Elizabeth and James

WHAT: Early Access: Elizabeth and James Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Early Access: Elizabeth and James Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 10/30 9pm – 11/1 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

Celebrity lines can be anything from eccentric to basic, and some strike a balance between the two.  In the Early Aughts, The Olsen Twins were two very influential fashionistas, attending NYU and running from townhouse to towncar in what came to be known as their unique and iconic styles.

Harnessing that raw power that their influence has in the fashion world, the sisters founded fashion line Elizabeth and James, named after their non-identical younger siblings.  The line seeks to bridge the gap and the difference between both each other and the two schools of fashion thought they embody.  At the 260 Fifth Sample Sale space, Elizabeth and James goods were poised and primed to move just in time for fall season.

The clothes were a complete expression of a girl’s wardrobe.  Everything from the simplest button down or thick knit sweater to the multi colored fur vest was available and at great discount.  Tops ranged from $45 for a blouse to $100 for a blazer.  The embellished and grosgrain colored blazers we think should go very quickly, as we saw flower printed jersey knit blazers right next to grosgrain satin and poly blends with button studding on both shoulders.  These are really gorgeous pieces, and there’s no telling how long they will last.

This sale is organized by size, so bear to the left if you are a small and head to the middle if you are a medium or large.  Leather jackets and specialty outerwear probably won’t last through Wednesday, so if you had a hand painted biker jacket in your heart, go grab it now!  Fluffy down coats were $300 and came in a few styles most around waist length.  Many cropped and season appropriate chunky sweaters were still floating around, we know how big layering is for Mary-Kate and Ashley!  Their basics line, TEXTILE also had a few slightly cheaper priced basics such as 40 dollar sweatshirts, 60 dollar jackets, and 25 dollar tees.  There was a ton of camo and army green, still going strong in fall 2014.

One thing you don’t see at many sample sales is quality eyeglass frames.  For just $45, you can grab your very own mother-of-pearl vintage looking cat eyes, very stylish and putting an optical upgrade in anyone’s hands.  Though there were plenty of skirts and dresses, we didn’t see anywhere near the same amount of pants.  Don’t worry, they are still there, but they are not in as great of numbers as the plentiful tops, so again, get there quick if that is what you are wishing for.

Jewelry was also incredibly on point, most of Elizabeth + James’ stuff is normally pretty expensive, but this sale had discounts around 60-70% of retail.  Head up to Flatiron this week for some clothes from the brains of some of fashion’s most unexpected but perfectly attuned devotees.  Grab a funky fur or a chill sweater, both are on hand as different as can be!

By Danielle Guercio

We’ve got a fun roundup of don’t miss sample sales for you this week, shoppers. On our list is bridal gowns and accessories from Kleinfeld Bridal, and loads of fall and winter goods at the Milly, Stella & Jamie, and More Sample Sale, as well as the Elizabeth and James Sample Sale. We’re also featuring the Halsbrook Charity Pop-Up Sale, where a portion of the proceeds benefits The Society of MSK. Finally, kitchen fiends will enjoy the Broadway Panhandler sale, which features some of the best brands in cookware.

Kleinfeld Bridal Sample Sale

Calling all blushing brides! Bridal gowns are marked up to 70% off the retail price at the upcoming Kleinfeld Bridal Sample Sale. The sale lasts for only three hours on Tuesday, so don’t be a slacker. Dresses start at $699 and sizes six through 28 are available, as are bridal accessories. No appointments necessary, first come first serve.

WHEN: 10/7; Tue (4-7)
WHERE: 110 West 20th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, New York, NY. 646-633-4300

Elizabeth and James Fall 2014 Sample Sale

Head to the Elizabeth and James Fall 2014 Sample Sale to snag killer deals on outerwear and other cold-weather approved apparel. The sale also features jewelry and eyewear to help you complete your fall and winter ensembles. Sneak peek items include the brand’s Quilted Bomber Jackets ($100 from $295), leather and chiffon shift dresses ($250 from $895) and graphic print sweaters ($100 from $295).

WHEN: 10/7 – 10/12; Tue-Th (10-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (10-3)
WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets New York, NY 10001. 212-725-5400

Milly, Stella & Jamie, and More Sample Sale

There’s all sorts of fall and winter goodies stocked at the Milly, Stella & Jamie, and More Sample Sale, which runs next Tuesday through Thursday at Clothingline. Other brands included in this sale are Kimberly Model, Yoon, and Hat Attack, among others. Shop both clothing and accessories for the upcoming cooler months — and feel free to bring friends because there’s bound to be something for everyone

WHEN: 10/7 – 10/9; Tue-Th (11-7)
WHERE: Clothingline. 261 West 36th Street, between 7th & 8th Ave., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018

Halsbrook Charity Pop-Up Sale

Everything’s coming up sophisticated at the Halsbrook Charity Pop-Up Sale, which takes place at The Society Boutique and boasts 30% to 70% off retail prices on myriad brands. Some of the designers included in this sale include Christopher Fischer, Repeat Cashmere, Elie Tahari, Bindya, Gerard Yosca, Julie Vos, Lele Sadoughi, and Nest. Halsbrook will give 25% of sales — and 100% of specially marked, donated merchandise — to The Society of MSK.

