Don’t miss this week

March has arrived and the forecast is looking greener! For both our upcoming sample sale and weather forecast that is! As we wait impatiently for the growth flowers and green grass, now that we are surrounded by mild weather and sunny skies, shamrocks and leprechauns will decorate our coming weeks and we’ll celebrate it all by shopping for bright and cheery spring wear! This week, kick off March with sales from DKNY, Ted Rossi, Frette, J Mendel and 2b Rych.

Sample Sale Alert: Yellow

Frette Fine Italian Linens Sample Sale

There’s something about a Sunday combined with the phrase “Fine Italian Linens” that achieves celestial bliss. Beginning this Sunday, the Frette Fine Italian Linens Sample Sale begins on 59^th Street at 11AM. Last year, the sample sale offered a plethora of bedding for a king sized bed, but not a vast selection for a queen and smaller. Further, a duvet cover will run you around $600, while sheets are priced individually for top and shitted, and marked for under $100.

DKNY Sample Sale

Monday marks the start of this season’s DKNY Sample Sale at 260 Fifth Avenue. This past August, the sale not only offered DKNY, but also Donna Karan, DKNY Jeans, and DKNY Pure as well. We’re hoping for the same multi-collection turn out this time around as well! As we reported in August, the shoes from DKNY and Dona Karan were a hit, as were the wallet friendly prices for t-shirts, sweaters, and denim.

2b Rych Sample Sale

You can certainly gear up for spring at the 2b Rych Sample Sale beginning Monday. Their comfortable maxi dresses should always be a staple in your closet for bouncing around town, in addition to their simple yet elegant cocktail dresses and flowing blouses that will be all on hand for $25 and under! Can’t go wrong with prices as cheap as that.

Ted Rossi Sample Sale

The ever-present snakeskin pattern tends to steadily float in and out of fashion year by year. This summer, snakeskin is back in action and how better to wear the trend daily than as wrist candy? The Ted Rossi Sample Sale will offer 60% jewelry and majorly discount his famous color block cuffs and python and metal bracelets, ready for stacking!

J. Mendel Sample Sale

The luxurious J. Mendel will be holding an exclusive sample sale this week, with two days of invite-only shopping, followed by a public opening on Thursday the 7^th.  Although this sale comes a week too late (we could have utilized the discounts when purchasing our Oscar gown!), it’s exciting nonetheless for fashionistas considering the bleak selection of sales as of late. This sale promises up to 90% off everything from J. Mendel’s furs, to his ready-to-wear, cocktail dresses, and gowns.

Happy Sample Sale Shopping everyone and get ready for a more active sale line up coming this spring!

We regret to inform you that this sale is private and by invitation only, and that we are not in the position to give you any further information.

By Caitlin Colford

Will spring come early this year? Late? On Saturday morning, the infamous Punxsutawney Phil will determine our future as he pops out from his burrow. Although we are all anxiously awaiting our seasonal prediction, perhaps while he’s at it he could also inform us as to what’s going on with the current sample sale season. I’m sure you are all tired of hearing this by now, but as we have frequently been pointing out the fact that sample sales have been few and far between as of late. Interestingly enough, many sales this week begin Friday or Saturday, on Phil’s Groundhog holiday, vs. mid-week. Perhaps designers and stores are hoping to draw in more of a crowd on the weekends with the added foot traffic? Who knows. Hopefully Phil will tell us. Until his determination, this weekend and Tuesday, don’t miss sales from In God We Trust, Scoop, Dagny + Barstow, Delicate Raymond, The Shoe Box and Kleinfeld.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: YELLOW

Saturday Sale Surplus

If there’s a day to shop this week, it’s Saturday. A crazy amount of sample sales and warehouse sales are going on, so choose wisely. Last week, I visited Scoop NYC Ultimate Closet Warehouse Sale in SoHo and needless to say, I came away with a bag full of T by Alexander Wang tops and didn’t even come close to breaking the bank. T by Alexander Wang tops and Rag & Bone denim and cords were the majority in the sale, which is located in the rear of the store where 50% is taken off of already reduced merchandise, totaling a whopping 75% off retail prices. A sale like this one certainly trumps the crowded sample sales of the respectful designers at hand.

