SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Three Late Sample Sale Additions from Billy Reid, Cadet & Samantha Pleet

As per usual there are always some late breaking sales, and since there is no blizzard expected for this weekend and the heaps of leftover snow have been melting away in a timely manner, you might want to check them out these latecomers to the schedule:

BILLY REID has been quietly running his seasonal basement sale this week at his Bond Steet flagship store near the Bowery (pictured above). You only have until Saturday night at 8, but it will be worth rushing over to get 75% off the Fall 2015 collections for men and women including hundreds of items brought in just for the sale.

Popular indie designer SAMANTHA PLEET will be offering 80% off the Fall collection for this weekend only. Head to Williamsburg on Saturday and Sunday for the savings.

Finally, burgeoning menswear brand CADET has been devoting its 8th Avenue shop to clearing out of previous season's goods at 80% off through the weekend. Head over there through Sunday to stock up on the hot label's military-inspired sportswear and accessories.

See our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for times, locations and other details.

PLANNING AHEAD: Nordstrom Already Expanding The New York Flagship It Hasn't Opened Yet

You would think that 285,000 square feet over seven floors in a brand new, specially built skyscraper would be enough room for Nordstrom to launch it's long awaited Manhattan flagship, but the folks at the home office in Seattle are apparently feeling a little bit less confident about having enough space, now, so they have expanded —across the street.
WWD tells us that Nordstrom has taken a three level 43,000 square foot space at 3 Columbus Circle (pictured above) just across Broadway from the upcoming Nordstrom Tower for a second store. Rumors about the chain's interest in the space popped up about three months ago, but speculation was that it was to maximize the brand's presence with a flagship Nordstrom Rack store. If it seemed a bit unlikely that they would place an outlet unit so close to what is expected to be one of its crown jewel flagships, that's because it was. In fact the space will be an extension of the flagship as the home for certain departments relocated to make more room in the main store. While those departments have not yet been identified, speculation centers around shoes or menswear. While Nordstrom is known for its massive shoe departments, it is hard to imagine that it would move them across the street into a different building, making it difficult for sales staff to easily cross-sell footwear to complete apparel purchases. A men's department, however, can be and has been easily encapsulated in a separate, multi-level building as shown by Bergdorf Goodman's 25-year-old Men's store across Fifth Avenue from its original store and the freestanding men's store Saks Fifth Avenue is planning in the Financial District to complement the branch opening at Brookfield Place later this year. Nordstrom is also known for having one of the strongest men's businesses in the industry which could be maximized in New York City with its own storefront.
Or perhaps they haven't even decided yet. The additional space had included a Bank of America branch which the building's owner bought out to make the deal, and, since it is part of a building that is already built, unlike the very much under construction flagship store, Nordstrom has plenty of time to decide what to do with the space as well as create the store inside. Look for an announcement confirming the new space's use. . . eventually.

Nordstrom Lands Second Manhattan Location (WWD)

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Theory's First Sample Sale This Season Plus Ernest Alexander, United Nude & More

So it's not exactly the best week to go out Sample Sale shopping what with the sidewalks piled waist high with heaps of snow and the propensity for more, darker, dirtier slush growing as the week continues, but there are some signs of life during this quiet stretch of the season.

Because of the blizzard, DENNIS BASSO had to cancel the weekend days of his sale at Soiffer-Haskin, but don't worry of you think you missed the boat. The sale is now extended through Friday, so there's still time to go nab that discounted sable coat.

While your shoe thoughts may be running to sturdy, knee-high waterproof storm boots right about now, you may want to shift gears for UNITED NUDE's seasonal sale which started yesterday at its NoHo flagship store and features both high-tech casual sneakers for men and women as well as more innovative high heels at an enticing 70% off. Shop through Saturday the 30th.

Starting today, Upstart fur outerwear and accessory label JOCELYN will be taking 70% off its collections in the Garment District. Look for bold, colorful and fairly well-priced coats, jackets and vests that have garnered a following amongst Instagram style stars. Shop through Thursday the 28th.

