First Fashion Haul of 2020

Happy 2020! Decided to kick of the year with a new post with all my epic sale finds of late. Last week TJ Maxx and Marshalls kicked off their yellow sticker clearance sale and I killed it. I also grabbed a few goodies at the Altuzarra NYC sample sale, which I almost skipped. So glad I didn't listen to my friend who told me not to bother...

This is not a drill people. You need to RUN to your local TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores because it's yellow sticker clearance time! Check out my close-up video that I shared on Insta here. This only happens 2x year and now is the time to hunt for all your favorite designer duds on the cheap. If you've missed the first round, don't fret. They usually follow it up a couple weeks in with a second round of markdowns so it's still worth a peek.

I always get a ton of questions about the yellow sticker sale so let's break it down. It happens at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods but always go to your local TJ Maxx Runway locations first for the good stuff. You can search for Runway locations on their website on their store locator. Runway stores have mini designer sections (as opposed to a stray piece or two) so you have a better chance of scoring.

My Longchamp Le Pliage logo tote is currently full price for $245 at Bloomies but I scored mine for $49! Did I mention I also scored a 2k Chloe bag for under $200? I got lucky because I got there before these were yellow ticketed (it's all in the timing!) but the lady ahead of me walked away with 2 Gucci totes for about $200 each. They weren't my style so no FOMO here. And before you ask where this was, don't bother, another lady after me who was clearly a reseller cleared them out minutes later.

Note, this is from just one store:

- Chloe mini quilted Drew, RV $1,950, paid $199 (This went viral on Insta LOL)
- Chloe Anna bag, RV $1,850, paid $399
- Longchamp Le Pliage logo small tote, RV $249, paid $49
- Kendrascott Val hoops, RV $75, paid $12

You always have to check the retail value because it's usually lower on the tag. For example, the Kendra Scott hoops are marked value $36, but the original tag with the $75 price is still attached. And my Chloe Drew is marked $1,590 but if you Google it you'll see the RV was higher too.

At Altuzarra sample sale I scored:

Ghianda Pearly Suede Top-Handle bag $200
Runway boots from Fall '19 $50
Black & white booties $35

Most bags were from 2017/2018 but I saw some 2019 too. Meghan Markle has been seen with a similar bag to mine in blue. I wanted the black suede because all my other black bags are leather and the pearl detail is on trend at the moment. And the great thing about having giant feet is that I can buy the models' runway shoes on the cheap.

Feel free to share the retail values of these things if you can find them. So less than $300 for over 4k in merch. Not bad if I say so myself—even if I may have had a bit of a disagreement with the designer's mom. A few people have asked about that story so here goes...

I was between events so I ran to the sale and then texted my girl Greivy to join. As I waited I saw a woman trying things on for her husband and she seemed a little unsure of herself. She had some great pieces and she just couldn't decide. She was cute and tiny and looked great in pretty much everything. She had on this cropped bustier/one armed checked blazer that was amazing. She kept pulling at it and felt it was a little big. I chimed in that they were cut for 6-foot tall runway models and she was petite so it might need a quick adjustment. She tried it on with a skirt so I suggested a high waisted pant or a button down blouse under...or maybe layer it over a chunky sweater dress....and that's when an older women screamed out, "absolutely not. I'm the designer's mother and that's not how it was meant to be worn." So I just looked at her (probably with a FACE) and said "there's no singular vision for fashion. Can't it be open to interpretation?" Seriously, how many people wear things exactly how they see them on the runway? She kinda studdered something back (honestly I'm not even sure what she said) but looked at me like I was the idiot. As a stylist I'm always looking for a fresh perspective. Not to mention. isn't the customer always right? And I would have rocked that piece over a ribbed sweater dress if it was my size.

Truth be told they aren't the nicest in that showroom. But the prices make it worth the abuse. The zipper on my $50 runway boots is broken so I asked for a small discount and they looked at me like I had two heads. I get it, it's already super cheap but another worker had suggested it and told me to ask at the front. Guess not. They also told me they don't give dust bags for bag purchases, but they did have them with some of the $50 last season shoes. So bottom line, not the friendliest experience but tons of great deals to be had. And you also don't have to go first day because they do restock, but better stuff does go first.

You can shop my look and my finds (not as cheap, sorry) here:

Other sales of note on my radar include:

The Zara sale is seriously heating up. Now is when I start grabbing cute pieces for NYFW.

I've been finding some fun pieces for 80% off Moda Operandi and they keep adding and slashing prices so you might want to check that sale out too.

And I did find a couple pieces at the ASOS sale too. Love that they have sizes small to plus!

Century 21 has 85% off but don't get me started on how good it used to be LOL. They did have an extra 20% off red tickets this past weekend and I suspect that may come back. I almost went to the downtown store on Friday but I got on the train uptown by mistake and it was getting late so I skipped. Eh, there's always another sale or another deal...

