Derek Lam

In this week’s Don’t Miss, we reported that the upcoming Barneys Warehouse Sale would be the last of its kind. Today, the Warehouse’s very pleasant and helpful manager clarified our speculations. He informed us that yes, this would be the final sale within their 255 West 17^th Street space. But starting with their end of summer Warehouse Sale in August/September, they would move a block away. Additionally, Barneys is also relocating their Co-Op store, which closed earlier this month, to a to be determined location. The newly located Warehouse Sale will still feature the classic set-up of past sales we are all used to, but in a slimmer, more condensed fashion as many of their sale stock will be first offered on their permanent sale website: Barneyswarehouse.com. This could potentially mean that the best of the best will be purchased by e-shoppers before making it to the Warehouse. It’s your prerogative from here on out shoppers. To continue on with the tradition of religiously visiting Barneys Warehouse Sale or not is the question. You may be better off stalking the website in order to catch a hot deal before anyone else has a chance, but that will so be determined with a little trial and error.

Today was the first day of the two week long Barneys Warehouse Sale, kicking off with a not so thrilling start. As usual, browsers were buzzing about the shoe and purse section as the Warehouse’s very polite and organized staff tidied up behind them and provided excited shoppers with tote bags to lighten their load.

The trends of the shoe section were platforms, suede, and Greek sandals. A pair of Proenza Schouler Wood Wedge Black Leather Platforms ($629, orig. $1,580, Size 9, pictured) were a stand out, as were the Rick Owens Ankle Wrap Platforms in Bronze and Black ($709, orig. $1,770, pictured), the Derek Lam Black Leather Platforms ($279, orig. $690), Derek Lam Brown Suede Chelsea Peep Toe Heels ($399, orig. $990, pictured) and the wide variety of Greek Sandals by both Barneys CoOp and Ancient Greek Sandals ($100). Be aware that many of these shoes appear weathered, so do be sure to do a careful inspection before charging the designer shoes to your trusty credit card.

A small selection of damaged shoes was on hand on a bleak looking shelf. Here, there was a pair of Manolos for $250 and a pair of Prada heels for $150, but stained and tattered nonetheless.

Typically, the denim section at the Barneys Warehouse Sale is meticulously organized. At past sales, neatly folded denim and cords were arranged according to size and furiously folded by staffers after a shopper’s examination. This time, however, jeans were stacked in boxes, making for messy sorting and frustrating digging. Staffers were still furiously folding, but it made for a much harder task. The denim selection seemed to be a repeat from last year’s sale. I noticed the same colored jeans and corduroys. The stands out in this messy pile included Brown Current Elliott Skinny Jeans ($99), Helmut Lang Bell Bottoms ($159), Coral colored James Jeans ($99), and Rag & Bone Skinny Cords ($105). Note that most, if not all, of the white and beige colored pants appeared dirty.

In the purse section, shoppers were scooping up Marc by Marc Jacobs leather handbags and wallets. Although no great bargain, these bags were indeed cute and worth your consideration. Colored Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallets were $130 and a Magenta Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag was $378, while his adorable Teal Backpack ran for $300, down only $70 from its retail price. For this merchandise, it may be worth waiting for the additional markdowns Barneys will provide in the coming days.

Another change up within Barneys Warehouse Sale was the fact that designer and contemporary wear was intermixed. The less than exciting ready to wear collection featured ripped dresses and pulled sweaters, so again, be sure to launch a full-scale inspection before purchasing. Some highlights of the clothing section included a Band of Outsiders Crochet Dress ($149, orig. $495, pictured), an ALC Peach Jumpsuit ($319, orig. $794, pictured), an interesting Madison Marcus Beige Cocktail Dress ($235, orig. $363), and an Elizabeth & James Mint Blazer ($239, orig. $395, pictured). 3.1 Phillip Lim offered exciting finds, including his Navy Blue Blazer w/ Shoulder Tie ($269, orig. $675, pictured) and a gorgeous Black Cropped Jacket ($339). Also, for those who favor comfort, be sure to sneak a peek at Barneys Jersey Knit Dresses. These are featured in the “blue star” section, indicating an additional 75% off tag prices, making these incredibly soft yet flattering dresses only $20.

The accessory section was dismal. You won’t find much there aside from $2,000 hand painted chairs and Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone cases.

All in all, although damaged and stained merchandise overpower the true blue steals of the sale, the Barneys Warehouse Sale is always worth a walk through. Even though it may be worth it to focus your attention on their online sect in the future, the Barneys Warehouse Sale is still a staple in a New York City shopper’s life.

WHEN: 2/14 – 2/24;
2/14 – 2/15; Th-F (8-9)
2/16 – 2/17; Sat-Sun (9-8)
2/18 – 2/22; M-F (10-9)
2/23 – 2/24; Sat-Sun (9-8)

WHERE: 255 West 17th Street
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
212-450-8400.

By Caitlin Colford

WHAT: 10 Crosby Derek Lam Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: 10 Crosby Derek Lam Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 2/6 12pm – 2/8 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

*To sign up & access the sales, please click here.

Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com

WHAT: Derek Lam Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Derek Lam Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 2/4 12pm – 2/6 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

*To sign up & access the sales, please click here.

Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com

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