Marni for H&M

Nosey onlookers leaned on metal gates at the H&M mecca on 34^th Street and 7^th Avenue, watching as crazed shoppers were released into the caged in area in groups of 30, allotted 15 minutes to grab as many Marni pieces as they could handle (which was a lot). Well, let me clarify for a moment:  as many Marni pieces as they were allowed, only two pieces per item, per shopper, a restriction presumably set to prevent online resale at a greater price.

Excited shoppers had lined up hours in advanced, some passionate enough to camp out overnight, in order to land one of 300 wristbands per store. These color-coded bands provided you with a said 15-minute shopping time, increments that lasted up until 11:20AM, where the collection, or what is left, would be unveiled to the public. I spoke to one Manhattan couple who arrived at 8:30AM this morning and was lucky enough to land the last two passes.

One problem with the two item restriction is, if you are not certain of your size, everything becomes a guessing game since once you leave the gated in area to try on your clothing, you are not allowed back in to swap sizes.  The time limit made indecisive shoppers stressed out, panicking when a sales associated shouted “Down to five minutes!”

The most popular items were those marked with Marni’s signature bubble design. The Black Blazer ($80) and Black Jacket ($130) was at a severe minimum by 9:30AM. Accessories were also the most popular, almost nothing was left after only an hour of shopping, except for the Sunglasses ($20), Men’s Tote Bag ($80) and Leather Sandals ($60).

Not many people immediately focused on the Gold Jacquard Weeve Blouse ($80), Gold Skirt ($80), or Patent Leather Sweater ($149). Instead, all seemed to concern themselves with all things green, namely the Parka Style Dress ($149) and Long Silk Dress ($129). The T-Shirts were fun and a huge hit ($19.95), I saw almost everyone grabbing for those in addition to their pile of patterned clothing.

After having my fill of observing a couple rounds of shopping I scoped out the post-shopping scene. Many shoppers were trading sizes and items with each other outside the dressing rooms and some even snuck up to sales associates, whispering pleads for them to exchange an item for them in a larger or smaller size, some complied while others ignored them.

Just two blocks down at the H&M Herald Square location the same madness was occurring, at a mummer level. Less items were featured here, I saw no green, no Parka Style Dresses, no accessories aside from the Leather Sandals, but did spot a rack hanging plenty of the bubble design featured on a Blue Blazer and matching Blue Skirt.

By now the Marni for H&M Designer Collection will be available to the public at various H&M locations in Manhattan, but don’t expect a whole lot left. With the new restrictions, it will be interesting to see how much lands on eBay. Perhaps the new trend may just be posting an ad craigslist, shouting a plea to other unfortunate Marni shoppers with the wrong size on their hand to swap with them. You heard it here first.

By Caitlin Colford

Can you think of a more ideal way to celebrate International Women’s Day this week other than by basking in female’s most beloved past time? Shopping that is, and discount shopping at that. This week in shopping offers us everything from lavish home décor to the exotic, all while ending with a focus on cheap luxury designs.

ABC Carpet & Home Bronx Warehouse Sale

We can’t help but mention the ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Sale again as it goes strong in its second week. With a promised 80% off Calvin Klein Home pieces and an additional 15% off coupon when you visit ABC Carpet & Home on Facebook, how can you deny the Bronx a long overdue visit?

Roberta Freyman Annual Sample Sale

Ethnic trends are popping everywhere these days and Roberta Freyman has the authentic goods. This is the perfect stop before your for your cruise getaway or sunny spring break, namely to grab some colorful beach wear from her lifestyle brand Roberta Roller Rabbit. Still hung over from the ABC Warehouse sale? A bit of hair of the dog will cure you here as Roberta Freyman’s exotic home décor is also featured at the sale.

Escada Sample Sale

Prepare to turn heads at the office and end your week with luscious silk and a killer pant suit at the Escada Sample Sale.

Marni for H&M

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: This Thursday, March 8^th, racks of the lusted after Marni for H&M collection will be reeled out into selected stores, awaiting the excited touch of your grubby little paws. The hype has been building around the launch date thanks to the luscious photographs and sexy promotional video staring Imogen Poots and directed by thee Sofia Coppolla. From the looks of it, come Thursday, these wild patterns will not disappoint nor will they last.

It’s an eclectic week of shopping ahead, so be ready to swipe your plastic. If not for yourself, make some quality purchases in honor of girl power and the female leaders who paved the way. Hey, I’m sure even Susan B. Anthony liked a well-tailored dress or two.

By Caitlin Colford