The Andrew Marc – Vilebrequin sample sales have been extended through Sunday. Anticipating extra markdowns, we couldn’t help from shopping for ourselves (and everyone else we know). Now, our wallet is empty but our closets are fully stocked for winter and vacation.

You could imagine how my phone started blowing up when I sent a group text alerting friends and family that Vilebrequin’s print and solid boy’s swimsuits were priced between $20 (size 2s) and $35 (size 12s). Men’s swimsuits with an elastic waist are now $65 and flat waist versions are $50.  Vilebrequin’s retail prices usually range from $250 to nearly $300 for men’s print shorts. For children, prices normally range from $120 to $140. The sale also includes nice polos for men at $40 and tees for $25.

We highly suggest you stock up for cruise now!!

Over on the Andrew Marc side, there are some really beautiful quality jackets and coats for men and women. A men’s leather 3/4 jacket with a fur collar is $199 from $630, a woman’s shearling jacket is further reduced to $699 from nearly $3000 and a woman’s faux fur lined parka vest with patches is $99 from $250.

Be sure to look out for the woman’s samples. A woman’s leather moto jacket lined with shearling is magnificent and priced at just $400, a brown moto jacket is $199 and a classic puffer is $249.

The sale is still pretty quiet because word of the extension hasn’t spread… yet! We suggest you hurry over right away, especially for the Vilebrequin selection. We are told that there won’t be any further reductions and there isn’t much back stock.

Enjoy!!!

Vilebrequin / Andrew Marc Sample Sale
Extended through Sunday, November 20
Thrus-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat& Sun 10am-6pm
401 Seventh Ave @33rd St. (Penn Plaza Pavilion)

If you think sweater dressing is little more than squeezing your head through a turtleneck, than it’s time to rethink your approach. Right now, we love the variety of winter sweater options that are cleaver and elegant. They incorporate both texture and style to make you feel anything but basic on even the most gloomy and blah days.

Nordstrom happens to have an expansive selection of sweaters. Check out this Phelan Foil Stripe knit ($595). Would’t it look great with a shirt silver leather skirt? We also love this Tomas Maier cable knit sweater ($790) that would pair perfectly with leather pants. We are thinking a like-color grey for a monochrome look that has lots of texture. Givenchy offers a sweater that’s convertible. The turtleneck happens to have a detachable zipper feature.

Clothing with a disctict design estetic doesn’t need to be super expensive. We love this Alice & Olivia crown sweater ($350). Here is a lovely green sweater from Milly ($295) that is full of texture and style. Then there is this Kenzo sweater ($310) that is both moderately priced and high-style.

If we could pick just one sweater to wear all winter it would be from Junya Watanabe. The dramatic oversized rosettes bring sculptural dimension to the front. We warn you, it’s pricey but it’s anything but basic. Don’t be surprised to see lots more of Junya’s avant-garde designs in the coming months. Commes des Garcon, for whom she is currently the lead designer, is headlining the Met Gala in the Spring.

As always, we recommend that online shoppers take advantage of Nordstrom’s great customer service, which features free shipping and free returns. If only everything about the holiday season was as easy to shop as Nordstrom.