OFF-PRICE INVASION: Is Nordstrom Planning A Rack Store Just A Block From Its Manhattan Flagship?

Traditionally, prestigious department stores have made an effort to keep their outlet stores a safe distance away from their full-line flagships. After all, why confuse the issue for customers? It looks like Nordstrom may be busting that paradigm as The Real Deal is reporting that executives from the off-price Nordstrom Rack are eyeing a space at 3 Columbus Circle (pictured above) for a new location along with another on West 34th Street. That would put a Rack store less than a block away from the huge, full line flagship store that is being built at the bottom of a skyscraper at 225 West 57th Street. The Rack would be in the southeast corner of the building, replacing a Bank of America branch, and literally across Broadway from an entrance to the mother ship store that is expected to open in 2019. While the flagship will be a whopping seven floors, the proposed Rack store will be also be a sizable 40,ooo square feet over three levels, giving Nordstrom something of a mega-shopping headquarters that has never been seen among Manhattan's rarefied department stores where shopping neighborhoods have been strictly stratified, and outlets are more preferably sequestered in discount centers like Woodbury Commons. Outside of independent off-price chains like Century 21 and the defunct Lehmann's, Filene's Basement and Daffy's, Manhattan had traditionally been an outlet-free zone for its luxury department stores. Lately, however, that has been changing, in part thanks to Nordstrom which first entered New York City with a Rack location just off Union Square. Now a Bloomingdale's outlet is set to open later this season at 72nd Street and Broadway, and Saks Off 5th will open in the Financial District at 1 Liberty Plaza, just on the other side of the Word Trade Center complex from an upcoming full line store in Brookfield Place. Still, if this deal comes to fruition, Nordstrom will be the first one to have its own outlet located practically across the street from one of its largest flagship stores.

Nordstrom Rack eyeing 3 Columbus Circle space (The Real Deal)

SALE UPDATE: The Paul Smith Sale Is Packed With Goods + Late Additions From Patrik Ervell And Kent & Curwen

It has turned out to be a great week for menswear sales in New York.
The Shophound checked out the PAUL SMITH sale yesterday (above) and we can report that it is crammed with merchandise. It's the first time in a few season that Smith has held a public sample sale, and it shows with an abundance of everything everyone loves from the designer including his signature patterned shirts, tailored suits and witty sportswear. While there was a decent selection of women's shoes and apparel in the front section, the large back section, in a reversal of the usual arrangements at the venue, is full of menswear. In particular there were tons of men's shoes at the press preview ranging from $25 for flip flops to a measly $125 for the most expensive Italian-made shoes and boots plus collectors' styles from a collaboration with legendary English shoemaker John Lobb which retailed for $1,295.
That might be the best bargain anyone will find all season. There are also stacks of art, photography and fashion books from the boutiques as well as other tableware and gift items priced with color coded dots that top out at a mere $40.
Suits are going for $450, and most apparel is in the 60% to 80% off range or even more. The friends and family preview was pretty packed this morning, so we would imagine that this will be a busy sale that could get picked clean pretty quickly by Paul Smith devotees who have been waiting for this one for a long time. Shop early, and look for a partial list of prices after the jump along with some looks inside.

Yesterday morning, a few more important sale notices hit the web including PATRIK ERVELL's sample sale which is a seasonal mainstay for stylish New York men. It begins on Friday the 2nd and runs through the weekend in SoHo where up to 80% off retail prices on clothing and accessories is promised.

Another late-breaking event that the city's men won't want to miss is KENT & CURWEN's sale starting on Thursday the 1st in Trump Tower in Midtown. The venerable British brand has been trying to raise its U.S. profile over the past couple of years with updated creative direction by industry favorite Simon Spurr. Currently it can be found in Bloomingdale's and Saks, but its sprawling Madison Avenue flagship abruptly closed recently after barely a year, and the label just announced a major new creative collaboration with David Beckham that has again left Spurr out in the cold (Somebody please reunite this designer with his label already!). We don't know exactly what will be included in this week's showroom sale, but it is likely to be a housecleaning of Spurr's collections which is good news for the designer's many fans still mourning the collapse of his beloved signature label.

