Sample Sales Review

Although the Tory Burch Sample Sale held a surprise opening at 2PM yesterday, it was today that drew in the crowds of ballet flat loving shoppers, anxious to get their hands on a few pairs of discounted shoes. Given the Fashion District location, many local employees came down from their cubicles to be on hand for the 11AM opening. Fortunately for those who arrived early, the line seemed to swell greater as the lunchtime rush spilled onto West 36^th Street.

While waiting in line I took note to the numerous amounts of blue bags that were being clutched tightly by exiting shoppers, providing the prospect of fabulous deals for those waiting. One woman was nice enough to stop and share that the clothing selection “was disappointing,” stating further that this sale was “all about the shoes.”

Upon entering Clothingline on the 2^nd floor for the Tory Burch Sample Sale, you are handed a number that will immediately place you in line for 10 minutes (and 10 minutes only) of fast paced shopping and try-ons in the shoe section. That’s right, after waiting in line your must…wait in line again. To provide you with an idea, I was handed number 461 and as I arrived they were just calling in numbers 405 and 406.

During your waiting time you are invited to browse the Tory Burch handbags and apparel sections, which are less than thrilling. While moseying around I heard many sighs of disappointment by the dismal selection. One shopper even approached me to inquire if merchandise will be added to the sale. The only additions will be additional stock from the influx of the same styles repeated throughout the size specific racks (0-12, S-XL).

Starting with the wall of handbags, prices reached as low as $95 for the Stitched Logo Swingpack to $250 for the Maisey Shopper, Maisey Tote (pictured), and Maisey Hobo (pictured). Also on hand was the Julian Small Convertible Bag in three different colors ($225, pictured).

The meek assortment of ready-to-wear was bleak, although the discounts on clothing certainly trumped the lame discounts on shoes and bags. One pro to the frustrations of the Tory Burch Sample Sale is the high quality apparel. If you make a trip to the sale, check out the Cornelia Dress ($150, orig. $395, various sizes, pictured), Walker Sweater Coat ($194, orig. $450), Adalia Top ($85, orig. $250, pictured), Original Sequin Dress ($425, orig. $850, Size M, pictured), and the beautiful Bridgette Dress ($150, orig. $425, Size M). There were some denim options mixed in throughout, mostly the Tory Classic Jean ($85, orig. $175, pictured).

I’m not quite sure what the excited shoe-shopper outside was speaking about, because there were only a handful of shoe options at the Tory Burch Sample Sale, none of which screamed “amazing deal!” Every pair of shoe on sale is pictured here, proving that there is no grand department worth waiting for.

The Alaina Booties ($200) and Kendrick Driving Loafer ($125) were available in a few colors, while Tory Burch’s Murphy Sneaker was available in one gold color ($99). The classic Ballet Flats were $150 and the traditional wedge were a bit more for $165.  Lastly, there were two tall leather boots were featured in black and brown for $250.

All in all this Tory Burch Sample Sale is not worth your time. With the upcoming holiday sales at all of the main department stores, there are certainly better Tory Burch deals waiting for shoppers than here at her Midtown sample sale.

WHEN: 12/10 – 12/16; M (2-7), Tue-F (11-7), Sat-Sun(10-5)

WHERE: 261 West 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

By Caitlin Colford

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

If you’re in the market for a winter coat — namely one made of 100% wool – then a morning trip to the JCREW Sample Sale is essential.

If you’re in the market for essentially anything else (i.e. blouses, jeans, shoes, bags, etc.), then a trip to 260 5^th Avenue may not be worth your while.

During tonight’s press preview of the JCREW Sample Sale, editors and bloggers alike were stunned by the fact that there are absolutely no mirrors, let alone a changing area, for fit-questioning shoppers. The employees of 260 5^th Avenue claim that during the sale, which begins tomorrow at 10AM, they will be frowning upon shoppers trying on their goods, which I’m sure will be enforced given their plethora of employees and security that frequently flutters about.

No try-ons, and more importantly no mirrors, makes a decision on big ticket items, such as the aforementioned wool coats, significantly difficult.

Various sizes exist within the extra long rack of wool coats, which are all priced at an extremely reasonable $150. The best of the bunch was a Green Nello Gori Wool Peacoat ($150, Size 6, pictured), a Double Cloth Thinsulated Turquoise Coat ($150, Size 4, pictured), a Tuxedo Style Peacoat ($150, Size 10, pictured) and a beautiful Cream Collared Knee Length Coat in various sizes ($150). Only about a dozen leather jackets can be found in this section, and they range for a not-worth-it $300-$400.

