Tam fan I am - Sample sale

Downgrade Doldrums? Vivienne Tam sample sale is like buying an under-priced equity. Thirty dollar samples offer best value at fire sale prices that will yield divine dividends in term of compliments.  Tam's selections are current and vintage, both are timeless. Petite have most picks, but many larger sizes available too. If there were a Zagat rating for sample sale staff and clothing quality, Vivienne Tam would score an A.

260 West 39th Street today (Weds.) 9a-8p, Thursday 10a-7p, Friday 10a-6p

/nancy brenner

Banana Republic | MadMen Collection

PRESS RELEASE ALERT (I'm taking this pretty much from press material directly, so sue me)...

Banana Republic’s first-ever “Mad Men” inspired collection has arrived. Designed by Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen in collaboration with “Mad Men” Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant, this collection offers a modern take on the best of 1960s stylish American sportswear through the Banana Republic lens of affordable luxury and quality. The collection will be carried in Banana Republic’s North American stores and online at http://www.bananarepublic.com/ starting Thursday, August 11.

Banana Republic Facebook Fans will have exclusive access to shop the collection first, before it hits stores and online. An early access Facebook boutique goes live on the Banana Republic Facebook Fan page (www.Facebook.com/BananaRepublic) on Wednesday, August 10th, allowing fans to beat the crowds and shop the collection first.

Banana Republic MadMen Collection

Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibit at the Met: This is the Last Weekend!

I went and waited in very long lines. All in, it was a 3-hour endeavor.  But it was oh so worth it.  Curated brilliantly, and well...the work speaks for itself.  I was fighting back tears for the first 25 minutes.  Took my breath away.

Crowded as all hell, but I'm glad I went - you will be too.  CLOSING SUNDAY (Aug. 7) NIGHT!  RUN!

Coviello Sale: 70 Orchard Street

Items start at $50 at this in-store sale, with a relatively small selection. Some are stained and hark back to previous seasons.  If you're in the area anyway, it's worth a peek, less so if your closet is already packed.  True finds are the plumage headbands at $56, which isn't even a markdown.

/nancy brenner

July 28: CHANGE OF SEASON HOSTS AMERICO 1919 TRUNK SHOW

Change of Season, a boutique outlet
341 East 9th St. NYC

Proenza Packed sample sale line

If you are not already at 495 Broadway, it's unlikely it will be worthy of your Metrocard swipe or cab fare.  Friends and family who had a head start on Monday are back for more and shoppers were stocking up on dresses in the $400-$500 range, and bags were going, going.... and they were checking the list at the door, so no sneaking or peeking. There is always the Bloomingdale's across the street for the 100 or so fans on the queue to get in. 

/nancy brenner

Ralph's Ice Cream & Italian Ices on E. 24th St.

I'm not entirely sure why this place isn't the most mobbed spot in town, but for now I am happy that it's not.  Located out a window right across from Baruch, Ralph's offers tons of flavors of ices, as well as ice cream, smoothies, something called an "iceberg," and sundaes (how about a toasted marshmallow crunch?). 

I had a medium passion fruit water ice (as opposed to a 'cream ice,' e.g. cannoli or banana), and it was super awesomely delicious and didn't cost both arms and a leg (it was $3.50). 

I just dig how this place is set up, what they offer, and the fact that it seems to be still flying under the radar.  The only issue I have is that they sometimes use Styrofoam cups. 

Follow @ralphsicesnyc on Twitter.

Shooting for suede? Leather lovers lap up samples

If you can perish thoughts of humidity, and imagine a sweat-free future, swing over to In Suede for suede samples ($25-35) or perhaps a leather trench for fall or white lambskin leather jacket for air-conditioned environs. Today through the 29th. 10a-6p.

The Botkier store is running yet another bags-in-bin sample sale, this time with more hot house hues. Beware scratches on bags, particularly brights - priced particularly well as compared to their online offerings.

/nancy brenner

Jul 30-31: Butter by Nadia's Sample Sale Spectacular

Sample Sale at House Of Butter July 30-31 in Bkly'n
CASH MONEY ONLY
...it's like butter it's like butter baby

http://www.butterbynadia.com/contact.html

Culture Object - New York Spaces - June 2011 - New York, NY

Culture Object - New York Spaces - June 2011 - New York, NY