Sample Sales NYC; Designer Sample Sale Listings & Fashion Reviews by Sample Sally
Elbowing our way through sample sales so you don't have to...
Housing Works is hosting its fall preview through the end of September. Tuesday night, I made it into the Tribeca location where the preview started at 5pm. When I walked in, I was immediately greeted by a live band performing funky tunes. The music gave the place a lively atmosphere. The band was a nice touch.
When I read fashion columnist Lynn Yaeger’s humorous article for the NYT’s travel blog about her trip to Orlando, Florida to shop at the Marni outlet, I couldn’t believe the Italian label would open an outlet there first before New York. If Yaeger waited a few months, she wouldn’t have had to travel thousands of miles.   A Marni outlet opened at Woodbury Commons last month. While I have not had a chance to check it out, one of my readers recently stopped in and did some damage. Here’s a report by Deme Washington:
The space is small but packed with loads of clothing and accessories (shoes, handbags, jewelry and sunglasses). With warmer months ahead, I was happy to find the store full of spring 2009 merchandise, including the younger more spirited (and cheaper) summer capsule collection. Prices are 50 to 70 percent off retail. A tip: if you don’t see your size or a specific style, ask if they have it in stock. Since they can’t put everything out on display with the limited space, they may have it in the back. I was trying on a pair of harem pants when the sales associate brought me a similar pair from the stock room that was not even on the floor yet. There’s more jewelry options available than what’s on display. I came out of the store with a cardigan sweater (worn by the model below) for $265 (was $600).  I also bought a pair of orange harem pants ($165) and a backless drappy white T-shirt for $165.
by:Â Deme Washington
Deme who is a big fan of Marni has also shopped at the label’s outlet in Florence. Let us know if you’ve had a chance to check out the new outlet. Tell us what you think.
Where: Woodbury Commons, 498 Red Apple Court, Suite 298, Central Valley, NY 10917 (845) 928-4000. 10 to 9pm Daily.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH3CVB2nahs
I took a second look Thursday night at women’s wear at the Barneys Warehouse Sale and I put together the video above. Like the men’s section, I was disappointed. I had to look hard to find the stand out deals: plush cashmere shawls (in taupe and black) by Giorgio Armani tagged at $200, Lanvin black dress $300, Dries Van Noten snakeskin print cashmere sweaters $180 to $225, Marc by Marc Jacobs black cropped jacket $150, Alexander Wang knits starting at $49. I did find these bargains but I really had to dig deep. None of the shoes or boots really stood out, at least in my size (37). That said… a pair of blue suede Balenciaga ultra high heels (tagged at $450) did catch my eye. I spotted that those Lanvin platforms ($450) that were on offer in the last sale over the summer sitting on the shelves. I was surprised at the lack of selection of boots.
At Mina, celebrity stylist Irene Albright has taken out her collection of designer clothing from her showroom and put them on sale in her East Village gallery boutique. You’ll find Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Dior and more at 80% off retail. The selection includes ready-to-wear, eveningwear, plenty of shoes and a limited selection of handbags.Â
Mina, 32A Cooper Sq., nr. 6th St.; Through 6/13 (11–8)
I popped in Thursday night and was surprised by the sheer quantity of clothing all on racks – mostly size medium dresses. Although I did find a limited number of dresses by European designers (Alberta Ferretti, Chloe and Balenciaga) in size 36 or 38. Those dresses were on sale for between $150 to $225. I got excited to see the large selection of shoes (Monolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Marni, Marc Jacobs, Walter Steiger and more all for $100 or less) only to be disappointed that they were mostly size 8 or higher.
A friend of mine, Bianca, stopped by Friday night. She walked out of there empty handed because she couldn’t find anything she liked in her size. This sale goes on until Saturday June 13th 11-8p.
The Mina boutique is also a gallery. While you shop there, you can also see the photographs of NYC-based artists Sam Bassett and Bobby Grossman, whose works memorialize the constantly evolving cult of cool in New York City.
Word is…