Thursday, December 31, 2009

The JC Penney Secret: Cheap Levi's

OK, maybe it isn't such a big secret, but it was a revelation to me since I had never been inside of a JC Penney until a few weeks ago.  And now that the gift hath been given, I can let the cat out of the bag:

JC Penney has tons of men's Levi's - all styles, colors, washes, etc. - for $33 a pair!  And best news yet, they fit my recipient to a "T."

If you haven't been in the relatively new JC Penney in NYC, it's in the Manhattan Mall on 6th Ave. and 33rd St., not far from Macy's.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Whipped by the Wind? Seeking a mink or seal or faux fur?

Instead of fighting Fifth Avenue tourists for picked over selections at retail store sales, check out Vintage Thrift Shop for one-of-a-kind fur finds featuring designs from destinations across the globe. Also, vintage YSL pieces and designer threads at a fraction of their original prices could become your "statement piece" dress for the New Year. Plus, a small group of interesting jewelry, matchbox covers and pins at the counter.

Stop by at 286 Third Avenue between 22nd - 23rd St. or one the many other thrifts in the area including Guerilla fave Housing Works.

~Nancy Brenner

Monday, December 28, 2009

Starting Jan 2: Change of Season "Italy or Bust" Clearance Sale


Starting this Saturday at noon, Change of Season is clearing out what they have to make room for what comes in February (which may include men's apparel.) Now's the time to grab and run with extra discounts through the month of January.

Also, they are shopping for new inventory in February, so let them know what you're looking for & what you love...

341 E. 9th St. between 1st & 2nd St.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Empire State of Mind

From today's Daily Candy, this video on Why New York Rules (yes, I took poetic license) is worth the watch, featuring some of your favorite chefs, designers, musicians and more: Empire State of Mind

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Dec. 26-Jan. 24: ABC Carpet & Home Winter Tag Sale


ABC Carpet & Home Winter Tag Sale

END OF SEASON CLEARANCE EVENT
ALL STORES, ALL FLOORS

December 26- January 24

Save up to 75% off original prices at all store locations. Save on select home accessories, jewelry, lighting, tabletop & decorative accessories, bedding & bath and modern, grounded & antique furniture, upholstery, sofas, chairs and sectionals, handmade oriental rugs, antique & vintage carpets, contemporary rugs and more.

ABC Carpet & Home

888 & 881 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
212 473 3000
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri 10-7, Sat 10-7:30, Sun: 11-7

Bronx Outlet
1055 Bronx River Avenue
Bronx, NY 10472
718 842 8770
M-S: 10-7 Sun: 11-6

Hackensack
400 Huyler Street
South Hackensack, NJ 07606
201 641 3400
M-Sat: 10-7, Closed Sundays

Delray Beach
777 South Congress Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33445
561.279.7777
M-S: 10-6, Sun: 12-5

Monday, December 21, 2009

Sample Sale Trends for 2010

The ever-anticipated year-end wrap up, care of Nancy Brenner:

- Showrooms vs. retailers - Many sample sales stated up to 80% off retail, when it was really only half off - sales like Botkier, Hype and Autumn Cashmere. Shoppers groaned that they could score better deals at dept stores "friends & family" and flash sales.

- Team hoarding - Highly orchestrated teams of four or more that stripped the shelves - antics that would rival the opening scene of James Bond flick. Even Daniel Craig wouldn't survive these renegade shoppers stocking up for resale on eBay.

- Sugar daddies - no bailout for men squiring their younger "friends," partners, wives to sales to foot the bill - when frocks start at $600 plus level; the "take my credit card honey" days are gone. I've yet to see a sugar mamma footing the bill at a sample sale.

- No inhibitions - women openly stripping in front to their bras and whatnots in front of of males at Proenza Schouler.

- Competition fiercer than femmes vying for Tiger Woods - as die-hard retail shoppers convert to frugalistas.

-Less merch - as designers managed their inventory, like Ben Amun, there was less to choose from at prime sales.

- Designers skipping sample sales - fashion faves like Rebecca Taylor, Cynthia Steffe (where I snagged a $5 patent leather jacket last year), Beth Bowley (where I picked up $25 skirts in seasons past) did not hold public sample sales.

- The waiting game - nearly every sale offered mark downs on the last day as merch didn't move at near retail prices.

- Longer hours - once restricted to "ladies who lunch," time slots, there were a number that stayed open until 8 or 10 p.m.

- Contact sport - Nanette Lepore's sale at progressive prices shoppers in training for the 45th Superbowl at Miami's Dolphin Stadium could show the leagues that sample sales are the ultimate contact sport.

