Caitlin Colford

Can you believe it’s that time again? It’s Thanksgiving week! In the coming days, most minds will be locked in on preparing the turkey, baking delicious pies, fixing the stuffing, and tidying up for company, rather than shopping and fashion. As we said last year, this is the time of year to love, cherish, and simply be with friends and family. But beyond that, it is also the time to prep your resources for the overwhelming “shop till you drop” season, also known as the holidays. Come Thursday, connect with friends and laugh with family, and be thankful for what you have.

Monday – Wednesday: Sample Sale Alert: Code Yellow

In the coming weeks you’ll take notice our use of an alert system in order to notify readers of the level of importance to that week’s line up of sample sales. If there are some huge, no brainer sales taking place (think deeply discounted Chanel!) we will implement a Code Red to urge you to get to the sale early on the first day in order to brave the line, no matter the weather! You want to be there as doors open!

Good deals, high fashion, and worth a visit on the first day? Code Orange. Sales going on, but nothing that will send you over the moon? Code Yellow. And then the blank slate: Code White, for the weeks when no events are taking place.

This week, we are flashing a Code Yellow. Sales are wrapping up from last week, stretching out discounts until a shopping shut down on Thanksgiving. If you can escape Turkey Day preparations, try to take a last minute trip to the Bulgari Sample Sale before their sale ends at 6:30PM on Tuesday. Here, you’ll be able to snag some decent deals on jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, and fragrances, a.k.a. potential stocking stuffers.

Also ending Tuesday is the Christopher Fischer Cashmere Sample Sale. Visit SoHo for up to 80% off snug and cozy scarves and accessories, and possibly a last minute Thanksgiving Day sweater.

If you still haven’t had your shopping fill, check out the final days of edgy and upcoming designer Heike Jarick’s Sample Sale, who is holding a Fall/Winter 2012 sale of up to 60% off at her 38^th Street studio.

Thanksgiving Day

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, make sure to take the time help others, even if it’s the simple gesture of donating the cost of this year’s turkey to the Red Cross’ Sandy Relief Fund. Don’t forget to think of those who aren’t fortunate to have a family to celebrate Thanksgiving with (The Stylish City’s Editor and Founder Mirela Gluck was lucky enough to have wonderful friends who invited her into their homes during her first years here in the states) and most importantly, accept your family, as crazy as they might be, because at the end of the day, nobody’s perfect.

Black Friday

When you think of Black Friday, big screen TVs, video game consoles, home appliances, and various big ticket electronics more typically than not pop into your mind. While that fact remains true this year, let’s not forget about our favorite department stores that will be opening their doors at the crack of dawn for deal hungry fashion lovers. Bloomingdale’s will be opening at 7AM this Friday to offer steals and deals, such as 25% off all women’s denim, but only until 1PM.  Macy’s, who recently released a whopping 35-page Black Friday ad, will be opening at midnight to present such deals as 50% off cashmere scarves and an extra 15% off already heavily discounted clearance and sale apparel with your “Wow! Pass,” as well as $10 off your purchase of $25 or more, until 1PM. Keep your eyes peeled for more deals to be announced around the Internet as Friday inches closer!

Small Business Saturday

Last year, over one hundred people went shopping within their local communities in order to support Small Business Saturday. As Obama continues to urge, small businesses are crucial to not only our economy, but for our unemployed friends, family, and neighbors, as they help to create jobs. This year, be sure to take a stroll down the street to work off those Thanksgiving calories and take a gander at what your local shops and boutiques have to offer! If shopping for a good cause isn’t reason enough to get out there, American Express is offering a special deal for card members: If you enroll in their “Small Business Saturday” program now, they will credit your card $25 when you spend $25 or more at a qualifying small businesses.

The Stylish City wishes you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble, gobble!

By Caitlin Colford

By 9:30AM lines swelled down the stretch of Spring Street and crawled around Varick as teeth chattered, while anxiously waiting for the 10AM start to the 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale.

