SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Last Minute Contemporary Surge With Nonoo, Tanya Taylor, Sachin & Babi + Luxe from Marchesa & More

If last week's Sample Sale offerings leaned toward menswear, this week is the ladies' comeback with plenty of contemporary designer merch available as the showrooms compete with fall sales and Holiday promotions at the city's big retailers. Here's a rundown of the highlights:

It's not all contemporary sportswear as shoe legend WALTER STEIGER officially opens its sample sale to the public for the first time this week. The 2 pairs for $50 specials are probably gone by now, but shoppers still have through Wednesday the 17th to shop the brand's fabled sculptured footwear at deep discounts.

One of the big sales this week is the tri-brand sale featuring JOIE, EQUIPMENT and CURRENT ELLIOTT jeans at 260 Fifth Avenue starting today through Saturday the 20th. This one always proves to be popular, covering the spectrum of the contemporary category from basic tops and jeans to fashion sportswear.

Down the street at 225 Fifth, racy lingerie resource KIKI de MONTPARNASSE is offering deep discounts on intimate apparel and the label's famous "accessories" which are generally not for the faint of heart. Obviously, don't bring the kids.

If you have been watching The Fashion Fund on Ovation, then you will be familiar with up and coming designer and finalist TANYA TAYLOR, whose upbeat and colorful samples and stock from current and past seasons go on sale today and tomorrow in SoHo.

MISHA NONOO, a finalist from last year's crop, is also clearing out excess stock and samples through Friday the 19th. Her sophisticated collection can be found at Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman &amp Neiman Marcus, and you will find it at the sale at 80% Off.

On the edgier, upper end of the contemporary category, SACHIN & BABI is launching a two-day sale starting today in the Garment District. The sale will also include luxury home furnishings from ANKASA, so you can kill two birds with one stone at this one.

Looking for something a little bit more luxurious and dramatic? Red carpet regular MARCHESA  is offering 65% to 75% off its sumptuous ready to wear for two days at the Starrett-Lehigh building in Chelsea staring on Wednesday the 17th. Don't be put off if you don't have an awards show to go to. The more accessible Marchesa Notte collection will also be included for those who will only be walking on normal colored carpets.

Also on Wednesday, Chelsea Market will be hosting yet another THEORY Sample Sale. We honestly can't keep track of this label's sales, but they are usually worthwhile, wardrobe building events. This one is billed as women's only. Check it out through Sunday the 21st.

For more glamorous eveningwear, get there early for REEM ACRA's two-day sale starting on Thursday the 18th in the Garment District. Her Bridal collection will also be included, so be prepared to fight off a few Bridezillas if you are planning to go.

Finally, for guys who didn't get a chance to shop last week, French sportswear label CREMIEUX is holding a three-day sale in SoHo starting on Thursday. This event is expected to feature up to 70% off the brand's more exclusive, premium label that is found in Europe and in its Mercer Street boutique rather than the moderate line sold in Dillard's department stores.

That's not all, of course. There are also sales from ARMAND DIRADOURIAN, BOCHIC, TER et BANTINE, BYRON LARS BEAUTYMARK, DANNIJO and more happening this week. See our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for details and the inevitable last-minute late breaking sales.