Caitlin Colford

German born designer Heike Jarick’s world travels shine vividly through her clothing. Her pieces are bold and original, thanks to her keen eye for luxurious and rare fabrics. Aside from her sensual dresses, edgy, draping clothing, and sculptural coats, Jarick’s utilization of imaginative material, such as the skin from a stingray, make for one of a kind accessories that are sure to wow shoppers come fall. The Stylish City has their eye on Heike Jarick and would like to introduce the designer to all of our readers, just in time for her mid-summer Heikejarick Collection Sample Sale, where she’s offering 30% off past season designs as well as pieces from her upcoming fall collection.

The Stylish City: Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to get into fashion.

Heike Jarick: I was seventeen years old and I was thinking, “What am I going to do with my life?” My parents pushed me a little bit into academia and becoming a teacher, but I had decided then and there that I was going to be a fashion designer. It took me a little time to convince my parents to be supportive of that. I basically started studying in Hamburg, Germany and then moved on to England and studied at Middlesex Polytechnic where I did my Bachelor’s Degree. Then a journey around the world started.

TSC: How did traveling the world effect your designs?

HJ: It has always been a wonderful inspiration for me to travel. After my graduation I lived and worked in Italy for nine years. It was a wonderful experience because, unlike this country, you don’t become categorized. You work on menswear, accessories, eyeglasses, bathroom tiles; anything that the brand encompasses. It was a very broad and good experience.

TSC: What brought you to New York?

HJ: My journey then took me to New York where I worked in outerwear during the first three years of my stay.  I started working a lot with coat oriented companies and then started doing a lot of sportswear. In the year 2000 I decided that I had enough experience to start my own business.

TSC: If I were to look back at your designs of outerwear and sportswear for other companies, would I be able to determine that they were your designs? Did you allow your personality to shine through?

HJ: Yes, definitely.

TSC: How do you think the fashion industry has changed from when you began working in it up until now? Do you feel social media has had a huge impact?

HJ: I would definitely say that social media has had an impact, but I think the most important impact has been the economy. In the late 80’s and 90’s there wasn’t a crises. You could sell fashion and high fashion; there was a market for everything. But now, the consumer is holding back, they don’t want to spend. A lot of stores are going out of business so you have to constantly change your vision in order to survive. You have to ask, “What can I do that’s desirable?” The market is completely over-saturated. Everyone wants to be a designer, even those who haven’t studied to be a designer. Everyone wants to have a line and wants to put something out into the market. A lot of it is a short flash and then they disappear. But there are obviously some people who are able to survive. It’s a pretty tough game right now.

TSC: You’re known for the variety of fabrics that you use in your designs. How does this impact you being able to go out there and purchase a rare and expensive fabric, are you restricted?

HJ: No, I’m going to continue doing that but instead of offering 45 or 50 styles per season, I’m going to only offer 25 styles. Keeping the quality, keeping the originality and the exotic skins and interesting embroideries, but making it a little bit more of a smaller selection.

TSC: You used to have a cost efficient casual line, what happened with that?

HJ: I did have a casual line but it was difficult to deal with the high quantities out of Asia. So what I do now is I will run a raincoat or, for example, I had a down coat program. It’s very, very competitive. There are a lot of people out there with much lower price points and if you can’t back up the quantities of a 300-piece minimum, then you might as well not do it. Right now, I’m concentrating my efforts on producing in New York, using mainly European and Japanese fabrics and catering to the stores that love the Heikejarick Collection and have a customer base for the collection.

TSC: How do you see your line growing? Do you envision your collections being sold in a smaller sense, such as in boutiques, or within the department store giants such as Saks Fifth Avenue?

HJ: That’s a very crucial question. I know people who have had to shut down their business because they sold to these big department stores. Why? Because they have to eat up the charge backs. Let’s say you put out $200,000 worth of merchandise, you have to wait three months to get paid and then you have to worry about the charge backs that can kill you. Of course I would like to sell at that level, but it would have to be something where I really feel that I won’t be going out of business because I’m selling to them.

TSC: A lot of designers hold their sample sales in May and early June so I love that your sale is in July, when we are actually in the middle of summer and shoppers are looking for clothing to wear. What can we expect to find at your sale?

HJ: I had a sale in April, but this is what we call a mid-summer sale where basically any leftover stock, any stores that went out of business or didn’t accept the merchandise, and all that happens, and all our samples will be sold. We have two racks with archival pieces, which are from several seasons back and they’re heavily discounted. We also have items from the spring collection where we have applied a 30% discount.

