Theyskens’ Theory

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

The best things in life are free. Just ask New Yorkers. For all the money we spend on overpriced rent, transportation, delicious food, artisanal everything, and (of course) designer fashions, we deserve to be rewarded with free stuff once in awhile, by world famous professionals nonetheless. Free concerts are going around everywhere throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn this summer, most notably within Central Park. This week Central Park brings us Madama Butterfly, while the Hudson River Park provides us with beats courtesy of Sleigh Bells, all to compensate us for the crazy amount of shopping we’ll be doing at the Heike Jarick, Olive & Bette’s, Splendid & Ella Moss, Yansi Fugel, and Theyskens’ Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sales.

Do you want us to review any of these sales the week of July 16th-July 22nd? As always, a sale event needs at least 10 votes to qualify for review. If you really want a review, encourage your friends to vote for it.

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Heike Jarick Sample Sale

If you had the chance to read our interview with German-born designer Heike Jarick last week, then you are already aware that you’re in store for a great sale. The Heike Jarick Sample Sale will not only provide 30% off spring and summer clothing, but will also offer discounted samples, as well as deliver wholesale prices on edgy Fall 2012 designs, which will be available for purchase and pre-order, for those shoppers who are thinking ahead.

Splendid and Ella Moss Sample Sale

Start your shopping day off splendidly at the Splendid and Ella Moss Sample Sale on Tuesday. Ella Moss’ fun, vibrant clothing is perfect for mid-summer use, while Splendid’s basics and layering options are essential for every closet.

Helmut Lang + Theyskens’ Theory Women’s Sample Sale

This one goes out to the ladies! Be sure to arrive early in order to beat the crowds, as I’m sure mayhem will occur at the Helmut Lang and Theyskens’ Theory Summer Sample Sale. They are promising new summer styles during their Wednesday – Sunday sale run, as well as sweaters, boots, and outerwear to gear you up for fall and winter. Be prepared to spend, spend, spend!

Olive and Bette’s Sample Sale

Lug all your shopping bags uptown to Olive and Bette’s Sample Sale on Third Avenue at 72^nd Street. This one-day only sale promises high-waisted denim from James Jeans for only $50 and Joie silk blouses for $56.

Image credit: CentralParkNYC.org

New York Grand Opera at Central Park

If you’re going to the Olive and Bette’s Sample Sale uptown on Wednesday, or if you simply love opera, stroll on over to Fifth Avenue and 72^nd Street for your musical reward! Within Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell, the New York Grand Opera will take on Puccini while Vincent La Selva leads them in a performance of Madama Butterfly, the 1900’s version of He’s Just Not That Into You.

Yansi Fugel Sample Sale

Nurse your shopping hangover on Thursday with the hair of the dog that bit you at the Yansi Fugel Sample Sale.  Cap sleeves and dizzying patterns will be offered for up to 80% off on 39^th and Seventh Avenue, along with previous stock and sample items at discount prices for your browsing and buying pleasure.

Sleigh Bells at Hudson River Park

End your week right with some rock and roll thanks to Sleigh Bells. Head on down to the Pier 63 at Hudson River Park for a free concert hosted by Converse and thank Santa Clause (and his “sleigh bells”) for Christmas in July while you suit up in your newly purchased discounted dress. After RSVP-ing to this free event, you will be provided with some live tunes from not only Sleigh Bells, but also Rye Rye, Jel, & Mr. Dream as well.

Discount shopping and free outdoor concerts under the stars –music to our ears! New York City once again provides us gals on a tight budget with a week of bliss. Now, if only they could start paying for our rent and cab fare as well.

By Caitlin Colford