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    Tracking Down Timo Weiland x Banana Republic

    For the past several weeks we have been stalking our uptown Banana Republic store as we’ve been eagerly waiting for the Timo Weiland collaboration. Unfortunately, each time we’ve inquired at the store we’ve been met with looks of confusion and given misinformation.

    Today’s attempt was not very different than the others and we were told that the collaboration had not launched. When a Google search proved the sales person wrong, she called a floor manager. We were then informed that the collaboration with Timo Weiland is only available at three stores in New York– SoHo, Rock Center and Herald Square. (An online search later showed that you can also find the designer selection at the Flatiron too.)

    To further set the record straight, the collection is officially a partnership between Banana Republic and the CFDA and launched online and in stores on March 15. The collaboration was created not only to support emerging talent, but also American manufacturing. The Timo Weiland collection for Banana Republic was designed, cut and sewn exclusively in New York.

    Many of the items in the capsule collection are already sold out online but the SoHo store still had many of the most in-demand dresses and skirts. The rack, which can be found at furthest most depths of the store, is full with floral print skirts, dresses, denim and gingham. You can see pictures from our shopping trip right here.

    Prices are a bit more expensive than one would expect from Banana Republic. A floral print dress is $300 and a tie-waist crop top is $128. The worst part is that the collection has been excluded from Banana’s discount promotions. Be sure we will continue to keep our eyes open for any markdowns.

    The IT-It: Varsity or Bomber jacket

    We really can’t complain too much about this past Winter. It would be hard to imagine it any more mild. Nonetheless, it will be nice to store away those puffers and trade them in for something a bit more transitional.

    For the past few seasons the moto jacket has been one of the hottest fashion must-haves. This season, the heavy leather and zippers are starting to feel a bit too dark and heavy of a look for Spring. This season, we are again loving the the über-preppy varsity jacket or a packed bomber as an alternative.

    The look is light and playful and quite versatile. We love the look of the jacket when its a bit over-sized or hitting the hip. The style looks particularly adorable on kids. Try it with a short flared skirt, shorts, or jeans (skinny or boyfriend). As far as footwear,  espadrilles, heels, or slip-on loafers all do the trick.

    Baccarat Annual Sample Sale

    When it comes to buying crystal, almost all the brands seem as if they are too fussy and dated. Baccarat has invested in taking their brand to a modern level by partnering with some of the most talented designers of our time.

    Philippe Starck, Nicolas Triboulot and Eriko Horiki are just some of the design geniuses that have made Baccarat one of the most desirable brands in home goods. There has even been more buzz since the Baccarat Hotel opened in midtown. (If you haven’t had the opportunity to sip champagne in the lounge– we suggest you do.)

    For two days, you can dig into the home goods luxury world as Baccarat discounts their delectable items up to 70% off. Unlike past years you don’t even need to drive to their NJ warehouse. This season, you can shop the discounts from the comfort of the D&D building. We are told the sale will include barware, vases, decorative pieces and a large selection of Baccarat jewelry.

    Baccarat Sample Sale
    Wednesday, March 23 & Thursday, March 24
    10am-5pm daily
    979 Third Avenue, 10th Floor (D&D Building)

    Tibi Online Sample Sale 80% Off

    Tibi’s effortlessly cool essentials are now available online at up to 80% off during the company’s sample sale. The online-only sale started today and runs through Thursday.

    Most of the merchandise seems to have come from this past season’s summer collection. We would suggest the sale would be more appropriately named a ‘clearance sale’ as there are no samples. Sale highlights include, a two tone dress that’s reduced to $80 from $400, dropped culottes are $157 from $525 and Tibi x Del Toro slippers are $182 from $365.

    Take note, that all sales are final. So be sure that whatever you buy you will want to wear.

    Inside the UWS Bloomingdales Outlet

    New York’s first Bloomingdales Outlet opened on the Upper West Side in November. After months of procrastination we finally left Madison Avenue for the likes of Columbus Avenue.

    Upon entering the store you’ll notice lots of the same contemporary brands that you would find on Lexington and 59th. We found racks separated by designer, which included Alice & Olivia, Rag & Bone and Helmut Lang. The best selection is the denim arrangement, which includes 7 for All Mankind, Citizens for All Humanity and Paige Denim. Citizen jeans are $90 from $200, a skinny Paige denim are $75 from $180 and Not My Mother’s Jeans are $55 from $154.

    If you’re looking for more upscale designer brands, we suggest you head towards the display cases that contains designer bags and accessories or head downstairs to the shoe department. Among the fancier bags we found a small selection from Alexander McQueen. A mini Heroine tote is $1235 from about $2000 and a classic skull scarf is $235 from about $300. Among the Balenciaga section there is a Mini City for $611 from $765 (We believe that the retail price is quite a bit higher.) A larger size Mini City is $1457. Click here to see pictures.

