Caitlin Colford

To Our Valued and Beloved Readers,

It is from the depths of our hearts that we offer our condolences to those affected by Hurricane Sandy’s destructive path. Last week, many were left with little to nothing from the vicious super-storm even the most prepared could not battle. Homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and spirits were broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you who have been impacted by Sandy’s wrath and we deeply hope your friends and family are safe.

As power is gradually restored, we crawl slowly towards our return to normalcy. The Stylish City considered not releasing a “Don’t Miss This Week” because for many, shopping will be the last thing on anyone’s mind this week. But for some, it may act as a stress reliever — retail therapy if you will – and that is why we have decided to bring you suggestions on where to shop this week in hope that it restores a sense of relief within and helps you take your mind off the horrible week our surrounding area has had, if only for a little bit. For a shopping escape this week, visit sales from Alexander Wang, AEFFE USA Clothing, Pixie Market, Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor&Rolf, and the invitation only sale from Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik.

Alexander Wang Sample Sale

The uber popular Alexander Wang Sample Sale is back this week and edgy dressing New Yorkers are bursting at the seams with excitement. Last year, aside from long lines, the Alexander Wang Sample Sale brought us $20 tee shirts and $60 knit sweaters from Wang’s T line. This year, the sale promises up to 70% off ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories at 131 Greene Street beginning Tuesday, November 6^th.

AEFFE USA Fall/Winter Sample Sale

Wednesday, November 7^th brings the bi-annual clearance sale at AEFFEE USA on 56^th Street. Although retail sale more than a sample sale, AEFFE plans to reduce their fall and winter stock by 65% or more. Brands you should plan to come across are Alberta Ferretti, Cacharel, Fuzzi, Jean Paul Gaultuer, Moschino and Pollini.

Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor&Rolf, and more Sample Sale

The sleek looking Dsquared2 line and pieces from the cutting edge Viktor&Rolf will be on sale starting Thursday, November 8^th at Staff USA on West 19^th Street. Staff USA also promises stock and samples in addition to Fall and Winter 2012 pieces from Maison Martin Margiela, MM6 and more.

Pixie Market Sample Sale (Rescheduled from Last Week)

If you love downtown fashion, then you are already aware of the Lower East Side’s Pixie Market on Stanton Street. Friday, Pixie Market will host a sample sale with price slashes on all of our favorite edgy designers. According to their sale listing, women’s apparel and accessories are priced between $20-$40! I know where I’ll be Friday: First in line to scope out their Jeffrey Campbell sale selection.

Invitation Only: Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale

As reported last week, Christian Louboutin  was planning to hold a super exclusive, invitation only sample sale  at 306 West 38^th Street starting   Monday, November 5th.    The Warwick Hotel was supposed to play home to the super exclusive Manolo Blahnik sample sale starting  this Wednesday, November 7^th. MadisonSpy.com reports that both sales have been cancelled or rescheduled. Keep checking up with us,  we will update you Monday with more information about both sales and any other last minute changes to the others.

If you were fortunate enough to come out from the storm unscathed and wish to help those less fortunate, please consider volunteering in impacted areas and donating to the Red Cross. The NYC Mayor’s Office is urging people to sign up through NYC Service. They are seeking volunteers for various efforts (via Gothamist).

In our technological age, donating is simple. The American Red Cross has been crucial to the recovery of Hurricane Sandy victims and is offering shelter, clothing, supplies, food and blood. To donate $10 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 or you can call 800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For those who remain without water, heat and electricity, all New York Sports Clubs have opened their doors to all and are offering a place of solace. Visit your local club for warmth, a stress relieving work out, hot shower, sauna, and charging stations.

We wish you all a fast recovery.

By Caitlin Colford

As Hurricane Sandy takes the east coast by force this Halloween week, we can’t help but brace ourselves for what has the potential to be the worst storm the tri-state has ever seen. Most, if not all of us, will be bound to our homes on Monday and Tuesday, hopefully safe and sound, drinking hot cocoa and browsing the infinite pages of the Internet, hoping to score some shopping steals. We’ll use shopping to get us through Sandy’s impending doom and also to celebrate her departure, which can’t come quickly enough. Fellow sweet tooth’s: Let’s not allow Sandy to steal the spotlight from our favorite candy themed holiday (Happy Halloween!) and aside from snacking all day on Reese’s, Snickers, and Milky Ways, satisfy your shopping cravings with super sweet sales from Furla, Under Amour, United Nude, Pixie Market and Rena. We’ll also give you a sneak peak of next week’s sales, post-Frankenstorm and how to utilize your time stuck in your apartment wisely.

Furla Sample Sale

Given the Furla Sample Sale will more than likely be cancelled on Tuesday, you can still be the first in line come Wednesday as Clothingline on 36^th Street opens its doors to unveil deep discounts on luxurious leather bags, shoes, and small accessories from Furla.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the Furla Sample Sale has been postponed to November 25th.

