Sample Sales NYC; Designer Sample Sale Listings & Fashion Reviews by Sample Sally
Elbowing our way through sample sales so you don't have to...
The sale this time around at Project No. 8 was not as good as the one back in August (when we shot video). I came into the boutique before they closed and was disappointed to find just several racks of clothing and a few bins on the floor (contained wool short scarves at $40). The shoe selection was also limited to Maison Martin Margiela shoes (many of which looked like repeats from the summer sale) starting at $80 for pumps to over $300 for shearling booties.
We received late notice about a Jil Sander sample sale which started this morning… so late that I wasn’t sure I could make it. But because of their last sample sale back in October, I just had to check this one out.  Before you read on, I must tell you that women who are a size small will do better at this sale. But there are unbelievable deals!
I stopped in this morning to find racks of samples (Italian sizes 34 and 36 – which translates to a size 0 and 2), including wool coats ranging in price from $100 to $150, blazers at $75, wool and cashmere sweaters are starting at $50. Besides samples, there are production pieces (limited styles and a mix of sizes) from their last sale. Those items are 95 percent off the retail price. I spotted a white shearling coat for $100, a chic knit black dress for $27, knits are $25, tees are $15 and belts are under $20 (leather and snakeskin). Shoes – mostly platforms and some sandals are under $100. There was one sample ankle boot (size 37) going for $20.
If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, the Portolano sample sale might be worth checking out for basic winter accessories for women, men and kids. We stopped in yesterday to find a variety of the label’s Italian leather gloves (silk & cashmere lined). Prices range from $30 for basic styles to $70 for styles from Italian designers Moschino, Cavalli and more. There’s also a selection of accessories including Pashmina shawls from Nepal ($95), cashmere gloves, scarves and hats and more. Sale ends on Thursday.
Where/When:Â 15 West 37 Street (b/w 5th & 6th Aves) 2 Fl. Thru Thursday December 23rd Daily (10-6p). Â 212-719-4403.
If you’re wondering, Alexander Wang is offering additional discounts – everything is now $80, except for cotton items which are going for $30. Today is the last day and you only have a few hours left to head over there (that is if you care). You may ask what could be left? A friend popped in last night to find a complete mess. There are no more shoes or handbags (no surprise!). What’s left are some cocktail dresses, shorts with leather trim, wool skirts, sweaters, pants and tons of knits (tees, sweats, shorts). Our friend tells us the place was a madhouse last night. She left with a leather shirt ($80). Sale ends today at 2pm.
Where/When: 93 Mercer St., (b/w Spring & Broome). Thru Sunday December 19. Sun (10-2p)
It’s the last day of the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2010 sample sale and they’re offering further discounts.  They’re giving an additional 25 percent off at the cash register. I did a quick sweep this morning. They brought in a few new things such as the fish print tote ($160) and wallet ($60), leather dresses ($600), sleeveless knit dresses trimmed with silk fringe ($210). Some of the pieces from the first day of the sale are still there. But, of course, the selection is thinning out. After you hit the AWang sale, you may want to walk the two blocks to this sale…
Where/When: 495 Broadway (near Broome), 8th Floor. December 14 to 16. Daily (9-6p).
I was curious to see what was on offer at the Derek Lam sample sale so I wandered in Wednesday afternoon… I didn’t make it to the last one but a friend who did scored some great deals. My hopes were high going in (that’s not always good). There were a number of stand out pieces (dresses and jackets) but the ones that caught my eye were just too pricey, in my opinion, for a sample sale. I wasn’t prepared to pay $500+ for a dress.
Word is…