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    Derek Lam Sample Sale: Go Now, Go Again

    The Derek Lam sample sale started Tuesday morning and it’s a rare pleasure to  enjoy true sample sale pricing and a civilized shopping atmosphere. Perhaps we are still scared by the Hermes/ Gucci experience but we promise– this one is safe.

    Inside the the sale, at 151 Wooser, you will find lots of great luxury merchandise priced 50% to 90% off retail. The inventory spans from luxe suede coats, vests and leather pants to the designer’s more classic dresses and tops. Prices range from $75 for 10 Crosby shoes to $395 for the designer’s high end luxe coats, jackets, leather/suede items and formal gowns. (See collection pictures and images from the sale right here.)

    Derek Lam booties for $175 are an amazing deal as is a belted suede coat —similar to this one– that’s now $395 but currently in stores for almost $5500. The the sale included an assortment of dresses and sweaters that seemed to be pulled from several different seasons. All Derek Lam dresses are $325 and knits are $125. Don’t leave the sale with at least one blazer, for $350 –it’s a staple that could last you a decade.

    The sale also included an small assortment of bags all priced at $250 regardless of shape, style or construction. Unfortunately, none were too desirable even despite the hugely discounted price.

    If you’re looking for less expensive alternatives, this sample sale also includes an variety of merchandise from  Derek Lam 10 Crosby. When given the option, however, we will almost always choose the high quality and styling of the designer’s nameplate.

    At the last Derek Lam sample sale, about two years ago, merchandise was continually discounted throughout the sale.  Prices became very, very good. This time around, we suggest hitting up the sale now and going back again over the weekend. It’s amazing how an additional price cut can make even the most basic item seems profoundly more attractive.

    Keep an eye on Instagram for continued sale updates (over the weekend).

    Derek Lam Sample Sale 
    Wednesday November 4 through Sunday, November 8
    Wed—Sat 10am—8pm, Sun 10am—4pm.
    151 Wooster Street

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    The It-It: The Turtleneck Returns

    The turtleneck has long been a polarizing piece of fashion. There are the lovers (think: Diane Keaton) and the haters (think: your fashion wary-best friend). We aren’t surprised that covering up — all the way — is just fashion backlash to naked midriffs and micro mini.

    This season, stores are fully stocked with turtlenecks. Before you unsubscribe to putting a sock around your neck, we thought we would point out some styling tips and a few of our favorite options. The most classic styling example is pairing a turtleneck with jeans and a blazer. Try a turtleneck under a sweatshirt and layer the look with a long coat. On the coldest of winter days it’s hard to argue with a chunky sweater with face covering abilities. If you’re looking to earn your PhD in turtleneck-ing, you can layer the neckwear with a textured scarf or necklace.

    If you’re looking for something thin and light we love the Uniqlo cotton/modal version that’s just $20 but the basic black tends to sell out as quickly as they come in. J Crew has a good cashmere ($228) or Neiman Marcus has their own cashmere version on sale for just $125. We are always a big fan of Ralph Lauren cashmere ($990) as it can last decades. We have proof. Extending outside of the classic layering pieces, Dolce & Gabbana has a tweed poncho-turtleneck combo ($2945), The Row offers a slouchy-neck version ($1390) and Altuzarra ($995) offers a perfect baby blue chunky option.

    This is one of these trends that isn’t going away any time soon. We suggest you embrace it now and look cool while staying warm all Winter long.

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    Madison Ave Celebrates British Heritage With Discounts and Chocolate

    This week, Madison Avenue will be blanketed with all the culture represented by the Union Jack. Over 20 boutiques, galleries and hotels will celebrate Great Britain with a series of events, tastings, discounts and freebies scheduled from Thursday, November 5 to Sunday, November 8.

    Some celebratory highlights include Agent Provocateur offering customers a 10% discount and samples of Prestat Chocolates, Mulberry is offering customers a 15% discount off purchases and Molton Brown will be hosting free afternoon tea and customers who spend more than $55 will be given a Union Jack Hand Cream. Jeeves, the famous dry cleaner, is offering 15% off the dry cleaning of British brands and Anya Hindmarch will be sampling Rococo Chocolate and offering customers free embossing on in-store purchases.

    Many of the events will benefit Historic Royal Palaces, which conserves and maintains iconic buildings as the Tower of London and Kensington Palace. You can see the full roster of in-store events and activities right here.

    Madison Avenue, save the Queen’s palace!

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    Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale (Say: Moo)

    Exactly one year ago today Manolo Blahnik swung open the doors to their sample sale to the general public. We were very excited by the last minute decision because it allowed us to shop for $100 Manolos without the crowds or the wait.

    This year, we are doubtful the New York public will be so lucky. That is, unless you’re willing to take a road trip. Mark your calendars! On Saturday, November 14, Manolo overstock and samples will be available at UConn’s West Hartford campus. The entire inventory was donated by Blahnik execs, George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis. The money raised will provide financial aid for UConn animal science students interested in dairy production or manufacturing.

    We are told that prices will range from $150 to $450 and include an assortment of runway-ready stilettos, slides, slip-ons and boots ranging in size from 4.5 to 13. The sale follows a wildly successful sale in August in Bantam that attracted more than 1,000 shoppers.

