{Shopping} Tips: How to score at a brick and mortar sample sale

If you ever have a chance to stop by a sample sale for your favorite designer, go!

I may have even timed my NYC trip to coincide neatly with the DVF sample sale because my beloved watercolor print DVF dress was a $50 find on the sample rack last year.

Sample sales are usually located in major cities or at least the city where the designer originated.  If you happen to be in that city and have time, check out what sample sales are going on at that time.  Why? Here is one of my best deals ever: a $2 silk, sequin and mother of pearl embellished dress at Hayden Harnett (retail $350 or so).  Seriously.  While that was a once in a lifetime deal, I've also gotten great pieces at 50% off or more from Theory, Nanette Lepore, Lauren Merkin and more.  It's like getting designer duds for Gap prices.

Here are a few tricks I use to score at sample sales.

1. Know the details for the designer that you're stalking

Get the details on when and where sales are being held!  I've noticed that some designers hold their sales at about the same time once or twice a year.  These are usually off-site (not at the brand's retail store).  I find Racked and Daily Candy (Topbutton too in NYC) to give good information in the US.  I find local papers, including free daily newspapers, to be reliable sources of sale information outside the US.  Also visit shopping forums including the Deals and Steals Thread on Purse Forum.

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Reara Draped dress, Neiman Marcus, $365 (but $150 or less if you're at the sale and it's available!)

2. Get there early
If it's a pretty popular sale (DVF, Hermes), get there on the first day if possible and when the sale first opens to the public.  While many sales may restock, you have the choice of the best selection on the first day or at the beginning of the day during this sale period.

3. Hover

If you can't find anything you want immediately, don't fret just yet.  Many shoppers grab more than they are willing to buy just so that they can decide about it later.  If you see something you like on someone else's arm, don't be afraid to ask her if she will keep it or be aware if she drops the item later.  Also keep close to the rack of your choice.  Staff are likely constantly refilling the racks with new stock or fitting room cast-offs.

4. Don't let the price do all the talking

A low price shouldn't mean that this item should come home with you.  Will you really wear that neon floral hat even if it is $10?  Lower priced items at a specific sale may also indicate slight damage.  If it is fixable (like a zipper), go for it.  If it is something like fabric tears (which can't easily be fixed), put it back and move on.

5. Go more than once

If you have the time, visit the sale more than once.  The best selection is in the early days of the sale while the lowest prices may take place during the last day or two of the sale.  For example, most sales will reduce their prices even further on the last day so it's a great time to visit in terms of pricing though you are faced with a limited selection.

6. Bring a little cash just in case

Ok I usually use credit cards at sample sales, but once in a while, certain sales will offer you an extra discount if you pay cash.  So why not save if you can offer cash right?

Do you have any tips for scoring at sample sales?

FFF - Yumi Kim, Nanette Lepore NYC Sales, Lauren Merkin online sale and pizza with truffles

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

It's been a busy week so I'm glad to be winding down for the weekend (which hmm is kinda busy but in a very good, social way!)

Online Sales
Lauren Merkin is hosting its first online sample sale!  One of my favorite clutch designers and the maker of my wedding clutch is a go to source for a great variety of clutches.

Isn't the gold Eve perfect for the holidays?  Shop here through Dec. 19th.  

NYC Sales

Tired of faux fur and want to stock up on easy-breezy silky print tops and dresses?  Make me jealous and head to the Yumi Kim sample sale.  The prices are ridiculous and that can only mean you must stock up now.

Girly jackets, well structured dresses, and my favorite summer hat were all found at a Nanette Lepore sample sale.  What goodies will you find?  Definitely drop by if you can!

Otherwise, this weekend I am...

...having pizza with truffles.  Ultimate chic 'n cheap food.  Mmm truffles.

Yes, that is egg, surrounded by truffles in oil.  Your stomach thanks you and your heart lets this one slide.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Alexis Bittar, Pronovias NYC Sample sales, J. Crew discount, and karaoke times!

Happy Fun Free Friday lovelies!

Are you ready for the first week of the last month of the year (seriously, where did the time go?)

Online sales
The ever evolving, ever lovely J. Crew has a discount for you holiday shoppers - save 25% off $150 and 30% off $250 with free shipping with code gifts online and in-store.   This is nice because it applies to both sale and regular merchandise (sometimes the code is only valid for one or the other).  Hmm do I need more J. Crew costume jewelry..

NYC Sales
Alexis Bittar, home of edgy and very cool jewelry and accessories (don't just listen to me, the CFDA gave him the title of "Accessories Designer of the Year" in 2010) is having a sale!  If you're in NYC, now's a great time to gift yourself an awesome cuff or two.  Details below.

I love Pronovias, the designer of my ceremony wedding gown.  I got my dress at their bridal sample sale in NYC.  It was a cap sleeve, lace extravaganza with the perfect vintage vibe.  Oh and it was more than 60% off.  Brides, if you like Pronovias (or any of their lines, Elie Saab for Pronovias, Manuel Mota, San Patrick, La Sposa), go!

Otherwise, this weekend I am...

...going to sing karaoke with friends!  Ahh, how interesting that such an activity can bring such fun, fear, and embarrassment!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Black Friday Highlights, Bridal Sales and Thanksgiving love again

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Of course, it's a special Friday because it's Black Friday (aka awesome savings which make you buy more)!
Almost every retailer has a special discount today in-store or online so check their website or Google whether they have an extra discount today.

Here are some favorite deals...

