Madewell

I think it’s safe to say that summer is here to stay! Get those toenails ready and summer dresses pressed, because it’s time to kick back and relax in the sun as you treat yourself the summer of your life, drink in hand of course. Be sure to take some time for yourself during these warm days – go on day trips, take a dip in the ocean, and splurge on bright colored bags and cute wedges. This week, it’s all about the casual cool wardrobe, so don’t miss J.Crew, Cynthia Rowley, Mikimoto, Lilla P, and Label+thread.

SAMPLE SALE ALERT: ORANGE

Casual Tuesday Threads

Spend your Tuesday with sample sales and a stroll on the Highline. Start off near Madison Square Park and make your way down to the Meatpacking District thanks to the perfectly arranged line up of sample sales.

T’S BACK! The J.Crew Sample Sale has returned to 260 Fifth Ave to bring us 60% off retail prices of dresses, shoes, denim and jewelry. This is an extremely popular sale — namely in the Spring when all are after the perfect beach look – so make it a point to get there well before 10AM when their doors open. Note that there is typically a large offering of samples at the JCrew Sale, so be on the look out for something original to stand out from the crowd. Last year, we found some classic summer steals during their June sample sale, including pebbled leather handbags for $120, shoes for $65, swimwear for $25 a piece, shorts for $25, and day-time dresses for $60. Don’t forget to scope out their Madewell selection as well!

Hop on down a few blocks to the Label + thread Sample Sale where apparel will be marked 80% off and samples will be offered for $50 or less. The NYC based up-and-coming brand has amazingly soft and comfortable cashmere and cotton knits as well as scarves, t-shirts, and gorgeous summer dresses that will be on hand for under $100.

Once you’ve had your fill, cross town and take the Highline downtown for a scenic stroll to the Lilla P Sample Sale in the Meatpacking District. The Lilla P Sale will offer rock bottom prices, ranging from $10 to $60 of her fabulous casual classics including flattering tees, lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts.

Mikimoto Sample Sale

You’re going to need some elegant jewelry to spice up all of that casual wear you have just purchased. Pearls are the perfect addition to a beach-y summer dress or a pastel linen tee, so why not head to the Mikimoto Sample Sale on Wednesday for 50-70% off cultured pearl jewelry. Earlier this year, the Mikimoto sale brought on long lines but offered great deals including a black south sea strand of pearls for $5,200 (orig. $13,000) and a classic strand of pearls for $917 (orig. $2,620).

Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale

Wrap up your sale week with the Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale where the Bleecker Street sale will offer 85% off ready-to-wear and accessories, in addition to one-of-a-kind Spring 2013 collection samples. Did I mention 85% off yet? If that’s not reason enough to attend, expect to find crew neck sweaters for $109 (orig. $295), confetti shorts for $99 (orig. $145), jeweled collar trophy dress for $99 (orig. $595) and double knit dresses for a special buy one for $99 and get a second style for $49 deal.

And with that, I’ll leave you with a quote by Maud Hart Lovelace, from Betsey-Tacy and Tib: “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”

By Caitlin Colford

Image credit: J.Crew

WHAT: J.Crew Sample Sale

WHY: Don’t miss the J. Crew Sample Sale, featuring a selection of women’s styles (including jewelry, shoes, and dresses), along with styles from their men’s and Crewcuts for kids collections. Plus, a limited assortment from Madewell.

Enjoy savings of up to 60% off retail.

Some styles may be of sample or second quality.

WHEN: 6/18 – 6/23; Tue-Sat (10-9), Sun (noon-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28 & 29th Streets
NYC NY 10001
N,R,6 Trains to 28th street
212.725.5400

SUBMITTED BY: TheStylishCity.com

For the complete list of today’s sales and sample sales check HERE

If you’re in the market for a winter coat — namely one made of 100% wool – then a morning trip to the JCREW Sample Sale is essential.