Now tell me your best shopping deal from last week! And feel free to ask all your sale questions below!

Happy shopping!

XO
Michelle

Rainbow Brightest

Decided to kick-off 2019 with a little rainbow style. After my InStyle Magazine feature in my rainbow dress I've decided to embrace a whole lotta color. I took the minis to NYC for our annual outing to American Girl for New Year's Day and luckily we were blessed with a mild 50-degree day—otherwise there is no way we could have shot our street style. Compared to the single digits we've been having recently, we considered ourselves lucky. And yes, my pics were taken by my super talented 11-year-old daughter, Ella.

From head to toe:

Sunglasses: Shein, $4
Earrings: Sarara Couture, c/o (RV $145)
Sweater: 525 America, purchased with a gifted gift card (RV $98)
Jacket: Missguided, $52, c/o
Skirt: Tory Burch, Rent the Runway (RV $398)
Bracelets: Hermes, sample sale, $300 (RV $600) and A.V. Max NYC, sample sale, c/o
Nails: Impress Manicure x Alice and Olivia, c/o (RV $7.99)
Bag: Bill Blass, c/o (RV $488)
Shoes: Modern Vice, sample sale, $50 (RV $398)

Exciting news! Both Modern Vice and Bill Blass are having sample sales this week. You too will have the chance so score my amazing Becky bag and Bolt boots for super cheap prices—see below for full sale deets. Even more exciting, I will be going live on Instagram and posting an IGTV from the VIP preview (this Thursday) for Bill Blass. If you don't live in NYC you will have the chance to watch and shop the sale from home—watch my IG stories for updates!

My girls are twinning in their Habitual Kid looks and Nina Kids boots. At this point they style themselves so Ella decided to show her personality with my Marc Jacobs headband (several seasons old) and a mini Rebecca Minkoff Love bag. I did get her some smaller straps at the sample sale that she mixes and matches with her bags—just like her mama. Ava's belt bag is a $13 score from Shein. My girls often raid my closet for accessories. I'm gonna be in serious trouble when they start fitting my shoes.

As for shopping this week, it's the tail end of department store discounts and the NYC Manolo Blahnik store just had another markdown. Century 21 has started markdowns but it's just not like the good ole days. Personally I'm sitting out for now but if things change I'll be sure to share. Wondering if anyone has seen any yellow sticker markdowns at TJ Maxx or Marshalls—I feel like it's that time of year...

Current sample sales of note are Bill Blass and Modern Vice. Bill Blass will have bags, shoes and ready to wear for up to 90% off. Modern Vice has boots from $49-249. They have an online sale as well but in my experience you can negotiate better deals in person, especially if you are buying a couple pairs. I'll probably be heading back there this week for round two.


Modern Vice
January 14-25 (but they may extend...)
M-F, 11-7
247 W 38th St, 3rd Fl

Bill Blass
January 25-26
F 11-6, Sat 11-4
236 5th Avenue, 2nd Fl
(FYI—I believe both Chicmi and Shopdrop are offering VIP access for the 24th if you are on their lists.)


What sales are on your radar for this week? Be sure to comment your best recent deals below!

Happy shopping!

XO

Michelle

CRAZY Nordstrom Rack Finds & December 2018 NYC Sample Sale Roundup

So it's been a while since I've really scored at Nordstrom Rack and I can't even tell you how mad I was when I heard my local Rack put out a ton of designer refurbs out on Saturday. The Rack takes returned shoes from their full line stores and fixes them up and sells them for about 70% off. Often they look brand new and if you're not picky you can grab some steals. Here is my latest haul—the Louboutins were $200 & $215 each, the YSLs were $275, The Rockstuds were $300, and the Guccis were both about $240. I actually didn't take the Monolo Blahniks and the Valentino sneakers. I didn't take the Rockrunners because they were $250 and I already got a pair for $99 at the yellow sticker TJ Maxx clearance a few years back. I also left the Hangisis because they were a little damaged (stained and scratched) and a little large—plus they were still $276. For me, for that price I would have needed perfect or a half size smaller or even $50 less. Maybe next time...

Linking up everything in my cart below so you can see what they are all currently selling for :)

And in-case you missed it all over my Insta and Facebook—check out my feature in the December 2018 InStyle magazine. As I wrote on my Insta; Never in my wildest dreams did I think at age 44 and a size 12/14 I would be featured in InStyle right next to Kendall Jenner and Alexis Bledel in my rainbow style. So crazy!

And FYI my Impress press-on nails are from the Alice + Olivia x Impress collab. Right now they have 25% off across their website and you can grab some here. These are not your mom's press on nails. They now have shorter nail lengths should you prefer not to have talons on your hands and they are so easy to use. I literally put mine on in less than 5 minutes on the subway or the bus on the way to events—perfect for busy mamas who don't have time to sit for a mani.

