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    Inside the Hermés Sample Sale

    Today was a huge shopping day. Both Hermes and The Row covered VIPs early access to their sample sales. Prices at both sales can make a rich girl poor but those shopping for Hermes or The Row don’t suffer easily from sticker shock.

    This morning we lined up with Hermes superfans to be the first to score discounted merchandise. Most of the lucky VIP ticket holders qualify by spending more than $100,000 a year with the company. Those spending less can sometimes score an invite from a compassionate sales person but if you’re looking to get  a VIP ticket for next year–you should start shopping now.

    This season the discount is better than ever. Most everything is reduced 60%. (Last year, the majority of items were marked down just 50%.) As usual, shoppers will find a nice assortment of silk scarves ($270) and ties ($75), twillies ($158), enamel bracelets ($172-$320), men’s and women’s clothing and  shoes and winter accessories. The sale has no cashmere or extra large scarves, watches, housewares, baby items or fragrances. There are almost no leather goods beside gloves and shoes: no cuffs, wallets, belts or other various accessories.

    The shoe selection was fantastic. We were quick to get these tall leather boots. Be careful. We saw plenty of people snatching shoes while they were distracted finding the right size.

    Shoppers are asked to check their phones before entering the sale. So getting pictures was difficult. Men’s ties come to $75 from $180. Scarves come to $270 from $670. Among the identifiable scarf patterns was Tendresse Feline, Brandenburg, Robinson Chic, Bolides and Galop Chromatique.

    Unlike some past seasons, this sale seems to have a nice assortment of clothing for both men and women. The size selection also seems to be better than ever with good options for men and women who wear larger sizes.

    The weather forecast is very nice for Thursday, which is good because we expect the lines to extend several hours. If you’re not up for standing for hours in midtown we would suggest waiting until the end of the day or waiting until the weekend.

    Feel free to follow along and share comments and questions on Instagram.

    Hermes Sample Sale
    Thursday, October 22nd through Saturday, October 24th
    Thurs & Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
    Soffer Haskin: 317 W. 33rd St. (near 8th Ave.)

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    Bonpoint Sample Sale Overflowing With Merchandise

    The Bonpoint sample sale doesn’t officially start until tomorrow but we were lucky to get our hands on this mini-sized luxury in advance of the doors opening to the public. As usual, the discount on everything is 60% off retail but this season’s sale has more merchandise than we’ve ever seen.

    Might we dare say, this is the best Bonpoint sale we’ve ever attended. Almost every category of merchandise can be found at this sale. The merchandise is mainly from last winter’s collection and contains a full range of sizes from bun-out-of-the-oven to size 12. Some of the biggest gets from this sale are the wonderful baby accessories. We found gorgeous baby blanks, sleep sacks, burp cloths and hats. (An abundance of pictures from the sale are right here.)

    There is a full selection of inventory for girls and boys. The most attractive department was the outerwear, winter accessories and boots.  Boy’s puffer jackets are normally about $600 and reduced to $240. There are an abundance of girl’s cashmere sweaters that come to about $180 from $300 and a cashmere turtle neck sweater that is $114 from $285. A knit hat was $46 from $115 and a scarf came to $66 from $165.

    Taking a look at the shoes, there was a great assortment of boots and flats. Glitter ballerina flats come to about $102 from $255, a suede version with starts is $130 from $325 and biker boots are $144 from $360. Tights seem relatively expensive at $34 from almost $80.

    For the boys, there are tons of button shirts that are $60 to $84 from $145 to $210. Trousers are about $60 from $200 and jeans are about $60 following the discount.

    Lots of today’s shoppers were buying on behalf of relatives and friends in addition to their own children’s needs. Some people were also clearly stocking up on baby gifts and buying multiple pieces of the same item. Head this way to see pictures from inside the sale.

    We expect that the line on Wednesday morning will be very long. We suggest heading over later in the afternoon– when many shoppers are otherwise distracted with pickup and playdates.

    Follow along on Instagram to be the first to get news from inside sample sales.

    Bonpoint Sample Sale
    Wednesday, October 21 & Thursday, October 22
    Wed 9am~7pm, Thurs 9am~3pm
    123 W. 18th St, 5th Floor (Between 6th & 7th Ave)

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    Inside 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale

    The Phillip Lim sample sale starts at noon today and we were lucky enough to scope out the merchandise early. When we arrived at about 9:30am, the line was already growing. We wouldn’t be surprised if Wooster Street wasn’t completely filled with anxious shoppers by the time doors open to the public.

    Those waiting in line will be happy to find the huge, huge assortment of clothing for both men and women. Those looking for bags and shoes will not be as lucky. The selection was small and was going quickly. Prices are about the same as last sale with small bags going for $200 and large totes for $450. Clutches are the most attractively priced at just $150 but in order for a bag to be considered a clutch it can’t have any strap or evidence of having a strap.

