This afternoon, the Oscar de la Renta sample sale kicked off in Soho to press and Gilt ticket holders. The sale includes a great assortment of almost all designer’s categories including dresses, gowns, coats, day-wear, skirts, furs, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, kids clothing, and bridal gowns.

ODLR is always a highlight of the season. It’s the perfect sample sale to pick up something nice and new for the Spring fundraiser circuit or Wedding season. The press preview was wonderfully calm but the half-dozen professional line-waiters outside holding spots for those who purchased early entrance coupons from Gilt City. We all know what that means!

Once inside, we were first captured by the children’s selection. Most dresses are priced at $65 and coats are $85. Most items aren’t sized, which makes any purchase a roll of the dice. The most remarkable find was a pink long-goat-hair vest that was marked $40 from $2000. (We have pictures over here.)

Beyond the children’s clothing, there is a large selection of evening gowns and day dresses. We recognized many of the dresses from the last sample sale but there were some additions from the most recent pre-fall collection. There are dresses, pants, and skirts in an eye-catching giant houndstooth tweed.

This red and black houndstooth style pant was $250 from $1990, a black-and-white style is $150 from $1790 and this trumpet cut dress is $250 from nearly $3000.  We also noticed numerous items in a check-tweed print. This dress was $250 from $2700. We also spotted several of these gold leaf embroidered dresses for $450 from nearly $3000. (See our pictures from the sale over here.)

Take note, the sale doesn’t include a lot of size variation. It appears as if most items are samples from years past. You will have the most luck if you wear a size 4 to 8. Most evening gowns were priced in the  $600 to $1000 range.

The sale, this season, has less jewelry than the last go-round. Earrings are all still priced at $65. There were some of the floral and beaded tassel styles. We also spotted some new style bags with a large flower applique for $500 from $1790. (See our pictures.)

Downstairs, there are three large racks of bridal gowns and an assortment of shoes. Most shoes are priced at $89. Most gowns we saw are under $1300 from over $9000. (Click for pics.)

The ODLR sale is one of those popular events that tend to attract lots of shoppers. The sale usually has a healthy line throughout its entirety. It’s not usually too bad of a wait but you should clock in some extra time if you’re thinking of taking a quick pass through the sale.

Oscar de la Renta Sample Sale 
Tuesday, March 19 through Sunday, March 24
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm
151 Wooster Street

Sample sale host, 260 Sample Sale, opened a luxury vintage sale in Soho on Tuesday. The sale includes bags, jewelry, and small leather goods from Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Hermès, MCM, Cartier, Gucci, Prada, and more.

Initial pictures showed several tables of Louis Vuitton monogram bags and it piqued my interest. My expectations were low but I was curious about what could be found at this sale. Usually, the merchandise at vintages sales is priced rediculously high and all too often the bags so damaged that they aren’t very desirable.

So I went to inspect. Inside, bags are arranged by brand and color. It’s only the second day of the sale and there was already a price reduction. Currently, all Louis Vuitton is 60% off the ticketed price and all other brands are 50% off. Most of the ticketed prices were on the high-side of the pre-owned mark but the additional discounts made greatly increased the purchasing possibilities. It seems as if current prices are about 10% to 20% below the average online price.

Unfortunately, all the Louis Vuitton monogram merchandise is completely sold out. I saw a handful of Epi leather bags. A Sac A Dos is reduced to $410, a Dhanura PM is $240, and a Masty GM is $260. Beyond Vuitton, I saw a Gucci heart print canvas tote that’s $300, a Bottega Veneta Cabat tote is $1500 and a very proper Cartier shoulder bag is about $370 from an MSRP of $1350. We also spotted a few Loewe scarves that are about $120. They are normally priced at $375 when purchased new. A PM Hermes Garden Party in good condition is $610 and a Fourre Tout PM is $250. You can click here to see pictures.

Much of what remains resembles closet outcasts. Many of the items I saw were priced inexpensively enough to be a consideration but we all know that it will only be a few years of foster care before these orphan bags met the same fate.

I can’t suggest taking a special trip to the sale in its current state. Going forward, I would suggest attending this sale on the opening day. Even without the additional discount, are a bit less than what we have seen online and in vintage stores throughout the world.

I posted pictures from in side the sale today. I also linked a scroll of assorted bags that I saw at the sale for nearly the same price.

Luxury Vintage Sample Sale
Through Sunday, March 17
Fri & Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
151 Wooster Street