Monday, March 31, 2008

nyc: part two

shop reviews, continued...

mayle
they were marking down the previous season to 60% off. unfortunately, they didn't have anything in my size. mostly 2s and 10s. argh!

a.p.c. surplus store
such a tiny store. i wouldn't have bought most of the clothing full price. they did, however, have those lovely white sandals from last summer for $150.

built by wendy sample sale
so crowded and hectic. matthew thought about buying a sweater, but i was feeling claustrophobic and had to leave. maybe nyc sample sales aren't for me? the brooklyn shop, however, had quite a few pieces from the new collection. i love the hawaiian print dresses and skirts, but i'll have to wait until they go on sale.

curve
i went here with angela, but there wasn't much left in terms of sale items. i loved the isabel marant that they did have, however.

jumelle
another tiny shop, but so many lovely, well-curated items. again, isabel marant was a stand-out for me.

amarcord
i found a tunic dress that reminded me of this dress by jackson, johnston & roe. it was only $95, but i didn't have time to try it on because i had to meet friends at MoMA.



moon river chattel
i did, however, fortify myself with red licorice from this wonderful shop. they have waxed canvas duffel bags, but unfortunately were out of the smaller sized one that matthew wanted. we might have to do a phone order later on.

steven alan
basically, i wanted everything in this store. the buyers could do no wrong this season. mayle, lyell, mociun, ulla johnson, rachel comey, lauren moffat, et al.


so, the shop was closing in 20 minutes, and i was feeling grumpy because i had yet to buy anything. we were leaving on the 8pm chinatown bus, and i 'had' to buy something. the lyell dress was clearly out ($500!?!), but this mociun pocket front zigzag dress was calling my name. the print is beyond awesome, and i'll take sturdy and clever over delicate and elegant pretty much any day of the week. i do, after all, ride my bicycle to school in inclement weather.


oh, did i mention the front pocket? so perfect for hiding a $20 and photo i.d. for summer-time jaunts. mociun zigzag dress, $298. steven alan, in store only.




i also bought matthew this gingham tie. boys should wear ties more often, with their sleeves rolled up. $55, steven alan, in store only.

90 comments:

tiffany... said...

i love your new dress!
the front pocket is pure brilliance! i may have to try that myself...
and, i fully support you... men really should wear ties more... perhaps, another thing to add on my list of things to make (a gingham tie for my fella!)

i totally love your shopping adventures!

Stephanie said...

The print on your dress is so awesome!! Love the pocket too. Sometimes it hurts to buy more practical than delicate but one has to be realistic, which I'm realizing more and more curating my own wardrobe. You will look so cool bike riding in that dress ;)

I love the tie too! I'm trying to get my boyfriend into black and white gingham anything! The tie is a great way to do that- good pick!

nanashi said...

Nice choice, I also understand that sense of frustration of running out of time and knowing that some of the greatest pieces requires patience (meaning, gotta wait for sale). I really loved the navy and purple madras sundress from Built by Wendy, but my sister told me I rarely wear purple (but that was why I was attracted to it) so I decided to wait.

Love the tie, too. I think one day I want to pull off wearing ties with Steven Alan shirts.

Sigh..i am glad I do not live in new york.

Chelsea said...

Love your dress. It is clever with that pocket. So perfect. Also love his tie!!

R.G. said...

i love how functional it is with the little pocket in the middle. the print is really great too!

Claire said...

Oh! I would have gone to exactly those shops as well! That mociun dress is lovely - perfect. Sometimes the running out of time insta-purchases are the best ones (I bought my flat that way!) Ties for boys campaign!...

Lena said...

i loved reading about your weekend in nyc... sorry you didn't find more to buy. the mociun dress looks perfect on you!

Moya said...

I love the new dress too--I'll leave a note on your blog when the Lyell dress goes on sale (it likely will). You should come back in late June for the Mayle and Lyell sales. Also, did the Mayle 60% off include this year's holiday dresses? I have my eyes on one that I might try to get if they have it in my size.

Field Trip said...

It's fun to hear about your NY ventures...looking forward to the next installment!

Unknown said...

as I said Moon River is one of my favorite shops and I love Sprout Home as well. I am glad you like the places....I got a jacket at the Built by Wendy Sample sale, it was a madhouse.

The bomber jacket was marked from 275 to 50...awesome!

erica said...

moya--
it looks like most of the sale items are from the resort, not the holiday, collection. bird had yet to mark down their mayle.

there was a particular dress that i wanted to buy from the holiday collection, too. steven alan had it online for 30%, but they sold out while i was in nyc.

i will definitely buy the lyell dress when it goes on sale. i'm glad i tried it on, since the sizing can be a little weird. i can do either a 4 or 6, but i prefer the looseness of the 6.

anabela / fieldguided said...

You have the most impeccable taste. I love the dress and my gosh! The tie! AMAZING.

Joanna Goddard said...

your dress is beautiful! you look lovely.

"boys should wear ties more often, with their sleeves rolled up." = awesome.

Moya said...

