Sample Sales Review

First off, let me start by saying: the Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale is not…a sample sale. The abuse of this phrase needs to be put to rest – if your sale doesn’t feature samples, then sorry to say, but it’s not a sample sale! Don’t let this deter you though shoppers! Despite the aforementioned fact, the Dolce & Gabbana “Sample Sale” has incredibly deep discounts (up to 90% off!) on merchandise from mainly ‘09, ‘10, and ’11, causing me to take it upon myself to rename this event: The Dolce & Gabbana Closet Sale.

At the stroke of 1 P.M., when the doors of the Metropolitan Pavilion were unlocked and security waved in the first round of excited shoppers, a line formed down the street, nearly touching Sixth Avenue. With about 100 shoppers in front of me, I observed departing fashion lovers as I waited in line for 45 minutes. It seemed that the trend among shoppers was that they either left empty handed or with so many bags stacked up their arms that they required assistance. One woman in particular left with 10 (yes 10!) bags and required two gentleman to help her back the cab. I know what you’re thinking, “Did she leave anything for me?” Well, sort of.

After the elevator whisked myself and nine other shoppers to the 5^th floor, I entered a pleasant loft space with tight aisles, but a manageable crowd. To start, there is a small table of accessories with nothing exciting. Many were crowded around to check out the headbands and men’s wallets. Like I said, not too exciting.

Many shoppers were confused by the pricing and mark-downs. It takes a lot of math and a lot of reading to determine the price of each item. Discounts were arranged by year, so if a dress was made in 2009 (or prior) it was 90% off, 2010 = 80% off, 2011 = 70% off, 2012 or 2999 or Archives = 60% off. In scouring the racks I saw no archives, nor did I see anything made prior to 2009, the majority of what was featured was from 2010 and 2011.

Half of an aisle was dedicated to amazingly gorgeous waistcoats and jackets, which were definitely the stars of the show. A pretty Green Giacchino Verdone Jacket ($499, pictured, orig. 2,495) first caught my eye, next was the Cardigan Con Inserti Variante with gold trim ($410, pictured, orig. $2,050), then the bright and vibrant Gold Crop Jacket ($269, pictured, $2,695), and lastly a super cozy looking sweater jacket labeled Antracile Scurissimo ($330, pictured, orig. $1,650).

Many of the dresses that were worth a look were all from D&G, such as the black laced Variante Abbinita ($185, pictured, orig. $925) and a retro-glamorous blue velvet Melanzana Scurissm ($300, pictured, orig. $1,000). The skirts are also worth a browse, but again, the winners were from D&G vs. Dolce and Gabbana, like the D&G Fantasia Gold Skirt ($88, pictured, $295).

The pants were all jammed together in no particular order. There was every style you could think of from Dolce & Gabbana, but only in one or two sizes per design. I saw black corduroys, brown and black dress pants, white linen pants, cream dress pants, leopard and floral print pants, wool trousers, denim, you name it! On an average the pants started at $995, making them ring up between $100-$696, depending on their year.

I was surprised to see the shoe and purse section pretty much devoured by the time I arrived. There were little to no handbags to be spoken for and a mess of a shoe section. Although still packed with styles, it seems most of the good pairs of shoes were already swiped. I did see a few options like the D&G Brown Two Town Strap Heels ($208, pictured, orig. $208), the D&G Sandalo New Air Shoe in Red or Black ($208, pictured, $695), and the eye-popping priced Dolce and Gabbana Black Pleather Scavigiata Z ($119, pictured, orig. $1,195).

If you love Dolce & Gabbana, or better yet, D&G, then heading down to the Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale is a no brainer. Despite the sale’s disappointments, the incredible discounts are undeniable and hard to pass up.

WHEN: 9/19 – 9/23; W (1-6), Th-Sat (10-6), Sun (11-5)

WHERE: The Level at Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18th Street
5th Floor
between Sixth and Seventh Avenues

By Caitlin Colford

No scarves, no bags, no jewelry, big problem. The Hermes Sample Sale opened to the public today at Soiffer Hasken on 33^rd Street, to a manageable crowd pre-gamming in order to get their fashion fix before tonight’s Fashion’s Night Out.

The Soiffer Hasken showroom is more often than not packed to the brim, with oodles of ready to wear, heels, and bags overflowing into the aisles. Not today, I’m afraid. The Hermes Sample Sale offered nothing more than a few hats, one aisle of shoes, knits, and one aisle of ready to wear. While moseying around the sale, I heard a handful of women ask employees where the scarves were, only to be disappointed by their response. To top that off, despite their advertised “up to 70% off” draw, every item was no more than 50% off the original retail price. Additionally, there is a strict “No Photography” rule in Soiffer Hasken, and is strongly enforced by trolling security. However, I was able to sneakily snap a few shots to provide you with an idea.