I should also mention, that the Show Me Your Mumu rainbow dress and Anya Hindmarch bag that I was featured in were both Rent the Runway rentals :)

As for Rent the Runway—I've really been enjoying my Unlimited membership. They've been sponsoring me for a few months now and I love having access to current high end pieces that I probably wouldn't get my hands on otherwise. It's a great way to try new designers and it's not just about renting a one off special occasion dress. They have coats, jeans, tops, bottoms, dresses, gowns, jumpsuits etc. That's not to say the system is not without flaws. If I rent something in the wrong size it can take forever to finally get your size. And sometimes the pieces shrink from dry cleaning. I rented this DVF dress 2x—the first time a 12 and it was ok but I wanted to try the 14 for length. And then the 14 was somehow smaller than the 12. Ugh. But I find if you pick up and return from the RTR store on 15th street it's a much faster turnaround and you can maximize your 4-at-a-time rentals.

Use code LEHOARDERPERK40 to take 40% off your first month of unlimited and get it for less than $100. Totally worth trying if you have a special occasion - with the discount it's basically the same price as a single rental—and then you get the whole month free!

For this look both the Heurueh coat and DVF dress were from Rent the Runway. And yes, I went pink again. I'll be sharing about that soon...

And now for this month's amazing sample sale roundup. Check back because I'll be sure to update to add feedback and add any really good sales that pop up. As always, check Chicmi or Shopdrop for updates but these are my picks for the month. I select my choices based on sales I've shopped in the past or have heard good things...and as always they have to be super designer or super cheap. Preferably both :)


A.V. Max has been a long time favorite for gifts and fun finds of my own. Pretty much everything is under $20 and they always have killer deals on earrings. Note their new address and be sure to say hi to Amy for me! I'll be stopping by at least once to this sale :) Read a past sale review here. 

A.V. Max
December 3-17
M 10-4, T 10-7, W-F 10-4
144 W. 37th Street, 3rd Fl


This is where I stock up on all my winter accessories on the cheap. I used to find them at Century for less (back when 90% off was really 90% off...) but now I pay a few bucks more at the sample sale.

Amato
December 4-14, 9-5 (Closed on Sat and Sun)
270 West 38th Street, Suite 902

I've been living in my Rent the Runway* DVF dresses and now I need to take a few home with me at sample sale prices. Their cuts are so much better than they were even 5 years ago and even at a size 12/14 they fit and flatter me to perfection. Check out my recent DVF dresses here, here, here, here and here.

DVF
December 4-9
T 10-8, W-Th 10-7, F-S 10-8, Sun 10-5
150 Green Street


Elizabeth Gillett is back again—I'm guessing because her sample sale last month fell smack in the middle of the snowstorm. I lived in her pieces all summer long. Grab some super cute caftans and wraps for your next beach vacay! 

Elizabeth Gillett
December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, all 10-6
260 West 36th Street, Suite #802


I always mean to check this one out and always forget. I'm really going this time LOL.

Natori
December 5-6, 10-4
180 Madison Avenue, Floor 19
ETA: I went 12/5 and undies area was pretty much cleaned out but the loungewear room (the second room) had a bunch of cute stuff. Grabbed a few robes and caftans for $10-20. I googled one caftan and it retailed for $275 :)


More cheap undies... #yesplease

Wacoal, b.tempt'd & CW-X
December 5-7, W-Th 10-6, F 10-2
136 Madison Avenue, 14th Fl
ETA: I went 12/5 and unless you're a size 34 bra you are pretty much out of luck. Lots of cup sizes but not band sizes :(


Last sale I grabbed some fun tights that I still haven't worn. But I will LOL. Note that some items are cash only.

Wolford
December 5-6, 10-4
33 7th Ave, Suite 1702


My favorite fancy girls dress sale. Check out my minis rocking their Halabaloo dresses here, here, here and here! Be sure to tell Halla I sent you!

Halabaloo & Dolls and Divas
December 7-11
F 9:30-6, Sat 11-4, M-T 9:30-6:30
423 West 43rd Street, Ground Fl


Start preparing for the madness. I didn't get to much the past couple sales but in the past I've scored $1,000+ dresses for $99. Go with your girl-gang and be prepared to fight LOL. 

Alice + Olivia
December 11-16
T 8-8, W 9-8, Th 10-8, F 9-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5
260 Fifth Avenue

Cheap tights and socks are always a good idea. I went once in the past and scored $1 tights. 

Hosiery Sample Sale 
Dec 11-21, (M-F only) 10-5:30
35 West 35th Street, Room 703

If you're a sample size 7 I hear this sale is paradise. LMK what you find!