As usual, all details can be found in our SALE ROLL sidebar at left along with any late-breaking listings

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Autumn Specials With Paul Smith, Bonobos, Trina Turk & More

Fall has arrived, and though there are still a few more weeks before the Sample Sale schedule fills up again, there are a few heavy hitters appearing this week that are with taking note of.

The LORO PIANA sale continues this week through Thursday the 1st at Soiffer Haskin with one price reduction already announced, but things will really heat up starting today when PAUL SMITH arrives at 151 Wooster Street through the weekend. We haven't previewed the selection yet, but it's the first off-site sale for the label in several seasons, promising what is expected to be several seasons worth of apparel, shoes and accessories for men and women as well as home items, books and other gift items.

Uptown at 260 Fifth Avenue, the popular RENT THE RUNWAY seasonal clearance also starts today through Sunday featuring gently used party dresses at a fraction of what you might find them for even in one of the many designer resale shops around town.

On Wednesday, Chelsea Market will host a triple header sale featuring men's trouser experts BONOBOS who are promising up to 70% off sportswear from the label, TRINA TURK's women's contemporary designer apparel accessories plus rustic bags and accessories for everyone from WILL LEATHER GOODS.

Finally, on Saturday, fans of luxury linens will be making their annual sojourn to Soiffer Haskin for a four day PRATESI sale featuring the most luxurious Italian bed and bath linens as well as cashmere blankets and other opulent home goods.

For details and late-breaking sale info, keep an eye on our SALE ROLL sidebar at left. Next week, Club Monaco's popular sample, stock and slightly irregular sale returns as well as the increasingly popular Maje sale.

COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: Adam Lippes x Target, Uniqlo And Lemaire & Gap x GQ's Best New Menswear Designers In America All Hit Stores This Week

In a particularly bountiful season for designer collaborations, this is a big week for a good portion of this fall's most anticipated collections. Adam Lippes for Target, Gap x GQ's Best New Menswear Designers in America 2015 (pictured above) and Uniqlo and Lemaire all arrive on store racks this week. Let's review them below so you can prepare yourselves for a potential stampede to the mall.

First up is Adam Lippes's plaid infused line for Target which dropped yesterday morning in stores and online. Oddly, it has not caused the kind of excitement that some of the popular chain's other collabs have. Perhaps it is because it is only a component of Target's larger tartan-promotion for the fall season, or maybe it is just because the chain hasn't really invested in the same level of advertising for it as they have for other past collaborations —seen any TV ads?. Regardless, it looks great in photos and a few pieces appear to have already sold out online. The collection includes both men's and women's apparel including plus sizes as well as accessories and items for the home and even pets. It has a luxe, casual feeling, and it looks like a sleeper, so don't put off an in-store visit.

Over the past four years, Gap x GQ's Best New Menswear Designers in America has become one of the most highly anticipated collaborations of the year thanks to some stylish, fast-shopping men who cleared the racks of last year's crop in record time. It officially drops tomorrow, but if you text "GQ" to 36888 to sign up, then you can shop online starting right now. You will want the head start. This year's group of official up-and-comers- includes NSF, The Hill-Side, David Hart and STAMPD, each one filling its own separate niche in the range of men's fashion. Some potential fast sellers (pictured above) include NSF's washed leather hoodie with sherpa lining for $450, STAMPD's black leather backpack with a white stripe for $195, master tailor David Hast's tweed sport coat and trousers for $150 and $98 respectively, and the Hill-Side's quilted camo-print bomber for $130. There are tons of great items to be had from each designer, and online shopping is recommended for the best selection. We don't have an official list of NYC stores, but typically, the Gap locations with the best selections are the Fifth Avenue flagship, which usually devotes the little side-store to the collaboration, the Flatiron location on lower Fifth Avenue, The Herald Square and Times Square stores and the Upper West Side location near Lincoln Square. As always, shop early for this one.

