Apparel & Accessories

If you’re in the market for a winter coat — namely one made of 100% wool – then a morning trip to the JCREW Sample Sale is essential.

If you’re in the market for essentially anything else (i.e. blouses, jeans, shoes, bags, etc.), then a trip to 260 5^th Avenue may not be worth your while.

During tonight’s press preview of the JCREW Sample Sale, editors and bloggers alike were stunned by the fact that there are absolutely no mirrors, let alone a changing area, for fit-questioning shoppers. The employees of 260 5^th Avenue claim that during the sale, which begins tomorrow at 10AM, they will be frowning upon shoppers trying on their goods, which I’m sure will be enforced given their plethora of employees and security that frequently flutters about.

No try-ons, and more importantly no mirrors, makes a decision on big ticket items, such as the aforementioned wool coats, significantly difficult.

Various sizes exist within the extra long rack of wool coats, which are all priced at an extremely reasonable $150. The best of the bunch was a Green Nello Gori Wool Peacoat ($150, Size 6, pictured), a Double Cloth Thinsulated Turquoise Coat ($150, Size 4, pictured), a Tuxedo Style Peacoat ($150, Size 10, pictured) and a beautiful Cream Collared Knee Length Coat in various sizes ($150). Only about a dozen leather jackets can be found in this section, and they range for a not-worth-it $300-$400.

I recall browsing the exact same racks of silk blouses during my last visit to the JCREW Sample Sale about a year ago. Looking back and reminiscing about that sale in particular makes it clear that this time around just doesn’t match up. Both sleeveless and long sleeve silk blouses were marked at $40, but I could not find a single top to highlight.

The $15 cozy tee shirts and $25 button downs are worth a peak, namely their Red Plaid Perfect Fit Button Down ($25, Size 6, pictured) as well as the various chambray and denim shirts. Please note that there are many defects on these tops, some of which are pointed out by small pieces of red tape (see photo of red plaid top). The defects and imperfections are nothing horrible, but do be sure to examine your purchases thoroughly before checking out (No Returns!).

A small rack held a small collection of super cozy and soft sweater dresses for $30, namely the cute Camel Sweater Dress ($30, XS, pictured). Within this same rack were a few striped sailor dresses that are worth a peek (also $30, pictured).

If it wasn’t for the small, two rack section of Madewell clothing, there would be no denim at all inside the JCREW Sample Sale. There was only a very small selection of jeans — all priced for $40 – but only featured a minimal array sizes and styles, which were mainly their Rail Straight style (only one pair of denim leggings and about two pairs of their Skinny Skinny jeans).

Although slight, the collection of Madewell tops and sweaters definitely trumped JCREW’s selection. Check out Madewell’s Wallace Sweaters ($35), namely their Wallace Double Breasted Grey Sweater ($35, One Size, Pictured), and button downs, including their Army Button Down ($25, Medium, Pictured), and their Denim and Corduroy Denim Jacket ($40, Small, Pictured).

Back to JCREW, they did have a wonderful (although, again small) collection of cashmere for as low as $35 for a blend and $90 for 100% cashmere. Further, check out JCREW’s Nude Maxi Dress ($40, various sizes, pictured) and collection of dress pants $40.

Their accessory department was wildly disappointing. Many people flock to this sale for JCREW’s buttery leather handbags. If you are among this group, don’t bother! There was only one large leather bag ($130), with the remainder being small cross body bags ($90) that could only fit a tube of lipstick and a MetroCard.

On a positive note, JCREW’s winter accessories were plentiful in a large bin, with hats, scarves and gloves priced at $20 a piece. Infinity scarves were also $20.

Unlike last year, the shoe selection this time around was disappointing. The same flats ($65), boots ($100) and heels ($100) made an appearance, with no new or recent styles to report.

Sadly it looks like this go-round of the JCREW Sample Sale is a whole bunch of leftovers from past sales. For those in the market of a new coat and matching accessories for winter, then certainly make a trip to 260 Fifth Avenue, but for everyone else: Skip it.

WHEN: 11/27 – 12/2; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-6)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th & 29th Street
New York, NY 10001

By Caitlin Colford

UPDATED: Check out Caitlin’s full review at 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale: Wrinkled and Bagless.

