Report from the Front: Moschino, Alberta Ferretti

Die-hards should know better. Really. Checking your wallets at the coat check!?  People, you need lessons in protecting your assets. 

Mother-daughter duos abounded - one had to chasten her daughter that she was not going to buy her 20 Moschino tees - maybe only 10.  Another sign that the economy has rebounded - at least in some households - is that Aeffe did not need to offer an additional 20% discount off the lowest price as has been the custom at the last few sample sales.  Price for some of the goods, even Moschino Cheap and Chic, weren't all that cheap - I spotted and put down a sweater that was near the $400 range.  Some lines were only at 60% discount off of retail and buyers bragged of better bargains at Saks consolidation sales.  Check back on last day Saturday for mark downs.  The well-dressed crowd at 56th between Fifth and Sixth Avenues is polite and polished - check the racks for their leftovers. 

30 West 56th Street

/nancy 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

Aeffe: More Boutique than Brawl

at Aeffe sale when designers such as Moschino are featured. A respite from the hoarders at virtually every sale this season. Selection smaller than year's past, most likely wiped out by yesterday's friends & family preview which was mobbed according to a number of sales staff and a few returnees. A brave man was the first one in the dressing room and the women had to wait - but just a few minutes. If you are looking to add to your collection, go! Explore lower priced lines lines like Moschino Cheap & Chic and Moschino Love - they are scattered on the left side of the room and in the back of the second room. There are more broken zippers and ripped side hems than usual - probably from yesterday's enthused bargain shoppers. Many regular die-hard Moschino sample sale fans in the room - feels like a reunion - the regulars wearing flats, the newbies high heels. Staff helpful - ask if the offerings are this season's or last year's. Shoppers sharing their castoffs - a jacket of mine was an item that was gingerly handed over with grace and good intentions - she even offered the matching skirt. Timeless advice - don't buy what's already in your closet! Prices are an additional 20% off what's marked. I have a decade old Moschino dress and jacket festooned with brightly colored buttons that generated more than two dozen compliments last weekend - pick the right pieces and you'll be getting props for years to come.
30 West 56th Street until Saturday

<3 Nancy Brenner

Report from the Front: Moschino at Aeffe Showroom

Nancy Brenner reports...
If you are a fan of Moschino, or one of the other lines at this multi-line sale, probably nothing will stop you from shopping...

Tips for shopping Moschino:

• Prices look super cheap - but one set of numbers is Euro - ask before trying on - otherwise you'll be disappointed.
• Head to the back rack for the Moschino Lingerie line - there were several nice "sleepwear pieces" like a black velvet top with rhinestones - embrace the inner wear as outerwear trend - no one will know - unless you tell them.
• Multiple lines, so many price points - try Moschino Cheap and Chic for the most affordable fashions.
• Rack checking - key as merchandise returns from the crowded dressing room
• Study the brand online - one shopper spotted a black skirt from the runway slide show
• Sizing - mostly sample, but many jackets are roomy
• Markdown day - Saturday, but who knows what's left... or maybe you'll see it later on Gilt
• Slim down your holdings - this is one of those sales where you check everything and just carry around your wallet and cell

An admonition: this is not a super cheap sale, so be prepared to spend. Shoppers seem unaffected by economy - one mother with two daughters are regulars and they seemed set on being new wardrobes... what did they do with last year's coats? One daughter wanted to spend the day there instead of hitting other sales. A whole day at a sample sale - that takes more stamina than the New York City Marathon or extra innings at the World Series.

Bear in mind, that a purple Alberta Ferretti dress was still over $600 - Can a Ferretti come between you and your IRA? This is not an impulse purchase.

Aeffe 30 West 56th Street sale through November 7th - hours from 10-6