A big "thanks!" to Jeff who took the fantastic image above, and took many other {great} images as well as the pricing list, at his blog (click here for post). "Thanks!" to A (in this post) who let us know that there is {great} coverage of this event over at Racked (click here, here, and here). Lastly, a big "thank you!" to all those of you who reported back your experiences attending the Sample Sale. :)So... the Sample Sale in NYC. I went. (It was a last minute decision.) Was it worth it? Not really. If you live in the city and have some time available, I think it is definitely worth a visit. However, I suggest not attending the event if you are traveling some distance or are waiting in a line for more than 30 minutes (in freezing cold weather) to enter. As many of you have mentioned in this post, there were no mirrors, no dressing rooms, and you were not allowed to try on any clothes on the floor. (I found out the last part the hard way. I took off my sweater and attempted to try a blouse on, when out of nowhere a man rushes to yell at me that there is no trying on in the store.) The space was smaller than I imagined too. It really was just a big room.
There were a few wedding dresses for $400 that were gorgeous, but of course, there was only one size in each style. Most of the tops for women (shirts, sweaters, jackets, coats) were size 6 and 8. There were very few size 4 items. There were not a lot of shoes, just two small boxes tucked away in the accessories section. The few shoes available were mainly size 9 for women. There were not a lot of leather handbags or winter coats. Although there were a lot of totes and scarves, but you really had to dig through those boxes to find some jems. ;) The {few pieces of} jewelry that were available, like some super long chain acorn necklace thing and a cuff or two, were not exactly appealing.
Although shoppers went mad stuffing items in large Ikea bags provided by ClothingLine, they bought very few pieces. While I was waiting in line to check out, I noticed that everyone waiting had a handful of items to purchase. By the time I left, there was a line around the building. I hope the wait in the cold was worth it for them. :)
Ultimately, I thought I got better deals online and shopping in stores for the same items (and in my size) during the past few seasons than from the Sample Sale. But this just may be my experience.
What are your thoughts of the sample sale? Do you think you will attend if you are in the area?
P.S. I did look for the Zebra tee (refer to here) and could not find it. If anyone saw or actually got it, please let us know! ;)
OT: Given the current economic climate and our desire to save money, I'd like to suggest a post in which we suggest new ways to way our previous purchases from the last few seasons. Looking at the January catalog I was struck that there was nothing amazing I needed to have. I thought a lot of items similar in style or color to the catalog items. I'd like to see new ways of wearing my older purchases--perhaps even a way to pump up older purchases with a single item from the spring rollout. Between pilling sweaters, defects galore, non leather "made in Italy" shoes, I'm not sure I want to spend gobs of money on new items. I'd rather figure out new ways to rework what I already have and keep putting that extra money in savings for rainy days which may continue for some time.
ReplyDeleteOops. I'm so tired. I meant to say wear instead of way and well, clearly I need some rest. I thought [as I perused the Jan. catalog] a lot of items similar in style or color to the catalog items are already in my closet. I just need to come up with new ways to update them at a reasonable price. Anyway. little sleep last night due to sick kids and I clearly need to back away from the computer and get some much needed zzzz. toodles.
ReplyDeletei went to the sample sale this afternoon with my sister. she left with only a handbag and i bought an argyle cashmere sweater and swim trunks for the fiance. overall, i didn't think it was worth the 30min wait outside in the cold. i didn't think the prices were any better than sale prices online or in store. the clothing was also not organized well. i also felt some of the clothing was much too expensive considering they were samples (and clearly had "sample" written directly on the fabric with marker). dresses were $60 and special occasion dresses were $90. i found a few dresses i liked, but after considering the price, i placed all of them back on the racks. all cashmere was $60.
ReplyDeleteWhat about unique items that never were mass produced? ie, Did anyone see a ruffle astrid with ruffles on the sleeves? Or anything else never seen before?!
