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Olive & Bette January 10th 2011 Review

10 January 2011

The Upper West Side Olive & Bette is under major renovations. The bad news: about half the shop is covered in drop cloths. The good news: in preparation for even more changes, the shop’s entire remaining inventory is 75% off, which means some serious bargains.

As with all Olive & Bette shops, the merchandise here skews young, almost to the point of being one step up from the junior’s department. That said, the savvy shopper can find ample adult pieces. Start with a to die for leopard print Beth Bowley coat. Chic and statement-worthy, it’s also a certified steal: $31 from an original price of $504. Move on to the ample selection of Nanette Lepore (between this and the current Saks sale, we’re hard pressed to think of a reason to ever pay full price for her designs). A olive green kilt-esque skirt studded with both sequins and grommets is perfectly military with a flirty edge: $82 from $328. A cashmere burgundy and charcoal bat-wing tunic ($81 from $336) would look perfectly effortless with a pair of black Paige jeggings ($42 from $168) and some ballet flats.

Nanette Lepore isn’t the only heavy hitter here, though. A swirly retro Trina Turk mini is 60s resort wear chic (perfect if travel to warmer climates is on your winter list) and a steal at $42. For those staying in the city, you could do much worse than a sexy Shoshana charcoal v-neck dress: $81 from $342.

This being the Upper West Side, the sale is full of mothers with their babies and puppies in tow, but it’s blessedly empty and service is distant, but polite. Renovations: sometimes, they work on your behalf.

Leila Cohan-Miccio