Don’t miss this week

I hate to be the one to spell this out for you, but we’re making our way into the opening days of summer’s final month. It seems like just yesterday that we were stocking up on cute dresses and sexy swimwear during warm weather sales, prepping our wardrobe for our summer vacations and backyard barbeques. But now, here we are, living the dreaded inevitable when stores begin to decorate their sale floors with cable knit sweaters, dark denim, and tall leather boots. All good things must come to an end, so let’s make the best of it. Indulge this week and purchase yourself your last summer outfit for the season and flaunt it during the weekend getaway to the beach that I urge you to treat yourself to, no exceptions. This week, pack up your weekender bag with goods from Michael C. Fina, James Coviello, and Velita.

Michael C. Fina Jewelry Sample Sale

Let’s do things backwards this week and revolve our weekend outfit around a gorgeous piece of jewelry. Wednesday marks the start of the Michael C. Fina Sample Sale that will dazzle you with diamonds galore. The fine jewelry sale will feature both modern and vintage earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces in various gold settings and, of course, platinum and silver for up to 70% off. There will also be a deeply discounted sale on engagement rings if you’d like to leave the sale listing open on your laptop, since there’s no better time to propose than during a romantic weekend summer getaway, just saying ;).

Velita Sample Sale

Now that you’re blinged out, lug your rocks downtown to the Velita Sample Sale in SoHo. Velita is only a three year old brand, but their chic clothing proves effortless and stunning, especially thanks to their super cute bow accents. For up to 70% off, Velita’s silk skirts and cream blouses will be the perfect match to your new gold jewelry.

James Coviello Clothing

For a night out on the town, rock your new platinum duds and pick up an outfit from James Coviello during his Thursday Sample Sale. Coviello’s funks dresses and cool, casual tank tops are the perfect toss in for an after dinner drink on Saturday, celebrating your last official night at the beach. Plus, you want to look good too in the event your man spotted the listing for the Michael C. Fina Sample Sale open on your desktop. Just don’t let on you know where your giant rock is from, this way he’ll be able to keep his sample sale pride and you’ll be able to keep your vibrantly beautiful engagement ring.

August is meant to be the month where you jam pack in all the daytrips and weekend getaways that you didn’t get to go on in June and July. So gear up with designer wear, arm your wrists with stunning new bracelets, pack up your car (or ZipCar, for us New Yorkers) and head to the beach in order to soak up the sun and summer’s final days, all while looking fabulous.

By Caitlin Colford

The best things in life are free. Just ask New Yorkers. For all the money we spend on overpriced rent, transportation, delicious food, artisanal everything, and (of course) designer fashions, we deserve to be rewarded with free stuff once in awhile, by world famous professionals nonetheless. Free concerts are going around everywhere throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn this summer, most notably within Central Park. This week Central Park brings us Madama Butterfly, while the Hudson River Park provides us with beats courtesy of Sleigh Bells, all to compensate us for the crazy amount of shopping we’ll be doing at the Heike Jarick, Olive & Bette’s, Splendid & Ella Moss, Yansi Fugel, and Theyskens’ Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sales.

Do you want us to review any of these sales the week of July 16th-July 22nd? As always, a sale event needs at least 10 votes to qualify for review. If you really want a review, encourage your friends to vote for it.

 Loading ...

Heike Jarick Sample Sale

If you had the chance to read our interview with German-born designer Heike Jarick last week, then you are already aware that you’re in store for a great sale. The Heike Jarick Sample Sale will not only provide 30% off spring and summer clothing, but will also offer discounted samples, as well as deliver wholesale prices on edgy Fall 2012 designs, which will be available for purchase and pre-order, for those shoppers who are thinking ahead.

Splendid and Ella Moss Sample Sale

Start your shopping day off splendidly at the Splendid and Ella Moss Sample Sale on Tuesday. Ella Moss’ fun, vibrant clothing is perfect for mid-summer use, while Splendid’s basics and layering options are essential for every closet.

Helmut Lang + Theyskens’ Theory Women’s Sample Sale

This one goes out to the ladies! Be sure to arrive early in order to beat the crowds, as I’m sure mayhem will occur at the Helmut Lang and Theyskens’ Theory Summer Sample Sale. They are promising new summer styles during their Wednesday – Sunday sale run, as well as sweaters, boots, and outerwear to gear you up for fall and winter. Be prepared to spend, spend, spend!