ReplyDeleteI recommend you girls driving down virginia tech. Each year, jcrew offers much better clearance sale there for a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteI can't go because I am nowhere near NY, but if I could go I wouldn't go for the "clearance" aspect of it, I would go for the "unique" aspect of it. Surely there had to be some unique items if it included samples. Different then just clearance.
ReplyDeleteI went and was massively disappointed. A good portion of the mens items were size medium or 32 waist. Some of the items had no size tag, which annoyed me because I couldn't try it on. Some had "sample" written on them in magic marker, primarily the shirts, and I can't imagine buying them unless they would be used exclusively as undershirts. The only item I like was a cashmere shawl, but at $140 it was still too expensive.
ReplyDeleteI didn't buy anything.
Sounds like a HUGE MISS!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for those of you who went and were let down...sound awful with all the markings on the clothes!
From past Land's End experience the white chalklike markings did wash out of my sweater that I got at their outlet store.
I went and stood in line, debating whether or not I should wait to get in. Eventually I got in and it was a major disappointment. I'm not into shopping in a zoo and going through rack after rack of mish mash. After a few minutes looking around at the disappointing selection on offer and hearing the abrasive staff yell at a few people, I left with nothing and enjoyed a nice lunch.
ReplyDeleteITA - the online sales are much better. At least you have the opportunity to view the item, see if your size is available and it don't have "sample" written on it. Who would wear that anyway. Waste of time for me.
So, this Virginia Tech sale you speak of, can you give further details? Thanks!
^ I meant to say,
ReplyDelete"it WON'T have "sample" written on it. "
Where's my cup of tea.....
Anon 12:08, I agree that we look at what's in our closet and try to rework our old JCrew purchases. I've given myself a "30 day Shop My Closet Challenge" so I can't add anything new for awhile.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about JCrew is the quality and how well the clothes have held up. I wore an argyle sweater from 06 recently and received so many compliments!
I also think part of smart wardrobe building is working with what you have and "adding" to it as oppose to "replacing" it every season.
So they actually had the word "sample" written on a visible part of the clothing? Was it in marker? Was it washable? That is crazy!
ReplyDeleteI'm a size 6, and I am just a commuter train away from NYC, but I am going to pass on this sale. Most of get better prices by watching the sales and sharing codes.
ReplyDeleteSomeone posted photos of some sweaters they bought for $40 yesterday -- I am pretty sure that I remember two of them from the outlet store in Spring 06. They had the two diamonds on the tag indicating the outlet store. I love the outlet store as much as the regular store, but those sweaters were probably on sale for $40 two years ago.
Although it might be fun to search through the stuff looking for something unique, it sounds like they are mostly offering over-priced left overs.
Patience is a virtue! There was a ton of great jewelry at the sample sale...you just had to wait for it! The glass case was being restocked every 20 minutes or so and all the good stuff got snatched up within the first 30 seconds. There were a ton of gorgeous cuffs. My friend even got a gold pave chain link bracelet. Also, they had czech glass bracelets.
ReplyDeleteThe jewelry is a great deal. If you ask the associates, they'll generally tell you how many minutes it will be before they restock the case.
I'll post some pictures of stuff that I got when I get home.
Thanks for all of the reports on the sale! :)
ReplyDeleteHi All,
ReplyDeleteSpoke with a friend of mine who went to THE SALE. Her take: waited in line, finally got in and was TERRIBLY disappointed. Could not try anything on, rude staff, everything disorganized. Ended up with a shirt for her brother and left. We both agreed that there are/were better buys on line and in stores. Too bad.
Sorry to hear it was a bust. Their sample sales used to be better but have gotten a lot more expensive lately. Not to mention you find defective/damaged items, items with the size tags missing, and most of it has been rumpled and over handled. Also, items marked with marker tend to bleed off onto the rest of the fabric and create smudges. Annoying. I'd rather pay about the same price for something NWT.
