Sample Sale Madness!

So if you're like me, you love a good sample sale... but hate the madness associated with it!

My first experience with sample sales was in the form of Kate Spade in 2003... my friend Leah had several Kate Spade bags and promised to take me with her to the next big (and secret!) sample sale in NYC. I eagerly awaited what I thought would be a "swanky" private... and sufficiently bougie event. I imagined waiters carrying glasses of lemonade to parched shoppers... and a sea of bags in different shapes, sizes and colors!

Clearly I was dead wrong in my imagining... arriving at the sale, we found throngs of New York women huddled in a long line circling the block. We were given dirty stares by determined women and resigned glances by men hoping to buy a nice bag for a female companion at a cheap price. The line was so awful, that by the time we got into the actual store... all of the bags were gone. What a disappointment! I quickly learned my lesson - if you're not first at a sample sale... you're last! (thank you ricky bobby!)

But in this modern day and age, sample sales have gone "le digital"... perfect for the smart and savvy shopping enthusiast. Kate Spade (and Jack Spade... for the men) still has a regular sample sale, but now you just have to click a button! Presto - no line, no cold, no bitterness!

There's an art to "online sample saling" and I've been fortune to meet some individuals extremely skilled at doing it.
Ekei, a bougie blogger in her own right, put me on to several sites that are wonderful, fascinating, and budget-friendly.

Ekei highly recommends the following sites and I wholeheartedly agree:

Gilt Groupe (invite only)
Koodos(invite only)
Haute Look (public)

Brand name designers like Tracy Reese, Vivian Tam, Alice & Olivia, Gucci (men & women), and Burberry (men & women) all participate in the sample sale arena... a perfect way for you to get that luxury item for a fraction of the price (and an affordable fraction). The sites also offer various financial incentives designed to provide even bigger discounts.

For more information leave a comment, visit Ekei's Blog, or e-mail me!

Also check up Ekei's write up on sample sales - she's much more eloquent in the art of fashion writing than I am, and provides detailed information about each one of the websites.

The Art of Sample Sales pt I
The Art of Sample Sales pt II

So happy "sample saling" everyone! I keep an eye out for the multitude of sample sales, so I'll be sure to post whenever the goodies hit. Be sure to check back for future updates!



ETA: Pratima was kind enough to remind me of the website Top Button which has links to online and in-person sales. Readers Plume and Rachelle gave some interesting feedback on Girl's Night Out at Shecky's which sounds like a ton of fun! Check the info page to find out more details about when Girl's Night is being held in your city, and to receive a group discount rate!

And for the men... I haven't forgotten about you. I spoke with a representative from The Gilt Group and they mentioned that they will be carrying menswear very soon...!

ETA 2: This just in...

"Chuckies New York - End of the Season Sample Sale!" Designers include Prada, Miu Miu Runway, Christian Dior, Marni, Jimmy Choo, and more. For more information, click here!

Cheers,
The Bougie Baller