Sample Sale Report: Matt Bernson

The Matt Bernson sample sale is now in Nolita. After wandering through the perilously confusing streets of Tribeca last time around, I was relieved not to get lost this time around. The space is small but well lit with plenty of windows offering natural light and most thankfully air conditioning which is so necessary on a day like this. The designer himself is by the door and cheerfully being introduced by friends to sample sale goers.

 

The Matt Bernson sample sale is now in Nolita. After wandering through the perilously confusing streets of Tribeca last time around, I was relieved not to get lost this time around. The space is small but well lit with plenty of windows offering natural light and most thankfully air conditioning which is so necessary on a day like this. The designer himself is by the door and cheerfully being introduced by friends to sample sale goers.

 

Boxes and boxes of shoes are present from sizes 6-10 although half sizes weren't as common, there were still a few. Shoes start at $50 and top out at $70 and the prices are indicated on each pair by a color coded sticker. Staffers in their bright yellow shirts are cheery and ready to help find sizes. Although there were no size 5s at the sale, Staffers happily pulled a few options that ran small and a couple of them could work for a size 5. The sale wasn't overly crowded but there was a steady flow of traffic.

If you are not looking for shoes studded bracelets are $15 each or 2 for $20.  There are a few striped beach totes on the wall for $40.  If you are looking for shoes you'll find plenty of signature sandals, stacked heel boots and even a few neon loafers.

Who: Matt Bernson Summer Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on shoes. Sandals, Flats, Wedges from $50.  CASH ONLY
When: Friday, June 29th - Sunday, July 1st. Daily 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Where: 19 Kenmare Street (btwn Bowery & Elizabeth)

Spot Check: H&M x Marni

I know the Marni x H&M craze has fizzled out but if you're still looking for some pieces - there's about one rackful left at the H&M by Herald Square on 34th St.  Here's the good part though - everything left is on sale - and by sale I'm talking up to 70% off.

If you're interested in seeing what's left, head on up to the 3rd floor and in the sale rack by the cash, whatever's left from the Marni collaboration is on one of those racks.  There aren't a lot of options left or sizes (only larger sizes are available) but if you do happen to fit in what's left, the prices are dirt cheap.

This oversized striped cashmere sweater is 70% off and is now just $30 (down from $99).  There were quite a few of these available and sizing ranged from M-XL.  The fit of this item is oversized and I tried it on when the collection first came out - and it just didn't look right on me so I decided to pass on it...again.  Even if it's not the most flattering thing, it's be a great piece to lounge around in at home - seriously, when are you ever going to find a 100% cashmere sweater for $30!

Next up were parka's.  There are two colors - navy with red contrasting partial lining and detailing, and   olive with navy contrasting lining/detailing.  In terms of sizing, larger sizes were available and ranged from size 50-56.  Again this fits oversized and like the sweaters, these are 70% off (now $45 - down from $150).

There was one other outerwear piece - also 70% off with knitted sleeves in navy.

The last item I saw were these two lonesome shirts in light blue with contrasting navy collar - both in XL and priced at $20.

Even though the selection isn't amazing and the sizing limited, if you do happen to fit into those sizes, these prices are definitely hard to beat.

Now Wearing...

Most of this outfit you might remember from last summer (dress seen on Industry of One and bag seen here), but the winter break and fresh sandals have made the dress and bag feel new again.

Cat eye frames - SEE Eyewear

Dum Spiro Spero ring - gift from Cult of Secrets

Bunny earrings - Urban Outfitters

My roommate Ashley and I are rarely home at the same time, so you can imagine how excited I was to bump into her as she was coming home from The Makeup Show Chicago.  She had just purchased some new palettes and was kind enough to doll me up!  I've mentioned this in a number of posts, but I'm really not much of a beauty girl.  My usual routine consists of tinted moisturizer, eyeliner and lip glosses - and maybe a little eye shadow when I'm feeling fancy.  Having my makeup done was such a treat.  Thank you, Ashley!

