Sample Sales Review

UPDATED: Check out Caitlin’s full review at 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale: Wrinkled and Bagless.

Pixie Market is known for their affordable selection of downtown style. For every pricier piece, Pixie matches it by featuring an affordable and well-made item. Some of their prices seem almost too good to be true, requiring a second glance at the two-digit price tag. Needless to say, Pixie Market’s retail buyer has an eye for funky and emerging designers who offer their impeccable style for pennies compared to the well-known labels. With that said, you can only imagine what a sample sale at Pixie Market would look like.

Imagine no more, folks. After a week’s delay due to the horrific weather that swept our area, Pixie Market officially rung in the start of their sample sale today with rock bottom prices, and tags that read no higher than $40. Pair these prices with peter pan collars, fringe bags, and ankle length booties, and you have the perfect recipe for a Pixie’s dream.

About 25 anxious shoppers waited in line on the Lower East Side this morning, awaiting Pixie Market to open their doors at noon. Without skipping a beat, the door was unlocked right on time and all shuffled into Pixie Market’s itty-bitty boutique space (the word market in the store’s title is a bit deceiving).

As more customers piled in the small store, most shoppers crowded around the rack marked “small,” tearing at mostly blouses and dresses, not allowing personal space to be an issue. The “medium”  and “large” racks were not given as much love, leaving free reign over the best selections.

A traffic light-like sign depicted the low prices of each sale item with $20 for green marked tags, $30 for red, and $40 for blue. Please note: This sale is cash only, but there is an ATM right across the street for your convenience.

While making my way through each rack, I found some fantastic pieces for unbeatably low prices. Such steals were Cotton Candy’s Blu Coat in Black ($30, size Large, Pictured), a maroon blouse with a blue peter pant collar by House of Balfour ($30, size Large, pictured), a two-tone short sleeve sweater by Freeday ($20, size Small), a pile of black velvet shorts with gold stud features by Evil Twin ($30, assorted sizes), and an incredible tuxedo dress by Ciel ($20, size Large, pictured).

The shoe selection was mediocre, yet still ideal as far as the prices go. Most shoes pictured are $30, with the exception of a standout pair of cow-hair skull loafers from Beobe ($40, assorted sizes, pictured).

Long lines to the dressing room formed after the initial hype died down and as shoppers came out I was able to be the first one to check out the pieces they were not purchasing. Among these were a ladybug-esque dress by Oxford Circus ($20, size Medium, pictured), a turquoise button up blouse by Dee and Ray ($20, size Small, pictured), and a Siam Square Co. brown dress with velvet and polka dot features ($30, size Small, pictured).

Before racing to the register, try your luck at the trunk full of clothing, accessories, and bags, all for $10.

If your closet is lacking ultra cute button ups and short dresses, then don’t let too much time pass before making a trip to the Pixie Market Sample Sale this weekend. There were still plenty of people piling in, with not a ton of merchandise to choose from, therefor, today an after work shopping trip downtown is mandatory if you want to get your Zooey Deschanel on this weekend.

WHEN: 11/9 – 11/11; F-Sun (noon-8)

WHERE: Pixie Market NYC Store
100 Stanton Street
between Ludlow and Orchard Sts
212-253-0953

By Caitlin Colford

Surprisingly, there was no line to wait on at this sample sale, but that may not be the case as the sale continues through this Saturday. On the first day clothing was marked down to wholesale prices but discounts are expected to increase daily. The original prices have been removed, so true percentage off original price is unknown. No confusion though in item cost because every single piece has a clearly printed tag with the sale price. Based on sales past, the last day Saturday, November 10^th, will bring the largest crowd as well as the lowest prices. I think you should wait.

Be aware that the pieces offered at this sale do not come in complete size runs as they all seem to be real samples. Women’s sizing is as follows: 40-42 and 37-40 . Chances of finding multiples in any size are slim, so if it fits, commit.

