Posts
I normally do not accost strangers, but this morning as I was going in to work, I saw a man carrying a non-descript brown bag with a large P written on the side in permanent marker. A little light bulb went off in my head-- definitely the product of a sample sale. I leaned in close to get a peek of what was inside... ties... hmmm, what current sale has ties? Then, while watching the man walk into my office building, it hit me-- the Paul Stuart sample sale. With a sigh, I wondered how it was, and continue on my way.
As fate would have it, the man got into the elevator with me, and since he pressed one of the floors to my company, and we were alone, I blurted out, "So how was the Paul Stuart sale?" His jaw hit the floor. I *totally* busted him (it was 10:30AM). After it was pretty clear I did not work for HR, he coughed up some details (on mens clothing).
The shoe selection is better than it has ever been in years past. Plenty of Grensons (the really expensive shoes), in addition to Paul Stuart and Stuart's Choice. Ok amount of suits, but lots of sportscoats and knitwear, and, based on my peek into his bag, the tie selection probably isn't too shabby either.
Consensus: Go.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Paul Stuart sample sale report
Share
Sunday, April 12, 2009
J.Crew sample sale
Clothingline has made quite a name for itself solely based on these J.Crew sample sales that have people lining up the block. Although this is their 3rd (4th?) J.Crew sale, they claim this one will be the "biggest sample sale ever" and includes both stock & samples up to 70% off retail prices.
Available items by J.Crew and crewcuts will include: tanks, t-shirts, shirts, knits, sweaters, cashmere, skirts, shorts, pants, swim, dresses, specialty dresses, jackets, blazers, outerwear and accessories. They will constantly be restocking and adding merchandise, and they are also receiving a shipment of bags and scarves Wednesday morning.
*There will be no dressing rooms, and they also note "crewcuts samples cannot be worn by children under 3.
What: J.Crew sample sale
When: Monday, Apr 13 - Friday, Apr 17; 10AM-7PM daily
Where: Clothingline, SSS Sample Sales, 2nd Fl @ 261 W 36th St (btw 7/8th Ave)
Cash or CC only.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Loro Piana sample sale
Someone should have put some thought into their sample sale planning and placed the Loro Piana sale strategically closer to the Frette/La Perla sale. 5th Avenue to MSG is quite a trek.
If you can't let go of the chilly weather, stock up on mens and womens cashmere knitwear, clothing, outerwear, and accessories. They will also be selling bolts of fabric (wool and cashmere) for suits, jackets, and outerwear.
What: Loro Piana sample sale
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 W 33rd St (W of 8th Ave/Penn Station); 718-747-1656
When: Sunday, Apr 19 - Thursday, Apr 23; Sun-Wed 9AM-6:30PM, Th 9AM-5PM
CC only. All Sales Final. Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.
Frette, La Perla sample sale
And now, my favorite sample sale rolls around again, paired with another really great reason to show up. At the last sale, Frette didn't have the velour terry robes I wanted, so I'm definitely going to give this sale another shot. Read my sample sale report from last time the sale was at the 58th St location. And then there's the La Perla. When is a La Perla sale not madness?
What: Frette & La Perla sample sale
When: Sunday, Apr 19 - Friday, Apr 24; Sun 1-6PM, M-F 9AM-6:30PM
Where: 4th Fl @ 4 W 58th St
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Saks friends and family
It is confirmed: Saks F&F will be from 4/16-19. Beauty/fragrance is 15% off, jewelry is 20% off, and everything else is 25% off. However, I have never seen a bigger list of exclusions/restrictions! Basically if you want something by a hot designer, as they say in the Sopranos, fuggedaboutit. I will post an online code/store flyer when I get the info. Basically, if there's something hot that you want that IS eligible (Marc Jacobs, YSL or Valentino bags, Ferragamo [usually excluded-- maybe they missed this one], Hugo Boss, Agnona, Catherine Malandrino, Versace, ...) GET ON IT!
What you can be sure will not be eligible:
ANYTHING from
Alexander McQueen
Azzedine Alaia
Balenciaga
Cartier
Chanel
Dries van Noten
Gucci
Loro Piana
Marni
Miu Miu
Prada, Prada Sport
Bags
Bottega Veneta
Chloe
Christian Louboutin
Dior
Fendi
Jimmy Choo
Maison Martin Margiela
Marni
Shoes
Christian Louboutin
Givenchy
Jimmy Choo
Lanvin
Manolo Blahnik
Ugg
Valentino
YSL
Clothes
Akris
Givenchy
Jil Sander
Lanvin
MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela
Oscar de la Renta
St John Caviar Basics
Jewelry
Bvlgari
David Yurman
Mens
Breuer
Brunello Cucinelli
Charvet
Kiton
Ralph Lauren Purple, Ralph Lauren Black
Vilebrequin
Zegna
Misc
Bridal
Bugaboo
Quinny
Stokke
*and, of course, anything the store specifically dictates is "off limits"
The Container Store 25% off
Use code "CLUTTERCREW" and get 25% off your entire online order at The Container Store or print out the PDF coupon to use in-store. Ends Monday, Apr 13.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
POPBeauty 25% off
If you are a fan of British makeup brand POPBeauty, stock up, courtesy of BeautyCrunch. Use code "CRUNCHER" to get 25% off your online purchase. They ship to the US, and if you spend more than $50 (post-discount/pre-tax), shipping is free. Ends Thursday, Apr 30.
