Sample Sales Review

Founded in 1935, Michael C. Fina has been local to Fifth Avenue ever since. Helming the notoriety of being among the very first companies in New York City to feature bridal registry services, Michael C. Fina continues to be widely known for their spectacular selection of bridal jewelry.

This year marks the third anniversary of the popular Michael C. Fina Sample Sale, but only the first year that they are offering fashion jewelry at a discount as well, rather than strictly bridal pieces.

The lunchtime rush was in full effect as I entered the first day of the store’s sample sale. Anxious brides and nervous groom-hopefuls crowded around the glass displays that held engagement rings and wedding bands for 30-70% off. The 30% off display featured platinum, white gold, and rose gold engagement rings and wedding bands. Although platinum continues to be the most popular choice in bridal rings, according to a Fina employee, white and rose gold are making a strong comeback. Duly noted!

While making my way through the crowd I discovered a nice selection of bridal rings in the 60% off display, including a fun selection of stacking bands, ideal for an anniversary present. The small array of bridal rings discounted at 70% off were on the traditional side and for the most part ignored by the excited, young shoppers.

In knowing Michael C. Fina is known for their traditional and bridal jewelry I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice selection of fun, fashionable pieces for a casual day. The back room played home to this assortment, which was on display for 40% off. A pretty 14KT Hamsa Necklace was one of the standouts of the area. The necklace is a blend of white and yellow gold, as well as silver, and features diamond detail within the hamsa ($726, orig. $1,210, pictured).

There were also some great, simple necklaces with funky diamond encrusted accents such as the evil eye, a skull, anchors, and individual initials ($339, orig. $565). Some more traditional pieces in the 40% off section included gorgeous white gold tennis bracelets with diamonds ($1404, orig. $2,340, pictured), a diamond bouquet necklace and chandelier pendants.

Another piece featuring the evil eye as a hanging tag was on the dazzling white and rose gold initial rings ($780, orig. $1300, pictured).

Before calling it a day take a peek at the cases in the middle of the store, which hold classic strands of pearls for 40% off, as well as pieces featuring Tahitian and golden pearls, also on sale for 40% off. Nearby there is also a small collection of colored rings for 60% off, such as the popular pink ruby and diamonds with gold ring ($2,268, orig. $5,670, pictured), blue topaz with white diamonds ring ($2,040, orig. $5,100, pictured), and the yellow topaz with diamonds gold ring ($3,828, orig. $6,380, pictured).

The Michael C. Fina Sample Sale lasts until 8PM on August 2^nd, providing plenty of time for you jewelry lovers to make your way to 545 Fifth Avenue. With a beautiful selection of necklaces, bracelets, and engagement rings, there is no better time to start kissing up to your loved one, in hope of a very special, and very gorgeous gift.

WHEN: 8/1 – 8/2; W-Th (11-8)

WHERE: 545 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10017

By Caitlin Colford

Link Theory acquired Helmut Lang in 2006, dispatching Mr. Lang from the brand and embarking on a fashionable venture together. Since then, both lines have grown into SoHo staples, draping on models and fashionistas alike within the downtown streets of Manhattan.

Today the Theyskens’ Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale kicked off within their 93 Mercer store, drawing in hip, model-esque shoppers and fashion forward females. After browsing the racks of high-quality merchandise, which were all mainly over-stock and this past seasons’ fashions, I realized that no tag was marked with its appropriate discounted price. While this is typically the case at many sales, today all that was provided to shoppers was a list of price ranges, rather than a set cost. I scoured the store in order to question prices and finally found and employee, who, rolled his eyes and indifferently pointed to the register claiming that you will be alerted to the price of your item upon checkout. What? He can’t be serious.

I took it upon myself to then ask other employees, “How much is this dress?” but they all said the same thing with a sigh, not bothering to utilize any ounce of customer service. In all my sample sale days I’ve never heard of this “surprise check out” formula, it seems quite deceiving, inconvenient, and lazy, mostly because no shopper in their right mind would pop into the 20 person deep check out line to simply inquire about a price. I’m going to go ahead and let this all slide for now, strictly because the apparel resting among the too-cool-for-school employees was amazing.

