Rag & Bone

The much-anticipated Target/Neiman Marcus holiday collaboration collection opened today at a NYC Midtown location, for one day only. Last night designers and VIP shoppers rubbed elbows with celebrities at a preview of the stylish collection. Among the celebrities present at the event were: Zoe Saldana, Kate Bosworth, Allison Williams, Leighton Meester, Shay Mitchell, Karlie Kloss, and Lauren Bush. The collaboration was made possible by CFDA, organization that all participating designers belong to. While VIP shoppers showed significant enthusiasm last night, with merchandise flying off the shelves, the tone was rather subdued today. Our fellow bloggers at Wreak Havoc NY were disappointed with the event, stating that “putting a limit on purchases and prohibiting running with merchandise on a narrow pathway is just the opposite of what should have been done”

While we personally see no harm in trying to keep the event orderly and to reduce the eBay resale phenomenon, we find the collection rather uneven.

We have picked our favorite items to share with you. Here they are.

The Barney’s beloved Warehouse Sale opened to the public last Thursday, August 23^rd. Despite launching an online pre-sale in the beginning of August, which seems to be the latest trend amongst sample sales, the Barney’s Warehouse Sale in Chelsea drew its famous crowd of eager shoppers last week. During the sale’s Day Two on Friday, Racked reported that women’s clothing, namely of the contemporary nature, was nearly cleared out aside from the ripped and stained leftovers, in addition to a slim selection of shoes and accessories. This is partially true of today, however, it was clear that after the inevitable hype last week, the Barney’s Warehouse Sale has re-organized, added to the imperfections section, and applied deeper discounts to many items. 

First off, let’s start with a lady’s best friend — shoes! One thing many veteran Barney’s shoppers are not used to seeing at the Warehouse Sale are tidy shelves with designer shoes neatly arranged for proper viewing. Considering much of the overwhelming stock of shoes has depleted, the few pairs that are remaining are vying for attention. Just because they weren’t shoppers’ first choice last week, doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with them. There are plenty of discounted designer shoe options left to please (and perfect for fall!) including, a pair of Lanvin Pointed Leather Ankle Bootie in Size 8 ($438, pictured), Opening Ceremony Brown Leather and Rust Wedges in Size 7 ($149, pictured), a pair of size 6 Satore Ankle Cut Suede Boots in Sand ($419, orig. $1,045, pictured), a rocking pair of Alai Low Cut Black Suede Heels w/ Silver Detail in Size 11 ($1,019, orig. $2,040, pictured), and finally a cute pair of Loeffler Size 6.5 Brown Leather Ankle Boots.

The typically overflowing boxes o’ bags were slight and manageable today. While the selection of bags at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale is never stellar, there are a couple of worthwhile options to check out, namely a cute Tano Nubuck Grey Bag ($179, pictured) and a Theyskens’ Theory Axel Messenger Bag in Pine ($695, pictured).

To match your new fall heels, head to the denim section to get yourself a new pair of jeans. Many of these pants have new markdowns from last week’s sale, ranging from 10%-25% in additional discounts. Colored denim and cords are the hottest fall trend this season. To get ahead of the game you simply must take a peek at the Current Elliot Rustic Suede Pants in Size 29 that scream 1970’s ($330, pictured), a Size 27 pair of James Jeans Randi the Pencil Leg Jeans in Burgundy ($169, pictured), and Rag & Bone Elephant Bell Cords in Whiskey ($69, pictured).

As for the clothing, there were not many worthy options aside from the racks of damaged goods and imperfections. Many tags were marked with today’s date, indicating Barney’s has either brought in new additions today or that many items were damaged in the shopping last week. Among these tattered items was a Yellow and White Stripped Cashmere Sweater by The Row with a small hole on its left shoulder ($389, pictured), a pair of size 28 J Brand Maria Starless Straight Leg Denim Jeans with a ripped belt loop ($109), a stretched out pair of Current Elliot Jeans in Size 24 ($119, perfect for a size up), and last but not least, a gorgeous A.L.C. Black Ruffled Mini Skirt with a broken zipper ($169, pictured).

