Handbags & Accessories

WHAT: Accessorize with Abandon: From Sandals to Shades Online Sample Sale @ Ruelala.com

WHY: Accessorize with Abandon: From Sandals to Shades up to 60% off!

WHEN: 6/3 11am – 6/5 11am

WHERE: RueLaLa.com

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

RueLaLa.com

Although the Tory Burch Sample Sale held a surprise opening at 2PM yesterday, it was today that drew in the crowds of ballet flat loving shoppers, anxious to get their hands on a few pairs of discounted shoes. Given the Fashion District location, many local employees came down from their cubicles to be on hand for the 11AM opening. Fortunately for those who arrived early, the line seemed to swell greater as the lunchtime rush spilled onto West 36^th Street.

While waiting in line I took note to the numerous amounts of blue bags that were being clutched tightly by exiting shoppers, providing the prospect of fabulous deals for those waiting. One woman was nice enough to stop and share that the clothing selection “was disappointing,” stating further that this sale was “all about the shoes.”

Upon entering Clothingline on the 2^nd floor for the Tory Burch Sample Sale, you are handed a number that will immediately place you in line for 10 minutes (and 10 minutes only) of fast paced shopping and try-ons in the shoe section. That’s right, after waiting in line your must…wait in line again. To provide you with an idea, I was handed number 461 and as I arrived they were just calling in numbers 405 and 406.

During your waiting time you are invited to browse the Tory Burch handbags and apparel sections, which are less than thrilling. While moseying around I heard many sighs of disappointment by the dismal selection. One shopper even approached me to inquire if merchandise will be added to the sale. The only additions will be additional stock from the influx of the same styles repeated throughout the size specific racks (0-12, S-XL).

Starting with the wall of handbags, prices reached as low as $95 for the Stitched Logo Swingpack to $250 for the Maisey Shopper, Maisey Tote (pictured), and Maisey Hobo (pictured). Also on hand was the Julian Small Convertible Bag in three different colors ($225, pictured).

The meek assortment of ready-to-wear was bleak, although the discounts on clothing certainly trumped the lame discounts on shoes and bags. One pro to the frustrations of the Tory Burch Sample Sale is the high quality apparel. If you make a trip to the sale, check out the Cornelia Dress ($150, orig. $395, various sizes, pictured), Walker Sweater Coat ($194, orig. $450), Adalia Top ($85, orig. $250, pictured), Original Sequin Dress ($425, orig. $850, Size M, pictured), and the beautiful Bridgette Dress ($150, orig. $425, Size M). There were some denim options mixed in throughout, mostly the Tory Classic Jean ($85, orig. $175, pictured).

I’m not quite sure what the excited shoe-shopper outside was speaking about, because there were only a handful of shoe options at the Tory Burch Sample Sale, none of which screamed “amazing deal!” Every pair of shoe on sale is pictured here, proving that there is no grand department worth waiting for.

The Alaina Booties ($200) and Kendrick Driving Loafer ($125) were available in a few colors, while Tory Burch’s Murphy Sneaker was available in one gold color ($99). The classic Ballet Flats were $150 and the traditional wedge were a bit more for $165.  Lastly, there were two tall leather boots were featured in black and brown for $250.

All in all this Tory Burch Sample Sale is not worth your time. With the upcoming holiday sales at all of the main department stores, there are certainly better Tory Burch deals waiting for shoppers than here at her Midtown sample sale.

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/16; M (2-7), Tue-F (11-7), Sat-Sun(10-5)

WHERE: 261 West 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

By Caitlin Colford

There is a truly fabulous Designer Sale underway at Saks Fifth Avenue this week, a precursor to their vast Holiday Sale, where sales grow and prices are slashed right up until New Years Day, when the highest deductions take place. As we mentioned in this week’s Don’t Miss, this is the time to get your shopping on for your holiday party wear, before choices are slim and time is limited. Lucky for you, there is no better one-stop shopping retreat than the Designer Sale at Saks Fifth Avenue this week with up to 40% off designer goodies.

The mood for holiday dress shopping is immediately set in place as you take a gander at Saks’ glorious windows decorations. This year acts half as one major advertisement for — you guessed it — holiday party wear. From a Mad Men theme in one window, to flapper style in another, right up until the latest trends, windows depict the ultimate cocktail dresses and accessories in a glitz and glamour manner. The second half of the windows feature the main event, where tourists and locals alike, flock to snap their digital cameras and “ooh and ahh” over the imaginative displays. I must say, these are one of my favorite window displays of recent Saks’ holiday seasons.

