Caitlin Colford

There is a truly fabulous Designer Sale underway at Saks Fifth Avenue this week, a precursor to their vast Holiday Sale, where sales grow and prices are slashed right up until New Years Day, when the highest deductions take place. As we mentioned in this week’s Don’t Miss, this is the time to get your shopping on for your holiday party wear, before choices are slim and time is limited. Lucky for you, there is no better one-stop shopping retreat than the Designer Sale at Saks Fifth Avenue this week with up to 40% off designer goodies.

The mood for holiday dress shopping is immediately set in place as you take a gander at Saks’ glorious windows decorations. This year acts half as one major advertisement for — you guessed it — holiday party wear. From a Mad Men theme in one window, to flapper style in another, right up until the latest trends, windows depict the ultimate cocktail dresses and accessories in a glitz and glamour manner. The second half of the windows feature the main event, where tourists and locals alike, flock to snap their digital cameras and “ooh and ahh” over the imaginative displays. I must say, these are one of my favorite window displays of recent Saks’ holiday seasons.

Beginning with the sale on designer shoes, I was overwhelmed by the selection and size availability. This floor is definitely among the highlights of Saks’ sale. Jimmy Choo had the perfect party flat with their Black Sequin Loafer ($385, orig. $550, pictured), while Gucci offered a Cement Suede Strap Heel ($455, orig. $650, pictured), and taking the gold was Reed Krakoff with his Red and Mango Melanie Cut heels that would make any little black dress pop ($525, orig. $750, pictured), as well as his Leather Buckle Military Boots ($906.50, $1295, pictured).

The women’s contemporary wear on the 5^th Floor took 1^st place with the best of the sale. I was completely obsessed with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Green Shearling Motorcycle Jacket with leather detail ($570, pictured) and his Knee Length Ivory Coat as well ($570, pictured). The sale selection of 3.1 Phillip Lim in Saks definitely trumped Lim’s less than thrilling sample sale last month.  Moving along to Vince, I loved their Brown Cords and Grey and Orange Denim ($117-$136.50), as well as their massive Oatmeal Wrap Cardigan ($267, pictured). I certainly saw some great party options from Rag and Bone’s Agra Shirt, for a casual option ($174, pictured), to Milly’s Winter White Dress ($237, pictured) and Diane von Furstenberg’s Black Dress with Leather Cap Sleeves ($298, orig. $498).

I wasn’t so impressed with the sale on denim. Corduroys seemed to take charge of this section, with J Brand Brown Lioness Cords ($105) and 7 For All Mankind Plum Cords ($106).

Your classic little black dresses are all waiting for you. Within this great selection is a traditional Ali Ro Black Dress ($184), a cute Belted Shoshanna Dress ($198), and Nahalchand’s Black Dress with Lace Cap Sleeves ($358). For a glitz and glamor look, check out Monique Lhuillier Dazzling Sequenced Dress ($358), B44’s Black Sequenced Dress w/ Bow ($136), and lastly Aidan Mattox’s Crochet Knit Bead Dress ($210). Employees were still rolling out dresses to this section, with heaps of options for all tastes and sizes.

On the designer floor there was a small selection from Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Derek Lam, Jean Paul Gaultier, Doce & Gabbana and the works.  I wasn’t so impressed by these collections as they offer very little options. In the ten or so pieces on sale from Jason Wu I fell in love with his divine Red Lace Dress ($1,107, pictured).

The fur coat sale section was buzzing with shoppers, while around the corner the Stella McCartney sale racks wow-ed with her Bat Wing Sweaters ($738), Vibrant Blue Belted Dress ($933) and Blue Midnight w/ Gold Sequence Sleeveless Dress  ($2,475).

Do check out the Ralph Lauren racks with a color palate of nudes and mint greens, as well as the plum and white blends in Burberry’s sale assortment.

