Danielle Guercio

Loeffler Randall, womens shoe and accessories line, is just ending day 1 of their spring sample sale.  The line was long but not endless, as women of all walks of life gathered to get access to the half price (or more!) offerings.

There were still many handbags today, though at $120 or less, the staff expects them to clear out today.  This sale was not large, but was incredibly well stocked, with some backstock allowing you to still visit tomorrow if you want to score.

Loeffler Randall had a few surprises for those loyal enough to wait in line:  They were including one of a kind samples from their factory in Brazil, and they were including the beautiful floral and fruit patterns from THIS SEASON! But that’s not the whole story, Signs bearing hilarious Mean girls quotes told us that they were offering an extra $25 off any floral shoe purchase!  What better setup to get on trend and this season specific designs and at $100 rather than $395, you cannot go wrong.

Located at 525 Broadway in Soho, Loeffler Randall’s sample sale was rife with fashionista’s and power PR ladies on their lunch break, a sure indicator of both quality deals and quality styles.  The styles ranged from very simple blue suede pumps, to stacked espadrille sneakers with bold citrus prints.  There was turquoise snake skin, bold color blocked sandals, tan and beach colored open toe booties, and an adorable seemingly owner-less pomeranian trying to step into all of our photos.  I don’t think they had his size.

The handbags are a really special score, worth crossing your fingers and hopping on line early tomorrow. Ranging from full bodied stiff construction envelope bags in basic colors and boisterous snakeskin pairings to buttery soft black fringed draping totes, you can really find your next mayjah bag here if you are willing to try.  Evening clutches and wallets were priced around $100 and were very very tastefully done, with trapunto black leather and woven plastic Ikat. Envelope style wallets were deeply discounted as well, it seems that if you don’t buy a wallet at a sample sale, you most likely paid far too much!

If you have anxiety problems, you may want to skip this one, as you will be trying things on in a crowded and hectic environment, back to back with 10 other ladies on the one couch.  If this isn’t a problem for you, I bet your closet is one of the most well stocked in the land.  Being brave gets us far, as does patience, two requisite traits for a battle hardened shopper.  If you have it in you, this isn’t the cheapest or most spacious sale, but has some very very trendy shoes that are better made than all of the cheapie versions of the same style.

WHEN: 5/15 – 5/16; Th-F (9-8)

WHERE: Loeffler Randall Showroom
525 Broadway
between Spring & Broome Streets
4th floor
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

The 260 Sample Sale space is always a great source for lunch break finds if you work in the Flatiron District.  This week, through Saturday the 17th, Jonathan Adler and Co. will be moving all of their sample and back stock with zeal and awesome prices.

Things we saw:

• Loads of couches under $2000
• Fashionable armchairs under $500
• Dining room chairs for $300 or less
• Pottery from $75-25
• Damaged (but salvageable) light fixtures for $100 and up

Every box on your home decor list can be ticked by this sale, and with plenty of help on hand to help you get it out of the sale. If you have been coveting a Jonathan Adler couch or any other type of seating, you can be assured that there will be steady restocking until Saturday, meaning you can visit this sale at your leisure (though sooner is always better).

Home decor is more than seating, and one of the greatest parts about this sale was all of the available items that are not practical, but actual decoration.  The pottery selection was amazing, with many different styles and finishes.  There were bold Teal Damask Pots, chunky White Tree Trunk Bowls, a variety of safari wildlife such as Rhinos and Baboons.  These pieces are worth the $25-75 (depending on size), and will be things you will want to hang on to.  Jonathan Adler’s decor pieces are always conversation starters, and sometimes, status symbols like a coveted handbag.

There were closeout prices and stacks of picture frames as well as a $10 clearance shelf full of bathroom items oft overlooked:  toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, and tissue box covers.  All matching and all half the price of what you would even find at Target.

The pillow covers were the finest finds in my opinion, with woven graphics ranging from postcard/souvenir types to bold Ikat patterns.  There were comical phrases to boot, something Adler is known for, with pillow cases that look like a cross stitch plaque, reading ‘ANGER’.  Hilarious!

Glassware and plates were a smaller selection, but cute nonetheless, with lots of yellow and orange patterns and colors.  This reads very summery and perfect for patio parties.  Mid-century-eque ashtrays and Ikat flasks for around $10-20 are a steal, making fantastic gifts for Father’s Day or your favorite male friend.  The paperweights are worth a chuckle, and are cheap and plentiful, but the handbags and scarves still seemed priced a bit too high in my opinion.  Though there are those who seek out JA handbags, they aren’t special enough for their price tag, and should be avoided unless they are below $100.

Overall, there was nearly no wait to get into this sale, making it not too crowded, perfect to really get a good look at what is offered.  Check out also had little to no wait, and accepts credit as well as cash, though if you were prepared to plunk down two grand for a couch in cash, you may want to get one that was never a floor model at the actual Jonathan Adler store.  If you are looking for slightly blemished but severely marked down items that you have been dreaming about for some time, going now will make you a happy happy shopper.

WHEN: 5/13 – 5/17; Tue-Th (10-8), F-Sat (10-7)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th and 29th Streets
New York, NY 10001
212.725.5400
N/R/6 Trains to 28th Street

By Danielle Guercio

All of the old pro’s were in line today to catch up with Lafayette 148 today.  Shoppers young and old hopped down to Chinatown to scoop up designer wares at deep (80%) discounts.

Many who attended were in their 4th or 5th visit to the Lafayette 148 warehouse sale, as they know that this is the place to come for high end basics and summertime classics.  Hauls were passing by in huge shopping bags, with every fabric texture imaginable pouring out.

The big shining star of the whole ordeal was the selection of blazers.  We have never see so many different types of women’s blazers in one place.  Pants and short sleeve shirts flanked the outer walls of the well lit warehouse, with dresses in the back and a plethora of jackets and long sleeve shirts in the center.

Overall, this is a pretty crowded and hectic sale, but worth a stop if you are looking for summer gear.  It was very heavily staffed, which is great for keeping things neat, organized, and running smoothly.  This also means check out is a bit easier, allowing for credit card use as well as cash transactions.

Lafayette 148 is well known for their high end basic pieces, but we were seeing wild prints, sequins, and an extremely bold and extensive color selection, proving that this year, black may not be the new black afterall.  It looks like this sale has many of the more adventurous pieces that have been skipped over in stores at full retail price, but this is nothing but a boon to you, dear shopper.

This sale was a BIG BIG BIG one, probably almost 2000 square feet of deals, and with a truck parked outside to restock empty racks.  Though a bit crowded, this was pretty civil, and quite diverse, meaning you won’t be fighting off your style doppelganger for the same tie-dye tunic.

One thing of note: accessories and costume jewelry was priced at an epic deal of around $10-20 for a belt or scarf!  This deal is unbeatable, like thrift-store cheap.  It appears that sizes were widely available, though with most sales if you are smaller or bigger than average, you will have an easier time finding your size.

Some of the more fashionable dresses and shirts are priced at only $55 or $70, making this stop essential if you have something formal to dress yourself for, and you can do for it under $100!  With a full service coat check and a 2nd floor location, this is definitely a bit more refined than some ground-floor sales that attract passers by not in the know.  Lafayette 148’s aesthetic is on of Cape Cod, TriBeCa, and the Hamptons, but the prices you find until May 9th are those of Fulton Mall and factory outlets.

WHEN: 5/8 – 5/9; Th (9-7), F (9-6)

WHERE: 148 Lafayette Street
(between Howard and Grand Streets)
New York, NY 10013
646.922.1799

By Danielle Guercio