Thanks Erica! I'll definitely keep you posted on Mayle and Lyell sales (including the sample sales, although Lyell give next to no notice for those). I have my eye on one of the blue cotton resort dresses as well as the black holiday dress with gems and will hop in there on the way to class and office hours today.

erica-knits said...

Wow that dress is amazing! You are one lucky girl. I also agree that men should wear ties more often!

jenny gordy said...

erica, you look amazing in that mociun dress!!! i want that so bad. i prefer sturdy over delicate too. i'm glad you got that--it's perfect for you. awesome tie too!

erica said...

thanks all! i must warn you though, the dress is scandalously short (i'm only 5'4").

i'd love to see your projects incorporating the front pocket, i think it's such a wonderful idea.

Michelle said...

Girl, you rocked it, great dress and really great tie.

Moya said...

Thanks for the Mayle tip Erica. They were out of all holiday, but I got the Pina resort dress for 60% off and I love it. They still have a lot of stock left for any NYC residents who might want to pop by.

Sofie said...

hey there, I read your blog all the time and thought it's about time I say hello. You have awesome style and I love your new mociun dress. I just got the tie front dress in the menagerie print myself. I used to live in Brooklyn (right down the street from Bird, sigh...) but now I'm in Cambridge, MA too. I'm always looking for her stuff online -- in fact that's how I came across your blog. I just wish there were some cute shops in town that carried her... anyway, thanks for the fun pics, it's almost as good as trying stuff on in the shop! :-)

Angela said...

It was lovely meeting you and I'm glad you found things to purchase at Steve Alan!

erica said...

moya--
nice pick! i wish i lived in nyc so i could pounce on the mayle sale items...or maybe it's better that i stay far away from the store!

sofiya--
i think french+italian in marblehead sells mociun. i saw a photo of the shop interior in Lucky, and the aerograph tie-front dress was on a dressform.

angela--
how's the not-shopping going?

Angela said...

Err, um . . . well, I just dropped a good amount on kitchen supplies . . . that doesn't count, right? Those are essentials.

But so is a Heimstone dress . . . Argh.

♥ shopmycloset ♥ said...

oh wow! i need to stop by Mayle! :)

Sofie said...

thanks for the tip, Erica! I'll have to check out french+italian...

Jeanette said...

Thanks for posting your NYC trip, love all the places you have been to.

I love the Mayle Resort collection so much, don't live in NYC though, really want the Pina and Pitsula dress, does anyone think they can help me with a purchase, happy to pay a commission, thanks.

Moya said...

I went into Mayle again yesterday to get one of the bags (also 60% off). The sale was over--everything back up to full price. While I was disappointed, I learned that these sales don't last. Thank you, Erica--I'd have not got my dress without you.

Jeanette, the dresses will likely be back in the summer--sorry that its too late.

Jeanette said...

Thanks for letting me know Moya, what colour did you get for the Pina dress?

Guess I will just wait for NAP or Bird to go on sale.

Zoe has a 20% coupon at the moment, I ended up getting the Adela dress. love their resort and spring collection so much, normally I am able to resist paying near full prices for their items....

erica said...

i can't believe that the prices went back up! i'm glad you got the dress in time, moya.

i found a different pair of 3.1 tatami sandals at otte. hmm, decisions decisions...

Moya said...

I got the Pina in black (the beige was pretty but I can only imagine the costs of dry cleaning). I was surprised that the resort was all cleared out and the bags back to full price. I imagine that they will bring the resort dresses back out--and maybe the holiday ones too--when they have their 60% off summer sale, Jeannette. Bird does have the Pina dress on sale now--I think it is only 30% off. I can and will post when Mayle's having their final sale (they only send postcards to NYC residents). I think you can call in and buy items over the phone if you are from out of town, if that's OK with Erica.

Is the Zoe store sale better than the one online?

erica said...

i'd love to known when Mayle is having their final sale.

i'd also like to know more about the Zoe store sale. i always look at their online shop, but for some reason, i've never bought anything from them.

moya, do you have a blog? i feel like i should add a 'moya' feature to mine so you can keep us posted on nyc sales!

i bought the 3.1 tatami sandals. i have a few things to post, but am so busy with work this week.

off to see what bird has on sale online...

Moya said...

I don't have a blog--I just am a regular NYC academic who likes to shop and can't afford the things I like at full price... I live near Bird, so I do go in there quite often and work near Mayle/Lyell and am on their mailing lists so I get updated on sales. Plus I sometimes shop when I need to clear my head from writing. I am happy to share sale information.

And post the 3.1 tatami sandals--I know we'd all love to see them.

Jeanette said...

I've been to the Zoe store once, % of the sale was much the same, but there was a bigger collection, some of their stuff aren't available online, like MIU MIU, but the staff there aren't very friendly, and for online shopping, you can't return full price items if you had use a coupon.

