Sample Sales Review

The first day of the Ralph Lauren Home Sample Sale within Chelsea’s Metropolitan Pavilion brought on massive, slow moving lines and ultimately a long wait in the cold for those who were anxious to browse the huge space full of vintage goods, designer sheets, antique designs, and discounted furniture. Numerous helpful employees fluttered about, assisting shoppers with heavy items and locating prized possessions. Delivery is arranged on premises for furniture and non-taxi-fitting items.

Some aspects of the sale require patience as you dig and carefully browse as many pieces are cluttered together within various shelves. Vintage pieces occupy a good chunk of the sale, with two separate sections full of stackable tattered suitcases ($20-$40), which are very much in style at the moment, vintage record players ($40), decorative or playable vinyls ($5 each), old radios ($25), funky top hats ($20), antique street signs ($25), and I also spotted a Royal typewriter ($50). All of these goods are everything you would find in an upscale antique store, but for a fraction of the price! There were also some funky goodies for the daring designer such as skeletons ($100), an old newspaper stand ($250), black and white framed art ($100 each), totem poles ($150), vintage school lockers ($50), a gumball machine ($250) and a gym’s basketball scoreboard ($600).

A small collection of jewelry and gifts were located in cases toward the front of the room. Here, RL Vintage turquoise jewelry ran between $100-$200, with an array of Navajo-inspired moccasins and accessories intermixed.

Moving on from vintage, there were a vast array of RL Supply lanterns ($150) and wicker lights ($250), about seven gorgeous brown leather and plaid wingback chairs ($750 each), and numerous wood drum tables in a variety of stains for under $1,000.

Some higher end items that were selling quickly included Ralph Lauren’s New Safari Library Club Chair ($3,512, orig. $10,033), the beautiful Desert Modern Chest ($3,699), the Rosecliff Bookcase ($3,145), and Rosecliff Mirror ($2,494), as well as the sought after Alpine Lodge Armoire ($3,277, orig. $9,632).

I was a bit disappointed by the selection of couches and love seats. Pieces are “sold as is” and for the most part feature large imperfections. A variety of white love seats and chairs with large stains and rips were on hand for the purpose of recovering, and certainly meant for someone with an artistic imagination. However, you may be better off purchasing an old couch on craigslist if that’s your forte as these are certainly not worth you money.

Be sure to inspect the dining room tables on hand for scratches and nicks. Ralph’s Black and Red Modern One Fifth Dining Table was in great shape ($3,399).

An L-Shaped table held on to heaps of Ralph Lauren Duvet Covers, Sheets and Shams. The Cream Josephine Duvet in Queen Size will run you $400, but Ralph’s Denim Design Duvet and White and Blue Striped Duvet are only $100 a pop. Ralph’s Franklin Bed Blanket’s ($450) looked extra cozy, as did the Cashmere Sweaters for your furry friends ($30 each)!

The Ralph Lauren Home Sample Sale requires an early visit. Don’t wait until the last minute on this one! I was there when the doors opened and noticed stock depleting by the second. Shoppers are frantic and stake their claim fast by having employees mark furniture and décor pieces with a “SOLD” sign quickly! I was certainly impressed by the sale’s vintage array, which wasn’t the main focus compared to the furniture, but do keep in mind that stock is not replenished as time goes on. Act now before it’s too late!

In this week’s Don’t Miss, we reported that the upcoming Barneys Warehouse Sale would be the last of its kind. Today, the Warehouse’s very pleasant and helpful manager clarified our speculations. He informed us that yes, this would be the final sale within their 255 West 17^th Street space. But starting with their end of summer Warehouse Sale in August/September, they would move a block away. Additionally, Barneys is also relocating their Co-Op store, which closed earlier this month, to a to be determined location. The newly located Warehouse Sale will still feature the classic set-up of past sales we are all used to, but in a slimmer, more condensed fashion as many of their sale stock will be first offered on their permanent sale website: Barneyswarehouse.com. This could potentially mean that the best of the best will be purchased by e-shoppers before making it to the Warehouse. It’s your prerogative from here on out shoppers. To continue on with the tradition of religiously visiting Barneys Warehouse Sale or not is the question. You may be better off stalking the website in order to catch a hot deal before anyone else has a chance, but that will so be determined with a little trial and error.

Today was the first day of the two week long Barneys Warehouse Sale, kicking off with a not so thrilling start. As usual, browsers were buzzing about the shoe and purse section as the Warehouse’s very polite and organized staff tidied up behind them and provided excited shoppers with tote bags to lighten their load.

The trends of the shoe section were platforms, suede, and Greek sandals. A pair of Proenza Schouler Wood Wedge Black Leather Platforms ($629, orig. $1,580, Size 9, pictured) were a stand out, as were the Rick Owens Ankle Wrap Platforms in Bronze and Black ($709, orig. $1,770, pictured), the Derek Lam Black Leather Platforms ($279, orig. $690), Derek Lam Brown Suede Chelsea Peep Toe Heels ($399, orig. $990, pictured) and the wide variety of Greek Sandals by both Barneys CoOp and Ancient Greek Sandals ($100). Be aware that many of these shoes appear weathered, so do be sure to do a careful inspection before charging the designer shoes to your trusty credit card.

