Apparel & Accessories

Surprisingly, there was no line to wait on at this sample sale, but that may not be the case as the sale continues through this Saturday. On the first day clothing was marked down to wholesale prices but discounts are expected to increase daily. The original prices have been removed, so true percentage off original price is unknown. No confusion though in item cost because every single piece has a clearly printed tag with the sale price. Based on sales past, the last day Saturday, November 10^th, will bring the largest crowd as well as the lowest prices. I think you should wait.

Be aware that the pieces offered at this sale do not come in complete size runs as they all seem to be real samples. Women’s sizing is as follows: 40-42 and 37-40 . Chances of finding multiples in any size are slim, so if it fits, commit.

Margiela Draped Zip Up Poncho
now $621 {size 42}

Dsquared Men’s Leather Spiked Jacket
$917 {size 44}

I started my shopping in the handbag nook and that was a bad idea, the selection was disappointing, at best. The shoe section saved my spirits thanks to few Viktor and Rolf and Maison Martin Margiela pairs. The shoe selection is likely the best category offered but size runs are also limited, so if the shoe fits, don’t put it down.  Shoe prices range from 200-400 dollars.  The assortment for both men and women offered an array of styles from casual to dress shoes.

All of the apparel was from the designers’ Fall/Winter 2012 collections, so a fairly recent collection, and weather appropriate, so one can prepare for New York’s influx of unpredictable natural disasters in proper fashion. Our opinion is that in comparison to previous years, the quality of this sample sale selection has declined. Now, the good finds are scarce and are obviously pieces that were not selling well. There are a few gems, but there are only 1-2 sizes per style. As expected, honorable mention goes to Maison Martin Margiela’s collection, which made the visit worthy, especially in regard to outerwear. Price points were still on the higher end, with nothing less than $200 and that’s just a basic t-shirt. Honestly, the sample sale was a bit of a disappointment leaving more variety and deeper discounts to be desired. Oh wait, maybe that’s why foot traffic is so low. Now, if you are a true blue fan of any of the brands, or are curious to see how Martin Margiela looks prior to their upcoming collaboration with H&M, stop by. At the end of the day, there are always lucky finds.

Please Note: NO fitting rooms and NO CA$H.

WHEN: 11/8 – 11/10; Th (2-7), F (10-7), Sat (noon-5)

WHERE: 220 West 19th Street
between 7th & 8th Avenue
10th Floor
New York, NY 10011
646-613-8457

By Michaela Boyd

Retail therapy is definitely well deserved after our apocalyptic hurricane Sandy week,  and the Alexander Wang sample sale is just what the doctor ordered. The sample sale VIPers were far from subdued last night, waiting in a  lively line that numbered more than 50 people, despite the extreme chill. Cash is not at option at this credit card only sale so the line moved steadily.

Overall, the sale is mostly women’s ready to wear,  heavily knit saturated, but also carries the T by Alexander Wang line for men and a rack of leather men’s outwear and bottoms ranging from $140 for bottoms to $300 for coats. The pricing is clearly noted by signage on the wall and the specialty items are marked down directly on the tags to avoid confusion.  The selections offered are appropriate for the season and are fully represented in at least one of every size ranging from women’s size 0-10 and XS-L.

Athletic Patchwork Front Zip Cardigan Sale price at $300. Originally $895. Hybrid Coat Fall 2011, marked down from $1,875 to $600.  AW Fall 2011collection Mohair/Satin High Neck Drawstring Poncho. Found on sale at Moda Operandi for $3,300. Priced at $1,000 at the sample sale.

The knits are heavy and the coats are to die for, with Wang’s signature zipper detail, A-symmetrical cuts and leather accents. The markdowns are up to 70% off their original pricing. If you are the type of shopper that needs to try things on, be prepared to be seen, because there are no fitting rooms.

All shoes are $200 with the exception of the specialty shoes which are $300. Smaller, leather envelope clutches are $70-$90 depending on their sizes.  Lastly, the handbags are priced by size, ranging  from $250 for the clutches to $400 for the largest purses.

The hype is not a hoax, as for women, this sample sale is a big win, but get there sooner, rather than later because the downtown streets are abuzz! The sale begins at 8AM so snuggle up in line and get your size while you can. This is not a sample sale you want to miss, but be prepared for long lines and a chilly cold weather.  In fact, it is so good you that you might want to get your goods first, then tell your friends.

Important Note: Cameras were not allowed at the sale. The images contained in this article are just an illustration of Alexander Wang’s recent collections.

WHEN: 11/6 – 11/10; Tue-Th (8-8), F (9-7), Sat (10-6)

WHERE: 131 Greene Street
between W. Houston and Prince Sts

By Michaela Boyd

Autumn temperatures are finicky, especially in the unpredictable, global-warming-affected world we live in today. Some days it’s colder than Dante’s inner circle of Hell, other days it’s warm enough to don a spaghetti tank and short shorts. And — this is especially the case during fall — most days start out very cool, blossom into perfectly temperate afternoons and then get cool again in the evenings. Knowing how to layer is a skill every fashion forward femme should understand and be able to apply.

While layering has a tendency to make you look casual, it doesn’t always have to go that way. For example, for a business professional look, wear a fitted blazer over a camisole or tank with a crisp, tailored pant and classic closed-toe pump.

