Weekend Events: Fashion For Action Goes Public & The Pop-Up Flea Returns

It was nice to see a cluster of mannequins once again in the old home of Barneys Womens' Store on 17^th Street. The Rubin Museum of Art (which, by the way is worth a visit anytime for its beautiful Himalayan collection) became a rollicking cocktail lounge last night for the benefit preview of Housing Works' Fashion for Action benefit which, aside from lots of cocktails and food, included silent auctions from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Gucci, Chado-Ralph Rucci and many others. Thanks to Gilt Groupe for including The Shophound as their VIP guest for the event.
Eventually, revelers drifted across the street to the Housing Works Chelsea Thrift Shop for a preview of the sample sale which kicks into high gear today as it opens to the public. through Sunday. For those of you who find thrift shopping a little bit musty (and we know you are out there) rest assured that Fashion For Action offers almost entirely new unworn goods donated by nearly every designer and retailer you can think of with with many items in full size ranges and everything priced at around wholesale levels or below. There were abundant racks from Diane von Furstenberg, John Varvatos, Michael Kors, Gilt and many more. We saw a shelves full of Oliver Peoples sunglasses and Constança Basto heels, and if you have enough clothes, there was an entire section of fragrances including some newly launched scents. As always, proceeds benefit Housing Works which brings community-based HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs to neighborhoods throughout the city including housing and other vital services.
If that sounds like too much commotion for you, The Pop-Up Flea is returning to NoLita starting today at 3 PM. The weekend-long shop brings together an assortment of goods specially curated by Randy Goldberg and Michael Williams of the website A Continuous Lean. It's not a sale, but more like one-stop shopping for guys with very specific tastes that might include labels like Billykirk, Rogues Gallery and Burkman Bros. to name a few. You don't have to wear your Red Wing boots, but it couldn't hurt. Rumor has it that drinking will be involved. You need more encouragement?
Housing Works Fashion For Action Public Sample Sale through Sunday at the Chelsea Thrift Shop 143 West 17^th Street
The Pop-Up Flea through Sunday at 201 Mulberry Street, Nolita