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.
Highlights include a Esteban Cortazar tunic blouse that comes to $140 from $938, an Alexander Lewis ‘Delicia’ cashmere sweater is $166 from $1100, a Rosie Assoulin faux leather maxi skirt $360 from $2400 and a Vika Gazinskaya a-line skirt (from this season) is $99 from $660. (It’s listed on FarFetch for over $1600. We don’t understand why or how.)
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
