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

Sample Sale Samurai Tips

With a tsunami of sample sales starting next week, here are Nancy Brenner's 10 tips:

1. Act like a retailer - take total inventory of your closet, then rearrange by color and function (i.e. weddings, work, weekend)

2. Not perfect? - If the dress need more alterations than a patient on "Nip/Tuck," skip it. A missing button or a busted zipper is a simple fix.

3. Where will you wear it? Spotted a dress in a blue hue that was my most flattering shade, but wasn't 100% sure. Luckily, the "sample sale whisperer" Leora at Teri Jon said, said "where will you wear it?" Sage counsel. I put it back on the pile.

4. Does this update my look? Search for statement makers, but not one-hit wonders. I suspect the ubiquitous fur vest will be on deep discount.

5. Donate or consignment items - to clear room in your closet and earn cash for sample sale spending.

6. Don't succumb to herd mentality - it's hard not to get carried away when everyone around you is swiping their credit cards - just remember - you don't know their credit ratings.
7. Know the retail value - Check the designer's website, and peruse retailer's websites to assess if it's a true bargain. Don't let a "sale" entice you.

8. Make a list - just like supermarket shopping, temptation lurks at the aisle or check-out. Focus on completing an unworn outfit - matches for a sweater or skirt hanging with tags still attached in your closet.

9. The "pow" factor - always leave room in your budget for unexpected find - but not fifteen of them.

And finally,
10. Does this make me look like Lady Gaga? - If it does, and you're not Lady Gaga, you should probably put it back on the rack - it's on sale for a reason.

T.J. Maxx - 57th St. - The Photo

T.J. Maxx is opening on 57th Street on November 11 at 8 am - fixtures are in - can't wait to see the bargains and shoppers scurrying to and from its "Daffy" neighbor across the street.

~Nancy Brennerr

Running the NYC Marathon? Try this Sample Sale Marathon --

You may need a zipcar to lug around your sample sale booty next week. If you have on extra vacation day, take it on November 10.  Strategize: sales start at Malandrino at 8, Vivienne Tam at 9 and Moschino or Vivienne Tam at 10. Why is there always sample sale clumping?

November 9th
Nanette Lepore 225 W. 35th Street 9 am start
Tibi 260 W. 39th 10 a.m. start

November 10
Catherine Malandrino 123 W. 18th 8 am start
Vivienne Tam 260 W. 39th Street 9 am start
Moschino, Ferretti 30 West 56th Street 10 am start
Shoshanna 231 W. 39th Street 10 am start

November 11
Lafayette 148 - 148 Lafayette Street 9 am start

Expect long lines to get in just about everywhere. Let's hope Nanette Lepore brings back it's legendary sample sale rack.

~nancy brenner

Baoguette: CLOSED...Due to a Dirty Mind

Baoguette is a curious institution.  They opened on Lex near 25th St., and I rejoiced.  Then they moved over to 3rd Ave below 23rd St.  Then they "went on vacation" and next thing I knew, they were back at the old Lex/25th address.  And this morning, as I was walking by post-vote, I found the gates shut tight and this notice on the door.  Yikes!  Good food, bad service...but what in the world is going on over there?

Nov. 10-12: Catherine Malandrinio Sample Sale!

This might be worth taking the morning off from work and camping outside for:

Savvy & Co. is hosting CATHERINE MALANDRINO's Fall/Winter Sample Sale:

What: Sample Sale featuring CATHERINE MALANDRINO Fall/Winter styles and for the first time – MALANDRINO Runway collection

Where: Metropolitan Pavillion
123 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
212.463.0200

When: November 10th – 12th Wednesday - Friday 8AM – 8PM daily

Why:
Blouses were $395… now $95
Skirts were $275… now $65
Dresses were $525… now $155
Leather Jackets were $1,200… now $295

Cash and all credit cards accepted.

BONUS DISCOUNTS!!!
RSVP to samplesale@catherinemalandrino.com to receive an additional 10% off!

Score a gift certificate to Catherine Malandrino NYC boutiques:
$25 when you spend $250
$75 when you spend $500
$125 when you spend $1000

michelle tan - My Favorite Store in Chicago's NEW Location

Report From the Front: Adrienne Landau Fur & Faux Sample Sale

The frenetic pace and wardrobe of the original Pedro Almodovar "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" 80s hit is captured in the Broadway musical starring Patti LuPone (as Lucia) who rocks a leopard coat and hat that takes center stage of this musical set to open on November 4 at the Belasco theater.  Five-time costume design Tony winner Catherine Zuber has created confections in such vivid hues, that you may be inspired to book a flight to Madrid where this vibrant tale of tumult is set. See Women for the A-list actresses who showcase their flair for theater along with their flair for feathers (maribou and otherwise), distinctive silhouettes, white patent ankle boots, passionate purples and even the cab driver in snow leopard pants.

Love Lupone's leopard look? Head to the Adrienne Landau fur and faux fur sample sale where you can find traffic-stopping leopard print hats, vests, or coats. Maybe there will be markdowns since tomorrow is
the last day.  Prices start as low as $35.

518 Eighth Avenue, 21st Floor.  Scope out adriennelandau.com

~Nancy Brenner

Bergdorf Goodman - Something for ALMOST nothing

The Andy Open Back Dress by Oonagh for Nanette Lepore in size large (10-12) for $59. With the gift card, that will be $9 plus tax, originally $118.

~Nancy Brenner

Friends cradles their cell while eyeing their pile at the Teri Jon sale

With sample prices at $50 for skirts, $65 for cocktail and day dresses, and $20 for cotton tops, women had piles of clothes to sift through.  "Stop whatever you're doing and get over here," was a common refrain at this sale where you can find a power interview suit, a date dress, a day dress, a cocktail dress, and Ivanka-worthy wow wear. Oprah cover dress - check. Elisabeth Hasselbeck top she wore on GMA - check. One woman said "watch out for the baby" - yes, there was a baby who was blase about the experience - maybe it wasn't her first time. If you're the sample size, you may never have to hit another sample sale or obsessively check gilt.com for an entire season.  It's that good. Also stock sizes available - and helpful staff.  Leora will be your own Stacy London and let you know what works and what to toss or tailor.  She told one shopper. "think of it as a happy accident if the sample fits you." Grab a power bar before you go - you'll need your energy to sort the selection.
(See yesterday's post for time & place!  GSNYC)

~Nancy Brenner