jessica florent

On my way in at the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale there was no line, but a short one emerged on my way out. Many people took advantage of the VIP access and showed up before 12.

There was an abundance of pretty tops, mainly tanks. If you’re in the market for a jacket this sale has a multitude of jackets such as seer sucker, embellished, leather, etc. The leather jackets come in an array of colors.

The racks had many bright solid colored shorts as well as shorts with prints. There were also a few Bermuda shorts. Long pants in various fabrics and a few prints also lined the racks.

There were quite a few dresses mainly short or knee length with the occasional long ones. The dresses came in an array of fabrics and prints. There were pastel colored dresses, embellished dresses, lace dresses, basically it would be possible to pick a dress for almost any occasion at this Alice and Olivia sale.

Limited accessories were also available. The selection of shoes included flats, heels and a few boots.

With lines(not too long) to the fitting room, cashiers and to get in, you know this sale is a must.

The sale will be held in two location – Midtown and Downtown.

WHEN & WHERE: 6/10 – 6/14; Mon (noon-8), Tue-Th (10-8), F (9-4)

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

WHEN & WHERE: 6/11 – 6/16; Tue-F (10-8), Sat (11-7), Sun (noon-6)

72 Greene Street
between Spring and Broome Streets

By Jessica Florent

There was a line to get in with an average wait time of 20 minutes at the La Perla Sample Sale. And you can expect  a similar line to pay. This is definitely one of  the more crowded sales I have been to and it takes a bit of maneuvering to avoid constantly bumping into others while ensuring that you get your pick of the inventory.

There were at least 3 price lists namely; swimwear, accessories and sleepwear.  However, I didn’t notice any of the items on the accessories list. The lowest priced items were; thongs, hosiery, jewellery and leggings for $20.

This sale has everything has everything for your boudoir, from bustiers to teddies and robes to babydolls. It was simply a lace, and satin affair. Bras and panties were in separate bins marked by size and one had to really dig in and sift through. I didn’t notice any bra and panty sets.

If you’re considering a new swimsuit for this summer then do stop by this sale. There are many two piece options and very few one piece swimsuits including monokinis. I saw a navy blue one piece which was from the Spring 2011 collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier.

What else can I say about La Perla which has not already been said? Its sexy and feminine, which translates into a  feeling good  factor just by looking at it. Dare to wear?

WHEN: 6/9 – 6/13; Sun (1-5), M-Th (11-7)

WHERE: 225 5th Avenue
Between 26th & 27th Street
New York, NY 10001
N/R/6 Trains to 28th Street

By Jessica Florent

First, be prepared to wait at least 2 hrs to get in at the Jil Sander Sample Sale. I waited 3. With the line curving past the end of the block, about 30 people are allowed in every hour and shoppers have 60 minutes to shop. Coat and bag check in effect. At the 2hr mark of being on the line a Cantonese celebrity emerged from 5 Crosby (I asked when some Asian ladies ahead of me began staring across the street and gesturing towards the guy)

There were a selection of shoes; boots, heels, flats, etc, most averaging just $35. However, not many sizes left. There were also a few hand handbags for the taking.

I was intrigued by the collection of skirts (mainly silk) in pretty colors and patterns/prints. There were also a number of silk dresses in similar colors as the skirts. It is important to note that this sale featured lots of small sizes.

There were quite a few long sleeve button down shirts as well as winter coats. There was a large table with sweaters and cardigans of different discount rates.

Overall there was a nice mix of color, black and neutrals. Most items are 80-85% off, with a few items being 90% off. This sale also features men’s items so grab your significant other and make it a his and hers shopping spree,  if you’re up for the wait.

WHEN: 4/16 – 4/19; Tue-F (10-6)

WHERE: 8 Crosby Street
4th Floor
between Howard & Grand Streets

By Jessica Florent

OMG at the risk of sounding like a kid in a candy store, I must try to curb my enthusiasm. First, I got a gorgeous pale pink perforated leather top, one of only a handful. And since I went to report my findings to you fashionistas out there and not necessarily to buy, I now find myself having to make another trip to the Badgley Mischka sample sale to scoop up as much as I can.

So I got there at 11:30 am on the first day of the sale and there was thankfully no line. Same friendly staff from the DKNY sale, a familiar face is always nice. Bags and coat check still in effect.

I’ll start with the skirts; totally fab. If you’re like me and have been searching for skirts which hit the knees, at the very least, then you’ve picked the right sale. There were midi pencil skirts in various colors; grey, beige, pink, orange, etc. Also available were bodycon skirts that I will most definitely pick up in my size and these came in beige and also in black.

The dresses were a sight for fashion loving eyes, with every style imaginable, in a variety of textures and fabrics. Short dresses for hot summer days and nights. Long gowns for your next gala, graduation, wedding, or red carpet appearance. If you need a dress anytime soon…or not, this is the place to get it. The sizes run up to 14 in the gowns and up to 12 in the shorter dresses. The truth is I think this sale is all about the abundance of dresses. So many options, for every possible occasion.

There was also a selection of pretty sleeveless tops and a smaller selection of long sleeve tops. A few jackets dotted the racks, such as a long sleeve white jacket with jewels encrusted to the front. Anyone in the market for a spring leather jacket may get lucky with the green bomber jacket I spied. The leather pieces available stood out because they were so few, yet at great prices.

And lest I forget the Judith Leiber clutches and bags. They’re the right accessory to compliment any dress that you pick . These chic clutches come in a variety of styles and colors (nothing bright). My favorite was the white snakeskin print clutch.

Also, note that all sales are final. Then again at these prices any thing which doesn’t fit (if you have an aversion to the open dressing room available) would make a great gift. I guarantee it’ll be appreciated.

WHEN: 4/9 – 4/14; Tue-Sat (10-7), Sun (10-3)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th and 29th Streets
New York, NY

By Jessica Florent