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 with the fantastic and exquisite.
FiveStory is brownstone retail space feels like the love child between the Mark Hotel and Henri Bendel–in the old days. The decor is luxurious and the fashion is haute. Think Balmain, Cushnie Et Ochs, Mary Katrantzou, Roland Mouret, Jason Wu, Carven and Giambattista Valli, and, of course, there is Rosie Assoulin. The problem is, these fashions don’t come without a price. A very high price.
The good news is that FiveStory is currently hosting a sample sale where everything, EVERYTHING, is reduced 80% off. Inside the sale, shoppers will find lots of dresses and shoes. Highlights include a gown from Mary Katrantzou with rainbow stripes is priced at $356 from $1780, a Tome canary yellow jumpsuit is $320 from $1600 and a Cushnie Et Ochs blouse with exposed shoulders is $132 from $700. We found lots of Leonard print dresses and Giambattista stunners. Not so basic jeans from Acne are about $50.
The highlight of the sale is most difficulty the shoes. It isn’t often you find such steep discounts for brands like Del Toro, Charlotte Olympia, Aquazzura and Nicholas Kirkwood. Gianvito Rossi lace-up cage sandals are $260 from $1295, Aquazurra suede heels are just $130 from $650 and Charlotte Olympia sandals are $179 from $895.
The sale also includes an eclectic assortment of bags and jewelry. Anya Hindmarch box clutches are under $300 and Charlotte Olympis Alice and Wonderland cylinder bags are $322. There is an abundance of Chloe jewelry. We also found a great Asherali Knopfer earring with cones on both sides for $191 from $955 and a Jennifer Fisher ring is $131 from $655.
Nobody would debate that these discounts aren’t fantastic. Just note, most items are at least a full year old. Some items are from collections going back several years.
FiveStory Sample Sale
150 Greene Street (260 Sample Sale)
Through Sunday, August 7th
Thurs-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 7th 11am-5pm
