Dolce Vita

The Lower East Side may not be host to as many sample sales as other neighborhoods, but it is in close enough proximity to SoHo’s regular retail and bargain retail establishments to warrant a brief jaunt eastward.  Located at the busy corner of Bowery and Kenmare Street, The Bowery Pop Up Outlet is at the crossroads of two of New York’s coolest neighborhoods.

White wood molding exteriors are punctuated with neon lettering, announcing the current invocation of this shop, which can be found online permanently at www.thepopupoutlet.com.  Emerging and established designer brands can be had for 60-80% off typical retail prices, and we saw lines from Walter, Erin Featherston, Wren, Obesity and Speed, Courtshop, WESC, Cooper and Ella, Eighteenth, Morning Warriors, Suno, Dolce Vita, Shades of Grey and Timo Wieland.  We liked the spacious dressing room, relaxed atmosphere, and sharp handmade signs, giving it an indie, LES flare we don’t see enough at sales.

Definitely bring a male with you to this shop, with some really killer boardshorts going for $49, they will find their summer personality here.  Men’s had plaids, camo, chambray, jersey knit hoodies, and cargo pants in many styles and colors. We think many of the Shades of Grey looks would work on a female too.  The men’s selection makes this a great contender for your post-brunch shopping list, with it’s short distance to many of the best brunch spots below 14th street.

Women could choose between silk shirts and dresses in perfect summer weights to worn in print tees with skeletons and motorcycles.  There was great variation in style, perfect for young, old, fashionista or finance major.  Bold prints with negative space on dress pants were one of our favorite items, necessary with a pair of bold pumps and a bustier and blazer combo.  Courtshop midrise jeans were on sale for 25 dollars.  I repeat, 25 dollars!  Both skinny and newly minted on-trend bell bottoms cling to you in all the right places.  There were still many sizes available.

Erin Featherston’s section was as to be expected a favorite.  We saw pink and black cocktail dresses for the less fearless event guest, and bold golden crepe dresses tucked in nonchalantly among the less glorious but still beautiful selection. White sequins, navy blue spandex, and periwinkle silk were also all available dress materials, making this selection very tasteful and feminine without being overly girly.

Right in front of the sunny window is a few rows of shoes that were unique and dainty, pointing you toward checkout.  Sculptural art deco platforms in nude pink and beige were really distracting, and we think they won’t be around for too long.  For some slightly more rare duds that what you will find further west, definitely hit this corner shop crossroads, where the discounts are steep and the pressure is most certainly off. Open until June 2nd or longer!

WHEN: 5/24 – 6/2; daily (noon-8)

WHERE: The Old Bowery Station
168 Bowery at Kenmare Street
New York, NY

By Danielle Guercio

WHAT: Dolce Vita & DV by Dolce Vita Online Sample Sale @ Ruelala.com

WHY: Dolce Vita & DV by Dolce Vita Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 5/29 11am – 5/31 11am

WHERE: RueLaLa.com

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

RueLaLa.com

One thing about sample sale shopping that can be a challenge is the lack of on season selection.  Sometimes when you reach a sale, they are liquidating sweaters and jackets when it is 75 degrees outside.  The disconnect is sometimes enough to stop a purchase, thinking about the large stash in your closet.

Then sometimes you stumble upon a sale filled with all of the things that you want to wear immediately, and those can be the most dangerous.  Tucked away in between SoHo and the Lower East Side on Prince street is a little storefront full of promise.  The Yumi Kim crew decided to drop back-stock on us, and it is glorious.

Not a far walk from the regular shopping mecca on Broadway and Lafayette Street on 40 Prince Street, you can find the princess romper you may have skipped over last year.  Prices were pretty great, at $55 for a dress or romper, $40 for a top and $20 for shoes.  There were racks filled to the absolute gills with countless options.

No lines, no waiting, and a clear shot to the dressing room makes this sale a hidden gem, not on everyone’s radar by any means.  Yumi kim is known for their hyper feminine florals, beading, and cut styles.  You can go backless, long sleeve, cutout, and short or long and find both your size and the exact cut you are looking for.  This is rare, and one of the reasons why this is a must stop if you are lacking in girly glamour pieces for this spring and summer.

Shoes were at the deepest discount, with most going for $20.  Yumi Kim doesn’t manufacture shoes, but carries brands such as Jeffrey Campell, Dolce Vita, and Minnetonka.  So brand you are used to seeing at Urban are going for $20 in many different sizes.  This alone makes the visit worth it. Folding flats, snakeskin sandals, fringe galore and cork platforms could all be found and all for $20.

Accessories such as jewelry and belts were also available at a very deep discount.  Bold brass bangles were $10, in many different styles.  There were lacquer rings for $10 and less, which could up your accessory game with not much effort, so stock up on those.  Belts in a huge box near the shoe display were also $10 or less, so again stock up on these cheapies, they aren’t anywhere near that affordable on the regular.

This isn’t the largest space, but this weekend should be a crazy shopping weekend, so I were you I would hit the sale before friday for some Mem Day classics.  The sale itself is lasting until Monday, so you have a bit of time to swing by, though we don’t recommend waiting too long!

WHEN: 5/19 – 5/26; daily (11-7)

WHERE: 40 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012

By Danielle Guercio

WHAT: Dolce Vita Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Dolce Vita Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 5/8 12pm – 5/10 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