Finally, Uniqlo and Lemaire (above) will be released online and in stores this Friday October 2nd. This luxurious looking collaboration for men and women has been generating an enormous amount of online anticipation, particularly for those who have been waiting for a sophisticated follow up to the chain's much loved +J collection. The knitwear pieces for men and women look especially enticing, but the stylish basics throughout the line all look like winners. While a fraction of the collection will be available in every Uniqlo store, only a very select group of stores worldwide will have the complete line in stock including the Fifth Avenue Flagship and West 34th Street locations exclusively in the entire United States. Chicago shoppers will also have the complete line at their upcoming store on Michigan Avenue, but not until it opens later this month. As far as we know, those stores will have regular hours on Friday, but look for the lines outside the doors that we used to see on the +J launch days of years past when the SoHo Uniqlo was the only one in America.

Of course, there are still big collaborations coming from Carine Roitfeld and Uniqlo and, probably the 800 pound gorilla of the season, H&M x Balmain coming in late October and mid-November, so shoppers may want to pace themselves, but the season is getting off to a strong start right now. Plan carefully.

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Halston Heritage, Elizabeth and James, Valentino, Helmut Lang, Oakley, Mr. Turk, Tateossian, DVF

Here is your weekly sampling of some of the brands you can expect to find on the bigger online Flash Sale Sites this week. You should click over to the sites themselves for a full schedule of events, and be sure to check for the correct start time for each sale. Shop well!

GILT GROUPE

Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Helmut Lang, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry, Halston Heritage, T.Tahari, Longines, Versace, J.Brand, Bespoken, W.R.K., Dolce & Gabbana, Alpina Watches, Autumn Cashmere, PAPI, McCarren & Sons —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Diane von Furstenberg, Eyebobs, Breville/Viking, Royal Copenhagen, Christy Towels, Gucci, KEEN, Boga, Crane & Lion, Alex and Ani, Soia & Kyo, Kumon, Philip Stein Watches, Sperry Top-Sider, Oakley, Devon Leigh, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Charles by Charles David, Joan Vass, Felix & Lola by Rivkah Friedman, Tom Ford —join HERE

IDEEL

Nautica, Stila, Buffalo, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Wacoal/B.Tempted, BCBGeneration, Chan Luu, Cuisinart, Gracia, Proenza Schouler, Beats Audio, Givenchy, Michael Kors, Philippe Matigon, Tommy Hilfiger —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

AG Jeans, Autumn Cashmere, New Balance, Lindbergh, Bliss, Stuart Weitzman, Escada, Swarovski, Issue New York, JohnVarvatos, Inhabit, Rogue, Creative Recreation, Zwilling J.A.Henckels, Kenneth Cole, Elizabeth and James, Mr. Turk, Via Spiga, BECCA Cosmetics —join HERE

MY HABIT

Jason Wu, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Velvet, Nina, Portolano, Charles by Charles David, Valentino, Bosca, Halston Heritage, John Varvatos, Tadd, Bruno Magli, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tateossian, Jack Spade —join HERE

IMPENDING ARRIVAL: Want Les Essentials Will Open In A Former Marc Jacobs Store Next Month

