Marc by Marc Jacobs

In this week’s Don’t Miss, we reported that the upcoming Barneys Warehouse Sale would be the last of its kind. Today, the Warehouse’s very pleasant and helpful manager clarified our speculations. He informed us that yes, this would be the final sale within their 255 West 17^th Street space. But starting with their end of summer Warehouse Sale in August/September, they would move a block away. Additionally, Barneys is also relocating their Co-Op store, which closed earlier this month, to a to be determined location. The newly located Warehouse Sale will still feature the classic set-up of past sales we are all used to, but in a slimmer, more condensed fashion as many of their sale stock will be first offered on their permanent sale website: Barneyswarehouse.com. This could potentially mean that the best of the best will be purchased by e-shoppers before making it to the Warehouse. It’s your prerogative from here on out shoppers. To continue on with the tradition of religiously visiting Barneys Warehouse Sale or not is the question. You may be better off stalking the website in order to catch a hot deal before anyone else has a chance, but that will so be determined with a little trial and error.

Today was the first day of the two week long Barneys Warehouse Sale, kicking off with a not so thrilling start. As usual, browsers were buzzing about the shoe and purse section as the Warehouse’s very polite and organized staff tidied up behind them and provided excited shoppers with tote bags to lighten their load.

The trends of the shoe section were platforms, suede, and Greek sandals. A pair of Proenza Schouler Wood Wedge Black Leather Platforms ($629, orig. $1,580, Size 9, pictured) were a stand out, as were the Rick Owens Ankle Wrap Platforms in Bronze and Black ($709, orig. $1,770, pictured), the Derek Lam Black Leather Platforms ($279, orig. $690), Derek Lam Brown Suede Chelsea Peep Toe Heels ($399, orig. $990, pictured) and the wide variety of Greek Sandals by both Barneys CoOp and Ancient Greek Sandals ($100). Be aware that many of these shoes appear weathered, so do be sure to do a careful inspection before charging the designer shoes to your trusty credit card.

A small selection of damaged shoes was on hand on a bleak looking shelf. Here, there was a pair of Manolos for $250 and a pair of Prada heels for $150, but stained and tattered nonetheless.

Typically, the denim section at the Barneys Warehouse Sale is meticulously organized. At past sales, neatly folded denim and cords were arranged according to size and furiously folded by staffers after a shopper’s examination. This time, however, jeans were stacked in boxes, making for messy sorting and frustrating digging. Staffers were still furiously folding, but it made for a much harder task. The denim selection seemed to be a repeat from last year’s sale. I noticed the same colored jeans and corduroys. The stands out in this messy pile included Brown Current Elliott Skinny Jeans ($99), Helmut Lang Bell Bottoms ($159), Coral colored James Jeans ($99), and Rag & Bone Skinny Cords ($105). Note that most, if not all, of the white and beige colored pants appeared dirty.

In the purse section, shoppers were scooping up Marc by Marc Jacobs leather handbags and wallets. Although no great bargain, these bags were indeed cute and worth your consideration. Colored Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallets were $130 and a Magenta Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag was $378, while his adorable Teal Backpack ran for $300, down only $70 from its retail price. For this merchandise, it may be worth waiting for the additional markdowns Barneys will provide in the coming days.

Another change up within Barneys Warehouse Sale was the fact that designer and contemporary wear was intermixed. The less than exciting ready to wear collection featured ripped dresses and pulled sweaters, so again, be sure to launch a full-scale inspection before purchasing. Some highlights of the clothing section included a Band of Outsiders Crochet Dress ($149, orig. $495, pictured), an ALC Peach Jumpsuit ($319, orig. $794, pictured), an interesting Madison Marcus Beige Cocktail Dress ($235, orig. $363), and an Elizabeth & James Mint Blazer ($239, orig. $395, pictured). 3.1 Phillip Lim offered exciting finds, including his Navy Blue Blazer w/ Shoulder Tie ($269, orig. $675, pictured) and a gorgeous Black Cropped Jacket ($339). Also, for those who favor comfort, be sure to sneak a peek at Barneys Jersey Knit Dresses. These are featured in the “blue star” section, indicating an additional 75% off tag prices, making these incredibly soft yet flattering dresses only $20.

