Sample Sales Review

Zadig & Voltaire’s collections offer an unorthodox combination of Parisian street style with a hint of preppy. Their 4-day sample sale starting Thursday, October 25^th located at 260 5^th Avenue is an interestingly well-executed mix of the two aesthetics. The hidden gems of the sale merchandise are, without a doubt, their 2011 deluxe capsule collection with Erin Wasson (the face of the line for several years)…think Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s effortlessly chic style. The collection includes cashmere, silks, furs and leathers, but are limited and in popular demand.

Upon opening, there was a lengthy, velvet rope enclosed line that elevated my anticipations of the selections. It was quickly back to reality, when I arrived inside. Although each piece was well made, (I deduced that conclusion by inspecting the construction of the garments and reading their lengthy and specific wash instructions) the price points still seemed quite high for what are, for all intensive purposes, basics; never mind them being luxuriously distressed. My suspicions were affirmed when a fellow shopper, who conveniently lives across the street from their Meatpacking location, inquired to a staff member about the final sale price and then realized that the prices were no different than the in-store sale prices. It may have well been deemed a warehouse sale.

Nothing is offered from their most recent collection, but from the previous two seasons. All the merchandise is organized by category and their prices are denoted by signage, which seemed confusing to some shoppers, but were easily clarified by helpful staffers. The dressing rooms have a 5-minute use limit and the line was what one shopper called “overwhelming” Fall outerwear was abundant, but the sizes were limited to larger sizes. Heavier winter coats were few and far between. If you attended last year’s sample sale, do not be surprised to see unsold merchandise from 2011 making an encore appearance at the same discounted rate. Overall, the sale is worth the long line to get in, try on and purchase if you are in need or luxury basics and quality accessories or are lucky enough to stumble upon the hidden treasures in your size.

Erin Wasson Capsule 2011 Collection:

All belts originally ranging from $100-$205 are now $60.

By Michaela B.

WHEN: 10/25 – 10/28; Th (9-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-6)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th and 29th Streets
New York, NY 10001
212.725.5400

The secret is out… The CP Fashion Company’s private sale is far superior to your average sample sale. In fact, any visitor could liken the experience to shopping in a luxury department store, but even then, the lines are long and the discounts are non-existent. CPFG has undoubtedly shifted the samples sale status quo. CPFG executed a sample sale sans the lines and served up deep discounts.

They are currently offering a 70% markdown on their most recent Fall/Winter 2012 collections by some of the brands they represent such as: Just Cavalli, Galliano, CNC Costume National and GF Ferre for both men and women. The discount is comparable if not better to that of an outlet, but make no mistake, the sale is not comprised of items that you would find at Woodbury Commons. If you are an experienced sample sale connoisseur, you have seen things that you wouldn’t want gifted to you, but as I scoured through the racks (neatly, of course) I saw something for everyone.

It seemed that fellow invited guests were stocking up on Christmas gifts for loved ones as well as shopping for themselves. What separates this private sale from others is the array of sizes offered in each style, the organization of the space and superb customer service! Upon your arrival, you are greeted by the doorman and offered complimentary coat check and every area has an informed associate whom is willing to assist you in finding your size.

All items in all categories are 70% off their original price point. Period. The signage is clear and there is no confusion. The discounts felt almost criminal because l felt as though I’d just seen these pieces in my magazines and on the runways. Only a handful of the items on sale were not from the Fall/Winter 2012 and those items are limited quantity, so act quickly because the cat is officially out of the bag!

As I arrived, I was surprised to spot the Just Cavalli clutch seen in their 2012 campaign and modeled by Kate Moss for a mere $190 marked down from $566.

WHEN: 10/12 – 10/21; M-Sun (10-6)

WHERE: 20 West 36th Street
6th Floor
(between 5th & 6th Ave)
New York, NY 10018
(646) 257-2666

By Michaela B.

Gant, the elegant combination of European sensibilities and American style, is holding a sample sale at 260 Fifth Avenue in New York at a perfect time for fall. If you’ve wanted to own that stylish leather jacket or an incredible pair of leather boots without spending the entirety of your next 6 months’ paycheck, look no further. The Gant sample sale features discounts as steep as 80%. At times, it feels like the price tags are stolen from JC Penney but then you look around to see a crowd that is extremely well versed with the fashion world and you know you are staring down a global brand whose products anyone should be proud to own.

One interesting aspect of this particular sample sale that sets it apart from the crowd is the selection of menswear and accessories for men. If you thought men’s fashion is limited in its scope, you’ve certainly not visited this Gant by Michael Bastian sample sale yet! That doesn’t mean there was nothing for the ladies – there was a great selection of womenswear and some cool accessories as well. With fall fast approaching, this is a great sample sale to shop at.

