Friends Don't Let Friends Pay Retail - Part II: Sample Sales Galore! (October 25 - October 31)

Online sales are good, but Sample Sales are better. Feel the fabric, appreciate the construction, trip that chick trying to snatch that blouse. Aaaahhh... How I love a Sample Sale. This week I have some goodies for you. Remember: Sharpen those elbows and get in line early, especially for the high-end, big ticket brands. Happy hunting!

Giuliana Teso Sample Sale ~ Up to 70% off
Furs and fall 2009 ready-to-wear items are up to 70% off at the Giuliana Teso sample sale. Cashmere coats with mink trim are $900 (originally $2,400), floral-print dresses with matching jackets are $1,200 (originally $2,800), and mink capes are $1,600 (originally ($3,800). 135 W. 52nd St., nr. Sixth Ave., ste. 5A (212-920-1211); 10/25 -10/27: Su–Tu (10–8). Thanks, New York Magazine!

Tusk Sample Sale ~ Up to 65% off
Jetsetters should be well-outfitted. That said, you may want to poke your head in to the Tusk Sample Sale for fine leather luggage, handbags and accessories. 242 W. 26th Street, bet. 7th and 8th Aves.;10/25 - 10/31: M - S (11 - 7).

Class Roberto Cavalli Sample Sale ~ Up to 75% off
The name says it all. Roberto Cavalli is enough on its own, but Class Roberto Cavalli adds another level of edginess and fashion forward thinking. Definitely worth a peek. 135 W. 52nd St., ste. 5A (212-920-1211); 10/25 - 10/27: Su–Tu (10–6). Thanks, New York Magazine!

Rena Lange Sample Sale ~ Up to 80% off
Rena Lange: Professional, sophisticated, pure style. Classic pieces that will convince your boss that you are angling for her job. Think woman's apparel, accessories, shoes and handbags, not to mention, suits, separates, knits and outerwear. Head over to this sample sale and two-hour lunch breaks will definitely be in your future. 33 W. 55th Street, bet. 5th and 6th Aves.; 10/26 - 10/28: M (12 -6), T (9 - 6), W (9 - 3).

John Hardy Jewelry Sample Sale ~ Up to 60% off
This is a perfect pre-holiday stop. John Hardy creates exquisitely hand-crafted collections that will be available in an assortment of sterling silver, enamel, yellow gold, gemstones, and diamond pave. The sale will feature jewelry for women and men and will be for just one day only! Not to be missed. 270 W. 43rd street, bet. 7th and 8th Aves.; 10/28: 8:30 - 7.

Carlos Falchi Sample Sale ~ Up to 70% off
Expect exquisitly designed handbags, bright colors and exotic skins, not to mention classic bags that you will have for a lifetime. 260 W.39th St., bet. 7th and 8th Aves.; 10/28 - 10/29: 10 -7.

Yves Saint Laurent/YSL Friends and Family Sale ~ Up to 80% off
There is so much I could say about this one. You CANNOT miss this! This is YSL for Petunia's sake! Will prices be Target-friendly? No, but what will be is this: The outrageously expensive will be toned way down to moderately expensive. I know they say, "A girl's gotta eat", but does she really. Go and grab yourself a bag, instead. 123 W. 18th St., bet. 6th and 7th Aves. 4th Floor; 10/28 - 10/30: W - Th (8 -8), F (8 - 2).

MaxMara presents the Max & Co. Warehouse Sale ~ Up to 85% off
Famous in Europe and the West Coast for its youthful play on iconic Italian styles, MAX&Co. is the product of an eclectic inspiration and an elegantly offhand manner. Just in time for the holidays, the public is invited to visit the sample sale and indulge in the hottest handbags, coats, and dresses. MAX&Co. has the best treasures a girl could find, from narrow shouldered coats and double breasted jackets, to colors that pop and silhouettes that flirt. Stop by and warm up to a cozy new wardrobe. 75 Ninth Avenue, bet. 15th and 16th Sts.; 10/28 - 11/1: W - Su (10:30 - 7).



Keep me in mind as you pound the pavement. ;-)