W. 39th Street: Sample Sale Central

Sample Sale Central at 239 West 39th Street with at least 10 going on including busy Autumn Cashmere.

~n. brenner

Daffy's: The Fifty Dollar Fun Card Challenge

The good people of Daffy's posed a challenge to yours truly: They'd give me a $50 gift card that I could spend at any of their stores, if in exchange, I would recount my experience and talk about my purchases here on the blog only known as Guerilla Shopper.  I accepted their gentlewoman's challenge with enthusiasm and stormed the Daffy's on E. 18th St. near 5th Avenue - the downsized version of the old location around the corner, which is now H&M.

The photo above is everything I purchased for $50.  Four scented candles, water bottle, mini-umbrella (houndstooth!), and by far my favorite: the Kangol hat (only $17 in the men's dept).

I like Daffy's for their housewares, knick-knacks and men's/children's department.  The latter being really impressive, actually.  I don't find the women's apparel as intriguing, perhaps because the ladies are so thorough and on top of it as soon as new merch arrives in-store.

Also, Daffy's (formerly Daffy Dan's - how y'like me now!?): can you get a dimmer switch on your lights?  I feel like I'm in 7-Eleven (not a good feeling when trying on bras).

Guerilla Scores Coat at Mackage Sample Sale

I got into the Mackage sample sale on the last day (today), with two hours remaining, and scored the pictured coat for half price: $245 --and they didn't even charge me tax!  Yay.  OK, so it's not the most contemporary style they have, and be warned that this designer runs SMALL.  I got a large and there is NO room to grow.  I guess I will stick to weightwatchers.com after all...

Black Friday: Don't Believe the Hype

...and that's all I have to say about that.

Anti-Black Friday: Roundabout Resale

Big Box Not Your Style? Skip the line-cutting, smack-downs and requisite pre-dawn wakeups.  Try Roundabout at 113 Mercer St. (between Spring St and Prince St) this Friday. High-end boots straight from boutiques, excellent condition clothes and select vintage typically 1/3 of retail. A group of  women came in with their driver from Connecticut for discounted designers includin Prada, Ferretti, Chanel, and Balenciagia - one of them left wearing her brand new boots.  Check the lower level for contemporary lines like Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe - the Bergdorf 5F brands.
This Roundabout store is one of four in the area (two in Greenwich and one on the UES). Don't be a turkey this Thanksgiving - check for an eclectic selection.

~Nancy Brenner

This Blogger is Having a Hellavah Time Finding a New Coat!

I spent all weekend looking for a new black coat, to no avail.  Issues such as price, fit and mostly UGLINESS have hindered me.  Also, every store seems to have the same stuff.  I probably want a military inspired cloak, and will know it when I see it - any ideas?  I'm thinking less than $500.
xoxo GSNYC

Holiday Hair: Colette Malouf Magical Makeovers

Colette Malouf's magical makeovers could convince a bald man that he could work a semi-precious headstrap with sparkly jewels. If your goal is a Snooki pouf, a 60's bombshell boufont, or an Anne Hathaway upsweep a la Vogue photo spread this month, Colette will demonstrate on your hair - or her's - how to get the look.

Hair combs are this season's updater. A shiny row of rhinestones in a multitude of colors may just be the #1 addition to your holiday wardrobe. Of course, there are the famous feathers, rhinestone bobby pins, and leather ones too. If your Prince William has popped the question, peruse the white wedding collection to look like a princess. Hair bijoux prices starting from $5 and a multitude of $15 and $20 picks at 594 Broadway between Houston and Prince - tell them the Guerilla sent you!

~nancy brenhair

Guardian: Google targets fashion market

Google is preparing to enter the fashion business on Wednesday with a website believed to be called Boutiques.com:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/google-targets-fashion-market-boutique

One for the Boys: Joey Abboud Sale, Nov. 14-18

MENSWEAR

JOSEPH ABBOUD TAILORED CLOTHING
Suits, Sportcoats, Trousers and Tuxedos

SUNDAY, NOV. 14th through THURSDAY, NOV. 18th
Sunday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Monday through Wednesday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

To be held at:
Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street, NYC
(Just west of 8th Avenue)

CREDIT CARDS ONLY
(American Express, Visa or MasterCard)

All Sales Final.

No strollers or children under 12 will be admitted.

For more information, call: (718) 747-1656, Monday - Friday: 9am -5pm.
 
/nancy brenner

Lambskin leathers $108 were retailing for a thou: Preview from Lafayette 148

Lowest price is $2 highest is $108.


Security was tight at today's friends and family sale - with good reason: the markdowns were a bigger percentage point drop than the Loubie sale. Lambskin leather jackets and skirts in many textures, colors and sizes and if you only add one new update item - this is it.

Don't overlook the skirts - a high-waisted snakeskin print skirt retailing for $498 is $40 here. For plus size women - a sequined merino cardigan is selling for a song - original price is $476. This sale has more choices than a peacock has feathers. From patent belts (only $2 - originally more than $100) to flower pins, to handbags to bolts of fabric (kudos to the few brave men who shopped this sale), every nook and cranny holds something you may have missed the first, second and even third sweep of the sale.

If you don't know this brand by now, shame on you! Check out bloomingdales.com, nordstrom.com, or lafayette148.com to see this brand.

148 Lafayette Street, 9 am start -

nan$y brenner

Report From the Front: Moschino/Aeffe

"The recession is over," declared the affable handbag/coat check guy. Judging by the shopping hedonism in the air (women checking bags from multiple sample sales), conversations among shoppers (which sale are you headed to next?), sophisticated questions for sales people (do you have this jacket I saw in the Look Book), the check-in guy was right!

The prices of labels of the lower lines of Moschino were well worth it. For quality and coolness, head there now!  They will be re-stocking  so don't fret if you weren't on the Friends and Family list today.
 
