Cynthia Steffe: Survivor Edition report From the Front

This year there were two gangs of women line-cutting and fighting for the narrow space in the vestibule of the narrow, cramped rented sample sale space for Cynthia Steffe where everything was $20 - except for leathers.

Original tags are $195, $225, $295. Last year's group of hoarders in contention for space in small cramped hallway arguing with a ring leader of another group - who cut the line by at least 7 people. Lobby chaos by 9:30 a.m. By 10 a.m. people were allowed to enter the elevator - only 10 at a time - so be prepared to wait. "Ladies put your clothes on," was the funniest line ever at a sample sale as the Cynthia Steffe male security guards and female salespeople were trying to keep women from disrobing. One woman kept begging a security guard to look - he seemed as if he was standing before curdled milk.

It is a mini-battle zone with happy warriors, so good luck:
Tuesday Dec. 7 - Friday Dec. 10 (I doubt anything will be left)
10am-6pm all days
218 W. 37th St (between 7th & 8th ave), 7th Floor
Cash and major credit cards accepted

~nancy brenner

Report From the Front: In Suede: Did you dislocate your shoulder

at your last sample sale? Try In Suede where Joann will treat you like a shopper at an upscale boutique (Runway in SoHo) and where luscious leathers in colors from peacock to camel are sold. Did I mention the $45 sample rack? Most shoppers skip over sample sales that last no longer than a snow flurry, but this one is worth your perusal, especially if you're going to attempt the Cynthia Steffe sale nearby.

463 Seventh Avenue

Through December 17

~nancy brenner

W. 39th Street: Sample Sale Central

Sample Sale Central at 239 West 39th Street with at least 10 going on including busy Autumn Cashmere.

~n. brenner

Daffy's: The Fifty Dollar Fun Card Challenge

The good people of Daffy's posed a challenge to yours truly: They'd give me a $50 gift card that I could spend at any of their stores, if in exchange, I would recount my experience and talk about my purchases here on the blog only known as Guerilla Shopper.  I accepted their gentlewoman's challenge with enthusiasm and stormed the Daffy's on E. 18th St. near 5th Avenue - the downsized version of the old location around the corner, which is now H&M.

The photo above is everything I purchased for $50.  Four scented candles, water bottle, mini-umbrella (houndstooth!), and by far my favorite: the Kangol hat (only $17 in the men's dept).

I like Daffy's for their housewares, knick-knacks and men's/children's department.  The latter being really impressive, actually.  I don't find the women's apparel as intriguing, perhaps because the ladies are so thorough and on top of it as soon as new merch arrives in-store.

Also, Daffy's (formerly Daffy Dan's - how y'like me now!?): can you get a dimmer switch on your lights?  I feel like I'm in 7-Eleven (not a good feeling when trying on bras).

Guerilla Scores Coat at Mackage Sample Sale

I got into the Mackage sample sale on the last day (today), with two hours remaining, and scored the pictured coat for half price: $245 --and they didn't even charge me tax!  Yay.  OK, so it's not the most contemporary style they have, and be warned that this designer runs SMALL.  I got a large and there is NO room to grow.  I guess I will stick to weightwatchers.com after all...

Black Friday: Don't Believe the Hype

...and that's all I have to say about that.

Anti-Black Friday: Roundabout Resale

Big Box Not Your Style? Skip the line-cutting, smack-downs and requisite pre-dawn wakeups.  Try Roundabout at 113 Mercer St. (between Spring St and Prince St) this Friday. High-end boots straight from boutiques, excellent condition clothes and select vintage typically 1/3 of retail. A group of  women came in with their driver from Connecticut for discounted designers includin Prada, Ferretti, Chanel, and Balenciagia - one of them left wearing her brand new boots.  Check the lower level for contemporary lines like Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe - the Bergdorf 5F brands.
This Roundabout store is one of four in the area (two in Greenwich and one on the UES). Don't be a turkey this Thanksgiving - check for an eclectic selection.

~Nancy Brenner

This Blogger is Having a Hellavah Time Finding a New Coat!

I spent all weekend looking for a new black coat, to no avail.  Issues such as price, fit and mostly UGLINESS have hindered me.  Also, every store seems to have the same stuff.  I probably want a military inspired cloak, and will know it when I see it - any ideas?  I'm thinking less than $500.
xoxo GSNYC

Holiday Hair: Colette Malouf Magical Makeovers

Colette Malouf's magical makeovers could convince a bald man that he could work a semi-precious headstrap with sparkly jewels. If your goal is a Snooki pouf, a 60's bombshell boufont, or an Anne Hathaway upsweep a la Vogue photo spread this month, Colette will demonstrate on your hair - or her's - how to get the look.

Hair combs are this season's updater. A shiny row of rhinestones in a multitude of colors may just be the #1 addition to your holiday wardrobe. Of course, there are the famous feathers, rhinestone bobby pins, and leather ones too. If your Prince William has popped the question, peruse the white wedding collection to look like a princess. Hair bijoux prices starting from $5 and a multitude of $15 and $20 picks at 594 Broadway between Houston and Prince - tell them the Guerilla sent you!

~nancy brenhair

Guardian: Google targets fashion market

Google is preparing to enter the fashion business on Wednesday with a website believed to be called Boutiques.com:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/google-targets-fashion-market-boutique