From here on out if a price is italicized, this means it is my estimation based on the original prices and the provided range.

The sale is broken up into two sections. Upon entry you are greeted with the Theyskens’ Theory area, which was significantly smaller than Helmut Lang’s space. Some amazing dresses by Theory were on hand, all in a plethora of sizes. Among this small set was the Dashaz Long Dress ($199, orig. $695, pictured) and the Dilo Cloud Dress ($99, orig. $335, pictured). There were plenty of gorgeous, well made blazers and jackets too, namely the Winiki Acid Jill Jacket ($189, pictured) and the White Jovar Jacket ($189, orig. $335, pictured), that was made of such interesting fabric.

Before heading to the Helmut Lang section take a peek at Theory’s incredibly cozy classic cotton tee shirts and tanks ($49) that are aligned on two racks in various sizes and colors, as well as bagged within a few boxes resting on a nearby table.

Now onto Helmut Lang! This section was buzzing with shoppers excited by the selection and discount (although still pricey). Many females were changing and trying on within the squishy aisles holding the Helmut Lang clothing, due to the extra long line for the changing room.

While you’re waiting for your fellow shoppers to finish changing, you must check out the table of handbags. The Primal Leather Anjou bag is stunning ($269, pictured), as is the Primal Leather Neith Bag in Black ($269, pictured) and the Ammut Terrain Leather Cross Body Back ($129, pictured).

The denim section is a must-see. You can’t go wrong with a pair of the 5-Pocket Skinny Spider Wash Jeans ($99, pictured), or their skinny jean counterparts in colors such as yellow, white, mustard, rust, grey, and shimmer.

Another score in the Helmut Lang section is their leather jackets. I simply loved the sleek look and feel of the Destroyed Black Leather Jacket ($329, pictured), same goes for the Simple Waxed Leather Jacket ($329, pictured) and the Weathered Shearling Cropped Vest ($249, pictured).

Their draping tops were flying off the racks. Apart from the leather jackets, these oversized blouses certainly seemed to be the hit of the sale. Among this set was the Shale Jersey Top in Pond ($79, orig. $279, pictured), the Gathered Diamond Print Jersey Tee ($79, orig. $279, pictured), the Terra Jersey Loose T in Sediment ($129, pictured), and lastly the White Lawn Cotton Square Top ($129, pictured).

If you are on the hunt for some top quality, downtown fresh clothing, then this, by far, is the sale you need to visit. Expect to save, but don’t expect to spot any killer deals – this essentially is a step above a retail sale and still quite pricey. I wouldn’t worry too much about items running out within the coming days, there was quite a solid availability of styles and sizes, unless of course you’re a size 0-2, because the models are stocking up on these goods like they’re gold.

WHEN: 7/18 – 7/22; W (10-8), Th (8-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-6)

WHERE: 93 Mercer Street
Between Spring & Broome Streets
[email protected]
212.242.3240

By Caitlin Colford

A quick note about the sale: Theory and Helmut Lang are separated in the room. They both have amazing, high quality pieces but they’re expensive. If you note on the attached price list and the Helmut List, they only provide you with price ranges for many of the styles. I walked around asking NUMEROUS employees about prices on certain dresses and jackets and each one was indifferent, rolled their eyes, and said I had to wait until I checked out to see the final price. So it seems they are using it as a sort of trick because, given the line, no one would wait on it a half dozen times to simply find out a price only to be pressured into buying it. Helmut had awesome jackets and denim, as well as tops- definitely the winner over theory! Bags too! Will be back with more detail later tonight.

WHEN: 7/18 – 7/22; W (10-8), Th (8-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-6)

WHERE: 93 Mercer Street
Between Spring & Broome Streets
[email protected]
212.242.3240

By Caitlin Colford

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