German-born luxury women’s apparel retailer, Escada, was bought Megha Mittel after filing for bankruptcy in August 2009. Megha Mittal, daughter-in-law of he Lakshimi Mattal (CEO of the world’s largest steel company and 8th richest person in the world), plans to turn the brand from red-carpet only to everyday ready-to-wear.

Maybe that explains the deeply discounted pieces at the Escada Sample Sale, at the Metropolitan Pavilion on West 19th Street. Luxury clothing and some accessories up to 90% off retail values. Yesterday, the apparel section offered a large variety with timeless classics and wardrobe backbones as well as the marked Escada evening dresses. There are many pieces for work, interview or a day of shopping. Our Editor scored a pristine English riding-style jacket for $95 marked down from $950. The accessory selection was slimmer. Shoes were marked down, most of them 90% off retail price.

The sale drew a more conservative crowd of middle-aged, well-dressed professionals, which may explain how the organization remained in tact. Sizes are plentiful and staff are friendly and there to answer questions about sizes, prices and damages. Be prepared to check your belongings at the door. All sales are final.
       

WHEN: 3/7 - 3/10 Sun-Tues. (10-7), Wed. (10-5)

WHERE: 110 W. 19th St. between 6th & 7th Ave

Emma Dinzebach
 

This is a lucky season for Nanette Lepore fans - 2 great sample sales in one season!

One of the best things about Nanette Lepore is its versatility - one of her feminine shift dresses can work equally well for a summer BBQ and an interview. And there are lots of great finds from Spring/Summer as well as resort.

A simple shift dress is $75 (dresses range from $75 - 140)
There’s a great selection of cardigans for $40
Skirts are $100
There’s also a nice assortment of feminine flats and pumps from $100-250

There was no lineup when I went first thing this morning, but there was a short one when I came out. The space is a little cramped, but there is plenty of room in the changing area, which is also well-equipped with mirrors. And, as always, the staff are friendly and helpful (which is something I am unfortunately finding increasingly rare at sample sales).

If you love Nanette Lepore, don’t miss this one.

225 West 35th Street, 4th floor T-Th 9-7

Worth the wait: Great bargains on beautiful pieces at the Catherine Malandrino New York City Sample Sale.

There’s a bit of a line-up, but well worth it for 75-90% off Catherine Malandrino’s unique and colorful Spring/Summer 09 line.

Catherine Malandrino Sample Sale

One thing you can always count on Catherine Malandrino for is uniqueness - even her basic black dresses are never just basic black dresses. She adds just enough artistic details to make each piece feel special, but still wearable. Her Spring/Summer 09 collection was no different and this week’s sample sale has plenty of artful pieces at amazing prices.

A long printed dress in bold colors is $125
A bad-ass napa leather motorcycle jacket is $140
An irresistibly sexy pencil skirt with a detailed hemline is $60!

That’s just to name a few.

There is a good range of  every item in every size. The product is well-organized and easy to navigate. And there’s plenty of space to try stuff on.  I was there at 10am when it opened and had to wait about 20 minutes. I would anticipate the line will get longer during the day. But I’ve seen much worse and this one is definitely worth it. Travel as light as possible - you have to check your bag and there’s also a lengthy wait for that. Hey, that’s sample sale-ing life!

123 West 18th Street W: 10-9, Th, F: 8-8

Racks and Racks of Dolce & Gabanna and D&G bargains at the New York City sample sale

There is plenty to oogle over at this week’s Dolce & Gabbana and D&G sample sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion. There is rack after rack of bargains from both collections with discounts ranging from 50-75% off.

from Dolce and Gabbana:

A slinky a Bustier dress is $349

An impeccably tailored  pinstripe jacket is $349

A pair of a dress pants are $249
and from D&G:

A sexy satan dress is $282

A sequin dress is $104

A dramatic gold brocade coat is $312
There’s a great assortment of denim from both collections, ranging from $50-150.  And there are loads of shoes - a pair of strappy Dolce Gabanna’s for $140 as well as lingerie including camis, bras, panties, robes and nightgowns. The only thing a little disappointing was there assortment of handbags, which I have found is often the case at sample sales.

The space is spacious and the merchandise is well-organized so no pushing and shoving. There is also a changing area with mirrors and friendly, helpful staff.
If you love Dolce and Gabbana (and who doesn’t?) this one is not to be missed.

6/16-6/21 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th), T, W, Su: 11-7, Th, F, S: 11-8 ).