Apparel & Accessories

This just in June 28th @ 10:00AM from the organizers of Rachel Zoe Sample Sale :AN ADDITIONAL 30% OFF ALL APPAREL

You voted and we listened! By a large margin, your votes for The Stylish City to review the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale beat out all of its competitors, providing us with a clear blue winner. So here you are sample sale shoppers, behold your requested review of the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale!

If you’re a fan of Rachel Zoe then IMMEDIATELY run on down to 260 Fifth Avenue for exclusive VIP access today, before doors to the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale open to the public tomorrow. An RSVP is no longer required, therefore from noon until 6PM, the always organized 260 Sample Sale space will be letting in all who drop by for deep discounts on silk tops, wrap dresses, and well tailored blazers.

 

 

This is the first ever sample sale for Rachel Zoe, the one-year-old line, and it is truly stocked to the fullest. Organized by sizes from petite to size 12, every aisle is perfectly arranged and mirrors its neighbor. The clothing here is not samples, nor is the majority of clothing available in strictly sample sizes, making the sale a perfect fit for all shapes and leaving no room no disappointment as no piece is prejudice to the smaller or larger frame.

Essentially, the majority of the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale can currently be purchased via Gilt until midnight tonight. It is interesting how brands have been doing this as of late. The trend seems to be: put your overstock merchandise on a sale website such as Gilt, and sell the remaining items at the sample sale that will typically begin the next morning as the online sale ends. One may say, “Well, why the heck would I suffer through a crowded sample sale when I can shop online?” The answer being, at the sample sale the price is still right and they put aside enough styles and sizes for both events, providing no benefit either way in that department. I noticed today that prices at the in-person Rachel Zoe Sample Sale were much more price efficient than their counterparts on Gilt. Plus, at the in-person sale, there are additional styles, a handful of samples, and shoes for you to try on. Below, I provide you with a few examples of the price difference and what is not available online.

While browsing the endless supply of silk tops marked with ruffles, buttons, and flattering cuts, I fell in love with the Sleeveless Silk Button Down Blouse ($100, pictured, not available on Gilt), a Red Silk Printed Ruffle Blouse ($100, pictured, similar style on Gilt for $119), and the Sawyer Silk Georgette Tie Neck Blouse ($100, pictured, on Gilt for $119).

 

 

The black and white party dresses, as well as colorful printed sleeveless dresses were all sorts of fabulous with sequence, ruffles, silk, and velvet to boot. The stand outs of this bunch was the multi-colored and sleeveless Jacqueline Belted Silk Ruffle Dress ($175, pictured, $179 on Gilt), a beige sleeveless Getty Textured Dress ($175, pictured, $179 on Gilt), and the sleeveless White with Black Swirl Party Dress ($175, not available on Gilt).

Interestingly enough, the Sullivan Leather Blazer (pictured) that I noticed shoppers flocking to is $289 on Gilt but $350 at the sale. This was the only item I saw that was more expensive in-person aside from the Bailey Sequined Cardigan ($250, pictured, $179 on Gilt), which would be the perfect swap for a blazer to spice up your outfit.

 

The shoe selection was small and average at best. Colorful flats are available for $120, while sky-high ankle boots are on hand for $200. If you’re looking for something neutral then you may be in luck at the shoe table, but if you’re looking for something flashy and unique, then try your luck elsewhere.

Before you head to the cash register, take a gander at the two racks of Wide-Leg Bell Bottoms ($70, pictured, not available on Gilt), as well as the boxes of samples featuring sweaters, namely a cream sweater dress with nude lining ($100, pictured, not available on Gilt).

 

 

 

I would be surprised to find the in-person sample sale phased out. People still prefer trying on in person and feeling the fabric before they commit to a designer piece, no matter how cheap it is. Although there was a duo of clothing items available cheaper on Gilt, the fair in-person prices may be reason enough to breath easy and know that our beloved in-person sales will be around for some time to come.

WHEN: 6/27 – 6/30; W-F (10-8), 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

The J.Crew Sample Sale, which officially kicks off tomorrow, held a private event today for those lucky enough to be invited (like The Stylish City!). The super strict, guest list only affair was hush-hush with their shades drawn on 260 5^th Avenue, with the door men turning away anyone who couldn’t flash photo identification as proof they weren’t crashing the sale.

Your first task as a J.Crew Sample Sale shopping extraordinaire is to bee-line it to the back of the room. In a few bins hold J.Crew’s amazing leather handbags that we lust after for only $120! The medium and large leather bags fall within this price point, including their popular Biennial Satchel in Red, Tangier Orange, and Saddle ($120, orig. $348, pictured in red). Also in the bag section was the Brompton Hobo ($120, orig. $298, pictured in blue), a few brown leather samples similar to the Biennial hobo ($120, pictured), and the Tilary purse in a rainbow of colors ($80, orig. $148, pictured).