Why does it still pay to go? The one of a kind of items. Instead of Rent-the-Runway, I own the runway. Great costume jewelry designers who will adjust their beautiful bracelets for tiny wrist. Supreme selection of a favorite designer, rather than hop-stopping at Fifth Avenue stores where each brand's space has been shrink-wrapped along with the economy. Garments, hats, leggings in colors, fabrics or shapes that were never mass produced because of the cost. Meeting the designers in person. And the savings, of course. Hurray for sample sale showrooms that still believe in sample sale prices - that means discounts off of wholesale!

What will next year bring? More shoppers competing for fewer sales, fewer choice and higher prices.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Dec. 18-24: Leather Jacket Sale at Klurk


Check it: New hoilday pu leather jacket is 30% off for X'mas, Dec. 18-24

360 Broome Street.
Closed Tuesdays

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Skin Care: Olay Regenerist

Some serious skin care advice from a GSNYC confidant:

I started using the Olay Regenerist line a month or two ago and I have noticed a difference. I had heard so many good things about it from various friends that I decided to try it. I was skeptical at first, as I've tried so many different beauty products over the years (from drugstore stuff to La Mer) and never really noticed much difference between them.

There are a lot of products in the Olay Regenerist line. The ones I use are as follows:
1) Thermal Mini-Peel (daily in the shower)
2) Daily Face Serum and Eye Serum (daily, in a.m.)
3) Deep Hydrating Mousse Cleanser (daily at night to wash face)
4) Night Recovery Cream (daily overnight)
5) Microdermabraision and Peel Kit (used this once when I first started on the Regenerist stuff)

By the way, I just googled reviews on this line, and apparently Consumer Reports voted it the best wrinkle cream in a study done in 2006. (see link below). It beat out lots of the expensive stuff like La Prarie, etc.

http://thebeautybrains.com/2007/05/17/should-you-believe-it-if-consumer-reports-says-expensive-wrinkle-creams-are-not-better/

PS. No, Olay isn't paying me for this endorsement!

Dec 17-18: Be & D Sample Sale

Be & D Sample Sale


When: Thursday, December 17 & Friday, December 18, 9am to 7pm
Where: 35 West 36th Street, 10th Floor West, NYC (between 5th/6th Avenues)
Take B,D, F, V, N, R, Q, W to 34th Street/Herald Square

Cash and major CC accepted.

30-75% off Bags, Belts, Shoes, and Small Leather Goods

Special editions including the Kan-Kan Portfolio, Perry Satchel, Garbo Shoulder and Cosette Hobo.

Range of shoe sizes but lucky 37s will have additional choices.

Examples:
-Be & D Perry Day Satchel in White Calfskin/Suede Trim - Original Price $995, Sample Sale Price $250
-Be & D Garbo Studded Shoulder Portfolio in Turquoise Lambskin- Original Price $995, Sample Sale Price $400
-Be & D Ruffle Kan-Kan Portfolio in Red Patent Leather - Original Price $595, Sample Sale Price $300

For more info call 212 629 3242 or info@beandd.com

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Dec. 14-18: Calypso St. Barth Sample Sale

It is so not right that I probably can't make this, but I won't hold it against you:

CALYPSO ST. BARTH SAMPLE SALE

all week long
items up to 80% off
additional 10% off with this invite

DECEMBER 14-18
MON 2-7P
TUES - THURS 10A-7P
FRI 10A -2P

260 fifth avenue (between 28 & 29 streets)

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
FRAGRANCE & HOME

new merchandise arriving every day

Lord & Taylor - 25% Off Almost Everything Thru 12/15/09

I went to Lord & Taylor today and pretty much did all of my Xmas shopping - 25% off of almost everything in the store - even Cole Haan!.  10% off cosmetics, too.

Friday, December 11, 2009

REPORT FROM THE FRONT: Petite Payday at Anni Kuan

Nancy Brenner, of course:

For anyone who always needs to shorten sleeves, lift shoulders and shorten hems, this is a sale for you. This sample sale is so sedate that you can skip your yoga class and it's safe enough for even the most recalcitrant shopper. You won't feel like you came from a kickboxing class. The selection is small, but curated for the female looking for basics to evening wear that has classic lines infused with trends, not one hit wonders. These are clothes you can collect. Not an official petite line, but the closest I've ever seen. Prices from $15-$100 - but the $100 buys you a coat! Usually found in upscale boutiques.

