Caitlin Colford

Today’s press preview of the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale was easily accessible to those pedestrians passing the 260 Fifth Avenue storefront decorated with an eye catching floor to ceiling yellow Alice + Oliva signage. Typically on preview days at this establishment they require identification to match up to the name on the VIP list, but today they were welcoming all. Unfortunately, after taking only a few photographs I was asked to put my camera away and was instructed that the designer specifically requested no photography at the sale.

The sample sale, lasting through Saturday, is a great stop for those seeking a trendy and gorgeous New Year’s Eve dress. Many styles on hand are from Alice + Olivia’s Winter 2012 line that is still available in stores for full retail prices, making this sale a must visit if you’ve had your eye on a specific A + O dress in Bloomingdale’s.

Alice + Olivia’s heavy focus on two-tone pieces are the main attraction at this week’s sale. Most items are blazers and dresses, with a dismal variety of blouses, skirts, and a limited selection of pants available as well, all within the range of sizes 0-12/S-XL, with majority of the merchandise being a 4 or a 6.

Beginning with jackets and blazers, the black and green velvet Betty Jacket is a must see ($149, orig. $495, S, pictured), as well as the Celeste Collarless Trim Jacket in yellow and blue ($149, orig. $495, S, pictured), and the Glenna Double Pocket Long Vest ($149, orig. $368, size M, pictured).

The only blouse that caught my eye was the Evelina Sequin Long Sleeve Top ($79, orig. $396, pictured), keeping with the heavy sequin theme of the dress section. The display of dresses is a disco ball haven, with embellishments galore. These stylish pieces are a young Hollywood favorite and are adored by many. Although the selection was by no means overwhelming, there were certainly plenty of options to satisfy your craving. Beginning with the non-embellished dresses, favorites include the Madeline Leather Boxy Fitted Skirt Dress ($129, orig. $495, size 6, pictured), the black and nude Amena Fitted Dress ($129, orig. $275, pictured) and the gold tweed Elise A-Line Skirt Dress ($129, orig. $396, pictured).

I wasn’t able to locate the style names of many of the embellished dresses, which are all marked at $199, but I assure you these are all worth a browse if you are looking for dazzling evening wear. They did have the Randee Striped A-line Dress on sale ($199, orig. $597, pictured), as well as a beautiful black and white dress with a black sequin skirt and belt feature ($199, orig. $495, size 6), as well as other embellished black and white dress options in sleeveless and long sleeve varieties and gold, black, and silver combinations.

Three fantastic racks full of samples were being furiously plucked from. One rack of $29 samples featured soft and casual basic tops and bottoms, while the remaining $49 and $99 racks were full of dresses embellished with sequins and other one of a kind dress options. This area was definitely the hit of the sale.

A small L-shaped display of shoes, which were mainly all animal print, was seated in the rear of 260 Fifth Avenue, with less than exciting selections apart from the Dakota Flats. Two lines of bins were set up with Belts ($29), Beaded Handbags ($69), Clutches ($229), Swimwear ($49), Scarves ($69) and a mediocre collection of jewelry and sweaters.

As you can determine for my lack of enthusiasm for sections other than that of the dresses, this is only a sale to visit if you are in the market for a party dress, or something dazzling to keep stashed away. The blazer and jackets are a bonus option making a trip to the sale also worth your while if those too tickle your fancy, but sadly this isn’t a stop for last minute gift options.

WHEN: 12/17 – 12/22; Tue (9-7), W-Th (10-8), F (10-7), 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

Staying on top of all the latest and greatest trends is a must for every fashion forward femme. Still, there are some trends that — despite countless women participating in them — should just bow out with the sun and never rise again.

For example, the drop crotch pants trend (shudder) was super trendy for about a month or so until people finally realized that they made the wearer look like she had soiled an adult diaper. This was a trend that fizzled out and we hope it stays that way.

The following trends are still being plastered across billboards, magazine spreads and featured on countless fashion/beauty websites daily. However, we here at The Stylish City eagerly await their demise. If you agree or disagree with any of them, let us know in the comment section (or feel free to add your own despised trends).

Micky Filip: Low Rise Pants

Micky says that low rise pants trends are unflattering on roughly 99.99% of the population. They have the potential to create muffin top on even a size 00. Not to mention, nobody wants to see your butt crack — even if you have been working out.

Caitlin Colford: Neon/Sheer Tee’s in a Black Bra

A bra is an undergarment meant to be seen only by you and perhaps a lucky someone. The whole “Hey Guys! Look at my bra!” trend is not fashionable — it’s borderline trashy. What happened to the days when we chose bras with the ultimate goal of having them not show?

Wendy Rose Gould – Cultural Appropriation

Stealing from various cultures’ traditions and calling it fashion is a major no-no. It’s one thing to appreciate various cultures and another to take traditional knowledge and cultural expressions without permission. I’ve seen bindi beads and turbans, but, as of late, the fashion world has particularly crossed a line with Navajo and Native American fashion. It’s disrespectful and there are much cooler — more modern — things happening on the runway.

Mirela Gluck: Nail Art and Skyscraper Heels

While nail art has the potential to be undoubtedly impressive, site owner Mirela is so over seeing fancified manicures in every magazine or blog she looks at. She’s also over sky high — or skyscraper high, really — heels. Some are pretty to look at, but no lady looks good hobbling/teetering/falling down the sidewalk. Some of those babies are downright dangerous.