If you’re a lover of sky-high heels and booties then the Hermes Sample Sale has just the thing waiting for your tootsies. The same dozen or so styles of shoes were repeated throughout the individual size sections, not giving you many options, but then again quality vs. quantity is indeed important when it comes to our beloved designer shoes. The Camel Velour Bottines ($800, orig. $1,600, pictured) were incredibly smooth and well crafted, as were the Noir Caprice Richelites, a black leather, cross stitched heel with a peep toe ($1,167.50, orig. $2,325), and the Nappa Noir Bridge Bottines, ($725, orig. $1,450).

There was also a mixture of boots on the ground and sandals intermixed. If you have some extra time, try on a pair of the Bricklane Spazziki Boots in Bronze ($800, orig. $1,600) and the Noisette Caraibes Sandal ($425, orig. $850).

A few shelves of knit sweaters and cardigans paralleled the shoe section, offering sizes XS-XL in styles such as the Cashmere Point Fourrure Vest in Ecru ($675, orig. $1,350), and a borderline amazing sweater dress with a boat neck and made with alpaca wool ($525, orig. $1,050). Also, hidden within the pile of chunky sweaters was a beautiful cardigan labeled Droit Maille Jersey de Soie ($1,275, orig. $2,550). Do not turn the corner without taking a peek at the Hermes Knit Leggings with a leather belt, which are offered in black, ivory, and olive ($750, orig. $1,500).

The modest ready to wear aisle held high quality goodies (for those who can afford it), but the same quality vs. quantity theme rang true here. The same few styles were repeated in every size section, with stand-outs that included a Manteau Cashmere Thigh Length Knit ($2,397.50, orig. $4,975), a Sepia Point Cape ($3,000, orig. $6,000), Jersey Feture Flannel Dress Pants ($612.50, orig. $1,225), which also came in a pencil skirt, and a Blouson Tweed Cape Jacket ($2,550, orig. $5,100, pictured).

Those shoppers who weren’t in the market for killer heels or oversized sweaters exited the Hermes Sample Sale empty handed and wildly disappointed. Lasting through Saturday, shoes and apparel within the Hermes Sample Sale will be replenished daily, but only with additional sizes, not styles. For those who do not have a grand to spend on a single item, opt to spend your time today popping in and out of various stores during Fashion’s Night Out. Even if you leave the stores empty handed, at least you’ll get free booze and free fun out of it.

WHEN: 9/6 – 9/8; Th-F (9-7), Sat (9-6)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(West of 8th Ave);
718-747-1656

By Caitlin Colford

The Barney’s beloved Warehouse Sale opened to the public last Thursday, August 23^rd. Despite launching an online pre-sale in the beginning of August, which seems to be the latest trend amongst sample sales, the Barney’s Warehouse Sale in Chelsea drew its famous crowd of eager shoppers last week. During the sale’s Day Two on Friday, Racked reported that women’s clothing, namely of the contemporary nature, was nearly cleared out aside from the ripped and stained leftovers, in addition to a slim selection of shoes and accessories. This is partially true of today, however, it was clear that after the inevitable hype last week, the Barney’s Warehouse Sale has re-organized, added to the imperfections section, and applied deeper discounts to many items. 

First off, let’s start with a lady’s best friend — shoes! One thing many veteran Barney’s shoppers are not used to seeing at the Warehouse Sale are tidy shelves with designer shoes neatly arranged for proper viewing. Considering much of the overwhelming stock of shoes has depleted, the few pairs that are remaining are vying for attention. Just because they weren’t shoppers’ first choice last week, doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with them. There are plenty of discounted designer shoe options left to please (and perfect for fall!) including, a pair of Lanvin Pointed Leather Ankle Bootie in Size 8 ($438, pictured), Opening Ceremony Brown Leather and Rust Wedges in Size 7 ($149, pictured), a pair of size 6 Satore Ankle Cut Suede Boots in Sand ($419, orig. $1,045, pictured), a rocking pair of Alai Low Cut Black Suede Heels w/ Silver Detail in Size 11 ($1,019, orig. $2,040, pictured), and finally a cute pair of Loeffler Size 6.5 Brown Leather Ankle Boots.

The typically overflowing boxes o’ bags were slight and manageable today. While the selection of bags at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale is never stellar, there are a couple of worthwhile options to check out, namely a cute Tano Nubuck Grey Bag ($179, pictured) and a Theyskens’ Theory Axel Messenger Bag in Pine ($695, pictured).

To match your new fall heels, head to the denim section to get yourself a new pair of jeans. Many of these pants have new markdowns from last week’s sale, ranging from 10%-25% in additional discounts. Colored denim and cords are the hottest fall trend this season. To get ahead of the game you simply must take a peek at the Current Elliot Rustic Suede Pants in Size 29 that scream 1970’s ($330, pictured), a Size 27 pair of James Jeans Randi the Pencil Leg Jeans in Burgundy ($169, pictured), and Rag & Bone Elephant Bell Cords in Whiskey ($69, pictured).