Anni Kuan 262 West 38th Street.
WHEN: Fri Dec 11TH 10am-6pm TO THU Dec 24th 10am-6pm (except Sat & Sun)


CASH ONLY!

http://www.annikuan.com/html/index_f.html

Thursday, December 10, 2009

REPORT FROM THE FRONT: MAXX NY Bargain Bag Bonanza

Fancy Nancy Brenner has the low-down:

Have you been bumbed by designer "bargains" that are a bust? Head to Maxx NY where my friend emerged victorious. Her tale:


"Just wanted to let you know that I went to the Maxx NY (one of my fav handbag labels) sample sale last night! To quote my 8-year old niece, 'O-M-G'. My all-time favorite accessory in the world besides shoes are handbags. Overwhelmed by all the options, I was like a mouse chasing cheese. But like the a true shopping diva that I am,

Within minutes I had five bags hanging from each arm and three in each hand (now if only men were that easy to find and made my outfits look as fly, I'd be happy…but I digress).

Everything from leather to suede, east-west styles to doctor bags; totes to messengers, and every color, style and shape. I didn’t think it could get any better until I saw the pricing: bags from $30 - $100! I was so ver-klempt, I almost wept. I finally narrowed my nearly 20 choices down to two (I know - I even surprised myself with that one). I ended with a gorgeous rich brown croco bag and a large east-west style quilted black patent bag with stitching and gold chain strap - both for $60!

They say you can't take it with you when you die, but all I know is there is going to be a U-Haul filled with my shoes and handbags behind my hearse. If not, heaven better have a shopping mall that accepts credit cards."

One of the best bag buys of the season.

Maxx New York 385 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor
Mon.-Thurs., 10-6, Fri 10-5, Sat 11-5
Now through the 19th

Jersey Alert: BELLE DE NUIT Silk Flowers & Candles at Riverside Square

My calling it Riverside Square goes to show how long it's been...Oh and read the bottom for the Guerilla Shopper insider special!...

Top-notch silk flower designer - BELLE DE NUIT - is holding court at THE SHOPS AT RIVERSIDE, HACKENSACK, NJ (ROUTE 4 WEST ) through New Year's Day.

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 9:30pm (Closed Sunday - BLUE LAWS!!)
BELLE is located inside the mall between Bloomingdale's & The Cheesecake Factory

GREAT GIFTS
BELLE DE NUIT CANDLES: Great scents; three sizes

Special Guerilla Shopper Deal:
Mention Guerilla Shopper + SPEND $100.00 or more = receive a 100% soy candle for FREE.  Yay!

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Hanro: Lux Undie Sample Seekers male and female...

...read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal as they waited on line for superb prices at this top quality line of Swiss underwear, underpinnings, sleepwear, robes and lounge wear. There were only 3 men for 3 full racks of offerings! Serious male hoarder though - and I didn't think that I'd have to compete with a husky tall male for XS underwear at 8:01 this morning - guess his goods will be on eBay tonight. One woman was finished by 8:15 with three big shopping bags full of merch that I suspect will land online too -- unless like many New Yorkers she loathes laundry day and picked up a month's supply. It was a tough crowd and one woman limbered up marathon-style by doing neckrolls and stretches. Panties were the ultra-sought after item here with prices at 6 for $30 (most were XS) and nightgowns in the $40-$45 range. The serious sample sale shoppers (like a guy who said he has been coming for the past 15 years) probably went today, so it's likely safe to do a drive-by tomorrow: 40 E. 34th Street Suite 207. A+ for most literate sample sale.

~Nancy Brenner

Dec 8-12, 2009: Eugenia Kim Sample Sale

Eugenia Kim

SAMPLE SALE

TUES-FRI DEC 8-11, 2009
10AM-7AM

SAT DEC 12, 2009
12PM-6PM

347 W. 36TH ST., SUITE 502
BETWEEN 8TH & 9TH AVE.

CASH & CC ACCEPTED

WEB ORDERS: info@eugeniakim.com

PHONE ORDERS: 212-674-1345 x10 or x12

Dec 10-23: Portolano Sample Sale

Yes, another one-

Portolano Sample Sale
December 10-23
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (closed weekends)
15 W. 37th St. (2nd fl)
NYC
Gloves and stuff.
No refunds or exchanges (so check your purchases CAREFULLY before leaving)
Major credit cards accepted

Monday, December 07, 2009

Good Sales (Furla) & NYT Article

These sales seem great: Furla! http://www.thesavvy.com/all-sales/

This article is good!: "Secret’s Out: Sample Sales Move Online"  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/technology/internet/07private.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=online%20luxury%20shopping&st=cse (...But now the mobs are moving online, to sites like Gilt, Rue La La, One Kings Lane, Ideeli and HauteLook. On the Web, the shopping is just as competitive, but it is no longer a blood sport.)

