Caitlin Colford

This past weekend provided us with the ultimate picnic weather but one problem – we didn’t have the right outfit for it! Sifting through last year’s dresses was less than thrilling, resulting in pouts and stomps in frustration, as all we wanted to do was look nice and feel good as we noshed on cheese and wine. Fortunately shopping this week will produce options that will gear you up for the coming weeks of summertime picnics before us.

Yigal Azrouel & Cut25 Sample Sale

Stick to the Cut 25 section of the Yigal Azrouel Sample Sale Tuesday, May 22^nd on 39^th Street and find yourself some high fashion casual wear to lounge in as you soak up the sun. A Yigal Azrouel dress will typically run you $1,000, and we certainly wouldn’t want to get grass stains on that, so keep your eye on the wallet friendly subdivision, Cut 25.

Derek Lam + 10 Crosby Sample Sale

Same day, same concept. In addition to his popular designs and dresses, Derek Lam Sample Sale will also offer up his less-pricey line, 10 Crosby, for up to 70% off. His famously amazing dresses are sure to land you the best-dressed title of the park.

Cynthia Steffe Sample Sale

Short dresses are Cynthia Steffe’s signature and an easy way to stay fashionably cool in the blazing heat. Check out the Cynthia Steffe Sample Sale Tuesday for contemporary styles but beware of large crowds!

Doo.Ri and Poleci Sample Sale

Draped frocks, maxis, and silk blouses are among what you can expect as doo.Ri and Poleci up for their Sample Sale. On Wednesday in the Meatpacking District they will be offering up to 75% off Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 styles.

Lela Rose Sample Sale

Girly and floral patterns adorn Lela Rose’s gorgeous dresses. Head over to the Lela Rose Sample Sale for up to 75% off feminine styles with prices that are sure to make you smile.

Tracy Reese Sample Sale

Both Tracy Reese and Plenty by Tracy Reese flowing and colorful dresses will be on hand at Wednesday’s Tracy Reese Sample Sale. Three days will bring us fantastic deals with samples that will run between $30-$50.

Kara Ross Sample Sale

It’s the end of the week and you forgot about accessorizing your heaps of new styles! Make a quick trip to the last day of the Kara Ross Sample Sale for discounts on her handbags, jewelry, and belts.

You may have to clear out some closet space to make room for all these new designer dresses. Now that you have the outfits all you need are the right snacks, the perfect refreshing drink, and your best friends and you’re good to go. Central Park here we come!

By Caitlin Colford

Holy line Batman! While the line at today’s Tod’s and Hogan Sample Sale won’t be comparable to the one that is guaranteed to massively form tomorrow at the Gucci VIP Sale, it certainly was larger than that of Botkier’s two weeks ago. Who knew these casually cool shoes were so popular? Apparently everyone but me.

Once inside the 13^th Street sale hosted by DENYC there was a massive clog in the women’s size 36 and 37 sections. Breathing room was ample as sizes got larger but unfortunately not as many thrilling options were present for sizes 39 and 40. All 2,500 plus shoes were tidily arranged by size on long, wide tables, with additional styles decorating the floor underneath. Shoppers were going mad for Tod’s loafers and driving shoes, piling boxes for purchase on the ground, forming impromptu and convenient huts for trying on. Tod’s shoes were certainly the main attraction of the sale; Hogan styles were slight and not as lusted after.

Many shoppers were grabbing for Tod’s Antile w/ Fringe ($110, saw in most sizes, pictured), a comfortable looking black sandal with style. Permissible casual flats included Tod’s Casper Patent Leather Infilature ($129, Size 37), Tod’s Joanna Moccasino in Blue Suede ($129 Size 36), Tod’s Jelly Flip Flops in a rainbow of colors ($110), the funky Tod’s Heaven Buckle Baffio Boot ($229, pictured), and my personal favorite of the sale, Tod’s Coral Cracked Leather Flats ($129, pictured).

I know what you’re thinking: What about Hogan? Although I’m not raving about Hogan’s shoes, the brand wasn’t all a miss. I would definitely suggest to skip the sneakers Tod’s has for sale and go straight for Hogan’s sleek and stylish looking tennis shoes, namely their New Court Pierced White Sneakers ($99, pictured). Hogan was also plentiful in the larger 38-40 sizes with their Zebra Stripe Thong Sandal ($89), Sleeper w/ Ring Slip On ($89), Concio Sandals in Gold and Yellow ($89, Size 40), and Black Patent Leather Gladiator Sandals ($89).

There is a small section of bags in a room off the main area, but nothing to waste your time over other than if you’re willing to spend a pretty penny on a Tod’s gorgeous Leather Duffle Travel Bag ($900).

If you’re a fan of keeping comfortable while maintaining a fashionable style, then this is the sale for you. Tod’s loafers and driving shoes are well made and particularly perfect for the office in the summer. The sale lasts until Sunday but given the sale’s popularity I would highly suggest heading down to the Meatpacking District ASAP!