After visiting Scoop’s awesome sale, head over a few blocks over to the In God We Trust Sample Sample Sale on Lafayette Street. This fun and funky store features not only cool trinkets and quirky jewelry, but also vintage inspired clothing from the store’s brand and private label collections. Don’t think you’re done just yet. Jump a few blocks east to the Bowery and hit up the ultra hip Dagney + Barstow Warehouse Sale where 80% off will be deducted from pieces by edgy designers such as Roseanna, Sophie Hulme, Swash London and Micaela Greg.

If you still haven’t had your fill, drop down to the Lower East Side to visit the Delicate Raymond Valentine’s Day Sample Sale for 70% off funky necklaces, one of a kind samples, and vintage costume jewelry from the 1980’s. I know you’re exhausted by now, but on your way home pop in to the daily replenished, smoking Shoe Box Warehouse Sale, which we reviewed for you earlier this week.

Showroom Seven Sample Sale

For sample sale shopping veterans out there, you are all familiar with Showroom Seven’s Sample Sale by now. Beginning Tuesday, the showroom, which features merchandise by Charlotte Ronson, Issa London, Orla Kiely, and more, is known for slashing up to 70% off retail prices. At previous sales, there was a wide variety of accessories, with jewelry marked anywhere between $100-$900. Orla Kiely merchandise is typically the majority, with clothing priced between $100-$250. Issa London recently had a sale on Gilt, where many of her dresses were under $100, so be on the lookout for great deals on this admired brand.

Kleinfeld Bridal Anniversary Sample Sale

Gather up a trusty team of wedding gown snatchers similar to the one Monica assembled in the infamous Friends episode where they take on the Kleinfeld Sample Sale. The secret to success Monica held during her battle with the sale, was to have a specific gown and/or specific style picked out in advance. Print out three photos of the bridal gown, one for yourself and two for the lucky members of your team, and take on the racks of gorgeous gowns from Badgley Mischka, Lanvin, and more starting at just $999 with shoes and veils starting at $99.

Jennifer Tyler Sample Sale

The 25 year brand Jennifer Tyler, a long beloved label is now run by not only Jennifer herself, but Claire, the designer’s daughter as well. The semi-annual Jennifer Tyler Sample Sale will have a late in the day start at 4pm on Wednesday at the sale’s usual home, The Surrey on the Upper East Side. This year, the sale promises hip-length cardigans for $225 and cropped sweaters for $100 each. At past years’ sales shoppers found cardigans for $95 and fox trim ponchos for $650.

If Saturday Sale Surpluses are the new trend then so be it. Our bosses will appreciate it, especially if it means that we don’t come in an hour late every time there’s a Chanel or Dolce sale going on.

By Caitlin Colford

Thankfully, this week’s weather forecast brings us more tolerable conditions, allowing us to comfortably stroll the streets as we saunter from sale to sale. However, unfortunately this week’s sale forecast is less than thrilling. As we reported last week, January has brought us only half the amount of sales that we were offered to us last year at this time. Bring back the sample sales! Regardless of the bleak sale forecast, don’t miss out on Lululemon’s massive Warehouse Sale, Shoebox’s Warehouse Sale, Edition 01 Sample Sale, and discounts on fur at the Branco Pelle, Sharnelle, and Dennis Basso Sample Sales.

Sample Sale Alert: Light Yellow

Furry Discounts

This past Saturday we brought you the scoop on the deep discounts going on over at the Dennis Basso Sample Sale. With three days left of incredible markdowns on shearling, mink, fox fur, and slink, if you’re a fan of fur, don’t let Wednesday pass you by without making a trip to 33^rd Street. If nothing tickles your fancy at the Dennis Basso Sale, head five blocks downtown to 28^th Street to the Sharnelle Furs Outwear & Accessories Sample Sale where they promise mink coats for under $2,000 and fur vests for as low as $195. Still nothing? Then mosey back uptown to 39^th Street to the Branco Pelle High-End Shearling Outwear Sample Sale for up to 70% off Pelle’s beautiful shearling coats.