The Designer Sale at Saks Fifth Avenue is ready to doll you up and prep you to party. I highly suggest going, not only for your holiday outfits, but also to get the designer merchandise you have been lusting over all season, as it is highly unlikely it will be there as prices drop and sales continue. If that means paying 10% more for an item you’ll wear to death, then I say it’s worth it.

By Caitlin Colford

Photos: Caitlin Colford, Micky Filip

It’s hard to keep up with the breadth of Ralph Lauren. From the highest end Purple Label, to the middle point Blue Label, all the way down to the casual Ralph Lauren Denim Supply & Co., this designer has an extensive array of options for every price point and fashion preference. Today in Midtown, the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale at Soiffer Hasken began with Men and Women’s winter luxury apparel and accessories.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label occupied this credit card only sale, with a bit of RRL (Double Ralph Lauren) tossed in for good measure.

Blue Label, being the more traditional Ralph Lauren collection that you know from department stores, offered limited options, but high quality nonetheless for 70% off retail prices. Unfortunately, the notorious Soiffer Hasken “no photography” rule was strictly and tirelessly enforced today. I tried to steal a few snaps at the end in order for you lovely shoppers to gain a general gist, but their security’s hawk like eyes snagged me even then.

This sale consists mainly of cashmere sweaters, blazers, and black pants. In the neatly arranged cubby of racks, blocked off by sizes (up to size 14), the same styles repeated, with a fair amount of inventory for each piece. Among my favorites, which I found in nearly every size, was a Grey Long Sleeve 100% Cashmere Sleeveless Dress, which falls just above the calf ($286.50, orig. $955), a Merino Wool and Cashmere Blended Jacket featuring an assortment of beiges, creams, and nudes ($417, orig. $1,390), a wonderful Green Plaid Cape  ($999.40, orig. $4,498), and a Beige Alpaca Blend Oversized Sweater ($838.60, orig. $1,198).

A long table in the center of the room was the main attraction.  Piles of purple, orange, red, blue, grey, and black Ralph Lauren 100% cashmere sweaters ($389.40 – $479) were lined up and excitedly grabbed by cashmere feigning shoppers anxious to get their fix. Also on this table were simple, yet luxurious Cotton Long Sleeve Tops in various colors ($46.50), Merino Wool V Neck Sweaters ($157.50, orig. $525), and a stunning 100% cashmere Green Sweater w/ Shearling Lamb Fur Lining ($329.40, orig. $1,098).

In the back left corner of the sale were three racks full of pieces from the RRL, a casual, grittier line. One rack in particular was strictly denim, with great distressed washes in the form of skinny jeans and washed out flares ($126 – $206.50). While you’re getting your hands on some killer denim, peek around the corner to check out RRL’s Destroyed Denim Shirts ($103.50) and their Tweed Blazers ($420, orig. $1,200).

Although the sale states that there are “luxury accessories” on hand, this selection is 90-times more thin than the apparel section.  One table has a display of mediocre jewelry not worth a second glance, while behind the cashmere sweaters are two sizes of Canvas Tote Bags ($148.50, orig. $495) that resemble something you would receive as a freebie from Bloomingdales.

As you enter and exit the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale, prepare yourself for the rudest employees you will ever meet. Many shoppers were bullied and berated for being too slow in taking off their jackets and also bundling up to leave, while another young lady was scolded and brought to tears for accidentally scratching a less than pleasant employee. Although the options of the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale are slight, the cashmere alone may be worth braving the nastiness of the employees and the weather alike.

WHEN: 12/7 – 12/10; F-Sun (9-6:30), M (9-5)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street, NYC
(Just west of 8th Avenue)
For more information, call: (718) 747-1656, M-F (9-6)

By Caitlin Colford

Okay online shoppers, put down the credit card and step away from the computer, I repeat, step away from the computer! Take a moment to go outside, breathe in the crisp, fresh air, and soak up some Vitamin D, because the number prove you haven’t seen the outdoors much this week. This Cyber Monday racked up a whopping, and record shattering, $1.465 billion dollars alone, not including the surprise, pop up online sales that stretched through Friday, making it a full on “Cyber Week.”