There are random accessories as well (i.e. iPad cases, notebooks, belts), all within the $10-$15 range, but nothing worth noting except for their intense collection of straw hats. Large brim, small brim, fedora, sun hat, you have your choice for an approximate $15. Also in this section were three bins of swimwear, each piece costing $25 each.

The shoe collection did not seem as good as last year. For the most part, all shoes were $65 with the high-quality leather and suede shoes running a bit higher at $100. In this section I found the Minnetonka Leather Moccasins in Beige ($65, size 10), Madewell’s 1937 Carryover Pump in Suede ($100, Size 7, pictured), and a pair of buttery leather Brown Oxfords ($100, Size 6.5, pictured). There was also a bin of jeweled flip-flops for $10 that shoppers were ignoring.

And now on to the clothing! Unlike last year, there was a nice selection of Madewell clothing. Albeit small, there were some good finds mixed in. These racks are also located in the rear of the store, right in front of the accessory section. Sweaters are all $35 and feature funky finds such as the Neon Knit Throw-over (pictured) and the Zooey D-esque Navy Heart Sweater (pictured). Their popular denim was also on hand for $40, including their Super Destroyed Boyfriend Shorts (pictured), Mint Green Chinos (pictured), and a cute pair of Madewell Cuffed Red Shorts ($25, size 27, pictured).

Now that you’ve covered the back, make your way to the front exploring the racks of J.Crew samples and past season’s designs. There is no sort of organization as far as sizes go; everything is hung in their designated blouse, tee, dress, or skirt section. Note that this is a true sample sale therefor many pieces are indeed sample sizes (2 or 4). Blouses are marked for $30, with finds including a Light Green Silk Button Down w/ Tie (pictured), a Sleeveless Silk Blouse (pictured), a Chambray Button Down, and a blue and yellow flannel “The Boy Shirt.”

Tee shirts and tank tops were lined up parallel to the blouses, offering comfy cozy V-necks and short sleeve linen tops for $15. Here was a cute Blue and White Stripe V-Neck (pictured) and a Cropped Navy Thermal (pictured). Skirts are $40, such as a pretty Silk Mini Skirt (pictured) and shorts are $25, namely the Broken in Boyfriend Short in Salmon (pictured).

The big winner of the sale (aside from the bags, duh) was the dress section. Most dresses are $60 unless they are from the J.Crew Collection, in which case prices vary. Unlike the blouses, the dresses are in a wide variety of sizes. The best of the selection was a bright and cheery Sleeveless Peach Knee Length Dress with a tag that deemed it “ready for work” ($60, pictured), also available in yellow and turquoise, a Bumble Bee Yellow Party Dress ($60, pictured), a cute Sleeveless Polka Dot Dress w/ Tie ($60, pictured), a Black and White Puffed Sleeve Dress from the Collection ($169). Lastly there was some cheaper Summer Dresses mixed in for only $30, such as a cute Chambray Sleeveless Ruffle Dress ($30, pictured).

The doors to tomorrow’s  J.Crew Sample Sale open at 10AM. It is a guarantee that shoppers will be lined up, waiting to break through to pile heaps of prep-wear on one arm as they sort to find cute steals with the other. The aisles are tight, so if you’re claustrophobic then you may either want to be the first in line, in order to race in, grab what you like, and get the heck out of there, or wait until later in the week when the crowds have died down.

WHEN: 6/19 – 6/24; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-5)

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

By Caitlin Colford

Tattered denim shorts and ripped vintage tees adorned the hip shoppers in line, patiently waiting for first day of the Rag & Bone Sample Sale at Chelsea Market to commence. Two girls behind me were gossiping about the semi annual sale Rag & Bone notably puts on, stating that their winter sale prices were not exactly wallet friendly, but their selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories was “really, really, really good.” Yes, three really’s.

Before I say much more allow me to properly urge you to race over to Chelsea Market on your lunch break, grab yourself a lobster roll, and get to shopping because, like winter, the Rag & Bone Summer Sample Sale is really, really, really good. The bi-level sale is neatly arranged with tees and dresses up front, with a table for knit blouses and sweaters, and jeans within the men’s section down a few steps in the rear.

Now, back to the front. Once you enter hook a hard right and get to browsing the gorgeous array of Rag & Bone dresses. Mind you, these are all available in most sizes (I saw from 0-12) and there are many employees fluttering about offering to seek out unavailable sizes in their storage area. The stand-outs of the dress racks included the Lemon Yellow Chelsea Dress ($195), the Carmine Parachute Dress in Midnight Blue ($195), the Midnight Cholo Dress ($195), Bluebird Leonard Dress, and towards the back of the area I discovered the ultimate summer dress: the Ecru Bridget Dress ($195, pictured).

