The Luxe Market’s two-day sample sale featuring the iconic Italian designer Roberto Cavalli was off to a simmering start this Tuesday morning. This sale is very organized, with womenswear located at the storefront, and menswear in the back. The sale has minimal offering for Cavalli handbags and accessories.

The discount on almost all merchandise is priced at a rarely seen discount of up to 90% off the original ticket price. Perhaps the recent bankruptcy filing of the North American subsidy which owned the Roberto Cavalli boutiques in the United States prompted the liquidation-level prices. As of April 4th, 2019, all twelve of Cavalli’s North American stores were shuttered.

The silver lining, of course; Cavalli’s flamboyant and over-the-top designs are available at a literal fraction of the original ticket price. For womenswear, highlights include bohemian-influenced, leopard-trimmed, patchwork denim, priced $120, (orig. $1200). A black mini-dress with mirrored sequin applique in a crocodile skin motif is a classic – Roberto Cavalli design while still maintaining the qualifications of a LBD; is priced at $299.50, (orig. $2995). Most of the merchandise is available in sizes 36-40, or a women’s small to medium.

The menswear department has substantially more to offer, and the discounts are just as deep. The selection includes full-suits, suit jackets, trousers, shirts, and tees. For menswear, highlights include this black, leather, aviator style jacket at only $299, (orig. $2990). But perhaps the best deal to be had are the men’s suits. This two-piece classic, black, notched-collared suit with pick-stitched lapels is only $199, (orig. $1990). The only caveat is that most of the suits available are approximately a European size 50, which translates to a men’s chest size of 38 inches and a waist of 34 inches.

As for the footwear, while Luxe Market does have ample offerings of other high-end designers – Gianvito Rossi, Celine, Balenciaga, etc. They only have four styles of Roberto Cavalli footwear – and they are all “commuter” shoes, which, let’s be honest, that’s just what the fashion cognoscenti has renamed sneakers to make the often $800 pricetag seem more justifiable. The “commuter” shoes are priced at $199, (orig. $695).

WHEN: 8/20 – 8/25; Tue (11-8), W-Sun (10-8)

WHERE: LUXE MARKET
513 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

If you’re inspired by the wardrobe of Laura Dern’s character, Renata Klein in HBO’s “Big Little Lies”, look no further than the Theory sample sale at Chelsea Market – which runs through June 23rd. The sale is fully stocked with hiqh quality workwear staples rendered in the stellar fit that Theory is famous for. Fortunately, this sample sale has a dedicated fitting area with mirrors. The sale itself is very easy to navigate with prices clearly marked, and the sections are organized by both style and size. (The size range is 00 – 12). The price range is $79 – $399, with most items ringing in at one hundred dollars.

The deepest discounts are on the outerwear which is all priced at $179. This sleek, dusty blue, wool coat originally retails over $1,000; as does this sophisticated, and timeless trench coat. Leather items and outerwear are all priced at $399, which is the highest ticket category at the sale. While the selection of leather items is slim, there are some classic leather jackets – including a sleek, jewel-neckline, cropped, leather jacket that would most certainly receive Renata’s seal of approval.

The sale also includes a large selection of separates – including pants, tops, skirts, and jackets, (priced at $99, $89, $99, and $129 respectively). In particular, the sale does offer a very nice selection of sleeveless tops, including a silk, bias-cut, red top; and a black-and-white, striped knitwear shell. The dresses are priced at a very reasonable $129, and include classic tailored silhouettes such as a fitted, black, knee-length sheath with alluring french darts.

Shoes range from $109 – $139, and include Theory collaborations such as Newbark for Theory, etc. Other collaborations are also featured, most notably the Onia for Theory swimwear collaboration which features streamlined swimwear such as a black-and-white, paint-stroke print swimsuit for only $39. Theory’s satellite brands are also featured at the sale’s denim department, including: Mother, J Brand, and Frame. All denim – jackets, shorts, and jeans; are priced at $79. Last, but not least, there is a small selection of quality leather handbags reasonably priced at $139.

WHEN: 6/19 – 6/23; W-Sat (11-7), Sun (11-5)

WHERE:  Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10011

The iconically portrayed Barneys Warehouse Sale of the 2000’s is long gone – (and that might be a good thing,) — you won’t find block-long lines or adult women fighting over footwear. The sale is no longer at an actual warehouse, but is now being held on the first floor of their downtown Brooklyn location. It is calm, quiet, and organized categorically by size. Despite the fact that the size of the sale is at best, a third the size of previous years, there are some great finds as far as premiere designer labels, i.e: Givenchy lace pants; sleek Alaia knitwear; and Comme Des Garcons kimono-style jackets — all at a fraction of the original price.