Butter, Something Bleu & Golo
December 12-14
W-Th 9-6, F 9-2
130 West 57th Street, Suite 1E


Last sale was a bust and watch out for resellers but with prices of up to 90% off it may be worth a peek :) Check out my epic steal of a bag from a past sale here. 

Altuzarra
December 13-14, 8:30-7
233 Broadway, 14th Floor


With prices starting at just $5—I plan on taking a peek. I haven't been before but if you have please let me know what you think!

Rachel Roy
December 13-14, Th 10-6, F 9-6
58 West 40th Street, Mezzanine Level


Fancy lady stuff for up to 70% off - don't forget to check out the runway shoes! And as long as you're at The Curated - be sure to check out the 11 Honore pop up too :)

Christian Siriano
December 14-17
F-Sat 11-7, Sun 12-5, M 11-7
The Curated, 5 West 54th Street


One of my favorite shoe and accessory sales is back! Hoping we will see the return of the $25 box!

Frances Valentine
December 17-18, 8-6
80 West 40th Street, 8th Fl


I have friends who swear by this sale. Especially when they do markdowns in the end...

French Connection
December 17-19, 10-7
512 Seventh Avenue, 25th Fl


A few sales ago it was epic. Recently not so much. But always worth a peek just in case :)

Marc Jacobs
December 18-23
T 11-8, W-Th 10-7, F-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
150 Greene Street


If you're sample sized this one is worth checking out. They've also had $25 bargain boxes and cheap runway shoes in the past...

Prabal Gurung
December 18, 8-7
247 West 37th Street, Suite 1501


Time to stock up on k-beauty and tons of gifts!

Tocca, Artis, Stila, Dr.Jart+
December 18-23
T 9-8, W-Th 10-7, F-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
260 Fifth Avenue


And that's my roundup! As always, if you see me out and about, be sure to say hello! I'm always happy to give you a few tips and help you edit your finds :)

Happy Shopping!

XO
Michelle

November 2018 NYC Sample Sale Picks & Jimmy Choo Haul!

I usually just add my New York City sample sale picks to the end of my blog posts but I decided to share a dedicated post that I'll be updating throughout the month. My formula for a great sample sale is super-designer and/or super-cheap. Half off last season's old bags is not a legit sample sale. I look for one of a kind runway samples, shoes worn once down the runway by a giant footed model (my size too!) or crazy cheap bins. The best sales are often in a designer's showroom—once the sale gets taken over by a sample sale company the prices tend to get inflated.

In case you missed all my latest IGTV videos, I've been sharing a peek inside my favorite sales as well as videos of my sale hauls. I've recently shared Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga, Rebecca Minkoff, Paul Andrew... Head to my Instagram and click on the little button of a TV on the left that reads IGTV to watch. Here is a pic of most of my Jimmy Choo sample sale haul (only one pair of $50 shoes are missing). This time I almost got kicked out of the sale AGAIN but I still managed to walk away with some amazing pretty current finds! Head to my IGTV to hear the full story and watch the full reveal and prices :)

As of now these are the sales that are on my radar for the month of November:

This sale is my go-to for kids inexpensive boutique-y hair accessories and baby gifts. 

The Best Kids Sample Sale
11/12-16, 10-5
34 W. 33rd Street, Floors 3, 5, 9, 12

Not the cheapest of sales but I'm a Eugenia Kim fan so I usually just pop by to take a peek—be sure to check at the end for markdowns. 

Eugenia Kim
11/13-16, 10-7
347 W 36th Street, Suite 505

I've personally never been but I've heard a few gals raving about this one. 
*ETA 11/14 I heard this one may not worth be the trip. 

LoveShackFancy 
11/13-16
T 10-7, W-Th 10-6, F 10-4
210 11th Avenue, Suite 500

I stumbled upon this sale last season and her kimonos became my summer staples. Check out my last sales scores here and here. Cute + inexpensive = #yesplease 

Elizabeth Gillett
11/14-16, 10-5
260 West 36th Street, Suite #802

Cheap undies and bras sounds like a no-brainer!

Samantha Chang
11/14-16, W 11-8, Th 11-7, F 11-6
171 Madison Avenue, Suite 307

I'm not exactly sample size right now but if you are be sure to check out their sample rack!

Cushnie
11/15-16, 10-7
251 West 39th Street, 8th Fl

What a sample sale should be—lots of cheap beauty stuff. Think holiday gifts!

Peter Thomas Roth & June Jacobs
11/5-15, 11-7:30
460 Park Avenue, 22nd Fl

The pop pom earrings that everyone raves about. Some cheap things (I've picked up stuff under $10 before) but the better stuff is gonna cost you $$$.

