Elie Tahari Sample Sale Review 10/18

The time for women-bearing-anything for fashion is upon us. The chilly morning brought about hundreds of anxious shoppers, waiting to be let in to Elie Tahari’s Sample Sale at its new location on 5th Avenue and 42nd Street. Women bragged about gaining a pass to shop yesterday during the “Friends and Family” event, while others swapped tips as they exited. The line moved at a snails pace, guaranteeing frozen hands and wind blown hair. Who said discount shopping was easy?

Once you arrive on the 2nd floor mecca that is the Elie Tahari Sample Sale, all is stress free and organized, proving why security let in only a few at a time. Racks of sleeveless silk blouses ($59) seemed to be the majority at the sale, coming in sizes XS-XL with rarely a repeated design in sight. The ruffled necks and colorful patterns create an elegant, yet edgy detail to wear under your new Elie Tahari blazer.

I spotted a few must have sweaters, terrifically designed for fashionable comfort ($89). Their oversized cut and deep colors allow you to wear leggings or a tight jean underneath, while their cashmere enhancement allows you the luxury of “itchy free.” Elie Tahari is mainly geared toward the “working woman” but the 80’s- style sweaters with jeweled shoulders, plead otherwise. Plenty of simple cardigans were on display as well, in colors such as navy blue, purple and yellow – perfect to throw over one of the many silk blouses on hand.

The dresses kept to the standard, work theme, but beautifully cut nevertheless. Racks of the classic, sleeveless and knee-length designs are available in mostly muted colors, blacks and browns, with a soft to the touch wool material, heavy enough for the winter ($99). Silk dresses can be found toward the corner of the room, mixed in with the blouses. I discovered my favorite item of the sale here: A silk black dress with a plunging neckline, elegantly draping, with a snug tie at the waist – perfect for those needing a little emphasis in the chest area (Sizes 6 and 10, $129).

It’s almost shocking to see a sample sale with an organized shoe section. Like other sales, one shoe is on display with runners behind a desk to grab you the other if it’s a fit. There was fair collection on hand of ballet flats ($79) and sample pumps ($99) with the occasional fall leather boot ($99). Notables were the nighttime, flapper-esque stiletto ($99) and a stylish Ugg-boot alternative, with soft brown leather and sheepskin ($99).
I am disappointed to report that there wasn’t much available in the way of suits. One would think this case would be opposite. The upstairs portion of the room is dedicated to Men’s clothing and the Women’s suiting options. No pairs are arranged for you, there was one rack of grey, pinstripe, and black suit pants ($59) and skirts ($59) with their blazer counterparts, as well as tweed jacket options, are resting within the collection of racks beyond them ($99).

Before checking out, you MUST take a gander at the leather jackets. You can’t beat the pricetag of $249 for buttery leather. Waist length, thigh length, and blazer styles are available, as well as color alternatives to the standard black.

The good news for this sale (aside from the serene atmosphere, thanks to their crowd-free policy) is the fact they will be replenishing the racks after a new shipment tonight. Even if you braved the line today, it wouldn’t hurt to check back tomorrow! One woman on the way out realized she was given two left shoes by accident, “That’s okay, it’s an excuse to come back again!”

WHEN: 10/18 – 10/22; Tue-Th (9:30-5:30), F (9:30-1)

WHERE: 501 5th Avenue
(Entrance 42nd Street and 5th Avenue – 2nd Floor)
212-398-2622

By Caitlin Colford

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Posted by Bindra at 01:52 PM
bargain news , SALES , Sample Sale Reviews |