    The shoe sections weren’t nearly as popular as you would expect considering that all styles are just $100. There isn’t a big stock of sizes but the assortment does contain a few knee and ankle boots along with pumps and flats.

    As for the clothing– there is a lot. Most of the selection is what was in stores last winter. The problem is that the merchandise is still very expensive for a sample sale regular. All leather jackets are $500 and shearling jackets are $650. This black leather jacket with a shearling collar sells on The Outnet for $860 from over $2300. So there is still a savings of about $200. (The full price list is right here.)

    On the other hand this leather skirt is priced the same as the The Outnet ($350). The same goes for this sweatshirt that’s $150 online and at the sample sale. On the other hand this scuba fabric skirt is priced at $100 at the sale but is over $200 online. Click here to see all of our pictures from our shopping trip.

    There were no price reductions at the last Phillip Lim sale and we were told that there aren’t any plans for further discounts this time around. We wouldn’t make this sale a priority considering how many blockbuster sales are scheduled this week. Take note: the sweatshirts say Cash Only but all traditional forms of payment are accepted.

    Sale pictures are on Instagram and below.

    3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale
    Tuesday, October 20th through Friday, October 23rd
    Tue 12pm—8pm, Wed 9am—8pm, Thu 10am—8pm, Fri 10am—7pm
    151 Wooster St (btwn W Houston and Prince) Hosted by 260 Sample Sale

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    Inside Lanvin’s Private Showroom Sale

    This week is turning out to be a huge week for blockbuster sample sales. Just today we got wind that Lanvin is hosting a very private showroom sale where merchandise is all marked 80% off. Of course, we couldn’t resist taking a peak.

    As of Sunday afternoon, the door policy was quite lenient. Our mole was given permission to mention an employee’s name and she was in. Unfortunately, that’s where the excitement ended. The inventory is only one-fifth of what we found at Lanvin’s spring sale. As a matter of fact, the merchandise seems as if it’s warmed-over leftover’s. We suspect that most items are three to four years old.

    Among the bag selection there was one backpack and two small bags. The backpack was reduced to $300 from $1500. We found two pairs of sunglasses and just a few jewelry items. Most of the children’s clothing is smaller sizes. The shoe selection only consists of about 20 styles. A pair of gold loafers were reduced to about $180 from $890. Most of the dresses were “ugly” and unremarkable, according to our mole. There are some red and black sweaters that don’t register on the memorable scale along with small assortment of coats and blazers.

    There were no lines and only about 10 shoppers when our spy was shopping. She left the sale empty handed but just spending time in the Lanvin showroom was thrilling. The sale ends Tuesday. We were told that there may be additional markdowns but we doubt there will be any restocking.

    Unless you’re in the neighborhood, we would suggest taking a pass on this sale based on the door policy and poor merchandise selection. Those looking to get a Lanvin fix can always head to the downtown Century 21, which usually has a pretty nice assortment at about 60% to 70% off.

    Feel free to add any additional remarks or details in the comment section below. Head to Instagram to see pictures of what we found at the sale.

    Lanvin Private Showroom Sale
    Sunday, October 18 through Tuesday, October 20
    Mon & Tues 9am-7pm
    37 West 57th Street, #900 (btwn 5th & 6th)

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    Weekend Shopping: Friends & Families and Sample Sales

    There are so many reasons to love Fall: the colorful foliage, the clear blue skies and the fantastic shopping opportunities. This weekend is full of several friends and family sales and a few noteworthy sample sales too.

    The Jimmy Choo sale kicked off today and be forewarned– it’s a mess! The lines are long and the inventory is all over the place. The attractive prices are the cause of the frenzy. Men’s and women’s shoes start at $200 for the most basic style for and go up to $375 for boots. A majority of the merchandise is priced at $250. We suggest taking a pass on this sale unless you and a friend are up to a Friday afternoon shopping adventure.

    The Sandro sample sale runs through the weekend and there has already been a 20% price reduction since the sale started earlier this week. This sale is not a bad place to pick up an inexpensive pair of pants or a casual sweater. We wouldn’t be surprised if there were even more discounts announced this weekend. We suggest hitting the sale on Sunday on your way to get a Dough donut. (Addicted!)

    If you’re not up for sample sale-ing, there are plenty of more civilized ways to spend your money. Below are a list of friends and family sales that run through the weekend:

    Alexis Bittar— Save 20% off sitewide and in stores. The discount is automatically applied to all fashion and fine jewelry. The promo ends Sunday.

    Alice & Olivia— The Stacey Bendet obsessed can save 25% off everything. The discount is automatically applied. Sale runs through Monday.

    Milly– You can save 25% off the entire website. Use the code FALL15FF. Sale ends midnight Sunday.