Online sales

Shopbop - 20-33% off with code BIGEVENT Get the following deals: $50 off $250 orders, $100 off $500 orders, $150 off $750 orders, $250 off $1,000 orders and $500 off $1,500 orders.  Aww wish my Shopbop contest ended by tomorrow, but remember to enter if you haven't!

Body Shop - 3 items for $30 (excluding sets, gift cards) in-store and online from 11/25 3 am EST to 11/26.  Stock up on gifts or refill because this is the best deal of the year.  My husband uses a skin serum that costs $29 here and as far as I can tell, this would be included!  Phenomenal deal.


Williams Sonoma  - if you're ever wanted a salad spinner or Calphalon Unison nonstick pans (their best line for nonstick),  get them today because this even beats Amazon prices.  See the full list here.  We don't even need the pans now but since nonstick pans all have a limited shelf life, I'm stocking up!  You also get Citi Thank you, Upromise, or MyPoints points if you go through those programs first.

Online sales (invitation only)

Swirl by Daily Candy - quite a few more casual and pretty brands on sale here.  I like the EDUN selection and it's a good time to stock up on bodycon skirts if you need them.  I got my first pair of Tom Ford sunglasses here for $109.

My invite if you need it.

Ideeli - deep discounts on multiple brands from Calvin Klein to M Missoni.  I saw a Pucci top sold out for $49 (insane, retail was over $1000). 
My invite if you need it.

Ruelala - also deep, multibrand discounts akin to their Final Sales from designers like Valentino to Michael Stars.  Malandrino (one of my personal faves) has dresses for as low as $259. 
My invite if you need it.

Hautelook - I visit this site less often, but feel a need to call out Tom Ford sunglass sales whenever I see them.  I have one pair and they are classic, edgy, well constructed and extremely chic.
My invite if you need it.

NYC Bridal Sales
If you're a bride or have a friend who is a bride, now is a great time to go wedding gown shopping!  There is a white Friday sales at Priscilla of Boston today nationwide.  Remember when I talked about my $20 evening gown find here?  This is why I post whenever they have a sale and now you could get one for $10!

Both Kleinsfeld (NYC powerhouse bridal boutique) and Saks Fifth Avenue (great selection, saw the most gorgeous Vera Wang and Claire Pettibone gowns at a sample sale) have sales next week.

Expect 70% off a wide variety of designers like Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, and more

Kleinsfeld - Nov. 30, 3 - 7 pm (no appointment necessary)
110 West 20th Street
New York, NY, 10011
Saks Fifth Avenue - Dec. 1 - Dec. 5 (no appointment necessary)
611 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...doing Thanksgiving dinner, part 2!  Aahh Americans abroad can only really commemorate during the weekend and we will do it in style!  I am making wine braised mushrooms (divine and the sauce, wow!)

Picture from here

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous week!

NYC Bound: Some Loves (and maybe a Coach party and a DVF wrap dress!)

I'm headed off to a short trip to lovely NYC. Yay!  I can't wait to get some more of my stuff and of course see my lovely friends and family.

This trip, I'm thinking about the following...

...eating a great sandwich.  I have to try at least one from this list.  I'm thinking a Cuban is a must (we mostly eat healthy so I can have a little ham and swiss cheese deliciousness for under $5 right?)

Picture from here

...getting a haircut (finally!)  My hair is way too long and I'm hoping to get it around this length.

From here

...dropping by the DVF sample sale.  I'd love a staple wrap dress or something summery.

...taking a peek at the Blogger designed bags for Coach at the launch party (details here).  I like the versatility of Karla's bag - a clutch and a cross-body!  Anyone going?

Sigh I'm not looking forward to the flight, but love the things that await me at the other end.

What are you up to this week?

MA and NY brides (or plain savvy shoppers) - J. Crew Bridal NYC launch and Awesome Priscilla of Boston Sample Sale

www.Sigh, another reason why it'd be awesome to be in the NYC area soon...

J. Crew is launching their official bride boutique in NYC and throwing a lovely launch party on June 2nd.  Exclusive peeks and deals are usually abundant at these launches (I also heard they may have a really great jewelry section and that I'd love to check out.)  Plus you get to meet Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart...pretty cool.
RSVP to kate@jcrew.com.

MA brides and shoppers looking for cocktail dresses, check out the Priscilla of Boston Warehouse sale this coming weekend.

I went to the NYC one last year and scored a lovely, full length, teal chiffon evening dress for $19.99.   A bride was also wearing one of the most stunning, vintage inspired mermaid gowns that was going for $500 from $5000.  Yeah...
I highly recommend this sale for any ladies in the area looking for any types of dresses.

Happy shopping!

FFF - Rollip (40 different digital photo effects), 90% off Alexander Wang, Dunhill, etc. @ Opening Ceremony in NYC and 9th Ave Food Festival in NYC

Happy Fun, Free, Friday to you!

Everywhere
Thanks to lovely Helena for letting me know about Rollip - a cool online tool that automatically adds effects to your digital photos.
I love the effects and am going to experiment some more!

NYC
Alexander Wang, Dunhill and more at 90% off?  More than good enough reasons to check out Opening Ceremony's sale this weekend.  I'm jealous - let us know if you score something!

May 13-16, 11am-8pm (noon-7pm Sunday), 33 Howard St (between Lafayette and Broadway), 212-219-2688

Warmer weather just puts people in better spirits.  The ability to eat lots of great food outdoors certainly puts me in a better mood.  If you love people watching and great food, check out the Ninth Avenue Food Festival this weekend.

Mmm, 16 blocks of food from Greece, Brazil, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Ukraine, Thailand AND music and dancing.  Sigh, wish I could be there.
Details here

Have a lovely, lovely weekend!