Valentine’s Day

Obviously winter calls for clothing that keeps you warm, makeup that makes your skin glow and travel tickets to visit family (or leave family…). Today, though, we’re dishing on the best shopping deals throughout the winter months — buys that make financial sense in the long run.

Boots

While flip flops and strappy sandals reign supreme during the hot and humid months, boots take over the feet of women across the globe once temperatures turn. No matter the style, boots keep your tootsies warm and toasty, making them the no-brainer choice when putting together your cold weather ensembles.

You’d think they’d be most expensive now, but that’s not the case. Designers are already thinking about spring and summer shoes again, which means fall and winter kicks are on sale. Whether you’re shopping for classic riding boots, dressy ankle booties or furry, cozy Uggs, buy during the winter.

Winter Apparel

The same rule that applies to boots also applies to winter clothing. In the same way designers are thinking about spring and summer shoes, they’re also thinking ahead to warm-weather apparel. Look for deals on layer-able clothing (e.g., cardigans, blazers, scarves and vests) and outerwear (e.g., coats and jackets).

Tip: The later into winter you go, the lower prices will become. Keep in mind, though, that merchandise dwindles and the selection becomes sparse as spring approaches.

Jewelry and Accessories

Post-Christmas through mid-January is considered a “non gift giving” period, making it an ideal time to snag hot deal on jewelry and accessories. Post-Valentine’s Day through March is also a good time to buy jewelry. This goes for fine jewelry (e.g., diamonds, gems, gold and silver) and less expensive, costume jewelry.

Keep an eye out for fliers in the mail or email updates from retailers during these short weeks. It’s also a wise move to subscribe to their social media feeds, where consumers have access to exclusive deals.

Electronics

January and February are some of the best months to buy electronics. This is true for several reasons. First, the holiday shopping rush has come to a quiet lull, inciting retailers to knock a few percentage points off their merch. Secondly, January is when the world famous Consumer Electronics Show (CES) occurs.

During CES, new electronic models are debuted and, consequently, the “old” merchandise gets put on sale to make way for the new goods’ imminent presence. If you’re in the market for a new smart phone, a fancy camera or even a TV, buy during winter.

Champagne

This December, celebrate your good deals on champagne with…champagne! Because New Year’s Eve is fast approaching — and because retailers are elbowing each other out of the way to make the sale — you’ll find that champagne, on the whole, is cheaper than normal. Why not stock up for the next few months?

Keep an eye out for coupons or store specials. Also sign up for email newsletters, where you’ll find some of the best deals, and social media blasts. Another tip for saving money: buy in bulk. Many retailers give a nice discount off your entire purchase when you buy six or more bottles of the same product. A discount on top of the discount? This calls for more champagne…

By Wendy Rose Gould

WHAT: maiCashmere Valentine’s Day Sample Sale

WHY: Up to 90% off Women’s spring cashmere, cotton, linen, scarves and more at the maiCashmere Valentine’s Day Sample Sale.

• Signature scarfs start at $35
• Basic cotton and linen pieces start at $20
• Short and long sleeve cashmere tops are $20 and $30, respectively
• There will also be $10 bins filled with pieces from previous seasons

WHEN: 2/12 – 2/14; Tue-Th (11-6)

WHERE: 49 West 38th Street
between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
Floor 12A

SUBMITTED BY: TheStylishCity.com

For the complete list of today’s sales and sample sales check HERE

This week, hearts are fluttering, arrows are flying, and those with a sweet tooth are squealing with glee in anticipation for Valentine’s Day this Thursday. New Yorkers’ reactions to the heart shaped holiday are across the board: Some simply love to be wine and dined, others enjoy a low-key night with their sweetie, while some shun the Hallmark-holiday all together. Whatever the case may be, if you’re shrieking over your new jewels, munching on chocolate truffles, or hiding under your pillow in your favorite sweats waiting for Friday to come, at least take the time to indulge in some good ol’ classic splurging this week as we celebrate our one true love of shopping together.

Sample Sale Alert: Orange

IF Boutique Basement Sale

The semi-annual IF Boutique Basement Sale is back on Wednesday in SoHo and ready for action. For lovers of avant-garde fashion, this is the sale for you. With up to 85% off clothing, footwear and accessories from edgy designer brands such as Junya Watanbe, Dries Van Noten, Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens, Common des Garcons, and more, it’s almost guaranteed you can’t go wrong. Last year, Ivan Grundal’s pieces were the majority, while tops by Comme des Garcon averaged around $200, down from well over a thousand bucks a pop.

Barneys New York Warehouse Sale

It seems The Stylish City’s speculation in regards to the question, “Where, oh where did the sample sales go?” was in the ballpark, as exemplified by Barneys latest sale tactics. In late January of this year, WWD reported that on February 4^th the now live off-price web site Barneyswarehouse.com would launch in a permanent fashion. If you can recall last year, Barneys presented a similar website to shoppers to go hand in hand with their infamous Warehouse Sale, which in turn trimmed the crowds at the typically jam packed Chelsea location.

This in turn is not good news for fans of the physical Warehouse Sale. WWD goes on to claim that after Barneys February Warehouse Sale beginning on Thursday and lasting through the 24^th, future sales will be located a block away and “merchandise will turn heavily towards men’s.” Translation being: This will be the final Barneys New York Warehouse Sale as we know it.

Although the current selection on Barneyswarehouse.com doesn’t give us much to go on, for nostalgia’s sake, be sure to visit the beloved physical sale one final time before it leaves us forever.

jumelle Sample Sale

Last year’s jumelle clean out sale in Williamsburg impressed shoppers and it expects to do so again this time around. The small boutique filled with our favorite high-end designers, mixed with up-and-comers, offers an eclectic array of downtown fashion. This year, jumelle Sample Sale is advertising up to 75% off such collections from Alexander Wang, Electric Feathers, Isabel Marant and more. Last year, T by Alexander Wang pieces were discovered for $75, while $180 landed you a pair of Dieppa Restrepo lace-up boots and bins were on hand with $25 and $50 offerings.

United Bamboo Sample Sale

Lifestyle brand United Bamboo is holding a two-day sample sale beginning on Friday on Centre Street. The art inspired designing duo, not only incorporates creativity into their unique cuts and innovative fabrics, but also through projects such as artistic designed T-shirts and compilation CDs. The sale has been noted to offer steals, such as sample shoes for as low as $40, as well as jersey knit cardigans for the same price and denim for $50. This is a true blue same sale, so be prepared to do some sorting and initiate careful examinations on samples and merchandise from not only United Bamboo, but brands Creatures of Comfort, Tess Giberson, and Auntie Oti as well.

As Valentine’s Day concludes, we sincerely hope that if you’re not left with chocolates gifted with love, you, at the very least, are left with a new pile of clothing purchased at rock bottom prices.

By Caitlin Colford

WHAT: La Perla Valentine’s Shopping Event

WHY: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with La Perla at Saks. Shop La Perla and receive a complimentary gift with purchase.

WHEN: 2/7 – 2/14

WHERE: Saks Fifth Avenue
611 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212-753-4000