30 West 56th Street
 
~Nancy Brenner

Report From the Front Preview: Shoshanna Bins First Stop

Normally shoppers don't stop and stoop, but the $20 cardigans with gold trim and buttons in a range of colors and $5 shells are an unreal deal - so stock up for stuffers or yourself.

Of course, the real attraction is the sample rack in the middle of the room, which for $50 is packed with workwear or weekend and is one of the best buys you'll find at any sample sale this season - so far. Even cover-ups are a deal at $35. Check out shopstyle.com before you go and make room in your closet - see the metallics, silks, gold, bold embellished dresses and blues that sell in Bergdorf's, Saks and on edressme. Regal treatment by staff who will even help negotiate a trade of sizes with other shoppers - and if you know sample sales, it can be as tough as a hostage negotiation.

Shoshanna: 231 W. 39th Street - 10 - 6:30 - but get there early
 
~Nancy Brenner

Nanny Lepore - Sample Sale Update

You may be need to draw a safety perimeter around you if you buy the touchable Incognito pony jacket. It was the biggest markdown - $395 from over $1,400. The legendary sample sale rack is back - mainly size 2 or a size 4 with some serious Spanx layering. Prices for samples are $60 and tops are $40 - many Nanette groupies regaled tales of previous $20 bargains - ah inflation. Die-hard Nanette loyalists were doing their part to boost the economy including a newbie with sky high Loubies. Swaps of intel on which department stores had already lowered their prices..compare before you go.
Nanette Lepore 225 West 35th Street
 
~Nancy Brenner

Consignment Downtown: Second Time Around

Second Time Around at 262 Mott Street consignment as cool as its boutique -- brand neighbors like Rebecca Taylor.

This NoLita spot is so popular that you need to make an appointment to consign. Thirty-minute and hour long appointments go quickly.
1. Tags - still "fresh from the store" - these boo-boo buys will yield the most cash.

2. Call in advance to see if they are "full" - consignment shops are well-stocked right now. Try again in a month to see if stocks are depleted and they have room for more.

3. Scout the location in advance - No need to drag all your goodies - for example a downtown shop of the same chain may offer hipper labels than an uptown one, which may have more classic brands and styles.

4. Rejected? - Ask the consignee questions - find out if they are the right brand, style for the store, condition of item, or if they would the be welcome at another time of year.

5. Consign early and often - mid-March for Spring/Summer and mid-August for Fall/Winter

Mostly for women, but men check out the tie selection if you are in the 'hood of this Massachusets-based emporium of more than 20 stores.

http://www.secondtimearound.net/

~n. brenner

Sample Sale Samurai Tips

With a tsunami of sample sales starting next week, here are Nancy Brenner's 10 tips:

1. Act like a retailer - take total inventory of your closet, then rearrange by color and function (i.e. weddings, work, weekend)

2. Not perfect? - If the dress need more alterations than a patient on "Nip/Tuck," skip it. A missing button or a busted zipper is a simple fix.

3. Where will you wear it? Spotted a dress in a blue hue that was my most flattering shade, but wasn't 100% sure. Luckily, the "sample sale whisperer" Leora at Teri Jon said, said "where will you wear it?" Sage counsel. I put it back on the pile.

4. Does this update my look? Search for statement makers, but not one-hit wonders. I suspect the ubiquitous fur vest will be on deep discount.

5. Donate or consignment items - to clear room in your closet and earn cash for sample sale spending.

6. Don't succumb to herd mentality - it's hard not to get carried away when everyone around you is swiping their credit cards - just remember - you don't know their credit ratings.
7. Know the retail value - Check the designer's website, and peruse retailer's websites to assess if it's a true bargain. Don't let a "sale" entice you.

8. Make a list - just like supermarket shopping, temptation lurks at the aisle or check-out. Focus on completing an unworn outfit - matches for a sweater or skirt hanging with tags still attached in your closet.

9. The "pow" factor - always leave room in your budget for unexpected find - but not fifteen of them.

And finally,
10. Does this make me look like Lady Gaga? - If it does, and you're not Lady Gaga, you should probably put it back on the rack - it's on sale for a reason.

T.J. Maxx - 57th St. - The Photo

T.J. Maxx is opening on 57th Street on November 11 at 8 am - fixtures are in - can't wait to see the bargains and shoppers scurrying to and from its "Daffy" neighbor across the street.

~Nancy Brennerr

Running the NYC Marathon? Try this Sample Sale Marathon --

You may need a zipcar to lug around your sample sale booty next week. If you have on extra vacation day, take it on November 10.  Strategize: sales start at Malandrino at 8, Vivienne Tam at 9 and Moschino or Vivienne Tam at 10. Why is there always sample sale clumping?

November 9th
Nanette Lepore 225 W. 35th Street 9 am start
Tibi 260 W. 39th 10 a.m. start

November 10
Catherine Malandrino 123 W. 18th 8 am start
Vivienne Tam 260 W. 39th Street 9 am start
Moschino, Ferretti 30 West 56th Street 10 am start
Shoshanna 231 W. 39th Street 10 am start

November 11
Lafayette 148 - 148 Lafayette Street 9 am start

Expect long lines to get in just about everywhere. Let's hope Nanette Lepore brings back it's legendary sample sale rack.

~nancy brenner

Baoguette: CLOSED...Due to a Dirty Mind

Baoguette is a curious institution.  They opened on Lex near 25th St., and I rejoiced.  Then they moved over to 3rd Ave below 23rd St.  Then they "went on vacation" and next thing I knew, they were back at the old Lex/25th address.  And this morning, as I was walking by post-vote, I found the gates shut tight and this notice on the door.  Yikes!  Good food, bad service...but what in the world is going on over there?