The News

Okay online shoppers, put down the credit card and step away from the computer, I repeat, step away from the computer! Take a moment to go outside, breathe in the crisp, fresh air, and soak up some Vitamin D, because the number prove you haven’t seen the outdoors much this week. This Cyber Monday racked up a whopping, and record shattering, $1.465 billion dollars alone, not including the surprise, pop up online sales that stretched through Friday, making it a full on “Cyber Week.”

Aha! I see you sneaky smart phone user, don’t think you’re getting away with your overindulging online shopping this week! After reading this article, it’s time to keep your eyes on the road and get back to something we humans like to call, conversation. An incredible 58.1% of all Cyber Monday shoppers were smart phone users, up nearly 20% from last year. Are your thumbs tired yet?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not rejecting online shopping and shoppers alike (hello, I’m among you!), I am simply trying to congratulate you on the amazing Internet deals you scored over this past week and invite you back into the real world of in-store shopping and sample sales. We are all set on our big-ticket items (i.e. flat screen TVs, leather jackets, designer purses, etc.), so now it’s time to focus on small, thoughtful gifts for others and some killer outfits for the upcoming season of holiday parties. Remember: this may be your last week to shop before the parties commence!

Saturday — Saturday: Sample Sale Alert: ORANGE

If you recall during our Thanksgiving edition of Don’t Miss, we alerted our readers to a new code system in announcing the severity of the upcoming sample sale line-up. Orange= good deals, high fashion, and worth a first day visit. It also means that it is necessary to check back in with us throughout the week for up to date information on which sample sales to get to and which to skip. This week, keep an eye out for Target and Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection, Vivienne Westwood, Helmut Lang, Joie, Current/Elliott, The News Sample Sale, and the rescheduled Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale.

SATURDAY

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection

There’s no better way to celebrate the shift of online shopping to the chaotic in store shopping than a trip to Target on Saturday in order to celebrate the Target + Neiman Marcus holiday collection. Check out Mirela’s article on the collection for a teaser and prepare yourself to browse their 50-piece collection.

Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale

Brits scream with glee today, as the Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale is unveiled on 36^th Street. There are many gifting options to be had at this up-to-60%-off-sale, including scarves, wallets, jewelry, sunglasses, and watches, on top of the full assortment of women’s apparel of course.

SUNDAY

Helmut Lang Sample Sale

Who doesn’t love Helmut Lang? Since 2007, Theory (another favorite) has been behind the brand and we have loved every second of it. West 36^th Street plays home to this year’s Helmut Lang Sample Sale where dresses will be as low as $145 (hello holiday outfit!). Keep your fashionable eyes peeled for their famous leather leggings.

TUESDAY

Joie, Current/Elliott & Equipment Sample Sale

Up to 75% off retail prices of outerwear, sweaters, tees, and the perfectly edgy denim line from Current/Elliott is being boasted in the advertisement for the Joie, Current/Elliott & Equipment Sample Sale, which starts at 9AM Tuesday at 260 Fifth Avenue.

THURSDAY

Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale

Rescheduled from November 6^th, the Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale is back on after having been rained out by Superstorm Sandy. Where better to score a killer pair of holiday party heels? Last time around, the beloved Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale was handled with organizational care. It is advised to get there extremely early (the sale begins at 9am), especially if you’re dying to be among the first to get your hands on a pair or two of Manolos. If you’re lucky enough to be among the first batch of shoppers you’ll be given a ticket, which will indicate your allotted shopping time. If you’re prepared for a day of waiting around for a mere hour of cash only, Manolo Blahnik shopping, then grab yourself a Venti coffee Thursday morning and head on out by day-break.

The News Sample Sale

Be prepared to stock up on a slew of gifts for the downtown fashionista in your life. Last year, The News Sample Sale rocked, literally, with edgy tees, destructed denim, graphic sweatshirt, and a wide range of affordable indie designer wear and accessories. If anything compared to last time around, The News Sample Sale is a do not miss.

We shoppers make it no secret that we’re championing the recession that has gripped us in recent years, and what better way to stimulate the economy than by shopping for not only yourself, but for your loved ones as well. This holiday season we’ll show the economy who’s boss, one handbag at a time.

By Caitlin Colford