Olive and Bette’s Sample Sale

Lug all your shopping bags uptown to Olive and Bette’s Sample Sale on Third Avenue at 72^nd Street. This one-day only sale promises high-waisted denim from James Jeans for only $50 and Joie silk blouses for $56.

Image credit: CentralParkNYC.org

New York Grand Opera at Central Park

If you’re going to the Olive and Bette’s Sample Sale uptown on Wednesday, or if you simply love opera, stroll on over to Fifth Avenue and 72^nd Street for your musical reward! Within Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell, the New York Grand Opera will take on Puccini while Vincent La Selva leads them in a performance of Madama Butterfly, the 1900’s version of He’s Just Not That Into You.

Yansi Fugel Sample Sale

Nurse your shopping hangover on Thursday with the hair of the dog that bit you at the Yansi Fugel Sample Sale.  Cap sleeves and dizzying patterns will be offered for up to 80% off on 39^th and Seventh Avenue, along with previous stock and sample items at discount prices for your browsing and buying pleasure.

Sleigh Bells at Hudson River Park

End your week right with some rock and roll thanks to Sleigh Bells. Head on down to the Pier 63 at Hudson River Park for a free concert hosted by Converse and thank Santa Clause (and his “sleigh bells”) for Christmas in July while you suit up in your newly purchased discounted dress. After RSVP-ing to this free event, you will be provided with some live tunes from not only Sleigh Bells, but also Rye Rye, Jel, & Mr. Dream as well.

Discount shopping and free outdoor concerts under the stars –music to our ears! New York City once again provides us gals on a tight budget with a week of bliss. Now, if only they could start paying for our rent and cab fare as well.

By Caitlin Colford

We all know June is thee month for sample sale shopping. This is the honest truth, and we have bankruptcy to show for it. However, looking over the sale schedule for next week, you would never know it. It seems top designers pack on the best of the best sales within the first few weeks and June, overwhelming us and causing serious destruction onto our bank accounts. As we roll into the final week of June, poor and exhausted from the heat, we are left with slim pickens.

That being said, this week The Stylish City is going to do something different this time around. We typically provide you with our pick of  what we feel the Sale of the Week is and come at you with a stellar review of their selection and discounts, but this time we’re having some trouble deciding if we should even bother reviewing any of the below sales. Let us know what you think in the comments section below and cast your vote for what you feel should be considered the Sale of the Week. The catch? The sale needs at least 20 votes to qualify for a review.

 Loading ...

Please note you can pick only one.

Rachel Zoe Sample Sale I die. The first ever sample sale from the exuberant reality show stylist Rachel Zoe will be held at 260 5th Avenue starting Wednesday. With 60% off her 2011 Fall, Resort, and 2012 Spring line, this sale is sure to be bananas. Rodarte Sample Sale The top secret Rodarte Sample Sale will take place on Tuesday the 26th at an undisclosed location. In order to attend you must email [email protected] with the hope of a confirmation in response that includes the location. We’re not sure how this Andy fellow is going to pick in choosing the lucky attendees, but perhaps creating an email along the lines of [email protected] may help. We will not be there. Sorry, this one is not up for review; we don’t believe sample sales should be hard, we believe they should be an opportunity for a brand to introduce their merchandise to people who wouldn’t otherwise buy/know it. Too bad.

Lilla P Sample Sale

I like any sale that highlights the phrase “prices starting at $10.” This Meatpacking District Sale will offer Lilla P’s casual tees, tanks, jackets, maxi dresses, lightweight sweaters, and more.

Amanda Uprichard Sample Sale

I admit, I wasn’t familiar with Amanda Uprichard before now. After taking a peek at her website I am intrigued by her colorful selection of airy silk tops and fun shorts. Check out her sale starting Wednesday for 40%-60% off.

Melissa Joy Manning Sample Sale

Thursday brings us up to 60% off jewelry from Melissa Joy Manning, who creates unusual and modern designs.

Angel Sanchez Sample Sale

Brides to be, here’s your chance to save big. The Angel Sanchez Sample Sale will be selling bridal gowns at 60%-70% off, as well as evening and cocktail dresses for your attendees.

