Never Pay Retail

Four NYC friends share their picks and finds on the best shopping deals in the city. Follow us for updates on deals, discounts, and freebies!

Cole Haan Warehouse Sale

No need to wait in long lines, travel to far corners of the city, or climb up dingy flights of stairs to get to this one ladies (and gents). The Cole Haan Warehouse sale is today only and ONLINE! Shoes, accessories, and outerwear for men and women at up to 60% off with free shipping on orders over  $150! (And hooray for no tax on clothes and shoes under $110 coming back)

Women’s Sale
Men’s Sale

Enjoy!

-D

Sample Sale: Botkier

Stopped by the Botkier sale after work today in search of a grown-up bag (I’ve decided it’s time to bid PVC/pleather bags farewell and judiciously welcome a couple long-lasting leather bags into my life, preferably not at the cost of my entire meager paycheck)….and…ended up picking up a sample bag! (see below)

It was just after 6 when I arrived, and the sale was well organized with just a small handful of other shoppers, and plenty of staff on hand to answer questions (a few bags weren’t on the price charts on the wall). It seems that a lot of colorways may be sold out…and there weren’t that many bags in general, like at past sales. None of the overstock bags were particularly enticing to me, besides maybe the Nicola tote (avail in black and red):

botkier nicola tote

Cheapest I found online was $320 at eBags.com, and it was going for $250 at the sale. It’s a great basic bag for work (not too big but roomy), and pretty light too…but the leather seemed like it might scratch easily, and I’m someone who throws my bags around.

So after much deliberating, I opted to splurge on this $200 sample, which was heavier (great for building my biceps?) and looked like it would take a beating better:

It was designed for the fall but isn’t being produced…instead they’ll be making a smaller crossbody version (which sounds adorbs!).

A look at the samples left:

Most of the sample bags were $200 or $250; smaller ones were less.

Here’s the $100 and under table:

There were also basic but cute enough leather wallets for $50—I would have gotten one if I wasn’t already doing some serious damage. There were barely any shoes left, so I didn’t even bother.

The sale goes on through Sunday. Not entirely sure, but it seems like if you pay cash, you might get away with no tax (lady next to me paid with cash and her purchase was a flat $75…I was charged tax.). Hope you find something you love!

225 5th Ave. (btwn 26th and 27th)
Saturday, 10/5 and Sunday, 10/6
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

-Z

Save the date: Rebecca Minkoff Sale!

rebecca minkoff sample sale

Expect madness. Mayhem. Hour-long lines that snake around the entire place. And way too much body heat…

…but we know we’ll see you there.

-Z

A Civilized Elie Tahari Sale

G and I dropped by the Elie Tahari Sale tonight in hopes of being able to snag some good work appropriate shift dresses and such.  When we got there a bit past 5pm, we were pleasantly surprised that there was only a very short line, mostly due to coat/bag check.  They MAKE you check your coat and bag so be prepared! 

Apparently, last year’s ElieTahari sale was complete madness (as G reports), but today, the sale was relatively calm with more people filing in as they got off work but still civilized and orderly.  Most of the items were true sample sizes of 6’s, 8’s, and many larger sizes.  0’s and 2’s were quite scarce, sadly.  We weren’t able to find anything that we super loved so we left empty handed.  

They had plenty of merchandise though so if you’re a 6 or 8, there are plenty of options for you there!  

$29 sweaters!

Elie Tahari Sale
Tuesday, April 17- Saturday, April 21
501 5th Ave, 2nd floor (btwn 41st and 42nd)
Tues-Fri: 8:30-7:30
Sat: 10-5

 Happy Shopping!

-D

Flash update: Shoshanna Sale

We checked out the Shoshanna sale this morning right when it opened at 10 - who can resist those flattering one-shoulder dresses?? - and it was madness! Tomorrow is the last day, and we’d recommend getting there early, taking a late lunch or leaving work early to beat the post-work rush.

Stock items were $70 or $100, and samples are $50—but huge! In the past we were able to get our hands on a few 2s and 4s but they were practically nonexistent today. There were plenty of swimsuits, but try-ons weren’t allowed, so we deemed it too risky for our wallets.

Not sure how many good samples will be left tomorrow (only nice one we saw was stained)…as we sadly left empty-handed this morning, despite digging around for an hour. Good luck and let us know if you find anything awesome!

If any of us go tomorrow we’ll post an update.

Tuesday, 4/3 to Wednesday, 4/4
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
231 W. 39th St. (btwn 7th and 8th)
Suite 422

-Z

Review: Journelle Bra Drive

Thanks to Z and her post on the Journelle Bra Drive, I was finally motivated to clean out my bra drawer and donate those old ones that I never, ever wear anymore!  Armed with my bag of 6 old bras, I headed down to the Union Square shop to replenish my supply.  

