Now that I've moved to NYC I'm planning on taking advantage of Sample Sales (Starting with the Diane Von Furstenburg one tomorrow). I've NEVER been to a sample sale before so I wanted to hear some stories from you girls! Are they worth it? Are they crazier than the Stella line debut at H&M? Any tips for getting what you want? What has been your best sample sale score?
I don't have any sample sale "horror stories" but all the ones I 've been to have been halfway calm.I usually go in the evenings.I say just don't go with an exact item that you want to come home with you might be disapointed (say something you saw in a mag or something).But it's interesting to see all the fashionistas getting excited and it's funny how we will undress and try on clothes anywhere- many places don't have "fitting rooms"!Most I've been to have a little curtain or something as a dressing room.
It varies a lot. Like carmenb, most of the ones I've gone to have been fairly calm or even totally dead but a few have been pretty insanely crowded. It's usually the more popular brands or giant sales that get crazy. Nine West usually has a sale twice a year in midtown and the line is often around the block. Other really crowded sales I've been to are: J Crew, Intermix, Tracy Reese.
In terms of tips...as carmen said lots of them don't have fitting rooms and some won't even let you try stuff on so it helps to know your size. Also you usually can't return things so make sure you really like it and think it will fit, or think about whether you can sell it on ebay if it doesn't work out. Some sales are still cash only but most take credit cards.
another tip is to wear a thin tank top and a loose-fitting skirt to the sale--that way if there are no fitting rooms (or a really long line) you can try on tops and jackets over the tank and jeans and pants underneath the skirt.
I've been buying almost all of my wardrobe at sample sales for the last five years and have seen the best and worst come out in people. No matter how much I want something, I follow the golden rule to treat people how I want to be treated. So no matter how much someone is being a complete and utter pain by hogging the mirror or being very grabby, I won't stoop to that level. And I am very nice to the people working the sales because sometimes they have the authority to mark down items even more.
I try to wear boy shorts and a tight fitting cami when shopping and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. I carry a bag that I can sling across my body instead of one that has to be carried in my hand. If you're wearing pants, and there's no dressing room, use one at the sale as a means for some privacy.
If something is even mildly damaged, ask for a discount. The worst they can do is say no. But they rarely do.
For sales that are cash only, I won't take any cash with me. Instead, I decide what I want, figure out how much it costs and then I'll have the clerk hold my things and get cash. that way I have a better idea of what I'll be spending.
My scores would be a sample DVF dress for $25. It was a true sample and I've never seen it anywhere else. I bought a pair of Michael Kors boots for $49 that I won in a coin toss at the Intermix sale. A real prada bag for $25. A pair of JCrew leather boots for $1. At my first DVF sale they were selling Christian Louboutin shoes for $100. I bought a pair of red velvet slingbacks with dangly rhinestones on the side that I ended up wearing to my wedding a few years later. (I LOVE those shoes.)
Also, get on the mailing lists of as many shops as you can. Dailycandy.com is excellent. New York magazine and Time Out New York have excellent listings.
At one sale, a New York Times reporter was there doing an article about sample sales and how women learn to try on clothes without a dressing room and without showing too much. Two days later I arrived at work and a coworker says to me: "I saw you in the paper today." There I was, half undressed, but nothing really was showing. Luckily, because I work at paper with a very conservative editorial page. It was the talk of the morning news meeting.
As you can see, I love shopping. This week I will be hitting DVF, Tocca, Theory, Kangol and Eugenia Kim.
Thanks girls! Great stories and tips! I just got back from the DVF sale. I already knew what size I wear in her stuff so I didn't have to wait in the LONG line for the "dressing area". I was worried that all sample sales would be just maddness and grabbing but this was crowded but not crazy.
I picked up A Dacha marble print wrap dress, and a great top and skirt all over 50% off what they are in stores right now. Plus they handed out coupons for 20% off in store or online. I'm hooked, sample sales are about to become habit for me!