The contemporary collections were mostly stained and damaged as well, but not nearly as cheap as the above selections. The best of this gloomy bunch was a Phillip Lim Burgundy Sleeveless Button Up in a size 4 and 8 ($199, orig. $395, pictured), a gorgeous Vince Oversized Nude Sweater with laced in silver thread ($149, pictured), NSF Deep Plunging V-Neck Oatmeal Boyfriend Sweater in Size L ($109, pictured), a Phillip Lim (who seems to be the MVP of today’s sale) Short Sleeve Khaki Dress with Tie ($179), Elizabeth and James Mint Green Dress Pants ($159, orig. $285, pictured) and lastly a Crochet and Cherry Band of Outsiders Summer Dress in Size 3 ($199, pictured).

Sadly, the designer dress section was nearly empty. It was hard to find big names or a stunning dresses that were worth the big bucks. I did take note to two dresses that had multiple discounts, landing their price points within a reasonable range given their quality, and those were the Giambattista Valli Black and White Dress ($589, orig. $2,340, pictured) and the Rachas Short Sleeve Black Lace Dress ($909).

It seems that shoppers are not yet in the fall state of mind, so be sure to take advantage of their summer fever and get yourself some cheap a pair of designer denim in cold weather colors and fabulous suede shoes that many overlooked. The dust has been cleared off and items that you may not have taken notice to last week are now in the spotlight at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale, so hurry down to buy yourself a few designer additions for your fall wardrobe!

WHEN: 8/23 – 9/3;
8/23 – 8/24; Th-F (8-9)
8/25 – 8/26; Sat-Sun (9-8)
8/27 – 8/29; M-W (10-9)
8/30 – 8/31; TH-F (9-9)
9/1 – 9/2; Sat-Sun (9-8)
9/3; M (9-7)
9/4; Tue (9-9)

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

By Caitlin Colford

Tattered denim shorts and ripped vintage tees adorned the hip shoppers in line, patiently waiting for first day of the Rag & Bone Sample Sale at Chelsea Market to commence. Two girls behind me were gossiping about the semi annual sale Rag & Bone notably puts on, stating that their winter sale prices were not exactly wallet friendly, but their selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories was “really, really, really good.” Yes, three really’s.

Before I say much more allow me to properly urge you to race over to Chelsea Market on your lunch break, grab yourself a lobster roll, and get to shopping because, like winter, the Rag & Bone Summer Sample Sale is really, really, really good. The bi-level sale is neatly arranged with tees and dresses up front, with a table for knit blouses and sweaters, and jeans within the men’s section down a few steps in the rear.

Now, back to the front. Once you enter hook a hard right and get to browsing the gorgeous array of Rag & Bone dresses. Mind you, these are all available in most sizes (I saw from 0-12) and there are many employees fluttering about offering to seek out unavailable sizes in their storage area. The stand-outs of the dress racks included the Lemon Yellow Chelsea Dress ($195), the Carmine Parachute Dress in Midnight Blue ($195), the Midnight Cholo Dress ($195), Bluebird Leonard Dress, and towards the back of the area I discovered the ultimate summer dress: the Ecru Bridget Dress ($195, pictured).

Two tables in the center of the room held knit tees, tanks, tee-shirt dresses and sweaters with employees furiously trying to refold every tossed around item in order to keep it all uniform and organized for incoming shoppers. Here, I discovered a luscious Pocket Knit Tank ($40 – this standard design is available in a wide selection of colors and in a tee-shirt and long sleeve cut as well) as well as a wonderfully soft Dark Grey Eugina Skirt ($125).

