Sample Sales Review

Under Armour started like many companies do: out of the desire for a product to solve a problem. Back in 1995, Kevin Plank discovered a need for t-shirts that weren’t heavy and weighed down with sweat after physical activity, and within a few years of developing prototypes and testing them out, he perfected them enough that college and NFL football teams wanted them. What started as a single idea for a t-shirt has since propelled into a line of sports wear that professional teams and those in the fitness industry can’t wait to get their hands on.

At the Under Armour sample sale in NYC, there’s an excellent selection of workout wear and every day wear ranging from underwear to puffy jackets. The sale is put together very well with a good balance of accessories and apparel for men and women.

You’ll find a table full of bags in various styles and colors, boxes filled with underwear, and tubs of boxing gloves. There’s a small section of jackets, a wide variety of shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops, and an incredible selection of long sleeve tops and baselayers, the latter of which was extremely popular and flying off the racks at record speeds. There’s a slew of sweats in basic colors, and an assortment of long pants and capris.

The best aspect of the Under Armour sample sale is that there’s a fabulous collection of colors and patterns to choose from, so there’s a little something for everyone whether you like neon green, bright pink, muted gray, or brilliant blue.

The Under Armour sample sale runs from October 29 to November 2 from 10am – 8pm, and November 3 from 10am – 4pm. All methods of payment are accepted.

WHEN: 10/29 – 11/3; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (10-4)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th and 29th Streets
New York, NY 10001
212.725.5400
N/R/6 Trains to 28th Street

By Lauren Romano

Thierry Gillier, a French fashion designer and the founder of Zadig & Voltaire, has combined feminine and boyish styles into a ready-to-wear refined collection that’s perfect for day or night. The items have a strong dose of casual luxury mixed with a bit of rock ‘n’ roll, and come in a variety of fabrics and styes ranging from suede handbags to cashmere sweaters.

At the Zadig & Voltaire sample sale, there’s a large selection of lightweight t-shirts, but not a substantial amount of clothing for kids and men. Shoes and bags are extremely limited, but there’s a good amount of warm scarves in a large range of colors.

You’ll be able to find a little of everything in the women’s apparel sections. The gold and silver tops and skirts were quickly being snatched up, as was the patterned denim. Expect edgy styles with studding and skulls are on many pieces from shirts to shoes, and in preparation for the colder weather, there are a variety of heavy and lightweight sweaters. Suede blazers and military jackets were also flying off the racks. Little embellishments, such as skull buttons and studded cuffs, add innovative and offbeat touches to basic pieces.

The Zadig & Voltaire sample sale runs October 23 – 25 from 10am to 8pm; October 26 from 10am to 7pm; October 27 from 10am to 4pm. Prices are up to 80% off, but considering how quickly the clothes were going, the sooner you get there, the better.

On my way in at the Alice + Olivia Sample Sale there was no line, but a short one emerged on my way out. Many people took advantage of the VIP access and showed up before 12.

There was an abundance of pretty tops, mainly tanks. If you’re in the market for a jacket this sale has a multitude of jackets such as seer sucker, embellished, leather, etc. The leather jackets come in an array of colors.

The racks had many bright solid colored shorts as well as shorts with prints. There were also a few Bermuda shorts. Long pants in various fabrics and a few prints also lined the racks.

There were quite a few dresses mainly short or knee length with the occasional long ones. The dresses came in an array of fabrics and prints. There were pastel colored dresses, embellished dresses, lace dresses, basically it would be possible to pick a dress for almost any occasion at this Alice and Olivia sale.

Limited accessories were also available. The selection of shoes included flats, heels and a few boots.

With lines(not too long) to the fitting room, cashiers and to get in, you know this sale is a must.

The sale will be held in two location – Midtown and Downtown.

WHEN & WHERE: 6/10 – 6/14; Mon (noon-8), Tue-Th (10-8), F (9-4)

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

WHEN & WHERE: 6/11 – 6/16; Tue-F (10-8), Sat (11-7), Sun (noon-6)

72 Greene Street
between Spring and Broome Streets

By Jessica Florent

There was a line to get in with an average wait time of 20 minutes at the La Perla Sample Sale. And you can expect  a similar line to pay. This is definitely one of  the more crowded sales I have been to and it takes a bit of maneuvering to avoid constantly bumping into others while ensuring that you get your pick of the inventory.

There were at least 3 price lists namely; swimwear, accessories and sleepwear.  However, I didn’t notice any of the items on the accessories list. The lowest priced items were; thongs, hosiery, jewellery and leggings for $20.

This sale has everything has everything for your boudoir, from bustiers to teddies and robes to babydolls. It was simply a lace, and satin affair. Bras and panties were in separate bins marked by size and one had to really dig in and sift through. I didn’t notice any bra and panty sets.

If you’re considering a new swimsuit for this summer then do stop by this sale. There are many two piece options and very few one piece swimsuits including monokinis. I saw a navy blue one piece which was from the Spring 2011 collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier.

What else can I say about La Perla which has not already been said? Its sexy and feminine, which translates into a  feeling good  factor just by looking at it. Dare to wear?

WHEN: 6/9 – 6/13; Sun (1-5), M-Th (11-7)

WHERE: 225 5th Avenue
Between 26th & 27th Street
New York, NY 10001
N/R/6 Trains to 28th Street

By Jessica Florent