New H&M Flagship: Herald Center Fall 2014

It is no surprise that H&M is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers thanks to their affordable prices, fast fashion sensibility and amazing collaborations. Now they are going to make their presence even greater in New York City with their largest store globally.

The new location is set for the Herald Center with 63,000 square feet of prime retail space. Herald Center is located at the southwest corner of 34th Street where Broadway and the Avenue of the Americas meet. The new store will showcase all of the H&M collections and will stock H&M’s super fun Home Collection (which only recently made it's online debut in North America).

Expect four floors of retail therapy including ladies and men’s collections, H&M Sport, H&M Mama (maternity collection), H&M+ (plus-sized collection), accessories, cosmetics and H&M’s children’s collection, newborns to kids age 14.

“We are proud to continue our unprecedented expansion in New York City with this groundbreaking Herald Square location. Locking in our 14th store in Manhattan shows our continued commitment to growth in the New York City market,” says Daniel Kulle President of H&M North America. “34th Street has proven to be one of the most successful retail corridors for the brand after having operated two stores there for over 10 years.  With close to 300 stores across the country as well our new Shop Online, the H&M anchor store at this historic intersection will be one of our greatest accomplishments to date.” 

If opening a global flagship wasn't enough, in addition to Herald Center, H&M will open at 4 Times Square at the end of 2013, and on Fifth Avenue (and 48th street) in the spring of 2014.

All of this expansion is good for the local economy, H&M plans to hire 900 new employees with these three New York City openings. Kind of amazing!

H&M currently operates more than 2,900 stores around the world!

Sample Sale Report: Alejandro Ingelmo

I stopped by the Alejandro Ingelmo sample sale after work. With shoes at up to 90% the sale had designer shoes starting at $100.

For video of the sale click here.

Pricing was simple with all styles that were sitting on the glass table from brightly colored sneakers to woven peep toe booties to metallic pumps to crossed strap sandals to neon tinged loafers for $100. 

On another wood tiered table all shoes on the bottom row were $150 while all shoes on the upper tier were $300. The $150 shoes involved some architectural designs and leopard booties while THE $300 category had some blingtastic shiny shoes that appeared holographic and wedges with rhinestones in addition to super sexy cage pumps.

Sizes at the sale were for most part from 36 to 40. Although there was definitely the most selection in the size 36 or 39.5 category. If you are a size five like myself there are a couple choices that involve basic pumps in metallics including a silver embossed reptile and a killer purple metallic that reminds me of Barbie.

Who: Alejandro Ingelmo 

What: Up to 85% off heels, wedges, loafers, flats, and sneakers. Prices range from $75 to $300.

When: August 26-28, 2013. Mon-Wed 11am-7pm. 

Where: 51 Wooster St (at Broome St), first floor. 646-692-8184.

NYC Sample Sales: August 26-September 1, 2013

Who: Alejandro Ingelmo
What: Up to 85% off heels, wedges, loafers, flats, and sneakers. Prices range from $75 to $300.
When: August 26-28, 2013. Mon-Wed 11am-7pm.
Where: 51 Wooster St (at Broome St), first floor. 646-692-8184.

Who: Gentry
What: Menswear under $100. Tees are $35, pants are $75, blazers and jackets are $100, and shoes are $30 to $100.
When: August 23-28, 2013. Fri-Sat 11am-8pm Sun 12pm-6pm Mon-Wed 11am-8pm.
Where: 127 North 6th St (b/n Bedford Ave and Berry St), Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 718-599-7091.

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Barneys Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 75% off men's designer clothing and accessories, with a small selection of women's. See the men's report here and the women's report here.
When: August 22-September 2, 2013. Aug 24—Sept 1 10am—8pm, Mon Sep 2 10am—7pm.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St (b/en Sixth and Seventh Ave) 212-463-0071.

Who: Ruia Crazy Warehouse Sale
What: Snag shoes from exclusive European designers for up to 75% off. Find brands like
Missoni, Loriblu, Baldan and many more for $100-350.
When: August 19-September 1, 2013.
Where: 65 Mercer St (b/n Spring & Broome St). 646-449-8464

Who: Scoop NYC Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 85% off retail prices on menswear and womenswear. Women's brands include Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang, IRO, Alice and Olivia, Phillip Lim, Roberto Cavalli, Current Elliot, Alexander Wang, Ved, SEA, and Pierre Balmain. Men's brands include Gant by Michael Bastian, Paul Smith, Rag and Bone, Dsquared, John Varvatos, Martin Margiela and Etro.
When: August 15-September 2, 2013. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm.
Where: 430 West 14th St (b/n 9th Ave and Washington St) 212-633-6535. Also online at http://www.scoopnyc.com/sale.html