I recall browsing the exact same racks of silk blouses during my last visit to the JCREW Sample Sale about a year ago. Looking back and reminiscing about that sale in particular makes it clear that this time around just doesn’t match up. Both sleeveless and long sleeve silk blouses were marked at $40, but I could not find a single top to highlight.

The $15 cozy tee shirts and $25 button downs are worth a peak, namely their Red Plaid Perfect Fit Button Down ($25, Size 6, pictured) as well as the various chambray and denim shirts. Please note that there are many defects on these tops, some of which are pointed out by small pieces of red tape (see photo of red plaid top). The defects and imperfections are nothing horrible, but do be sure to examine your purchases thoroughly before checking out (No Returns!).

A small rack held a small collection of super cozy and soft sweater dresses for $30, namely the cute Camel Sweater Dress ($30, XS, pictured). Within this same rack were a few striped sailor dresses that are worth a peek (also $30, pictured).

If it wasn’t for the small, two rack section of Madewell clothing, there would be no denim at all inside the JCREW Sample Sale. There was only a very small selection of jeans — all priced for $40 – but only featured a minimal array sizes and styles, which were mainly their Rail Straight style (only one pair of denim leggings and about two pairs of their Skinny Skinny jeans).

Although slight, the collection of Madewell tops and sweaters definitely trumped JCREW’s selection. Check out Madewell’s Wallace Sweaters ($35), namely their Wallace Double Breasted Grey Sweater ($35, One Size, Pictured), and button downs, including their Army Button Down ($25, Medium, Pictured), and their Denim and Corduroy Denim Jacket ($40, Small, Pictured).

Back to JCREW, they did have a wonderful (although, again small) collection of cashmere for as low as $35 for a blend and $90 for 100% cashmere. Further, check out JCREW’s Nude Maxi Dress ($40, various sizes, pictured) and collection of dress pants $40.

Their accessory department was wildly disappointing. Many people flock to this sale for JCREW’s buttery leather handbags. If you are among this group, don’t bother! There was only one large leather bag ($130), with the remainder being small cross body bags ($90) that could only fit a tube of lipstick and a MetroCard.

On a positive note, JCREW’s winter accessories were plentiful in a large bin, with hats, scarves and gloves priced at $20 a piece. Infinity scarves were also $20.

Unlike last year, the shoe selection this time around was disappointing. The same flats ($65), boots ($100) and heels ($100) made an appearance, with no new or recent styles to report.

Sadly it looks like this go-round of the JCREW Sample Sale is a whole bunch of leftovers from past sales. For those in the market of a new coat and matching accessories for winter, then certainly make a trip to 260 Fifth Avenue, but for everyone else: Skip it.

WHEN: 11/27 – 12/2; Tue-Sat (10-8), Sun (noon-6)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th & 29th Street
New York, NY 10001

By Caitlin Colford

By 9:30AM lines swelled down the stretch of Spring Street and crawled around Varick as teeth chattered, while anxiously waiting for the 10AM start to the 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale.

With temperatures not quite reaching 40 degrees, there was only the notion of discounted prices of one of SoHo’s favorite designers to warm waiting shoppers up. By 10:10AM, the line slowly began to move as small clusters of shoppers were ushered onto a freight elevator, which is located in the left rear of the building’s parking lot, around the corner from 304 Hudson Street on the north side of Spring Street. Keep in mind, they only allow 5-10 shoppers on this elevator at a time, which caused the line to rapidly grow.

At 10:40AM an angry shopper exited the sale and dejectedly announced to the line: “No bags left! If you’re waiting to score a Phillip Lim bag, don’t bother!” This prompted quite a few shivering Lim fans to cut their loses and exit the line, after muttering a few obscenities.

Those who remained stated they were hoping to score killer outerwear, an article of clothing they wished they possessed at that given moment.

By 11:15AM I finally reached the finish line and took the freight elevator up with four other shoppers. After strolling through a kitchen of sorts, shoppers are forced to check their coats and bags before entering the sale’s sundrenched loft with 3.1 Phillip Lim sweaters and clothing strewn all about (there was literally a mountain of ditched goods just hanging out in the corner).