Aha! I see you sneaky smart phone user, don’t think you’re getting away with your overindulging online shopping this week! After reading this article, it’s time to keep your eyes on the road and get back to something we humans like to call, conversation. An incredible 58.1% of all Cyber Monday shoppers were smart phone users, up nearly 20% from last year. Are your thumbs tired yet?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not rejecting online shopping and shoppers alike (hello, I’m among you!), I am simply trying to congratulate you on the amazing Internet deals you scored over this past week and invite you back into the real world of in-store shopping and sample sales. We are all set on our big-ticket items (i.e. flat screen TVs, leather jackets, designer purses, etc.), so now it’s time to focus on small, thoughtful gifts for others and some killer outfits for the upcoming season of holiday parties. Remember: this may be your last week to shop before the parties commence!

Saturday — Saturday: Sample Sale Alert: ORANGE

If you recall during our Thanksgiving edition of Don’t Miss, we alerted our readers to a new code system in announcing the severity of the upcoming sample sale line-up. Orange= good deals, high fashion, and worth a first day visit. It also means that it is necessary to check back in with us throughout the week for up to date information on which sample sales to get to and which to skip. This week, keep an eye out for Target and Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection, Vivienne Westwood, Helmut Lang, Joie, Current/Elliott, The News Sample Sale, and the rescheduled Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale.

SATURDAY

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection

There’s no better way to celebrate the shift of online shopping to the chaotic in store shopping than a trip to Target on Saturday in order to celebrate the Target + Neiman Marcus holiday collection. Check out Mirela’s article on the collection for a teaser and prepare yourself to browse their 50-piece collection.

Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale

Brits scream with glee today, as the Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale is unveiled on 36^th Street. There are many gifting options to be had at this up-to-60%-off-sale, including scarves, wallets, jewelry, sunglasses, and watches, on top of the full assortment of women’s apparel of course.

SUNDAY

Helmut Lang Sample Sale

Who doesn’t love Helmut Lang? Since 2007, Theory (another favorite) has been behind the brand and we have loved every second of it. West 36^th Street plays home to this year’s Helmut Lang Sample Sale where dresses will be as low as $145 (hello holiday outfit!). Keep your fashionable eyes peeled for their famous leather leggings.

TUESDAY

Joie, Current/Elliott & Equipment Sample Sale

Up to 75% off retail prices of outerwear, sweaters, tees, and the perfectly edgy denim line from Current/Elliott is being boasted in the advertisement for the Joie, Current/Elliott & Equipment Sample Sale, which starts at 9AM Tuesday at 260 Fifth Avenue.

THURSDAY

Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale

Rescheduled from November 6^th, the Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale is back on after having been rained out by Superstorm Sandy. Where better to score a killer pair of holiday party heels? Last time around, the beloved Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale was handled with organizational care. It is advised to get there extremely early (the sale begins at 9am), especially if you’re dying to be among the first to get your hands on a pair or two of Manolos. If you’re lucky enough to be among the first batch of shoppers you’ll be given a ticket, which will indicate your allotted shopping time. If you’re prepared for a day of waiting around for a mere hour of cash only, Manolo Blahnik shopping, then grab yourself a Venti coffee Thursday morning and head on out by day-break.

The News Sample Sale

Be prepared to stock up on a slew of gifts for the downtown fashionista in your life. Last year, The News Sample Sale rocked, literally, with edgy tees, destructed denim, graphic sweatshirt, and a wide range of affordable indie designer wear and accessories. If anything compared to last time around, The News Sample Sale is a do not miss.

We shoppers make it no secret that we’re championing the recession that has gripped us in recent years, and what better way to stimulate the economy than by shopping for not only yourself, but for your loved ones as well. This holiday season we’ll show the economy who’s boss, one handbag at a time.

By Caitlin Colford

If you’re in the market for a winter coat — namely one made of 100% wool – then a morning trip to the JCREW Sample Sale is essential.