Tuleste
11/15-17, Th-F 10-8, Sat 12-5
191 7th Avenue, Suite 2R

My go-to for modest dressier dresses and gowns. Get there early to have fun with their one of a kind samples. You can see me wearing a never produced $75 sample dress here. And see a previous sale review here. 

Teri Jon
11/18-19, 9:30-5
241 West 37th Street, 2nd Fl

I always grab a bunch of Derek Lam sunnies from this sale! FYI it's usually cash only. Check out a past review here. 

Modo Eyewear
11/27-29, 11-7
594 Broadway, Suite 801

I've actually never went to this one but I've always wanted to. I've heard the sample rack is the way to go—otherwise prices are not so budget friendly. But her dresses are oh-so pretty...

Lela Rose
11/28-30, W 8-8, Th 9-7, F 9-3
260 West 36th Street, 2nd Fl

As for other updates, I'll be sharing a giveaway for a Gucci bag with Ebay Fashion on my Insta. Be sure to enter to win! Also, look for me in the December Issue of InStyle Magazine and I've also been selected by 11 Honore as a favorite plus sized influencer to follow. I had a few people comment that I'm not plus sized but what you should know is that 11 Honore starts their sizing at size 10. Right now I'm anywhere from a 10-14 depending on the designer. So many high end designers stop cutting at a size 8 which is insane because the average size of an American woman is probably closer to a 16. So I'm honored to be featured by a company that gives women designer options in sizes often overlooked.

Happy Shopping! Which sales are on your radar for November? Comment below!

$20 Spring Refresh, Amazon Edition

Spring has sprung and when the seasons change I'm always on the hunt for a quick wardrobe refreshers. The easiest way to switch things up is with beauty and accessories so I'm gonna share the last five purchases I made on Amazon - all for $20 or less.

I do get a lot of free stuff but sometimes I need to bite the bullet and pull out my wallet to treat myself to a few odds and ends. This post contains affiliate links - meaning I get a small (really small) percentage should you purchase any of my picks. So thank you for supporting my shoe habit. Speaking of which, the Jimmy Choo sample sale was just announced so start saving RIGHT NOW! As always, all of my upcoming NYC sample sale picks are listed at the end of my post. But first let's talk sunglasses.

One of my mom hacks is to skip makeup and grab a pair of cute sunnies and a lipstick and head out the door. I look for bold, colorful ways to make an impact on the cheap. These YSL heart dupe sunglasses are perfect for that. And about 10 bucks. If you have money to burn you can buy the originals here - or grab these cuties in a rainbow of colors. I'm thinking about a second pair in pink or white.

I really wanted to love these pink sunglasses after I spotted them all over Instagram but I guess my face is too big. I need to find an oversized version ASAP. Luckily they are perfect for Ella so she stole them and wore them for most of our Israel trip.

They too are offered in a bunch of colors and for less than $10. If you have a petite face or don't mind tiny sunglasses than these are perfect for you.

I ran out of my Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil a while back so I was trying to manage with all my freebies. The Brow Wiz is by far the best eye pencil I've ever owned. I wear taupe (the blonde is a little too orangy for me - probably better for a strawberry blonde) and it looks so natural. My only issue is that it's a retractable pencil and every time you twist it up, it cracks off. So there is a lot of waste. Drives me nuts. When I was googling after I caved and decided to purchase another one, the NYX Micro Brow Pencil popped up as a dupe. So for less than half the price (and under $10!) I decided it was worth a shot. I just ordered this week it so I'm gonna have to let you know how it works out.

I'm always on the hunt for another LBD and I love that the Daily Ritual Women's Jersey Sleeveless V-Neck Dress covers my knees but has an open neckline without showing cleavage. It's the perfect layering dress and my arms don't get bulked up with sleeves under a jacket. I got a size large (I put on a few more lbs...) and it's super comfortable and flattering. Perfect for this transitional weather. And this one is $20 on the nose.

While some people love their popsockets, I wanted the ring version so it wouldn't fall off my hands - plus I think it helps keep your phone a little more stable when taking pics or video. I saw a lips version but it would take a couple months to get here. So I found these cute colorful fruity ones with Prime for less than $5. I'll give you a review on my Insta stories when I get it.

And now lets talk sample sales. Not all sales were created equal and most sales in the City these days are not worth your time. If you're new to the sample sale scene, any and all sales are exciting but you'll find your paychecks disappearing, and you end up with random pieces and that morning after feeling of what was I thinking. So I'll save you some time (and $$$) by pointing you in the right direction.

This week there is Aquazzura but my friends who hit the preview last night all agreed the selection wasn't amazing and it was too expensive. Wait for markdowns.