ReplyDeleteHi, I support the first anonymous @ 12:08am. I would find really cool if I get advice on how to recycle my old clothes. I noted I like every piece I have and wouldn't like to let them go, but on the other side, they are sitting in my closet for a while... If FFM could create some styles updating old pieces would be great.
ReplyDeleteanon@ 12:08--
ReplyDeleteI have a jcrew heathered mint green cashmere shell from 3-4 years ago that a friend's kitten chewed a hole in near the shoulder. I've been hanging onto it for a couple years now because I can't bring myself to throw it away.. I am going to try and make a sweater cap out of the fabric, and sew flowers onto it from other fabric remnants. I got the idea from a local boutique: giant dwarf knit hats.
As far as updating older things if you're not the kind of person inclined to deconstruct a sweater and sew it into something different, my being a poor college student, then a poor grad student, then a poor underemployed or sometimes unemployed adult, I've found ways to make old things look new. Sometimes it's as simple as taking inventory of everything and discovering new ways to put items together. I like to layer and I find that helps change up an outfit, too. Sometimes just buying an inexpensive new scarf, belt, or necklace perks up a favorite but well-worn ensemble. Sometimes you just have to pare down your wardrobe so you can actually *see* and appreciate the items you love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reports everyone. Now I know never to go to one! Yikes! Sounds awful. Even the jewelry--so what. I would rather pay full price online than wait/wade through all that mess. Not worth my time! I cancelled my trip for Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion, but it sounds like this sale has suffered from too much hype and advertising. I visit NYC 2-4 times a year and always try to check out a sample sale and I've never waited in line to get into one.
ReplyDeleteI think it was the worst sample sale i have ever been to. There were summer tee slip dresses with 60.00 j crew store tags and they were charging 60.00 and they were ripped and had magic marker on them. The clothingline people were rude if you tried to appeal re the prices of these. The sweaters were no bargain at 65.oo with black SAMPLE written on them. No shoes no good jewelry
ReplyDeleteAll sweaters had sample written 3 inches high cap letters in BLACK uneraseable Magic Marker letters. My favorite was the white sweater with black letters across front and the clothinglein woudltn listen to a woamn who wanted to apy less than 65.00 PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteMore hype and otherworldly anticipation than anything else (and I'm not referring to the new pres administration, either).
ReplyDeleteANON AT 2:37--
ReplyDeletePLEASE....tell us more of this sale at VA Tech!!!
In the past several years, jcrew holded clearance sale on virginia campus every year around Feb. The prices were much nicer and the sizes were much complete than the NYC one. Items usually were from the previous year. The sale lasted 3-5 days. If you have a friend around the campus, you can ask her to keep an eye on this year's.
ReplyDeletewow, I can't believe they didn't even let you try on the clothes. That would have been such a turn off to me. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!
ReplyDeleteAfter listening to the prices and quality of goods, I found better deals on the web today. I found crewcut sweater jackets for $30 ea and no shipping over $100 using CAKE.
ReplyDeleteIf they had really good stuff I would definitely go the sample sale but with the feedback so far, I have better use for my time even though I am 5 stops away on the subway from the sale site.
I totally agree with Heather. It sounds kind of cliche, but I have also found of-the-minute belts, necklaces, scarves etc., to be great updates of previous season clothes. Also, consider trying something you different (maybe something you don't think you can 'pull off') to freshen up your look - like a wide belt over a cardi. You may be pleasantly surprised!! And if you love it, wear it - figure flattery be damned!
ReplyDeleteMy only big find was a key lime fireball necklace for $18 (and the fireballs look like they might be different from what is shown in the picture online).
ReplyDeleteAlso got an XS bright rhubarb lofty cashmere shaw collar sweater (the one that was orig. $200+)... so that was a good buy IMO.
I did find a size 4 Cascading Flowers jacket in white, but sat it down per the $160 price tag! I've never seen one IRL, but it looked super short and I wasn't even sure it was exactly like the ones the actually sold!
Once I got to the shoe area, there were only like 4 pairs left and they were in huge sizes. The jewelry was a good deal, though. I agree with most everyone else, my online deals were better the past year!
