May Madness - NYC Sample Sales

One of the best and most dangerous things about living in New York is the access to incredible sample sales. Having worked on the wholesale fashion side, I find it very difficult to cough up full retail! And why should you? So I thought I would share the May Madness with you ... should you be in the City, or just feel like dreaming.


May's Madness (via DailyCandy)

What: Rachel Roy
Why: Current-season crochet dresses ($295, reg. $695), tanks ($95, reg. $225), azure swing skirts ($150, reg. $425), mineral-print jackets ($165, reg. $445), and cargo pants ($150, reg. $375).
When: Today-Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 261 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 2nd flr.

What: Norma Kamali
Why: Sexy retro swimsuits and cat-eye sunnies for under $100, plus goodie bags, karaoke, and free snacks.
When: Thurs., 5-9 p.m.
Where: 11 W. 56th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves. R.S.V.P. to lindsayw@normakamali.com.

What: Madeline Weinrib
Why: Ikat and block-print pillows, carpets, fabrics, and more at 40-70 percent off.
When: Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., Sat. & Mon., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: ABC Carpet & Home, 881 Broadway, at 19th St. (212-473-3000 ext. 3780).

What: Posh Sale Benefiting Lighthouse International
Why: Gently worn vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Hermès, Lanvin, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, YSL, and more.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Plaza Hotel, 1 W. 58th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.

What: Nanette Lepore
Why: Cheeky separates for $95, dresses for $145, and outerwear from $195.
When: Tues.-May 19, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 225 W. 35th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 4th flr. (212-594-0012).

What: Yigal Azrouël
Why: Ready-to-wear dresses from $375, tops from $150, pants from $110, and men’s clothing from $70.
When: Tues.-May 19. Daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 225 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 5th flr.

What: Bird Closet Sale
Why: Gems from owner Jennifer Mankins’s personal collection (Rachel Comey, Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tsumori Chisato), plus 20 percent off current full-price merch.
When: May 18, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 220 Smith St., at Butler St., Cobble Hill (718-797-3774).

What: Lela Rose
Why: Ready-to-wear blouses, dresses, and skirts are 50-80 percent off.
When: May 18, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 19 & 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 224 W. 30th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 14th flr. (212-947-9204 ext. 14).

What: Ali Ro
Why: Up to 70 percent off feminine dresses and jackets.
When: May 18-20. Wed., noon-5:30 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 530 Seventh Ave., b/t 38th & 39th Sts., 14th flr.

What: Derek Lam
Why: Dresses marked down to $395, trenches for $275, and blazers for $295.
When: May 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 10 Crosby St., b/t Howard & Grand Sts., 3rd flr.

What: Tibi
Why: Resort and early spring beaded silk dresses and cotton shifts are 40-70 percent off.
When: May 24-26. Tues., noon-7 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 348 W. 36th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves. (212-290-5306).

What: Tracy Reese
Why: Cheerful printed spring dresses for $30-$50.
When: May 24 & 25, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: 264 W. 40th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 801.