Danielle Guercio

There are plenty of reasons to go to the Chelsea Market. There are numerous eateries, vendors, and of course people watching. The Helmut Lang sample sale was located in the back of the market, allowing you to get a full view of the tourist haps before heading into the sale. Security was pretty chill at this event, and we think it is because they need to keep the more high profile clientele happy. A simple peek in your bag on the way out is a bit easier to take than checking a bag every time you go to a sale. No line to get in, no checkout line, and only a small dressing room line really makes it a hassle-free experience.

High profile is definitely a way to describe this sale. Prices were not cheap and there were only simple sizes (small, medium, large, etc) available, but if you know that you prefer Helmut Lang pieces, you are scoring 60% discount on some great pieces. Loads of leather, pockets of polyester, and broad choices of blazers make this a sale perfect for the well off New York style dresser, that is, black, white and grey outfits.

First, we noticed 2 or 3 entire racks of leather ‘leggings’ on sale for $199. This seemed pricey to us, but we saw waist-length extension wearing and birkin bag clutching mamas grabbing them in pairs. They must fit well to drop a cool $400 on legwear. If you want leather pants, get your butt over there!

Blazers were another big item, on sale for $199, they cost the same as a leather jacket, however, so again we suggest that purchase. There were white blazers, black blazers, and a few different prints. The leather jacket selection was equally large and also priced at $199. Black leather was the predominant style, and there were a few different designs in black. Another color we have seen at almost every sale is soft pink leather. This was clearly a big look this year, and Helmut Lang also had a few pieces in this color, in this case a soft collarless jacket.

Denim had a short appearance, but was priced at $79 to move. Getting any designer pair for under 100 dollars is always a blessing, so trying these on is highly recommended. We saw white jeans, normal wash, dark denim wash, and black denim, all parked near the dressing room to tempt.

Near the back were a fair amount of shoes. Most styles were black and priced at $79. There were a few racks of shorts as well as cut and sew pieces for $39. Most of those were jersey knit in white or grey. Overall this sale is good for someone with a slightly fatter wallet and a chic, mostly black color profile.

WHEN: 6/11 – 6/15; W-Sat (10-7), Sun (10–5)

WHERE: Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue
between 15th and 16th Streets
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

Certain sales are hubs of energy, whether positive or negative.  Some sales are about one thing and one thing only:  the garments. Nanette Lepore is not too far from some other sales going on right now, and it was such a surprise to see it’s 35th street location so empty.  The deals were bonafide at this sale, and you could tell from the slightly more rough quality of the space.  Located in actual Nanette Lepore E-commerce office space, this was an in house sale.  This sale is a diamond in the rough.

First let me tell you about the beautiful shoes that were only a paltry 50 spot per pair.  Knee high boots, neon strappy sandals, platform boots in vibrant bold blue and black, and platform wallabee-type slides were all the same affordable price of $50. Bearing leather lining and a made in Los Angeles tag, you are pretty much stealing these shoes at half a benjamin a piece.

Sweaters hung out on the adjacent table and we saw neons, embroidery, and simple styles.  Blends of cotton and polyester were soft feeling and looked well made. Purses were another afterthought type item, but all were below $100. A belt bin also had a few cheap thrills to choose from in neons, basic colors, and many different materials.

The clothes were truly divine at this sale.  Florals were the mega star of this sale, and there were maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, blouses, skirts, and blazers all in these beautiful floral prints.  The prints were not your average simple flowers on solids, they varied greatly in style, shape, and size.  I really adored everything that I saw on those racks, this was a hard sale to not drop a few dollars on.

Again, as if you needed another reminder, wedding season is fully upon us, and there were some dresses in the ranks here that could get you loads of mileage. Lace overlay was fluent here, and there were overlays on many different colors. The cuts were modern and flattering, so no matter what season they were from, they looked current and striking.

Bathing suits galore is another perk to this sale, as well as something we barely saw in the 20+ we have been to in the past few weeks.  If you need a suit, you need to hit this sale.  100% imperative alert on that item.

So with a wide variety of items to choose from, we see no reason why anyone should skip this sale.  Not too avant garde but far from basic, we really love Nanette Lepore’s range, and we think you will too.

