New Spring merchandise is pushing aging sweaters and coats to the back of stores. In the online world, the clearance tab is the proverbial bargain basement. Today, Shopbop has reduced hundreds of items to 70% off.
Take note, all these 70% off items are final sale. The no-backsies rule used to really bother us but we've realized that we never return anything bought online anyway. (Too lazy.) So really, what's the difference?
Valentine's Day always feels like a hugely manufactured holiday that is maintained by the restaurant and flower lobby. Truth be told, it is a welcomed ray of sunlight admist the gray gloom and slush of February.
Valentines Day doesn't require a huge grand gesture but rather something sweet and thoughtful. On the flip side, we don't know any girl who would turn down something sparkly from Lorraine Schwartz. Below are some of our favorite gift ideas for him and her.
February is traditionally a month dedicated to love. How much do you love a good sample sale? Well, dah-ling, so much. Like love, not all sample sales are created equally. Below are a few upcoming sales -- in date order. We can't say that any get our ❤️s thumping. We will continue to update this list throughout the month. Hopefully, there will be more exciting announcements.
Jocelyn Fur Sample Sale
Discounts will run 50-75% off. (Similar discounts can be found on Gilt.)
Wednesday, February 1 through Thursday, February 2
Wed 9am-8pm, Thurs 9am – 6pm
224 west 30th Street, Suite 1101
Maiyet Sample Sale
At the last sale sandals were $100, flats were $200, boots were $250, dresses were $250, outerwear was $400, and evening gowns were $500.
Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3
9am-6pm daily
Maiyet showroom: 676 Broadway, 4th Floor
Vita Fede Sample Sale
All items will be 50 to 85% depending on the style. There will be five price buckets-- $50, $75, $100, $150, $250.
Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3
10am-7pm daily
Online at vitafede.com: Friday, February 3 through Sunday, February 5 at midnight est
135 West 29th Street, 10th Floor, Suite 1005
Canali Sample Sale
Men's tailored clothing, sportswear and accessories
Tuesday, February 7 though Friday, February 10
Tue-Thurs 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm
Soiffer Haskin: 317 West 33rd Street
Paul Morelli Sample Sale
Fine jewelry discounted up to 75% off
Tuesday, February 7 though Thursday, February 9
10am-5pm daily
895 Madison Avenue
Bruno Magli Sample Sale
Up to 75% off men's and woman's shoes
Tuesday, February 14 though Sunday, February 19
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Fifth Avenue
The past two weeks have been big for markdowns on winter outerwear. Most of the sales were only available in stores-- until now. Finally, those discounts have hit the internet and we have just the right links to find them.
If you're looking for steeper discounts you can snag this Fendi style that's reduced 60%. We especially like that the monster print is on the inside, which will add it's fashion longevity. Check out this Diane von Furstenberg tweed jacket that's reduced all the way down to $174 from almost $500. This Goes J wool coat with ruffles is really sweet and a terrific price now that it's 70% off. It's just $450 from $1565. This Mr & Mrs Italy fur lined parka, has been reduced 40% or $2300 from $3800.
The second markdown on outerwear always comes very quickly. Keep your eyes open and a good sales person on speed dial....
The prices of designer shoes have skyrocketed even more quickly than the Dow Jones. It wasn't so long ago that standard designer pumps retailed for $600. Now $900 is the benchmark designer pumps. Analysts frequently debate if people are actually spending more money or just waiting longer for deeper discounts.
After experiencing a season of sticker shock it's fun to hunt for shoes that are reduced under $300. We like to think of it as three for the price of one. Above is an assortment of shoes that will cost you somewhere in the $200-range. It just proves that no matter your budget you should never settle.
Not far from the Moncler assortment we found an entire alcove of designer merchandise that's reduced to almost 85%. An Etro coat was about $3000 and is currently reduced to $895. A long Sonia Rykiel coat with leopard collar and trim is about the same price. The assortment also contains a lot of Victoria Beckham, J. Mendel, Moschino and Lela Rose. A violet top with ruffles comes to about $150 from $500 and a print dress is $300 from $995. A powder blue Narciso Rodriguez dress is $530 from $1800 and a J. Mendel pleated dress is $500 from about $1500. You can see pictures of lots of sale items here.
While on the designer floor we figured we would check in and see if there was a second markdown on Chanel items. The bad news is that all the clothing is still only 40% off. The funny news is that all the winter items are stuffed in a fitting room in the back of the Chanel section. The sales person admitted that Chanel doesn't want sale merchandise on the sales floor. So, a crowded fitting room is better? (We have pictures here, in the jump.)
We also checked out the second floor contemporary designers but suggest that shoppers wait for the next big Bloomies promo. Most merchandise isn't currently discounted much more than 50%. We'll keep you updated if anything is to change. We know it will.
For some reason retailers believe that shoppers are on a perpetual hunt for basics. There are basic jeans, basic tees, basic jackets-- it's all so, well basic, um, boring. Claire Distenfeld, the owner of the multi-brand boutique Fivestory is one of those rare retailers who specializes in satisfying shoppers who love 'fa-shun'.
FiveStory is a brownstone retail space that feels like the love child between the Mark Hotel and Henri Bendel--in the old days. The inventory goes beyond the basics and satisfies the needs of those looking for drama and haute. Think Balmain, Cushnie Et Ochs, Mary Katrantzou, and of course, Rosie Assoulin. The problem is, these fashions don't come without a price. A very high price.
Last week, the off-site sale kicked off in Soho. The sale was exchanged and prices were cut. We had to check it out. Inside the Greene Street sample sale location, the inventory is clearly well picked over. Most items are a straight 85% off retail but some items are just 50% off. Considering the time of year, we chose to ignore the half-off items.
The pants are truthfully the best selection. If you've been wearing the same slacks from the past-- too long to admit-- you might want to consider taking the opportunity to make a wardrobe update. We found amazing black Ellery trousers for about $200 from $1310, Mugler pants with a flared hem are about $160 from $1200 and sunshine yellow Rosie Assouline culottes with floral cut outs are $343 from nearly $2300.
The sale includes a large centerpiece of shoes but most styles are limited to one style. Over this way, you can check out pictures of all the aformentioned items, along with shoes and accessories. The sale runs through Sunday and we are told more times will be added periodically.
Fivstory Offsite Sale
Through Sunday, January 29
Tues-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
150 Greene Street
This is the sweater you want to get right now ($80) because you won't want it after seeing it on everyone else. Bonus points if you wear it on Valentines Day....