Good news, I managed to contact Mayle and they are shipping some of the resort items to me directly. Thanks so much Erica and Moya for posting the sales, please do share the sales information regularly for those of us who lives outside NYC. :D

erica said...

yay jeanette, i'm so glad you're going to get the resort items from mayle!

i'm so jealous of my ex-roommate. he lives one block away from lyell. and my good friend lives two blocks from bird.

i can't wait to go to nyc again. hopefully later next month...

Moya said...

I'm so pleased you got your stuff, Jeanette! What did you buy?

Jeanette said...

The people who works in bird are so friendly.

I ended up getting Pina in Black, Pitsula, Basia, and Tana.

Thanks again guys, for someone who lives outside NYC, its just so rare to see Mayle at 60% discounted.

Moya said...

Excellent choices! I'm glad you got your dresses--they are all lovely (as is all Mayle). And all are really beautiful in person. I wish I'd also got Pitsula an Tana but I know that the light color will pick up stains and NYC grime.

Jeanette said...

Thanks, I was suprised there were quite alot of choices left, the Fillipa pants has sold out though, as well as the Dolia Thermal. Usually there are only one or two pieces I really want of a collection, but I loved the resort collection so much, guess I won't be doing anymore shopping for a while.

ps I am in sunny Sydney, but I would love to live in NYC.

Sorry Erica for turning this into a Mayle forum! I've been reading your blog since Oct last year, love all your fashion choices.

erica said...

hey guys, i'm loving all the mayle talk! i really liked the resort collection, too, and if i had the height/legs for it, i would have bought the Fillipa pants....

any picks for the spring collection? who wants to place bets on what will go on sale? :)

Jeanette said...

I am pretty short :D, but I was imagining how great the Fillipa would look with wedge or stacked heels...

Do you guys have any favourites from the spring collection? I am guessing lot of it will go on sale, alot of the pieces are pretty difficult to carry.

BTW, did the Pitsula dress from resort looked better in Ivory or in Print?

Moya said...

I liked the Pitsula better in cream--I could actually see the design better, but I also think I'd drop coffee on it or something, so I abstained (although I really want the Tana dress right now and may go in and see if they still can pull one out for me).

As for Spring, while I love it I wish she'd gone for more color.

I've seen most of it (some of the stock hasn't arrived yet) and my favorites so far are
the Adela dress,
Oscalita dress,
Lilly dress,
Mia dress (which has a stripe on it that you can't see in the pictures--it is grey with a black stripe rather than ivory), Mariposa--runs small, also in all black, and the collar is black lace which doesn't work as well given the elaborate nature of the dress.
Ana Claudia dress--also runs small. The silk is embossed, like the Vanya dress from Fall, not the slightly heavier soft brushed silk used for Adela and Oscalita which I prefered.

The Josephina dress is the one I really want and it won't be in for a couple more weeks.

It seems like they have a lot of stock in all the dresses. Not everything is in yet, of course.I am wary to guess what will sell. I've seen some dresses sell out immediately--all going to people who put their names down for them before they arrived in store. Other times, I stayed away because I wanted a dress so much and feared I'd just pay retail (which I can't afford). Then I'd get it on 60%-70% markdown.

I don't want to raise anybody's hopes, including my own, but I have noticed that in this economy, her stuff isn't selling out as fast as it did a year or so ago. I also think we're in one of those more stable fashion moments so nobody is rushing to get a sack dress any longer. I got the coat and dress I wanted from fall for 60% off and I imagined both would have sold out at full price. Very little from the fall collection didn't make it into the sale and some of the pieces that sold immediately were the first in (and others were ones that didn't seem to be the best).

Sorry for the long post. I don't think sticking to such a limited color palette will help her sell all the dresses, especially as it so closely replicates Holiday/Resort. Which is good news for all of us.

Oh, and I am 5'10" and most of the dresses hang on me at the same length as the model. Some are even shorter.

erica said...

if i could buy now, i would get the lilly, mia, and adela dresses. i can't figure out the violeta dress (is it worn with a slip? is it crocheted?), but i think i like it. i would also buy the nieves blouse in black and white for everyday wear.

impulse is starting to post photos of the spring collection, which is nice because you can see the details better.

i agree that the color palette is too limited. i'm surprised that there aren't as many cardigans and knits as usual. i miss her shoes, too.

i think i'll take a trip across the river to louis boston and see what mayle pieces they have in stock. they usually have their 50% sale in July, and maybe i can snag a few things then.

do keep us posted on the sale events! at the very least i can do a phone order...

i wish net-a-porter would mark down their mayle from last season. rats!

Moya said...

I was surprised at how few knits she had this season. They were really expensive last year too--around $700 so that might be the reason why. She won't be doing shoes again for a year or so, which is a shame as I love her shoes, they last, are comfortable and look great on.

Also, most of the tops aren't in yet, and the one that comes in blue is only available in ivory at the moment.

Jeanette said...

Alicia from the Mayle store said the pieces from resort will be boxed up within the next week, I hope you get the Tana Moya.

