Style: Wishlist Wednesday ~ Anchors Aweigh!

{El Capitan Sweater} | Forever21 $19.80 {Anchor Sweater} | J.Crew Factory $78.00 {Anchors Away Tunic} | Tuckernuck $89.00 {Bowtie Bracelet} | Kiel James Patrick $58.00 {Anchor Espadrilles} | Sperry Top-Sider $60.00 {Anchors Away iPhone 5 Case} | C.Wonder $35.00 {Nautical Printed Bangle Bracelet} | C.Wonder $68.00 {Monogrammed Anchor Clutch} | Marley Lilly $49.99

How I Wore It:

January in Los Angeles

April in New York City

Sail off to new destinations!

Style: A Report From the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale (Spring 2013)

Today's the first day of the Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2013 Sample Sale in NYC. It started at Noon and I got there right at 11:40am to bring you the first scoop:

The Wait: For those of us in the regular line, it was about a 1.5 hour wait outside (almost 2 hours if you count the time before the sale opened at Noon). For those in the Gilt City VIP line, it was still about 20 minutes at best. Once you got into the sale there was an even longer line to pay. It snaked all the way around the inside of the sale, making it hard to walk around and view the merchandise. I estimate that line would take about 45 minutes to get through (I didn't bother). So, if you're going in the middle of the day, on a weekday, at the beginning of the sale, allow around 3-3.5 hours total for your visit. This is NOT, I repeat NOT a feasible sale for a lunch break from work!

The Selection: There was a very large quantity of bags, with a significant variation of styles. There's a whole table of MAC's and Mini MAC's, about 1/3 of a table of MAB's, and then the rest of the tables had a random assortment of totes and other shoulder bags (mainly). I'd read on RackedNY that there's been a pretty good damages table in the past where you can get mildly damaged bags for $50. Unfortunately, I only saw about 5 bags in the whole sale that were marked as damaged and none of them were RM's signature styles. I also noticed a lot of tourists grabbing up 10-15 bags each to take back to Asia which was something I hadn't noticed at sample sales before today. However, there were plenty of bags to go around :)

Prices: As I've read about her previous sample sales, I'd say most bags were still $175-200. Mini MAC's were $125 and MAC's were $175 whether they were canvas or leather. The materials do not factor into the pricing at all. Click HERE to view the FULL list of prices [COMING SOON]. It was an 8 page document so I just posted the highlights above.

The Verdict: You can get some decent deals on Rebecca Minkoff bags online through flash sale sites like HauteLook, online retailers Zappos & 6pm, and Rebecca Minkoff's own sales for Facebook fans every Sunday...not to mention Ebay! I've seen comparable prices to these sample sale prices on several of those sites (or maybe just $20 more). Frankly, I think spending the extra $20 on a Mini MAC on one of those sites would be a more pleasant experience than visiting the sample sale. But, if you're looking for an item with a much higher retail value, the sample sale might really be worth it for you! If you're not super picky about styles, I'd suggest visiting later in the week, as the lines will undoubtedly be shorter and the prices might be slashed a little.

Style: Carolina K "Karla Blouse" Giveaway!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone! Today I'm introducing you to a fabulous new brand called Carolina K. You can currently find Carolina K collections at: Shopbop, Free People, and on CarolinaK.com! 

Carolina K is a brand inspired by Latin American indigenous cultures, markets, and people. Carolina works under Fair Trade guidelines with local communities in Mexico and Peru. So, all of her products are excellent quality and have intricate hand-crafted details.

{Top: Karla Blouse c/o Carolina K} // {White Jeans: Tory Burch}

{Cardigan: Wallis} // {Shoes: Liz Claiborne}// {Cuff Bracelet: c/o Erwin Pearl}

{Pom-pom Earrings: a DIY project} // {Clutch: GiGi NY}

The Karla Blouse is made in Mexico and has one-of-a-kind embroidery across the front, back, and on the sleeves. It's made of light-weight cotton and has a boxy neckline. It's great for beating the summer heat in style! This flowy boho look pairs fabulously with colored skinny jeans, denim, or white pants. Because there are so many colors in the design, the outfit possibilities are truly endless! Best of all, it's currently on sale (Originally $240.00, Now $110.00).

Giveaway: Carolina K has offered up a Karla Blouse in the size of your choice to one lucky Haute on the Spot reader! All you have to do is complete the tasks below. You may complete as many or as few tasks as you would like - the more you complete, the more entries you will receive! The contest starts tonight and runs until May 14th at 11:59pm ET.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Style: What 2 Wear 2 ~ Cinco de Mayo Parties!

{Mar y Sol Basket Tote} | {Betsey Johnson Skull Earrings} | {ASOS Premium Scarf}

{Carolina K Dress} | {Zara Sandals} | {Frida Kahlo Socks} | {KJL Earrings}

{Echo Map of Mexico Scarf}

Cinco de Mayo is THIS Sunday. Gear up for a day of margaritas, guacamole, and colorful fun in the sun.
Viva la fiesta! Viva Mexico!

Style: Wishlist Wednesday ~ Flirty Florals

{Caledonia Sunglasses} | Aldo $12.00 {Printed Pencil Skirt} | J.Crew Factory $69.50 {Garden Print Fit N' Flare Dress} | London Times $78.00 {Cabbages & Roses x Uniqlo Canvas Tote Bag} | Uniqlo $9.90 {Clementine Blooming Pearls Bib Necklace} | Jeweliq $25.00
Every featured item is $78 or less. Always remember to stop and smell the roses!

Style: Zara Suede Bowling Bag Giveaway!

This week I'm giving you the chance to win this gorgeous two-tone "Dressy Suede Bowling Bag" by Zara! The bag is currently being sold at Zara for $89.90. It's got a really sleek professional look that's perfect from 9 to 5 and beyond.

All you have to do is enter below via Facebook or e-mail and complete however many tasks you would like to gain additional entries.

Good luck!

Style: VIP Access to Rebecca Minkoff's Sample Sale

Photo: facebook.com/rebeccaminkoff

Get VIP access to...

The Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale!

For just $25 on Gilt City you can get a $50 credit toward your purchase of $50 or more at the sample sale. You'll also get to beat the crowds with a Gilt City exclusive express entry! Get your VIP access on Gilt City HERE. If you're not a member of Gilt City you can get an exclusive invitation for Haute on the Spot readers by clicking HERE.

The sale includes RM's apparel, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, and of course....her famous bags like the MAB and MAC! VIP or not, here's the general information on the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale. You won't want to miss this one:

260 Sample Sales

260 Fifth Avenue between 28th/29th Streets

Monday, May 6th - Saturday, May 11th, 2013

Monday | 12-9pm

Tuesday-Friday | 10am-8pm

Saturday | 10am-3pm