Haute Hippie

It’s been two years since the last Jimmy Choo Sample Sale, and the line that wrapped around the block today proved that fans of the treasured sale have been patiently holding out. A private Jimmy Choo Friends & Family Sale was going on from Noon until 2PM today. After being allowed in nearly 20 minutes late, the public sale kicked off to a slow start with only a dozen let in at a time, in seemingly 5-10 minute increments. With hundreds waiting all the way down 18^th Street and up 6^th Avenue, it will be nearly Sunday before those at the tail end will touch their favorite designer’s heels. Loyal shoppers at the head of the line had been waiting in line for over three hours, braving an afternoon sun-shower, shielding their hairdos with their reading material companions. Those final few trickling out from the Friends & Family part of the sale had mixed reviews. The older crowd seemed to be thrilled, one lady struggled with overstuffed shopping bags, claiming that she purchased 20 pairs of shoes and 15 handbags, but wouldn’t provide a peek. Whew! The older crowd donned no bags, rather came out empty handed and disappointed with the selection.

For those shoppers out there who can’t stand the thought of waiting outside for hours for a seemingly hit or miss sale, head on uptown for the final days of the Haute Hippie Sample Sale. My low expectations for the sale were quickly blown out of the water when I walked into the 4^th Floor Sale on 37^th Street. A few eccentric shoppers swooned over well crafted designs, allowing plenty of sorting time and mirror space for all to doddle away as they please.

Everything was neatly arranged in the sun soaked room, the light catching the sequenced skirts like a disco ball. I was immediately drawn to the dresses that were screaming red carpet glam and fun night out. My favorite of the crew was the Agave Sleeveless Gold Sequenced Dress in XS ($120, orig $795, pictured). There is definitely a dress for everybody here, and the sturdiness of each piece demands for you to stock up on these cheap duds (I mean, just compare the sale price to their original prices! Woah!). Another fabulous dress was the One-Sleeve Silk in Rust, Size M ($120, orig. $495).

The mini skirts were another hit, the stand outs being a Chocolate Embellished Silk Mini ($50) and the Fringe Chain Link Black Mini ($50, pictured). A super funky Leather Peacock Vest ($70, pictured) would go great with the skirts, as would the Leopard Fur Jacket in sizes S and M ($180, pictured).

The capes by Haute Hoodie looked super cozy and warm, perfect for a cool summer night on the beach. The Haute Hoodie Multi Natural Cape was $100 (orig $595) and the Haute Hoodie Multi Blue Cape was also $100 (orig $595, pictured).

I have to mention some other picks before I leave you, aside from a subtle urge to get yourself there before its final day (tomorrow) – check out the Petrol Embellished Shirt Dress in size large ($120, orig $895, pictured) and the bins of 100% Cashmere Sweaters for $150 and cute cotton tanks for $20. All I have to say is Jimmy Choo who?

WHEN: 4/9 – 4/13; M (noon-6), Tue-F (10-6)

WHERE: 336 West 37th Street
(between 8th & 9th Ave.)
4th Floor

By Caitlin Colford

The always hectic 260 5^th Avenue hubbub for popular sales, was in usual form today for the Rent the Runway Sample Sale, a company who loans out designer dresses for a fee, think Netflix for gowns. These designer dresses were loosely hung on hangers, easily plopping to the wet floor only to then be thrown carelessly over the racks.

Although the sale began yesterday, a good crowd of people still shifted through racks of previously rented and lightly used designer dresses, hoping to discover something incredible. When you think about it, although used, perhaps lightly stained or torn, these are usually expensive dresses at in insanely cheap price – you won’t see a price tag for a Robert Rodriguez dress like this for some time to come (if ever again).

Racked  reported yesterday that there “were ample options for every size,” but that was not the case today. They also noted that the dresses were, for the most part, in good condition, which remains true for some, but after multiple try-ons and visits to the ground, some dresses have mascara stains, deodorant marks and slight pulls so be careful.

Great finds were still easy to locate, but some sections were clearly slimmer than others. Such racks designated for size 4 were slight, and the 14-16 rack only held about two dozen dresses between them.

I sorted through each section carefully, finding the best of what’s still available in each size.

Size 0

Haute Hippie Champagne Fountain Dress ($30 – pictured)

Size 2

Theory Pleated Tank Dress ($95 – pictured)
Robert Rodriguez Sophisticated Merlot Dress ($150, orig. $650)
Tibi Perfect Party Dress ($53)

Size 4

Tracy Reese Coral Floral Sheath Dress ($95 – pictured)
Nicole Miller Catwalk Dress ($95)

Size 6

Robert Rodriguez Sequin Inset Draped Dress ($95)
Toffee Ripple Delight Dress ($165)
Milly Cotton Candy Dress ($54 – pictured)

Size 8

Rebecca Taylor Blush Mirror Dress ($74 – pictured)
Hanii Y Wire Cage Dress ($59)

Size 10

Lela Rose Portrait Collar Dress ($150)
Milly Flower Power Dress ($58)

Size 12

Kate Spade Andorra Dress ($85)
Diane von Furstenberg Taste of Elegance Dress ($56)

Unfortunately, I only stumbled upon Diane von Furstenberg and Kate Spade dresses in one section, proving the best of the sale has already been snagged. Milly was definitely the dominating designer of Day Two of the Rent the Runway Sample Sale, holding the best bang for your buck and some super cute dresses. If you’re thrilled by any of the aforementioned options then definitely scoot over to 260 Fifth Ave ASAP, otherwise you may be SOL.

WHEN: 2/28 – 3/4; Tue-W (10-8), Th-F (10-7), Sat (10-6), Sun (11-3)

WHERE: 260 5th Avenue
(Between 28/29th Street)
NY, NY 10001
212.725.5400

By Caitlin Colford