And I absolutely agree with you re the economy, the subprime crisis have already and will further impact on employment data, coupled with high inflation and commondity price as well as declining housing and equity market, I think majority of people will think twice before making a splurge on a five hundred dollar dress, I would think majority if not all of the stuff will definitely make it into the sale. And if not, there will always be other great items going on sale at other stores.

And can't agree with you more on the limited colour palette, not only limited colour, but also similar cut and style. Alot of it feel almost like the same dress, they would be competing against eachother (which is kinda weird from a business pt of view). p.s. I just don't get the Amalia dress. Why all the holes?

Which coat and dress did you get from fall ? I still really want the Mayle Crinkle crossover blouse, am waiting for La Garconne to reduce it to 50%.

I got both Mia (with 25% off coupon from Jake) and Adela (20% off from Zoe, still waiting on my package), that was before I knew Mayle had 60% off sales and shippped outside of NY. I love the Mia dress, its definitely worth it and gorgeous. I am not really sure which other ones I like, maybe Rosamelia, Lilly or Violeta. And yes, some of the tops are beautiful for everyday wear.

Have a great weekend guys :)

Moya said...

I will try to pop in after work today--thanks Jeanette.

From fall, I got the Margarita dress in black--I liked the gold but it washed me out. I also got the Gaia dress--the black velvet and cream silk empire waist. It wasn't my favorite but it was $109 in Barneys and actually looks great on.

I got the Raisa coat--it is very light weight but so beautiful. I justified it as a fall/spring coat. It drapes beautifully and looks like a 1920s piece.

Virtually everything from Fall did go on sale and there weren't the usual crush and lines in Mayle this time round. That said, there were tons of people trying things on there on Saturday (but I did notice most were English, so some of that maybe the weakness of the dollar and the cost of Mayle in the UK).

But I cannot see anyone--even someone as obsessed with Mayle as I am--justifying more than 3 or 4 dresses when so many are in the same colors and similar styles (and don't we all have tons of black dresses?). I noticed that Lily is very similar in cut to Pina too.

That said, the charcoal t-shirt material dress looks like it may sell out. At just under $500 it is one of the two cheapest dresses so maybe that's why. I wouldn't spend that much on a dress made in a fabric that may not last.

Also, the crochet dress and the one with the cut outs aren't in the store yet. And remember Mayle usually has something in their look book that never makes it into production--like Fall's Dolia dress, which I would have bought.

Jeanette said...

How many collections does Mayle usually have for a year?

Barneys have great sales, alot of the fall pieces were sooooo cheap at the end of last year. That's such a bargin, I am glad you got it, I remember seeing it in Barney as well, but unfortunately non in my size.

I think Mia is similar to Pitsula as well, especially the design on the sleeves. And no, I wouldn't spend too much on Jersey either, it has to be something that I am confident that it will keep its shape and cut over time.

Wish Mayle had done something in Green, its been a while.

Moya said...

They do 4 collections--big spring and fall, small resort and holiday. Occasionally, they do a later summer collection, which tends to be smaller and usually doesn't get a look book or flyer. And they also have a few items that aren't in the lookbook, like the Lupita blouse (which I love and would like to get on sale, particularly as that was one of my dearly beloved late cat's nicknames).

Jeanette said...

Alot more online stores are stocking Mayle these days. Including Eluxury, also http://shopbluegenes.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=334 have the Lupita blouse (I am sorry about your late cat), there is a 30% code at the moment spring30. Satine have got a few new dresses including the Amalia, and shopjake have the Mariposa in black. Bird has got couple of new tops and singlets, the silk looks really gorgeous.

Moya said...

Thanks Jeanette! I have noticed more online retailers stocking Mayle which hopefully means more discounts and more sample sales. While they don't have these often (I think every two to three years), they are amazing. I got dresses for $125 and $75 last summer (including three from S/S 07), shoes for $50 and sweaters for $50-$100. When they have the next sale, I'll post about it but it could be in a couple of years time. It is worth traveling for.

And I'm going to check out the Lupita blouse now. For me and in memory of Lupin.

Jeanette said...

NYC is sales heaven, they are always so great, does Mayle store usually start with 30% and then 60%? or does it go straight to 60%? Do you have an album, I would love to see your collection :D !

Moya said...

It is sales heaven--one reason to live here! Mayle starts at 30, then goes down to 40-50 and then finally 60% off. Occasionally, they go further down--usually the final sale postcards for Spring and Fall (not sent out for resort and holiday, as I discovered just now), say markdowns of us to 65%.

I don't have an album but I should do one, if for no othre reason than insurance issues.

Jeanette said...

oh yes definitely, and keep all receipts too incase if anything gets damaged at your dry cleaners.

erica said...

oh hello, look at all the mayle talk that i've been missing!

jeanette, i didn't realize blue genes was now carrying mayle. hooray for coupon codes.

i really wish i lived in nyc for the shopping. it's nice that more online shops are carrying mayle, but i often feel that you can usually get a better deal in person. hmm. off to stare at more mayle...

erica said...

oh jeanette, i forgot to ask how the fillipa pants fit. bird has them on sale, but only in a size 8. i'm always a bit iffy on mayle pants, and find that a 6 is pretty good, but maybe i could make do with an 8? sometimes her pants and shorts seem to run small. hmm.