Last month, The Shophound discovered that Marc Jacobs had quietly closed one of his colony of stores in the West Vilage (above left) with little sign of who would take over the lovely little shop on the corner of West 4th and Bank Streets. This week the New York Times solved that mystery when it announced that the widely admired cult accessory brand Want Les Essentials de la Vie will open its first standalone boutique next month in the West Village, accompanied by a photograph of the label's founders, identical twins Byron Peart and Dexter Peart standing in front of the unmistakable arched windows of the former Jacobs store (above right).
Now that we know that one of the prettiest storefronts in the neighborhood won't be dark for long, we can look forward to the opening of the Montreal-based brand's new boutique. The label's steady rise over the past nine years is chronicled in the Times article, which indicated that while the shop will stock both men's and women's complete Want collections, including the new men's shoe line, it will also, as is the current vogue among independent designers, carry items from other vendors including apparel from Comme des Garçons Forever and objects by Viennese designer Carl Auböck.
There's no specific opening date announced for the Want store, but as the Jacobs store was previously set up as an accessory shop, and it is not a huge space, an opening in October seems quite reasonable, and it will add to what is turning out to be one of the best seasons of new store opening s that we have seen in some time.

The Montreal Brothers Behind a Jet Set Leather Brand (NYTimes)
Previously:
Storefront Shakeup: Marc Jacobs Eliminated One Of His West Village Stores

MOLLY YOUNG GOES SHOPPING: Seattle Comes To SoHo edition

This week's Thursday Styles sends Critical Shopper Molly Young to SoHo for a survey of Totokaelo, the vertically sprawling new boutique from Seattle that has become an auspicious addition to Manhattan's shopping roster. Our shopper, a Pacific Northwest native, offers an illuminating interpretation of Totokaelo's abundance of luxurious but loose, often shroudlike garments, "There’s something about the temperature and moisture content of the air there that makes a person want to swaddle herself in garments that are half hug, half anesthetic." The same appeal holds in New York, which has its own pressures that might make a person want to spend the day swathed in something cozy.
After a detour into the store's subterranean men's department —a literal man-cave— Young ascends the many levels of women's offerings to further explore. Totokaelo's signature look is not to be approached without some expertise, however, as our shopper describes some of the items she has encountered as making her look like "a sack of cornmeal" and, comfort benefits notwithstanding, "uniquely unflattering to all of my body parts". As for a peculiar preponderance of jumpsuits, our shopper writes, "If you’re in the mood to hit the playground or just to obscure your secondary sex characteristics, any of these will do the job."
Well, that is a very specific customer, but as we know, in New York, there is a store for every kind of person.

Critical Shopper: Jumpsuits, 7 Days A Week at Totokaelo’s SoHo Store By Molly Young (NYTimes)
Totokaelo 54 Crosby Street between Broome & Spring Streets, SoHo.

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Signs Of Sale Life With Sferra, Links Of London & More

Experience tells us that there will be a consistent but low grade of Sample Sale activity for the next several weeks before things heat up again, but there should be one or two bright spots every week.
You still have a couple more days to catch the WP LAVORI sale in SoHo featuring racks of well priced, classic outerwear from BARACUTA and SPIEWAK and shirts from BD BAGGIES. We visited yesterday, and it had not yet been discovered by eager shoppers, so there is likely to be plenty of merchandise. Shoppers will also find a small selection of luxury knits form Avon Celli as well as a few items form the Lavori-produced Woolrich John Rich and Woolrich Woolen Mills labels. You have until tomorrow to shop until the same space gets turned over to LINKS of LONDON on Thursday evening. This sale is promising up to 75% off watches and semiprecious jewelry through Sunday the 27th.
If it's your bed that needs dressing, you have from today until Sunday to head to 260 Fifth Avenue to get a big discount on SFERRA's luxurious Italian linens for bed and bath. This is always a popular home sale, and has now moved to a reliable but new venue for the label.
The week's big name won't make an appearance until Sunday when LORO PIANA makes its seasonal appearance at Soiffer Haskin. By now we are pretty familiar with this sale featuring an ultra-luxe assortment of Italian-made selection of sportswear, accessories and, most importantly, cashmere knitwear and scarves for men and women. Loro Piana starts out at the highest of the high end price wise, so even at a discount it goes for a big chink of change. However, it is classic stuff, and a worthy investment if your style runs toward the traditional side of things. Bolt of luxury fabrics will also be available for those who like to make their own clothes. Ends on October 1.

