by Millissa Mathai on April 9, 2010
We all love designer clothing and accessories, but most of us wish that the steep designer prices were lower. So what is a fashionista to do? Shop sample sales of course! Sample sales typically are a means for retail businesses to discard extra merchandise from their showrooms. The clothing was usually worn on the catwalk and on photo shoots. Sample sales are a great way to get near to perfect clothing and accessories at a fraction of the retail price.
How To Find Sample Sales
In Print
Many local newspapers and magazines list sample sales. New York Magazine and Time Out NY are two titles that are known for their heavy coverage of sample sales. Fashion trade publications also list upcoming and current sample sales.
Email
Sign up for designers’ newsletters on their websites and rest assured when they have a sample sale they will send you an email dishing out all the details of the sale.
Online
Sample sales are difficult to come by, but with the power of the Internet finding sample sales is a cinch. My favourite website for sample sale hunting is samplesaleforum.com a cool new site that lets members list up-to-the-minute sample sales and connect with fashionistas nationwide.
What To Look For At Sample Sales
It’s easy to get excited at a sample sale and purchase everything you see. Keep these tips in mind:
-Make sure it fits your body now.
-Check that all seams, hems, buttons and zippers are intact.
-Only buy an item if you are absolutely in love with it, if you only wear the item once then it’s not really a deal.
How To Survive At A Sample Sale
Sample sales somehow bring out the bad in some, remember the sample sale scene from Confessions of A Shopaholic? Some things to keep in mind when shopping sample sales:
-Arrive early. At least a half hour before the sale starts.
-Bring cash. This way you won’t over spend and regret it, seeing as most sample sales are final sale.
-Dress lightly. There are rarely dressing rooms at sample sales so be smart and wear minimal clothing and easy to take off shoes to try on things easily.
Sample sales are a great way to cultivate a closet full of designer clothing for a steal. Happy shopping and good luck fashionistas!
Millissa Mathai is Editor In Chief at www.HauteMimi.com NYC International Premier Fashion magazine www.twitter.com/hautemimi
by Millissa Mathai on March 8, 2010
Foravi NYC
Foravi is the new high-fashion boutique founded by socialite, Devora Avikzer Goltry, that is taking the retail industry by storm. The boutique offers a full range of highly edited ready to wear and accessories from some of the hottest designers like Vivienne Westwood and Anisa . I was blown away by the vintage Versace jewelry and wide selection of gorgeous cocktail dresses. Foravi is one boutique where glamour resides and resonates. Located on 80th and Madison, Foravi is the boutique of choice for upper-east side fashionista who craves sophistication with a splash of decadence.
Foravi NYC
Foravi
1067 Madison Avenue
New York NY 10028
212-288-1773
Millissa Mathai is Editor of Hautemimi.Com in NYC the premier upmarket fashion and beauty site that is soon going to be available in print.
by Millissa Mathai on January 4, 2010
I recently came across Velixa, the coveted high-end anti-aging skin care line sought after by the super elite and fashion models. The line currently offers Age Defense for Day, a light whipped day lotion, and Youth Replenish for Night, a decadent moisturizing night cream for overnight renewal. Both products are made from the most luxurious and scientifically proven ingredients that work effectively to tighten and illuminate your skin right after application. With daily use, the whipped day lotion and night cream are proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and signs of aging.
This instantaneous effect of illuminated, firm skin, coupled with the proven, long lasting anti-aging results (that start to appear within seven days of using Velixa), have made it a must have for models in New York, Paris and Milan. Makeup artists are known to apply Velixa before photo shoots and runway shows to make skin taut and radiant, resulting in flawless pictures.
I use both Velixa day lotion and night cream daily. The day lotion makes a great base for makeup while protecting and rejuvenating my skin during the daytime. I have incorporated the decadent night cream into my nighttime beauty regimen and I wake up with refreshed, glowing and firm skin. Both products are truly irreplaceable. It used to be that the Velixa line was only available in exclusive salons and spas. However, they are now available to women around the globe via Velixa.com. Like their motto says, “Live now. Age later.”
Millissa Mathai is the editor in chief of Haute Mimi International, the premier online publication for the international habitue and fashion devotee. Millissa contributes to various high-fashion magazines and lends her expertise to fashion designers and boutiques through her consulting business in NYC. I am the London Fashion Director of Hautemimi.Com.
