Cheryl Shops

There are so many awesome sample sales this week, I had to list them all. So, without further ado...

Normally if there is a disaster or a cause, I would encourage you to donate money directly to the charity, rather than shop for something that benefits. However, this is more of a situation where you'd be going to it anyway, and it just so happens to have a charitable benefit. I'm talking about the 2-day 3.1 Phillip Lim sample sale, where RTW, men's, and kids' samples and production stock will be at below-wholesale prices, and proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross's Japan relief efforts. 3/24-3/25; 10-6; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 17th fl.

Also benefiting Japan: United Bamboo, where clothing for men, women, and cats (yes cats), plus shoes and bags are up to 90% off, with 100% of proceeds going toward tsunami relief in Japan. 3/22-3/23; 11-8; 217 Centre St. (Grand & Howard Sts.), 6th fl.


 Expect long lines and lots of cranky rich people at the Hermes sample sale, where bags, scarves, ties, jewelry, and various leather goods are up to 70% off. As usual at Soffier Haskin, bring credit cards and leave the strollers and children under 12 at home. 3/23-3/27; 9-9, 9-8 Th, 1-5 Sun; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

David Yurman's jewelry rarely goes on sale, so scoop it up at this sample sale, also featuring watches and eyewear. 3/24-3/27; 3-8 Th, 10-7 F-Sat, 11-5 Sun.; Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

In case you missed any of Dannijo's prior sample sales, you've got another choice to score their downtowny jewelry at just $10 and up. 3/22; 10-7:30; 423 W. 14th St. (at Washington St.).

Finally, if, like me, you're of the mind that one cannot own too many bikinis, hit the Sirene Collection first-annual sample sale this weekend, where swimwear by coveted lines like Zimmerman and Mara Hoffman is up to 85% off. 3/25-3/26; noon-7 F, noon-5 S; 250 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 507.

Porter Grey
A contemporary line found at the likes of Shopbop, Porter Grey has a slightly girly vibe, but with an interesting edge. There were a lot of sculpted coats, richly colored and printed silk dresses, and sexier fitted dresses with cutout details. It was kind of something-for-everyone, but when it all looks this good, who cares?

Mara Hoffman
Late start aside, a very pregnant Mara Hoffman herself presided over her Thursday-afternoon presentation, which included a live band and carried a very mystical-spiritual vibe. She complemented her signature kaleidoscopic prints with thick knits and detail like braiding, cutouts, and hoods. Fans will snap up the sexier maxi dresses and cozy sweater jackets.



Jonathan Simkhai
By the time I got to Jonathan Simkhai's presentation, I had had two glasses of wine and was eager to continue celebrating at the IFB Conference after-party. So it was fortunate that the models were rotating spots so quickly--I was able to see the entire collection in about 5 minutes. The problem was that I didn't give the collection a proper look; thankfully, that's why I take pictures of everything! Simkhai's reform-school-girls of spring have evolved into a more sophisticated, refined level for fall. There are still beautifully tailored pieces and a strong preppy influence, but Simkhai added sexy cutout dresses and richer-looking fabrics to the mix.

Dannijo
Finally, on Tuesday evening, Dannijo held a roaring '20s–meets–True Grit presentation to show their increasingly intricate and layered jewelry. Littered with Swarovski crystals and featuring bold Art Deco shapes, the line is evolving from its edgy, piled-on-chains roots. These are definitely statement pieces, but I liked that they showed them with not-so-basic clothing, proving that jewelry doesn't have to overpower the rest of one's outfit.