Aquazzura
May 2-6
W 9-8, Th 10-8, F 10-1
150 Greene Street

Minkoff used to be my favorite sale. I still go for nostalgia's sake but the deals aren't as epic. Sample bags are now $100 or less which is decent - but for a little more I'd rather have a $1,000 Choo bag. I always find a few pairs of shoes (usually samples) and last round I found these one of a kind white booties ($30 samples!) which I love. (I also got that fringed clutch in the pic for $50 at the sale). They used to have last day markdowns of $50 or less for everything but those days seem to be gone. They usually markdown mid sale and last day, so pop in whenever you're in the neighborhood. Samples are replenished throughout most of the sale so it gets a little hectic at that sample table. This sale is not for the faint of heart. You were warned.

Rebecca Minkoff
May 7-13
M 11-8, T-F 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-4
260 5th Ave

With Choos for $100 or less (on the last day) this sale is no joke. If you're gonna fly in for just one sale this is it. You'll save enough to justify the price of your plane ticket. Register here with code ROMY for general entry. Go first day for best selection or last day for markdowns. In the past markdowns started 2 hours before close, however one year it started at noon. You never know. Problem is if they see you sitting around for too long they throw you out (they did that to me one year). So often I'll go sometime around lunchtime to scope out the situation and then return for markdowns. Problem is that shifty resellers manage to stay under the radar with the bags and bags of stuff and they get the good stuff early. I think they take turns switching off. But when the markdowns hit and people start to edit - you can find lots of good go backs. That's how I found my fave snake Lockett bag one year. Bring your Ikea bags to lug your hauls home.

Jimmy Choo
May 9-11
W 11-8, Th & F 8-8
Metropolitan Pavilion 123 W 18TH ST, 2nd Fl


If you shop any of these sales, be sure to share what you get! Which sales do you plan on hitting this week? And be sure to share your sample sale tips if you have any recommendations for sales that you think I should add to my list!

PS I have another designer giveaway on the gram right now - check it out HERE. AND I have a mommy and me giveaway with Nina Shoes (& Nina Kids Shoes) - enter HERE!

XO
Michelle

Pink on Pink on Pink.

I've had this Club Monaco sample sale pink coat sitting in my closet since the summer just waiting to make an appearance. Once I dyed my hair pink I was inspired to pull it out. When I found these furry pink Zara shoes and scarf (both $10 - on sale!) it all came together for NYFW. Fashion Week in February is all about coats and accessories for me. Until the day I'm a car to door girl, I'll be bundling up in frigid temps. It always drives me nuts when I see girls running around bare legged or coatless in 30 degree weather. Initially I wanted to do head to toe pink but I didn't find tights and a dress in time so I just mixed in some not-so-basic black (dress has dots and tights are patterned too) for contrast. I do have a few pink hats, but this purple double pom cap was just so much fun - and matched my almost 90% off Jimmy Choo sample sale Lockett bag.

These were shot on Valentines day and I had just come from an event that offered free balloons. I probably could have chosen better because the wind was not cooperating. A bunch of hearts probably would have photographed better then the X and O.

Head to toe:

• Hat: RK Hats & Knits, c/o
• Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01
• Scarf: Zara, $9.99
• Pin: Chanel, borrowed from my Grandmother
• Coat: Club Monaco, sample sale, $40
• Gloves: Amato NY, sample sale, $10
• Bag: Jimmy Choo, sample sale, $350 (RV $2,895)
• Dress: H&M, $15
• Tights: Spanx, Burlington, $12.99
• Shoes: Zara, $9.99

These top photos were taken by Candace Hampton in the morning after a PR event and the bottom by my girl Belle post shows that day. Thank you guys!

Of all my Fashion Week looks this was probably my most photographed one. I actually had my second ever BFA photo front row in this look. Honestly so many people came over just to shoot my furry shoes. Best $10 at Zara I ever spent. They are a cross between Celine and Isabel Marant and look so designer. And unlike most of my other Zara sale shoes, they didn't fall apart after one wear.

My Jimmy Choo Lockett Bag was probably my best sample sale find last year. So much so that I actually picked up two last year LOL.

As for sample sales - there are quite a few on my radar for the week:

I'm a huge K-Beauty fan so I jump at the chance to stock-up on the cheap. 

JKNLEE K-Beauty
March 12-17, 10-7
9 Christopher Street

Of course I just ordered a bunch off Bauble Bar off the sale section on their website. Hoping to snap up some more for even less...

Parker X Bauble Bar
March 13-18
T 10-8, W-Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5
260 5th Avenue

I love Kate Spade's new kitchy, colorful line - last time I scored several pairs of $50 sample shoes and everyone went gaga over my $25 sample one of a kind bag that made an appearance here at Fashion Week. 

Frances Valentine
March 14-15, 8-6
80 West 40th Street, Suite 80, 8th Floor

It's the first Chloé sample sale at 260 - I'll be hitting the preview on the 13th at night so check out my stories for my thoughts post shop (no pics allowed inside the sale though).

