Nanette Lepore Sample Sale: Sunglasses Required

Contrasting reviews trickled out of the Nanette Lepore Clothing Sample Sale in Midtown this morning. While exiting the elevator in preparation to enter the showroom, a woman said to me, “Don’t waste your time.” Moments later I was nearly trampled by a shopper who could hardly see over her massive pile of clothing she was trekking toward the dressing room, “I might keel over!” she shouted, followed by an exciting declaration, “This is definitely a good sale!” To each her own, I suppose. Overall the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale certainly had some worthwhile spring and summer finds – bright colors and current trends intermixed within the close quarter racks of the fourth floor.

A few bathing suits can be found as you immediately enter. The price is right, but the prints are not. Skip the old season patterns and go for the solid colors like the Lavender Cabaret Bikini ($36.50 for the top, $34.50 for the bottom). If you decide to go with a new swimsuit make sure you grab yourself the Natural Crochet Cover Up ($91.50).

Bright’s are right this season and every look requires some pop of color, namely in the neon family. Luckily there are plenty of blinding fashions to choose from at the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale. I loved the Sunset Herbert Orange Sleeveless Dress ($106, pictured), the Neon Coral Club Dress ($145), the vibrant Boy Crazy Pant in Citron ($298) and for work, the Last Dance Jacket in Deep Sea or Sherbet Hound’s-tooth ($178, pictured) is fantastic with its matching Break Skirt ($248).

I found a number of can’t-go-wrong fashions; season staples that are guaranteed to garner a great deal of use. I fell in love with the First Place Dress (an appropriate name) in Ink and Ivory ($298, pictured), as well as the Desirable Knee Pleated Skirt in Ink, Campari or Absinthe ($198, pictured).

The racks of true sample were full of tag-less tops, skirts and dresses. For those that were tagged, a sign the wall hung a sign stating, “Samples may be incorrectly marked.” The sign that indicated prices was quite confusing, not sure how one would determine the difference between a “regular” and “fancy” sweater when they all seem to have some sort of decoration. Generally there was not a whole lot to go mad over in the sample sale section, but I did like the Knee Length Sleeveless Knit Dress in Oatmeal ($75), Yellow Mustard Cropped Fringe Sweater ($50), Orange Rust Cape Zip ($40), and the Navy Edmin Oonagh Sailor Dress ($100, pictured) that had a fun pop of neon lace.

If you’re a true New Yorker, and frequently dress in all black and dark colors then this may not be the sale for you, unless of course you’re willing to make the transition. This also isn’t a sale for the true bargain hunter due to the fact that the prices are still quite steep and samples are nothing to run for. However, if you’re simply in the mood for some shopping for hot summer finds, then definitely head over to the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale, just be prepared to pay nearly full retail price for some of the best finds in the sale.

WHEN: 5/8 – 5/10; Tue-Th (9-7)

WHERE: 225 West 35th Street, 4th Floor
Between 7th and 8th Avenue
212.594.0012

By Caitlin Colford

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Posted by Caitlin Colford at 01:09 PM
Opinions , SALES , Sample Sale Reviews , The City |