Guerilla Shopper Discovers Gem in Chelsea: LINGO

By sheer accident - but perhaps there are no accidents - I discovered my new favorite west side store: Lingo. This one-woman store offers designs from independent artisans (Hapiru, Cinderloop...) from around the country at prices that are digestible.

While there are some funky groovin' casual pieces, many of the garments are work-appropriate - or can be made to look that way - especially for women who work in a slightly creative field, but who still need to look somewhat "buttoned-up:" media, architecture, design, etc. I tried about 19 things on and bought three - pictured above. [Check out the black & grey Mad Men dress. Naughty!!] She also has a wide selection of belts and jewelry that I dug, but had to draw the budgetary line at.

In addition to the great wears, I had a grand old time with the owner who was very helpful and interesting simultaneously- in the way that you wish a salesperson would always be.

So! If you live near or find yourself on W. 19th St. one fine afternoon (257 W. 19th St. to be exact) - near the Joyce Theater - I implore you to stop in.

Closed Mondays.

Bloomingdale's: Last Day 20% Off / Belle de Nuit Candles

Yes, go to Bloomies TODAY (Sunday, Nov. 15) and get 20% off of almost all clothing. Went yesterday with a friend and, well, it's just good to get pretty expensive stuff for less.

Also go TODAY to the GreenFlea Market on Columbus and 77th St. I have learned that Belle de Nuit has added a candle collection (see pic.) to their amazing silk flower arrangements!

Sample Size 8 Heaven at Lafayette 148, Report From the Front

Nancy Brenner, still at it:

Lest we be accused of pulling a Cintra Wilson on shopping reportage, come one, come all to the Lafayette 148 sale where there was a line curling around the corner for women of all sizes - they sell petite (a few racks where you can find zeros if you look hard enough), Missy and Women's at Lafayette 148. And if you are a Size 8 in their brand, which is generously cut, you will be burning up your credit card - so control yourselves! One of my friends said "this is not a sale for skinny minis." But if the size fits, you will find sequined jackets worthy of black tie events, perfect work wear skirts, a red day to night red dress that is currently "on sale" at a major department store for 3 X the "street sample price" of $60 and originally more than $400 - you do the math on the discount... Skirts are $40 - one originally tagged for $698 - wool, alpaca with hand beading. Leather skirts like butta are $100. Wool sweaters that retail for $200 are $40 - just check for moth holes. Ladies there are no dressing rooms and there are men at the checkout registers! So, unless you're an exhibitionist or want to outdo the infamous Highline hotel for women who don't do shades - come dressed to undress - close fitting top - if you're only looking for jackets and maybe a pencil skirt or leggings, so you can avoid stripping. This sale is on the ground floor in a space with many windows and curious onlookers! One optimistic shopper brought an empty suitcase - which she expected to fill - at these price points, she probably did. Peruse glimpse.com for a look at their luxurious line.

Today and tomorrow from 9am—8pm. 148 Lafayette St. between Howard and Grand Sts. (near the Canal Street station 6, N, R, etc.)

Sale & New Stuff at Les Nanas de Gramercy

I just got word that Les Nanas (de Gramercy) got a new shipment of winter clothes in from Paris and that all the apparel in the basement is 70% off (if you pay in CA$H!). On Third Ave. near 21st St.

NOW: Tibi Treats Facebook Fans to Early Entry for Sample Sale

A fashion first? Facebook Fans of Tibi are invited to fast track shopping - hours before the regulars - at 9:30 am instead of 1:00 pm - all the difference between snagging the good stuff or scavenging for scraps. Check out the yellow dress with black beading as worn by Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester and other seductress fashions on their Facebook page... or browse tibi.com. Who knows what will land at the sample sale?

Start Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 9:30am
End Time: Friday, November 13, 2009 at 6:00pm
Location: Coolture Showroom
Street: 409 W. 39th St.
City/Town: New York, NY

~Nancy Brenner

Shoshanna: Report From the Front (Starts Today!)

Back at it...Nancy Brenner reports:

Profiteering at a sample sale? With these prices, a sign was posted not to resale. First, head for the numerous $50 sample racks for this season's merch if you're a 2 or 4. I spotted an on-trend motorcycle jacket that was on its way to retailers - it was purple, and the stores ordered basic black. Other finds include one-of-a-kinds that were never manufactured, so if you're looking for an original cocktail dress, that no one else will have, check here. Also, samples from previous season. For stock piece, many of the dresses could be found for $100, $125. A sweater from past season had a tag on it from a big name retailer on Fifth Avenue.

When: Wed - 10-6:30, Thursday from 10-5:30.

Since there are a slew of sample sales tomorrow, head here first for a party dress or work-worthy black sheaths that can go from day to night with the right accessories. Sales people sweet and helpful. Do pack light, checking everything...if you're reading this you know the drill...

Wednesday November 11th, 2009 @ 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday November 12th, 2009 @ 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
231 West 39th Street
Room 422

Nov. 12-15: ABC Carpet Warehouse Sale in the Boogie Down

This sounds good (and bring the above flyer for even more money off!)

home: barbara barry, mitchell gold + bob williams, french heritage, upholstery, antiques, theodore alexander, traditional & modern furniture, grounded, lighting, table top & accessories, books, bed & bath, downtown pillows, comforters & blankets.

carpet: modern, handmade orientals, needlepoints,aubussons, flatweaves, shags, mansion sizes, runners, remnants & wall-to-wall carpet.

where: abc carpet & home – bronx warehouse outlet
1055 bronx river avenue
bronx, ny 10472
718 842 8772
m-sat: 10a-7p, sun: 11a-6p
www.abchome.com

Nov. 19 - Dec. 23: Green Finds Eco Market Place

What: Green Finds Eco Market Place
When: November 19 - December 23
Every Week Thursday to Sunday
Where: 2 Great Jones Between Broadway and Lafayette

This holiday season Green Finds is holding New York’s first ever Eco Holiday Market Place.

The Green Finds Eco Market Place is curated by Ike Rodriguez, a socially conscious grass roots retailer. The Eco Market Place fuses the best selections from local NY eco companies to major eco brands.

Every Thursday to Sunday Shop and meet the creators of Spirit Beauty Lounge, She Essential Beauty, Positively Organics, Lee Lai, Real Jewels, Kaija, Get Licked, Yania Creations, Seltzer Goods, JeeyunHa Designs, Charmone Shoes, 3r Living.

Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ecompassion and join the email list at http://greenfinds.com/ to keep updated with the special events currently being scheduled, such as the eco makeover day with Spirit Beauty Lounge or the Tea and Organic Chocolate party.

For more info contact Ike at ike@greenfinds.com or 917 226 9765

Nov 8-11: La Perla Sample Sale

La Perla Sample Sale
Up to 75% off retail

Lingerie, sleepwear, swimwear, and men's lounge wear

Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 9 - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

4 W 58th St., 4th Floor
Between 5th & 6th Avenues

All sales are final
Cash & major credit cards accepted.

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