New York City

New York City’s hottest sample sales are nothing short of pandemonium. Various fashion blogs feature weekly reviews of the hottest sample sales. They’re full of pictures and prices, providing our beloved readers with an accurate opinion and description of the sale at hand, exhibiting sufficient reason to attend or skip the sale at hand, as to not waste their time.  It sounds like a pretty simple job, right? Wrong. It may sound fun to shop for a living, and don’t get me wrong – it is! – but with all good must come bad, and it’s about time we point it out for no other reason than to give fashionistas a behind the scenes glimpse to an average work day for a New York City sample sale reviewer.

For well over two years I have been covering sample sales, visiting every variety, shape and size sale you could possibly dream up. I can easily predict the crowd, selection, prices, and overall environment before even stepping foot into the mayhem.

However, despite the crazed fashionistas and deal hungry shoppers, who merely foam at the mouth for an 80% off pair of heels, the biggest grief givers within sample sales are the organizers and employees themselves. This isn’t the case for all organizers mind you (namely 260 Fifth – they are by far the most professional), but as for the other half, they seem to get their kicks by barking at shoppers, forcing them to stand in inclement weather for hours at a time, being inconsiderate with the prized designer bags, laptops, and leather jackets that customers are required to check upon entering, and perhaps worst of all, placing dressing rooms off limits, forcing shoppers to strip down to their unmentionables as they try on discounted jeans, blouses, and well, even bathing suits. What else are they supposed to do given the no refund or exchange policy? After all these years the sample sale has been eternalized as a hubbub of rabid and crazed shoppers who are itching for deals, but are the organizers actually the ones to blame for inducing this behavior?

Most sales also have a strict “no photography”  policy, and balk when they see journalist like myself scribbling away in her notebook. Perhaps they hope that without press, a mystique will be added to the sale and in the end draw in more curious customers. At one recent sale in particular–which shall remain nameless– they were not allowing press inside. Being that The Stylish City is relied on for delivering same day reviews, no one was going to stop me from entering this sale. Well, aside from the estimated 2.5-hour wait that is. Using my vast sample sale knowledge I found a loophole. There was about 5-minutes before the doors opened to the public, and boxes of merchandise were still being wheeled in through their loading dock. Sneaky me tip toed toward the side entrance and made my best attempt at “blending in” with the deliverymen. Walking slowly behind them I quickly ducked into a public bathroom before being snagged by security. While inside the restroom, I impatiently stared at my watch until opening time struck. As I heard the herds role in, I quickly scampered inside, successfully entering the hottest sample sale of the week without even having to wait a minute.

It’s true, sample sale shoppers can be rude, grabby, and exhibitionists. They don’t care who is in their way of a $20 Alexander Wang tee-shirt and they will most likely risk jail time for the discount. But as I mentioned, aside from the rabid fashionistas, the employees are those who immediately come to mind when envisioning the negative side to sample sale shopping.

By Caitlin Colford

Sometimes, I look at my two sultry felines and think to myself, “Wow. They really have it made.” And sometimes, just sometimes, I get a wee bit envious of their lavish catnaps on the fuzzy sheepskin rug in my bedroom, or the fact that they get free, organic food three times a day without having to lift a finger (or would that be paw?).

I’m getting off topic. Kind of. Only because instead of discussing cats, I’m writing today to talk to you about dogs. One dog, actually. A New York City poodle who goes by the name, “Charlie Girl.” This fabulous pooch lives an enviable life, as well, and is portrayed by her owner Elizabeth Frogel in her new, dynamic book, “Charlie Girl: Tails of a Very Original Poodle.” (Would that make her a VOP?)

The deluxe, illustrated book covers all the NYC shenanigans of a “lovable, curious and life-of-the-party poodle.” And yes — Charlie Girl is a real life dog whose owners are author Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s 10-year-old daughter Ava. Together, they live as a happy family in the Upper West Side art deco architectural icon, The Century.

A Little More About the Book:

Recalling the day Elizabeth brought her weeks-old puppy home to New York City, she beams, “During the ride back to town from the breeder, Charlie Girl was completely quiet and just nuzzled in my arms, but the minute we arrived in the City, she sat straight up and had this magical transformation. She was mesmerized by the lights. And she looked right into my eyes and smiled. I knew at that moment Charlie Girl would love New York and that we would have a great life together.”

Today (and in the book), Charlie Girl takes advantage of all the fun her glamorous city has to offer. From long sidewalk strolls with mom, frolicking with her puppy pals, going shopping, dining on delicious food, and taking in art exhibits, Charlie Girl is one happy canine.

The stylish watercolor illustrations by Ashley Quigg are inspired by the décor of Elizabeth’s apartment, historic and contemporary photographs.

A Little More About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth’s accomplishments were propelled by what she describes as “survival mode.” Divorce turned her life upside down, as it does with most people, but there was no self pity, only forward movement. She took charge and committed heart and soul to creating what is now the happiest time of her life.

Divorce allowed Elizabeth to live at her authentic best, and with encouragement from her family and a loyal group of strong friends, Elizabeth’s life started to shine like the Chrysler Building. Charlie Girl evolved out of sheer love. During the emotionally charged years when Elizabeth was trying to conceive a child, she developed her special bond with Charlie Girl, who served as a constant companion and partner in NYC adventures. Charlie Girl the book captures the essence of that pinnacle time.