Under Armour Sample Sale

Monday morning it was reported that Hurricane Sandy has more than a 50% chance of knocking out power, which can last for up to ten days. Yikes! As nights become chillier and the prospects of having heat this week becomes dismal, the Under Armour Sample Sale couldn’t come at a better time. Wednesday’s Halloween day Thursday will bring fantastic deals on performance gear at 260 Fifth Avenue. After we load up on new workout gear, we’ll grab some long sleeve Under Armour performance shirts to wear under our fur coats.

United Nude Sample Sale

No censors here. Thursday’s United Nude Sample Sale will feature not only their abstract 2012 spring and summer styles, but also pairs of shoes from their fall and winter 2011 collections for low prices between $25-$100. United Nude’s funky and eye catching heels, which helm names such as the ‘Elastic Remix Hi’ and ‘Fold Lo Bright Miz’ are essential if you want a knock out pair of heels this winter.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the United Nude Sample Sale has been postponed to November 8th.

Pixie Market Sample Sale

If you love downtown fashion, then you are already aware of the Lower East Side’s Pixie Market on Stanton Street.  Friday, Pixie Market will host a sample sale with price slashes on all of our favorite edgy designers. According to their sale listing, women’s apparel and accessories are priced between $20-$40! I know where I’ll be Friday: First in line to scope out their Jeffrey Campbell sale selection.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, the Pixie Market Sample Sale has been postponed to November 9th.

Rena Lange Sample Sale

The Stylish City loves a true blue sample sale, and Rena Lange is hosting one starting Sunday in their showroom on 14^th Street. For up to 90% off, the designer brand will offer their wow-worthy-work suits and outfits from Fall/Winter 2012 as well as sample and stock pieces in sizes 4-14.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, the Rena Lange Sample Sale has been postponed to December 16th.

Post Frankenstorm

The rain has cleared, the streets are dry, and we’re fully recouped from the ultimate Halloween hurricane. Next week, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik are both holding super exclusive, invitation only sample sales. As we’ve learned in the past, there is no getting around security at the door. So, here’s the thing. While you’re sitting around for the next few days, trapped inside, utilize your time wisely and troll fashion blogs and email industry pals in order to find your way on to Christian Louboutin and Manolo Bahnik’s super exclusive sample sale list. If you’re successful, share your excitement or your tips in our comments section!

Also, next week keep an eye out for the always fabulous Alexander Wang Sample Sale, as well as the AEFFE USA, and Armani Sample Sales.

New York City will be sweeping up Sandy’s destruction during the latter half of this week and while our city officials get things up and running again, we’ll help stimulate the economy by doing what we do best: shopping!

By Caitlin Colford

Cinzia Rocca, a ready-to-wear Italian design label, which is sold in high-end department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, is currently holding a sample sale for their gorgeous Fall Coats in the Penthouse at 30 Park Avenue South. A satisfying and stunning selection, these designer coats are being sold at an extremely reasonable price given their high quality design, with a buy one get one half off draw in to top things off. The only bad news here is that all of the coats on sale — except for about ten or so — are a size 6 and a size 6 only.

To kick things off we’ll start with the lower priced items: the capes and short coats. Unless otherwise specified, all merchandise listed from here on out is a size 6 and please note, since this is a true blue sample sale, there is only one piece per design. The extremely sunny showroom provided ample lighting that accentuated the fabulous material of such items as the Angora and Wool Gray and White Herringbone Coat ($300, pictured), a Baby Llama and Wool Maroon Cape ($300, pictured), an Ivory Wool Short Coat w/ Tie ($300, pictured), and a Green Baby Llama and Wool Military Style Short Coat ($300, pictured).

Moving on up a price point, stand outs in this section were a beautifully colored Light Brown Wool Walking Coat w/ Sweater Sleeves ($400, pictured), a similarly colored Zip Up Wool Walking Coat w/ a Polyester Neck for chilly days ($400, pictured), an unbelievably soft Baby Llama Purple and Grey Walking Coat w/ Patent Leather Belt ($400), an interesting blend of Surialpaca and Wool on a Grey and Black Walking Coat ($400, pictured), and lastly a Baby Llama and Wool Purple Walking Coat with Angora Sleeves ($400, pictured).

As promised, there is a small assortment of various sized coats. With only about ten to choose from, it’s really hit or miss here. I saw a Long Red Walking Coat in Size 4 ($350, pictured), a Size 16 Black Cape ($300) and a Size 4 Camel Walking Coat ($400).

Now, back to the Size 6’s. Although the best of the collection lies within the walking and short coats, I did find a few long coats that would serve you well into the winter months. A Long Wool and Angora Olive Coat w/ Cashgora Neck ($500, pictured) caught my eye immediately, along with a Mohair, Llama, and Wool Black and White Long Coat ($500).

