Apparel & Accessories

WHAT: Burberry Trunk Show

WHY: View the collection at the Burberry Trunk Show at Bergdorf Goodman.

WHEN: 7/17

WHERE: Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019

Today’s press preview of the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale was easily accessible to those pedestrians passing the 260 Fifth Avenue storefront decorated with an eye catching floor to ceiling yellow Alice + Oliva signage. Typically on preview days at this establishment they require identification to match up to the name on the VIP list, but today they were welcoming all. Unfortunately, after taking only a few photographs I was asked to put my camera away and was instructed that the designer specifically requested no photography at the sale.

The sample sale, lasting through Saturday, is a great stop for those seeking a trendy and gorgeous New Year’s Eve dress. Many styles on hand are from Alice + Olivia’s Winter 2012 line that is still available in stores for full retail prices, making this sale a must visit if you’ve had your eye on a specific A + O dress in Bloomingdale’s.

Alice + Olivia’s heavy focus on two-tone pieces are the main attraction at this week’s sale. Most items are blazers and dresses, with a dismal variety of blouses, skirts, and a limited selection of pants available as well, all within the range of sizes 0-12/S-XL, with majority of the merchandise being a 4 or a 6.

Beginning with jackets and blazers, the black and green velvet Betty Jacket is a must see ($149, orig. $495, S, pictured), as well as the Celeste Collarless Trim Jacket in yellow and blue ($149, orig. $495, S, pictured), and the Glenna Double Pocket Long Vest ($149, orig. $368, size M, pictured).

The only blouse that caught my eye was the Evelina Sequin Long Sleeve Top ($79, orig. $396, pictured), keeping with the heavy sequin theme of the dress section. The display of dresses is a disco ball haven, with embellishments galore. These stylish pieces are a young Hollywood favorite and are adored by many. Although the selection was by no means overwhelming, there were certainly plenty of options to satisfy your craving. Beginning with the non-embellished dresses, favorites include the Madeline Leather Boxy Fitted Skirt Dress ($129, orig. $495, size 6, pictured), the black and nude Amena Fitted Dress ($129, orig. $275, pictured) and the gold tweed Elise A-Line Skirt Dress ($129, orig. $396, pictured).

I wasn’t able to locate the style names of many of the embellished dresses, which are all marked at $199, but I assure you these are all worth a browse if you are looking for dazzling evening wear. They did have the Randee Striped A-line Dress on sale ($199, orig. $597, pictured), as well as a beautiful black and white dress with a black sequin skirt and belt feature ($199, orig. $495, size 6), as well as other embellished black and white dress options in sleeveless and long sleeve varieties and gold, black, and silver combinations.

Three fantastic racks full of samples were being furiously plucked from. One rack of $29 samples featured soft and casual basic tops and bottoms, while the remaining $49 and $99 racks were full of dresses embellished with sequins and other one of a kind dress options. This area was definitely the hit of the sale.

A small L-shaped display of shoes, which were mainly all animal print, was seated in the rear of 260 Fifth Avenue, with less than exciting selections apart from the Dakota Flats. Two lines of bins were set up with Belts ($29), Beaded Handbags ($69), Clutches ($229), Swimwear ($49), Scarves ($69) and a mediocre collection of jewelry and sweaters.

As you can determine for my lack of enthusiasm for sections other than that of the dresses, this is only a sale to visit if you are in the market for a party dress, or something dazzling to keep stashed away. The blazer and jackets are a bonus option making a trip to the sale also worth your while if those too tickle your fancy, but sadly this isn’t a stop for last minute gift options.

WHEN: 12/17 – 12/22; Tue (9-7), W-Th (10-8), F (10-7), Sat (10-4)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

By Caitlin Colford

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, tis the season to be jolly, and shop this week to don your new apparel come the big day, during the last official shopping week before Christmas! For those procrastinating New Yorkers out there, this is your time to show those credit cards whose boss and get on out there to shop, shop, shop, because you can’t expect the elves to do all the work, can you?

Your “savings” grace comes in the form of sample sales this week from Alice + Olivia, Bitta, Hugo Boss, Kimberly Ovitz, et al., and Rena Lange.