Some of the highlights of this sale are a good selection of accessories along with items of clothing, so you can practically create your fall wardrobe on this single sale.

Expect some crowds here. If a sale says you can only take 5 items to the dressing room and spend not more than 5 minutes there, they mean business.

The discounts are steepest for men’s jackets and blazers. I saw a pretty brown blazer selling for $175 with an original price of $1500. Very few items had the original price displayed on them, so it was hard to know the discounts, but almost every item of clothing was at least a 50% discount from its original price. Regular men’s blazers were selling for $175 and women’s blazers for $150. There was a nice collection of quilted vests, all selling for $75.

There was also a very good selection of sweaters. The cotton contrast shawlcollar white sweater was selling for $50, marked down from an original price of $165. A pretty lambswool barstripe crew sweater stood out as well. The MB fleece bolero blazer was a highlight in the blazer section in which most products were stylish and elegant.

The pants were all selling for $50, with the original price as high as $200 on many of those. The jeans were perfect for the fall weather.

The women’s section wasn’t loaded with a lot of variety but the selection was good. Wool sweaters were selling for $50. There were some pretty short sleeve polos for casual wear selling for $25 and some cute tank tops for $20. More elegant silk dresses were priced at $75.

There were a few products in the children’s section as well, with children’s tops selling for $20 and children’s bottoms selling for $15.

The accessories section was loaded with goodies, from a small selection of shoes and boots to a vast collection of ties and belts, all reasonably priced. Large leather bags were for $125 while the smaller ones were priced at $75. Small accessories like keychains and badge holders were all for a flat $15 price

WHEN: 10/11 – 10/13; Th-F (10-7), Sat (10-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
between 28th & 29th Street
New York, NY 10010
212.725.5400

Cinzia Rocca, a ready-to-wear Italian design label, which is sold in high-end department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, is currently holding a sample sale for their gorgeous Fall Coats in the Penthouse at 30 Park Avenue South. A satisfying and stunning selection, these designer coats are being sold at an extremely reasonable price given their high quality design, with a buy one get one half off draw in to top things off. The only bad news here is that all of the coats on sale — except for about ten or so — are a size 6 and a size 6 only.

To kick things off we’ll start with the lower priced items: the capes and short coats. Unless otherwise specified, all merchandise listed from here on out is a size 6 and please note, since this is a true blue sample sale, there is only one piece per design. The extremely sunny showroom provided ample lighting that accentuated the fabulous material of such items as the Angora and Wool Gray and White Herringbone Coat ($300, pictured), a Baby Llama and Wool Maroon Cape ($300, pictured), an Ivory Wool Short Coat w/ Tie ($300, pictured), and a Green Baby Llama and Wool Military Style Short Coat ($300, pictured).

Moving on up a price point, stand outs in this section were a beautifully colored Light Brown Wool Walking Coat w/ Sweater Sleeves ($400, pictured), a similarly colored Zip Up Wool Walking Coat w/ a Polyester Neck for chilly days ($400, pictured), an unbelievably soft Baby Llama Purple and Grey Walking Coat w/ Patent Leather Belt ($400), an interesting blend of Surialpaca and Wool on a Grey and Black Walking Coat ($400, pictured), and lastly a Baby Llama and Wool Purple Walking Coat with Angora Sleeves ($400, pictured).

As promised, there is a small assortment of various sized coats. With only about ten to choose from, it’s really hit or miss here. I saw a Long Red Walking Coat in Size 4 ($350, pictured), a Size 16 Black Cape ($300) and a Size 4 Camel Walking Coat ($400).

Now, back to the Size 6’s. Although the best of the collection lies within the walking and short coats, I did find a few long coats that would serve you well into the winter months. A Long Wool and Angora Olive Coat w/ Cashgora Neck ($500, pictured) caught my eye immediately, along with a Mohair, Llama, and Wool Black and White Long Coat ($500).

All coats with fur trim are $1,000, no matter what animal fur is featured. Here I found a Wool, Silk, and Agora Grey Short Coat w/ Rabbit Trim ($1,000, pictured) and a Wool and Angora w/ Alpaca Fur Walking Coat ($1,000, pictured).

The Cinzia Rocca Sample Sale couldn’t have arrived at a better time. As the mornings become chillier and daytimes become shorter, we are all currently in the market for Fall Coats. The best part about the sale is you can bring a fashion friendly pal along with you and share the buy one get one half off deal. If you and your best gal are a size 6 and have a few bucks to spend, then the Cinzia Rocca Sample Sale is your place for a high quality, soft, and gorgeous fall coat.

WHEN: 10/1 – 10/19; M-F (9:30-5)

WHERE: 30 Central Park South, Penthouse
New York, NY 10019

By Caitlin Colford