TSC: Do you have a favorite piece in the sale?

HJ: I have many favorite pieces. One of our absolute best sellers is The Frederique Top ($91, orig. $325, pictured) that we are also offering in solid colors. Also, The Kim Dress ($154, orig. $440, pictured) is a favorite. Another cute and interesting piece is The Louise Shirt Dress ($88, orig. $313, pictured), which can be work in the summer and fall with leggings.

TSC: What do you envision some of the Fall 2012 trends being?

HJ: For me, one of the major trends is mixing and matching fabrications such as leather with fur or fur with a spray painted, snakeskin skirt, also, sculptural coats and draping, slinky jersey pieces. Not to mention the accessories, which people love. I have, for example, a stingray belt with a color printed finish (pictured) and from the left over skin I created a necklace (pictured).

TSC: You mentioned that during your sale there will be fall merchandise that shoppers can browse as well as order. Can they purchase some fall pieces also?

HJ: Yes, we have samples and some pieces that we will offer at a discount, which will be a little bit more than wholesale price.

TSC: I love the look of the stingray skin on your accessories. How did you become inspired to use that in your designs?

HJ: A lot of my inspiration comes from the fabric, that’s how I always start. I happen to work with a guy who works with a lot of different and exotic fish skins. Everything is mostly an actually by-product.

TSC: What particular type of woman do you envision when designing your clothing?

HJ: A very sophisticated and elegant woman that is anywhere from her 20’s to her 60’s.  We have a wide customer range; sometimes the daughter buys, sometimes the mother buys and sometimes the grandmother buys.

TSC: If you could describe the Heike Jarick line in three words, what would they be?

HJ: Edgy. Sophisticated. Luxurious.

Heike Jarick Sample Sale

WHEN: 7/16 – 7/20; M-F (10-6)

WHERE: 307 West 38th Street
Suite 811
New York, NY 10018
212.764.0878

By Caitlin Colford

This just in June 28th @ 10:00AM from the organizers of Rachel Zoe Sample Sale :AN ADDITIONAL 30% OFF ALL APPAREL

You voted and we listened! By a large margin, your votes for The Stylish City to review the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale beat out all of its competitors, providing us with a clear blue winner. So here you are sample sale shoppers, behold your requested review of the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale!

If you’re a fan of Rachel Zoe then IMMEDIATELY run on down to 260 Fifth Avenue for exclusive VIP access today, before doors to the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale open to the public tomorrow. An RSVP is no longer required, therefore from noon until 6PM, the always organized 260 Sample Sale space will be letting in all who drop by for deep discounts on silk tops, wrap dresses, and well tailored blazers.

 

 

This is the first ever sample sale for Rachel Zoe, the one-year-old line, and it is truly stocked to the fullest. Organized by sizes from petite to size 12, every aisle is perfectly arranged and mirrors its neighbor. The clothing here is not samples, nor is the majority of clothing available in strictly sample sizes, making the sale a perfect fit for all shapes and leaving no room no disappointment as no piece is prejudice to the smaller or larger frame.

Essentially, the majority of the Rachel Zoe Sample Sale can currently be purchased via Gilt until midnight tonight. It is interesting how brands have been doing this as of late. The trend seems to be: put your overstock merchandise on a sale website such as Gilt, and sell the remaining items at the sample sale that will typically begin the next morning as the online sale ends. One may say, “Well, why the heck would I suffer through a crowded sample sale when I can shop online?” The answer being, at the sample sale the price is still right and they put aside enough styles and sizes for both events, providing no benefit either way in that department. I noticed today that prices at the in-person Rachel Zoe Sample Sale were much more price efficient than their counterparts on Gilt. Plus, at the in-person sale, there are additional styles, a handful of samples, and shoes for you to try on. Below, I provide you with a few examples of the price difference and what is not available online.

While browsing the endless supply of silk tops marked with ruffles, buttons, and flattering cuts, I fell in love with the Sleeveless Silk Button Down Blouse ($100, pictured, not available on Gilt), a Red Silk Printed Ruffle Blouse ($100, pictured, similar style on Gilt for $119), and the Sawyer Silk Georgette Tie Neck Blouse ($100, pictured, on Gilt for $119).