Who: Dalaga
What: Up to 80% off retail prices on women's clothing and accessories. Designer brands on sale include Alexandra Grecco, Krystalrae, BB Dakota, and Ark & Co. Receive a free Dalaga-exclusive leather necklace handmade by owner Michelle Mangiliman with purchase of more than $100, August 9-11 only, or while supplies last.
When: August 9-31, 2013. Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-7pm.
Where: 150 Franklin St (b/n Kent St and Greenpoint Ave) 718-389-4049

Shop: Milly Flash Sale

Who: MILLY FLASH SALE
What: Get up to 75% off final sale now through Friday, August 23rd at 11:59pm EST using code LABORDAY. All sales final.
Where: www.millyny.com

*Apply code for an additional 25% off the final sale

Shop: JCPenney x Joe Fresh Kids

Joe Fresh is partnering with JCPenney to bring you a fun fresh collaboration in kidswear today and tomorrow in the heart of Times Square. Just in time for the Back-to-School season the event is held in a live orange grove with plenty of family-friendly activities including kid friendly games, popsicles and a family photo booth! If you get there early, photos will be on display on a billboard in Times Square from 10am-2pm today.

100% of the proceeds from the event will be donated by JCP to Adopt-a-Classroom.

Who: JCPenney x Joe Fresh Kids Launch
When: August 21-22, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: Pedestrian Plaza between 46th & 47th St at 7th Avenue

NYC Sample Sales: August 19-25, 2013

Who: Alexander Wang

What: Up to 70% off retail prices for men's and women's apparel, shoes, bags, and accessories.
When: August 20-24, 2013. Tues-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm.
Where: 131 Greene St (b/n West Houston and Prince St)

Who: Ruia Crazy Warehouse Sale
What: Snag shoes from exclusive European designers for up to 75% off. Find brands like
Missoni, Loriblu, Baldan and many more for $100-350.
When: August 19-September 1, 2013.
Where: 65 Mercer St (b/n Spring & Broome St). 646-449-8464

Who: Sachin + Babi
What: Up to 80% off retail and stock items for women.
When: August 21-22, 2013. Wed-Thurs 9am—5pm.
Where: 225 West 39th St (b/n 7th and 8th Ave) 4th floor

Who: Charm & Chain
What: Up to 70% off retail prices on jewelry. The Alexis Bittar Cordova Necklace is $495 (from $995), the Dannijo Tullia Necklace is $447 (from $745), the Jules Smith Viva Glam Cuff is $40 (from $100), the Lulu Frost Immortality Necklace is $170 (from $285), and the Tom Binns Electric Color Earrings is $225 (from $375).
When: August 21-22, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am—7pm.
Where: 611 Broadway (betwee/n Bleecker and Houston St), Suite 816

Who: Lee Angel
What: 70% off retail prices for accessories. $5 bins.
When: August 21-22, 2013. Wed-Thurs 11am—7pm.
Where: 524 Broadway (b/n Spring and Broome St), 6th floor

Who: Hunter Dixon by Hunter Bell
What: Womenswear from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection is priced from $50 to $75, Fall samples are $50, and older merchandise is $25.
When: August 21-22, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am—7pm.
Where: 152 West 36th St (b/n 6th and 7th Ave), Suite 801

Who: Ted Rossi
What: Up to 75% off retail prices on cuffs, bangles, and clutch handbags.
When: August 21-23, 2013. Wed-Fri 11am—6pm.
Where: 15 East 30th St (b/n Madison and 5th Ave), suite 300

Who: Bird Warehouse Sale
What: 40-70% off retail prices on womenswear. APC color denim biker jeans are $59 (from $250), the Demylee cashmere Rory striped boatneck sweater is $79 (from $270), and an Étoile Isabel Marant star jean jacket is $119 (from $435).
When: August 23-25, 2013. Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
Where: 316 5th Ave (b/n 2nd and 3rd St). 718-768-4940.

Who: Honey In The Rough Closing Sale
What: Up to 70% off retail prices for womenswear, and 20%-50% off retail prices for jewelry.
When: Now through Sunday, August 25, 2013. Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-7pm.
Where: 161 Rivington St (b/n Suffolk and Clinton St), 212-228-6415.

Who: The Bridal Garden
What: Take an extra 35%-50% off already-reduced bridal gowns. Prices range from $495 to $1495. Designers include Vera Wang, Ulla Maija, Junko Yoshioka, Angel Sanchez and Lela Rose. Proceeds benefit education for disadvantaged children in NYC. By appointment only.
When: August 22-23, 2013. Daily noon-6:30pm.
Where: 54 West 21st St (b/en 5th and 6th Ave), Suite 901. 212-252-0661.

