Oscar De La Renta

From the light traffic at Manhattan sample sales to the reduced interest in flash sales, it’s been  a lackluster year for this niche of retail. True, this news might not come as a surprise to the non-fashionista considering the other events of this year: a whopping nine retail bankruptcies were filed and scores of stores closed their doors forever. But… we are fashionistas, so to our trained eyes: we’re still surprised this retail niche was affected. Why? Because history has evidenced time and time again that retail misfortunes often translate into good news for sample sales. But this time around, sample sales seem to be losing their appeal. As we’ve been around the sample sale block more times (and for more years) than we care to admit, we know enough to have developed our own theory. (OK, we kind of borrowed it from the finance industry, but hey… )

We believe the sample sale market has become an efficient market. If you are a finance person you are not going to need an explanation for that term. If you are everyone else, then here’s a definition, courtesy of Investopedia:

“The efficient market hypothesis is an investment theory that states it is impossible to ‘beat the market’ because stock market efficiency causes existing share prices to always incorporate and reflect all relevant information.”

In our case, flash sales websites provide the consumer with so much information that it is nearly impossible for any sample sale organizer to surprise shoppers and get them excited. Most sample sale shoppers are knowledgeable and pragmatic. They know the brands. They know if prices are a true bargain. Brands have access to the same information as the consumers—if not more—so they align their prices with other discount outlets.

So… if we may be so bold… here is some advice you didn’t ask for, sample sale organizers: sample sales are not just a chance for you to rid of excess inventory at the highest price the market can absorb. Rather, they are a unique opportunity to tap into a new market of aspirational shoppers. Use it wisely. Instead of focusing on how much money you will make with that sale, consider how many more new customers will become obsessed with your brand, brag about it, and serve as a walking advertisement for you.

And speaking of that opportunity… that opportunity is now. Without any further adieu: we are finally in sample sale season! Boys and girls, check your balances on your credit cards, mark your calendars, and head to these upcoming sample sales that are sure to kick off the season right:

Starting Monday: Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale
Starting Tuesday: Halston Heritage Sample Sale
Oscar de la Renta Sample Sale
White + Warren Fall Sample Sale
Starting Wednesday: MCM Sample Sale
Elie Tahari Sample Sale

And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Here is the complete list of sample sales for this week.

Happy shopping!

We salute you; you survived New York Fashion Week. Don’t worry—you didn’t have to play an active role in it in order to be considered a “survivor.” Simply navigating the countless emails you received (The Stylish City was “blessed” with thousands this year) that recommend NYFW essentials you “will be lost without” during the marathon fashion show… Like Lubriderm, apparently. Um, really? However, whether or not you were caught clapping for Zac Posen’s capsule collection with dry (gasp, Lubriderm-less) hands, the future of the show doesn’t look bright. Even a quick Google search results in multiple articles describing the doom and gloom of NYFW’s future; The Exodus from New York and Has Backstage Beauty Lost Its Gloss? are particularly insightful. Nonetheless, we’re hoping it just ain’t so.

But if NYFW is temporarily on the back-burner, that is all the more reason to press forward. Fashion-forward. Take advantage of these post-NYFW opportunities to reinforce a stitch or two in the New York fashion scene. You can start by going where TSC goes. Last week, we went to the La Perla sample sale and shared with you what pajamas we wear when we write articles. (Spoiler alert: not La Perla.)

This week, we’re heading to the Charlotte Olympia sample sale, of course. Putting your best foot forward becomes impossible when both feet are Charlotte-Olympia-clad; with her signature candy-crisp color and precise craftsmanship, both feet will be the best one.

Here’s another opportunity if you’re a bride-to-be… or if you’re not, I guess. Hey, everyone has the right to invest in a gorgeous wedding gown—no spouse necessary. Either way, saying yes to the dress has never been easier than at the Randi Rahm sample sale.

And the event to make next week the trifecta of happenings? It’s the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts through October 15th.  While not strictly fashion-related, it is an opportunity to celebrate hispanic contributions to the fashion world (thank you, Oscar de la Renta and Manolo Blahnik), as well as TSC’s strong Hispanic heritage.

NYFW aside, the fashion passion is always alive here at TSC. So don’t be selfish, feed this fire by letting us know if there’s something we must share. Cheers!

WHAT: Oscar de la Renta Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Oscar de la Renta Clothing up to 60% off!

WHEN: 9/5 8am – 9/7 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

*To sign up & access the sales, please click here.
Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com