    Rebecca Taylor– Shoppers get 25% off online and in stores. Use the code RTFRIENDS15 at checkout. The sale runs through Monday. Be sure to check out the micro-pleated skirts and ice blue tweed and faux fur coat.

    Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Instagram to get live inside information about this sales and more.

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    The Row’s Private Sale

    The Row is known for their mastery of proportion and sophisticated silhouettes. So when a sample sale rolls around, you know there will be throngs of brand fans looking to save a pretty penny on all the things they love.

    The three day sale is called ‘Private’ but is open to the public. At last year’s sale all clothing was discounted 70% off and bags are 60% off. Although this sale offers great discounts it can still cost you a pretty penny. The Row’s customer doesn’t blink an eye when faced with a $7000 price tag for a leather coat. Denim leggings retail for $450. You can do the math.

    Every year, sweaters are the first items to go. Bags have always been plentiful but go fast. The assortment usually includes totes, backpacks, shoulder bags and satchels. You can expect to find most of the selection from this season’s collection. Even if items are older, the styling of The Row is so classic that you would never know. Sizes run from 0 to 12 but there is only about half a rack of 0s.

    The Row has become known for their very civilized sample sale. Dare we say, we enjoy shopping the sale more than Barneys!!

    Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Instagram to get live inside information about this sales and more.

    The Row Private Sale
    Thursday, October 22 through Saturday
    Thurs 12pm-7pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm
    123 West 18th Street, 4th FL (Metropolitan Pavilion)

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    The Best Upcoming Sample Sales:

    It’s been a few weeks since there has been a sample sale worth mentioning. We are now entering the beginning of sample sale season and we can anticipate a flurry of activity before the Christmas retail season begins. Below is a carefully curated selection of our favorite upcoming sample sales.

    Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Instagram to get live inside information about these sales and more.

    Jimmy Choo
    Thursday, October 15th & Friday, October 16th
    Thurs 11am~6pm, Fri 8am~4p
    123 W. 18th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
    The Jimmy Choo sample sale is somewhat of a nightmare. There are lines, waits, hoarding, chaos– everything we despise about sample sales. The one redeeming quality is the great pricing. We suggest avoiding the sale all together on Thursday and exploring on Friday if you’re really that curious.

    David Yurman
    Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18th
    Thurs 3pm to 8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am—5pm
    135 W. 18th St (The Altman Building b/w 6th & 7th Ave)
    Most jewelry is usually discounted 40% and sunglasses, last season, were priced at 60% off retail. Prices started at $150 for silver and leather bracelets. Most of the iconic cable pieces were discontinued just 30% off.

    Bonpoint
    Wednesday, October 21 & Thursday, October 22
    Wed 9am~7pm, Thurs 9am~3pm
    123 W. 18th St, 5th Floor (Between 6th & 7th Ave)
    The discount is usually a straight 60% off. The selection includes everything from coats, hats, shoes, sweaters and accessories. Sizes range from fresh-out-of-the-oven newborn to I’m-getting-too-old-for-this-look size 12.

    Hermes
    Wednesday, October 21st (Press & VIP day)
    Thursday, October 22nd through Saturday, October 24th
    Thrus & Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
    Soffer Haskin: 317 W. 33rd St. (near 8th Ave.)
    Don’t expect to find any leather goods at this swanky sale. Most other items– clothing, shoes, scarves, ties, home goods and accessories– are reduced about 50% off. This sale usually attracts crazy lines but look out for the VIP report to find out if the wait is worth your time.

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    Friends and Family Sale: Saks & Shopbop

    The hugely popular Shopbop friends and family sale kicked off today. Shoppers can use the code INTHEFAM25 and save an additional 25% off most items on the site. Of course, the three day sale includes some designer exclusions but Shopbop’s list isn’t too bad. You can click here to see the full list of what items to avoid– MCM, Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang, Tory Burch are a few.

    We always suggest you start your shopping in the 60% off department and work your way back. (Merchandise discounted 70% is final sale, and we tend to avoid online shopping if backsies are not allowed.) A Y-3 track jacket comes to just $100 from $360, shredded boyfriend jeans from Goldsign are about $80 from $280 and Vita Fede hoop earrings are $125 from $300.

    Not to be outdone, Saks Fifth Avenue started their friends and family sale online too. The discount promotions begins in stores on Thursday and runs through that weekend. The discount is 25% off clothing, shoes and accessories and 20% off jewelry.

    If you remember, last season, the Saks friends and family discount was 30% but that’s not the case today. Shoppers can use the code THANKYOU to activate the discount when shopping online. The list of exclusions seems longer than ever. Some brands that are included in the discount are Alice & Olivia, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Milly, Moschino and Vince. The exclusions are so extensive that even Helmut Lang and Rag & Bone aren’t participating.

    The first big Saks markdown usually happens during the first week of November. We suggest hanging waiting until then if the items you fancy aren’t included in today’s friends and family.

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