First let me say sorry for the late post, the week got away from me. Better late than ever, I reassure myself.
So as promised more details about sample sales. I have learned that apparently it is rather hard to find a “true” sample sale. That is a sample sale that only has samples. Most sales advertised as “sample” now carry overstock that the brands have not been able to sell. Both items are discounted but you want to make sure you know the difference so you know what you are getting.
Sample sales are often in spaces that are off the beaten track like an office or a room in a warehouse or event space. Not only do you have to have a system in placed to know when the sample sales are but it is also critical to have the exact address and floor numbers. Other sample sale idiosyncrasies include not having dressing rooms, paying in cash only and depending on the brand, lines and timing. As you can see in the above photos I am trying on clothes over my clothes. I have seen both men and women strip down to their underwear at sample sales. I am not there yet!
The rule of thumb about lines is if you want the best picks it is worth going early and getting a good spot in line or waiting until the very last hours of the sale (usually 2-3 days) and getting the best bargains. Last year I found out there was an Issey Miyake sample sale which I understand is a very rare occurrence and for that one it was worth waiting on line for an hour the first day. This Saturday I scored two beautiful sheer shirts from BLK DENIM and a great pair of red shoes from Miista. I had a fun interview with Miista last August.
If you live in New York you can keep up with sample sales by following these sites:
If you don’t live in New York there are some sites that do on-line sample sales
Skinny Jeans: AG Jeans, White Sheer Top: BLK DENIM, T-shirt: CDG Play, Coat: Lemaire for Uniqlo, Sneakers: CDG Play, Bag: Longchamp.
What was your best score at a sample sale?
The closest I came to scoring with samples is when I worked in sales at a local designer boutique in Berkeley California in the eighties.
The clothes and accessories were casual ethnic and made with natural fibers and Ikat print fabrics. Everyday I wore "slit samples." The slits are nearly invisible 3 inch slashes, in the back of the clothes.(The slits were sewn and barely noticeable to the naked eye, unless someone had issues…smile)
This was one of the best jobs, ever. I didn’t need to buy any new clothes for a couple of years and there were even "large" sizes.
I can’t wait to wear them. They are a real pop of red!
What a great story! what was the purpose of the small slits in the sample?
From what I can remember(so long ago), somewhere in the process between boxing, shipping and checking the clothes from India to the port , when the box is checked with a cutter this happens.
So glad you picked up the red shoes. Love them!
I can’t wait to wear them. They are a real pop of red!
You have to be interconnected to the industry to hear about sample sales. The sample sales that sell ultra fashion things. Not talking about outlet sales here. I did had the opportunity to buy unique products made for a single parade show. That is what I call bargain, best score. It was great to be part of the industry.
Technology is making it a little easier to get inside but I still find out things a little too late.
You have to be interconnected to the industry to hear about sample sales. The sample sales that sell ultra fashion things. Not talking about outlet sales here. I did had the opportunity to buy unique products made for a single parade show. That is what I call bargain, best score. It was great to be part of the industry.
Technology is making it a little easier to get inside but I still find out things a little too late.
Sample sales in the Netherlands mean two sizes too small for me. So that is out. But I have had sales in the big fashion import building in Amsterdam. But as you say, there are the pieces nobody wanted. So why would you? The first and second time, I came home with a lot (very low pricing). Nothing really lasted as I found them not good enough after a short while. Money wasted. Therefore I stopped it all together. Besides… I don’t have "the eye". I never pick the right things. I do strip to my undies though haha. Usually I wear a body underneath my very easy clothes, like a swimsuit. Covers enough. But you have to really hold on to your own clothes otherwise someone else has picked them to try on….
Did you buy that white dress you were trying on? It seems very nice.
Greetje
Hello, I must admit I found you totally by accident, seriously pun intended. I did however, and in the short time on the interest looking at your style and how you wear yourself I will most likely follow you everyday. My best sample score was over 10 years ago, my father-in-law worked for Dillards in charge of the entire womens department, he disgned clothes, traveled the world and often brought me samples. When he retired, we had a small party for him. Many of the designers or representatives he worked with came. They were wonderful to come to a suburban home in Pennsylvania. He was so grateful, I think he cried. The designers and associates started talking to me, individually, and said because of my small size they would like to send me samples. I was so excited, of course, send me! Weeks later, nothing. Not a box, bag, package or even envelope. Then a few months later a box came to my door. I completely forgot about the party. So I opened this mysterious box, and in it were shirts, dresses, even shoes ( not my size). Happy didnt describe it. I loved all of it. Told no one, except my immediate family. I couldnt bring myself to share. Years later I reflect on that day and wish I had shared. The clothes are old, gone most of them. But it would have been nice to have shared the memory of that day with others. Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story.
Hello, I must admit I found you totally by accident, seriously pun intended. I did however, and in the short time on the interest looking at your style and how you wear yourself I will most likely follow you everyday. My best sample score was over 10 years ago, my father-in-law worked for Dillards in charge of the entire womens department, he disgned clothes, traveled the world and often brought me samples. When he retired, we had a small party for him. Many of the designers or representatives he worked with came. They were wonderful to come to a suburban home in Pennsylvania. He was so grateful, I think he cried. The designers and associates started talking to me, individually, and said because of my small size they would like to send me samples. I was so excited, of course, send me! Weeks later, nothing. Not a box, bag, package or even envelope. Then a few months later a box came to my door. I completely forgot about the party. So I opened this mysterious box, and in it were shirts, dresses, even shoes ( not my size). Happy didnt describe it. I loved all of it. Told no one, except my immediate family. I couldnt bring myself to share. Years later I reflect on that day and wish I had shared. The clothes are old, gone most of them. But it would have been nice to have shared the memory of that day with others. Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story.