Betsey-Tacy and Tib

I think it’s safe to say that summer is here to stay! Get those toenails ready and summer dresses pressed, because it’s time to kick back and relax in the sun as you treat yourself the summer of your life, drink in hand of course. Be sure to take some time for yourself during these warm days – go on day trips, take a dip in the ocean, and splurge on bright colored bags and cute wedges. This week, it’s all about the casual cool wardrobe, so don’t miss J.Crew, Cynthia Rowley, Mikimoto, Lilla P, and Label+thread.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Casual Tuesday Threads

Spend your Tuesday with sample sales and a stroll on the Highline. Start off near Madison Square Park and make your way down to the Meatpacking District thanks to the perfectly arranged line up of sample sales.

T’S BACK! The J.Crew Sample Sale has returned to 260 Fifth Ave to bring us 60% off retail prices of dresses, shoes, denim and jewelry. This is an extremely popular sale — namely in the Spring when all are after the perfect beach look – so make it a point to get there well before 10AM when their doors open. Note that there is typically a large offering of samples at the JCrew Sale, so be on the look out for something original to stand out from the crowd. Last year, we found some classic summer steals during their June sample sale, including pebbled leather handbags for $120, shoes for $65, swimwear for $25 a piece, shorts for $25, and day-time dresses for $60. Don’t forget to scope out their Madewell selection as well!

Hop on down a few blocks to the Label + thread Sample Sale where apparel will be marked 80% off and samples will be offered for $50 or less. The NYC based up-and-coming brand has amazingly soft and comfortable cashmere and cotton knits as well as scarves, t-shirts, and gorgeous summer dresses that will be on hand for under $100.

Once you’ve had your fill, cross town and take the Highline downtown for a scenic stroll to the Lilla P Sample Sale in the Meatpacking District. The Lilla P Sale will offer rock bottom prices, ranging from $10 to $60 of her fabulous casual classics including flattering tees, lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts.

Mikimoto Sample Sale

You’re going to need some elegant jewelry to spice up all of that casual wear you have just purchased. Pearls are the perfect addition to a beach-y summer dress or a pastel linen tee, so why not head to the Mikimoto Sample Sale on Wednesday for 50-70% off cultured pearl jewelry. Earlier this year, the Mikimoto sale brought on long lines but offered great deals including a black south sea strand of pearls for $5,200 (orig. $13,000) and a classic strand of pearls for $917 (orig. $2,620).

Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale

Wrap up your sale week with the Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale where the Bleecker Street sale will offer 85% off ready-to-wear and accessories, in addition to one-of-a-kind Spring 2013 collection samples. Did I mention 85% off yet? If that’s not reason enough to attend, expect to find crew neck sweaters for $109 (orig. $295), confetti shorts for $99 (orig. $145), jeweled collar trophy dress for $99 (orig. $595) and double knit dresses for a special buy one for $99 and get a second style for $49 deal.

And with that, I’ll leave you with a quote by Maud Hart Lovelace, from Betsey-Tacy and Tib: “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: J.Crew