Moya said...

Also Erica and Jeanette, I heard from Mayle today--they got in more spring/summer stuff, but also still have the resort in stock (it's in the back but they have it). They might have the Filipa pants Erica--you should call (or I can ask when I go in tomorrow). They are 60% off, I believe.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who breaks from my writing to look at Mayle online...

Jeanette said...

I get a feeling Mayle is not as exclusive as it used to be, maybe its harder to sell these days. Erica, I didn't get the fillipa pants, Mayle store said they were all sold out. I got the Lyell highwaist ones from ebay though, hope they fit when they arrive. Moya , let us know how you go with the Tana.

I stare at Mayle all the time, as well as browse on ebay to collect items from past collections...

erica said...

jeanette,
did you get the lyell denim pants in a size 2? i tried on the shorts at the shop in a 6, which fit me perfectly, so i think they run true to size. i'm not into tight high-waisted pants, but i thought the shorts were super cute and comfortable.

moya,
let us know how your trip to mayle was. i have been dithering on my dissertation all year, so i guess it means my summer will be spent writing in earnest and furtively shopping.

Jeanette said...

Erica,
yep, that was me, Lyell tends to run small, I am not sure how it fits, but I guess I can always resell it later if it doesn't work out.

Moya, which area do you generally write about?

alot of stores have got more spring/summer stuff, La Garconne, Jake, and Zoe all updated again.

Moya said...

I just went to Mayle before class today--there is a lot of new stuff in including the Josephina dress (which is beautiful but runs small, as does so much of the Mayle stuff with sleeves). I couldn't get into the 8 and the 10 had sold out. I also tried on some of the other new dresses which were tiny. It's late now so I'll check the look book and post more later. Also I tried on Lupita but it was tight in the sleeves in 8 and all the 10s had already sold out. This shipment seemed to have flown out of the store.

Lyell does run small, but inconsistently so. I think Emma must use completely different fit models.

I teach Cinema Studies, Jeanette. I write about gender, femininity (in film and TV), early cinema (1907-17, particularly 1913-17), cinema, TV and national identity, celebrity, British TV, historiography. I also have written about film and fashion too. I was watching some 1914 films in my class tonight and some of the clothing was very Mayle.

Also, good (I think) news. I couldn't get the Tana dress as they boxed up resort but evidently they are finalizing a sample sale soon. I'll post more when I have info, but it will be before June and I get the impression it could be as early as in the next two weeks. I hope it doesn't clash with my teaching or my conference next week in Santa Barbara...

erica said...

oh god, if there's a sample sale and i'm not teaching, i will seriously consider going.

i find that lyell sizing is completely inconsistent, too. i have a dress in a size 2, but i could barely fit into a small cardigan. so basically anything between 2 and 6 are ok, but then again, who knows?

moya, lucky you watching early films. santa barbara is a perfect place to a have conference, especially right now.

are sample sales usually cash only?

Moya said...

No--they take cards. And if you are going, Erica, I'd love to meet you there (and Jeanette too, if you can get here). It is absolutely worth it--and it made me stop buying things for months, as my boyfriend can attest.

Last time, dresses weree $125, then reduced to $100, then $75. There was a great selection, although fewer knits (I was one of the few interested in them), not many tops above size 4 (none in my size), lots of pants, shorts and skirts, many of them reduced to $20-40 on the last day. I'm dreaming about what I'd like to get and thinking of delaying class if I have to (I hope it actually happens after the semester is over). I am worried it could be next week when I'm in CA--the manager said soon, with some urgency, but she's also not sent out the postcards yet or finalized the event so I may be being paranoid.I can't imagine they'll have as much stock this time (it's only a year, last time it was two years), but then again, with the state of the economy, they may very well have quite a lot.

With Lyell, I have 1 size 4, and lots of 6-12, with one 12 barely fitting and one 6 practically hanging off me. I've even found variation between the same size on the rack.

I think the most recent (3rd) shipment of Mayle Spring/Summer (the stuff that's not yet up on line) is running super small. Resort was true to size or even big, as was fall.Which is a tough for me because it looks like people are going up at least a size and I can't fit into many of the 8s and many 10s are already all sold out. Some of the dresses literally looked like children's clothes.

erica said...

moya, their sample sale sounds wonderful. at those prices, i can see how i could get my fill of shopping for a season or two....

i hope the sale happens after the semester ends, too. i stupidly agreed to teach on thursdays and fridays, so i might not be able to make it to the sale if it starts on a friday.

if we all happen to go, it would be greet to meet up. crossing my fingers that the sale happens at a convenient time.

Moya said...

Definitely. I teach Thursdays and Fridays too. It's such a great sale that my boyfriend even volunteered to go for me if it happens when I'm in CA. I think it's unlikely that they can arrange it in a week or so if the cards haven't been mailed and they have just boxed up resort on Monday night.