All coats with fur trim are $1,000, no matter what animal fur is featured. Here I found a Wool, Silk, and Agora Grey Short Coat w/ Rabbit Trim ($1,000, pictured) and a Wool and Angora w/ Alpaca Fur Walking Coat ($1,000, pictured).

The Cinzia Rocca Sample Sale couldn’t have arrived at a better time. As the mornings become chillier and daytimes become shorter, we are all currently in the market for Fall Coats. The best part about the sale is you can bring a fashion friendly pal along with you and share the buy one get one half off deal. If you and your best gal are a size 6 and have a few bucks to spend, then the Cinzia Rocca Sample Sale is your place for a high quality, soft, and gorgeous fall coat.

WHEN: 10/1 – 10/19; M-F (9:30-5)

WHERE: 30 Central Park South, Penthouse
New York, NY 10019

By Caitlin Colford

First off, let me start by saying: the Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale is not…a sample sale. The abuse of this phrase needs to be put to rest – if your sale doesn’t feature samples, then sorry to say, but it’s not a sample sale! Don’t let this deter you though shoppers! Despite the aforementioned fact, the Dolce & Gabbana “Sample Sale” has incredibly deep discounts (up to 90% off!) on merchandise from mainly ‘09, ‘10, and ’11, causing me to take it upon myself to rename this event: The Dolce & Gabbana Closet Sale.

At the stroke of 1 P.M., when the doors of the Metropolitan Pavilion were unlocked and security waved in the first round of excited shoppers, a line formed down the street, nearly touching Sixth Avenue. With about 100 shoppers in front of me, I observed departing fashion lovers as I waited in line for 45 minutes. It seemed that the trend among shoppers was that they either left empty handed or with so many bags stacked up their arms that they required assistance. One woman in particular left with 10 (yes 10!) bags and required two gentleman to help her back the cab. I know what you’re thinking, “Did she leave anything for me?” Well, sort of.

After the elevator whisked myself and nine other shoppers to the 5^th floor, I entered a pleasant loft space with tight aisles, but a manageable crowd. To start, there is a small table of accessories with nothing exciting. Many were crowded around to check out the headbands and men’s wallets. Like I said, not too exciting.

Many shoppers were confused by the pricing and mark-downs. It takes a lot of math and a lot of reading to determine the price of each item. Discounts were arranged by year, so if a dress was made in 2009 (or prior) it was 90% off, 2010 = 80% off, 2011 = 70% off, 2012 or 2999 or Archives = 60% off. In scouring the racks I saw no archives, nor did I see anything made prior to 2009, the majority of what was featured was from 2010 and 2011.

Half of an aisle was dedicated to amazingly gorgeous waistcoats and jackets, which were definitely the stars of the show. A pretty Green Giacchino Verdone Jacket ($499, pictured, orig. 2,495) first caught my eye, next was the Cardigan Con Inserti Variante with gold trim ($410, pictured, orig. $2,050), then the bright and vibrant Gold Crop Jacket ($269, pictured, $2,695), and lastly a super cozy looking sweater jacket labeled Antracile Scurissimo ($330, pictured, orig. $1,650).

Many of the dresses that were worth a look were all from D&G, such as the black laced Variante Abbinita ($185, pictured, orig. $925) and a retro-glamorous blue velvet Melanzana Scurissm ($300, pictured, orig. $1,000). The skirts are also worth a browse, but again, the winners were from D&G vs. Dolce and Gabbana, like the D&G Fantasia Gold Skirt ($88, pictured, $295).

The pants were all jammed together in no particular order. There was every style you could think of from Dolce & Gabbana, but only in one or two sizes per design. I saw black corduroys, brown and black dress pants, white linen pants, cream dress pants, leopard and floral print pants, wool trousers, denim, you name it! On an average the pants started at $995, making them ring up between $100-$696, depending on their year.

I was surprised to see the shoe and purse section pretty much devoured by the time I arrived. There were little to no handbags to be spoken for and a mess of a shoe section. Although still packed with styles, it seems most of the good pairs of shoes were already swiped. I did see a few options like the D&G Brown Two Town Strap Heels ($208, pictured, orig. $208), the D&G Sandalo New Air Shoe in Red or Black ($208, pictured, $695), and the eye-popping priced Dolce and Gabbana Black Pleather Scavigiata Z ($119, pictured, orig. $1,195).

If you love Dolce & Gabbana, or better yet, D&G, then heading down to the Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale is a no brainer. Despite the sale’s disappointments, the incredible discounts are undeniable and hard to pass up.

WHEN: 9/19 – 9/23; W (1-6), Th-Sat (10-6), Sun (11-5)

WHERE: The Level at Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18th Street
5th Floor
between Sixth and Seventh Avenues

By Caitlin Colford