FEATURES

Sample Sales NYC

Written by Ashley

1 Brooklyn Designers Showcase Now that the sun is finally shining, spend your Saturday out and about, perusing indie labels. Loads of homemade stuff will be priced at $50 or less, such as Irene’s Secret lotions, soaps and sugar scrubs ($3–$40); In Sharon’s Closet wrap skirts, dresses and T-shirts ($18–$45); and Barbara’s Bags beaded purses ($25–$30). St. Ann’s Church, 157 Montague St between Clinton and Henry Sts, Brooklyn Heights (718-763-7654). Sat 27 noon–6pm, free

2 Built by Wendy Chicago transplant Wendy Mullin may be a Midwestern gal, but her funky, indie designs translate perfectly to the hip NYC aesthetic. When these chic wares go on sale, we’ll be the first ones in line: Canvas anoraks with three-quarter sleeves are going for $75 (once $214), wide-striped jersey boatneck tees are priced at $25 (originally $83), and neon floral one-shoulder sundresses cost just $50 (as opposed to $240). Built by Wendy, 46 North 6th St between Kent and Wythe Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-2882, builtbywendy.com). Fr 26, Sat 27 10am–8pm; Sun 28 noon–6pm.

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3 Shop W Style If last year’s Fashion’s Night Out was the best evening of your life, you’ll dig this day of shopping festivities endorsed by chichi glossy magazine W. Start at the Shop W Style Lounge at the Standard Hotel to pick up a W shopping bag and detailed map, peruse Tacori’s new 18k925 line, mingle with editors, and make appointments with pros like Shiseido beauty expert Renato Almeida and Emmy Award–winning celeb stylist Rebecca Weinberg. Then hit the Meatpacking District, where more than 40 stores—including Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss and Yigal Azrouël—will be hosting events and offering deals. Sign us up! The Shop W Style Lounge at the Standard Hotel, 69 Little W 12th St at Washington St (wdesires.com/shopwstyle). Sat 27 10am–6pm, free. See wdesires.com/shopwstyle for a full list of participants.

4 CRAFTernoon Janet Kim, the designer behind contemporary clothing line Graey, and her friend Diana Huang, will be teaching Project Runway wanna-bes how to transform old T-shirts and fabric scraps into headbands and wristbands. While you nosh on free cupcakes from Whoopsi Daisy Bakery, you’ll learn the reverse-appliqué technique, an old process that involves lots of tracing, pinning and stitching. There’s a suggested donation of $20 per participant, with proceeds benefiting nonprofit the Father’s Heart Ministries (fathersheartnyc.org). OneWorld Showroom, 530 Seventh Ave between 38th and 39th Sts, suite 601 (646-875-8425, crafternoon.eventbrite.com). Sat 27 1–4pm. Registration recommended.

5 Cure Thrift Shop Spring Home and Fashion VIP Launch Party To show off its new spring housewares, clothing and accessories (expect antique lace, floral prints, Marc Jacobs frocks and Christian Lacroix button-down shirts), the friendly staff behind this East Village vintage boutique is throwing a bash. The $5 entry fee will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute; owner Liz Wolff (who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 11) has dedicated her shop’s proceeds to finding a cure. The cover also entitles you to free wine, cupcakes and hors d’oeuvres served 6–7pm; a gift bag filled with records, magnets and a copy of BlackBook magazine; and a raffle ticket to win prizes such as a designer handbag (donated by designersocial.com) or five lessons with Tracey Ryan Pilates. 111 E 12th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-505-7467, curethriftshop.com). Fri 26 5–10pm. $5.

6 Sanyo Fashion House Just in time to prep for ominous April showers, this Japanese menswear line will be offering its super-water-repellent raincoats at significantly knocked-down prices. Styles with removable vests will be dropped from $350 to $149, traditional long coats are snipped from $395 to $169, and jackets are whittled from $195 to $80. 525 Seventh Ave between 38th and 39th Sts,17th floor (800-997-2696, sanyofashionhouse.com). Wed 31 8:30am–6pm.

7 LensCrafters Hey, Four Eyes! Snag a snazzy new pair of frames (like a Ray-Ban tortoiseshell style for $160) and get 50 percent off on the lenses. The 30-day unconditional guarantee ensures that if you don’t like your new specs, you can return or exchange them—no questions asked. Locations throughout the city; visit lenscrafters.com for info. Through Apr 3.

8 Tribeca Retail Club 2010 Kick Off Trendy chicks will be all about this night, dedicated to getting you buzzed open-bar-style (if you buy a VIP ticket for $15) while you snag the latest It items from up-and-coming indie labels. Enter for free to shop the brands, including Accessory Remix, Jacqueline Quinn and Pearl Ro. Keep an eye out for WebbedWare Turquoiserie colorful cuffs for $49 (normally $68), and Sandra Baquero convertible wrap dresses for $120 (once $150). If you do splurge for the VIP pass, you’ll not only gain access to free booze, but a seat at the beauty bar (which offers makeup services from Yagolicious Cosmetics) and a giveaway bag filled with beauty products, spa gift certificates and accessories. Chacala NY, 394 Broadway between Walker and White Sts, fourth floor (212-244-4464, trc2010.eventsbot.com). Fri 26 6–11pm; free, VIP $15

9 Yeohlee These runway-ready threads are perfect for the “urban nomad,” a term coined by the designer. Lantern-sleeve jackets are clipped from $715 to $435, raincoats with two-tiered skirts are hacked from $795 to $485, and belted raincoats are tagged $395 (once $660). 225 W 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, 16th floor (212-631-8099, yeohlee.com). Thu 25 8am–7pm

10 Ito-En Tea Shop Teatime has come to a close for this eight-year-old Upper East Side store. Before it locks up for good, grab high-end housewares at sweet discounts: wooden jewelry boxes with mother-of-pearl detailing are whittled from $1,100 to $550, cast-iron teakettles are sliced from $2,500 to $1,250, and clay teapots are $250 (were $500). 822 Madison Ave at 69th St (212-988-7111, itoen.com). Mon–Sat 10am–7pm; Sun noon–6pm. Thu 25–Apr 9.

11 Property Yes, this modern home-decor boutique has steep prices, but if you have the dough and are a fan of sleek furnishings, these deals are worth it: Table lamps with transparent circular designs are sheared from $1,940 to $1,320, and wooden-frame sofas are cut from $9,990 to $4,850. 14 Wooster St between Canal and Grand Sts (917-237-0123, propertyfurniture.com). Thu 25, Fri 26 10am–6pm; Sat 27 noon–6pm; Mon 29–Wed 31 10am–6pm.

Via TimeOut NY

About the author

Ashley

a fun-loving, twenty-something living in Brooklyn. She spends most of her time absorbing all the life, tofu and whiskey that NYC has to offer. Her current obsessions? BDG High-waisted leggings, vintage boot shopping in Williamsburg, Katherine Kwei's sling bag and Melanie Marie's two-finger horn ring.