The sale this time around at Project No. 8 was not as good as the one back in August (when we shot video).  I came into the boutique before they closed and was disappointed to find just several racks of clothing and a few bins on the floor (contained wool short scarves at [...]]]>

The sale this time around at Project No. 8 was not as good as the one back in August (when we shot video).  I came into the boutique before they closed and was disappointed to find just several racks of clothing and a few bins on the floor (contained wool short scarves at $40).  The shoe selection was also limited to Maison Martin Margiela shoes (many of which looked like repeats from the summer sale) starting at $80 for pumps to over $300 for shearling booties.

Maybe the good stuff had already been snapped up earlier in the day.  Not much caught my eye.  I spotted Christian Wijnants coats going for $436, a VPL sparkly textured woven jacket for $156, chunky sweaters for under $300, Stephan Schneider wool coat for under $250 and wool pants for just over $100.  I did consider the MM6 Margiela teal sweatshirt (under $100) but just wasn’t really excited about it.  There was one rack near the dressing room of Jean Colonna‘s lingerie – nude and black pieces (the tank dress was under $120).  They also had some jewelry and coin purses going for under $200.  Last night, their credit card machine wasn’t working so bring cash if you plan to stop in… and also drop by the Gargyle sale (just up the street) which we hear is worth checking out (according to Racked).

Where/When: Project No. 8 138 Division St (b/w Orchard and Hester Sts.) 212-925-4271.  Thru Saturday February 26th (Noon to 7p).

We received late notice about a Jil Sander sample sale which started this morning… so late that I wasn’t sure I could make it.  But because of their last sample sale back in October, I just had to check this one out.  Before you read on, I must tell you that women who [...]]]>

We received late notice about a Jil Sander sample sale which started this morning… so late that I wasn’t sure I could make it.  But because of their last sample sale back in October, I just had to check this one out.  Before you read on, I must tell you that women who are a size small will do better at this sale.  But there are unbelievable deals!

I stopped in this morning to find racks of samples (Italian sizes 34 and 36 – which translates to a size 0 and 2), including wool coats ranging in price from $100 to $150, blazers at $75, wool and cashmere sweaters are starting at $50.  Besides samples, there are production pieces (limited styles and a mix of sizes) from their last sale.  Those items are 95 percent off the retail price.  I spotted a white shearling coat for $100, a chic knit black dress for $27, knits are $25, tees are $15 and belts are under $20 (leather and snakeskin). Shoes – mostly platforms and some sandals are under $100.  There was one sample ankle boot (size 37) going for $20.

The sale items are predominantly for women.  I spotted only a few men’s shirts, sweaters, jeans and some shoes which were going fast… as a handful of men at the showroom this morning were quickly snapping up merchandise.

This is one amazing sale, especially, as I mentioned earlier, if you’re a size small.  They’re practically giving away the merchandise.  Sale ends tomorrow at 1pm.  While this is invitation only, they aren’t checking names at the door.

Where/When:  8 Crosby Street – 4th Floor (near Howard St).  December 22 – 23^rd.  Wed (10-5p), Thurs (10-1p).

If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, the Portolano sample sale might be worth checking out for basic winter accessories for women, men and kids.  We stopped in yesterday to find a variety of the label’s Italian leather gloves (silk & cashmere lined).  Prices range from $30 for basic styles to $70 for [...]]]>

If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, the Portolano sample sale might be worth checking out for basic winter accessories for women, men and kids.  We stopped in yesterday to find a variety of the label’s Italian leather gloves (silk & cashmere lined).  Prices range from $30 for basic styles to $70 for styles from Italian designers Moschino, Cavalli and more.  There’s also a selection of accessories including Pashmina shawls from Nepal ($95), cashmere gloves, scarves and hats and more.  Sale ends on Thursday.

Where/When:  15 West 37 Street (b/w 5^th & 6^th Aves) 2 Fl. Thru Thursday December 23^rd Daily (10-6p).  212-719-4403.