If it is as good as last year, it will keep you in clothes for months. I got 4 dresses, two cardigans, two skirts and a pair of shoes for $700. Two of the dresses and one skirt were from S/S 2007.

I'd love to meet up if you can manage it. When does your semester end? I'll let you know the details as soon as I have them.

erica said...

ahh, that's quite a haul for only $700!

grades aren't due until the end of may, but the last day of sections is may 2. i'm hoping the sale won't happen til early may.

Jeanette said...

Wow, the sample sales sounds great, I hope you can both make it to the sales! It would be good to stock up, I could imagine some of the stuff could resell well on ebay as well.

Moya, I find your job quite interesting, you write well.

Sizing for Mayle and Lyell are both inconsistent, for Mayle I have anything from 2-6, but sometimes a dress in size 6 could be quite tight.

Moya said...

Thank you, Jeanette. In the past, as with the Lyell sale, I've found that there isn't that much that makes it to Ebay.

Is there any way you could make it to NYC for the sale, Jeanette? It would be great if you could make it too.

I'm also hoping the sale won't happen until mid-May. Our grades are due 5/14 and I'll still be in class for a couple more weeks.

Jeanette said...

I would love to Moya, but its too far away for me :) I was in NYC for new years this year. Maybe I can get a transfer to NYC for work later. Anyway I hope you guys do meet up, have heaps fun and keep me updated on all the Mayle you got :D ! I am still so eagerly waiting for my package from Mayle, its finally cleared customs today :)!

erica said...

jeanette

let us know how your new Mayle pieces work out, and the Lyell pants, too.

i cannot wait to get back to nyc. crossing my fingers that this sample sale works out for us!

Moya said...

So no Mayle sample sale for me as I'll be in Santa Barbara. I'm so frustrated/upset. I gave my boyfriend a detailed wishlist with illustrations, sizes (as best as I can remember) and pictures, but he cannot go until after work on Thursday and I know a lot will never be there (the crinkle blouse in violet flew off the shelves), or may only be in the small sizes. He won't know to look for older pieces (there are no photos I can give him) and/or oddities I didn't know I wanted, including current season samples (if any). It could either end up that I get next to nothing, wrong items (hello ebay) or maybe spend more than if I went alone (hello $600 economic stimulus check). But I think I have the nicest boyfriend to brave a sample sale after a hard day at work.

Mayle and Lyell both had their sample sales the long weekends I was out of town at conferences. What are the odds?

And, Jeanette, if you are reading, I presume the Tana dress runs really small. Am I right?

erica said...

wait, the sample sale already happened? is it this weekend? so sad, either way, it wouldn't have worked for me!

i guess i'll have to wait patiently for the summer sales....all the better considering my recent purchases.

Moya said...

It's this Thursday and Friday! I can't believe the timing was so bad. I'm using the past tense to refer to scheduling and, perhaps, because I want to put it behind me. I do think he'll find me a few more dressses to add to my collection. If not, I can get three or four more later this summer in the sales.

Jeanette said...

I am so sorry to hear that Moya, but think positively, you will spend less,I can never walk away from a dress I love. I have a PDF of all holiday/resort items if you want a copy for your bf to refer to. La Garconne also has some picture of the older season, I am dying for the crinkle blouse, I bought a size 6 (50% off)from Barneys last year, but returned it later because I wanted it size 4.

The Tana is not too small, I ordered a size 2 (OK, I struggled to take it off(I have Mayle from size 2 to 6), but when it is on, it looked just right), but it was really short, I am about 5"3, the Pina came to about knee length, the Tana was mid thigh, if it helps NAP has measurements of the Tana (I just received my two batch of Mayle items, I am still waiting for Adela dress though from Zoe, I was going to post after that, Zoe has been sooooo slow with postage, my item wasn't posted until 18 days after I placed my order)

Jeanette said...

So far out of everything I have ordered, I loved the Mia and Tana dress the best. Dolia Thermal was cute too, but I wish they had it in black. And I am thinking whether I should sell the Pitsula (I thought the cutting was abit weird).

Jeanette said...

oops, sorry for a third post, but I forgot to say Lyell Jeans arrived as well, but they were so high waisted and tight up the top, I don't think I can wear them comfortably. Another one to ebay :)

erica said...

i'm sorry to hear the lyell jeans didn't work out. i found that the size 6 fit me perfectly in the shorts, but sizing is so tricky with high-waisted pants...

i can't believe zoe took so long to post your dress. it's unfortunate that some shops are very slow with the e-commerce side of things. i hope the adela dress works out for you.

Moya said...

Hi from Santa Barbara. I just looked at racked.com (they are liveblogging the Mayle sale) and it seems like chaos--although it was bad last year too at the start. Evidently only 6, 8s and 10s, Erica, although I remember them bringing in new things last year on the second day. I'm also not sure how much I can trust these reports given the stress sales induce. I hope there will be things left (for me) when Evan gets there this evening.