Ritu Bindra: The Bollywood Look

Ritu — the developer of The Stylish City website who currently lives in India — commented on how so many Indian women try to take the fashion they see in Bollywood films and replicate it on the streets. For example: many attempt to pair a sheer sari with a barely there brassiere. This tacky trend takes away from the beauty of a sari, which is already pretty sexy in and of itself.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Although the Tory Burch Sample Sale held a surprise opening at 2PM yesterday, it was today that drew in the crowds of ballet flat loving shoppers, anxious to get their hands on a few pairs of discounted shoes. Given the Fashion District location, many local employees came down from their cubicles to be on hand for the 11AM opening. Fortunately for those who arrived early, the line seemed to swell greater as the lunchtime rush spilled onto West 36^th Street.

While waiting in line I took note to the numerous amounts of blue bags that were being clutched tightly by exiting shoppers, providing the prospect of fabulous deals for those waiting. One woman was nice enough to stop and share that the clothing selection “was disappointing,” stating further that this sale was “all about the shoes.”

Upon entering Clothingline on the 2^nd floor for the Tory Burch Sample Sale, you are handed a number that will immediately place you in line for 10 minutes (and 10 minutes only) of fast paced shopping and try-ons in the shoe section. That’s right, after waiting in line your must…wait in line again. To provide you with an idea, I was handed number 461 and as I arrived they were just calling in numbers 405 and 406.

During your waiting time you are invited to browse the Tory Burch handbags and apparel sections, which are less than thrilling. While moseying around I heard many sighs of disappointment by the dismal selection. One shopper even approached me to inquire if merchandise will be added to the sale. The only additions will be additional stock from the influx of the same styles repeated throughout the size specific racks (0-12, S-XL).

Starting with the wall of handbags, prices reached as low as $95 for the Stitched Logo Swingpack to $250 for the Maisey Shopper, Maisey Tote (pictured), and Maisey Hobo (pictured). Also on hand was the Julian Small Convertible Bag in three different colors ($225, pictured).

The meek assortment of ready-to-wear was bleak, although the discounts on clothing certainly trumped the lame discounts on shoes and bags. One pro to the frustrations of the Tory Burch Sample Sale is the high quality apparel. If you make a trip to the sale, check out the Cornelia Dress ($150, orig. $395, various sizes, pictured), Walker Sweater Coat ($194, orig. $450), Adalia Top ($85, orig. $250, pictured), Original Sequin Dress ($425, orig. $850, Size M, pictured), and the beautiful Bridgette Dress ($150, orig. $425, Size M). There were some denim options mixed in throughout, mostly the Tory Classic Jean ($85, orig. $175, pictured).

I’m not quite sure what the excited shoe-shopper outside was speaking about, because there were only a handful of shoe options at the Tory Burch Sample Sale, none of which screamed “amazing deal!” Every pair of shoe on sale is pictured here, proving that there is no grand department worth waiting for.

The Alaina Booties ($200) and Kendrick Driving Loafer ($125) were available in a few colors, while Tory Burch’s Murphy Sneaker was available in one gold color ($99). The classic Ballet Flats were $150 and the traditional wedge were a bit more for $165.  Lastly, there were two tall leather boots were featured in black and brown for $250.

All in all this Tory Burch Sample Sale is not worth your time. With the upcoming holiday sales at all of the main department stores, there are certainly better Tory Burch deals waiting for shoppers than here at her Midtown sample sale.

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/16; M (2-7), Tue-F (11-7), Sat-Sun(10-5)

WHERE: 261 West 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

By Caitlin Colford

The month chock full of holiday cheer and tireless shopping is in full swing, with a ticking clock growing louder and louder while it counts down to the ultimate gift giving day we are all looking forward to. This week, with sales from Charlotte Ronson, DVF, Frette Fine Italian Linens, Haute Hippie, Alain Mikli and Tory Burch, you’ll have ample opportunity to find the perfect gifts for your fashionable friends and family members, as well as take a special time out to browse for yourself. It may be the time of year to think about purchasing thoughtful gifts for others, but that’s no reason to pass up a good bargain for you!

This Week’s Sample Sale Alert: ORANGE

Start off the week right with the Haute Hippie Sample Sale on Monday. Their luxurious bohemian clothing would make the perfect gift for the free spirits in your life. April’s Haute Hippie Sample Sale was a hit, which provides great potential for this winter sample sale with up to 75% off.

Rest up Monday evening, because there is a lot of shopping to be done come Tuesday! Begin your day right at the strike of 9AM and be first in line for the DVF Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale at 260 Fifth Avenue. This four-day sale will provide up to 70% off DVF ready-to-wear, bags, and accessories with actual samples on hand.

Next up on Tuesday, tote your beautiful new DVF wrap dress uptown and arrive right on time for the 11AM opening of the Tory Burch Sample Sale on West 36^th. Be sure to get your sister’s and girlfriends’ sizes in advance, and load up on buttery soft flats from among the most comfortable brand on the block.

End your day in SoHo with the last official Alain Mikli Sample Sale. Consider purchasing a pair of Alain Mikli’s bold frames in order to bespeckle the sophisticated men and fashionable women in your life with high end eyewear.

After a hectic month of shopping, you’re going to need a nice cozy bed to rest in. Transform your bedroom into a luxurious living space with fine Italian linens from the Frette Sample Sale, opening Wednesday. With bed, bath, and table linens also available, this sale could be the perfect stop for special gifts for your loved ones.

Uptown on Wednesday, the Charlotte Ronson Sample Sale kicks off, with up to 70% off her popular clothing from Ronson’s fall collection. From tweed jackets with leather trim, to floral print flocks, this is the ultimate sale for the downtown style maven in your life.

With next week being shopping crunch time, this week may be the last chance for sane shopping without the added stress, pressure, and crowds. To reward yourself for shopping ahead of time, saving with great bargains, and purchasing thoughtful presents, be sure to gift yourself something special from your favorite sale.

By Caitlin Colford