Most shoppers crowded around the racks that held a dismal collection of heels, as well as a few clutches and small bags, but nothing to bat your eyes at; the angry shopper was right: there were no bags left. The few remaining shoes (all priced at $100) included the Absinthe Green Braided T-Strap Evening Heel ($100, various sizes, pictured), and the Brandy High Cut V Pump ($100, various sizes, pictured).

The first rack of clothing featured a nice collection of pants, skirts and shorts, probably the only assortment of apparel that wasn’t terribly wrinkled or sloppily hung up. Mind you, there was no photography allowed, but I certainly did my best to sneak a collection of cell phone snaps. I saw quite a few pairs of wool pants that were worth a peak for their $75 price tags and all skirts are priced at $100, while shorts are marked at $75.

Near the disastrous shoe rack that appeared to have been attacked by savages, were two small racks of evening dresses. Every dress on this rack seemed as though it had been tried on already and hung up inside out, but through the mess I was able to find a nude and sheer cocktail dress embroidered with leather and jewels ($400, pictured) as well as a nude pinstripe pocket top ($100, size 6, pictured).

Please note: Don’t be defeated if you’re not a size 0-2 or in some cases 4-6 (sample sizes) because I did notice quite a few pieces that were size 8, as well as medium and large sweaters and shawls.

Moving on to the tops section, my anxiety over the wrinkly clothing heightened (OCD, much?), but I tried to not let it distort my opinion of the high fashion 3.1 Phillip Lim clothing before me. The trend of the sale (aside from the aforementioned wrinkles) was a large pallet of nude colored tops, with many yellows and beiges blended in. The thinner blouses, such as a sunbleached white sweater ($150) and the midnight blue zip track sweater ($150) were so delicate, I would bet money they would fall apart after one wear.

My advice to you is to focus mainly on the heavy weight sweaters and blazers. An unbelievably soft camel fur button up cardigan was available in all sizes ($150, various sizes, pictured), as was a pear colored wool shawl ($150, various sizes, pictured), and don’t miss the Collarless Knit Jacket ($175, orig. $550, size 6, pictured), or the oatmeal bubble zip up sweater with pink thread ($150, pictured), and the thick emerald green sweater dress ($150, pictured).

A messy pile of leather belts ($50) was arranged on a table, with a few pairs of gloves thrown in with them ($50). The men’s section was pint size and certainly not worth the wait in line. Note that there are no dressing rooms, women were undressing and trying on in a tight corner, visible to the entire room. Within this small area lied another heaping pile of unwanted clothing, where I’m sure some goodies and not-to-miss items existed, but who would be able to get to them?

If you’re looking for struggle, frustration, and disappointment then 3.1 Phillip Lim is the way to spend your day. If you’re not, you better stick to your warm home and scour the Internet for sales on Lim items. As a last ditch effort at Lim satisfaction, ShopStyle is holding a “Pin to Win” a 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, which may be your only hope at a discounted (or free) Lim bag today.

Womens

Woven Tops/Shirts

Long Sleeve: $150
Embroidered/Woven: $150
Short Sleeve, Sleeveless, Tanks: $100

T-Shirts

Long Sleeve, Short Sleeve, Tanks: $50

Sweaters

Embellished/Embroidered: $250
Cashmere: $200
All Other: $150

Bottoms

Leather or Sequin Skirt/Pants: $200
Wool, Casual, Silk, or Pleated Skirts: $100
Pants/Jeans/Shorts: $75

Dresses

Embellished/Embroidered/Sequin Dress: $400
Evening Gown: $400
Cocktail Dress: $300
Sweater Dress (Cashmere): $200
Sweater Dress (Wool), T-Shirt Dress, Day Dress: $150

Outerwear

Shearling Coats: $800
Fur Coats With Jewels: $600
Fur Coats Without Jewels: $500
Leather Jacket: $450
Fur Vests: $300 to $350
Coats: $300
Trench Coats: $200
Jackets: $175

Accessories:

Large Bags: $400
Medium Bags: $300
Small Bags: $150
Clutches: $150
Shoes: $100
Belts: $50
Necklaces: $50
Scarves: $75
Fur Scarves: $150
Gloves: $50
Fur Gloves: $100
Sunglasses $75

WHEN: 11/15 – 11/16; Th-F (10-7)

WHERE: 304 Huston Street
between Spring and Vandam Sts
Eighth floor north
Use freight entrance on the north side of Spring Street
between Hudson and Varick Sts

By Caitlin Colford