Fashion Week Shot: Rebecca Taylor Fall 2011

Rebecca Taylor Fall 2011 on Julia Alison as she exits the runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

/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

THE FASHION CENTER SIDEWALK CATWALK

THE FASHION CENTER SIDEWALK CATWALK PRESENTED BY LF USA is a one-of-a-kind public art exhibit, featuring New York City’s top fashion designers and free to the public all summer long in the heart of New York City’s Fashion District.

Patriotic fashionistas celebrate the 4th of July strutting down Broadway posing next to patriotic designs displayed runway-style on custom built mannequins. 32 designers are participating, including Nanette Lepore, Carlos Falchi, Catherine Malandrino, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor and Diane von Furstenberg,

That being said, the mannequins' flashy leggings, custom armor-like metal patterns, and the fresh flowers festooning Betsy Johnson's very sparse ensemble are guarded - so don't pick the daisies!

And Tommy Hilfiger designed the pictured flag outfit (why is the woman's face totally obscured - are all women faceless?)

For more info http://www.sidewalk-catwalk.com/

~Nancy Brenner reporting, GSNYC editing...

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.

May 27-30: Rebecca Taylor Footwear Online Sale

who: REBECCA TAYLOR - Footwear

what: Footwear this Season's Hottest Trend " The Cut Out Bootie" and much much more! - Prices up to 60% off Retail

when: Online: May 27th 12:00 PM EST (Noon) - May 30th 12:00 AM EST (Midnight)

where: online: http://www.thesavvy.com/

examples: ‘Dina’ Gold Flat Sandals w. Bejeweled T-Straps – Retail $295, at Sale $118;

‘Celia’ Platinum Leather Cut Out Bootie w. Wooden Heel 4.5” (pictured) – Retail $495, at Sale $198;

‘Carrie Studded’ Pink Lizard Leather Strappy Sandals w. Stud Details 4.25” Heel – Retail $355, at Sale $142;

'Ballerina Flower’ Aqua Blue Ballerina Flats w. Flower Appliqués – Retail $295, at Sale $118

Big Drop Warehouse Sale: Jan 18-20

What: Big Drop Warehouse Sale

When: Friday, January 18th to Sunday, January 20th; 10a.m. to 8pm

Where: Open House Gallery: a socially and environmentally responsible venue 201 Mulberry street between Kenmare and Spring streets

Payments: Cash and all major credit cards. Minimum charge $100, otherwise, cash only

Featuring apparel from Seven Jeans, Citizens For Humanity, Paige Denim, Mara Hoffman, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Taylor, Edun, Young Fabulous and Broke, YA- YA, Development and more…

Some price examples:
- Seven Jeans were $205 now$49 to $59
- Citizens for Humanity Jeans: were $192 now $49 to $59
- Development: cotton voile v-neck dress with silk trim was $360 now $99
- Edun: Striped blazer was $345 now $99
- Rebecca Taylor: Wool coat was $548 now$159

Big Drop Warehouse Sale: May 17-20

Find Outlet is pleased to be hosting The Big Drop Warehouse Sale from Thursday May 17th to Sunday May 20th.

Time: 12 to 7 pm.

Location: 361 West 17th Street between 8th and 9th Aves.

Come scoop up your favorite designer labels: Tracey Reese, Ella Moss , Foley & Corinna 7for all mankind and more for marked down prices that will help you take your closet from spring to summer!

Get your wardrobe summer-ready with breezy, effortless shift dresses by Rebecca Taylor from $89.00 and La Rok trapeze cuts that will take you from city street to sea side beach.

Merchandise will be marked down and updated on a daily and hourly basis, so that you can put your best be-heeled foot forward in the warmer months ahead!

Chelsea: 361 W. 17th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves)Subway A,C,E to 14th St (16th St Exit) 1/9 to 18th StOpen Thursday - Sunday 12 - 7 pm.

Special Offer: Visit bigdropnyc.com and Enter discount code bdnyc2007 for $30 off all your purchases until June 30th 2007