On your way to the denim area take a peak at the small shoe selection near the steps. Shoppers crowded the area, examining the few boots, flats, oxfords, and wedges that were on hand and shouted size requests at a busy employee. For the price, (Lux Shoes $350, Shoes $195, and Flats $125) I wouldn’t waste too much time here, but do sneak a peak at the Newport Wedge ($195) and Ivory Hamlet Ballet Flat ($125), they may be worth the price.

The denim section was buzzing. There are plenty of sizes and colors available in their standard legging-skinny jean, such as yellow, blue, textured black, and green, all for $95. Perfect for summer is the Coated White Zipper Capri ($95, pictured).

If you’re a hat lover like myself, get ready for a massive wall of fedoras and floppy hats, perfect for days on the beach or mornings where you don’t feel like spending time fixing your hair. For $65 the best of the bunch was the Serpent Dunaway Hat (pictured), the ultimate bohemian accessory.

Some random, non-dress or denim finds worth mentioning are the Raw Edge Sung Shirt in Ivory ($115, pictured), the Dakota Hoodie ($250), and the many Maxi Skirts in colors like Biscay Green ($175, pictured).

If you’ve saved up your pennies then I advise you to go crazy at the Rag & Bone Sample Sale, going on until Sunday. Make sure to try the clothing on in the designated dressing room in the back of the women’s section, as they do not accept exchanges or returns. With not a damaged, mismarked, or stained item in sight, there won’t be a quality sample sale like this one for some time to come.

WHEN: 6/14 – 6/17; Th-F (10:30-8), Sat (noon-7), Sun (noon-5).

WHERE: Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue
between 15th & 16th Streets

By Caitlin Colford

Wasn’t among the lucky set of early birds to land some goods from Marni for H&M last week? Don’t fret my pets! You’re in luck, there is ample opportunity this week to land yourself some designer goods with their price tags slashed, thanks to the almighty sample sale.

Project Runway All Stars Sample Sale

Presumably borrowing the idea from the new sure-to-be-hit “Fashion Star” on NBC, the uber popular “Project Runway” is bringing out past designs from the vaults of their All Star cast, which includes the likes of Jerell Scott, Mondo Guerra and Michael Costello, and selling them at decent prices.

Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale

Designer, designer, designer! More, more, more! Keep bringing them on! Boutique on 57 is providing 75% off ready wear from Emilio Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, D&G, and Prada.

Blumarine Sample Sale

Beginning Monday (3/12) for members only, and Tuesday (3/13) for the public, Exclusive Fashion Club is offering 60-80% top designer brands such as Cavallli, Armani, Missoni, and Valentino, in sizes 2-14. Please note: You do not need to possess an Italian surname to gain entry, but you do need to own a credit card or a megawad of cash as these sales can still be quite pricey.

Bird Blowout Sale

Brooklynites and Alexander Wang fans: don’t miss out on Bird’s Blowout Sale going on now until 3/15. With boutiques in all of Brooklyn’s trendiest areas – Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Williamsburg – you have an excuse to try out the latest buzzed about restaurant after shopping 25-75% off accessories and clothing at Bird from Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, A.P.C., Loeffler Randall and more. A slim selection of sale items are available on Bird’s website, but this one may be worth the venture into foreign shopping territory.

I-ELLA Spring Sample Sale

Keep ‘em coming! As promised ladies, I have another opportunity for steep designer discounts this week. I-ELLA is hosting a two-day sale, beginning 3/15, with up to 75% clothing, shoes, and handbags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Rebecca Taylor, and DVF. I’ve never visited this showroom, so am unsure why they request shopper’s to RSVP to [email protected], but if Chelsey’s going to ‘wow’ us, a measly little RSVP email is my pleasure.

A whole week of discounted designer shopping from a whole slew of top luxury brands sounds like seven days of pure bliss. After being beat up at Marni last week, I’ll need this, as well as a pint (or three) of green beer on Saturday while I celebrate St. Patty’s Day in style. Caution: Green beer does stain.

By Caitlin Colford