Next week, get ready for some civilized pandemonium over the first Paul Smith sale in several seasons as well as gently used and even more gently priced frocks at Rent The Runway's seasonal clearance. As always, keep an eye on our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for details and late breaking events. Shop well!

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Paul Smith, Catherine Malandrino, Miu Miu, Victorinox, Liebeskind, Prada, Z Zegna, Rebecca Minkoff, WeSC, Rebecca Taylor, Wolverine

Here is your weekly sampling of some of the brands you can expect to find on the bigger online Flash Sale Sites this week. You should click over to the sites themselves for a full schedule of events, and be sure to check for the correct start time for each sale. Shop well!

GILT GROUPE

Miu Miu, Catherine Malandrino, Elorie, Paul Smith, Prada, Joomi Lim, Mackage, DL1961, Splendid. Tumi Luggage, Moncler, Vintage Shoe Company, Dockers, Z Zegna, Nick Graham, Sebago, WeSC, Citizen Watches, DeSanto Accessories, Matteo Bedding, FlashPoint Candles —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Aquatalia by Marvin K, Jared Lang, I. Reiss, Illestava, BluePrint Cleanse, Wade & Belle, 7 for All Mankind, Kitchen Aid, Seda France, Kate Aspen  —join HERE

IDEEL

Balenciaga, Cullen, Gucci, Ray-Ban, AquaSwiss, Jill Stuart, Joe's Jeans, Longchamp, T.Tahari, Via Spiga, August Silk, Emilio Cavallini, Enzo Angiolini, Rebecca Minkoff —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Hudson Jeans, Kenenth Cole, Wolverine 1000 Mile, L.K.Bennett, Tommy Bahama, Triple Five Soul, Adolfo, Lafayette 148, Illamasqua, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Vince Camuto, Rebecca Taylor, Love Stitch, Liebeskind Berlin, Tahari, Victorinox, Rogue, Milk26, M Missoni —join HERE

MY HABIT

Prada, J.McLaughlin, Stella McCartney, Primsport, Hale Bob, MARC by Marc Jacobs, Alicia Adams, Givenchy, Yosi Samra, Mezlan, Head, Tom Ford, Emporio Armani, Acquaviva, Hickey Freeman, Borrelli, Puma, Alternative Apparel, ElevenParis, Maison Margiela, Thomas Earnshaw Watches, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Armani Collezioni, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bruno Magli —join HERE

JON CARAMANICA GOES SHOPPING: Fancy Feet Edition

Today's Thursday Styles brings us Critical Shopper Jon Caramanica's visit to shoe guru Louis Leeman's new boutique on Madison Avenue. Before taking on Leeman's store, Caramanica takes the opportunity to assess the current craze for extremely expensive, highly embellished designer sneakers. The term sneaker is relative here, as none of these shoes are actually meant for real athletic activity, but then, most of the covetable instant sell-out Nikes that get customers to camp out on the sidewalk for days in advance will never see the floor of a basketball court either. Our Shopper is more amused than appalled, and he calls Leeman the love child of his Madison Avenue neighbors, combining the craftsmanship of John Lobb with the unbridled glitz of Giuseppe Zanotti.
Ultimately, this is what seems to flummox our shopper. We never really thought he would go on a spree there, but it turns out that, along with noticing some consistency problems, Caramanica finds that the Leemans he tries on are neither  flamboyant enough to be outrageous nor classic enough to be elegant.

Maybe it was the lighting — diffuse, soothing, slightly yellow — but in the mirror, they seemed almost dull

It turns out that on Madison Avenue, the middle of the road takes you nowhere.

Designer Louis Leeman Puts a Swagger in His Shoes By Jon Caramanica (NYTimes)
Louis Leeman 793 Madison Avenue at 67th Street, Upper East Side