Ralph Lauren Sample Sale: Classic Cashmere

It’s hard to keep up with the breadth of Ralph Lauren. From the highest end Purple Label, to the middle point Blue Label, all the way down to the casual Ralph Lauren Denim Supply & Co., this designer has an extensive array of options for every price point and fashion preference. Today in Midtown, the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale at Soiffer Hasken began with Men and Women’s winter luxury apparel and accessories.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label occupied this credit card only sale, with a bit of RRL (Double Ralph Lauren) tossed in for good measure.

Blue Label, being the more traditional Ralph Lauren collection that you know from department stores, offered limited options, but high quality nonetheless for 70% off retail prices. Unfortunately, the notorious Soiffer Hasken “no photography” rule was strictly and tirelessly enforced today. I tried to steal a few snaps at the end in order for you lovely shoppers to gain a general gist, but their security’s hawk like eyes snagged me even then.

This sale consists mainly of cashmere sweaters, blazers, and black pants. In the neatly arranged cubby of racks, blocked off by sizes (up to size 14), the same styles repeated, with a fair amount of inventory for each piece. Among my favorites, which I found in nearly every size, was a Grey Long Sleeve 100% Cashmere Sleeveless Dress, which falls just above the calf ($286.50, orig. $955), a Merino Wool and Cashmere Blended Jacket featuring an assortment of beiges, creams, and nudes ($417, orig. $1,390), a wonderful Green Plaid Cape  ($999.40, orig. $4,498), and a Beige Alpaca Blend Oversized Sweater ($838.60, orig. $1,198).

A long table in the center of the room was the main attraction.  Piles of purple, orange, red, blue, grey, and black Ralph Lauren 100% cashmere sweaters ($389.40 – $479) were lined up and excitedly grabbed by cashmere feigning shoppers anxious to get their fix. Also on this table were simple, yet luxurious Cotton Long Sleeve Tops in various colors ($46.50), Merino Wool V Neck Sweaters ($157.50, orig. $525), and a stunning 100% cashmere Green Sweater w/ Shearling Lamb Fur Lining ($329.40, orig. $1,098).

In the back left corner of the sale were three racks full of pieces from the RRL, a casual, grittier line. One rack in particular was strictly denim, with great distressed washes in the form of skinny jeans and washed out flares ($126 – $206.50). While you’re getting your hands on some killer denim, peek around the corner to check out RRL’s Destroyed Denim Shirts ($103.50) and their Tweed Blazers ($420, orig. $1,200).

Although the sale states that there are “luxury accessories” on hand, this selection is 90-times more thin than the apparel section.  One table has a display of mediocre jewelry not worth a second glance, while behind the cashmere sweaters are two sizes of Canvas Tote Bags ($148.50, orig. $495) that resemble something you would receive as a freebie from Bloomingdales.

As you enter and exit the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale, prepare yourself for the rudest employees you will ever meet. Many shoppers were bullied and berated for being too slow in taking off their jackets and also bundling up to leave, while another young lady was scolded and brought to tears for accidentally scratching a less than pleasant employee. Although the options of the Ralph Lauren Sample Sale are slight, the cashmere alone may be worth braving the nastiness of the employees and the weather alike.

WHEN: 12/7 – 12/10; F-Sun (9-6:30), M (9-5)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street, NYC
(Just west of 8th Avenue)
For more information, call: (718) 747-1656, M-F (9-6)

By Caitlin Colford

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Posted by Caitlin Colford at 03:09 PM
Opinions , SALES , Sample Sale Reviews , The City |