Caitlin Colford

To most, Memorial Day Weekend equates mini excursions, lake side retreats, and beach getaways – but to land locked New Yorkers, it means an island all to themselves. For any New Yorker who has stayed local for MDW, they are familiar with the fact that the city becomes a ghost town, in a very eerie way. As to not get spooked, take advantage of the empty streets by visiting a few of New York’s famous landmarks that we typically avoid due to overcrowding, all while also helping to support those popular attractions that were harmed during Hurricane Sandy.

SATURDAY

Spend your Saturday celebrating the official reopening of the New York Aquarium. After being closed for repairs since Sandy’s wrath, the Aquarium will reopen its doors on May 25^th and unveil its brand new sea lion show. While you’re there don’t forget to say hi to the penguins and walruses within Sea Cliffs.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, why not head back to Coney Island? Sandy gave Luna Park quite the brutal punch, leaving it five feet underwater and with $500,000 worth of damage to face. But after swift renovations all is well. Help give back economically to the iconic New York attraction by sitting in on a few sideshows, taking a ride on the Cyclone, scarffing down a couple Nathan’s hot dogs and, of course, going for a stroll on the beach.

MONDAY

Monday spend your day taking in the beautiful flora at the usually too-crowded-to-handle High Line. Stroll hand in hand with your significant other or take advantage of the open lounge chairs as you spend the day vegging out on the beautiful high-rise park. Once you’ve had your fill, coax your hunnie into a quick Meatpacking District shopping trip by promising to end with a cold brew at the Chelsea Brewing Company, where they offer rotating taps of craft beer.

SAMPLE SALES THIS WEEK: VINCE, INTIMACY, & HILTON HOLLIS

After a laid back long weekend, it will be hard to get back into the groove come Tuesday. Sample Sales agree, as they are not plentiful this week due to people returning from vacations, graduations, etc. However, absolutely do not miss the VINCE Sample Sale on Wednesday, May 29^th. This will be the first time ever the So-Cal brand will be hosting a sample sale and beginning at 10AM on Wednesday within Chelsea Market’s Prive space, VINCE will unleash wallet friendly discounts to the fashionably inclined public. VINCE’s sleek yet trendy casual clothing (if you don’t own one of their tee shirts you are missing out!) will be marked down up to 70% off.

Of course, you’re going to need something to go under your fabulous new casual wear, so pop on over to the Intimacy Lingerie & Loungewear Sample Sale where brands such as Chantelle, Cleo, Elomu, Fauve, and Simone Perele will be up to 90% off. Even if you’re not in need of new lingerie, pay the Intimacy Sample Sale to grab yourself your swimwear wardrobe for the summer, as bikinis and bathing suits will be on sale as well.

For something new, head to the Hilton Hollis Sample Sale this week on 36^th Street, where the recently launched brand will offer up to 80% off their asymmetrical dresses and graphic print sateen jackets. At last year’s sample sale, sizes 0-16 were available, as were samples for as low as $10.

By Caitlin Colford

You have officially one week before Memorial Day Weekend. Translation being: There are exactly seven days of shopping before your mini-vacation commences and a teaser to summer begins. What to wear, what to wear? I need not say, but your outfits for those backyard barbeques and beach soirees must be fabulous. And don’t forget to accessorize! Showing summer what you’re made of with half of an effort is unacceptable, therefore be sure to check out sales from Botkier, Diesel, Tibi, Tracy Reese, and Christian Siriano this week for your perfect pre-summer wear. Clear your schedule for Tuesday, because it’s going to be a sample sale showdown!

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Botkier Sample Sale

Ah, Botkier, how we love thee. Prepare to unearth the ultimate Memorial Day Weekend accessory at the Botkier Sample Sale. Within Chelsea Market’s exclusive Prive sale space, Botkier will line up their amazing bags decorated with hip designs and feel-good pastels for 60% off. Get there early on Tuesday as last year the line wrapped around the block, and by the time I was through, the best of the sale was through as well.

