Wendy Rose Goould

This week’s roundup of samples sales places a heavy emphasis on accessorizing and pulling an outfit together. For example, the Thomas Laine and IPPOLITA sample sales are all about jewelry, designer Joy Gryson‘s got you covered with her leather handbags and Matt Bernson‘s got some luxury footwear ready for you to try on. We’re also featuring the Rag & Bone and vente-privee sample sales, both of which include accessories, footwear, apparel and more.

Thomas Laine Sample Sale

Fashion-savvy brides will want to head to the Thomas Laine Sample Sale this week. There you’ll find fine bridal and fashion jewelry from designers such as Ben Amun, Kenneth Jay Lane, Erickson Beamon, Janis Savitt, Elizabeth and James and Lizzie Fortunato for 70% to 80% off retail. Even if you’re not getting hitched, you may find some gorgeous pieces for your upcoming formal events. There should be some statement pieces, as well. Basically, if you’re in the market for nice jewelry, head on over.

WHEN: 6/23 – 6/24; M-Tue (noon-7)
WHERE: Thomas Laine Showroom. 915 Broadway, 9th Floor – Suite 903, 646.688.2361

IPPOLITA Sample Sale

More jewelry? Why not? While the Thomas Laine Sample sale features bridal and more formal-appropo pieces, the IPPOLITA sample sale promises lots of statement jewelry, gold, and precious stones. Every single item is marked 60% to 65% off. This sale only takes credit cards, so leave the green stuff at home.

WHEN: 6/21 – 6/24; Sat-Sun (9-6), M-Tue (9-7)
WHERE: Soiffer Haskin. 317 West 33rd Street, (Just west of 8th Avenue), 718.747.1656

vente-privee Sample Sale

The temperatures are hot, and so are the discounts at the vente-privee Sample Sale. The sale runs Tuesday through Thursday and features clothing, handbags, accessories, footwear and swimwear from luxury designers, including Elizabeth & James, Halston, Guess, Be & D, Vera Wang, Erin Fetherston, L*Space, Paul & Joe, Catherine Malandrino, Just Cavalli, and more. FYI: ventee-privee is normally a members-only online shopping destination, but this sale is open to the public.

WHEN: 6/24 – 6/26; Tue-Th (11-7)
WHERE: Clothingline Sample Sales. 261 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor, between 7th and 8th Avenues

Joy Gryson Sample Sale

Designer Joy Gryson is known for her fine leather, one-of-a-kind handbags. This sale boasts a selection that includes samples from current and past seasons and, of course, some of Gryson’s one-of-a-kind pieces. The merchandise featured at this event includes Gryson, Olivia Harris and Illbeca by Joy Gryson.

WHEN: 6/24 – 6/27; Tue-F (11-7)
WHERE: 106 Franklin Street, between W. Broadway and Church Street

Rag & Bone Sample Sale

The illustriously hip designs of Rag & Bone can be yours for up to 60% off the retail price. This sample sale features goods for both men and women and includes clothing, footwear and accessories. At the last couple sample sales, the Rag & Bone shoes were a big hit, so you may want to start there.

WHEN: 6/24 – 6/27; Tue (1-8), W-Th (10-8), F (10-3)
WHERE: 410 West 16th Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues

Matt Bernson Sample Sale

Luxury designer Matt Benson has a knack for converting raw materials into fashion-forward wearables. This sample sale features Benson’s women’s footwear for up to 70% off the normal cost. For example, his Love Sandal is $60 (from $135), the Latitude is $60 (from $169) and the Perini is $60-$75 (from $169-$176).

WHEN: 6/26 – 6/29; Th-Sat (11-8), Sun (11-7)
WHERE: 427 West 14th Street,
between Ninth and Tenth Avenues

By Wendy Rose Gould

Image Credit: Rag-Bone.com

It’s time to start thinking about your holiday getup. Whether you’re hitting only one shindig or have already RSVP’d to over a dozen, make sure you’re the belle of the ball by wearing an ensemble that has others stealing glances of you all night long.

Shop any of these below sample sales — which feature festive dresses, tops, bottoms and accessories — and you’ll definitely fit the part.

Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale

Take a cue from Audrey Hepburn and carry a bag designed for a true lady from Nancy Gonzales Sample Sale. This celebrated designer’s sale features totes, clutches, shoulder bags, in exotic skins, crocodile, ostrich, python, metallic, and mixed media. Cash and credit cards accepted. No strollers or children allowed.

WHEN: 12/9 – 12/11, Mon (9-8), Tue-Wed (10-6)
WHERE: Lighthouse International. 111 East 59th Street, between Park & Lexington, (212-920-1211)

Tory Burch Sample Sale

Need some stylish kicks to go with your winter holiday ensemble? Or maybe you’re in the market for a new bag? After all, every lady has room for another bag in her closet, especially if it’s from Tory Burch. In addition to bags and footwear, this sample sale features women’s fall and winter clothing and accessories. You’re sure to find something for that upcoming soiree.

