J.Crew

The J.Crew Sample Sale, which officially kicks off tomorrow, held a private event today for those lucky enough to be invited (like The Stylish City!). The super strict, guest list only affair was hush-hush with their shades drawn on 260 5^th Avenue, with the door men turning away anyone who couldn’t flash photo identification as proof they weren’t crashing the sale.

Your first task as a J.Crew Sample Sale shopping extraordinaire is to bee-line it to the back of the room. In a few bins hold J.Crew’s amazing leather handbags that we lust after for only $120! The medium and large leather bags fall within this price point, including their popular Biennial Satchel in Red, Tangier Orange, and Saddle ($120, orig. $348, pictured in red). Also in the bag section was the Brompton Hobo ($120, orig. $298, pictured in blue), a few brown leather samples similar to the Biennial hobo ($120, pictured), and the Tilary purse in a rainbow of colors ($80, orig. $148, pictured).

There are random accessories as well (i.e. iPad cases, notebooks, belts), all within the $10-$15 range, but nothing worth noting except for their intense collection of straw hats. Large brim, small brim, fedora, sun hat, you have your choice for an approximate $15. Also in this section were three bins of swimwear, each piece costing $25 each.

The shoe collection did not seem as good as last year. For the most part, all shoes were $65 with the high-quality leather and suede shoes running a bit higher at $100. In this section I found the Minnetonka Leather Moccasins in Beige ($65, size 10), Madewell’s 1937 Carryover Pump in Suede ($100, Size 7, pictured), and a pair of buttery leather Brown Oxfords ($100, Size 6.5, pictured). There was also a bin of jeweled flip-flops for $10 that shoppers were ignoring.

And now on to the clothing! Unlike last year, there was a nice selection of Madewell clothing. Albeit small, there were some good finds mixed in. These racks are also located in the rear of the store, right in front of the accessory section. Sweaters are all $35 and feature funky finds such as the Neon Knit Throw-over (pictured) and the Zooey D-esque Navy Heart Sweater (pictured). Their popular denim was also on hand for $40, including their Super Destroyed Boyfriend Shorts (pictured), Mint Green Chinos (pictured), and a cute pair of Madewell Cuffed Red Shorts ($25, size 27, pictured).

Now that you’ve covered the back, make your way to the front exploring the racks of J.Crew samples and past season’s designs. There is no sort of organization as far as sizes go; everything is hung in their designated blouse, tee, dress, or skirt section. Note that this is a true sample sale therefor many pieces are indeed sample sizes (2 or 4). Blouses are marked for $30, with finds including a Light Green Silk Button Down w/ Tie (pictured), a Sleeveless Silk Blouse (pictured), a Chambray Button Down, and a blue and yellow flannel “The Boy Shirt.”

Tee shirts and tank tops were lined up parallel to the blouses, offering comfy cozy V-necks and short sleeve linen tops for $15. Here was a cute Blue and White Stripe V-Neck (pictured) and a Cropped Navy Thermal (pictured). Skirts are $40, such as a pretty Silk Mini Skirt (pictured) and shorts are $25, namely the Broken in Boyfriend Short in Salmon (pictured).

The big winner of the sale (aside from the bags, duh) was the dress section. Most dresses are $60 unless they are from the J.Crew Collection, in which case prices vary. Unlike the blouses, the dresses are in a wide variety of sizes. The best of the selection was a bright and cheery Sleeveless Peach Knee Length Dress with a tag that deemed it “ready for work” ($60, pictured), also available in yellow and turquoise, a Bumble Bee Yellow Party Dress ($60, pictured), a cute Sleeveless Polka Dot Dress w/ Tie ($60, pictured), a Black and White Puffed Sleeve Dress from the Collection ($169). Lastly there was some cheaper Summer Dresses mixed in for only $30, such as a cute Chambray Sleeveless Ruffle Dress ($30, pictured).

The doors to tomorrow’s  J.Crew Sample Sale open at 10AM. It is a guarantee that shoppers will be lined up, waiting to break through to pile heaps of prep-wear on one arm as they sort to find cute steals with the other. The aisles are tight, so if you’re claustrophobic then you may either want to be the first in line, in order to race in, grab what you like, and get the heck out of there, or wait until later in the week when the crowds have died down.

WHEN: 6/19 – 6/24; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

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