Diesel Sample Sale

Rebels unite: It’s time for the Diesel Sample Sale. A plethora of uniquely structured and colorful edgy wear will be on hand beginning Tuesday at 220 West 19^th Street on the Fifth Floor. Past sales featured tee shirts for as low as $15, bathing suits for $15, denim for $45 and accessories for only $5.

Tibi Sample Sale

Who doesn’t love Tibi? You’d be hard pressed to find a Stylish City reader who doesn’t. The Tibi Sample Sale is noted for their amazing selection of both true sample and stock, and come Tuesday, both will be available at Midtown’s Hartford Studio for up to 70% off. Last year, stock ranged from $200 for long dresses, $125 for day dresses, and $75 for pretty tops, while samples ran $50 for pants, $40 for skirts, and $100 for day dresses.

Tracy Reese Sample Sale

Another great sale to look forward to this week is the Tracy Reese Sample Sale. After your Tuesday sample sale binge, enjoy a calm Wednesday sorting through stock and true samples in Midtown for up to 65% colorful patterns on silk dresses ($150), drop-waist frocks ($150), and samples starting at $50. Last year’s sale excited shoppers with Plenty by Tracy Reese dresses for $35 as well as summery dresses for $170.

Last Minute Stops

Still need to find and outfit for your new Botkier, or a cashmere cardigan to drape around your gorgeous Tracy Reese dress? Then look no further than the Christian Siriano Sample Sale for 70% off designer dresses for a purse pair up, the Hunter Dixon & Zinke Swimwear Sample Sale for their Mem Day Blowout, and last but not least, the Jennifer Tyler Sample Sale for an oh-so-soft lightweight cashmere cardigan to keep you warm during those chilly nights on the beach.

Thank goodness for a low-key shopping Friday so we can get our rest in before those margaritas in the sun over the weekend!

By Caitlin Colford

The most under appreciated job in the world doesn’t deserve a day it deserves an entire month.  But until that bill is passed, we’ll have to settle for one day to shower our loving mother’s with love and appreciation for, well, putting up with us all of these years. They are among the only human’s on earth that love us unconditionally, no matter what, so make sure you never forget that. So, where are you taking your dashing diva of a mother for brunch on Sunday? If you’ve yet to settle on a plan, why not wow her with a Mother’s Day Brunch at 2West Restaurant in Ritz-Carlton Battery Park where $85 a person will not only land you glitz and glam, it will also serve you lavish desserts and top notch cuisine. After you’re done pampering the leading lady in your life, prepare to indulge yourself in the finer things in life as you shop sales from Christian Louboutin, GANT, The Limited, The News, and Theory.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Christian Louboutin Invite-Only Sample Sale

If you’re among the fabulous lucky shoppers out there, then you have already scored your invitation to the Christian Louboutin Sample Sale. For the rest of us, put on your thinking caps in order to determine your way “in” to the Christian Louboutin bi-annual Sample Sale where heels are marked for as low as $200. C’mon, it’s New York, everyone knows everyone – who can get you in? If you have come out with no ideas, then give waiting in line a whirl – rumor is security decreases over time during the sale.

Theory Throwdown

This week not only brings us one Theory Sample Sale, but two. That’s right, a double dose of sleek and sexy blazers and cute prep ware. Tuesday kicks off the throw down with Theory & Theyskens’ Theory Sample Sale at the Chelsea Market. Past years’ sales graced us with $69 shorts, $89 skirts and leather for only $249. If that’s not enough for you, swing on over to Clothingline’s Theory Sample Sale come Wednesday for discounted stock merchandise. During the tail end November’s Theory Sample Sale, an additional 30% was taken off price tags.

GANT Sample Sale

If you want to drip with style, then head to the GANT Sample Sale to stock up on clothing and accessories for 80% off retail prices. Expect to find $50 sweaters and cotton blazers for $195. Past sales have featured Gant, Gant Rugger and Gant by Michael Bastian.

