We arrived at the preview of the Mara Hoffman sample sale just minutes before  closing and was surprised to find the space filled with dozens of fully naked women. The setting was made even more awkward by the fact that most of the sales staff are men who were, understandably, trying not to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

The lack of changing room space is reason enough to make sure you dress for this sample sale occasion. We suggest that anyone planning on attending this sale to come prepared wearing a camisole or sports bra with booty shorts or leggings. After all, Mara Hoffman is most known for her flattering swim and beachwear.

Prices are nicely discounted but not more than an end-of-season retail sale. Print and solid bikini tops and bottoms are $40 each, one pieces are $75, embellished bikinis are $50 each for a tops and bottoms and embellished one pieces are $90. Sarongs are $50 each. Among the clothing, maxi dresses are plentiful and priced at $115, jumpsuits are $120 and tops are $55. (You can see pictures and more pricing right over here.)

We didn’t see anything at the sale from this current season’s collection but found many of the items listed in the sale section of the Mara Hoffman website. It appears as if the brand is clearing out it’s warehouse because even an industry expert couldn’t identify a bulk of the merchandise.

The sale also includes a hefty assortment from the designer’s activewear collection. Sports bras are $40, leggings are $60, sweatpants are $70 and sweatshirts are $50. There is even one rack of bridal gowns at the sale. We suppose you can use these gowns as an opportunity to add a wardrobe change during the big day.

Before you head to Soho, we suggest you first look online. Many sites have items priced at about the same if not less. For instance, here is a pair of leggings for $52, this maxi dress is $121 and this one piece bathing suit is $90. We have several more good finds in the scroll above.

We are confident that there will be additional markdowns before the sale ends on Sunday. We will add an update to the top of the post when we we receive additional information.

Mara Hoffman Sample Sale
Through Sunday, June 11
Wed to Thurs. 9am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street

Update: Prices now reduced to 90% Off retail.

The Etro sample sale opened to the public today. During lunchtime the line to get in was about an hour. Despite the line outside, upstairs wasn’t very crowded but the wait to checkout was excruciating.

Inside the sale, everything is 80% off. The room is divided equally between men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. A majority of the merchandise is a range of skirts, coats, dresses and pants. There are a few tables of shoes decided by style, a few scarves still waiting to be purchased and a handful of bags and other small accessories. The tables in the center of the room are covered in an assortment of sweaters divided by size.

As expected, the assortment is plentiful. The ethos of Etro offers a mature and heavy esthetic that translates better during winter months. The most ornate and elaborate items seemed the most attractive but the retail prices on such items can easily range up to $10,000.

A Mongolian fur jacket is about $1000 from over $5000, a purple leather jacket is $572 from $2860, a fox fur jacket is comes to about $1600 and a jeweled dress is just above $800 from $4100. Some less expensive items include a light Spring silk coat is $552 from over $2700, suede ankle boots are $284 from $1420 and a plaid wool coat is about $470 from $2370. You can see lots of pictures in the jump or shop the items above for similar discounts.

Along the men’s side of the sale there are tables of color polos, shirts and sweaters. The colors come to about $50 after the discount and the men’s button downs range from $80 to about $120. If you’re shopping for your man, be sure to take note of his European sizing. Etro tends to run small and it’s always a shame to be stuck with items that don’t fit.

There are fitting rooms at the back of the sale but that’s another line. Speaking of which, the checkout desk was disaster when we were trying to leave. There were only three cashiers and each customer had a pile of purchases that they were sorting through, deciding on and one women was repeatedly running back to the racks and shopping as the line continued to grow.

We happened to like the assortment of men’s merchandise more than what we saw for ourselves. The prints and colors were a bit heavy for a Spring-time optimist. We also have a feeling there will be a markdown before the sale ends on Wednesday. It might be worth the secondary trip if there is another markdown. We’ll keep you posted. (For now, you can browse our pictures.)

Monday, June 5 through Wednesday June 7
Mon 1pm-8pm, Tues 10am to 8pm, Wed 10am to 5pm
Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 West 18 Street, 5 Fl

Etro Tote $300

Wedges $180

Boots $282

Coat $1040

Coat $470

Purple Moto Jacket $600

Fox Coat $1600

Red Jacket $600

Embellished Dress $800

Strapless dress $580

scarfs $120

Left Shirt $100

Men’s Shirt $80

Sun’s out. Bun’s out. It’s officially June and we are excited to catch those early rays of Summer. Long beach days and short Fridays. This month’s sample sale winners are those filling the need for bikinis and dressing for hot days.

As department stores and boutiques increasingly discount Summer merchandise, the sample sale arena must also become more aggressive with pricing. Look for sales that include in-season merchandise with discounts that top 70% off. You can expect retailers to begin final markdowns of 70% or more during the last week of June.

We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month and remain just a click away in the right sidebar. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for sneak peeks and immediate updates. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the ‘Spy’ network.

Inbal Dror Bridal Sale
Famed bridal gown designer, Inbal Door is hosting her first ever sample sale in New York. Prices will be discounted 50% to 60% off gowns and dresses, some of which have been worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé and Misty Copeland and Bar Rafaeli.
Through Friday, June 16th
By appointment only: estee@shopdropapp.com
110 East 40th St


Etro
This is the first time we recall seeing an Etro sample sale. We are hoping to see major discounts from this famed Italian fashion brand. We spent many years shopping at the Etro at Woodburry Common but have missed the amazing deals since the outlet store closed several years ago. Stay tuned for a full review and head to Instagram to win a chance to join us for a VIP shopping experience.
Monday, June 5 through Wednesday June 7
Mon 1pm-8pm, Tues 10am to 8pm, Wed 10am to 5pm
Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 West 18 Street, 5 Fl
Full review here

Montblanc
As of day one, there was a line spanning an hour to get in…This sale historically takes place during the holiday season and is a great opportunity to stock up on gifts. It seems a little out of step to be stocking up on luxury pens and small leather goods at this time of year. Forward thinking shoppers will love grabbing items discounted up to 70%. The less expensive items tend to go fast and there isn’t usually restocking.
Tuesday, June 6 though Friday, June 9
Tue. to Thurs. 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-2pm
260 Sample Sale: 260 Fifth Avenue

Buccellati Sample Sale
Buccellati is one of our favorite jewelry designers and we wouldn’t mind a house filled with the brand’s orange gold and silver home goods. Usually this is a multi-brand sample sale. We are excited to see if there will be a larger assortment and even better discounts.
Tuesday, Jun 6 through Thursday, June 8
9am to 6:30pm daily
Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St.

Nanette Lepore Sample Sale
We are told that samples will start at $30 for older samples, one-offs and vintage pieces. Prices will go up to $300 for newer production coats and dresses.
Tuesday, June 6 through Thursday, June 8
9am to 7pm daily
255 West 35th Street, 17th Floor

Mara Hoffman Sample Sale
Stock up on swimwear and Summer basics at up to 70% off.
Wednesday, June 7 through Sunday, June 11
Wed to Thurs. 9am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street
Full review here

Sophia Webster Sample Sale
British luxury footwear brand’s annual sample sale is only one day. At the last sale, shoppers snagged Yara butterfly pumps for $150, booties were $250 and crystal pumps were $250. We expect this sale to be about the same.
Saturday, June 10
2pm to 6:45pm
80 Wooster Street

Jonathan Simkai
Snag a discount on Jonathan Simkai’s most recent collection, older collections and samples. The discount ranges from 60% for current season’s fashion to 90% off for samples.
Wednesday, June 21 through Thursday, June 22
10am to 7pm daily
252 West 37th Street, 3rd Floor