WHEN: 5/17 – 5/20; Th-Sun (11-7)

WHERE: 407 West 13th Street
(between 9th Ave & Washington)
New York, NY 10014

By Caitlin Colford

Our sincerest apologies to any Gucci salivating shoppers out there who planned on trying their luck in line at the Metropolitan Pavilion tomorrow for the Gucci Friends and Family Sample Sale but as it turns out, the sale begins this FRIDAY not Thursday as previously reported. With conflicting hearsays and unclear information (not to mention Gucci’s PR refusing to respond to our repeated emails) it is obvious that Gucci wants to restrict shoppers at their upcoming sale that promises up to 85% off beloved fashions. So what’s inside? Apparently crown jewels protected by large guards, which makes us vie for a peak inside evermore.

Mizhattan was the first to report on the Gucci VIP Sale, stating a Thursday start until a reader corrected them. They similarly provided little information and no statement in regards to start and end times. Popular sale blogs such as Racked (and The Stylish City) then conveyed the incorrect tip to their readership. This leads me to believe that Gucci is throwing shoppers off, sending them to Chelsea tomorrow for a day of disappointment in order to avoid dealing with crowds that would have otherwise shown face on Thursday morning. Perhaps Gucci employees took note to the madness that occurred last week at the Christian Louboutin sale – a super exclusive, invite only sale where hundreds lined up begging for entry – and is doing everything in their power to avoid pleading eyes, namely by duping the shopper’s source AKA the sample sale blog.

Aside from the frequent multiple brand sample sales from companies such as Boutique on 57 and online sale ventures like Beyond the Rack and Ideeli, an advertised sample sale for Gucci is enigmatic. The most recent publicized event I was able to come across was held in the same Metropolitan Pavilion but was only a sample sale for Gucci Watches. Regardless of the simplicity, this drew in the crowds with reports of the line holding a three-hour wait, so imagine what would happen if this current case with apparel and accessories was broadcasted.

So where does that leave you now? Sad and depressed, wishing you could only touch a Gucci silk top for an outrageous 85% off retail pricing? Hardly! Being able to gain access in the next three days will be an impossible feat and a total waste of time. They are clearly up to something and not even the stealthiest of shoppers will be able to barge through their steel gates. Wait until the tail end of the sale. This isn’t a one-day event, nor a two-day, it is multiple day sale translating to Gucci employees begging for shoppers at the end. Given the scarce invites dispersed, come Monday Gucci will be in desperate need to get rid of the sale’s remaining merchandise and scrapping to fill Metropolitan Pavilion’s vast space with shoppers therefor letting the likes of us in. So go for it! Good luck and report back!

By Caitlin Colford

It’s time to gear up for summer soirées, Hamptons pool parties, and fabulous outdoor brunches. Lucky for you this week of sample sales brings us a slew of preppy party wear options at ridiculously low prices, allowing you to sip champagne in style (and comfort!). Be prepared to stock up with endless options from Betsey Johnson, Gant, Ali Ro, Theory, Tibi, and Miguelina.

Gucci Sample Sale

Gucci recently announced a Private Sample Sale for their VIP clients beginning this Thursday and ending Tuesday, May 22nd. If you’ve spent the big bucks at Gucci recently, check your inboxes! You may just be among the select lucky few to gain access to this exclusive sale.

Gant Sample Sale

For my fellow tomboys out there, you simply cannot miss Tuesday’s Gant Sample Sale with up to 80% off the perfect boating look. Plaid and popped collar galore, be sure to check out their colorful pants as your browse through sporty looks from Gant, Gant Rugger, and Gant by Michael Bastian.

Ali Ro Sample Sale

Check out the Ali Ro Sample Sale in Midtown on Wednesday for racks of sexy summer dresses for a night out on the town. Their feminine glam styles are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

Theory Sample Sale

We all know how chilly it can get at night by the water so you’re going to want to make sure your armed with a fashionable toss on option. The Theory Sample Sale will provide an endless selection of cute and sleek blazers, a preppy accessory that will spice up your sleeveless dress for 65% off original prices.

Tibi Sample Sale

The Tibi Sample Sale is your go to for the ultimate brunch-wear options for up to 70% off. For day trips and noshing with your girlfriends, Tibi’s bright colors and flattering dresses are the ultimate must haves.

Miguelina Sample Sale

Miguelina has you covered for the days where you just feel like tossing on a pair of jeans. For up to 80% off, the Miguelina Sample Sale will offer up their gorgeous printed tops that will spruce up your denim.

Betsey Johnson Liquidation Sale

I’m sure you fashionistas out there have already heard the sad news, but for those who missed it, Betsey Johnson LLC, has filed for bankruptcy. During the next few weeks 63 of Betsey Johnson’s vibrantly pink boutiques will close, which to us translates to a MAJOR LIQUIDATION SALE! Friday will give you the chance to load up on your favorite funky designer’s styles and accessories for up to 80% off original retail prices.

A week of shopping and you are now predestined to have the must lusted after wardrobe of your gal pals this summer. Bring on the parties and social gatherings! You can thank me later, I’ll be waiting for my invites.

By Caitlin Colford