If you’re wondering, Alexander Wang is offering additional discounts – everything is now $80, except for cotton items which are going for $30.  Today is the last day and you only have a few hours left to head over there (that is if you care).  You may ask what could be left?  A [...]]]>

If you’re wondering, Alexander Wang is offering additional discounts – everything is now $80, except for cotton items which are going for $30.  Today is the last day and you only have a few hours left to head over there (that is if you care).  You may ask what could be left?  A friend popped in last night to find a complete mess.  There are no more shoes or handbags (no surprise!).  What’s left are some cocktail dresses, shorts with leather trim, wool skirts, sweaters, pants and tons of knits (tees, sweats, shorts).  Our friend tells us the place was a madhouse last night.  She left with a leather shirt ($80).  Sale ends today at 2pm.

Where/When: 93 Mercer St., (b/w Spring & Broome).  Thru Sunday December 19. Sun (10-2p)

It’s the last day of the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2010 sample sale and they’re offering further discounts.   They’re giving an additional 25 percent off at the cash register.  I did a quick sweep this morning.  They brought in a few new things such as the fish print tote ($160) and wallet ($60), [...]]]>

It’s the last day of the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2010 sample sale and they’re offering further discounts.   They’re giving an additional 25 percent off at the cash register.  I did a quick sweep this morning.  They brought in a few new things such as the fish print tote ($160) and wallet ($60), leather dresses ($600), sleeveless knit dresses trimmed with silk fringe ($210).  Some of the pieces from the first day of the sale are still there.  But, of course, the selection is thinning out.  After you hit the AWang sale, you may want to walk the two blocks to this sale…

Where/When: 495 Broadway (near Broome), 8th Floor.  December 14 to 16. Daily (9-6p).

I was curious to see what was on offer at the Derek Lam sample sale so I wandered in Wednesday afternoon… I didn’t make it to the last one but a friend who did scored some great deals.  My hopes were high going in (that’s not always good).  There were a number of [...]]]>

I was curious to see what was on offer at the Derek Lam sample sale so I wandered in Wednesday afternoon… I didn’t make it to the last one but a friend who did scored some great deals.  My hopes were high going in (that’s not always good).  There were a number of stand out pieces (dresses and jackets) but the ones that caught my eye were just too pricey, in my opinion, for a sample sale.  I wasn’t prepared to pay $500+ for a dress.

I did spot bargain racks where everything was going for $100 and less.  I thought I would find something there.  But upon close inspection, I noticed that many of the pieces were actual samples (not necessarily a bad thing but these garments appeared to be sewing projects). Some of them had unfinished seams and a few were shaped funny.  In the Soho showroom, there were several Lam fans who appeared to know the sales associates (they were probably customers – a couple of them spoke Italian).

To my disappointment, there were no handbags and a very limited selection of shoes (platform booties and boots) going for $500+.  There was also a bargain bin of shoe samples starting at $75.  A quick look into the bin told me not to waste my time.

I managed to get the price list for some of the merchandise… Dresses are starting at $175 (for plain styles) with most of the more elaborate ones going for $400 to $500 (printed dresses or mixed fabric such as wool and leather pieces).  Tops are ranging in price from $150 to $350.  Skirts are staring at $175 for plain ones, $350 for leather and $600 for sequins.  Pants are starting at $175 to $450 for the leather riding pant.  Like most sample sales, there is no dressing room.  If you want to try something on, you’ll have to strip down right in the showroom.  So be prepared (wear the appropriate attire – leggings, etc).  Otherwise, the distinguished older gentleman standing at the door will see your undies.   Thursday is the last day.  It might be worth checking out since they slashed prices on the last day at the previous sample sale.

Where/When: 10 Crosby St., nr. Howard St., third fl.; Through December 16.  W–Th (10–6p).