Chloé
March 14-18
W-F 9-8, Sat 10-8. Sun 10-5
151 Wooster Street

I'll be doing an exclusive preview with ShopDrop App the night before - be sure to check out my stories! I'll try to go live on Insta and give you a peek inside! 

Paul Andrew
March 15-16, 12-7
41 West 58th Street, Suite 2A

Looks like it's gonna be a great week in sample sale land! Happy Shopping!

XO
Michelle

Adventures in Sample Sale Land.

So most of you know how dedicated I am when it comes to sample sale shopping. It's been a while since I've done a how-to tutorial for sample sales (read my last one here) so I thought I'd revisit it after finally editing these pictures from the recent NYC snowstorm. That was the day that I hitchhiked into Manhattan from NJ because public transportation in Jersey was down. I had to do it because I had seen a friend's Insta-stories boasting of $50 designer shoes (Rochas, Proenza, Marc Jacobs...) at the Jil Sander sample sale preview.

When I say hitchhiked, I mean it. I literally stood by the side of the highway and waited for a bus for almost an hour. I finally put up my thumb and waited for someone to pick me up. Is it safe? Maybe...maybe not, but I should mention it wasn't my first time LOL. Luckily a couple heading into work picked me up and drove me over the bridge. Even on a nice day there are often people who want to pay the carpool rate to cross the George Washington Bridge so they pick up a commuter or two so they can use the carpool lane and pay a few dollars less. I've been around the block a few times so I obviously use my judgement when getting in a car. This couple was friendly and I spotted the empty carseat in the back and figured they'd be a safe bet.





The great thing about NYC is that it pretty much is always up and running. I've lived there thru a couple serious blackouts and 9-11, when the City was pretty much shut down. Otherwise for the most part, public transportation of one kind or another is always running in Manhattan. Those aforementioned days were the only times I ever had to walk 70+ blocks back to my apartment. I actually used to walk 50-100 blocks a day when I lived there just because I loved wandering the City. There's a reason I packed on the pounds in suburbia.

Any smart City girl knows it's all about layering. Winters are bitter cold so you pile it on if you plan on being outdoors for more than 5 minutes. And on shopping days I never wear stupid shoes. Never. I knew I needed a serious boot so I pulled out my thrifted Pajar boots that are waterproof and super warm. For me it was about function, not fashion - though I threw on my cute $3.99 Zara sale scarf that I had just scored.

Thou it's not fashion,  I figured I'd break it down for those of you who appreciate how I little I spend. From head to toe:

• Hat: H&M, $1
• Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, free with rewards
• Scarf: Zara, $3.99
• Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale, $10
• Bag: Balenciaga, Nordstrom Rack, 75% off
• Coat: One of my husband's really warm coats - gift from my brother.
• Leggings: Comm-ci, gifted (RV $69)
• Boots: Pajar, thrifted, $20 (RV $200)

So I digress, I got into the City, jumped on a subway and headed down. I was lucky because above ground subways were closed, but the A train is below ground in upper Manhattan. I got there just after opening and my friend Belle (who took all my pics that day) was already there. She scored a pair of the Proenza silver booties I wanted but of course they didn't have my size. They actually didn't have ANYTHING in my size. So after all that....

I did make plans with an-Insta friend, Diana who was visiting the City so I told her to meet me at the sale. She scored some cute shoes and dresses so it seems I was the only unlucky one. Win some, you lose some. We headed out to byChloe which was miraculously open! For the first half hour or so we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. Then little by little people trickled in as the City began to awake from it's snow induced slumber. We took the train down to Century 21 to find it closed so we just grabbed some tea and hung out until we decided we all had enough.

Message to any other bloggers visiting NYC - feel free to reach out if you want to hang out or shop, and I love to take pics. I wouldn't call myself a photographer but I have a pretty good eye and some basic editing skills. If you want to see NYC on the cheap, I'm your girl!

In NYC plan to walk on a bad day. Subway service is spotty sometimes and it's almost impossible to call a car in bad weather. Poor Diana learned that the hard way. When she was with me I dragged her around on foot and via subway - which she quickly learned is the only tried and true way to navigate the City. She probably froze that day but I probably should have warned her to bundle up.  She did look super cute though :)

Diana

Belle thought she looked like a little boy that day but I thought she looked adorable. Plus the pops of pink were just enough to scream girl LOL.

Belle

Unfortunately the buses still weren't running over the bridge so I had to hitchhike back as well. I stood there for about 20 minutes helping people flag down pedestrian cars when a woman finally gave up and called a car service - and she was going to my town. My share was almost triple of what a bus would have cost but I figured it was worth the convenience, instead of hitching over the bridge and waiting for my husband to dig out the car and pick me up. Normally you can walk over the bridge to but the walkway was closed so I really had no choice.