Tan & green dress - My Pet Square from last summer

Howard satchel - Botkier from last summer

Yellow sunglasses - SEE Eyewear

Brown buckled wedges - Surface to Air

Sample Sales NYC: June 25-July 1, 2012

Who: Richard Chai, Richard Chai-LOVE Sample Sale

What: Snag pieces from women's main collection, the women's contemporary collection Richard Chai-LOVE, and select pieces from men's. The sale will include a wide range of women's flirty dresses and blouses, and classic separates, with lots of color and bold prints, as well as select shirts and bottoms for men.

When: June 23-July 8, 2012. Mon-Sat noon-8pm, Sun noon-7pm

Where: 330 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003 (b/n 1st and 2nd ave)

Who: Ippolita Sample Sale

What: 65% off bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings. Credit Cards Only

When: June 24-26, 2012. Sun 9am—6pm, Mon—Tues 9am—7pm.

Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St (b/n 8th and 9th Ave) 718-747-1656.

Who: BLUES by kyky Sample Sale

What: Discounts on handbags

When: June 26-27, 2012. 11am-5pm

Where: 265 W 37th St - 14th Floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Lilla P Sample Sale

What: Up to 70% off womeswear.  Prices start at $10.  CASH ONLY

When: June 26-28, 2012. 8am-8pm. 

Where: 819 Washington St (b/n Gansevoort and Little West 12 St)

Who: Isaia Sample Sale

What: Up to 75% off Italian made suits, sport coats, shirts, ties, knits, trousers, accessories & more

When: June 26-29, 2012. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-1pm

Location: 225 5th Ave

Who: Amanda Uprichard Sample Sale

What: 40%-60% off womesnwear

When: June 27-29, 2012. 11am-6pm

Where: 306 W 37th St - 2nd floor

Who: Colette Malouf Sample Sale

What: Up to 70% off accessories for hair and jewelry

When: June 27-28, 2012. 10am-8pm

Where: 549 Broadway - Unit 1216 (b/n Prince and Spring St)

Who: Yosi Samra Sample Sale

What: Discounts on footwear and accessories.  Bags are $60, flats $30, and flipflops $25.

When: June 27-29, 2012. Wed-Thurs 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-3pm

Where: 333 Hudson St - Suite 204 (b/n Vandam and Charlton St)

Who: Rachel Zoe Sample Sale

What: Up to 60% off Fall 2011, Resort 2011 and Spring 2012 RTW and shoes.

When: June 27-30, 2012. Wed-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm

Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: Melissa Joy Manning Sample Sale

What: Up to 60% off jewelry

When: June 28, 2012. 9am-6pm

Where: 594 Broadway - Suite 612 (b/n Prince & Houston St)

Who: Rachel Comey Sample Sale

What: Up to 75% off shoes swim accessories for men and women

When: June 28-29, 2012. Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri 11am-6pm

Where: St. Patrick's Youth Center - 268 Mulberry St (b/n Prince & East Houston St)

Who: EVA NY End of June Sale

What: 35%-60% off select items

When: June 27th-July 1, 2012. 

Where: 335A Bowery (b/n 3rd & 4th St)

Who: United Bamboo Stock and Sample Sale

What:  Discounts on United Bamboo and other designers including Aki Goto, Alice Heart, and more.

When: June 28-July 1, 2012. Thurs-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 12pm-7pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Where: 217 Centre St - 6th Floor (b/n Grand and Howard St).

