Caitlin Colford

I hate to say this, but it’s already August. July was a good one, but there are simply not enough days and nights in order to properly enjoy this city summer! Make the last half of the summer count this week. Do something new – go horseback riding or white water rafting on the weekend, take a sunset sail on the Hudson after work and make sure you book a reservation at the hottest restaurant in town, featuring the most obscure menu full of foods you’d never thought you’d eat. While you’re at it, be sure to visit sample sales of designer clothes you’ve never shopped before, including Wes Gordon, Oonagh, J.A.C.H.S., and Condor. See below for an introduction to these designers and why their sales are a “Don’t Miss” this week.

J.A.C.H.S. Sample Sale

Heads up prepsters, there’s a new casual wear in town. With echoes of Ralph Lauren Denim Supply, J.A.C.H.S. aims to achieve a vintage American style, featuring vintage-inspired woven shirts and clothing with unexpected details and finishes. Be sure to check out why J.A.C.H.S. calls themselves “ruggedly sophisticated” at their sample sale beginning Monday within the Chelsea Market where literally everything is only $39 including shirts, dresses, tunics, bottoms, knits, polos, etc., etc. Hop to it prepsters!

Condor Sample Sale

At the Condor Sample Sale beginning Tuesday, expect to find a whole slew of designers you may have never shopped before including Hoffman, Cut 25, We Are Handsome, Hanky Panky, and Ace and Jig. The extra special treat of the sale is selections from Vivienne Westwood and Theory will also be on hand for up to 80% off. Here, expect to find Cut 25 dresses starting at $99 and Vivienne Westwood shoes for as low as $55.

Oonagh by Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

Yet another blowout sale! Nanette Lepore’s flagship label, Oonagh (French for pure) features glorious dresses, striped tunics, and floral-print cut out frocks, evoking fashionably feminine style with a dash of edge. While you browse the Oonagh by Nanette Lepore line at the upcoming sample sale beginning Tuesday on 35^th Street, expect to find true samples of tanks, dresses, silk shorts, and linen pants, marked between $15-$50.

Wes Gordon Sample Sale

At 26 years young, Wes Gordon has hit the ground running in the fashion industry. As a designer, his boyish charm mixed with his elegant yet edgy designs with bold colors and patterns, has wow-ed fashion forward celebrities with the likes of Lena Dunham and January Jones. This Thursday, check out what all the buzz is about at the Wes Gordon Sample Sale in Tribeca. Expect to find Red Crushed Satin Twill Plunge Tees and Pants for $200/$300 and Wide Leg trousers for $200.

Make August count!

By Caitlin Colford

I think it’s safe to say that summer is here to stay! Get those toenails ready and summer dresses pressed, because it’s time to kick back and relax in the sun as you treat yourself the summer of your life, drink in hand of course. Be sure to take some time for yourself during these warm days – go on day trips, take a dip in the ocean, and splurge on bright colored bags and cute wedges. This week, it’s all about the casual cool wardrobe, so don’t miss J.Crew, Cynthia Rowley, Mikimoto, Lilla P, and Label+thread.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Casual Tuesday Threads

Spend your Tuesday with sample sales and a stroll on the Highline. Start off near Madison Square Park and make your way down to the Meatpacking District thanks to the perfectly arranged line up of sample sales.

T’S BACK! The J.Crew Sample Sale has returned to 260 Fifth Ave to bring us 60% off retail prices of dresses, shoes, denim and jewelry. This is an extremely popular sale — namely in the Spring when all are after the perfect beach look – so make it a point to get there well before 10AM when their doors open. Note that there is typically a large offering of samples at the JCrew Sale, so be on the look out for something original to stand out from the crowd. Last year, we found some classic summer steals during their June sample sale, including pebbled leather handbags for $120, shoes for $65, swimwear for $25 a piece, shorts for $25, and day-time dresses for $60. Don’t forget to scope out their Madewell selection as well!

Hop on down a few blocks to the Label + thread Sample Sale where apparel will be marked 80% off and samples will be offered for $50 or less. The NYC based up-and-coming brand has amazingly soft and comfortable cashmere and cotton knits as well as scarves, t-shirts, and gorgeous summer dresses that will be on hand for under $100.

Once you’ve had your fill, cross town and take the Highline downtown for a scenic stroll to the Lilla P Sample Sale in the Meatpacking District. The Lilla P Sale will offer rock bottom prices, ranging from $10 to $60 of her fabulous casual classics including flattering tees, lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts.

Mikimoto Sample Sale

You’re going to need some elegant jewelry to spice up all of that casual wear you have just purchased. Pearls are the perfect addition to a beach-y summer dress or a pastel linen tee, so why not head to the Mikimoto Sample Sale on Wednesday for 50-70% off cultured pearl jewelry. Earlier this year, the Mikimoto sale brought on long lines but offered great deals including a black south sea strand of pearls for $5,200 (orig. $13,000) and a classic strand of pearls for $917 (orig. $2,620).

Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale

Wrap up your sale week with the Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale where the Bleecker Street sale will offer 85% off ready-to-wear and accessories, in addition to one-of-a-kind Spring 2013 collection samples. Did I mention 85% off yet? If that’s not reason enough to attend, expect to find crew neck sweaters for $109 (orig. $295), confetti shorts for $99 (orig. $145), jeweled collar trophy dress for $99 (orig. $595) and double knit dresses for a special buy one for $99 and get a second style for $49 deal.

