Dear Rebecca Minkoff Sale...It's not me, it's you

The eagerly anticipated Rebecca Minkoff sale is finally here! We checked it out this week, braving about a half hour on line in the hopes of some shoulder swag (i.e. purses). As usual, there was a LOT of merch to choose from, and the prices were lower than we remember them being in previous years. Unfortunately, though, we just didn't love the selection. On the other hand, if you need a mini mac, this is definitely the place to get it. As for the rest of the selection, though, we were a little disappointed. There were a lot of nylon and straw options, and a table full of samples. Missing from this sale were the gobs of MABs that customarily are present. Could it be that our love affair with Minkoff is ending??? Say it isn't so!

Also, there were clothes and shoes at the back of the room, all at reasonable prices. However, we didn't love any of the clothes. And, let's face it - we were there for the bags!

The sale runs through 8pm tonight and 3pm tomorrow at 260 Fifth Ave. Last chance to grab your mini macs!

Minty Fresh Trending

It seems like everywhere we turn lately, we see someone wearing cool mint green. This pastel, a lovely soothing color, is tricky to wear in a flattering way. For example, pastel pants tend to work on only the slimmest specimens. Still, there are several good options for the rest of us. Whether it's dresses, blazers, or accessories, there are more than enough mint juleps to go around for everyone. Here are some of our wearable favorites!

Amanda Uprichard Maxi Dress

Dolce Vita Sandals

ALC Blazer

(photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman.com)

 

Rebecca Minkoff Skylar Mini

(ok, we know this is mint blue, but love it paired with a mint green)

 

 

And, with the Rebecca Minkoff sale starting on Monday, you will be able to snag mint green purses galore!

The Art of the Sample Sale...Ten Tips to Live by while Sample Sale-ing This Holiday Season

                                            

Pictured above: Rebecca Minkoff Affair bag - purchased after the

rare and wonderful convergence of the following principles.

1.       For those most coveted and rare items, be the first to arrive on the first  day. Wait on line. Bring a sleeping bag. Whatever it takes. Recommended for: Hermès sale.

2.       For well-stocked sales, on the other hand, prepare your strategy in advance (i.e. glean the layout of the room, merchandise available, and pricing from recaps online). Recommended for: Hanky Panky sale.

3.       Wear comfortable shoes – you never know whether you will have to climb three flights of stairs in a shady Lower East Side building (true story), dash across the room in a mad race to the last pair of Louboutins, or weather the elements in an unexpectedly long line. Recommended for: everywhere except the David Yurman sale.

4.       Prepare to strip without shame in order to try on clothes…in the aisles, along the walls, anywhere you can precariously balance your wares. Alternatively, wear leggings and a camisole over which you can pull on items. Recommended for: Foley & Corinna sale (should, if the heavens so ordain, they have another).

5.       If you like it…correction: if you think you might possibly ever maybe kind of like it –grab it. You can always discard something, but you can’t always find it. Recommended for: everywhere.

6.       Stalk others in order to snatch up their cast-offs if you must. Be persistently shadow-like while maintaining a semblance of dignity. Recommended for: Dolce Vita sale.

7.       Always ask about the man behind the curtain. No, the unlabeled box you spy is not simply the droopy makings of a future cardboard fort, but instead usually contains a treasure trove of extra merchandise. Recommended for: Andrew Marc sale.

8.       Know your brands. As with Fashion Week, the original and best concept of the sample sale is to sell one season ahead – beware and shun those crafty brands disposing of sometimes seasons-old material.  Recommend for: well, you know who you are.

9.       Try to refrain from physical violence. Recommended for: Barney’s Warehouse Sale.

10.   Bring a friend...but make it a good friend who, like a spouse, swears to stand by you for better or worse, for we all know the emotional rollercoaster involved. Recommended for: everywhere.

Post-sale protocol: When gifting items purchased at sample sales to others, do not…DO NOT…announce its origin. Rather, bask in the ever-so-chic glow behind your Tom Fords.

Follow these rules and you will achieve our gift to you – it is that zen-like quality, that Nirvana, that sudden clarity, that secretly gloating grin – it is…the Shopper’s High.