I never had any luck with Lyell jeans or pants--they are cut strangely and seem very stiff (the shorts aren't so bad).

Thanks for the feedback on the Tana dress, Jeanette. I knew it was short but I thought it might be super-tight (some of their less voluminous dresses can be tiny, especially when they have sleeves). Hopefully Evan can get me one today--I suspect the 8s and 10s will be there this morning but who knows how it will be in seven hours time.

How do you like the Pina? I like mine more the longer I have it. I think its really versatile and like that the fabric isn't just silk but a silk/wool crepe that feels like a vintage fabric.

I'll keep you posted. Racked has photos and it seems that there isn't as much stuff as in the last sale. Hopefully the not great post will deter some crowds (although I doubt it!).

Jeanette said...

Hi, I hope class/conference at Santa Barbara is going well.

The sample sale sure look crowded, I hope your bf picked up some good pieces for you.

I am abit undecided on the Pina at the moment, I love the prints and yes I agree the material was a suprice as it didn't feel like "normal" silk. It was abit long on me, at knee length. I am not really sure whether I should alter it, but its definitely a very pretty dress and I will keep it for now.

Moya said...

The conference is going well, thanks! I present today and we have a reception tonight. It's always fun but hectic and the three hour time difference adds to that, but I am having a great time, despite missing the Mayle sale.

Evan called me yesterday after he went to the sale. He got me the Mariya dress from fall, the dress with sleeves that's like Pina from resort (in ivory) and the Vanya from resort (I think in Blue). I don't know if they'll all fit, but that was so great. By the time he went, Tana had sold out--but they'd reduced dress prices from $175 to $125. I later found out they'd had the Gilberte bags for $150--had I known, I'd have put that on my list.

I hope they all fit! I am pretty pleased with the haul, although I'd have likely been there at 9 and again at 5 had I been in NYC and spent way too much. I guess Tana and the jeweled dress from Holiday are not going to be but if the three he got me all fit, I'll be really happy. He was in and out in 5 minutes and it wasn't crowded at 5 p.m. but evidently there wasn't that much stock then.

And, yes, Pina is above my knee but I can see how it would run long (I'm 5' 10"). But that may mean Tana would barely fit me anyway.

erica said...

it looks like lena bought the vanya dress in the pale blue animal print. super pretty!

i hope the dresses fit. hopefully next time i'll be able to go to the sale. i wish i lived in nyc...

Jeanette said...

Oh is it the Pilar dress from the resort? that some how reminds me of the traditional Korean dress, how did they all fit?

I wish I lived in NYC as well, everyone from Australia is heading to London for work, but my first pick would definitely be NYC.

Moya said...

So I got the sample sale items last night and it was a mixed bag. The Mariya dress was only $75--down from just under $750--fit perfectly and looked great. I have the Margarita in black and now I have the Mariya in gold. It is great--intricate, the fabric is softer and drapes differently so I feel that the two are very compatible despite being made from the same fabrics. He didn't get the Vanya dress, which I was a little disappointed about at first but I do think that one will date. Instead, I have the Laeticia blouse in French blue from Resort ($125)--my dear boy thought it was a dress. I only have two other Mayle tops and I am short on blouses so I'm happy. It fits and like Mariya, it was an item I nearly bought in the store.

The news on Pilar--the most expensive of the three at $175 (down from $850) was not so good. Alas, he picked up a size two which wouldn't fit me unless I had my entire rib cage and shoulders removed. So the beautiful, flawless ivory dress which is so pretty is going on ebay. He was pretty upset by it and kept apologizing for screwing up. I can only imagine it was on a size 10 hanger and he just picked it up. Of course, seeing it hanging up makes me want it all the more, but I got some pretty things and will wait for the next sale (although my tax refund might go with me to Steven Alan to pick up the Ignacia dress if it is still in stock in my size). He said they had about 100-120 items left just before 5 p.m. on the first day of the sale and that he thought he'd find nothing at all.

Jeanette, I had no idea you were in Australia. I'll certainly keep you abreast of Mayle sales so you can mail order next time something good is available.

Jeanette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeanette said...

Moya, you really should take pictures of all your dresses, you sound like you have quite a collection. Your boy sounds soooooooooooo sweet and cute, its so funny how he thinks the Laeticia is a dress, but most boys are like that,they have no attention to detail when it comes to clothes. Never mind about the Pilar and Vanya, there will always be next season, I am sure we will always have new favourites to drool over and spend on. The Vanya in prints definitely will date, I wouldn't mind getting it in black though. Jake has the Pilar in all sizes at 55% off at the moment, and they always have a 25% off coupon(jakeMay).

I finally received my Adela and Makino in shell pink from Zoe, I love both of them, the Adela probably would be more wearable if it was black instead of white (I don't think I would wear a white dress to work). The Makino is sooo cute, but the open back is cut so low, I am really not sure how many times I would wear it except to stare at it occasionally and admire how pretty it is.

Thanks so much Moya, definitely let me know when items are 60% off. I am in Australia, but I have lots of friends, relatives and my grandparents live in the States, I love the shopping trips everytime I go and visit them. :)

Moya said...