My bag decision
Update: the Off 5th in San Antonio started a 30% off promo for handbags! Hurrah!
I put a poll up a few days ago, asking people how they felt about buying bags retail in this economy. Unanimously, everyone said they would either wait it out or choose something else. I took your advice, and here are the spectacular results. The premise: I need a new everyday black bag. My Longchamp has put in a good number of miles, and it's time for something new.
I have always loved the look of the Miu Miu bow satchel. Yes, I know it came out in 2006, but the bows are so cute, and the bag looks so functional! Unfortunately, I did not spring for one during the great Saks sale/meltdown pre-Xmas, and Miu Miu is notorious for never going on sale. You can get the bag in boutiques now for $1295 (which has increased since last season). I tried to shop around to get a good deal, but there's no way to get it at a deep discount. The closest is here on Styledrops, where you can get the bag in white, black, or sapphire for $1278 tax-free. Why pay $1300ish for a bag when there are just so many sales going on? (My DH even threatened to strip me of my "FashionProspectress" title if I bought a full-retail bag!)
So I gave up on the Miu Miu and settled on either the YSL Tribute or the YSL Besace bag, both of which can now be found at a select few Nordstrom Racks and Saks Off 5ths across the country. After making about 30 phone calls to almost every Off 5th in the entire nation, I was met with success!!! I got the bag in black pebbled leather from the store in San Antonio, TX (if you'd like the name of my wonderfully helpful sales associate, send me a note), priced at a whopping $729.99. On top of that, the store was running a 20% off promotion, so I paid $583.99 + $20 shipping for a bag currently selling for $1895. (Incidentally, I did not pay sales tax on the bag b/c it was shipped out-of-state). Helpful hint: if you are looking for YSL, I can pretty much tell you which Off 5th stores in the US carry them: Naples, FL; Orlando, FL; Woodbury, NY; Cabazon, CA; Anaheim, CA; Milpitas, CA; Las Vegas, NV; and San Antonio, TX.
In the end, I got a much better bag for way less money, and my DH even took me out to dinner to celebrate my success. The moral of the story: be flexible and check out your Nordstrom Rack, Off 5th, or Last Call for some great deals!
Paul Stuart sample sale
If you like Tucker Carlson or are running for Congress, you should get excited! Paul Stuart is offering some 'extraordinary' prices on mens suits, sportcoats, trousers, furnishings, sportswear and shoes and womens suits, jackets, trousers, skirts, sportswear and accessories. They will also have bolts/swaths of fabric available for those looking to make their own suits or jackets.
What: Paul Stuart sample sale
When: Monday, Apr 13 - Thursday, Apr 16; Mon-Wed 9AM-6:30PM, Th 9AM-5PM
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 W 33rd St (W of 8th Ave)
How: Google Transit to Penn Station
CC only. No strollers. No children under 12. All sales final.
Ralph Lauren friends and family
I am a little behind on this, but Ralph Lauren is having their F&F event. Take 30% at with code "RLSP2009" through Tuesday, Apr 14. Restrictions below, but general sale merch is eligible! You also get enjoy free shipping on $150+ orders.
Restrictions: With the exception of Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores, this offer cannot be applied to women's Collection apparel or men's Purple Label apparel. This coupon cannot be applied to Gift Cards & Online Gift Certificates, fragrances, antiques, vintage apparel and accessories, alligator handbags and luggage, all special order programs (Home, tailored clothing and accessories), TOMS shoes, FEED bags, Match Rugby shirts and A Peace Treaty scarves.
They don't fit! :(
As I mentioned earlier, I got these Manolos off YOOX.com last week, and they are gorgeous, but, my feet are wide it looks funny in the toe box area. I'm sooo sad, as these are such cute shoes. I am planning to return them soon, but if you want them, email me before the week is over. I paid $260.94 all told, which is a fabulous deal b/c these shoes are not retail $500. At Saks they'd be at least $650! These are the perfect dressy summer sandal (my coworker will testify to this), so if you're a narrow 36.5, let me know!