If you’re in the market for essentially anything else (i.e. blouses, jeans, shoes, bags, etc.), then a trip to 260 5^th Avenue may not be worth your while.

During tonight’s press preview of the JCREW Sample Sale, editors and bloggers alike were stunned by the fact that there are absolutely no mirrors, let alone a changing area, for fit-questioning shoppers. The employees of 260 5^th Avenue claim that during the sale, which begins tomorrow at 10AM, they will be frowning upon shoppers trying on their goods, which I’m sure will be enforced given their plethora of employees and security that frequently flutters about.

No try-ons, and more importantly no mirrors, makes a decision on big ticket items, such as the aforementioned wool coats, significantly difficult.

Various sizes exist within the extra long rack of wool coats, which are all priced at an extremely reasonable $150. The best of the bunch was a Green Nello Gori Wool Peacoat ($150, Size 6, pictured), a Double Cloth Thinsulated Turquoise Coat ($150, Size 4, pictured), a Tuxedo Style Peacoat ($150, Size 10, pictured) and a beautiful Cream Collared Knee Length Coat in various sizes ($150). Only about a dozen leather jackets can be found in this section, and they range for a not-worth-it $300-$400.

I recall browsing the exact same racks of silk blouses during my last visit to the JCREW Sample Sale about a year ago. Looking back and reminiscing about that sale in particular makes it clear that this time around just doesn’t match up. Both sleeveless and long sleeve silk blouses were marked at $40, but I could not find a single top to highlight.

The $15 cozy tee shirts and $25 button downs are worth a peak, namely their Red Plaid Perfect Fit Button Down ($25, Size 6, pictured) as well as the various chambray and denim shirts. Please note that there are many defects on these tops, some of which are pointed out by small pieces of red tape (see photo of red plaid top). The defects and imperfections are nothing horrible, but do be sure to examine your purchases thoroughly before checking out (No Returns!).

A small rack held a small collection of super cozy and soft sweater dresses for $30, namely the cute Camel Sweater Dress ($30, XS, pictured). Within this same rack were a few striped sailor dresses that are worth a peek (also $30, pictured).

If it wasn’t for the small, two rack section of Madewell clothing, there would be no denim at all inside the JCREW Sample Sale. There was only a very small selection of jeans — all priced for $40 – but only featured a minimal array sizes and styles, which were mainly their Rail Straight style (only one pair of denim leggings and about two pairs of their Skinny Skinny jeans).

Although slight, the collection of Madewell tops and sweaters definitely trumped JCREW’s selection. Check out Madewell’s Wallace Sweaters ($35), namely their Wallace Double Breasted Grey Sweater ($35, One Size, Pictured), and button downs, including their Army Button Down ($25, Medium, Pictured), and their Denim and Corduroy Denim Jacket ($40, Small, Pictured).

Back to JCREW, they did have a wonderful (although, again small) collection of cashmere for as low as $35 for a blend and $90 for 100% cashmere. Further, check out JCREW’s Nude Maxi Dress ($40, various sizes, pictured) and collection of dress pants $40.

Their accessory department was wildly disappointing. Many people flock to this sale for JCREW’s buttery leather handbags. If you are among this group, don’t bother! There was only one large leather bag ($130), with the remainder being small cross body bags ($90) that could only fit a tube of lipstick and a MetroCard.

On a positive note, JCREW’s winter accessories were plentiful in a large bin, with hats, scarves and gloves priced at $20 a piece. Infinity scarves were also $20.

Unlike last year, the shoe selection this time around was disappointing. The same flats ($65), boots ($100) and heels ($100) made an appearance, with no new or recent styles to report.

Sadly it looks like this go-round of the JCREW Sample Sale is a whole bunch of leftovers from past sales. For those in the market of a new coat and matching accessories for winter, then certainly make a trip to 260 Fifth Avenue, but for everyone else: Skip it.

WHEN: 11/27 – 12/2; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-6)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th & 29th Street
New York, NY 10001

By Caitlin Colford

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