Tomorrow, THEORY will kick off its seasonal round of multiple samples sales at Chelsea Market. Known for running a series of sales (another one is already set for next month) this one is designated women's only and promises up to 70% Off through Saturday the 30th.

On Thursday, up and coming menswear designer ERNEST ALEXANDER is offering up to 80% off his men's bags, accessories and sportswear (pictured above) for two days only in his NoMad showroom. Look for one-off samples and prototypes along with regular stock.

Finally, gentlemen looking for savings on the most elegant hand-tailored clothing can be relied upon to converge upon Soiffer-Haskin for the seasonal KITON sale starting on Sunday the 31st. Look for the celebrated Neapolitan label's complete offerings to be available including suits, luxury sportswear, dress shirts and furnishings and shoes through Wednesday the 3rd of February.

See our SALE ROLL sidebar for locations and details as well as late breaking sales and schedule changes. Next week, keep an eye out for a women's PORTS 1961 sale and an ALICE and OLIVIA blowout in a new location. Shop well!

COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: UNIQLO and LEMAIRE Arrives In About 6 Weeks See The New Lookbook Images UPDATED

For those of you who have been waiting for the arrival of the Spring edition of the Uniqlo and Lemaire collaboration, the countdown has begun. The chain's global website for the line designed by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-linh Tran went live today with flat preview images of every single item plus a bunch of lookbook shots on models to get a better idea of the pieces' fit and proportions. There are no radical surprises for spring, just more of those sophisticated basics in a muted color palette that look much more expensive than they actually are. As with last fall's debut collection, there are tons of great knits, this time in cotton. Overall, the prices actually seem a bit lower than last season, if you can believe it. Many of the sellout items from last season have been translated into lighter weight fabrics including some of those heavy woolen men's trousers that sat on the racks but seem much more appealing now in more seasonal materials. The great shirts are now available in an expanded range of colors and fabrics including bold, summery awning stripes, and there are plenty of new spring items like shorts, tanks and a great cotton blouson jacket just to name a few.
The collection arrives in stores and online on March 4th and, as with last season, the complete collection will only be available in the three Uniqlo flagships in Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, 34th Street and Broadway in SoHo, so start setting your plan of attack now. A smaller, select assortment will be available in in only three more stores in California including Union Square in San Francisco, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Everyone else will have to on alert for the when the collection hits the web on March 4th. If last season's response is any indication, you won't have too much time to get what you want in the size you need, so set your alarms, and pick out what you want to buy early.

UPDATE:
There's good news and bad news.
First the good: Uniqlo has announced that as a result of last year's strong positive response to the collaboration, the number of stores carrying Uniqlo and Lemaire in the U.S. will be increased to nine including Chicago and other unspecified locations. It will be also be made available in 16 additional markets and regions.
Now the bad: According to the retailer, this will be the final edition of the Uniqlo and Lemaire collaboration. While they had hinted that it might be a continuing program like the Ines de la Fressange line, this will be the last iteration of the collection, so don't sleep on it. It's not coming back next fall.

Uniqlo and Lemaire (Official Site)

See the new lookbook after the jump

MODE SPONSORED POST: The Gear To Get Before You Start Your New Year's Fitness Program

Let's face it, the only enjoyable thing about starting your New Year's fitness program is get new gear and supplies. Our friends at MODE have a handy list of brands to look for if you want to avoid the usual athletic suspects.