Gilt.com: big pimpin'
Update: I GOT IT!!! Can you believe that? I feel like they have really upgraded their system, although checking out was a very slow process. Anyone else get lucky?
P.S. for those who walked away empty-handed, there will be another Louboutin sale on Gilt in May featuring spring/summer shoes
Gilt.com has REALLY been marketing hard for their upcoming Christian Louboutin sale on Wednesday, so you can be sure that their server is gonna crash at approx 11:59:59 EST. However, I'll play along: here is a sneak peak at what's on sale. I have my eye on the Decoltissimo pumps, if I can manage to stay logged-in long enough to check out! If you don't have a gilt.com account already, sign up here.
Vizu High Bootie*
MSRP $970 Gilt Price $478
* Personal note: I bow down to the sexy vixen that can pull this one off
High Yoyospina Pump
MSRP $625 Gilt Price $298
Decoltissimo High Pump
MSRP $575 Gilt Price $288
High New JS Pump
MSRP $775 Gilt Price $378
Thomas Pink 20% off
I will square with you, my dress shirts are half expensive European labels and half H&M. The thought of skewing it more towards non-H&M has definitely been brewing in the back of my mind, and now I'm thinking I should stop putting it off if I want that promotion. Enter Thomas Pink. I'm a huge fan of Pink shirts. Tailored cut and double (French) cuffs all the way! And, from now through Friday, Apr 10, take 20% off full-priced items with code "tp10".
*The Thomas Pink outlet store in Woodbury Common is also a great place to get shirts for really cheap, but they don't often have smaller sizes in stock.
Linea Pelle, Rachel Pally sample sales, LA
I first started liking Rachel Pally by seeing it on Dita von Teese, and it really bums me out that their sample sales are always out in LA! For the Cali girls, here are two fab sales coming your way...
Get Rachel Pally FW08 and pre-Spring09 goodies 50-80% off.
What: Rachel Pally sample sale
When: Friday, Apr 10 - Sunday, Apr 12; F 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-5PM
Where: Ste C100 @ 2301 E 7th St (@ Anderson St), 90023
Cash or CC.
What: Linea Pelle sample sale
When: Friday, Apr 10 - Saturday, Apr 11; 10AM-5PM daily
Where: 2222 Barry Ave, 90064
Cash or CC. Final sale.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
DKNY jeans 30% off
A selection of DKNY Jeans apparel is an additional 30% off through Monday, Apr 13. Online only.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Giambattista Valli sample sale
Per NYMag.com:
4/7–4/8 The women's collection by Giambattista Valli is 40 to 75 percent off retail prices. A double-breasted wool blazer is $580 (originally $1,995) and chiffon cocktail dress is $870 (originally $3,000). 57 E. 64th St., nr. Park Ave. (646-422-0210); T, W (3–8).
New favorite shopping-aid site: ShopStyle.com
I've never invested much time in shopping search engines, like Froogle, mySimon, or Kaboodle, but now I feel like I've found the Holy Grail (sometimes referred to as 'HG', as I learned yesterday)! Enter ShopStyle.com, a site that takes your keywords and searches a select number of online retail sites and returns available products that match your request. Now why is ShopStyle special? It has very practical filters for you to manage what you want to see, like sizes or retailers, and those filter options are dynamically built to narrow down what you see (not like, just a random list of things for you to uncheck).
Case in point: I love love love YOOX.com. Their 'normal' prices for European brands beats the pants off Saks/Neimans/US boutiques any day of the week (just look at Lanvin). My huge beef with YOOX is their sales section, which seems to throw every option at you, with limited ability to filter. As much as I love looking at sale stuff, going through 1081 pages of merchandise can be a bit daunting. ShopStyle allows you to pick a Category (let's say shoes), then a Store (let's say YOOX), and a SALE (let's say everything at least 50% off). And then, I can choose my shoe size, which is sometimes a 36, sometimes a 36.5. Easy peasy. Now I only have 28 pages of shoes too look through, and that is how I came across these. Come to mama!
And if you still doubt the power of ShopStyle, check out this. And if you doubt the prices of YOOX, look here and here.
I hope that everyone out there can use ShopStyle to shop smarter! You can even create sale alerts, which I will definitely be taking advantage of :)
* This post was in no way 'sponsored' or influenced
Lacoste friends and family
This weekend I received a postcard in the mail for Lacoste's F&F event. Now through Monday, Apr 13, you can take 25% off purchases of $100+! This does not work at the outlet stores or airport stores, but should work on the polos that never go on sale. To shop in-store, you'll need the mailer, which includes 2 coupons, but anyone can shop online using code "EF9".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