Weekend Shopping

Who: Richard Chai, Richard Chai-LOVE Sample Sale
What: Snag pieces from women's main collection, the women's contemporary collection Richard Chai-LOVE, and select pieces from men's. The sale will include a wide range of women's flirty dresses and blouses, and classic separates, with lots of color and bold prints, as well as select shirts and bottoms for men.
When: June 23-July 8, 2012. Mon-Sat noon-8pm, Sun noon-7pm
Where: 330 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003 (b/n 1st and 2nd ave)

Who: J.Crew Sample Sale UPDATE
What: Take an additional 30% off sample sale prices this weekend only! Up to 60% off on jewelry, shoes, and dresses for ladies, a few Madewell pieces, and shirts and pants for men.
When: June 19-24, 2012. Tues-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun noon-5pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)

Who: Ippolita Sample Sale
What: 65% off bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings. Credit Cards Only
When: June 24-26, 2012. Sun 9am—6pm, Mon—Tues 9am—7pm.
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St (b/n 8th and 9th Ave) 718-747-1656.

Scoop NYC Gold Coast Anniversary

Last week, I had the pleasure of DJing the 1 year anniversary for Scoop NYC's Gold Coast store.  Scoop NYC was one of the first designer boutiques I ever shopped at, so I was very excited to part of the festivities.  Clothes and music, it was my double rainbow.

DJing the event, I had my hands busy, but fortunately, James Rand was kind enough to stop by and snap some photos.  You can check out more photos on his blog at jamesrand.com.

The event was coincidentally the night before my birthday, so it was a nice way to kick off the birthday weekend.  Thank you to everyone who came by!

Fellow Chicago fashion blogger Homes & Heels and our friend Amrita

Equipment neon silk blouse (available at Scoop!), Tripp NYC black & white jeans, SEE eyeglasses, old CC Skye necklace, old Issa Kamara sandals

And in case you missed Scoop's email blast, you can find my picks in stores or online.  Bright colors, prints... you know how I do.

And yes, my playlist includes "Call Me Maybe".

Sample Sale Report: J. Crew

Stopped by the the press preview tonight after work quickly and grabbed some pics of what's up for grabs at the J. Crew sale.  The sale is 2/3 women's and 1/3 mens so not a bad split.  Overall there's quite a bit of merch up for grabs and everything is grouped by type of merchandise (i.e. shirts, pants, Ts, blazers, sweaters) but not by style or size so be prepared for a bit of digging.  

In terms of sizing, tops were for the most part M.  There were a few S and a some L, XL and XS but not in large quantities.  Bottoms were mostly 32 with some other sizes scatted into the mix.  For outerwear and blazers, I noticed a larger range in sizing but not as much in terms of quantity.  Hopefully there will be more restocking throughout the sale.

While looking through the racks quickly, I did notice that some of the merch is from the factory store (i.e. the items were made specifically for outlets/off pricing and while they may have the same cut/base pattern, fabric selection for the most part for these items is a grade below what is sold at the regular retail stores).  Since the factory made pieces are not cheaper, I'd opt for the regular merch.  If you're looking at the J. Crew tag and see two (or three) small diamonds (pictured above) - that signals that the items was factory made.

Now on to some of the merch up for grabs:

Button up shirts are going for just $30 a pop.  There's plenty of plaid, solid colors and a few short sleeve options to choose from.

T's and polo's are both going for $15.  I saw a bunch of solid colored options as well as striped pieces and some graphic T's if that's what you're in the market for.

Sweaters, cardigans and sweatshirts are going for $35.  There were a few cashmere pieces up for grabs which started at $90+.

 

In terms of bottoms, there were plenty of khaki pants, a few denim pieces, one rack of shorts and one rack of swim trunks.  Denim was $40, dress pants were $70 and shorts/swimwear were $25.

 

Blazers were going for $110 a piece and there were some great outerwear options including these great utility jackets for just $60.  If you're in the market for a suit - you might be able to pair the slacks with the blazer but finding the right match is up to you.

There was one lone rack of shoes and next to it a bin of ties going for just $15.

If your a fan of J Crew, have some time to go through the merch and are a size Medium/32 waist - it might worth checking out.  Pricing isn't stellar but it's not bad either.

Who: J.Crew
What: Up to 60% off on jewelry, shoes, and dresses for ladies, a few Madewell pieces, and shirts and pants for men.
When: June 19-24, 2012. Tues-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun noon-5pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St)