Friday, December 04, 2009

Dec. 11: Caterina Gatta (in Person!) at Change of Season

Rome based designer Caterina Gatta utilizes vintage fabrics from designers such as Gianni Versace & Givenchy to create one-of-a-kind modern couture pieces that hint at the past.
Caterina will be in-store Friday, December 11th to display and sell pieces from her collection.



CHANGE OF SEASON NYC
341 East 9th Street btw 1st & 2nd ave
Reception: 7-9PM

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Botkier Bags No Bargain at $175-$275 - but better than Minkoff prices...

Nancy Brenner, when does she sleep?:

...and sample sale sections bags were $150 and still leftovers last night - because $150 for samples is pricey - last year you could find a slightly damaged bag for $50. They will be adding new "sample" bags - but get there when they replenish stock in the morning. This year a puny nothing tagged for $75. One man guarded his stash of about nine bags like they were Chanels.  Can you spell eBay? Last night there were fresh eBay postings - probably straight from the sample sale - of course those prices are closer to retail, but if you don't feel like dragging downtown to Lafayette Street in a hit or miss expedition, and don't mind paying a premium try eBay or some of the upscale online boutiques that are slashing prices bringing them close to (or in some cases lower) than sample sale ones.

GOSSIP GIRL GLAM WITHOUT THE GELT


Ga ga gold prices urging you to look elsewhere for holiday glitter? You won't need a trust fund for Blair-worthy headbands in black patent or pink silk embellished with vintage black lace at the Colette Malouf sample sale. Or Malouf's ethereal gold mesh wire hair pins, combs or barrettes. Don't know the difference between a head wrap and a head strap? Hair styles past a pony are beyond your repertoire? Don't worry. Colette herself will show you how to rock a headwrap, position a peacock pin, sweep your hair into French french knots with sparkly rhinestones and many other tricks of the trade. Creative Colette is like a live Tim Burton exhibit at MoMA, but without the crowds or admission price. Stocking stuffers seekers or those looking for gifts for each day of Chanukah, go to the source where Gossip Girls stylists pick up pieces for Blair. Dress your tresses for less with prices starting from just $5 and many in $15 and $20 range.

Head there now for inspiration - when was the last time you saw a designer at a sample sale? Thursday at 594 Broadway between Houston and Prince - tell them the Guerilla sent you!
~Nancy Brenner

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Dec. 14-16: Catherine Malandrino Sample Sale Event Hosted by Savvy & Co.

Oh how I wish I didn't have a day-job!  Maybe Nancy can visit in my absence (and buy me stuff)--

CATHERINE MALANDRINO

Sample Sale Event Hosted by Savvy & Co.
December 14 – 16, 2009
New York, NY

The Catherine Malandrino sample sale, hosted by shopping event company Savvy & Co., will feature the Fall Winter 09 collection.

The collection reflects the great attention to detail, color, and silhouettes that Catherine Malandrino has become known for. It takes place Monday, December 14th through Wednesday, December 16th.

Merchandise at the sale will be marked down up to 80% below retail.

What: Ready-to-wear pieces that showcase the classic Catherine Malandrino style aesthetic.

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18th Street (btw 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY 10011

When:
Monday, December 14th 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
Tuesday, December 15th – Wednesday, December 16th 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

REPORT FROM THE FRONT: MEN WHO LOVE CASHMERE -- CHECK OUT AUTUMN

Nancy Brenner say:

Autumn Cashmere where there was just a lone male shopper this morning. There are only two racks for men, but everything was under $200, with prices much better overall than for women.

Women's samples prices higher than in the past -- about $99 for a novelty sample that retailed for more than $200. Shoppers were grumbling about discounts that weren't solid sample sale prices - seems to be a trend this season following the Nanette Lepore sale when just last season samples were $20 and $40 and then upped to $75 and $95 last month.

Cottons for women: best deal. Ladies hope you did your squats --check lower racks with the orange tags for top deals. Sample sale prices still better than retail, but no steal according to the regulars. Sold at better stores and boutiques.

Today through Friday, December 11th (no weekends)
231 West 39th Street, Suite 924.
Hours: 9a-7p

Showroom Seven Sample Sale: Dec. 7-18

SHOWROOM SEVEN HOLIDAY SAMPLE SALE
Monday December 7th – Friday December 18th
263 11th Avenue - between 27th & 28th Streets - 3rd Floor

Featuring:
  • Orla Kiely
  • Erickson Beamon
  • Issa London
  • Tony Cohen
  • Rockstar Jeans
  • Andy & Debb
  • Hollywood Trading Company
  • Sharon Wauchob
VISA, MC, AMEX & CASH

For more info call 212 643 4810