The Rachel Comey one-day sale is in full swing this afternoon… Sample Sale Diva (who has clearly shown her devotion to sample sale shopping) showed up shortly after they opened the doors at Noon.  The indie designer’s goods aren’t really her style. But she did take some photos for the fans of the [...]]]>

The Rachel Comey one-day sale is in full swing this afternoon… Sample Sale Diva (who has clearly shown her devotion to sample sale shopping) showed up shortly after they opened the doors at Noon.  The indie designer’s goods aren’t really her style. But she did take some photos for the fans of the brand who want to know what’s on offer…  Here’s what The Diva had to say:

…it was jam packed…I just don’t get their stuff.  Most of it looks like a home EC project gone bad.  Anyway, the bags are $250, there are shoes for women ranging from $50 and up. Prices for dresses vary.  There are dresses that are $100 each or 3 for $250.  There is also a $25 bargain rack. The men’s shoes are between $100 to $200. The lines to pay were way too long.

The Diva left without buying anything.  She did go back today to pick up gloves she spotted yesterday but the long line to pay put her off her purchase.  Sale ends tonight at 8pm.

Where:/When: 335 W. 35th St., (b/w Eighth & Ninth Aves.), 11th flr. December. 15^th ONLY. (Noon to 8p).

As I mentioned earlier, the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2010 sample sale was picked over this morning.  I have to agree with one of our readers who also stopped in today, commenting that most of the good stuff must have been snapped up at the preview sale (which the PS folks tell us took [...]]]>

As I mentioned earlier, the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2010 sample sale was picked over this morning.  I have to agree with one of our readers who also stopped in today, commenting that most of the good stuff must have been snapped up at the preview sale (which the PS folks tell us took place on Friday).  What was left was not so much the dregs but a limited selection of apparel, no shoes and the handbags on offer were from last spring’s sample sale.  There were no great deals (although tees from past seasons were starting at $25) or many samples left.

Here’s what I found…starting with dresses which were hanging on one rack on a far corner.  A modest selection of silk dresses (mostly solids) were ranging in price from $150 to $210.  Colorful print cocktail dresses were $330+.  A leather bustier dress was $1000+.  A chunky sweater dress was $320 (there were only 3 on the table).  Wool coats were $375+, wool blazers (mostly black) were starting at $230 (for a lighter weight silk/wool blend).  A shag coat was $930.  Pants started at $150 and went up… suede pants were $390.  I did like a couple of the dresses but they were just too pricey for me.  I was told that all the merchandise is out and that they will not be restocking.

Where/When: 495 Broadway (near Broome).  December 14 to 16. Daily (9-6p).

True to her name, our intrepid Sample Sale Diva, today managed to waltz right into the Soho space where sale organizers were setting up for tomorrow’s Alexander Wang friends & family preview.  She walked in as if she was related to A.Wang himself.   I have to hand it to her.  She is The [...]]]>

True to her name, our intrepid Sample Sale Diva, today managed to waltz right into the Soho space where sale organizers were setting up for tomorrow’s Alexander Wang friends & family preview.  She walked in as if she was related to A.Wang himself.   I have to hand it to her.  She is The Diva.  Here’s what she reports:

(I) went straight for the handbags and shoes. All shoes are $220. There were two Rocco bags one was beige and the other one a carrot (orange) color.  The bags I spotted were $350.  All tees are $45 and accessories are around $39. Prices vary for the main line pieces but I spotted dresses for $450. There’s tons of stuff. I didn’t buy anything as I got uninvited to the party within 10 minutes of arrival. LOL! …this girl came up to me and told me that the “sale hasn’t started yet”.

Once they realized they had an uninvited guest in their midst, they not only showed her the door but demanded to inspect her iPod for pictures taken surreptitiously. Our Diva stuck to her guns and left the space with photos in hand.  The girl’s got moxie.  The sale opens to the public on Thursday at 10am.

Where/When: 93 Mercer St., (b/w Spring & Broome).  Opens to the public. December 16 to 19. Thurs – Sat (10-7p), Sun (10-2p).