By DNAinfo Staff
NEW YORK CITY — August is a hot month for fashion, as Vogue's biggest issue of the year hits newsstands and trend-watchers make their picks for the fall season. With retailers clearing their racks for fall inventory, now is the time to find designer bargains.
Shopping expert Marla J. Hander, who runs Shop Gotham, a tour service that guides shoppers through SoHo, Nolita and the Garment District, says the best way to find end-of-summer deals is to pound the pavement.
"Every store has got massive sales racks, but they're pretty plundered through at this point," Hander said. "You don’t know whether there's still good stuff left without going to the stores."
That said, there are several online resources that merchandise mavens like Hander rely on for the inside scoop about special events like sample sales, where shoppers can find one-of-kind pieces. Hander recommends trolling The Stylish City, Sugar Rock Catwalk and the shopping sections of New York and Time Out.
Here's a look at some of the sales going on now:
At Upper East Side institution Bergdorf Goodman, prices are dropping fast, with discounts of up to 40 percent off. Sample steal: Citizens of Humanity Rocket Free Fall Ultra-Flare jeans are selling for $72, down from $242.
Shopping blog Racked also recommends The Gap, Urban Outfitters, Madewell and Kate Spade as stores where shoppers can find good deals on both summer and fall fashions.
Designer bargain hunters will flock to Chelsea later this month when Barneys holds its semi-annual warehouse sale, at 255 W. 17th St., starting Aug. 23.
This year shoppers got early access to the markdowns online when Barneys launched the web version of its famous sale in early August. Check the Barneys Warehouse Sale site for daily deals, such as 65 percent off menswear and up to 80 percent off home furnishings. Sample deal: On Monday, Saddlers Union leather dog collars that usually sell for $123 were on sale for $32. Woof!
Still need a swimsuit for that end-of-season beach jaunt? Shopping blog She Finds reports that Victoria's Secret has chopped prices on swimwear by up to 50 percent. She Finds also recommends sales at Tory Burch, Lord & Taylor, Club Monaco and Henri Bendel, where magenta faux snakeskin iPad covers are on sale for a mere $34.30, down from $98.00.
But remember, some sales last only for a few hours or days.
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, Issey Miyake holds a sample sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Pavilion, on West 18th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues. Later this month, from Aug. 21-25, hit up the DKNY sample sale for up to 70 percent off women's apparel, shoes, accessories and bags, reports Sugar Rock Catwalk.
If you're in the market for new furniture, head up the Bronx for the ABC Carpet & Home Sale, where you'll find savings of up to 75 percent on items like wooden dining room tables by Verge, discounted from $2,295 to $1,599, reports Time Out.
