What sounds more NYC chic than a designer sample sale in Soho?? Nothing. So when my friend who works at Helmut Lang casually mentioned Helmut’s sale I immediately jumped at the chance to get my newly blossomed NYC fashionista on.
Geared in my fierest looking fashion ensemble, I confidently approached the elusive sample sale… only to be met by this:
Okay… maybe it wasn’t that severe. But I will say that in a sea of 4 inch stiletto’s, my sensible walking shoes didn’t quite have the ”smart” look I was going for…
So for any newbies like myself out there, here are a few tid bits I picked up from my first ever NYC sample sale:
1) A Little Math Lesson – Everything is still really expensive. 70% off – What?!?? Before you go gettin’ your panties in a bunch, let’s do some simple math. While 70% off an Old Navy T-shirt marks it down to 7 cents… 70% off a designer T-Shirt marks it down to $150. Same percentage, Yes. Same hole in your pocket, oh no. Look Ma – I really am using math in real life!
2) Prepare for some real women boding time. Every guy’s false dream of what goes on in a women’s locker room comes true in the dressing room of a sample sale. Women had their lady parts out in full force as they battled for mirror space in a large back room that doubled as the show’s dressing room. Let’s just say all social conservatism is tossed aside once that price plunges by 70%…
3) Bring your game face. Anyone who says women lack the aggression to succeed in business has never been to a sample sale. There’s only a limited number of silk, asymmetrical tops… and once they’re off the floor they’re gone forever. Elbow’s are up, hangers are flying, and put together seemingly professional women are set to pounce. If you want to succeed at a sample sale, you gotta bring it.
After fighting my way through the racks, baring it all in the dressing room and hunting for a few good bargains, I was able to leave my first sample sale one Helmut Lang dress and one T-shirt heavier. Success.
Let’s Take It To The Blogs:
- Racked is a great site for the latest in fashion news and events. Check out your city on Racked for a personal, up to the minute account of the best shopping scene near you – New York, Chicago, LA.
- Real Simple teaches us 5 great things to know about shopping sample sales… and big surprise, non-rock bottom prices are one.
- NYMag is a great resource for awesome sample sales throughout NYC.
- Top Button bills itself as”the most trusted source for sales and shopping events.”
Have you had your first sample sale experience? Details please…