If you’re in the market for essentially anything else (i.e. blouses, jeans, shoes, bags, etc.), then a trip to 260 5^th Avenue may not be worth your while.

During tonight’s press preview of the JCREW Sample Sale, editors and bloggers alike were stunned by the fact that there are absolutely no mirrors, let alone a changing area, for fit-questioning shoppers. The employees of 260 5^th Avenue claim that during the sale, which begins tomorrow at 10AM, they will be frowning upon shoppers trying on their goods, which I’m sure will be enforced given their plethora of employees and security that frequently flutters about.

No try-ons, and more importantly no mirrors, makes a decision on big ticket items, such as the aforementioned wool coats, significantly difficult.

Various sizes exist within the extra long rack of wool coats, which are all priced at an extremely reasonable $150. The best of the bunch was a Green Nello Gori Wool Peacoat ($150, Size 6, pictured), a Double Cloth Thinsulated Turquoise Coat ($150, Size 4, pictured), a Tuxedo Style Peacoat ($150, Size 10, pictured) and a beautiful Cream Collared Knee Length Coat in various sizes ($150). Only about a dozen leather jackets can be found in this section, and they range for a not-worth-it $300-$400.

I recall browsing the exact same racks of silk blouses during my last visit to the JCREW Sample Sale about a year ago. Looking back and reminiscing about that sale in particular makes it clear that this time around just doesn’t match up. Both sleeveless and long sleeve silk blouses were marked at $40, but I could not find a single top to highlight.

The $15 cozy tee shirts and $25 button downs are worth a peak, namely their Red Plaid Perfect Fit Button Down ($25, Size 6, pictured) as well as the various chambray and denim shirts. Please note that there are many defects on these tops, some of which are pointed out by small pieces of red tape (see photo of red plaid top). The defects and imperfections are nothing horrible, but do be sure to examine your purchases thoroughly before checking out (No Returns!).

A small rack held a small collection of super cozy and soft sweater dresses for $30, namely the cute Camel Sweater Dress ($30, XS, pictured). Within this same rack were a few striped sailor dresses that are worth a peek (also $30, pictured).

If it wasn’t for the small, two rack section of Madewell clothing, there would be no denim at all inside the JCREW Sample Sale. There was only a very small selection of jeans — all priced for $40 – but only featured a minimal array sizes and styles, which were mainly their Rail Straight style (only one pair of denim leggings and about two pairs of their Skinny Skinny jeans).

Although slight, the collection of Madewell tops and sweaters definitely trumped JCREW’s selection. Check out Madewell’s Wallace Sweaters ($35), namely their Wallace Double Breasted Grey Sweater ($35, One Size, Pictured), and button downs, including their Army Button Down ($25, Medium, Pictured), and their Denim and Corduroy Denim Jacket ($40, Small, Pictured).

Back to JCREW, they did have a wonderful (although, again small) collection of cashmere for as low as $35 for a blend and $90 for 100% cashmere. Further, check out JCREW’s Nude Maxi Dress ($40, various sizes, pictured) and collection of dress pants $40.

Their accessory department was wildly disappointing. Many people flock to this sale for JCREW’s buttery leather handbags. If you are among this group, don’t bother! There was only one large leather bag ($130), with the remainder being small cross body bags ($90) that could only fit a tube of lipstick and a MetroCard.

On a positive note, JCREW’s winter accessories were plentiful in a large bin, with hats, scarves and gloves priced at $20 a piece. Infinity scarves were also $20.

Unlike last year, the shoe selection this time around was disappointing. The same flats ($65), boots ($100) and heels ($100) made an appearance, with no new or recent styles to report.

Sadly it looks like this go-round of the JCREW Sample Sale is a whole bunch of leftovers from past sales. For those in the market of a new coat and matching accessories for winter, then certainly make a trip to 260 Fifth Avenue, but for everyone else: Skip it.

WHEN: 11/27 – 12/2; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-6)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th & 29th Street
New York, NY 10001

By Caitlin Colford