The same look makes an easy, low-key afternoon ensemble when paired with shorts instead of the pants. If you’re aiming for a “bonfire chic”-esque vibe, try a pair of skinny jeans, your cutest flats and a long sleeve tee under a vest and eternal scarf. This look works great for weekend errand running and casual get-togethers. If you want to go grungier, try a similar look with distressed booties.

Best Layering Items to Own

If you want to bolster your wardrobe this season, consider adding the following layering essentials to your current collection of garments and accessories.

Theodora & Callum Wearable Art ’70s Stripe Infinity Scarf $165	Scarf You’ll want an eternal scarf/snood (circular with no end), a chunky cable knit scarf and a lighter scarf. Between these three you won’t need anything else.
Burberry Mega Check Linen Scarf $375 Charlotte & Lisa Center Fur Scarf $275
Burberry Brit Laxey Double Breasted Leather Trim Blazer $750	Blazer Invest in a high quality, well-fitted blazer. Finding the right blazer is like finding the perfect wedding dress — don’t stop looking until you find it and reserve the right to be extremely picky. The better it fits, the more fabulous you’ll look.
Maximilian 28″ Tibetan Lamb Vest $795	Vest A vest goes well over a lot of items. Consider a fur-lined vest for maximum comfort and chic-ness.
Vince Boat Neck Tee $125	Sheer Long Sleeved Tee Get one in every color (or at least the neutrals: black, brown, red and white). Go for sheer, too. Why? It’s easier to layer items over it and, if you get hot and need to remove other layers, you’ll be able to cool down quickly.
Frye “Melissa” Riding Boots $388	Boots Depending on the length of your legs, choose either a mid-calf, knee-high or thigh-high boot. The longer your legs are, the higher you can take your boot. They look great over skinny jeans, tights and leggings.
Skinny Jeans Skinny jeans look great with a million types of shoes (flats, pumps, boots, stilettos) and no — you don’t have to be a size 6 to wear them. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a colored denim in one of the seasons hottest colors.
Citizens of Humanity “Thompson” Cropped Skinny Jeans $176 AG Adriano Goldschmied “Luscious” Sateen Stilt Pants $139

By Wendy Rose Gould

No scarves, no bags, no jewelry, big problem. The Hermes Sample Sale opened to the public today at Soiffer Hasken on 33^rd Street, to a manageable crowd pre-gamming in order to get their fashion fix before tonight’s Fashion’s Night Out.

The Soiffer Hasken showroom is more often than not packed to the brim, with oodles of ready to wear, heels, and bags overflowing into the aisles. Not today, I’m afraid. The Hermes Sample Sale offered nothing more than a few hats, one aisle of shoes, knits, and one aisle of ready to wear. While moseying around the sale, I heard a handful of women ask employees where the scarves were, only to be disappointed by their response. To top that off, despite their advertised “up to 70% off” draw, every item was no more than 50% off the original retail price. Additionally, there is a strict “No Photography” rule in Soiffer Hasken, and is strongly enforced by trolling security. However, I was able to sneakily snap a few shots to provide you with an idea.

If you’re a lover of sky-high heels and booties then the Hermes Sample Sale has just the thing waiting for your tootsies. The same dozen or so styles of shoes were repeated throughout the individual size sections, not giving you many options, but then again quality vs. quantity is indeed important when it comes to our beloved designer shoes. The Camel Velour Bottines ($800, orig. $1,600, pictured) were incredibly smooth and well crafted, as were the Noir Caprice Richelites, a black leather, cross stitched heel with a peep toe ($1,167.50, orig. $2,325), and the Nappa Noir Bridge Bottines, ($725, orig. $1,450).

There was also a mixture of boots on the ground and sandals intermixed. If you have some extra time, try on a pair of the Bricklane Spazziki Boots in Bronze ($800, orig. $1,600) and the Noisette Caraibes Sandal ($425, orig. $850).

A few shelves of knit sweaters and cardigans paralleled the shoe section, offering sizes XS-XL in styles such as the Cashmere Point Fourrure Vest in Ecru ($675, orig. $1,350), and a borderline amazing sweater dress with a boat neck and made with alpaca wool ($525, orig. $1,050). Also, hidden within the pile of chunky sweaters was a beautiful cardigan labeled Droit Maille Jersey de Soie ($1,275, orig. $2,550). Do not turn the corner without taking a peek at the Hermes Knit Leggings with a leather belt, which are offered in black, ivory, and olive ($750, orig. $1,500).

The modest ready to wear aisle held high quality goodies (for those who can afford it), but the same quality vs. quantity theme rang true here. The same few styles were repeated in every size section, with stand-outs that included a Manteau Cashmere Thigh Length Knit ($2,397.50, orig. $4,975), a Sepia Point Cape ($3,000, orig. $6,000), Jersey Feture Flannel Dress Pants ($612.50, orig. $1,225), which also came in a pencil skirt, and a Blouson Tweed Cape Jacket ($2,550, orig. $5,100, pictured).

Those shoppers who weren’t in the market for killer heels or oversized sweaters exited the Hermes Sample Sale empty handed and wildly disappointed. Lasting through Saturday, shoes and apparel within the Hermes Sample Sale will be replenished daily, but only with additional sizes, not styles. For those who do not have a grand to spend on a single item, opt to spend your time today popping in and out of various stores during Fashion’s Night Out. Even if you leave the stores empty handed, at least you’ll get free booze and free fun out of it.

WHEN: 9/6 – 9/8; Th-F (9-7), Sat (9-6)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(West of 8th Ave);
718-747-1656

By Caitlin Colford