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/14; Tues-Fri (11-7), Sat (11-5)
WHERE: Clothingline. 261 West 36th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, Second floor, (212-947-8748)

Alice + Olivia Sample Sale

Party dresses ahoy! The Alice + Olivia Sample Sale promises up to 70% off their merchandise, which includes coats, skirts, denim and, most importantly, party dresses. We recommend you get something nice and colorful for yourself and wear it all winter long without apology.

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/15; Tue (9-8), Wed (9-7), Th (10-8), Fri (9-7), Sat (10-7), Sun (10-3)
WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue, between 28th and 29th Streets, (212-725-5400)

Lauren Moffatt Sample Sale

Stay ahead of the trend with goods from designer Lauren Moffatt, whose aesthetic is a lovely mix of contemporary femininity and old time charm. This sample sale features women’s apparel from her Fall 2013 collection, including outerwear, tops, skirts, sweaters and dresses. Dresses are $130, outerwear is $260 and tops/skirts/sweaters are $90.

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/11; Tue (8-7), Wed (9-6)
WHERE: 214 West 29th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, Suite 1503

Stephen Dweck Jewelry Sample Sale

No outfit is complete without gorgeous jewelry dripping from your arms, neck and ears. Now you can get the really good goods for 50 to 80% off. The Stephen Dweck Jewelry sample sale has bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces that feature semi-precious and rare stones. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind pieces, ensuring no one else is wearing what you’re wearing (you’d look better in it even if they did show up in the same thing).

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/11; Tue-Wed (8:30-7)
WHERE: 73 Spring Street, between Broadway and Lafayette Streets, Suite 501, (212-764-3030)

By Wendy Rose Gould

As a Phoenix desert resident, my “spring cleaning” generally takes place somewhere between summer’s 115 degree temperatures and winter’s rainy monsoon season. However, when I lived in the great Midwest, that distinct turn from winter weather to sunny spring always inspired me to open the windows, air the place out and get to cleaning.

I imagine those of you in New York are gearing up for that much desired weather about-face. As you prepare to usher in chirping robins and skinny squirrels who’ve reluctantly crawled out of their cozy hibernations, start thinking about your own spring cleaning. And, more specifically, organizing your wardrobe.

Below I’ve briefly outlined what to do with garments you no longer want to keep. Let the list inspire you to get rid of things, if not for more closet space than for a little extra dough in your back pocket.

1. Store it

Let’s face it. Going through your closet isn’t a black and white process. You have a “keep pile,” a “toss pile” and a “Eh… I’m not really sure what I want to do with this yet” pile. The lattermost is the trickiest. After all, the last thing you want to do is regret your decision to toss something out. Anything with sentimental value, for example, should be kept. Designate a box for “maybes,” label it as such and then thoughtfully re-visit the clothes again on another day.

2. Sell It

As someone who frequently moves, my favorite part of spring cleaning is getting rid of things (fewer things to pack up later). What makes it even more fun, though, is cashing it all in. I’ve become quite good at this and, honestly, could write a whole book on the process. I’ll give you a few highlights and tips below, though.

– Sell it online via online via eBay or Craigslist. Craigslist is fee free, but it will require more of your time and the ability to coordinate your schedule with buyers’ schedules. High end items in good condition do best. I prefer eBay because it’s less work.

– If it’s vintage (especially high end), consider selling it on Etsy. Especially if you have a lot of it. You’ll have to pay seller fees, but the Etsy platform attracts thousands of buyers willing to spend money on high quality. Always take attractive pictures and detail blemishes, dimensions and any pertinent information.

– Head to a local consignment shop. This requires the least amount of your time and you won’t get the whole profit, but at least you still make money on your goods. Always call ahead to see what the shop needs most and bring your garments clean and on hangers.

3. Give It Away

There will always be a few garments that others don’t want. For example, clothing that shows its age or has tears, stains or pilling are not going to sell. Consignment shops will simply reject them and online buyers won’t bite. For these, let’s call them “unwantables,” your best bet is to simply donate.

You have several options. First, you can offer them for free on websites such as Craigslist and Freecycle. This is nice because anyone who claims them will come to you.

Alternatively, you can donate them to local homeless shelters or thrift stores. Donating to a registered charity allows you to claim tax deductions. Always ask the organization for a proper form.

4. DIY it

If you’re crafty (or want to be crafty), thoughtfully examine any “unwantables” and re-invent them. For example, old frocks with pretty patterns can easily be turned into throw pillows or re-cover an old chair. Check YouTube or Pinterest for thousands of ideas.

You can also upcycle an old garment by adding to it or changing it in some way. Again, lots of ideas are available online. The below blogs are some of my favorite DIY Fashion blogs — let them inspire your own creations!

P.S. I Made This…

Studs and Pearls

Love Meagan

DIY Fashion Tumblr

By Wendy Rose Gould