So in the end, one could argue that FOMO got the best of me and I really didn't need to go after all. Then again, I have quite the story to show for it.

************

I don't always get around to posting my hauls so I decided to start sharing some of my best finds on a weekly basis. Last week I hit the Rebecca Minkoff NYC sample sale - I came for the preview and hung around waiting for a friend who came in with the public. I didn't go crazy because I plan on heading back for markdowns. I scored this Julian backpack for $75 that I probably didn't need but I really like the iridescent hardware. I also scored a few of these tassel belt bags for just $15 each! I grabbed a bag strap for me and a shorter version for Ella also for $15 each in the sample bin. I shared a peek of my strap on Insta here.

On my Insta stories I shared that H&M was having another mega sale so I popped into a couple locations. I found this coat for $7 from $99 and it rang up half price for $3.50!!!! Score!

And finally, these super cute Mimilore tassel earrings were in a swag bag from a blogger breakfast where I ran into Kyrzayda, a blogger I met when I was first getting started. I shared our meet-cute story here on Insta but I just have to say I can't believe I'm getting invited to the same events. For me that's a big win. In blogging you have good days and bad and it's easy to get discouraged. I was recently invited to an influencer event and the hosts pretty much ignored everyone - and fawned all over a couple bigger bloggers. The lesson is to be nice to everyone. As I grow I make friends big and small I try to show kindness to other bloggers just getting started because it wasn't always shown to me. So I try to treat others the way I wanted to be treated when I felt invisible. So for all those people who break you down - hang in there because there are some good ones who will lift you up and give you a hand when you least expect it.

So let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Sample sale season is in the house!

I'm gonna start with one of my favorite sale - Jimmy Choo. You can take a peek inside a previous sale report here. As far as strategy goes, get there early on day one for small leather goods and the best selection. But if you're thrifty like me and you already own everything, just go on the last day for markdowns. Last year I walked out with $50 shoes for my husband, the bag I dyed (see tutorial here) for $50, and a couple pairs of shoes for $100 that each retailed for over $2,000. This sale is epic. You can see other past hauls here and here. You can register for it here and use the password lance. You're gonna need your IKEA tote to haul everything home from this sale!

Jimmy Choo
May 16-18
Tues 11-7, Wed 8-7, Thurs 8-6
The Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th St.

My other weekly picks include the Modo eyewear sale for $20 designer glasses and sunglasses, The Best Kids Sample Sale for designer kids stuff (I usually get cheap hair accessories and odds and ends), 90% off retail at Alex & Trixie sounds worth a peek, and if I'm remembering correctly, The News has cheap jeans and such. Kendall & Kylie is new to the scene but it's a Clothingline sale so it may not be super cheap. But you never know.

The Best Kids Sample Sale
May 15-19, 10-5
34 West 33rd Street
This is a multi-showroom sale. Get a directory from security before you get in the elevator. Cash only.

Modo Eyewear
May 16-18, 11-7
594 Broadway, Suite 801

Alice & Trixie
May 17-19, 11-7
265 West 37th Street, 11th Fl

Kendall & Kylie
May 17-21
W-F 11-8, Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5
121 Prince Street

The News
May 18-20, 10-6
495 Broadway, 5th Fl

For the brides out there (I'm talking to you Belle!) check out Jenny Packham for Bridal, lingerie & accessories, Janis Savitt for some bling, and Eberjey and the Riviere Agency sales for your honeymoon.

Janis Savitt
May 17-19, 11-4
200 West 58th Street, Suite 12-B

Jenny Packham
May 18, 8-6
71 Gansevoort Street, Suite 2B

Eberjey
May 18-19
The Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th St., 8th Fl
RSVP required: rsvp@eberjey.com
*it's in the same location as Choo so you might as well...

The Riviere Agency
May 19, 11-5:30
139 Fulton Street, Suite 413

And for all sales ALWAYS BE FIRST IN LINE. It's the only way to get the goods.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there! I gave up expecting gifts other than small handmade trinkets from my kids - which is pretty much all I got. I told my husband after the Zadig & Voltaire sample sale last week that he got me a pair of boots (Teased on Insta here and here), a cluch and a belt - and I saved him a ton because it's all current season stuff still selling for full price. I'm a good wife after all :)

I spent my Mother's Day at the Rebecca Minkoff sale LOL. What better way to celebrate? Prices didn't go stupid cheap for bags so I grabbed a few for gifts, shoes which came out to $84 for 3 pairs (I split with Belle) and clothing went to $20 so Belle and I each grabbed a leather skirt. I found her the cutest sweaters and someone literally stole one out of her bag. Welcome to NY where sample sale shopping is a serious sport!

As always be sure you're following my Insta-stories for a peek inside the sales! Happy shopping :)

XO
Michelle the Fashion Mom