With temperatures not quite reaching 40 degrees, there was only the notion of discounted prices of one of SoHo’s favorite designers to warm waiting shoppers up. By 10:10AM, the line slowly began to move as small clusters of shoppers were ushered onto a freight elevator, which is located in the left rear of the building’s parking lot, around the corner from 304 Hudson Street on the north side of Spring Street. Keep in mind, they only allow 5-10 shoppers on this elevator at a time, which caused the line to rapidly grow.

At 10:40AM an angry shopper exited the sale and dejectedly announced to the line: “No bags left! If you’re waiting to score a Phillip Lim bag, don’t bother!” This prompted quite a few shivering Lim fans to cut their loses and exit the line, after muttering a few obscenities.

Those who remained stated they were hoping to score killer outerwear, an article of clothing they wished they possessed at that given moment.

By 11:15AM I finally reached the finish line and took the freight elevator up with four other shoppers. After strolling through a kitchen of sorts, shoppers are forced to check their coats and bags before entering the sale’s sundrenched loft with 3.1 Phillip Lim sweaters and clothing strewn all about (there was literally a mountain of ditched goods just hanging out in the corner).

Most shoppers crowded around the racks that held a dismal collection of heels, as well as a few clutches and small bags, but nothing to bat your eyes at; the angry shopper was right: there were no bags left. The few remaining shoes (all priced at $100) included the Absinthe Green Braided T-Strap Evening Heel ($100, various sizes, pictured), and the Brandy High Cut V Pump ($100, various sizes, pictured).

The first rack of clothing featured a nice collection of pants, skirts and shorts, probably the only assortment of apparel that wasn’t terribly wrinkled or sloppily hung up. Mind you, there was no photography allowed, but I certainly did my best to sneak a collection of cell phone snaps. I saw quite a few pairs of wool pants that were worth a peak for their $75 price tags and all skirts are priced at $100, while shorts are marked at $75.

Near the disastrous shoe rack that appeared to have been attacked by savages, were two small racks of evening dresses. Every dress on this rack seemed as though it had been tried on already and hung up inside out, but through the mess I was able to find a nude and sheer cocktail dress embroidered with leather and jewels ($400, pictured) as well as a nude pinstripe pocket top ($100, size 6, pictured).

Please note: Don’t be defeated if you’re not a size 0-2 or in some cases 4-6 (sample sizes) because I did notice quite a few pieces that were size 8, as well as medium and large sweaters and shawls.

Moving on to the tops section, my anxiety over the wrinkly clothing heightened (OCD, much?), but I tried to not let it distort my opinion of the high fashion 3.1 Phillip Lim clothing before me. The trend of the sale (aside from the aforementioned wrinkles) was a large pallet of nude colored tops, with many yellows and beiges blended in. The thinner blouses, such as a sunbleached white sweater ($150) and the midnight blue zip track sweater ($150) were so delicate, I would bet money they would fall apart after one wear.

My advice to you is to focus mainly on the heavy weight sweaters and blazers. An unbelievably soft camel fur button up cardigan was available in all sizes ($150, various sizes, pictured), as was a pear colored wool shawl ($150, various sizes, pictured), and don’t miss the Collarless Knit Jacket ($175, orig. $550, size 6, pictured), or the oatmeal bubble zip up sweater with pink thread ($150, pictured), and the thick emerald green sweater dress ($150, pictured).

A messy pile of leather belts ($50) was arranged on a table, with a few pairs of gloves thrown in with them ($50). The men’s section was pint size and certainly not worth the wait in line. Note that there are no dressing rooms, women were undressing and trying on in a tight corner, visible to the entire room. Within this small area lied another heaping pile of unwanted clothing, where I’m sure some goodies and not-to-miss items existed, but who would be able to get to them?

If you’re looking for struggle, frustration, and disappointment then 3.1 Phillip Lim is the way to spend your day. If you’re not, you better stick to your warm home and scour the Internet for sales on Lim items. As a last ditch effort at Lim satisfaction, ShopStyle is holding a “Pin to Win” a 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, which may be your only hope at a discounted (or free) Lim bag today.