BUT DON’T YOU WORRY ABOUT; OUR CAITLIN WILL BE THERE AT OPENING TODAY.

Before we get back with the review, we have some early AM information for you, as it looks like TheCut made the cut. Sorry, I couldn’t pass on that one.

So, here are the facts:

• The sale takes place at 304 Hudson Street, but the entrance is behind the building.
• The floor organization gets mixed reviews. No, actually gets bad reviews, but we were being nice.
• Most items are true samples, which means that unless you are following Anne Hathaway’s much publicized diet for Les Mis, you might not be in luck.
• There is a large selection of clothes; lots of neutrals, bags and shoes are your best bet.
• Men need not to rush, not much to talk about for them.
• Expect to spend about $400 for a bag, and $100 for shoes.

Don’t forget, Caitlin is going to have a full review for you ladies. Unless you are true blue Philip Lim fan, you might want to wait for her article before you hit the road.

UPDATED: Check out Caitlin’s full review at 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale: Wrinkled and Bagless.

WHEN: 11/15 – 11/16; Th-F (10-7)

WHERE: 304 Huston Street
between Spring and Vandam Sts
Eighth floor north
Use freight entrance on the north side of Spring Street
between Hudson and Varick Sts

Metallics, namely silver and gold, are especially befitting throughout the winter months. Perhaps it’s the coolness of their tones or the way they blend in with holiday decor, but silver and gold are a classic fashion choice November through February.

From jewelry to coats to bags, shoes and dresses, we urge you to wear at least one silver or gold something this winter 2012/2013 season. The best part? As long as it’s a classic silhouette constructed from quality materials, it’s sure to last you for years to come.

Whoever said you can’t wear silver and gold together got it all wrong. While pairing the two metals does take a little skill, the combination makes for a sophisticated visage worthy of any Sartorialist snapshot. Here are a few tips and ideas for pairing silver with gold:

– Wear either a gold or silver dress and then accent with the opposite color. For example these Manolo Blahnik metallic leather and mesh silver pumps would complement this ethereal, one shoulder metallic gold dress by Maggy London. Alternatively, try a strappy heeled sandal.

Maggy London
One Shoulder Metallic Dress

Manolo Blahnik
Metallic Leather & Mesh BB Pumps

– Since you’re already stepping toward the figurative fashion cliff by mixing your metals, make sure you keep everything else you’re wearing in the same genre. For example, don’t mix slouchy boho silhouettes with edgy geometric or grungy urban pieces. Keep it in the family, ladies.

– Don’t go too mix-y match-y with the hardware on your clothing and accessories. For example, your boots may have silver buckles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pair them with a purse that has gold fixtures. You wouldn’t match your fingernails to your lipstick to your shoes because it looks too over processed and thought out when you do. Don’t do the same thing with with your hardware.

– Stick to a neutral toned garment and then wear an even mix of silver and gold accents. For example, this classic Michael Kors LBD would pair well with this Lord & Taylor silver, gold and diamond accent necklace and Anya Hindmarch’s sparkling silver clutch. The same would work with a red, beige or white dress.

Michael Kors
Black Embellished Dress

LORD & TAYLOR
Sterling Silver with 14Kt. Yellow Gold
Diamond Pendant Necklace

Anya Hindmarch
Silver Valorie Clutch with Enameled Fastener

– If you’re hesitant to mix silver and gold, start off with something easy. Many designers — who are paid and adored for their fashionable third eye, mind you — pre-mix silver and gold together in one single piece. Dresses, watches, shoes, bags — there’s no accessory or garment off limits.

Haider Ackermann
Asymmetric Linen-Silk Trenchcoat,
Wrapped Blouse & Cropped Silk Pants

Stella McCartney
Silk Brocade Pants

Pierre Hardy Metallic Bag

– Wearing silver and gold together is all about finding the right balance. Don’t overpower the senses by wearing a silver blazer with a gold skirt or by wearing a silver pant with a gold blouse. If you’re mixing metals, choose only one metallic for your garments.

By Wendy Rose Gould