A small selection of damaged shoes was on hand on a bleak looking shelf. Here, there was a pair of Manolos for $250 and a pair of Prada heels for $150, but stained and tattered nonetheless.

Typically, the denim section at the Barneys Warehouse Sale is meticulously organized. At past sales, neatly folded denim and cords were arranged according to size and furiously folded by staffers after a shopper’s examination. This time, however, jeans were stacked in boxes, making for messy sorting and frustrating digging. Staffers were still furiously folding, but it made for a much harder task. The denim selection seemed to be a repeat from last year’s sale. I noticed the same colored jeans and corduroys. The stands out in this messy pile included Brown Current Elliott Skinny Jeans ($99), Helmut Lang Bell Bottoms ($159), Coral colored James Jeans ($99), and Rag & Bone Skinny Cords ($105). Note that most, if not all, of the white and beige colored pants appeared dirty.

In the purse section, shoppers were scooping up Marc by Marc Jacobs leather handbags and wallets. Although no great bargain, these bags were indeed cute and worth your consideration. Colored Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallets were $130 and a Magenta Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag was $378, while his adorable Teal Backpack ran for $300, down only $70 from its retail price. For this merchandise, it may be worth waiting for the additional markdowns Barneys will provide in the coming days.

Another change up within Barneys Warehouse Sale was the fact that designer and contemporary wear was intermixed. The less than exciting ready to wear collection featured ripped dresses and pulled sweaters, so again, be sure to launch a full-scale inspection before purchasing. Some highlights of the clothing section included a Band of Outsiders Crochet Dress ($149, orig. $495, pictured), an ALC Peach Jumpsuit ($319, orig. $794, pictured), an interesting Madison Marcus Beige Cocktail Dress ($235, orig. $363), and an Elizabeth & James Mint Blazer ($239, orig. $395, pictured). 3.1 Phillip Lim offered exciting finds, including his Navy Blue Blazer w/ Shoulder Tie ($269, orig. $675, pictured) and a gorgeous Black Cropped Jacket ($339). Also, for those who favor comfort, be sure to sneak a peek at Barneys Jersey Knit Dresses. These are featured in the “blue star” section, indicating an additional 75% off tag prices, making these incredibly soft yet flattering dresses only $20.

The accessory section was dismal. You won’t find much there aside from $2,000 hand painted chairs and Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone cases.

All in all, although damaged and stained merchandise overpower the true blue steals of the sale, the Barneys Warehouse Sale is always worth a walk through. Even though it may be worth it to focus your attention on their online sect in the future, the Barneys Warehouse Sale is still a staple in a New York City shopper’s life.

WHEN: 2/14 – 2/24;
2/14 – 2/15; Th-F (8-9)
2/16 – 2/17; Sat-Sun (9-8)
2/18 – 2/22; M-F (10-9)
2/23 – 2/24; Sat-Sun (9-8)

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

By Caitlin Colford

The Shoe Box, known to Manhattanites as a trio of designer shoe boutiques located along the stretch of Third Avenue, has been open since 1954, with stores not only on Third Avenue, but also on Long Island and in Boca Raton, Florida. Earlier this year The Shoe Box on Third Avenue and 34^th Street hosted a Warehouse Sale with deep discounts on designer footwear. Since then, the 34^th Street location has closed for renovations (they will soon re-open as a Vince Camuto boutique) and moved their stock up to their 77^th Street and Third Avenue location, where they have slashed prices even further and are currently underway with their own Warehouse Sale with 40% off already marked down prices.

When I visited the Warehouse Sale this morning around 11AM, the sale had only been underway for an hour, yet The Shoe Box’s pleasant saleswoman reported that she had sold a great deal of merchandise thus far, even selling out of such winter accessories as their collection of Vince Camuto hats. Rest assured shoppers, she further went on to state that The Shoe Box will be restocking later today with additional designers and added supply.

The Shoe Box’s winter top sellers (all of which were by Vince Camuto, the brand that dominates the sale selection) were on hand today and available for ultra low prices. These included the Vince Camuto Brown Kabo Boot with a distressed leather toe ($99, orig. $239), the VC Signature (Camuto’s higher end line) Warren Boot ($96, orig. $350), and the VC Signature Waris Boot with studded embellishment ($120, orig. $450).

There was a nice assortment in every size selection, sizes 8 and 8.5 of course being the majority. For the most part, many styles repeated in every size section. Some standouts among smoking flats (another fabulous winter trend) included the BCBG Fernando Smoking Flat ($45, orig. $90), the Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Smoking Flat ($275, orig. $930), and the quirky Marc By Marc Jacobs Blue and Black Sequin Smoking Flat ($48, orig. $250).

Dressy booties have definitely been another shoe trend of the season. Some fantastic choices in this category was the Vince Camuto Amoby Bootie ($48, orig. $139), and the Vince Camuto Muse Bootie in either black cow hair or distressed brown leather ($48, orig. $139).

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the rarely discounted Toms Suede Botas ($15, orig. $69) and Minnetonka Moccasins ($18, orig. $45) as they are scarcely scattered around the store.

