Apparel & Accessories

First off, it’s not just DKNY; The sample sale at 260 Fifth Avenue has a little bit of everything  from “The Queen of Seventh Avenue”: Donna Karan, DKNY, DKNY Jeans, DKNY Pure, even a few collection items.

Since we were lucky enough to be invited to the preview, we got a chance to see what they had at the opening. But if you are concerned that they will run out of merchandise by the time you get there, don’t be. We were reassured that they will re-stock with the same items throughout the week. The well organized, well attended sale is certainly designed to put a smile on everyone’s face, although women, by far, get the most attention. The prices are extraordinary with one exception; read on, we are getting there.

Before you start shopping look at the price list on the wall, take a picture of it, and check it out as often as you need. The prices are not marked on the label, so it  is  a good idea to keep that phone handy.  I personally started the preview in the mens section where there are blazers, trousers, shoes, sweaters and outwear –  pretty much everything he needs. The extensive blazer selection has mainly summer items with just a couple in wool. Sorry, no men’s fitting room.

Women’s shoes are from DKNY with a few pairs from Donna Karan. Make sure you understand the difference between the two, as price and quality are quite different. There are also belts and tights and gloves and accessories, oh my. I think I’ve even noticed an iPad sleeve in somebody’s hand.

Now, about the prices. We thought everything was priced EXTREMELY well (see image with complete price list) until I was charged 30 dollars for a t-shirt that had a retail suggested  value of 50 dollars.  I am not sure what  rule they applied when discounting t-shirts, but it just didn’t seem consistent with the discount rate used on the other items.

The women’s apparel section had everything between cozy sweaters, outerwear, comfy jersey dresses, trousers, jeans, sequin blouses and evening gowns. Everything is organized by number, and there are so many things that are worth talking about, that I am going to conclude these annotations by encouraging you to go today.

Doors open at 10 AM: 260 Fifth Avenue (Between 28th & 29th Streets)

WHEN: 8/21 – 8/25; Tue (10-8), W-Th (9-8), F (10-6), Sat (10-5)

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

By Mirela Gluck
Photographs Micky Filip

I hate to be the one to spell this out for you, but we’re making our way into the opening days of summer’s final month. It seems like just yesterday that we were stocking up on cute dresses and sexy swimwear during warm weather sales, prepping our wardrobe for our summer vacations and backyard barbeques. But now, here we are, living the dreaded inevitable when stores begin to decorate their sale floors with cable knit sweaters, dark denim, and tall leather boots. All good things must come to an end, so let’s make the best of it. Indulge this week and purchase yourself your last summer outfit for the season and flaunt it during the weekend getaway to the beach that I urge you to treat yourself to, no exceptions. This week, pack up your weekender bag with goods from Michael C. Fina, James Coviello, and Velita.

Michael C. Fina Jewelry Sample Sale

Let’s do things backwards this week and revolve our weekend outfit around a gorgeous piece of jewelry. Wednesday marks the start of the Michael C. Fina Sample Sale that will dazzle you with diamonds galore. The fine jewelry sale will feature both modern and vintage earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces in various gold settings and, of course, platinum and silver for up to 70% off. There will also be a deeply discounted sale on engagement rings if you’d like to leave the sale listing open on your laptop, since there’s no better time to propose than during a romantic weekend summer getaway, just saying ;).

Velita Sample Sale

Now that you’re blinged out, lug your rocks downtown to the Velita Sample Sale in SoHo. Velita is only a three year old brand, but their chic clothing proves effortless and stunning, especially thanks to their super cute bow accents. For up to 70% off, Velita’s silk skirts and cream blouses will be the perfect match to your new gold jewelry.

James Coviello Clothing

For a night out on the town, rock your new platinum duds and pick up an outfit from James Coviello during his Thursday Sample Sale. Coviello’s funks dresses and cool, casual tank tops are the perfect toss in for an after dinner drink on Saturday, celebrating your last official night at the beach. Plus, you want to look good too in the event your man spotted the listing for the Michael C. Fina Sample Sale open on your desktop. Just don’t let on you know where your giant rock is from, this way he’ll be able to keep his sample sale pride and you’ll be able to keep your vibrantly beautiful engagement ring.

August is meant to be the month where you jam pack in all the daytrips and weekend getaways that you didn’t get to go on in June and July. So gear up with designer wear, arm your wrists with stunning new bracelets, pack up your car (or ZipCar, for us New Yorkers) and head to the beach in order to soak up the sun and summer’s final days, all while looking fabulous.

By Caitlin Colford

Link Theory acquired Helmut Lang in 2006, dispatching Mr. Lang from the brand and embarking on a fashionable venture together. Since then, both lines have grown into SoHo staples, draping on models and fashionistas alike within the downtown streets of Manhattan.