Check out Beyond Nike: Fitness Brands You Should Get to Know

by Jeans & Ties at Mode

FOND FAREWELL: Kitchen Cult Store Broadway Panhandler To Close This Year

Some things just aren't meant to last forever.
While we have become accustomed to hearing about beloved independent retailers forced to close after exorbitant rent hikes or predatory competition, Broadway Panhandler will close its doors sometime this spring for a less painful reason: retirement. Store owner Norman Kornbleuth is 72 years old, and has simply reached the point where he is ready to wind the business down. Since his children are not interested in carrying on the business, and his attempts to sell the store have proved fruitless, Mr. Kornbleuth will shutter it when he decides the time has come. “We were never just about housewares,” he tells the Times' Florence Fabricant. “With my background, we could continue to sell equipment to restaurants.” Originally opened in SoHo about 40 years ago, Broadway Panhandler migrated from its namesake address in 1995 to Broome Street and then again up to East 8th Street in 2o6. Through the years, Kornbleuth developed a destination for chefs, celebrities and celebrity chefs alike thanks to the kind of personal service that is hard to replicate outside independent stores. Despite heavy competition from upscale chains like Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table and even discount laden Bed Bath & Beyond, the store thrived with most of the same top brands they carried plus more arcane fare and more exclusive suppliers. The store has been known as the first stop for obscure cooking items that are easily overlooked by bigger chains. Most notable was the extensive knife counter with a selection tough to match in the city. Culinary minded New Yorkers will still have independent stores like Whisk and Bowery Kitchen Supply in Chelsea Market to look to, but it will be tough for them to match the wide selection and depth of expertise that made Broadway Panhandler a mainstay.

Broadway Panhandler, Longtime Manhattan Cookware Retailer, to Close in Spring By Florence Fabricant (NYTimes)

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Rick Owens, Jay Godfrey, Paul Smith, Thomas Pink, Zadig & Voltaire, Brunello Cucinelli, Mulberry, Furla, Trina Turk & More

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

Blumarine, J Brand, Chantelle, Matthew Williamson, Yosi Samra, Kenneth Jay Lane, Rami Brook, Jay Godfrey, Butter Shoes, Armani Collezioni, ILA Jewelry, Paul Smith, Hardy Amies, Ben Sherman, Oliver Sweeney, Thomas Pink, TAG Heuer, Luciano Barbera, Ivory + Mason, Ermenegildo Zegna, TOD's, Alternative Apparel, Thomas Earnshaw —join HERE

RUE LA LA

7 For All Mankind, Michael Stars, Persol, Bottega Veneta, Longchamp, Lois Hill Jewelry, Vince, Chan Luu, SK-II, Ben Sherman, Zadig & Voltaire, Argento Vivo, Daniel Wellington Watches, Villeroy & Boch, Sophie Catalou, BODUM —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Joe's Jeans, Grayers, Ted Baker, Becca Swim, Stylestalker, L.A.M.B. —join HERE

MY HABIT

Rick Owens, Tom Ford, Anna Sui, Salvatore Ferragamo, Furla, Mulberry, Fendi, Seavees, Tailorbyrd, Versace Collection, Bally, Joe's Jeans, Dolce & Gabbana, Byron Lars, Trina Turk, Foley + Corinna, Lafayette 148, Butter Shoes, Dareen Hakim Accessories, Ike Behar, Brunello Cucinelli, James Campbell, Jil Sander, Eton, BLK DNM —join HERE

NO, NOT LEFTIES: Italian Contemporary Label Pinko Coming To Madison Avenue

Generally, we would suggest that Pinko, derogatory midcentury slang for lefty communist sympathizers, would not be the best name for a contemporary women's apparel line, but we have all gotten used to a fashion line called Acne by now, so we suppose that all bets are off in that respect.
Anyway, Pinko (pictured at right), an Italian based sportswear chain is making what appears to be its U.S. debut on the north-western corner of Madison Avenue and 80th Street in the former home of a Comptoir des Cotonniers unit. The line, whose prices appear to be comparable to Sandro or Maje, has an abundance of stores throughout Europe, the U.K., the Middle East and China, but has not yet ventured into North America. The Commercial Observer tells us that its debut store will be roughly 1,000 square feet, and that's all we got fro now. No opening date has yet been set, nor have plans for further expansion been released, but the upper reaches of Madison Avenue right on the pedestrian route to the Metropolitan Museum should be fertile ground to launch this sort of brand in the vicinity of Vince, J.Crew, Nanette Lepore and their ilk. Stay tuned for more details.