Womens

Woven Tops/Shirts

Long Sleeve: $150
Embroidered/Woven: $150
Short Sleeve, Sleeveless, Tanks: $100

T-Shirts

Long Sleeve, Short Sleeve, Tanks: $50

Sweaters

Embellished/Embroidered: $250
Cashmere: $200
All Other: $150

Bottoms

Leather or Sequin Skirt/Pants: $200
Wool, Casual, Silk, or Pleated Skirts: $100
Pants/Jeans/Shorts: $75

Dresses

Embellished/Embroidered/Sequin Dress: $400
Evening Gown: $400
Cocktail Dress: $300
Sweater Dress (Cashmere): $200
Sweater Dress (Wool), T-Shirt Dress, Day Dress: $150

Outerwear

Shearling Coats: $800
Fur Coats With Jewels: $600
Fur Coats Without Jewels: $500
Leather Jacket: $450
Fur Vests: $300 to $350
Coats: $300
Trench Coats: $200
Jackets: $175

Accessories:

Large Bags: $400
Medium Bags: $300
Small Bags: $150
Clutches: $150
Shoes: $100
Belts: $50
Necklaces: $50
Scarves: $75
Fur Scarves: $150
Gloves: $50
Fur Gloves: $100
Sunglasses $75

WHEN: 11/15 – 11/16; Th-F (10-7)

WHERE: 304 Huston Street
between Spring and Vandam Sts
Eighth floor north
Use freight entrance on the north side of Spring Street
between Hudson and Varick Sts

By Caitlin Colford

After enduring two weeks of near fiction-like weather, we are rewarded this week with a forecast of sunshine and moderate temperatures in addition to an outpouring of sample sales from top designers. With so many unbelievably great sales to choose from in the next seven days, this is your perfect opportunity to score a fabulous outfit for Thanksgiving dinner. Next week you’ll be worried about baking pies, prepping your home for company, and revving up for Black Friday, so take use week to indulge in some “me-time” as you attend sample sales from some of our favorite brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, Anna Sui, Thakoon, Nanette Lepore, Theory, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Bulgari.

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Start your week off right with gorgeous, sunny weather and 70% off clothing, handbags, footwear and accessories at the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale on 5^th Avenue hosted by the always organized 260 Sample Sales.

Anna Sui Sample Sale

When Anna Sui and $15 are featured in the same sentence than I am there. Monday at 8AM marks the start of a week long sale of 40-80% off women’s ready-to-wear at the Anna Sui Sample Sale, in addition to samples for as low as $15.

Thakoon Sample Sale

Thakoon’s most recent merchandise from Fall 2012 will be on sale at their SoHo sample sale beginning Tuesday at 8:30AM, in addition to past season’s wear. Last spring their sale offered sample pieces for as low as $50, so be on the look out for sample steals!

Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

Wednesday brings us bright colors, bold patters, and thick heels at the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale on West 35^th Street where they promise embroidered skirts for $100, jewel-tone velveteen pants for $125, and beaded silk frocks for $175.

Maison Martin Margiela H&M Collaboration

The Stylish City loves a good H&M collaboration. This time around, Maison Martin Margiela brings avant-garde to the floors of wallet friendly H&M, beginning Thursday, November 15th. If we’ve learned anything in the past, it’s that arriving early to H&M on the first day of a collaboration is an absolute necessity, if you want to be able to purchase the top styles in your size that is. Please note, the way it usually works in these cases is a certain number of wristbands are distributed well before H&M even opens. These will indicate what time you will be allowed to shop that day. So be prepared to line up early!

Theory Sample Sale

For diehard fans of the designer, there are two Theory sample sales taking place this week, beginning Thursday at 10AM. With cozy sweaters and ultra cute dresses, Theory may be your best bet in finding the ultimate Thanksgiving outfit that is flattering yet comfortable. Come Thursday, be sure to first drop by the true blue Theory Sample Sale, hosted by the brand at Privé located in the Chelsea Marketplace for deals up to 60% off their men and women’s collections. If you still haven’t had your Theory fill, take a trip uptown and visit clothingline on 36^th Street, where they’ll offer Theory’s fall merchandise, including outerwear, knits, dresses, blazers, and more at a discount.