Don’t miss the small collection of Stella McCartney shoes on the front table by the entrance with her Black Leather Platforms with Wood Heels ($119).

As far as accessories go, there were a few Vince Camuto bags for $49 that included his Red Jennah Crossbody Bag and his Kaitlyn Clutch in green, blue, and red, as well as a selection of his cozy scarves, all in dark colors, for $29. 

Overall, even though the selection at The Shoe Box wasn’t overwhelming, I was pleasantly surprised by their incredible discounts. I mean, Toms for $15? Marc by Marc Jacobs for $48? Yes, please!

WHEN: 1/29 – 2/10; Tue-Sun (10-9)

WHERE: 1349 Third Avenue
corner of 77th Street
212.535.9615
New York, NY 10021

By Caitlin Colford

The The Dennis Basso Sample Sale could not have come at a better time! With bone-chilling wind gusts that register below zero and temperatures that barely reach twenty degrees, there is seriously no better day for discounts on the warmest jacket around: Fur coats!

Although a glamorous, celebrity obsessed and world-renowned designer line, Basso began his business grassroots style. The humble designer’s very first store was, well, a town car. Basso got his start back in the early 80’s by hawking furs out of the trunk of his car to passerby’s and those who flocked to him via word of mouth. On days like today, I hope he was wearing one of his own jackets for hypothermia’s sake.

Now, Basso is beloved for not only his stunning designer fur coats and ready to wear pieces, but also for his recently launched bridal line, fragrances, and uber affordable faux fur line over at QVC.

Today, a considerably small jumble of chilly and glamorous shoppers flocked to midtown to check out his sample sale at Soiffer Haskin. Although a morning that people wouldn’t dare leave the warmth of their own home, diehard fur fans didn’t pass up a sale like this with record low prices on high-quality furs.

I was incredibly surprised by the Dennis Basso dress collection. A wide variety of dresses were on hand in various styles, with a few avant garde pieces and well made skirts tossed in. Do note that these dresses were obviously used in photo shoots or on the runway, if not tucked away in storage for some time, as some merchandise that was lighter in color, appeared a bit drab. Be on the lookout for snags and stains at this sale.

Back to the dresses (I will be brief fur fans!), there were an equal amount of merchandise distributed in every size section (2-14) with stand outs including the tutu-esque Hand Embroidered Satin Organza Dress in Peach ($2,150, orig. $8,500), the very interesting Satin and Chiffon with Embroidery and Feathers Cocktail Dress in Navy ($1,450, orig. $5,800), a Champagne Daisy and Tulle Cocktail Dress ($5,800, orig. $14,500) and a Silk Chiffon Organza with Satin and Embroidery Floor Length Gown ($800, orig. $8,000).

Okay, it’s fur time, here we go! As expected all of the intention was focused on the coat section. Many coats were twists on your classics in sizes 2-16, with only one single full length fur coat on hand (a Natural Dark Sable Ankle Length $65,000, orig. $150,000). There are multiple sizes in most styles and while browsing, refer to the chart to figure out which size will work best for you as they are broken down as follows: 2=A, 4=B, etc. The coats are mainly arranged by color. Some of the lusted after pieces included a Dyed Charcoal Grey Shearling with Toscana Trim ($1,920, orig. $4,800), a Brown Knee Length Shearling ($1,950, orig. $6,500), a Red Brown Shearling with Fox Trim Poncho ($1,575, orig. $4,500), a Dyed Brown and Blue Sheared Mink that falls just above the knee ($7,350, orig. $21,000), and a sharp and edgy Slink with Raccoon Trim Cropped Waist Jacket, which was my personal favorite ($1,920, orig. $4,200).

There were quite a few vests available as well. About a dozen of the Dyed Desert Shearling with Beaver Trim Vest ($395, orig. $2,500) were lined up for a very affordable price. As was the Natural Brown Sculpted Sable Vest ($2,975, orig. $7,500). Two racks of fur trimmed raincoats were being ignored, perhaps because there were no great deals of the bunch (prices ranged from $1,295 – $4,375, plus, who wears fur in the rain?).

The accessories table wasn’t all that impressive. About four pairs of leg warmers were jumbled in a messy pile ($450) and a half dozen scarves were on display, from a Knitted Sable Scarf ($3,125, orig. $16,500) to a Knitted Mink Multi Camel Color Scarf ($300, orig. $1,500).

Before heading home, take a peak at the very interesting Bleached Pearl Sparkled Mink Coat ($5,775, orig. $16,500), the soft cardigan-like Blue Grey Sable and Cashmere Coat ($6,300) and the Dyed Antique Beige Shearling Coat ($1,440, orig. $4,806).

All in all, if you are in the market for a high quality fur coat, then look no further than the Dennis Basso Sample Sale. Do be aware that most items here are not traditional, these are fashionable furs, so if you’re into the classics, especially full length furs, then this very well may be a waste of your time.

WHEN: 1/26 – 1/30; Sat-W (9-6:30)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(Just west of 8th Avenue)
New York
(718) 747-1656, M-F (9-6)

By Caitlin Colford