Richard Chai moves in; Lacroix moves up

260 Fifth Ave.

Tuesday night, I checked out the permanent Sample Sale space at 260 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District to see if there was any Christian Lacroix worth buying.  I was hoping to find something for my mother since I’m heading out to California for Thanksgiving.  The sale organizers had moved all the Lacroix upstairs on the loft and were taking out the Isaia Napoli.  In their place were four racks of Richard Chai merchandise and a very limited selection of John Varvatos jackets and blazers.  I spotted quite a few nicely tailored feminine pieces from Chai.  On offer are what looked like samples and overstock from the designer’s spring line.  Dresses ranged in price from $200 to $500.  There were quite a few lovely structured as well as flowy dresses.  Skirts and pants were starting at $110.  Long coats ranged from $345 to $395.  The only problem:  most items are sample sizes.

As for the Lacroix, I was able to look through what was left.  The merchandise is now 85 to 90 percent off the retail price.  The selection was pretty picked over but several signature Lacroix blazers and dresses did catch my eye.  Most items are now under $200, some even close to $100.

Where/When: 260 Fifth Ave b/w 28th and 29th Streets.  Thru Saturday, November 27. Weds & Fri (10-7), Sat (10—2:30)