Edition01 Sample Sale

The online e-commerce site Edition01 is hosting a Sample Sale in their New York Office beginning on Wednesday. Edition01 frequently collaborates with top designers to curate limited edition collections. Currently they are collaborating with Fenton to bring shoppers punk inspired statement jewelry and Tracy Anderson to bring style and comfort in the form of bold leggings. On Wednesday, starting at 4pm, the Edition01 Sample Sale will offer said limited edition merchandise from brands such as Rag & Bone, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Thakoon.

The Shoe Box Warehouse Sale

Since last year, The Shoe Box has been frequently hosting warehouse sales where the Upper East Side store offers amazing discounts on high-end brands. During a warehouse sale last year, The Shoe Box offered Vince Camuto Wedges for $35, Ugg Annisa Boots for $99 and Magrit Crystal Pumps for $129, marked down from $650. Beginning Tuesday, The Shoe Box’s Warehouse Sale will bring discounted shoes from Frye, Kate Spade, KORS, Cynthia Vincent, and more.

Lululemon Yogabowl Warehouse Sale

Who needs the Super Bowl when you have a… Yogabowl? The rarely discounted brand Lululemon is hosing an exciting Warehouse Sale starting Friday and lasting through the weekend at Nassau Coliseum. The arena-sized sale is sure to be worth a trip if you can find your way out to Long Island. Last week, Lululemon hosted a similar gigantic sale in Vancouver, which drew in large crowds who sorted through boxes of Lululemon’s extremely comfortable and durable work out wear for as low as $4! Spotted at the sale was Lululemon’s Groove Crop Pants for $45, regularly $86.

Enjoy the final week of January and ring in February while lounging in your new Lululemon gear as you nosh on nachos and Buffalo wings and hang with the guys during Football’s biggest game while you await Beyonce’s half time performance. No lip-synching this time, B.

By Caitlin Colford

Where oh where did the sample sales go? Last January brought shoppers more than twice the amount of sample sales that are offered this year, a surprising fact given the continued allure of price slashing sales. Considering the outpouring of daily sale sites such as Gilt, designers may be shying away from offering beloved annual sample sales, but then again, they have to get rid of their true sample pieces somehow, right?  Notable January sales missing this year are from the Italian luxury brand Max Mara and the edgy and beloved All Saints. Where are we supposed to get our designer leather jackets on the cheap now?

But I digress. From here on out, let’s stay focused on the now and this week, don’t miss sample sales from Prive, Life:Curated, and Dennis Basso.

Sample Sale Alert: Light Yellow

Prive Sample Sale

Given Monday’s holiday, Tuesday kicks off the sale week with the Prive Sample Sale inside Chelsea Market. The sale, which has been well reviewed in the past and reported as tame compared to other sales, will offer up to 70% off retail prices from popular brands. Last year, the Prive Sample Sale brought an assortment of merchandise from such labels as Theory, Elie Tahari, Free People, and Alice + Olivia. An alternative Apparel dress was even scored for $18!

Life:Curated Warehouse Sale

It’s multi-brand mayhem this week! Thursday, the Life:Curated Warehouse Sale will offer 50-70% off fall merchandise from such brands as Ace & Jog and Dolce Vita. Last year, Life:Curated hosted their annual sale in Williamsburg, and offering tees for as low $10, shoes for $75, and $30 button downs in addition to Rebecca Minkoff bags for $175.

Dennis Basso Sample Sale

Expect this sale to be jam packed with Upper East Siders and socialites. Beginning on Saturday, the Dennis Basso Sample Sale has a late start in the week at Soiffer Haskin as it boasts discounts on fur vests, cashmere coats, clothing and a selection of fur throws.  Furrier Basso has been the go to designer for well over a decade, having kept celebrities such as Brooke Shields and Sharon Stone warm with his famous fur coats. Expect to also see gowns from Basso’s year old bridal collection.

Despite the slim sale pickings January has offered us thus far, let’s hold our heads up high and hope for a brighter sale future for the upcoming eleven months 2013 has in store for us.

By Caitlin Colford