 

 

The black and white party dresses, as well as colorful printed sleeveless dresses were all sorts of fabulous with sequence, ruffles, silk, and velvet to boot. The stand outs of this bunch was the multi-colored and sleeveless Jacqueline Belted Silk Ruffle Dress ($175, pictured, $179 on Gilt), a beige sleeveless Getty Textured Dress ($175, pictured, $179 on Gilt), and the sleeveless White with Black Swirl Party Dress ($175, not available on Gilt).

Interestingly enough, the Sullivan Leather Blazer (pictured) that I noticed shoppers flocking to is $289 on Gilt but $350 at the sale. This was the only item I saw that was more expensive in-person aside from the Bailey Sequined Cardigan ($250, pictured, $179 on Gilt), which would be the perfect swap for a blazer to spice up your outfit.

 

The shoe selection was small and average at best. Colorful flats are available for $120, while sky-high ankle boots are on hand for $200. If you’re looking for something neutral then you may be in luck at the shoe table, but if you’re looking for something flashy and unique, then try your luck elsewhere.

Before you head to the cash register, take a gander at the two racks of Wide-Leg Bell Bottoms ($70, pictured, not available on Gilt), as well as the boxes of samples featuring sweaters, namely a cream sweater dress with nude lining ($100, pictured, not available on Gilt).

 

 

 

I would be surprised to find the in-person sample sale phased out. People still prefer trying on in person and feeling the fabric before they commit to a designer piece, no matter how cheap it is. Although there was a duo of clothing items available cheaper on Gilt, the fair in-person prices may be reason enough to breath easy and know that our beloved in-person sales will be around for some time to come.

WHEN: 6/27 – 6/30; W-F (10-8), 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

We all know June is thee month for sample sale shopping. This is the honest truth, and we have bankruptcy to show for it. However, looking over the sale schedule for next week, you would never know it. It seems top designers pack on the best of the best sales within the first few weeks and June, overwhelming us and causing serious destruction onto our bank accounts. As we roll into the final week of June, poor and exhausted from the heat, we are left with slim pickens.

That being said, this week The Stylish City is going to do something different this time around. We typically provide you with our pick of  what we feel the Sale of the Week is and come at you with a stellar review of their selection and discounts, but this time we’re having some trouble deciding if we should even bother reviewing any of the below sales. Let us know what you think in the comments section below and cast your vote for what you feel should be considered the Sale of the Week. The catch? The sale needs at least 20 votes to qualify for a review.

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Please note you can pick only one.

Rachel Zoe Sample Sale I die. The first ever sample sale from the exuberant reality show stylist Rachel Zoe will be held at 260 5th Avenue starting Wednesday. With 60% off her 2011 Fall, Resort, and 2012 Spring line, this sale is sure to be bananas. Rodarte Sample Sale The top secret Rodarte Sample Sale will take place on Tuesday the 26th at an undisclosed location. In order to attend you must email [email protected] with the hope of a confirmation in response that includes the location. We’re not sure how this Andy fellow is going to pick in choosing the lucky attendees, but perhaps creating an email along the lines of [email protected] may help. We will not be there. Sorry, this one is not up for review; we don’t believe sample sales should be hard, we believe they should be an opportunity for a brand to introduce their merchandise to people who wouldn’t otherwise buy/know it. Too bad.

Lilla P Sample Sale

I like any sale that highlights the phrase “prices starting at $10.” This Meatpacking District Sale will offer Lilla P’s casual tees, tanks, jackets, maxi dresses, lightweight sweaters, and more.

Amanda Uprichard Sample Sale

I admit, I wasn’t familiar with Amanda Uprichard before now. After taking a peek at her website I am intrigued by her colorful selection of airy silk tops and fun shorts. Check out her sale starting Wednesday for 40%-60% off.

Melissa Joy Manning Sample Sale

Thursday brings us up to 60% off jewelry from Melissa Joy Manning, who creates unusual and modern designs.

Angel Sanchez Sample Sale

Brides to be, here’s your chance to save big. The Angel Sanchez Sample Sale will be selling bridal gowns at 60%-70% off, as well as evening and cocktail dresses for your attendees.

BLUES by kyky Sample Sale

Fun, funky brights will decorate the room at BLUES by kyky sample sale. If you need a splash of color in your life then check out the sale starting Tuesday.

Colette Malouf Sample Sale

Costume jewelry and hair accessories that would have been perfect for this past weekend’s Jazz Age lawn party, the Colette Malouf Sample Sale will provide you with edgy statement pieces that will make you the talk of the gala.