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Scoop NYC Warehouse Sale
What: Up to 85% off retail prices on menswear and womenswear. Women's brands include Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang, IRO, Alice and Olivia, Phillip Lim, Roberto Cavalli, Current Elliot, Alexander Wang, Ved, SEA, and Pierre Balmain. Men's brands include Gant by Michael Bastian, Paul Smith, Rag and Bone, Dsquared, John Varvatos, Martin Margiela and Etro.
When: August 15-September 2, 2013. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm.
Where: 430 West 14th St (b/n 9th Ave and Washington St) 212-633-6535. Also online at http://www.scoopnyc.com/sale.html

Who: Dalaga
What: Up to 80% off retail prices on women's clothing and accessories. Designer brands on sale include Alexandra Grecco, Krystalrae, BB Dakota, and Ark & Co. Receive a free Dalaga-exclusive leather necklace handmade by owner Michelle Mangiliman with purchase of more than $100, August 9-11 only, or while supplies last.
When: August 9-31, 2013. Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-7pm.
Where: 150 Franklin St (b/n Kent St and Greenpoint Ave) 718-389-4049

More NYC Sample Sales

Who: W118 by WALTER BAKER Sample Sale
What: Discounts on super versatile womenswear basics with a high-fashion twist. Make the brand's printed dresses and chiffon shirts
your go-to for effortless everyday style.
When: August 15-18, 2013. Thurs-Sat 10:30am-7pm. Sun 10:30am-5pm
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (b/n 15th & 16th St)

Who: Bespoken Sample Sale
What: Menswear for up to 75% off. Shirts $45-80, Shoes $100-150, Trousers $50, Knits $30-60, Blazers $120-175, Jackets $80-150.
When: August 15-17, 2013. Thurs-Sat 9am-7pm
Where: 50 East 57th Street, 6th Floor (b/n Madison/Park)

Who: Ligne Roset Sample Sale
What: Up to 60% off the renowned French furniture and lifestyle brand. Snag floor samples, overstock and discontinued items. Discounted items include the Hybride sofa, was $6850, now $3995. Vide-Poche, was $925, now $429. Finn dining chair, originally $630, now $299. Confluences four seat sofa, was $8575, now $5495.
When: August 16-18, 2013
Where: 250 Park Ave South, (b/n 19th & 20th St) 212-375-1036

Now Wearing...

I never thought I would revisit overalls as a grown woman, but I recently bought some dressy overalls from Topshop and now I'm obsessed.

Overalls - Topshop

Tee - James Perse

Shoes - Be & D

Glasses - SEE Eyewear

I personally don't like denim overalls because they tend to feel a bit too junior and casual, even with heels.  But in more polished fabrics like silk or leather, overalls are awesome and can be appropriate for a business casual setting.  Here are a few overalls that I've been eying for fall.

Wythe leather overalls $75; Topshop Pini Tapered Jumpsuit $110; ASOS Tailored Jumpsuit $60.75; Black Box Overalls $66.99

Sample Sale Report: BaubleBar

I stopped by the BaubleBar sample sale on my way home last night. It's held at the site of the Pop-Up shop in Soho that has occupied the space for the last couple months. It's interesting to see how it's been stripped from the former set-up to make for a sample sale environment. Like most accessory sample sales there is mandatory bag check at the door. Once inside you're free to maneuver through the bins and necklace racks to find your hearts desire. Prices start for as low as 2 items for $10 for earrings that were mostly studs with colorful enamel.

After that prices start at $10 for a multitude of bracelet styles that you have to dig for including friendship styles and pastel studs elastic. You could also snag rings for $10 that were in an arrow wrap around style in pewter or bronze.


For $12 your options improve and you can add to your collection a plethora of bangles that would help make for one heck of an arm party.

The $15 category held by far the largest selection of necklaces including ones that had a Gatsby feel on neon cord, enamel flowers, dangly / statement earrings, bold bangles, bubble bead bib necklaces, large rhinestone necklaces, enamel graphic statement necklaces and collar necklaces

More $15 necklaces above.

In the $20 category there was still a good selection and this is where the necklaces I tended to prefer were. A little more ornate in design, mixed materials, more rhinestone, subtle color transitions in stones. Plenty of pastel options are here.

Finally, the sale tops out at $25 and these include designs by guest designer Paige Novick.  Delicate rhinestoned triangles are in the form of rings, necklaces and bangles.

These necklaces are the most dimensional and offer the most texture / layered designs with different stone sizes and chain sizes in the same piece.

I ended up snagging a rhinestone collar necklace for $25 and a bubble bead bib for $15. While there are plenty of baubles still up for grabs, buyer beware because all sales are final and some necklaces are missing a rhinestone or two.

Who: BaubleBar End of Summer Sample Sale
What: BaubleBar is cleaning out their studio with statement jewelry at a deep discount. RSVP at http://bbsohosale.eventbrite.com/
When: August 12-14, 2013. Mon-Wed 10am-8pm
Where: 131 Greene St (b/n Prince & Houston)