Sample Sale Alert: Yellow

After a crazy month jam packed with sample sales, Rena Lange starts off the last official week of hectic holiday shopping with their annual sample sale in the Meatpacking District. Start your week off early on Sunday and be among the first bunch of shoppers to browse Lange’s signature apparel from both her Fall and Winter 2012 seasons. True samples will be on hand at this sale as well!

Tuesday brings the crowd pleasing Alice + Olivia Sample Sale at 260 Fifth Avenue. Alice + Olivia is noted for their pixie-like designs and black and white boldness, with a pop of color. Get the ultimate Christmas Day dress here for as low as $199 beginning at 9AM. With jackets starting at $149, this may be the perfect stop for some last minute gift options as well.

Post-dress shopping at Alice + Olivia, jet across town to the Huge Boss Sample Sale at Soiffer Haskin for some casual pick me ups. Still haven’t found a special something for the man in your life? Don’t fret! At the Hugo Boss Sample Sale 70% off will be slashed from the original retail price of tailored clothing, sportswear, and accessories. It’s a Christmas miracle!

Considering Silver and Gold are the official colors of the holiday season, why not mark yourself with these dazzling hues by purchasing yourself a bold new piece of jewelry at the Bitta Design Group Sample Sale? From delicate gold and diamonds to trendy statement pieces for up to 80% off, this sale has all you’re are seeking in one place. If you fret the taste of your significant other, why not pick a gift out here for yourself? Take a snap with your cell phone and it along with a wink. It’s a win/win!

Last up on the shopping list is a visit to the Kimberly Ovitz, Sachin +Babi & Nili Lotan Sample Sale on Fifth Avenue. Pick up some designer treats for the babes in toyland of your life. For up to 80% off, look to score some fabulous sweater dresses, funky vests, and last minute casual delights during your final sample sale trip before Christmas. Ah!

Reward yourself and drink some spiked eggnog by the fire as you sip and savor the moment when all your shopping is complete. The mounds of packages await, just don’t have too many egg nogs before you start wrapping!

By Caitlin Colford

We’re calling Henri Bendel 2012’s best place to stuff your holiday stockings. The upscale women’s speciality store — which sells everything from parfums to beauty products, gourmet foods to accessories and beyond — is seriously like a one stop shop for all the women (and a handful of men) on your shopping list.

Need convincing? We’ve compiled a list of 7 reasons why we adore NYC’s Henri Bendel.

Location

Henri Bendel’s flagship store is located at 712 Fifth Ave., making it ultra convenient if you plan to hit other stores, as well. It’s right next door to Harry Winston and Bvlgari, which gives passers by a chance to check out the famous star on 57th and Fifth Avenue.

Up and Coming Jewelry Designers

Henri Bendel buys and sells from blossoming jewelry designers. That means shoppers will often find fresh designs at affordable prices. Ask yourself: what makes a better gift than a new piece of jewelry that stands out in a crowd?

Just the Right Size

Feeling cramped while shopping can be a major drag for any customer. Stores that are so massive they overwhelm you aren’t any better, either. Henri Bendel is neither too big nor too small. It’s an intimate venue that has an air of elegance about it. We particularly love their central sumptuous stairs. “They make me feel a socialite has decided to open her doors for the holidays and I am snooping through her stuff,” noted The Style City’s site owner, Mirela.

Budget Friendly

Unlike some of Fifth Avenue’s major hot spots, Henri Bendel is sensitive to shoppers’ wallets. This is apparent even by checking out their website, which groups gifts into different price brackets. You’ll even be able to find some gifts under $10.

Humor Abounds

While refined, Henri Bendel also has a sense of humor. For example, their book selection includes titles such as, “Angry Little Girls,” “Dads are the Original Hipsters,” and “Worst Case Scenario Pocket Guide: New York City.”

More Books

In addition to the humorous selections mentioned above, Henri Bendel sells loads of style books, as well. These make a great gift for any BFF who has an interest in the fashion, style or beauty world.

Candle Obsessed

Luxury candles make the perfect gift for a hostess, mother in law, best friend or even boss. Henri Bendel carries a large selection of candles, including their own line of lauded home fragrances. Mirela particularly loves that they carry her favorite brand, Antica Farmacista, which isn’t always easy to find.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Photos: Micky Filip