3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale

There’s nothing better than alleviating your shopping guilt by knowing your purchase is benefiting a good cause, close to home. A portion of the proceeds from Thusday’s 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale will be donated to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts. This sale is a definite Do Not Miss.

Alice & Trixie Warehouse Sale

To further benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts via shopping, head to SoHo on Thursday after the Phillip Lim sale where Alice & Trixie will host a warehouse sale with samples, stock, vintage, and one of a kind items, which will start at $10. 15% of sales from this event will be donated to the American Red Cross relief fund.

Bulgari Sample Sale

Early holiday shopping is in order on Saturday. Load up on goodies for your loved ones as Soiffer Haskin hosts the Bulgari Sample Sale, where jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, and fragrances will be priced at an eye-popping discount.

After getting a jump on holiday shopping, donating to the Red Cross, and scoring a comfortable yet stunning outfit for Thanksgiving Day, I’d say this week was pretty much a success. Just don’t forget to wear your apron to protect that amazing new dress while fixing the turkey and all the trimmings next week!

By Caitlin Colford

Pixie Market is known for their affordable selection of downtown style. For every pricier piece, Pixie matches it by featuring an affordable and well-made item. Some of their prices seem almost too good to be true, requiring a second glance at the two-digit price tag. Needless to say, Pixie Market’s retail buyer has an eye for funky and emerging designers who offer their impeccable style for pennies compared to the well-known labels. With that said, you can only imagine what a sample sale at Pixie Market would look like.

Imagine no more, folks. After a week’s delay due to the horrific weather that swept our area, Pixie Market officially rung in the start of their sample sale today with rock bottom prices, and tags that read no higher than $40. Pair these prices with peter pan collars, fringe bags, and ankle length booties, and you have the perfect recipe for a Pixie’s dream.

About 25 anxious shoppers waited in line on the Lower East Side this morning, awaiting Pixie Market to open their doors at noon. Without skipping a beat, the door was unlocked right on time and all shuffled into Pixie Market’s itty-bitty boutique space (the word market in the store’s title is a bit deceiving).

As more customers piled in the small store, most shoppers crowded around the rack marked “small,” tearing at mostly blouses and dresses, not allowing personal space to be an issue. The “medium”  and “large” racks were not given as much love, leaving free reign over the best selections.

A traffic light-like sign depicted the low prices of each sale item with $20 for green marked tags, $30 for red, and $40 for blue. Please note: This sale is cash only, but there is an ATM right across the street for your convenience.

While making my way through each rack, I found some fantastic pieces for unbeatably low prices. Such steals were Cotton Candy’s Blu Coat in Black ($30, size Large, Pictured), a maroon blouse with a blue peter pant collar by House of Balfour ($30, size Large, pictured), a two-tone short sleeve sweater by Freeday ($20, size Small), a pile of black velvet shorts with gold stud features by Evil Twin ($30, assorted sizes), and an incredible tuxedo dress by Ciel ($20, size Large, pictured).

The shoe selection was mediocre, yet still ideal as far as the prices go. Most shoes pictured are $30, with the exception of a standout pair of cow-hair skull loafers from Beobe ($40, assorted sizes, pictured).

Long lines to the dressing room formed after the initial hype died down and as shoppers came out I was able to be the first one to check out the pieces they were not purchasing. Among these were a ladybug-esque dress by Oxford Circus ($20, size Medium, pictured), a turquoise button up blouse by Dee and Ray ($20, size Small, pictured), and a Siam Square Co. brown dress with velvet and polka dot features ($30, size Small, pictured).

Before racing to the register, try your luck at the trunk full of clothing, accessories, and bags, all for $10.

If your closet is lacking ultra cute button ups and short dresses, then don’t let too much time pass before making a trip to the Pixie Market Sample Sale this weekend. There were still plenty of people piling in, with not a ton of merchandise to choose from, therefor, today an after work shopping trip downtown is mandatory if you want to get your Zooey Deschanel on this weekend.

WHEN: 11/9 – 11/11; F-Sun (noon-8)

WHERE: Pixie Market NYC Store
100 Stanton Street
between Ludlow and Orchard Sts
212-253-0953

By Caitlin Colford