Where to Buy:

Head to Bergorf-Goodman (who happens to be a character in the book, as well) if you’re interested in flipping through the pages or buying. Bergorf-Goodman is the exclusive NYC department store carrying Charlie Girl.

Not lucky enough to live near NYC’s Bergdorf-Goodman? The book is also available online at Amazon.com.

Charlie Girl supports the Puccini Foundation, which is dedicated to the hope of a future for pets and people – cancer free under one umbrella.

I love the concept of the Charlie Girl book because it’s lighthearted and breezy. I think we all need more lighthearted and breezy things in our lives, especially in a world where urgent deadlines reign supreme and coffee is gulped down for its caffeine properties (instead of enjoyed for its smooth textures and rich aromas. Hey, I’m a coffee and an animal person).

By Wendy Rose Gould

Caitlin Erin here, The Stylish City’s official grand marshal of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day. I take great pride in leading you through my favorite green day full of beer, laughs, bangers, and mash. Since St. Paddy’s 2013 falls on a Sunday, a day of observance, New York City’s famous and flocked to parade will be held on Saturday. Strange, I know, but this just means two full days of Irish fare and fun rather than a measly one.

St. Paddy’s Saturday

Start your Saturday off early with a traditional Irish coffee at home (simply coffee and whiskey, and for an added sweet and creamy punch pour in some Bailey’s) and warm your bones before you head over to claim territory along the parade route. You COULD bring your alcoholic treat along with you within your Starbucks cup, but we would never recommend anything illegal ;).

As always, the parade runs along Fifth Avenue between 44^th Street to 86^th Street, with ticket-only grandstanding on 64^th Street. Depending on what kind of day you want to make it, the relaxed attendees typically hang above 59ths Street, while the party happens on 58^th and below. Post-Parade if you’re down to battle massive crowds for a pint, head over to 2^nd Avenue where every bar along the stretch of 50th-59^th Street is an honorary Irish pub for the day.

St. Paddy’s Sunday

While everyone’s hungover on Sunday, make the best of St. Patrick’s Day by celebrating within New York City’s most notable pubs downtown.  Begin with a traditional Irish breakfast, stocked with black pudding, Irish sausage, corned beef hash, and Irish bacon at Molly’s Shebeen (a shebeen refers to an illegally operated drinking establishment, but don’t worry, this one’s legal!). Get there early, as I’m sure this one will pack up quickly! Next up, have a few house brews at New York City’s oldest standing watering hole, McSorley’s Ale House, which was established in 1854 as an Irish workingman’s saloon. Relish in the wafts of antiquity – which smells strangely similar to stale beer and sawdust – and enjoy the history that decorates the walls. Lastly, end your night with some live music and Jameson on the rocks at Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar. You can’t find a pub with a better name than that!

Sample Sale Alert: Yellow

Go taxi free this week, and work off those beer calories by hoofing it on foot from sale to sale!

Oscar de la Renta Sample Sale

Oscar clearly isn’t Irish, as he chooses to mark the start of his sample sale on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you visit on Sunday or Monday, be sure to let us know how the selection is at the Oscar de la Renta Sample Sale! The sale promises fur jackets for $1,320 and strapless dresses for $975. All other merchandise will be marked down up to 80% off.

Roberta Freymann & Roberta Roller Rabbit Clothing & Home Goods Sample Sale

This event may have the longest title in sample sale history. Freyman, a New York based designer, has been creating one-of-a-kind pieces since 1996, when she opened her first bazaar inspired store on the Upper East Side. During the Roberta Freymann & Roberta Roller Rabbit Sample Sale, which begins Tuesday, expect to find bib necklaces for $50 and pleat front dresses for $60. At past sales, shoppers discovered tunics for $20, button downs for $25, and evening dresses for $100.

Heike Jarick Sample Sale

The Stylish City recently interviewed designer Heike Jarick, and was extremely impressed by her vision, quality of clothing, and fair price points. Jarick’s Spring and Summer 2013 line will be on sale beginning Wednesday at the designer’s showroom. What’s cool about this sample sale is that Jarick’s staff will assist you in resizing each sample to fit you properly and ship you the reworked, personally tailored piece to your home within 3 weeks! In this day and age, it can’t get any better than that.

Other sales happening this week that may be worth a browse, is the Just Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, & Pierre Balmain Sample Sale on 36^th Street, which will have spring and summer finds on hand, the Marc Bouwer Sample Sale, which promises dresses galore on 57^th Street and the Twinkle by Wenlan Archival Warehouse Sale beginning Wednesday, with merchandise from all seasons, including wool jackets, silk dresses, and hand-knot scarves.

Hope you’re graced with a bit o’  luck of the Irish this week! Sláinte!

By Caitlin Colford

As an Upper East Side Ambassador, I had to report on the blizzard. I don’t know how badly it snowed in other neighborhoods, but I have to tell you, it’s pretty quiet here. It is kind of Christmas and Valentine’s Day in one. Enjoy the pics, and have a great weekend.