Hanro: Lux Undie Sample Seekers male and female...

...read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal as they waited on line for superb prices at this top quality line of Swiss underwear, underpinnings, sleepwear, robes and lounge wear. There were only 3 men for 3 full racks of offerings! Serious male hoarder though - and I didn't think that I'd have to compete with a husky tall male for XS underwear at 8:01 this morning - guess his goods will be on eBay tonight. One woman was finished by 8:15 with three big shopping bags full of merch that I suspect will land online too -- unless like many New Yorkers she loathes laundry day and picked up a month's supply. It was a tough crowd and one woman limbered up marathon-style by doing neckrolls and stretches. Panties were the ultra-sought after item here with prices at 6 for $30 (most were XS) and nightgowns in the $40-$45 range. The serious sample sale shoppers (like a guy who said he has been coming for the past 15 years) probably went today, so it's likely safe to do a drive-by tomorrow: 40 E. 34th Street Suite 207. A+ for most literate sample sale.

~Nancy Brenner

Dec 8-12, 2009: Eugenia Kim Sample Sale

Eugenia Kim

SAMPLE SALE

TUES-FRI DEC 8-11, 2009
10AM-7AM

SAT DEC 12, 2009
12PM-6PM

347 W. 36TH ST., SUITE 502
BETWEEN 8TH & 9TH AVE.

CASH & CC ACCEPTED

WEB ORDERS: info@eugeniakim.com

PHONE ORDERS: 212-674-1345 x10 or x12

Dec 10-23: Portolano Sample Sale

Yes, another one-

Portolano Sample Sale
December 10-23
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (closed weekends)
15 W. 37th St. (2nd fl)
NYC
Gloves and stuff.
No refunds or exchanges (so check your purchases CAREFULLY before leaving)
Major credit cards accepted

Good Sales (Furla) & NYT Article

These sales seem great: Furla! http://www.thesavvy.com/all-sales/

This article is good!: "Secret’s Out: Sample Sales Move Online"  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/technology/internet/07private.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=online%20luxury%20shopping&st=cse (...But now the mobs are moving online, to sites like Gilt, Rue La La, One Kings Lane, Ideeli and HauteLook. On the Web, the shopping is just as competitive, but it is no longer a blood sport.)

Dec. 11: Caterina Gatta (in Person!) at Change of Season

Rome based designer Caterina Gatta utilizes vintage fabrics from designers such as Gianni Versace & Givenchy to create one-of-a-kind modern couture pieces that hint at the past.
Caterina will be in-store Friday, December 11th to display and sell pieces from her collection.

CHANGE OF SEASON NYC
341 East 9th Street btw 1st & 2nd ave
Reception: 7-9PM

Botkier Bags No Bargain at $175-$275 - but better than Minkoff prices...

Nancy Brenner, when does she sleep?:

...and sample sale sections bags were $150 and still leftovers last night - because $150 for samples is pricey - last year you could find a slightly damaged bag for $50. They will be adding new "sample" bags - but get there when they replenish stock in the morning. This year a puny nothing tagged for $75. One man guarded his stash of about nine bags like they were Chanels.  Can you spell eBay? Last night there were fresh eBay postings - probably straight from the sample sale - of course those prices are closer to retail, but if you don't feel like dragging downtown to Lafayette Street in a hit or miss expedition, and don't mind paying a premium try eBay or some of the upscale online boutiques that are slashing prices bringing them close to (or in some cases lower) than sample sale ones.

GOSSIP GIRL GLAM WITHOUT THE GELT

Ga ga gold prices urging you to look elsewhere for holiday glitter? You won't need a trust fund for Blair-worthy headbands in black patent or pink silk embellished with vintage black lace at the Colette Malouf sample sale. Or Malouf's ethereal gold mesh wire hair pins, combs or barrettes. Don't know the difference between a head wrap and a head strap? Hair styles past a pony are beyond your repertoire? Don't worry. Colette herself will show you how to rock a headwrap, position a peacock pin, sweep your hair into French french knots with sparkly rhinestones and many other tricks of the trade. Creative Colette is like a live Tim Burton exhibit at MoMA, but without the crowds or admission price. Stocking stuffers seekers or those looking for gifts for each day of Chanukah, go to the source where Gossip Girls stylists pick up pieces for Blair. Dress your tresses for less with prices starting from just $5 and many in $15 and $20 range.

Head there now for inspiration - when was the last time you saw a designer at a sample sale? Thursday at 594 Broadway between Houston and Prince - tell them the Guerilla sent you!
~Nancy Brenner

Dec. 14-16: Catherine Malandrino Sample Sale Event Hosted by Savvy & Co.

Oh how I wish I didn't have a day-job!  Maybe Nancy can visit in my absence (and buy me stuff)--

CATHERINE MALANDRINO

Sample Sale Event Hosted by Savvy & Co.
December 14 – 16, 2009
New York, NY

The Catherine Malandrino sample sale, hosted by shopping event company Savvy & Co., will feature the Fall Winter 09 collection.

The collection reflects the great attention to detail, color, and silhouettes that Catherine Malandrino has become known for. It takes place Monday, December 14th through Wednesday, December 16th.

Merchandise at the sale will be marked down up to 80% below retail.

What: Ready-to-wear pieces that showcase the classic Catherine Malandrino style aesthetic.

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18th Street (btw 6th & 7th Ave.)
New York, NY 10011

When:
Monday, December 14th 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
Tuesday, December 15th – Wednesday, December 16th 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

REPORT FROM THE FRONT: MEN WHO LOVE CASHMERE -- CHECK OUT AUTUMN

Nancy Brenner say:

Autumn Cashmere where there was just a lone male shopper this morning. There are only two racks for men, but everything was under $200, with prices much better overall than for women.

Women's samples prices higher than in the past -- about $99 for a novelty sample that retailed for more than $200. Shoppers were grumbling about discounts that weren't solid sample sale prices - seems to be a trend this season following the Nanette Lepore sale when just last season samples were $20 and $40 and then upped to $75 and $95 last month.

Cottons for women: best deal. Ladies hope you did your squats --check lower racks with the orange tags for top deals. Sample sale prices still better than retail, but no steal according to the regulars. Sold at better stores and boutiques.

Today through Friday, December 11th (no weekends)
231 West 39th Street, Suite 924.
Hours: 9a-7p

Showroom Seven Sample Sale: Dec. 7-18

SHOWROOM SEVEN HOLIDAY SAMPLE SALE
Monday December 7th – Friday December 18th
263 11th Avenue - between 27th & 28th Streets - 3rd Floor

Featuring:

• Orla Kiely
• Erickson Beamon
• Issa London
• Tony Cohen
• Rockstar Jeans
• Andy & Debb
• Hollywood Trading Company
• Sharon Wauchob

VISA, MC, AMEX & CASH

For more info call 212 643 4810