Betsey Johnson

It’s time to gear up for summer soirées, Hamptons pool parties, and fabulous outdoor brunches. Lucky for you this week of sample sales brings us a slew of preppy party wear options at ridiculously low prices, allowing you to sip champagne in style (and comfort!). Be prepared to stock up with endless options from Betsey Johnson, Gant, Ali Ro, Theory, Tibi, and Miguelina.

Gucci Sample Sale

Gucci recently announced a Private Sample Sale for their VIP clients beginning this Thursday and ending Tuesday, May 22nd. If you’ve spent the big bucks at Gucci recently, check your inboxes! You may just be among the select lucky few to gain access to this exclusive sale.

Gant Sample Sale

For my fellow tomboys out there, you simply cannot miss Tuesday’s Gant Sample Sale with up to 80% off the perfect boating look. Plaid and popped collar galore, be sure to check out their colorful pants as your browse through sporty looks from Gant, Gant Rugger, and Gant by Michael Bastian.

Ali Ro Sample Sale

Check out the Ali Ro Sample Sale in Midtown on Wednesday for racks of sexy summer dresses for a night out on the town. Their feminine glam styles are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

Theory Sample Sale

We all know how chilly it can get at night by the water so you’re going to want to make sure your armed with a fashionable toss on option. The Theory Sample Sale will provide an endless selection of cute and sleek blazers, a preppy accessory that will spice up your sleeveless dress for 65% off original prices.

Tibi Sample Sale

The Tibi Sample Sale is your go to for the ultimate brunch-wear options for up to 70% off. For day trips and noshing with your girlfriends, Tibi’s bright colors and flattering dresses are the ultimate must haves.

Miguelina Sample Sale

Miguelina has you covered for the days where you just feel like tossing on a pair of jeans. For up to 80% off, the Miguelina Sample Sale will offer up their gorgeous printed tops that will spruce up your denim.

Betsey Johnson Liquidation Sale

I’m sure you fashionistas out there have already heard the sad news, but for those who missed it, Betsey Johnson LLC, has filed for bankruptcy. During the next few weeks 63 of Betsey Johnson’s vibrantly pink boutiques will close, which to us translates to a MAJOR LIQUIDATION SALE! Friday will give you the chance to load up on your favorite funky designer’s styles and accessories for up to 80% off original retail prices.

A week of shopping and you are now predestined to have the must lusted after wardrobe of your gal pals this summer. Bring on the parties and social gatherings! You can thank me later, I’ll be waiting for my invites.

By Caitlin Colford

Remember that board game from long ago? Pretty Pretty Princess is still around, but hopefully if you are currently a frequent player of the popular gal-pal sleepover game, you are trying to avoid the evil, plastic black ring with your daughters or nieces. For fans desiring a trip down memory lane, I have just the place – the Betsey Johnson Sample Sale at the Millennium Broadway Hotel on 44^th St.

Be prepared to swim in pink, tutus, leopard prints, florals, and kitschy – yet fun – jewelry. Everything appears shrunken and mini, perhaps perfectly suited for our inner, six year old selves who are sure to have a blast playing dress up in Betsey Johnson’s wild fashions.

There are many racks of fabulously fun tutu style party dresses, all reduced with an additional 40% off taken at the register upon check out. The Hot Pink & White Strapless Day Dress in Silm ($105, pictured) and Black Strapless Zipper Ruffle Dress ($105 – pictured), are some pretty funky options for a night out on the town, and worth trying on if you’re at the shale for sheer fun.

Some other fun finds for dress up are the Checkered Black Corset ($39, Size 2), the Snake Print Leggings ($21, assorted sizes) and the Peggy Lace Strapless Evening Dress ($128, pictured).

If you’re looking for wearable clothing don’t worry, they have that too, just not much of it. A cute Zooey D-esque Red Printed Skirt ($30, pictured) is a flirty choice, and a great find for the summer, as is the Denim Floral Ruffle Skirt ($30, pictured).

There were only two purses left at 10:10AM and two Love Folds Silver Snap Clutch ($59, pictured). There were Multi-Colored Long Sweaters and a Black Floral Cropped Cardigan for $65, but they were nothing to squeal over.

All Boots were $75 while Leather Sandals were $30 and Wedges $40. No pair of shoes required a second look except for the sky high Samantha Black Leopard Lined Heel ($60, various sizes, pictured) and the Viki G Black Lace Strap Stiletto ($60, size 6, pictured).

The best part of the sale was the wild collection of play jewelry AKA a perfect new round of Pretty Pretty Princess. These outrageous combinations, such as the Bowtie Monkey Charm Bracelet ($25, pictured), Gold Flower Charm Bracelet ($25), and the Sunflower Charm Necklace ($25) are certain to jazz up any plain tank or t-shirt. Betsey Johnson is well known for her loud watches and they were of course on hand, ranging in price from $47 and up.

The majority of shoppers at this sale were prom dress seekers and their mothers, trying on armfuls of strapless, hot pink, tutu mini-dresses in hopes of outshining their fellow teens come time for their spring formal. Due to the overwhelming amount of high school age shoppers, an attendant shared that she expected most of the sale items to be gone by this afternoon.

Unless you have an Awesome 80’s Prom to attend, a funky bachelorette party or some other outrageous night out requiring a costume, this sale may not be worth going to unless, of course, you are up for an amusing and nostalgic round of Pretty Pretty Princess.

WHEN: 3/21 – 3/24; W-F (10-9), Sat (10-8)

WHERE: Millennium Broadway Hotel
145 W 44th St, 6th floor
between Broadway and Sixth Ave
(212-993-9251)

By Caitlin Colford