You have all the information: six so-so sample sales to choose from. Are any worth a review? You tell us! Cast your votes ASAP!

By Caitlin Colford

The J.Crew Sample Sale, which officially kicks off tomorrow, held a private event today for those lucky enough to be invited (like The Stylish City!). The super strict, guest list only affair was hush-hush with their shades drawn on 260 5^th Avenue, with the door men turning away anyone who couldn’t flash photo identification as proof they weren’t crashing the sale.

Your first task as a J.Crew Sample Sale shopping extraordinaire is to bee-line it to the back of the room. In a few bins hold J.Crew’s amazing leather handbags that we lust after for only $120! The medium and large leather bags fall within this price point, including their popular Biennial Satchel in Red, Tangier Orange, and Saddle ($120, orig. $348, pictured in red). Also in the bag section was the Brompton Hobo ($120, orig. $298, pictured in blue), a few brown leather samples similar to the Biennial hobo ($120, pictured), and the Tilary purse in a rainbow of colors ($80, orig. $148, pictured).

There are random accessories as well (i.e. iPad cases, notebooks, belts), all within the $10-$15 range, but nothing worth noting except for their intense collection of straw hats. Large brim, small brim, fedora, sun hat, you have your choice for an approximate $15. Also in this section were three bins of swimwear, each piece costing $25 each.

The shoe collection did not seem as good as last year. For the most part, all shoes were $65 with the high-quality leather and suede shoes running a bit higher at $100. In this section I found the Minnetonka Leather Moccasins in Beige ($65, size 10), Madewell’s 1937 Carryover Pump in Suede ($100, Size 7, pictured), and a pair of buttery leather Brown Oxfords ($100, Size 6.5, pictured). There was also a bin of jeweled flip-flops for $10 that shoppers were ignoring.

And now on to the clothing! Unlike last year, there was a nice selection of Madewell clothing. Albeit small, there were some good finds mixed in. These racks are also located in the rear of the store, right in front of the accessory section. Sweaters are all $35 and feature funky finds such as the Neon Knit Throw-over (pictured) and the Zooey D-esque Navy Heart Sweater (pictured). Their popular denim was also on hand for $40, including their Super Destroyed Boyfriend Shorts (pictured), Mint Green Chinos (pictured), and a cute pair of Madewell Cuffed Red Shorts ($25, size 27, pictured).

Now that you’ve covered the back, make your way to the front exploring the racks of J.Crew samples and past season’s designs. There is no sort of organization as far as sizes go; everything is hung in their designated blouse, tee, dress, or skirt section. Note that this is a true sample sale therefor many pieces are indeed sample sizes (2 or 4). Blouses are marked for $30, with finds including a Light Green Silk Button Down w/ Tie (pictured), a Sleeveless Silk Blouse (pictured), a Chambray Button Down, and a blue and yellow flannel “The Boy Shirt.”

Tee shirts and tank tops were lined up parallel to the blouses, offering comfy cozy V-necks and short sleeve linen tops for $15. Here was a cute Blue and White Stripe V-Neck (pictured) and a Cropped Navy Thermal (pictured). Skirts are $40, such as a pretty Silk Mini Skirt (pictured) and shorts are $25, namely the Broken in Boyfriend Short in Salmon (pictured).

The big winner of the sale (aside from the bags, duh) was the dress section. Most dresses are $60 unless they are from the J.Crew Collection, in which case prices vary. Unlike the blouses, the dresses are in a wide variety of sizes. The best of the selection was a bright and cheery Sleeveless Peach Knee Length Dress with a tag that deemed it “ready for work” ($60, pictured), also available in yellow and turquoise, a Bumble Bee Yellow Party Dress ($60, pictured), a cute Sleeveless Polka Dot Dress w/ Tie ($60, pictured), a Black and White Puffed Sleeve Dress from the Collection ($169). Lastly there was some cheaper Summer Dresses mixed in for only $30, such as a cute Chambray Sleeveless Ruffle Dress ($30, pictured).

The doors to tomorrow’s  J.Crew Sample Sale open at 10AM. It is a guarantee that shoppers will be lined up, waiting to break through to pile heaps of prep-wear on one arm as they sort to find cute steals with the other. The aisles are tight, so if you’re claustrophobic then you may either want to be the first in line, in order to race in, grab what you like, and get the heck out of there, or wait until later in the week when the crowds have died down.

WHEN: 6/19 – 6/24; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

By Caitlin Colford