BLUES by kyky Sample Sale

Fun, funky brights will decorate the room at BLUES by kyky sample sale. If you need a splash of color in your life then check out the sale starting Tuesday.

Colette Malouf Sample Sale

Costume jewelry and hair accessories that would have been perfect for this past weekend’s Jazz Age lawn party, the Colette Malouf Sample Sale will provide you with edgy statement pieces that will make you the talk of the gala.

You have all the information: six so-so sample sales to choose from. Are any worth a review? You tell us! Cast your votes ASAP!

By Caitlin Colford

The kids are out of school and summer has officially kicked off. We’re ready for the vacation we’ve been dreaming of and anxious to indulge in outdoor friend and family gatherings. Father’s Day starts us off this Sunday, celebrating the first man to steal our hearts: Our Daddy. While you’re celebrating Dad, why not treat yourself like the princess he made you feel like all these years by indulging in sales from Nicholas K, J.Crew, and Ippolita Jewelry.

NICHOLAS K SAMPLE SALE

Before meeting up with Dad on Sunday, make an early pit stop at the Nicholas K Sample Sale on Gansevoort Street. During the sale’s final day, discover retail merchandise for up to 60% off, as well as samples that will run you between $40-$180, from this edgy designer who lives for layering. Nicholas K’s spring collection boasts a clean look with asymmetrical jackets and earth-toned blouses, which, I’m certain, will be plentiful at the sale. Tip: Nicholas K is frequently featured on Gilt and Beyond the Rack so even if you don’t find something at the sale, check out his fabrics, sizes, and styles in order to determine if you’ll be interested in the next sale.

FATHER’S DAY IN NYC Finding something for you and Dad to do isn’t exactly easy. He doesn’t want you to fuss, in fact, he would much rather prefer to sit on the couch and veg all day. But you want to treat him to a day out on the town! Show him some fun! Unfortunately, your definition of fun (i.e. Going to a museum, Broadway Show, walking the Highline, shopping!) is gravely different from his. The ultimate solution is just ahead. This Sunday, treat your Dad to his two true loves: Beer and Baseball! Dad’s not going to want to venture into the downtown, hip neighborhoods of Manhattan, so settle on a spot within his comfort zone. A hidden gem lays within Midtown, a treasure that will cure your conflicting Father’s Day scheduling issues. Rattle ‘N’ Hum on 33rd Street and Madison Ave, is a Zagat rated Craft Beer Bar. The unassuming establishment holds the holy grail of fresh and ready to pour IPAs and Ales from independent breweries. The line-up rotates frequently, but this Sunday the massive brew list will feature popular indie hits like Troegs Nugget Nectar, Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA, and Ayinger Celebrator Dopplebock.

First pitch of the Yankees vs. Nationals game is at 1:35PM so settle in and order your Pop a Bronx Brewery Pale Ale to appropriately sip as he cheers on his favorite team. During the game he’s of course going to get hungry (it’s lunch time – hello!) so be sure to introduce him to some beer inspired fare that he’ll go mad for. Rattle ‘N’ Hum popularly serves IPA fries, made with a spiced IPA brine and finished with a hop salt. Get Dad and order of those alongside a Rattle ‘N’ Hum Burger that utilizes a bacon beer reduction, and you’ll receive the Daughter of the Century Award.

J.CREW SAMPLE SALE

Too bad this sale wasn’t earlier as it would have been the perfect one stop spot for Father’s Day (and daughter) shopping! If you’re in the market for a belated gift for Dad, the J.Crew Sample Sale’s men’s section is notably amazing. Quickly grab him some button downs then head off to douse yourself in some top-notch prep wear! The traditionally crowded J.Crew Sample Sale kicks off on Tuesday to offer shoppers up to 65% off clothing, shoes, and accessories from J.Crew, Crewcuts for kids, and a limited assortment from Madewell. Be sure to get there early!

IPPOLITA JEWELRY SAMPLE SALE

Close out your weak with a plethora of discounted bangles, earrings, necklaces, and rings at the Ippolita Sample Sale.  Artist and designer Ippolita utilizes both artistic sculpting techniques and hand made craftsmanship to produce his signature pieces.

Dad’s happy with his perfect day chock full of burgers, baseball, and beer and you’re pleased with your latest wardrobe pieces from J.Crew. All in all: A winning week for everyone. (And hopefully the Yankees too!)

By Caitlin Colford