By Danielle Guercio

Some sales are just not worth it.  I hate to break it to you, but unless you consider yourself a fan of Tory Burch clothing outside of the sale world, I wouldn’t really venture that deep into the fashion district.  The line for this sale was almost an entire city block long.  A long, bustling, city block full of deliverymen and construction workers, no lady’s favorite situation. Located on 36th street between 7th and 8th avenues, this is not a sleepy part of town.

One entering the sale, the super long checkout line was reminiscent of a check cashing store, with a large wall full of handbag samples priced from $98-$250.  Shopping the handbag selection was as easy as picking a number for the cashier. Hopefully they still had the style you were after by the time you make it to the pay window.  We saw many colors of handbags and many styles and sizes, and it was a very Coach-esque selection.

Past the scary line is the clothing selection, large, but not as cheap as we had thought it would be.  When you see made in china tags along with price tags of over $100, something is amiss.  Fast fashion Tory Burch is not, but prices in the third digit should also not be made in anonymous factories.  Navy blue was the predominant color of this sale, and though there was the odd floral, sheer, or beige piece, the overwhelming majority of pieces was navy blue.  Navy blue pants, dresses, blouses all grouped by size.  If this is your color, maybe this is your sale.

Some people even brought their young children to this sale, which is really a faux pas.  First of all, children kept waiting in lines are restless and bored, and we don’t blame them.  Second of all, people do not always supervise their children properly in these settings, and adding to the chaos is simply rude in our opinion.  Children are beautiful, and meant to have fun, the joy we get from scoring discount clothing most likely does not extend to them.

The shoe area was promising in it’s selection until we didn’t see any of the so oft knocked off ballet flats and loafers. I’m sure that was a bit of a let down for shoppers.  Hate to say it, but this one might just not be worth the effort.  If you had your heart set on this sale, perhaps pass by and go up if there isn’t a line, since you will be waiting every step of the way, you might as well save time where possible.

WHEN: 6/9 – 6/13; M (2-7), Tue-F (11-7)

WHERE: 261 West 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

By Danielle Guercio

Some sales are filled with last season’s flops which are still in demand to some based on the names on the label, and others are stocked with current pieces.  Whether or not this is a strategy to more back-stock or duds, we will never know, but one thing we are aware of, is Alice + Olivia’s current selection in addition to previous season’s wear.

Just a month ago on a Meatpacking district stroll, we noticed a beautiful sweetheart-necked gown in the bridesmaid color assigned to this dear writer for a summer wedding.  Upon seeing the $598 price tag, we ran screaming from the store and onto cheaper pastures.  Who would have thought that this very dress, so recently on display in the store’s window, would be hanging amongst the eveningwear at the 260 Fifth sale space.  Though the speed with which this dress could be had for 50% off was astonishing, it is still $250 for one night’s outfit, not so much our bag.

This was the opposite case for most of the shoppers.  Though there was no entrance or checkout line, the Alice and Olivia sale was bursting at the seams with thirsty, angry fashionistas.  We were nearly trampled by an errant Frenchwoman near the $50 rack, no apologies and no signs of slowing her down.  This would be one of those sales, where people are a bit more bloodthirsty. The dressing room line was Trader Joe’s esque, sisyphean and serpent like winding through the racks, with a 10 item limit.

Alice and Olivia’s clothes are mostly beautiful, with varying textures and materials.  There was even a bustier 100% encrusted with lacquer turquoise settings of many shapes.  Sequins, dupioni silk, mesh, lace, and full on beading were all found on blouses and ballgowns.  Fitness clad rich girls came straight from their Barreworks classes to drop $2,000 or more on massive piles of clothes, so be aware of your competition here.

One more item of note:  we did not see any of the David Choe collab at this sale, and if you are interested at all in social justice, we recommend avoiding any pieces from the artist’s recent collaboration with the line.  Without getting too heavy, we know some shoppers would not want to be wearing clothes designed by someone who is taking much heat for his treatment of women.  Steer away from these pieces unless you happen to be a morbid collector, these will probably be of great value on auction someday.

Not a cheap sale, know what you are getting into at this week’s offering from the 260 space, go with your credit card or kiss that ribbon trimmed bralette goodbye, since the girl next to you already had her paws on it.

WHEN: 6/9 – 6/14; M (noon-8), Tue-F (10-8), Sat (10-2)

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

By Danielle Guercio