Preview from the front: Tracy Reese

Michelle Obama fans have the fashion find of the year at the Tracy Reese sample sale. So will followers of Billboard winner Taylor Swift, who was one of the first to wear the red polka dot frock. If you're an individualist, head to the sample sale racks (many size 4s) where you can curate a look from original samples in cool colors and combos that weren't produced en masse. Even with sample sale counts that seem higher than pollen, this will be packed with fashionistas.

264 West 40th 9-7:30 -- For anyone who likes to make an entrance and eschews basic black.

/nancy brenner

Michelle Obama Wears Blue

Photo: Gary Fabiano-Pool/Getty Images

What did I tell you about Bright/Royal Blue just a few weeks ago?  I rule!

Report from the Front: Showroom Seven

Nancy Brenner Kicks Off the Weekend:

Snatch a shiny scarlet satchel at the Showroom Seven sample sale preview today. It's worth the hike, subway, bus, cab, or combo of transport modes if you want to snag a bag that doesn't look like every other on the 1,9 or 4,5,6 lines. All the single ladies, skip your Vitamin D and and give yourself an early Valentine's Day present at this Spring Sample Sale with sunny costume jewelry pieces from Erickson Beamon - featured in Vogue, etc. and worn by Beyonce, Ciara and Michelle Obama (those brooches). Looks range from tribal to skulls and razor blades necklaces to studded blue bracelet to funky Felix the Cat festooned on necklaces and delicate bracelets. Also, peruse Margaret Loves Peter purple hand-loomed cotton cardi encrusted with a rhinestone neckline for a one of a kind look along with other brands reped at this palace of pizzaz.

Showroom Seven
263 Eleventh Avenue btwn 27th - 28th Sts.
11 am - 7 pm

Call to Michelle Obama: Recessionista!

Bargain shopper and writer extraordinaire, Nancy Brenner, pens another important piece for GSNYC:

According to Barron's new cover story on the new consumer and the Michelle Index, Michelle O. wields weighty influence over brands like J. Crew whose fortunes rise as a result. Michelle Obama tried to lead the nation as a frugalista by gracing J. Crew even wearing a timeless twin to Jay Leno, but Crew is still an aspirational brand for most Americans. And at the TIME 100 dinner, she showed up in a pricey Michael Kors number. Michelle - try shopping like most American grappling with job losses, furloughs, and two-household paychecks slimmed down to one or none- by being a recessionista. As a veteran of more sample sales then I'll ever admit to, I offer my tips to savings wannabe Obama and real recessionistas on how to earn their sample sale blackbelts. Tips for the frugalista: Ever had someone snatch your very own clothes at a sample sale? It's not just an urban myth - bring a bag with you that's big enough to stuff in your "street clothes" so you don't have to guard them in the makeshift dressing room. Don't want to show up to work or an appointment with your hair in disarray? One savvy shopper clipped her hair close to her head in a signore Chanel scarf so she could keep her coif perfect. Set a stopwatch - establish a time limit from the start - and allow for checkout lines. Be strategic - go for the most limited item first - if a sale is stocked with skirts, but few blouses, get there faster than KFC coupon holders. If you can wing it to NY for a Broadway show, surely it's worth the savings to head to the sales. Amortize extra costs such as parking near the building - consider it part of the expenditure. One woman takes the red eye to hit up her favorite sale, stocks up with racks of clothes and heads home with her booty. At reductions for a Lafayette 148 leather jacket from $895 to $75, it was worth the airfare. Buddy up - go with someone who's judgment you trust and can be an extra "mirror" - and can assess when something is not the perfect fit - maybe Sarah Palin has some free time. Michelle - show us you got game and on your next trip to New York, roll up your sleeves (if you're wearing any) and go where real fashionistas hunt for fabu finds - on long lines to gain entry into dimly lit spaces, with teensy try-on rooms and dresses that even Jackie-O would have worn with grace. Bring the Secret Service with you and find out where the real housewives of New York and their single counterparts hang out and economize.

XOXO, Sample Sale Girl

Michelle Obama - Fashion Icon?

I know this will not be a popular statement to make, but Michelle Obama does not display a natural knack for style or fashion. Her hot husband, aka our President? Yes, he surely does. I think the French may really start to like us again soon as a result.