237) come next year’s sample sale (based on this past year’s price list), the shoes will run you $300 a pop (vs. $297 & $402) and the large leather bag will ring up at $400 (vs. $555 or $462 next week). And remember, if these pieces survive the 40% off sale, they’ll be available for 50% off next week. The long wait in the cold for the Alexander Wang Sample Sale doesn’t look so worthwhile now, does it?

Moving right along, be sure to spend time plucking through Oak’s house brand. It occupies the majority of the two-floor set up and rightfully so. Those items worth a peek are the Oak Cinch Maxi Dress in Midnight ($87.50, orig. $120), Kerchief Tee in Shale ($42), Cowl Back Jersey Dress Tank ($75), as well as their Asymmetrical Tees ($36) and Shawl Collar Zip Pull Overs ($63).

If you’re in the market for a new pair of designer jeans, then a trip down to Oak on Bond or in Brooklyn is certainly in order. Cheap Mondays, an Oak favorite, are (as the title states) cheap anyway, therefor an additional 40% off makes them a steal. However, they are not for every body type as they are extremely tight and the sizing is usually off considering they run extremely small. But for the price you can’t complain. On hand was their Mega High Waist Loose Fitting Denim ($45, orig. $75, pictured) and their Second Skin Super Stretch Skinny Jeans ($45, orig. $75). Towards Oak’s front door are two denim options from Won Hundred Jeans in their Brigette cut ($136, orig. $228, pictured) as well as Ksubi’s Hi and Wasted Jeans.

Downstairs, don’t pass by the shoe table without taking a gander at the eye catching Vintage Spike Heels ($66, orig. $110, pictured), as well as the Esley Leather Pilot Jacket located in the rear.

Ultimately the Oak 30/40/50 Sale is a do-not-miss if you tend to be on top of the trends and sport a downtown cool attire. Oak’s bold cuts, avant garde flare and interesting choices are a must if you frequently “wow” a room with your edgy wardrobe choices. Considering the amazing deals the 40% and 50% portion of the sale exhibit, this comfortable shopping experience may be a better bet than any of the featured designer’s sample sale counterparts.

WHEN: Ongoing; M-Sat (11-8), Sun (11-7)

WHERE: 28 Bond Street
near Lafayette Street
(212-677-1293)

By Caitlin Colford