However, the most noteworthy changes are the decimation or elimination of entire categories from the sale altogether. The menswear selection is no longer an entire floor but now a sparse three racks. Skip it. Furthermore, the following categories have been completely eliminated from Barneys Warehouse “brick and mortar” sale: footwear, accessories, handbags, home goods, and childrenswear. I repeat – there are no shoes.

Well, that may be a hard pill to swallow – but if you are in search of new investment piece to add to your wardrobe – I would recommend going. I say investment because most of the garments are premiere designer labels and even at up to 75% off retail most of these pieces will still cost at least $300. The exception is Barneys private label which is at an already lower price-point. Top finds include a pink and silver metallic Prada brocade top priced a $280, (originally $1,120) and a burgundy, fringed Azzedine Alaia skirt priced at $600, (originally $2,140). As for Barneys private label – this ultra feminine ditsy floral print bustier style top is down to $75, (originally $300).

As of opening day, all items were marked down 50% off the lowest marked price. The sale runs through June 16th and the discounts are expected to escalate up to 75% off as the sale continues. Oh – and just for nostalgia – they are keeping the sale free of “fitting rooms” so if you want to try on anything – be bold.

WHEN: 6/6 – 6/23; M-Sat (10-8), Sun (10-7), Hours subject to change.

WHERE: 194 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11201

The French label Maje drew a steady stream of women of all ages to their sample sale at 150 Green Street, which runs through Sunday, April 20th. The offerings include a small selection of handbags, footwear, jackets, dresses, separates, denim, and knitwear. Unlike some sales that are held at this location, for this event they do provide dressing areas, (albeit small and crowded,) for patrons.

As usual, the highest savings are on higher ticket items such as leather jackets. For example, the black, leather and suede jacket, embellished with oversized silver grommets is only $245, (originally priced at $945). While there was a variety of sizes from T1- T3, (French sizing for small to large,) most of the sizes are on the smaller end which appears to be an accurate description for most of the merchandise. If you are attending this event, chances are you are already familiar with the fit – (very slim,) of this French label. An image of the French – to – American sizing guide has been included in the images; as you can see the size T3 translates to a French size large, which further translates to a U.S. size 6-8.

Handbags – almost exclusively variations of the signature Maje bag – (a slim, square-shaped, shoulder bag with fringed sides,) are available in beaded and leather styles for $65-$95, (originally priced as high as $345). The footwear options include – chunky block-heeled sandals, suede lace-up gladiator sandals, espadrilles, strappy sky-high stilettos, and flatforms priced at $95. While sizing options vary by style – leather footwear that is both high-quality and commuter-friendly is worth the investment.

The denim selection is also limited in styles, but worth a look since seasonal appropriate jeans – such as the acid-washed denim are priced at just $65. The separates selection does have a large selection of skirts overall – from knee-length styles to micro-miniskirts. Standout pieces include a black and white chevron thick-knit micro-mini; and a fiery red mini-skirt with fringe trim both priced at only $75, (originally priced at $295 and $275, respectively). In my opinion, chinoiserie is always on point, so of course the black, lightweight, viscose jacquard kimono, with contrast emerald piping, caught my eye. While the knitwear offerings are few, the blue viscose-wool blend sweater with a low-V back is simultaneously cozy and sexy – the quintessence of French-girl chic.

WHEN: 4/16 – 4/21; Tue (9-8), W-Th (10-7), F-Sat (10-8), Sun (10-5)

WHERE: 260 Sample Sale
150 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012

The line was a modest thirty minute wait on the premier day of Soho’s Marc Jacobs Sample Sale, which runs through Sunday, April 7th. Not so modest was the vast range of offerings – mostly looks from Marc Jacobs women’s ready-to-wear collections from past seasons ranging as far back as Spring 2017. The sale also featured a wide range of accessories – mostly socks, scarves and logo canvas totes along with a small selection of menswear. The handbag selection – an unattractive hodgepodge – is worth bypassing. The sale does not include childrenswear, footwear, or Marc Jacobs makeup.