And with that, I’ll leave you with a quote by Maud Hart Lovelace, from Betsey-Tacy and Tib: “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: J.Crew

June has made its way well into our schedule, but not yet into our hearts. The strange hot and cold, wet and dry weather we have been enduring can drive the average gal insane. (Especially those who have hair that is driven equally as crazy by this noncommittal forecast, much like myself.) Treat yourself to a pick-me-up this week as you wait patiently for blue skies and strong rays thanks to a stellar line up of sample sales from Nanette Lepore, Ritual Vintage, Tory Burch, and Alice + Olivia.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Alice + Olivia Sample Sale

Attention lovers of the cutest dresses on the block: the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale is back! Up to 70% off incredible summer dresses for the daytime and evening, as well as tops, skirts, denim and more. But wait, here is where the tricky part comes in – this sale will happen in two locations this year, 260 Fifth Avenue as well as 72 Greene Street. Although this sounds stressful, two sale spots can be a positive thing. Just think, smaller crowds at each location, the possibility of double the A + O selection, and the opportunity to head to the 2^nd location in the event the 1^st doesn’t carry your size in your favorite dress. Last year, prices were marked as $79 for pants, skirts and tops, $199 for dresses and true samples for $29-$99.

Tory Burch Sample Sale

After you purchase your favorite summer dress you’re going to need the perfect pair of designer shoes to pair with it. Tuesday brings us the lusted after Tory Burch Sample Sale happening at 261 West 36^th Street. Be sure to grab a latte and croissant and get there early as last time around lines wrapped around the block. Last December we found ballet flats for $150, driving shoes for $125, wedges for $165 and booties for $200. Although known for her shoes, be sure not to pass up Tory Burch’s fabulous apparel collection. The last sale brought skirts for $85, blouses for $95 and cardigans for $95.

Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

Bought too many shoes at the Tory Burch sale? Do not fret my friends I have just the remedy! Head on over to the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale, which will be going on only a block away, in order to land additional outfits to pair with your pumps. Nanette Lepore’s Spring 2013 swimwear will be on hand in addition for tops from $95 to $125, dresses from $145 to $175, pants for $125 and skirts and shorts for $95. During Lepore’s March Sample Sale shoppers scored shoes for $30, for those of you who were not fans of Burch’s selection.

Ritual Vintage Sample Sale

There’s nothing better than a dash of vintage to go along with your new designer outfit. It adds flair and personality, not to mention style and originality. End your sample sale week with the Ritual Vintage Archive Sale to find a wide range of vintage pieces priced between $10 and $50, including high-end options from YSL, Ungaro and Bill Blass. At past sales there were vintage pieces from the 1880s through the 1980’s.

Good luck out there shoppers!

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: Tory Burch

According to the books it’s not “officially summer”  until June 21^st. However according to fashion’s rules we have made our way into warm weather clothing thanks to Memorial Day Weekend’s faux summer kickoff. Given this fact it’s time to stock up on cute sandals, summer shorts, lightweight denim, bright tops and bold accessories. This week, look no further than the sample sale line up to get your shop on thanks to stellar sales from Helmut Lang, James Jeans, Current/Elliott, Nautica, and Ralph Lauren. We all know that getting to the sale on the first day is well worth it, but don’t forget to check back in during the sale’s final day as more often than not, prices are greatly reduced by the last day in order to eliminate stock. Don’t worry, we’ll gladly take it off your hands!

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Helmut Lang Sample Sale

Helmut Lang beats other designers to the punch by being the first in the line up of great sample sales this week. Beginning Sunday at 261 West 36^th Street, Helmut Lang serves us a brunch full of merchandise including dresses for $119, blazers for $199, and leather for $399. Mostly spring stock will be on hand, so be prepared to grab some edgy-wear perfectly suited for evening nights out on the town. During the Theory/Helmut Lang sample sale this past January, pants were discovered for as low as $32 by week’s end.

Ralph Lauren Sample Sale

When you think Hamptons summer getaways and polo matches, you think Ralph Lauren. Prepare to lug suitcases full of Ralph Lauren apparel on the Hampton Jitney this year thanks to Monday’s unveiling of the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale at Soiffer Haskin. The sale promises cruise, spring, and summer collection by the luxury brand. Last June’s Ralph Lauren summer sample sale featured continuous markdowns throughout the week, tapping out at up to 90% off retail prices. As claimed by shoppers, the best deals were the accessories, with heels as low as $125 and wallets for $175.

Denim Day Featuring James Jeans, Joie, Current/Elliott, and Equipment

This week, I officially deem Tuesday, Denim Day. From henceforth, your sole mission Tuesday will be to unearth your perfect pair of jeans and shorts for summer. The first stop on the roster will be the James Jeans Sample Sale in SoHo where skinny jeans will be discounted from $180 to $80, with a special offer of $150 for two pairs. Shorts will be marked down to $60 and $100 will land you two pairs.

If you didn’t complete your mission at the James Jeans Sample Sale, head uptown to the Joie, Current/Elliott, and Equipment Sample Sale for 50-75% off not only denim, but sweaters, silk tops, tees, and outerwear. There’s nothing better than a pair of comfortable Current/Elliott jeans in the summer, so be sure to get their before the lunch time rush.

Nautica and Kipling Sample Sale

Apart from Ralph Lauren, Nautica is of course another summer staple. Prepare for your maritime adventures aboard that luxurious yacht with deep discounts at the Nautica and Kipling Sample Sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion beginning Tuesday. Brands on hand will include Nautica Sportswear, Nautica Jeans Co., Nautica Sleepwear, Watches, and Kipling. Last year was an alleged mob scene, so plan accordingly in order to score $12 button downs.

Don’t forget to share your finds at this week’s sales in the comments section below! Any and all tips are welcome 🙂 . Happy Shopping!

By Caitlin Colford