As for the clothing, there were not many worthy options aside from the racks of damaged goods and imperfections. Many tags were marked with today’s date, indicating Barney’s has either brought in new additions today or that many items were damaged in the shopping last week. Among these tattered items was a Yellow and White Stripped Cashmere Sweater by The Row with a small hole on its left shoulder ($389, pictured), a pair of size 28 J Brand Maria Starless Straight Leg Denim Jeans with a ripped belt loop ($109), a stretched out pair of Current Elliot Jeans in Size 24 ($119, perfect for a size up), and last but not least, a gorgeous A.L.C. Black Ruffled Mini Skirt with a broken zipper ($169, pictured).

The contemporary collections were mostly stained and damaged as well, but not nearly as cheap as the above selections. The best of this gloomy bunch was a Phillip Lim Burgundy Sleeveless Button Up in a size 4 and 8 ($199, orig. $395, pictured), a gorgeous Vince Oversized Nude Sweater with laced in silver thread ($149, pictured), NSF Deep Plunging V-Neck Oatmeal Boyfriend Sweater in Size L ($109, pictured), a Phillip Lim (who seems to be the MVP of today’s sale) Short Sleeve Khaki Dress with Tie ($179), Elizabeth and James Mint Green Dress Pants ($159, orig. $285, pictured) and lastly a Crochet and Cherry Band of Outsiders Summer Dress in Size 3 ($199, pictured).

Sadly, the designer dress section was nearly empty. It was hard to find big names or a stunning dresses that were worth the big bucks. I did take note to two dresses that had multiple discounts, landing their price points within a reasonable range given their quality, and those were the Giambattista Valli Black and White Dress ($589, orig. $2,340, pictured) and the Rachas Short Sleeve Black Lace Dress ($909).

It seems that shoppers are not yet in the fall state of mind, so be sure to take advantage of their summer fever and get yourself some cheap a pair of designer denim in cold weather colors and fabulous suede shoes that many overlooked. The dust has been cleared off and items that you may not have taken notice to last week are now in the spotlight at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale, so hurry down to buy yourself a few designer additions for your fall wardrobe!

WHEN: 8/23 – 9/3;
8/23 – 8/24; Th-F (8-9)
8/25 – 8/26; Sat-Sun (9-8)
8/27 – 8/29; M-W (10-9)
8/30 – 8/31; TH-F (9-9)
9/1 – 9/2; Sat-Sun (9-8)
9/3; M (9-7)
9/4; Tue (9-9)

WHERE: 255 West 17th Street
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
212-450-8400.

By Caitlin Colford

First off, it’s not just DKNY; The sample sale at 260 Fifth Avenue has a little bit of everything  from “The Queen of Seventh Avenue”: Donna Karan, DKNY, DKNY Jeans, DKNY Pure, even a few collection items.

Since we were lucky enough to be invited to the preview, we got a chance to see what they had at the opening. But if you are concerned that they will run out of merchandise by the time you get there, don’t be. We were reassured that they will re-stock with the same items throughout the week. The well organized, well attended sale is certainly designed to put a smile on everyone’s face, although women, by far, get the most attention. The prices are extraordinary with one exception; read on, we are getting there.

Before you start shopping look at the price list on the wall, take a picture of it, and check it out as often as you need. The prices are not marked on the label, so it  is  a good idea to keep that phone handy.  I personally started the preview in the mens section where there are blazers, trousers, shoes, sweaters and outwear –  pretty much everything he needs. The extensive blazer selection has mainly summer items with just a couple in wool. Sorry, no men’s fitting room.

Women’s shoes are from DKNY with a few pairs from Donna Karan. Make sure you understand the difference between the two, as price and quality are quite different. There are also belts and tights and gloves and accessories, oh my. I think I’ve even noticed an iPad sleeve in somebody’s hand.

Now, about the prices. We thought everything was priced EXTREMELY well (see image with complete price list) until I was charged 30 dollars for a t-shirt that had a retail suggested  value of 50 dollars.  I am not sure what  rule they applied when discounting t-shirts, but it just didn’t seem consistent with the discount rate used on the other items.

The women’s apparel section had everything between cozy sweaters, outerwear, comfy jersey dresses, trousers, jeans, sequin blouses and evening gowns. Everything is organized by number, and there are so many things that are worth talking about, that I am going to conclude these annotations by encouraging you to go today.

Doors open at 10 AM: 260 Fifth Avenue (Between 28th & 29th Streets)

WHEN: 8/21 – 8/25; Tue (10-8), W-Th (9-8), F (10-6), Sat (10-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

By Mirela Gluck
Photographs Micky Filip