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!

Louboutin at Saks Redeems!

OK, since I dissed the last pair of Louboutin shoes that Saks pimped to my inbox, I thought I should give props when props are due.  These boots are BAD meaning GOOD. 
If I could fit into or afford them (they're $1,695), or hell, if I thought there was a chance in the world that I could walk in them, I might even buy them. 

May 20-21: Petites Have Their Pick - Preview Anni Kuan

You might only know this designer if you shop at high end boutiques like Otto in Park Slope. Better than wholesale prices with designs that you won't see plastered all over Gotham. A snakeskin print skirt with a lace overlay look. Pop-art colors at prices that are a fraction of what other sample sales are charging. A real sample rack. And they will give you an honest opinion about colors and fit that flatters.


THURSDAY, MAY 20,10AM - 6PM
FRIDAY, MAY 21, 10AM - 8PM

ADDRESS: 262 W. 38TH STREET, #703 (BETWEEN 7TH & 8TH AVE)

colorful summer dresses: $60
embroidered silk dresses and jackets: $60-$85
printed jersey separates and dresses: $30 - $60
washed lightweight linen shirts and pants: $35 - $60

~Nancy Brenner

Nanette Lepore Sale - No Amazing Deals

kay so, the crowd was clamoring for the renowned racks stocked with samples at $20 and $30.
There were none.
Many shoppers clicked their heels and disappeared - even the infamous Cynthia Steffe hoarders. If you are an absolute die-hard (and this sale has many devoted fans), you should stop by before noon and see what the early birds left behind after deciding if they wanted to spend $150 on dresses or $95 for cardis.
Best buy: white leather lambskin jackets that were selling for a little over $200 and retailed for close to seven.

225 West 35th Street.

~Nan Brenner

May 25-27: Be&D Sale

May 18-20, 2010: Nanette Lepore Sample Sale

Straight from Paper magazine's VIP newsletter:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19: NANETTE LEPORE SAMPLE SALE

If the flirty, spring weather has you feeling flirty and springy then head to the Nanette Lepore sample sale to get some flirty, spring dresses to match your mood! Ms. Lepore's kicky dresses are in the $150 department, trench coats are going for $230, and cardigans are $95.
Nanette Lepore Showroom, 225 W. 35th St., fourth floor. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Through May 20.

Update!: http://www.thefabulousreport.com/0505/nanette-lepore-sample-sale-may-18-20.html

Lines at Louboutin - line cutters abound, REPORT FROM THE FRONT

Nancy's there, and here's what she has to say:

Semi-pro women standing on line for two hours waiting for their group of six "friends" to show. Passports and driver's licenses being flashed for entry while other manage to sweet talk their way in. Flip-flop shod feet were probably the smartest way to get through the sale, good luck to the ones who went in with boots. Nearly an hour before the first victor emerged with three white bags of shoes. Most popular excuse for people missing half a day of work or more - doctor's appointment. One woman with dubious proof of identity scouting for a person to vouch for her - and she did find a stranger willing to - in exchange for a better spot on the line. Three+ hour wait to get in - if there's anything left. Is anything worth being eyeballed by competitors trying to size up your shoe size, continous line cutting, standing in line wishing you hadn't had that coffee maybe an hour or so ago - maybe if you're flipping on e-Bay or unemployed.

Skip the Zoloft and Score a Custo: Custo Barcelona for Women & Men

No cookie cutters at Custo. If Lady Gaga wore hoodies, T-shirts, or dresses that didn't have cut-outs everywhere, she'd be sporting this line's splashy looks. Head downstairs to the one-of-a-kind sample room where both women & men can find vintage and current pieces - check out the raincoat rack - nothing like it in the city! Shopping here is like going to a hip day spa that happens to sell feel happy clothes. If you're a supermodel, or want people to think you are one - there are size 9 runway boots that rocked the catwalk. THERE IS NO DRESSING ROOM. That didn't stop people from stripping at this co-ed sale. Dress accordingly. Check out Searle which carries the line. Hoodies slashed from over $100 to $39. T-shirts $29. Fun and affordable.
474 Broome Street
Thursday - Sat 10a-8p

~Nancy Ga Ga Brenner

Rebecca Minkoff VIP Sample Sale Night from 4-9 Tonight

Courtesy of the purseblog.com . "Because of her huge PurseForum fan base, Rebecca continues to open up a VIP night for the members." Bring your first aid-kit, if it's half the battle that the Botkier sample sale was last week. Note to men: skip the bars and head to the stylish line of women waiting around the block to snag a boyfriend bag or a morning after.


155 5th Avenue. Good luck and report back!
 
/Nancy B.

Shoe Lovers Small & Tall Rejoice: Preview Report from the Front - Nordstrom Rack, Union Square

Jeez, I barely even knew this store had opened, and Nancy's already there!!

Four racks of size 12 for women alone nestled among the 25,000 pairs of shoes including a pair of stylish red Steve Madden gladiator flats priced at $49. Famous for shoe size ranges, 4.5-14, men from 7-16, the hard-to-fit New Yorker can check for new styles including Stuart Weitzman, Alan Edmonds, Cole Haan, as five trucks with new merch arrives each week.

For Women: You may be able to skip the maddening Rebecca Minkoff sample sale crowds this week as a selection of bags are reduced from $595 and $550 to $249, $259. A one of a kind red leather with zipper jacket from Alice & Olivia at $219.95 down from $695. Missoni skinny scarves at $59.95 and $69.95. Find everything from Spanx Power Panties to Strivectin in the wide-ranging women's department.

For Men: Looking for an economic rebound shirt? Try the Hickey Freeman blue and white pinstripe shirt with white collar $49.95 from $135. Blazers from Hugo Boss $239 from $593. Joseph Abboud blazer $229.97 from $495. A check-me-out black leather John Varvatos jacket $699 reduced from $1,995. For Father's Day, job interviews, or casual shirts, it's worth a trip.

Remember the old Century 21 before it became jammed with tourists and you could discover a one-of-a-kind items or basics? Well the magic is at Nordstrom Rack.
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m; Sunday, 11 a.m. -7 p.m. 
One Union Square South (14th & Broadway)