WHEN: 10/8 – 10/11; W-Sat (10-6)
WHERE: The Society Boutique – The MSK Thrift Shop. 1440 Third Avenue, between 81st and 82nd Streets, New York, NY. 212-535-1250.

Broadway Panhandler Sale

If you’re in the market for new kitchenware, a trip to the Broadway Panhandler Sale is just what the chef ordered. This sale features prominent cookware brands, including Cuisinart and Creuset. For example, the Cuisineart mini food choppers are only $15 (from $50) and the Creuset cast-iron soup pots are $140 (from $360). We’re already thinking ahead to holiday gifts with this one.

WHEN: 10/8 – 10/13
WHERE: 65 East 8th Street, Greenwich Village, between Broadway and Mercer Street, 212-966- 3434

By Wendy Rose Gould

Image Credit: ElizabethandJames.us

We’ve officially made it to fall, and after a muggy, oh-so-hot summer, things are finally starting to cool down. While the air may be cooling, though, sample sales are really starting to heat up in anticipation of the holiday shopping season.

Today’s list of Don’t Miss Sample Sales includes discounted travel essentials from Lipault of Paris & Knomo, must-have dresses and more from the Rent the Runway Fall sample sale (get those holiday dresses now, ladies), cold-weather apparel from Nili Lotan, and stunning jewelry from Nora Kogan and Jaded Jewels to complement your new fall wardrobe.

Nili Lotan Fall Sample Sale

Bundle up in something warm from the Nili Lotan Sample Sale, which promises up to 60% off the designer’s fall merchandise. Teasers include tees, tee dresses and knits for $40, light and heavy sweaters for $120 to $140, a military short coat for $300 (from $688), and a zip front hooded coat for $450 (from $1,301). There’s plenty more available, as well.

WHEN: 9/28 – 9/29; Sun (11-6), M (10-7)
WHERE: 188 Duane Street, New York, NY

Rent the Runway Fall 2014 Sample Sale

With up to 95% off retail prices on some of the hottest designers’ merchandise, the Rent the Runway Fall 2014 Sample Sale is a no brainer. Gently used dresses and accessories from the following brands will be sold: Nicole Miller, Elizabeth and James, Issa, Shoshanna, Badgley Mischka, Robert Rodriguez, and more. The sale runs through all of next week, but supply will dwindle as the week marches on.

WHEN: 9/29 – 10/5; M (noon-8), Tue-Th (11-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (10-4)
WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets New York, NY 10001. 212-725-5400

Jaded Jewels Sample Sale

We’re all about the one-of-a-kind finds and prototypes by Jaded Jewels. This sample sale features discounted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more, including classic styles in 22kt plated with gemstones and freshwater pearls. Jaded Jewels’ designs often nod to historical references, and each piece is crafted from the high quality gemstones and metals.

WHEN: 9/30 – 10/3; Tue-F (10:30-6)
WHERE: 1046 Madison Avenue, Suite 3N, between 79th & 80th Streets, New York, NY. 212-744-0312

Lipault of Paris & Knomo Sample Sale

If you’re traveling anytime soon and need to upgrade your luggage, the Lipault of Paris & Knomo Sample Sale is one you’ll want to pencil into your schedule. There you’ll find up to 70% off handbags, briefcases, luggage and accessories for both men and women. The sale only runs two days, so plan accordingly.

WHEN: 10/2 – 10/3; Th-F (10-4)
WHERE: 320 Fifth Avenue, Suite 501, between 32nd & 33rd Streets, New York, NY

Nora Kogan Jewelry Sample Sale

Nora Kogan is known for her look-at-me, high quality costume and fine jewelry. This sample sale has some of her most noted pieces available for 50% to 80% off the retail price. For example, her matchsticks, tigers, eyes and lips cuffs are $40, her brass bone cuffs are $50 (from $147) and her desire ring in 14k gold with green amethyst is $750 from $1,651.

WHEN: 10/4 – 10/5; Sat-Sun (11-6)
WHERE: Nora Kogan. 103 Metropolitan Avenue, (at Wythe), Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11249. 718-398-4459

By Wendy Rose Gould

Image Credit: RenttheRunway.com