Sample Sales This Week: February 20-26, 2012

Who: Barneys Warehouse Sale
What: Enjoy up to 75% off on designer clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.  NOTE:  I stopped by this this past Friday and like everything else I've read, I don't think it's worth your time (for menswear or womenswear).  Designer merch is slim, Barney's house label is available in droves, and prices are high.  My advice is to wait it out until the weekend when final markdowns occur.
When: Monday, February 20th, 9am~9pm
Tuesday, February 21st through Thursday, February 23rd, 10am~9pm
Friday, February 24th, 9am~9pm
Saturday, February 25th & Sunday, February 26th, 9am~8pm
Where: 255 West 17th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave.)

Who: Balenciaga Bag Sale (hosted by Elite Sample Sales)
What:  If you've been eyeing the City bag, here's your chance to snag one at a discount.  These bags don't really go on sale so maybe it's your time to splurge!  Only 70 bags are in stock and are available in black, grey, navy and red and are going for $990 (retail for approx $1,500+).  The classic work bag is also available for $1,090. 2 bag limit per customer.
When: Feb 21, 2012 - starts at 10am
Where: 381 5th Ave (b/n 35th & 36th St), 2nd floor. 212-684-8622

Who: nOir Jewelry
What:Up to 75% off on statement jewelry
When: Feb 23-24, 2012. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm
Where: 350 West 38th St (b/n 8th & 9th Ave), 5th Floor

Who: Project No. 8 Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off menswear and womenswear. The men's Maison Martin Margiela latex-dipped boots are $445 (were $890), the men's Hope Yale sweater is $31 (was $101), women's A Detacher Huxley buckle clogs are $176 (were $438), and the women's Maison Martin Margiela woven leather ankle boots are $394 (were $985).
When: Feb 24-26, 2012. 12pm-7pm
Where: 38 Orchard St (near Hester). 212-925-5599

Who: Gargyle's end of season sale
What: End of season sale!  Some merchandise will be organized by $100, $75, $50 and $30 and under bins. The men's Acne Winston coat is $350 (was $770), the women's Lover cable-knit jumper is $100 (was $342), and the Surface to Air Alley boots are $175 (were $566).
When: Feb 24-26, 2012. 11am-7pm
Where: 16A Orchard St (near Canal St)

Who: Freeman's Sporting Club Expedition Sale
What: 30%-80% off outerwear, T's, sneakers, knits and denim.
When: Feb 25-26, 2012.  10am-6pm
Where: 327 Bleeker St (near Christopher St). 212-255-5509

Who: Court Jeans Sale
What: Score skinnies or relaxed fits for $55, shorts for $20 and $85 or less for other fall merch!
When: Feb 23-26, 2012. 12pm-8pm
Where: 178 Mulberry St (b/n Kenmare and Broome St).

Who: Krizia Warehouse Sale
What: 70-90% off on RTW & accessories.
When: February 19-28, 2012
Where: 446 West 14th St (b.n 9th & 10th Ave)

Fall 2012 Trends: Metal Plated Shoes

I know winter has barely begun, but as I was perusing GQ's 100 Best Pairs from Fashion Week,  I noticed quite a few pairs featuring metal for Fall 2012. Classic silhouettes paired with chunkier hardware accents provide for an edgier take on modern footwear.

From Costume National, to Louis Vuitton, to Salvatore Ferragamo, to YSL - there were plenty of options which were showcased down the runways.

 Costume National

 Salvatore Ferragamo

 Louis Vuitton

YSL

(images courtesy of GQ)

But to be fair, it looks like everyone took a page from Balenciaga and Louboutin - who actually introduced this in their Fall 2011 collections.

Louboutin metal capped wingtips (image courtesty of luxuryculture.com)

Balenciaga Fall 2011