Today the Theyskens’ Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale kicked off within their 93 Mercer store, drawing in hip, model-esque shoppers and fashion forward females. After browsing the racks of high-quality merchandise, which were all mainly over-stock and this past seasons’ fashions, I realized that no tag was marked with its appropriate discounted price. While this is typically the case at many sales, today all that was provided to shoppers was a list of price ranges, rather than a set cost. I scoured the store in order to question prices and finally found and employee, who, rolled his eyes and indifferently pointed to the register claiming that you will be alerted to the price of your item upon checkout. What? He can’t be serious.

I took it upon myself to then ask other employees, “How much is this dress?” but they all said the same thing with a sigh, not bothering to utilize any ounce of customer service. In all my sample sale days I’ve never heard of this “surprise check out” formula, it seems quite deceiving, inconvenient, and lazy, mostly because no shopper in their right mind would pop into the 20 person deep check out line to simply inquire about a price. I’m going to go ahead and let this all slide for now, strictly because the apparel resting among the too-cool-for-school employees was amazing.

From here on out if a price is italicized, this means it is my estimation based on the original prices and the provided range.

The sale is broken up into two sections. Upon entry you are greeted with the Theyskens’ Theory area, which was significantly smaller than Helmut Lang’s space. Some amazing dresses by Theory were on hand, all in a plethora of sizes. Among this small set was the Dashaz Long Dress ($199, orig. $695, pictured) and the Dilo Cloud Dress ($99, orig. $335, pictured). There were plenty of gorgeous, well made blazers and jackets too, namely the Winiki Acid Jill Jacket ($189, pictured) and the White Jovar Jacket ($189, orig. $335, pictured), that was made of such interesting fabric.

Before heading to the Helmut Lang section take a peek at Theory’s incredibly cozy classic cotton tee shirts and tanks ($49) that are aligned on two racks in various sizes and colors, as well as bagged within a few boxes resting on a nearby table.

Now onto Helmut Lang! This section was buzzing with shoppers excited by the selection and discount (although still pricey). Many females were changing and trying on within the squishy aisles holding the Helmut Lang clothing, due to the extra long line for the changing room.

While you’re waiting for your fellow shoppers to finish changing, you must check out the table of handbags. The Primal Leather Anjou bag is stunning ($269, pictured), as is the Primal Leather Neith Bag in Black ($269, pictured) and the Ammut Terrain Leather Cross Body Back ($129, pictured).

The denim section is a must-see. You can’t go wrong with a pair of the 5-Pocket Skinny Spider Wash Jeans ($99, pictured), or their skinny jean counterparts in colors such as yellow, white, mustard, rust, grey, and shimmer.

Another score in the Helmut Lang section is their leather jackets. I simply loved the sleek look and feel of the Destroyed Black Leather Jacket ($329, pictured), same goes for the Simple Waxed Leather Jacket ($329, pictured) and the Weathered Shearling Cropped Vest ($249, pictured).

Their draping tops were flying off the racks. Apart from the leather jackets, these oversized blouses certainly seemed to be the hit of the sale. Among this set was the Shale Jersey Top in Pond ($79, orig. $279, pictured), the Gathered Diamond Print Jersey Tee ($79, orig. $279, pictured), the Terra Jersey Loose T in Sediment ($129, pictured), and lastly the White Lawn Cotton Square Top ($129, pictured).

If you are on the hunt for some top quality, downtown fresh clothing, then this, by far, is the sale you need to visit. Expect to save, but don’t expect to spot any killer deals – this essentially is a step above a retail sale and still quite pricey. I wouldn’t worry too much about items running out within the coming days, there was quite a solid availability of styles and sizes, unless of course you’re a size 0-2, because the models are stocking up on these goods like they’re gold.

WHEN: 7/18 – 7/22; W (10-8), Th (8-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-6)

WHERE: 93 Mercer Street
Between Spring & Broome Streets
[email protected]
212.242.3240

By Caitlin Colford

A quick note about the sale: Theory and Helmut Lang are separated in the room. They both have amazing, high quality pieces but they’re expensive. If you note on the attached price list and the Helmut List, they only provide you with price ranges for many of the styles. I walked around asking NUMEROUS employees about prices on certain dresses and jackets and each one was indifferent, rolled their eyes, and said I had to wait until I checked out to see the final price. So it seems they are using it as a sort of trick because, given the line, no one would wait on it a half dozen times to simply find out a price only to be pressured into buying it. Helmut had awesome jackets and denim, as well as tops- definitely the winner over theory! Bags too! Will be back with more detail later tonight.

WHEN: 7/18 – 7/22; W (10-8), Th (8-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-6)

WHERE: 93 Mercer Street
Between Spring & Broome Streets
[email protected]
212.242.3240

By Caitlin Colford