Two tables in the center of the room held knit tees, tanks, tee-shirt dresses and sweaters with employees furiously trying to refold every tossed around item in order to keep it all uniform and organized for incoming shoppers. Here, I discovered a luscious Pocket Knit Tank ($40 – this standard design is available in a wide selection of colors and in a tee-shirt and long sleeve cut as well) as well as a wonderfully soft Dark Grey Eugina Skirt ($125).

On your way to the denim area take a peak at the small shoe selection near the steps. Shoppers crowded the area, examining the few boots, flats, oxfords, and wedges that were on hand and shouted size requests at a busy employee. For the price, (Lux Shoes $350, Shoes $195, and Flats $125) I wouldn’t waste too much time here, but do sneak a peak at the Newport Wedge ($195) and Ivory Hamlet Ballet Flat ($125), they may be worth the price.

The denim section was buzzing. There are plenty of sizes and colors available in their standard legging-skinny jean, such as yellow, blue, textured black, and green, all for $95. Perfect for summer is the Coated White Zipper Capri ($95, pictured).

If you’re a hat lover like myself, get ready for a massive wall of fedoras and floppy hats, perfect for days on the beach or mornings where you don’t feel like spending time fixing your hair. For $65 the best of the bunch was the Serpent Dunaway Hat (pictured), the ultimate bohemian accessory.

Some random, non-dress or denim finds worth mentioning are the Raw Edge Sung Shirt in Ivory ($115, pictured), the Dakota Hoodie ($250), and the many Maxi Skirts in colors like Biscay Green ($175, pictured).

If you’ve saved up your pennies then I advise you to go crazy at the Rag & Bone Sample Sale, going on until Sunday. Make sure to try the clothing on in the designated dressing room in the back of the women’s section, as they do not accept exchanges or returns. With not a damaged, mismarked, or stained item in sight, there won’t be a quality sample sale like this one for some time to come.

WHEN: 6/14 – 6/17; Th-F (10:30-8), Sat (noon-7), Sun (noon-5).

WHERE: Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue
between 15th & 16th Streets

By Caitlin Colford

C. Ronson, “Play” by Charlotte Ronson, I ‘Heart’ Ronson, are all of the popular lines and offshoots that rest comfortably under the insanely popular brand, Charlotte Ronson. The Charlotte Ronson Sample Sale started today within the designer’s Bryan Park studio, offering samples and Spring and early Summer designs for a sliver of the price. Her famously feminine dresses were the hit of the sale, in a pleasant sorting order despite the tight quarters of her studio’s hallway.

If you’re planning on attending one of the many outdoor music festivals this summer (Bonnarroo, Firefly, Governor’s Ball, etc) then this is the perfect sale to hit up for essential wardrobe options. Start with the box of printed scarves ($10) to tie around the strap of your purse, or in order to keep your hair off your face, and then move to the accessory table, where there is an awesome beaded turquoise bracelet with hanging gold charm ($30) and plenty of stackable handmade colorful bracelets ($30) to decorate your wrists. I also loved the gorgeous beaded chandelier earrings ($30), which would look perfect under your straw fedora.

Now, on to the clothing. A small room holds three racks of $60 and $40 odds and ends. The hallway should be your main focus, but while you’re here take a peak at the Light Blue Knee Length Skirt ($60, Orig. $255, Size 2), a lovely Gardinia Lace Top w/ Black Bowtie ($60, orig. $235, pictured) and matching Gardenia Lace Shorts ($60, orig. $195), a Snow White Linen Dress w/ Brown Braided Belt ($60, orig. $235, pictured), and for the festival goers be sure to try on the midriff showing Two Piece Estate Blue Floral Top and Skirt ($60, pictured). If you’re a fan of the insy weensy belly baring tops then the Gardenia Mini Crop Ivory Top ($40) is calling your name.

The hallway holds the prized possessions and the cutest selection of dresses. For a backyard summer barbeque, look out for the Denim and Polkadot Dress ($80, pictured), the sleeveless Blue Floral Dress w/ Lace Trim ($80, pictured), and gorgeous Collared Lace Button Down Dress ($80, pictured). In the same hall on the opposite side is the Clay Open Back Denim Dress ($60), which is to die for.

If you have some spare time there is a box of damaged clothing ($15 a piece) as well as a box of damaged shoes ($20 a pair) that is waiting to be sorted through. I didn’t have much luck finding anything worthwhile, but perhaps as the merchandise in the box depletes, hidden gems will be revealed.

I was expecting more as far as merchandise goes at the Charlotte Ronson Sample Sale, but the few racks that displayed her to-die-for dresses certainly will tide you over until her mid-summer dresses, skirts, and tops go on sale in a month or so.

WHEN: 6/6 – 6/8

WHERE: 1071 Sixth Avenue
between 40th and 41st Streets
Suite 301

By Caitlin Colford