The discount on almost all merchandise is a very generous 85% off the original ticket
price. Meaning that silk-printed, pussy-bow blouse from Jacob’s candy-colored, Harajuku inspired Spring/Summer 17 collection which was originally priced at $395, is now available for $60. Surprisingly, this sample sale did not just feature last season’s styles, but offered a range of seasons from years prior. Equally as surprising is the mint and pristine condition of the garments; it’s as if they were stored in a temperature controlled museum of seasons past.

The outerwear offerings are still rather costly since the original ticket price for most coats is over $4K. Most of the outerwear pieces available are from his brown-and-tan 70’s Fall 2017 collection. The knitwear selection is very good – including this candy-colored cashmere striped sweater for only $90 (originally $595). Also loved this slightly oversized, Romanian-made, merino wool zip-up sweater. Perhaps the best part of this sale is the abundance of pieces from his Resort 2018 collection – almost all of the pieces – (minus the bras) – can be found here. Reminder – this was the collection that was designed to take Mad Men’s Betty Draper from bake sale to cocktail party. The sale included the flocked lace over pastel organza pencil skirt – $90 (originally $595), the canary yellow, empire waist, satin sheath dress encrusted with rhinestones and fringe beading – $510 (originally $3,400), as well as most of the other looks from this collection.

Now before your run over to 150 Greene Street, be warned that there are no fitting rooms or mirrors at this sale. So, bring your friend-who-tells-you-like-it-is along before you end up buying something that “almost” fits if you don’t eat for a week. Sizes – while there are some styles in a full range of sizes up to size 12, a vast majority of the garments are size 00 – 2. And while the denim selection is large, the sizes there are absolutely not – I think the largest size in denim is a 26. Overall, it’s a great chance to grab a piece of runway fashion history at a fraction of the cost.

WHEN: 4/3 – 4/7; W (9-8), Th (10-7), F-Sat (10-8), Sun (10-5)

WHERE: 260 Sample Sale
150 Greene Street
(Between Houston & Prince Street)
New York, NY, 10012

Images credit: 260 Sample Sale

The crowd was not too thick in the midday hours on opening day of the Oscar de la Renta sample sale in Soho, which runs through March 24th. It featured a full line of merchandise ranging from De la Renta’s signature evening gowns, day dresses, Jacqueline Kennedy style sweater sets, childrenswear, separates, outerwear, and accessories. Bridal wear and footwear can be found on the lower level.

The steepest discounts tended to be on bridal wear with some discounts as high as 75% off retail. Prices ranged from $1,000 for unembellished bridal gowns to $2,800 for exquisitely embellished gowns, (originally priced at $10K,). Sizes of the bridal gowns tended to range in sample size upwards to a couture bridal size 12. These gowns are made with an unparalleled eye for detail – some gowns even had lace trim on the interior zipper seams.

The evening gown selection is a vast and colorful collection of jewel-tones – structured silk in traditional silhouettes – princess-seamed, bustier-style, trumpet, etc. Standout pieces included a sleek bias-cut silk velvet chartreuse gown that feels even more luxurious than it looks, priced at $875. Perhaps the most “Oscar” of all the gowns is a stunning black tulle strapless dress encrusted with metallic gold paillettes cascading downward from the bodice.

The shoes. The prices are incredible – ranging from $89 – $100. Mostly sizes 38 – 40. A great selection of evening wear shoes – both pumps and sandals. Unfortunately, the selection of slides and flats is minimal. Standouts include fuschia mules encrusted with paillette sequins and beads.

The day dresses ranged from $250 – $600 and had a fair range of sizes from sample size up to a size 16 – (a rarity at most sample sales). This section appeared to be a bit too reminiscent of “Stepford Wives” with cookie-cutter a-line dresses and floral sheaths for my personal taste. However, it appears this was the most popular section as child-clutching shoppers scanned for their next spring “shower” day dress.

Will you attend?

Tips: If you plan on attending please be advised that strollers are not permitted inside the sale, and coat and bag check is mandatory. If you plan on shopping for gowns, it would be wise to wear the appropriate undergarments to provide a more realistic fit of anything that you may try on. It is crowded. Be kind. Oh, and bring some actual dollar bills so you can tip the coat check staff.

WHEN: 3/19 – 3/24; Tue (10-8), W-Sat (11-7), Sun (11-4)

WHERE: 260 Sample Sale
151 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012