    Downstairs, is the shoe department. Most of the designer shoes can be found together near the foot of the stairs. We spotted Dior sling backs for $500 from $930, Prada sandals for $430 from $720 or a floral print Prada slingback for $455 from $760. The best finds in the store are the Chloe espadrilles that are just $200 from $500 and gold horse-bit Gucci sandals that are $300 from $500. To add to the temptation, the Bloomingdales Outlet is offering an extra 20% off all shoes. If you don’t see your size among the designer section it might not hurt to search the other racks too. Pictures are right here.

    Now that we made to the outlet store it will be hard not to jump-in and browse the shoes when in the neighborhood. Those in the market for jeans will undoubtedly find what they need– for a lot less than  Bloomingdales. We would dare to say it would even be worth the cab fare.

    Alexander McQueen

    Alexander McQueen $1235

    Balanciaga $611

    Balenciaga $1467

    Dior $500 +20% off

    Prada $430 +20% off

    Prada $455 +20% off

    Chloe $197, +20% off

    Gucci $300 +20% off

    Miu Miu

    Tory Burch Private Sale 70% Off

    The warm weather and bright sunny skies have us counting down the days to vacation. We aren’t normally the biggest fans of Tory Burch but her online private sale boasts discounts of 70% and there is a great assortment of Spring break travel options.

    Right this way we found bikinis discounted 70%. This print top is $39 from $150 and the matching bikini bottom is $39 from $95. Here’s a print one piece reduced to $80 from $250. This eyelet tunic is $99 from $295 and white short-shorts are $70 from $175.

    The sale also includes the designer’s famous ballet flats which are also on sale. A pair of basic black and gold Revas are $179 from $200 or gladiator wedges are $99 from $300. Shoppers can also choose from an assortment of bags and jewelry. There is even lots of winter merchandise but we are purposely avoiding them.

    Take note, the sale ends on Monday. All sales are final and shipping is free. White sands and blue waters– here we come.

    Saks Super Kids’ Sale

    Saks Fifth Avenue is hosting a children’s sale –not a sale of kids but for them– where a cross-section of merchandise is discounted up to 60% off. The sale runs online and in stores through Wednesday, March 23.

    Among the girl’s clothing we found 7 For All Mankind skinny jeans reduced to $25 from $70, an Ella Moss velvet and sequined dress is $30 from almost $80 and an Imoga tweed moto jacket for $45 from $120. There is also a large selection of Milly Minis summer collection, which is reduced about 25% to 50%.

    For boys, the higher discounts aren’t as plentiful. After digging for a bit we found a Ralph Lauren denim jacket for $50 from $135, a Polo pony polo is $26 from $50 and a Gucci suit jacket is $330 from $660.

    This is really the opportune time to seek out discounts ahead of packing for Spring break. Alternatively, it’s never too early to start filling that camp trunk.

    The Best Sample Sales this Week

    It may feel early in the season for sample sales but the frenzy is about to begin. This week there are dozens of sample sales scheduled all over the city. Obviously, no sane person could attend them all– nor should try. Instead, we carefully curated a selection of our favorite sample sales for the week.

    Isaia Sample Sale
    Through Friday, March 18
    Wed & Thurs 8am-9pm, Fri 8am-6pm
    C21 Edition, 21 Dey Street (btwn Broadway & Church)
    This Isaia sale is always the perfect place to up your look. The sale always includes Italian made suits, sports coats, shirts, ties, trousers and accessories. Prices at the last sale ran from 50% to 75% off retail. Real deal seekers should wait until the end of the sale to load up. As a rule of thumb we stock up when shirts go down to $150.

    J Rosen 
    Through Friday, April 1
    Mon-Fri 10am to 6:30pm
    231 West 39 St., Suite 1101 (btwn 7th & 8th Ave)
    The J Rosen showroom is hosting a sample sale where many of the designers they represent will be greatly discounted. Expect to find lots of boxes and racks of samples and a small assortment of open stock. At the last sale, we were thrilled with the assortment of Zara Terrez leggings and swimsuits that were all priced at $20. Also expect to find discounts on #PilyQ, L Space, Solkissed, Tiare Hawaii, Ipanema and more.
    (Update: There are very few Zara Terrez leggings but lots of swim and coverups. Prices start at $35 for kids suits and $15 for flip-flops.)

    Roger Vivier
    Friday, March 18 through Monday, March 21
    Fri 10am-7pm, Sat & Sun 9am-6:30pm, Mom 9am-5pm
    Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd Street (Off 8th Ave)
    Every year we attend the Roger Vivier sale with so much excitement but rarely have successful experience. Shoes are usually discounted to $330 or $360 and basic pumps were as low as $225. The sale usually offers a bountiful assortment of styles but sizing can be sketchy. Small handbags started at $300 and went up to about $1500 for exotic styles.