    We did a bit of research and suggest that you top off your Manolo hay-day with a weekend at Winvian Farm. The property is a five star, Relais & Chateaux resort that includes 18 individually-designed resort cottages, a luxury spa, a five-star farm-to-table restaurant and an extensive wine cellar. For reservations, contact Steele Luxury Travel and receive a free upgrade, complementary breakfast, a spa credit and lots of other special perks.

    Here’s to sample sale priced Manolos and a beautiful Fall weekend!

    Follow along on Instagram and Twitter for timely updates.

    Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale
    Saturday, November 14
    9am to 4pm
    85 Lawler Road (in the UConn School of Social Work)
    West Hartford, CT
    Cash & credit cards accepted

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    Gucci’s Private Sample Sale Line Update

    Gucci is hosting an invitation only sample sale at Soiffer Haskin. The sale, which runs through Sunday includes employees, press and friends and family.

    As of 4am this morning there was already a line of more than 50 people standing in the chilly fall rain. Employees who were given early access to shop on Wednesday say that prices are nearly 90% off on many items. “There is an amazing assortment of shoes and loafers,” said one sale attendee. The selection of bags is pretty “spectacular” too with prices starting at just $100.

    We are told that Gucci employees submitted their invitation lists two weeks ago. So we don’t even know if it would help to start harassing your friend’s friend who used to work at Gucci.

    There are rumors that the sale will open to the public but after the Hermes fiasco, we imagine that organizers will be squeamish about attracting large crowds. We are waiting for confirmation and will update this post as soon as we hear back. You can follow along on Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates.

    In the meantime, we hear that shoppers are swarming Barneys for the 10am launch of the newest Yeezy collection. If you had lunch plans at Fred’s you might want to consider an alternitive.

    Gucci Private Sample Sale
    Thursday, October 29th through Sunday, November 1
    Thurs-Sat 9am-6:60pm, Sun 10am-2pm
    317 W. 33rd St. (Soiffer Haskin)

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    Readying for Balmain-mania With Balmain-Discounts

    The Balmain collection for H&M is slated to go live on November 5th and the buzz is huge. We wouldn’t be surprised if this launch is akin to the madness of the collaboration launch between Lagerfeld and the mega-store.

    Prices of the collection start at $35 for tees and goes all the way up to $550 for a more ornate dress. (You can click here to go to Racked and see the full collection and prices.) Before you consider making a major investment in Balmain-style clothing we thought we would be wise to track down bonafide Balmain that’s on sale.

    Over on The Outnet there are lots of great Balmain items reduced up to 75% off. Here is an oversized metallic brocade jacket that’s $1200 from almost $5000, a tee is $190 from $375 and embellished wedge ankle boots are $670 from $2700.

    Over on Yoox we found some Balmain items reduced 80%. This graphic tee is $143 from $716, a blazer is $856 from $1861 and heels are $655 from almost $1200. From the worldwide boutique, FarFetch, there is a chevron pattern skirt that’s $500 from $1230 and pants are reduced by half and are now $642.

    Even Neiman Marcus has a few Balmain pieces reduced up to 60% off.

    If these prices are still too steep for you, pre-owned and vintage is always a good alternative. Remember that not everything on resale sites is used. On TheRealReal we found these jeans that still have the tags and are priced at $200 and this skirt with tags comes to $640 from a retail value of almost $2300.

    On eBay Balmain x HM items are already posted at several times their prices. This crystal blazer is priced at $2000 and the iconic mini-dress is $1700. Alternatively, you can side step the HM items and snag these pants from off the runway for $600 from $2800 or a sweater for $200.

    We would prefer any of these options rather than go through the trouble of hiring a line-waiter or –heaven forbid– waiting in line ourselves. After all, isn’t one piece of authentic Balmain worth more than several pieces of a designer imposter?

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    Nordstrom Mid-Season Markdown

    Nordstrom has quietly started a slew of mid-season markdowns. Brands like Burberry, Vince and Diane von Furstenberg are reduced from 40% to 60% off.

    A wine color Vince leather jacket is reduced to about $600 from almost $1000 and a peacoat with a fur collar is just $500 from $1300. A collarless Burberry Brit shirt is $210 from $350 and this classic DVF wrap dress is near sample sale pricing at just $160 from nearly $400. While browsing, we also found this beautifully tailored Burberry London blazer and must-have classic black shearling jacket.

    This sale hasn’t been promoted yet. That means it’s the perfect time to start cherry picking before the crowds start snapping up everything in your size.

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    Saks Online Clearance 75% Off

    Over the weekend Saks Fifth Avenue started a clearance sale where a selection of reduced merchandise is eligible for an additional 20% off. Most of the selection looks as if it’s from this past summer’s collection but the discounts top 75% in some instances, making it worth checking out.

    Head this way to find men’s Brunello Cucinelli shirts that come to $260 from $655. For women there are Givenchy ‘Birks” which are about $318 from $995, an Alexander McQueen blouse for $360 from $1125 and this Rebecca Taylor top is $88 from $275.

    The prices are reflected as marked. These discounts are available through Monday and then prices go back up. At least, until the next weekend when they run a summer clearance sale.

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