Margiela Draped Zip Up Poncho
now $621 {size 42}

Dsquared Men’s Leather Spiked Jacket
$917 {size 44}

I started my shopping in the handbag nook and that was a bad idea, the selection was disappointing, at best. The shoe section saved my spirits thanks to few Viktor and Rolf and Maison Martin Margiela pairs. The shoe selection is likely the best category offered but size runs are also limited, so if the shoe fits, don’t put it down.  Shoe prices range from 200-400 dollars.  The assortment for both men and women offered an array of styles from casual to dress shoes.

All of the apparel was from the designers’ Fall/Winter 2012 collections, so a fairly recent collection, and weather appropriate, so one can prepare for New York’s influx of unpredictable natural disasters in proper fashion. Our opinion is that in comparison to previous years, the quality of this sample sale selection has declined. Now, the good finds are scarce and are obviously pieces that were not selling well. There are a few gems, but there are only 1-2 sizes per style. As expected, honorable mention goes to Maison Martin Margiela’s collection, which made the visit worthy, especially in regard to outerwear. Price points were still on the higher end, with nothing less than $200 and that’s just a basic t-shirt. Honestly, the sample sale was a bit of a disappointment leaving more variety and deeper discounts to be desired. Oh wait, maybe that’s why foot traffic is so low. Now, if you are a true blue fan of any of the brands, or are curious to see how Martin Margiela looks prior to their upcoming collaboration with H&M, stop by. At the end of the day, there are always lucky finds.

Please Note: NO fitting rooms and NO CA$H.

WHEN: 11/8 – 11/10; Th (2-7), F (10-7), Sat (noon-5)

WHERE: 220 West 19th Street
between 7th & 8th Avenue
10th Floor
New York, NY 10011
646-613-8457

By Michaela Boyd

Retail therapy is definitely well deserved after our apocalyptic hurricane Sandy week,  and the Alexander Wang sample sale is just what the doctor ordered. The sample sale VIPers were far from subdued last night, waiting in a  lively line that numbered more than 50 people, despite the extreme chill. Cash is not at option at this credit card only sale so the line moved steadily.

Overall, the sale is mostly women’s ready to wear,  heavily knit saturated, but also carries the T by Alexander Wang line for men and a rack of leather men’s outwear and bottoms ranging from $140 for bottoms to $300 for coats. The pricing is clearly noted by signage on the wall and the specialty items are marked down directly on the tags to avoid confusion.  The selections offered are appropriate for the season and are fully represented in at least one of every size ranging from women’s size 0-10 and XS-L.

Athletic Patchwork Front Zip Cardigan Sale price at $300. Originally $895. Hybrid Coat Fall 2011, marked down from $1,875 to $600.  AW Fall 2011collection Mohair/Satin High Neck Drawstring Poncho. Found on sale at Moda Operandi for $3,300. Priced at $1,000 at the sample sale.

The knits are heavy and the coats are to die for, with Wang’s signature zipper detail, A-symmetrical cuts and leather accents. The markdowns are up to 70% off their original pricing. If you are the type of shopper that needs to try things on, be prepared to be seen, because there are no fitting rooms.

All shoes are $200 with the exception of the specialty shoes which are $300. Smaller, leather envelope clutches are $70-$90 depending on their sizes.  Lastly, the handbags are priced by size, ranging  from $250 for the clutches to $400 for the largest purses.

The hype is not a hoax, as for women, this sample sale is a big win, but get there sooner, rather than later because the downtown streets are abuzz! The sale begins at 8AM so snuggle up in line and get your size while you can. This is not a sample sale you want to miss, but be prepared for long lines and a chilly cold weather.  In fact, it is so good you that you might want to get your goods first, then tell your friends.

Important Note: Cameras were not allowed at the sale. The images contained in this article are just an illustration of Alexander Wang’s recent collections.

WHEN: 11/6 – 11/10; Tue-Th (8-8), F (9-7), Sat (10-6)

WHERE: 131 Greene Street
between W. Houston and Prince Sts

By Michaela Boyd