The News Sample Sale

The funky News Sample Sale is back beginning Thursday at 495 Broadway. This sale always features steals and deals for the downtown fashionista. Check out the 5^th floor for rock bottom prices on Anniel shoes (a perfect summer bootie), a slew of Cheap Monday jeans (did I mention cheap?), Clu and Highland.

The Limited Sample Sale

The Limited may just be your average, run of the mill suburban mall staple, but let’s not forget that during their Sample Sale on Thursday, items are priced at $5 a piece. That’s just twenty quarters for your next favorite blouse and stylish bottoms. There’s literally no going wrong here, even if you only where your purchase once. This sale is cash only, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Do you think they accept quarters?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

By Caitlin Colford

This weekend could very well be the most fun May will have to offer – and not in a bad way! However, if you’re a mother you may feel differently depending on what your loving family has in store for you next Sunday, but regardless, between rounds of Kentucky Derby parties on Saturday and a Cinco de Mayo Sunday Funday, you’ll be nursing a serious hangover come Monday. Just don’t choose to cure the headache with an egg McMuffin, fashionistas, because we want to make sure you can fit into the wonderful selection of samples that will be offered at this week’s round of sales. This week, don’t miss Furla, Jimmy Choo, Rebecca Minkoff, Jonathan Adler, Viktor & Rolf, Ali Ro, Judith Leiber and Bettye Muller. 

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Furla Sample Sale

Let the designer shopping begin! Cinco de Mayo not only brings us an onset of tequila, but also a sample sale from Furla at midtown’s Clothingline. At the sale, expect to find everything from Furla’s clutches, totes and handbags to their wallets and small accessories. At past sales, shoppers purchased Furla’s gorgeous Italian handbags for around $395. While you’re browsing for Furla goods, check out the Ali Ro & Donna Morgan discounts that will also be offered during the sale.

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Rebecca kicks the workweek Mink-off with her annual sample sale where 75% will be discounted from ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear and accessories. Hop to 260 Fifth Ave anytime before Saturday to grab yourself a Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag for $250 and sequin tanks for $60. Last year, shoppers spotted dresses for as low as $95, trenches for $200 and Minkoff’s gorgeous morning after bag for $300.

Jimmy Choo Sample Sale

Choo choo! Here comes the Jimmy train. Needless to say, we’ll welcome the two-day Jimmy Choo Sample Sale with open arms and flock to browse deep discounts on shoes, handbags, clutches, and other accessories. Last year, Choo’s gorgeous designer shoes were $225 and, if you’re not picky, damaged shoes were $75. Take an early lunch on Tuesday, and make sure you’re among the first in line for their noon opening.

Jonathan Adler Furniture Warehouse Sale

Spring just screams redecorate, doesn’t it? And where better to start than the Jonathan Adler Furniture & Home Accessories Warehouse Sale? Starting Thursday, the home designer’s modern furnishings will be on display at the Jonathan Adler Warehouse in Bushwick. Expect to find his eye popping Whitaker Ottoman for $565 (down from $1,125) and his gorgeous and original Meurice Chandelier for $375 (from $750).

Weekly Wrap Up

Don’t think your shopping agenda stops here. Take some time to pop in on the sales you’ve missed, namely those that have multiple brands to offer such as the Christofle, Judith Leiber, and Di Modolo Jewelry & Accessories Sample Sale for up to 75% off, the Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor&Rolf, MM6 & more Sample Sale where StaffUSA will curate a straight off the runway sale, and the always affordable and decent Butter, Bettye Muller & Something Bleu Footwear Sample Sale where sample shoes are $60 with plenty of room to try on however many pairs you please. Lastly, don’t wait until the last minute, get a jump start on mother’s day shopping at the Bitta Design Group Fine Jewelry Sample Sale for up to 70-75% off fine jewelry and watches taking place in the lovely Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Between the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo, this weekend is the year’s best time for the wildest statement hats. So what will it be: a large brimmed white hat with a polka dot bow and a few feathers, or a multi-color sombrero? Both? Ok, I agree.

By Caitlin Colford