Thanks for letting us all know how the sample sale went! I'm sorry to hear that people had to wait in line for (practically) nothing.
ReplyDeleteI think they're trying really hard to get rid of the old stock without realizing how picky about items and prices people can be nowadays.
Oh, it's so disappointing that the sample sale was such a bust. I've never been to a sample sale before, so I am just curious - why do they write on stuff with unerasable black marker? And then why would people buy it? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pisser. I could have sharted a better sample sale.
ReplyDeleteThe marker thing is really not that big of a deal honestly .... no one sees the inside of your sweater or whatever. I mean, it's not great, but it doesn't effect the wearability of the clothing AT ALL! The only thing I could think of that I wouldn't have bought is outerwear b/c you're always taking it on and off and the marker would show.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you don't go there with high expectations you could actually find some good deals and some rare coveted items from the past seasons, as I said in the other post. I was dreaming of new spring merchandise at 70% because I saw that in other sample sales at Clothingline (for example the Tory Burch one) so I was very disappointed, but knowing that before I think that it's worth an afternoon of your time. BTW: I did actually saw a girl with the zebra T-shirt in her hands, I guess it was one-of-a-kind and she bought it. It wasn't peach as in the book though but white and gray. Also, nobody reported this but they have a lot of cover-ups/beachware from the past seasons, so if you are headed to the Caribbean or Mexico for spring break you could find some good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ema. I went with low expectations and it was great! Many of the prices are lower than you think - I got abotu 4 size small summer dresses for $25 each, with no stains, rips, or tears, and none of these dresses had "SAMPLE" written in them. If you are willing to stay awhile and look around, it is worth it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reports everyone! I'm meeting a friend in the city Friday and was planning on stopping by, but now we'll save our time and hit the sales elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThe deal breaker for me is not being able to try on, with or without a dressing room.
I went and had a great time. Got there yesterday at around 9:20am. Was one of the first in the door before the big crowds started arriving. I grabbed a one-of-a-kind metallic-foiled handknit collection sample sweater (size small)that after research appears to not have gone into production. SO excited ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree major disappointment. I am not a size 6 or 8 or an xs so basically there was nothing. I got a canvas bag, wallet and headband. I work on the same block and went at 2:30ish. No real line and didn't really wait. If you have to travel a distance don't waste your time.
ReplyDeleteI suggest to anyone that is going to take a tape measure since you can't try on clothes:)
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me what 'sharted' mean? (wtf said)
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid it's not appropriate for polite company, but it's a way of expressing the past tense for "to excrete".
ReplyDeleteThings have to be marked "sample" for import reasons. Customs doesn't make you pay the duty if it's clear that you are not planning on selling the item at retail. At my company everything arrives with a cut in the back - same idea, it's suppsed to be damaged enough to show you're using it for production purposes, not retail.
ReplyDeleteAnd "sharted"? It means, more accurately, that you farted and sh** came out. Sorry, it had to be said!
ReplyDeleteOh! ha ha ha thanks everyone. I should have know it was something bad like pooping.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone go to the sale today? If yes, have the prices dropped from the first day?
ReplyDeleteFor those of you in the city - there is a Cole Haan sample sale beginning on the 24th and it is around the corner from the JCrew sale!
http://www.soifferhaskin.com/sale_schedule.html
I went today at about 5 pm and there was no line, although when I left about an hour later, there was. A lot of small sizes, and the stuff didn't look that great. a lot of the sweaters looked stretched out because they were on hangers. I wore a cami and blazer, and was yelled at for slipping the blazer off and trying on a cardigan. I think they thought I was trying to shoplift? Would I really go to a sample sale to shoplift? Anyway, my 7 year old made out like a bandit on a lot of the women's size xs/s, whihc is mainly what they had. Her size large mommy walked away with nothing...
ReplyDeleteclothing line just sent an email
ReplyDeleteannouncing price reductions and new shipments.