Beginning with the sale on designer shoes, I was overwhelmed by the selection and size availability. This floor is definitely among the highlights of Saks’ sale. Jimmy Choo had the perfect party flat with their Black Sequin Loafer ($385, orig. $550, pictured), while Gucci offered a Cement Suede Strap Heel ($455, orig. $650, pictured), and taking the gold was Reed Krakoff with his Red and Mango Melanie Cut heels that would make any little black dress pop ($525, orig. $750, pictured), as well as his Leather Buckle Military Boots ($906.50, $1295, pictured).

The women’s contemporary wear on the 5^th Floor took 1^st place with the best of the sale. I was completely obsessed with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Green Shearling Motorcycle Jacket with leather detail ($570, pictured) and his Knee Length Ivory Coat as well ($570, pictured). The sale selection of 3.1 Phillip Lim in Saks definitely trumped Lim’s less than thrilling sample sale last month.  Moving along to Vince, I loved their Brown Cords and Grey and Orange Denim ($117-$136.50), as well as their massive Oatmeal Wrap Cardigan ($267, pictured). I certainly saw some great party options from Rag and Bone’s Agra Shirt, for a casual option ($174, pictured), to Milly’s Winter White Dress ($237, pictured) and Diane von Furstenberg’s Black Dress with Leather Cap Sleeves ($298, orig. $498).

I wasn’t so impressed with the sale on denim. Corduroys seemed to take charge of this section, with J Brand Brown Lioness Cords ($105) and 7 For All Mankind Plum Cords ($106).

Your classic little black dresses are all waiting for you. Within this great selection is a traditional Ali Ro Black Dress ($184), a cute Belted Shoshanna Dress ($198), and Nahalchand’s Black Dress with Lace Cap Sleeves ($358). For a glitz and glamor look, check out Monique Lhuillier Dazzling Sequenced Dress ($358), B44’s Black Sequenced Dress w/ Bow ($136), and lastly Aidan Mattox’s Crochet Knit Bead Dress ($210). Employees were still rolling out dresses to this section, with heaps of options for all tastes and sizes.

On the designer floor there was a small selection from Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Derek Lam, Jean Paul Gaultier, Doce & Gabbana and the works.  I wasn’t so impressed by these collections as they offer very little options. In the ten or so pieces on sale from Jason Wu I fell in love with his divine Red Lace Dress ($1,107, pictured).

The fur coat sale section was buzzing with shoppers, while around the corner the Stella McCartney sale racks wow-ed with her Bat Wing Sweaters ($738), Vibrant Blue Belted Dress ($933) and Blue Midnight w/ Gold Sequence Sleeveless Dress  ($2,475).

Do check out the Ralph Lauren racks with a color palate of nudes and mint greens, as well as the plum and white blends in Burberry’s sale assortment.

The Designer Sale at Saks Fifth Avenue is ready to doll you up and prep you to party. I highly suggest going, not only for your holiday outfits, but also to get the designer merchandise you have been lusting over all season, as it is highly unlikely it will be there as prices drop and sales continue. If that means paying 10% more for an item you’ll wear to death, then I say it’s worth it.

By Caitlin Colford

Photos: Caitlin Colford, Micky Filip

The secret is out… The CP Fashion Company’s private sale is far superior to your average sample sale. In fact, any visitor could liken the experience to shopping in a luxury department store, but even then, the lines are long and the discounts are non-existent. CPFG has undoubtedly shifted the samples sale status quo. CPFG executed a sample sale sans the lines and served up deep discounts.

They are currently offering a 70% markdown on their most recent Fall/Winter 2012 collections by some of the brands they represent such as: Just Cavalli, Galliano, CNC Costume National and GF Ferre for both men and women. The discount is comparable if not better to that of an outlet, but make no mistake, the sale is not comprised of items that you would find at Woodbury Commons. If you are an experienced sample sale connoisseur, you have seen things that you wouldn’t want gifted to you, but as I scoured through the racks (neatly, of course) I saw something for everyone.

It seemed that fellow invited guests were stocking up on Christmas gifts for loved ones as well as shopping for themselves. What separates this private sale from others is the array of sizes offered in each style, the organization of the space and superb customer service! Upon your arrival, you are greeted by the doorman and offered complimentary coat check and every area has an informed associate whom is willing to assist you in finding your size.

All items in all categories are 70% off their original price point. Period. The signage is clear and there is no confusion. The discounts felt almost criminal because l felt as though I’d just seen these pieces in my magazines and on the runways. Only a handful of the items on sale were not from the Fall/Winter 2012 and those items are limited quantity, so act quickly because the cat is officially out of the bag!

As I arrived, I was surprised to spot the Just Cavalli clutch seen in their 2012 campaign and modeled by Kate Moss for a mere $190 marked down from $566.

WHEN: 10/12 – 10/21; M-Sun (10-6)

WHERE: 20 West 36th Street
6th Floor
(between 5th & 6th Ave)
New York, NY 10018
(646) 257-2666

By Michaela B.