The accessory section was dismal. You won’t find much there aside from $2,000 hand painted chairs and Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone cases.

All in all, although damaged and stained merchandise overpower the true blue steals of the sale, the Barneys Warehouse Sale is always worth a walk through. Even though it may be worth it to focus your attention on their online sect in the future, the Barneys Warehouse Sale is still a staple in a New York City shopper’s life.

WHEN: 2/14 – 2/24;
2/14 – 2/15; Th-F (8-9)
2/16 – 2/17; Sat-Sun (9-8)
2/18 – 2/22; M-F (10-9)
2/23 – 2/24; Sat-Sun (9-8)

WHERE: 255 West 17th Street
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
212-450-8400.

By Caitlin Colford

WHAT: Marc by Marc Jacobs Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Marc by Marc Jacobs Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 2/11 12pm – 2/13 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

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

Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com

WHAT: Marc by Marc Jacobs Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Marc by Marc Jacobs Clothing & Watches up to 60% off!

WHEN: 1/31 12pm – 2/2 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

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

Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com

The Shoe Box, known to Manhattanites as a trio of designer shoe boutiques located along the stretch of Third Avenue, has been open since 1954, with stores not only on Third Avenue, but also on Long Island and in Boca Raton, Florida. Earlier this year The Shoe Box on Third Avenue and 34^th Street hosted a Warehouse Sale with deep discounts on designer footwear. Since then, the 34^th Street location has closed for renovations (they will soon re-open as a Vince Camuto boutique) and moved their stock up to their 77^th Street and Third Avenue location, where they have slashed prices even further and are currently underway with their own Warehouse Sale with 40% off already marked down prices.

When I visited the Warehouse Sale this morning around 11AM, the sale had only been underway for an hour, yet The Shoe Box’s pleasant saleswoman reported that she had sold a great deal of merchandise thus far, even selling out of such winter accessories as their collection of Vince Camuto hats. Rest assured shoppers, she further went on to state that The Shoe Box will be restocking later today with additional designers and added supply.

The Shoe Box’s winter top sellers (all of which were by Vince Camuto, the brand that dominates the sale selection) were on hand today and available for ultra low prices. These included the Vince Camuto Brown Kabo Boot with a distressed leather toe ($99, orig. $239), the VC Signature (Camuto’s higher end line) Warren Boot ($96, orig. $350), and the VC Signature Waris Boot with studded embellishment ($120, orig. $450).

There was a nice assortment in every size selection, sizes 8 and 8.5 of course being the majority. For the most part, many styles repeated in every size section. Some standouts among smoking flats (another fabulous winter trend) included the BCBG Fernando Smoking Flat ($45, orig. $90), the Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Smoking Flat ($275, orig. $930), and the quirky Marc By Marc Jacobs Blue and Black Sequin Smoking Flat ($48, orig. $250).

Dressy booties have definitely been another shoe trend of the season. Some fantastic choices in this category was the Vince Camuto Amoby Bootie ($48, orig. $139), and the Vince Camuto Muse Bootie in either black cow hair or distressed brown leather ($48, orig. $139).

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the rarely discounted Toms Suede Botas ($15, orig. $69) and Minnetonka Moccasins ($18, orig. $45) as they are scarcely scattered around the store.

Don’t miss the small collection of Stella McCartney shoes on the front table by the entrance with her Black Leather Platforms with Wood Heels ($119).

As far as accessories go, there were a few Vince Camuto bags for $49 that included his Red Jennah Crossbody Bag and his Kaitlyn Clutch in green, blue, and red, as well as a selection of his cozy scarves, all in dark colors, for $29. 

Overall, even though the selection at The Shoe Box wasn’t overwhelming, I was pleasantly surprised by their incredible discounts. I mean, Toms for $15? Marc by Marc Jacobs for $48? Yes, please!

WHEN: 1/29 – 2/10; Tue-Sun (10-9)

WHERE: 1349 Third Avenue
corner of 77th Street
212.535.9615
New York, NY 10021

By Caitlin Colford