The store was calm and quiet with little traffic so I was able to browse the whole store comfortably.  Whether you’re looking for a basic T-shirt bra or something with a little more va-va-voom, Journelle’s got quite the selection to choose from! The fitting rooms there are absolutely adorable (and spacious), like your very own mini boudoir- complete with vanity table, bench, and a super soft bathrobe! Right outside the fitting rooms, there’s also a sitting area with free waters and Italian chocolates. :) Bra shopping and chocolates- how can you go wrong… 

After trying on practically the whole store, I finally whittled my stash down to 4.  Their bra prices range from $40s-$100+, so whatever your budget, you can probably find something!  I had no problems finding my size, and the lovely sales associate helped me pull sizes from downstairs as well.  

With my donation, I also got a small free sample of The Laundress lingerie detergent which I’m sure will come in handy to wash my new goodies.  Also, since I was a first time shopper there, I got a $20 card to use on my next purchase. Hooray! 

Cleaned out bra drawer, helped out a worthy cause, Free the Girls, 20%  off full priced bras, free yummy chocolates, free lingerie detergent, and $20 off for next time! Quite productive, no? 

So hurry up and clean out your bra drawers now~! 

-D

Round up those bras!

If you’re like me and you can’t bear to throw things away (feels like such a waste!), only to have them pile up…like a junkyard, now’s the time to go through that pile and dig out all your old bras! Consider it jump-starting your spring cleaning. Journelle is offering 20% off one full-priced bra for each bra you donate to their drive—regardless of whether or not you’re looking to purchase new underthings, you’ll be helping out Free the Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to providing jobs and opportunities for women rescued from trafficking in Mozambique. Journelle will also donate $1 for every bra donated.

You have from tomorrow through Saturday to mail-in or drop off your bras. They have three locations in Manhattan:

Union Square: 3 E. 17th St. (at 5th)
Soho: 125 Mercer St. (btwn Spring and Prince)
Upper East Side: 1266 3rd Ave. (at 73rd)

If you’d rather mail them in, send them to:
Journelle Spring Cleaning Bra Drive
3 E. 17th St.
New York, NY 10003
(Include your name and email)

Journelle Donate Bras

Get rid of junk while helping other people? Sounds like a win-win to us.

-Z

Yuli Skincare- Panacea Elixir

I’m a skincare junkie so I’m always on the lookout for innovative new products on the market.  Currently running low on my Amore Pacific Balancing Fluid toner so I’ve been exploring a bit to see if there are any new ones I should try.  My skin is super sensitive so I’m pretty cautious about what goes on it. Recently, I found Yuli Skincare, a new line of skincare using only super clean ingredients and no synthetic fragrances, parabens, artificial colors, mineral oil, silicons, petrochemicals, sulfates, alcohol, triclosan, GMOs, or phthalates. 

Apparently, these more advanced toners don’t use water as a base, but instead aloe vera, which hydrates better and longer!  I’m planning to try Yuli’s Panacea Elixir with Aloe Vera, Tulsi, and Rosemary which is supposed to rebalance, refine, and regenerate.  At $36 for a bottle of 60ml, it’s not a bad deal.  I’ll update in a week or so and let you know how I like it! :) 

Check out their website for more details and other product offerings! http://www.yuliskincare.com/

-D



The Little Cakes- Gluten Free goodies!

I’ve never had gluten free anything before but I recently got this delightful box of cake pops from Elise @ The Little Cakes. 

I wasn’t really sure what to expect but these adorable gluten free cake pops are so moist and full of flavor!  My box had flavors including chocolate, lemon, red velvet, mint (which tastes like thin mints!), tiramisu, praline, coconut, and banana. 

Aren’t they just the cutest?? She makes them in other shapes and animals as well as cupcakes and full cakes! Check out The Little Cakes NYC to get your own or order some for your celiac friends!  Her goodies are so delicious, she’s had orders from people halfway across the world! 

Happy Gluten-Free Eating!

-D

Yumi Kim Sample Sale

Between the 4 of us, we must have over 40 Yumi Kim pieces… but of course that didn’t stop me from going to the sample sale today.  Plenty of pieces and good sizes to choose from although I seemed to already own a good portion of them.  I went around 430-5pm ish and it was relatively calm so I was able to take my time looking through the goods.  

Today was the first day so they were still hanging items out.  I was told some of the items out are still full priced in many other shops around the city!! They won’t really be restocking but there will be better discounts toward the end of the sale, although I’m not sure if there will be many XS and S’s left by then.  I was so good today and purchased only one dress!

Yumi Kim Jayne Dress in Fuchsia Tulips, Retail $198, SS $40 (cash)

Isn’t that dress just perfect for spring/summer? These last few days of gorgeous weather is making me antsy for spring in the city! Can’t wait to wear my new pink dress! (which I think looks better on me than this model, not to be obnoxious. :p )

Prices are $50 for each piece, $125 for 3 pieces, and $175 for 5 pieces.  However, if you bring cash and play nice with Adam, he will likely give you a discount (which is how I scored my one item for $40!).  

Yumi Kim Sample Sale
153 Essex St. (Near Stanton)
Thursday 3/8, Noon -7pm
Friday 3/9, Noon-7pm
Saturday 3/10, Noon-7pm
Sunday 3/11, Noon-6pm 

Happy Shopping!

-D

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