Italian Women’s Fashion Brand Pinko Making Foray Into USA (Commercial Observer)

MOLLY YOUNG GOES SHOPPING: Beyond Ballet Flats Edition

In today's Thursday Styles, this week's Critical Shopper Molly Young makes her way to Soho to check out the Repetto flagship or Mecca for generations of ballet flat fans. it is not, however, the eternal ballet flat that interests out shopper this week. She gives it its proper historical context (Brigitte Bardot, Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse etc.), and there are clearly lots of them to be had there for both professional dancers and civilians alike, but it is the other items at Repetto that really catch our shopper's eye. The well priced sportswear gets its due, although it seems a little bit too well-priced to have actually been made in France, but the item that sticks is a fawn-colored ankle boot. "It felt like having someone gently blow kisses toward my foot from a distance," she describes, which seems tough to resist, even for $425. And yet, the delicacy that makes it such a treat for her feet is also its chief drawback, How could such a dainty piece of footwear stand up to the rough sidewalks of New York? Of her trusty shopping partner she finally says, ". . .I’m grateful for friends who remind me of the important things in life — like keeping the maximum amount of shoe between me and New York City’s fathomless secretions," —perhaps finally remembering the heartbreak of having a new pair of shoes destroyed by the very streets of the city we call home. We have all been there.

Critical Shopper: Be a French Girl. Or Just Look Like One. By Molly Young (NYTimes)
Repetto 400 West Broadway between Spring & Prince Streets, SoHo

 

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Dennis Basso, Mikimoto & Seize sur Vingt Make For A Luxurious Sale Week

The Sample Sale scene is on a slow simmer for the time being, but it isn't totally dormant. While it won't kick back into high gear for several weeks, there are a few choice events perfect for the season set for this week.

Starting tomorrow, MIKIMOTO will open its Fifth Avenue showroom for a three-day sale on its renowned jewelry which typically features luminous cultured pearls. It's an excellent opportunity to get a jump on extravagant Valentine's Day gifts.

Luxury handbag brand KHIRMA will also be launching a sale on Wednesday through Saturday in the West Village featuring its signature sleek clutches and other exotic skin bags. Save up to 70% off retail prices with no bag priced under $500.

Local favorite expertise in all things sartorial SEIZE sur VINGT will kick off its seasonal sale of Friday featuring its men's ready-to-wear Suitings, shirtings, sportswear, shoes and accessories. The deep discounts top out at a whopping 80% off. This year, a 2-day online preview will precede the sale starting today at noon for anyone unable to make it to the brand's Greene Street flagship store. Those who prefer to shop in person will have to wait for friday, but there should be l=plenty of shopping time as it runs through the end of the month.

Finally, on Saturday, fur fans will flock to Soiffer-Haskin for DENNIS BASSO's seasonal sample sale. The main attraction is, of course, the fur coats and jackets (pictured), but there will also be shearlings on hand as well as the designer's opulent ready-to-wear apparel and accessories along with scarves, pillows and other home accessories. Runs through next Wednesday. Be warned that security will be extra tight at this venue which is already the most strict in town. Leave the kids at home and expect to check all coats and bags going in . Photo IDs will be required for this one as well.

Most of the other regular sale venues are quiet for the week, but look for 260SampleSale's three locations at 260 Fifth Avenue and 43 and 151 Wooster Street to be open with a mix of merchandise culled form sales over the past few months.
Yeah, it's leftovers, but in the past, they have been priced to move, and there is always the opportunity to find that little gem that everyone else has passed over.

See our SALE ROLL sidebar for details and locations plus any late breaking sale events. Next week, casual furs from Joc and the popular KS clearance sale are set to take place.