I should take photos--I just have never got round to it. My boy is the best. He hates shopping and isn't that aware of clothing so for him to do this was amazing. He's pretty thrilled that I like my Mariya dress so much too. It's one of my favorites, along with my blue and silver Mayle dress from last summer. I am over the Pilar and Vanya disappointment--just have to post Pilar sometime on ebay as she is no use to me when she is that small. I'm going to see what Steven Alan has in the store on Monday--I hope Ignacia is available in their outlet as I will buy it if it is still there.

I love the Makino, but it ran too small on me (the 8 barely fit at the bottom). I have a Circus and Co. dress from Bird that has a low back like that and I love it, but I know what you mean about the back. Being flat-chested, I can wear those kinds of dresses and tops. I hope some of the backless Mayle tops and dresses from this season get marked down in the 60% sale this summer (we only have about 8 more weeks before it will all be discounted!).

I love the Adela too. The fabric is amazing and I want to get it in black. I wish it was in a color as I have so many black dresses. With Mayle making so many in cream/ivory, I'm ending up with a ton in that color too.

erica said...

moya,

it sounds like your boy did a great job in spite of a few flubs! i wish i could send my husband to nyc to stand in line while i'm teaching...

i wish i could fit a size 2, but i don't think my ribcage could manage something that small, either!

the laeticia blouse is really pretty, i'm sure you'll find many opportunities to wear it.

jeanette,

i bet the makino looks absolutely gorgeous. it's a pity you don't live closer to nyc, especially for the sales.

i'm hoping to buy a few things when mayle and lyell do their summer markdowns. and of course, louis will have their 50% off sale in july, and i'm pretty confident that there will be lots of mayle left.

Jeanette said...

Erica, | think there is a Makino in 6 on ebay right now. I am loving it more now, I found a really low back black singlet to wear with it, and my boy suggested I can wear it back to front as well(with a singlet :) ) and it works great.

Moya, most of your items are very wintery, thicker and darker colours, I guess it really reflects NYC. If you have seen most of mine, they are mostly lighter fabrics and colours.

I wonder when will Mayle post the new lookbook up on their site(for next season).

If the sales comes around in 8 wks time, I think I am most likely to get the Talisa Jacket, Rocio top, Violeta Dress and Itati Top.

NYC shops are amazing, I love Bergdorf the best, great for buying timeless quality coats when everything goes more than 60% off.

Moya said...

The more I think about the Makino, the more I wish I'd asked my boyfriend to look for a size 10--it runs small. It is so pretty.

I do have some lighter Mayle pieces--the ivory Anais dress with the yellow trim from last summer, the sky blue dress with silver trim (also S/S 2007), the orange dress with the tie back from S/S 07. But in general,I go for the brighter colors or the darker fabrics more because NYC is so dirty and it is tough to keep things clean. She hasn't made much in color this season and the dresses I want the most sold out in my size before I even got the call (the Josefina was my #1 pick, but it ran very small and I couldn't fit into the 8).

I don't imagine there will be another Mayle look book up until late summer/early fall--probably in September. They close the store for two weeks in late August and then reopen with the fall collection and that's when I anticipate the lookbook coming out. Mind you, they usually have some brand new items in the late summer--June/late July--that aren't in the lookbook. Sometimes these are amongst her best and prettiest items.

As for sales, I too am interested in the Rocio top, the Camilia top in sky blue and white (one of my favorite items this season), Adela in black, Ninel dress, Lilly, possibly the Mariposa dress in the bright colors (it also runs small), the delaura top, Josefina (if any in 10 ever surface) and this beautiful cotton top that isn't in the lookbook--it's loose and trimmed with the black and white trim that makes up the ornate cropped jacket.

Shops here are amazing. I wish I had more money but I limit myself. Barneys is fabulous too, and Bird is great--and near my apt.

Moya said...

P.S. The Violeta isn't in the store yet. I wonder if they are even making it? Every season Mayle seems to have a lovely dress in the lookbook that doesn't make it into production.

erica said...

i hope the violeta makes it to the stores, as i'm very curious to see it.

i really want the delaura top (love that color!), the mia dress, rocio top, and lilly dress. i haven't seen the camilia top in person, but it looks lovely.

hopefully going to nyc later this month (after grades are in).

i wonder if the makino on ebay would be too small for me. i might have to go back to louis and try it on.

Moya said...

If you come to NYC, let me know--we could meet up and shop! The Makino was really small on me. I am tall and have broad shoulders (usually that's where Mayle can be tight on me), but this was very narrow at the hips and bottom of the skirt. I couldn't get in the 8, and usually I can fit into Mayle 8s and even 6s if they are sleevless and/or backless. Jumelle's website even says that the Mayle girls recommended going a size up in Makino.

I'd also call Bird and see if they still have it--or I can pop in and see if they still have one in your size (a 6, right or would you need an 8 in this?). They had some in Carroll Gardens earlier this semester.