Sep 9, 2013

*SAMPLE SALE* Sweet Taste of Mulberry

The Mulberry brand was founded in the early 1970s but didn't make the transition to coveted luxe status until 2002 when the company hired former head designer Nicholas Knightly to reinvent the old British label. Soon after Knightly took the helm he debuted Mulberry's iconic bag, the Bayswater, which became an instant best seller and garnered the title of the label's first "it" bag. Four years later in 2006, Mulberry unveiled their first-ever store in the US and the rest, as they say, is history. And while we're on the subject of making history, sample sale veterans will be keenly aware that Mulberry hasn't hosted a sample sale in NYC in quite a long time. So, what was it like inside the first Mulberry sample sale in years? I headed to Soiffer Haskin late this afternoon for a sweet taste of Mulberry.

This week's Mulberry sample sale opens its doors to the public at 9am tomorrow. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the goods with a small group of other VIP shoppers today. Once you enter the second floor showroom, you'll (unsurprisingly) find a wide variety of handbags, leather totes, and travel luggages filling up the rather spacious floor. Since the company's strength lies with its instant classics such as the Bayswater and the Alexa, my first and main duty at today's sale was to hunt down these two bags.

For those looking for an Alexa bag tomorrow, you'll be happy to know there were a few different styles available. Whew~ Though I was not able to locate classic colors like oak or black, I found many seasonal styles such as calf hair in rouge, Mini Alexa in pale pink, embellished zig-zag in black, flower prints from the Spring '13 collection, and calf hair in giraffe print. As for pricing, the Mini Alexa in pale pink was $435, the giraffe print calf hair was $1,260, the embellished oversized Alexa in a zig-zag pattern was $1,050, and the flower print was $495. The Bayswater was a tad harder to find than the Alexa but I was fortunate to spot a few seasonal styles such as calf hair in white, calf hair in giraffe print, studded calf hair, and croc print in metallic espresso.

With all the merchandise discounted 70% off, there were tons of other handbags other than the mainstay Alexa and Bayswater. I saw quite a few versions of Cecily, Dorset, Maisie, Lily, and Clemmie. An oversized Clemmie clutch in a dark blush hue was $300--a fantastic deal considering it's currently being sold online for $1,100. I also saw a Cecily tote in a fresh mint color for $630, an oversized Del Ray bag in a black tone priced $495, a tweed Lily shoulder bag for $555, a Dorset shopper in cream & fuchsia priced $165, and a variety of NY Clipper satchels specially made to commemorate the opening of Mulberry's first flagship in Soho could be had for $285.

Now that I thoroughly covered the handbag section, let's move onto shoes. From patent pointy flats to knee high leather boots, shoes were also discounted 70% off retail. I spotted a pair of bright orange flats for $141, kitten pumps for $150, studded T-strap sandals for $255, and knee high boots for $330. Shoes weren't as plentiful as the bags but the available stock fully covered well over 5 tables.

Mulberry's growing selection of super chic RTW was also available for shoppers to enjoy. While the selection was very limited (only 5 racks of apparel), I spotted some nice autumn-appropriate outerwear like trench coats and peacoats. Adjacent to the RTW were 3 or so tables of knits and swimwear.

As for small leather goods and accessories, I would say they were definitely worth a look. I spotted giraffe print shawls/scarves for only $114. For tech savvy shoppers, iPad leather sleeves were $99 and iPhone leather cases were $42. I also spotted giant Mulberry logo pouches for $150.

I hate to end this article on a bit of disappointing news but I was told there will not be any restocking. And since most of the coveted merchandise like the Alexa, Del Ray, and Cecily were going really fast, I STRONGLY suggest you get lined up bright and early tomorrow morning to have even the slightest chance of picking up one of them.

78 comments:

  1. Thanks for updating the news so fast! you're the best!

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  2. Thanks for the review. Do you remember how much the Bayswater's cost?

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    1. I found a calf hair Bayswater priced $1875. Everything was 70% off retail prices.

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    2. I saw one Bayswater in croc embossed leather for $2,400 original price, or $720 with 70% discount yesterday.

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  3. Yesterday I kept wondering if I should go--I have a deadline. These photos and the update are making it tempting to take the time. Thank you for doing this.

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  4. Hi Miz, How was the men's selection? Were there any bags or other leather goods for men? Or shoes? Thanks!

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    1. I didn't see any shoes for men but there were messenger bags & briefcases.

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  5. How is the wait to get in this morning?
    Thank you!

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  6. I wont be able to go until after 4. Should i bother going today or wait till thursday afternoon?

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    1. That's a tough one. As of now, I would say go today as there will be no restocking during the sale. But if the wait is incredibly long, there is no point. Let's see how the queue plays out this afternoon and decide.

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  7. I love it.

    I remember going to an Hermes sample sale which started the same day as the Republican convention. The line was around the block, and the police kept coming by to see if we were protestors. "We are Hermes sample sale shoppers," I said. All around me, women were on the phone explaining they would be late to work due to a "doctor's appointment."

    I love NYC women.

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    1. There was an Hermes sample sale in 2004 at Soiffer? I thought it was held on Madison Ave back then.

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    2. It was Madison Ave. Sorry--leap in logic. I just meant the whole sample sale mentality is so uniquely NYC.

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  8. How is the line moving?

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    1. Not a big turnout...which is a surprise. THe line is moving quickly.

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  9. Hi Miz, were there any luggage pieces? The rolling duffles, the trolleys?

    Thanks so much! You are truly the best.

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    1. Yes, there were luggage bags including a few trolleys.

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    2. yay best news ever! Thanks!!

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  10. Are there any lily bags? If so, how much?

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    1. Lily bags were available in orange tweed and they were $555.

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  11. Any bayswaters? If ye how much? Thnx

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    1. There were Bayswater bags at yesterday's VIP preview. I'm not sure any of them are lingering around anymore. The bags were around $1875.

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  12. Is there still a line to get in?

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  13. Hi Miz! I wasn't able to go because of a deadline at school today. Do you think I should go tomorrow morning first thing, or wait until a potential mark-down? If mark-down (I am on a student budget after all), when do you think that will happen? Thurs AM? Wednes PM? TIA :-)

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    1. I would wait. There is no point of going tomorrow since there won't be any restocking. I haven't heard of any potential additional markdowns as it's too early to tell. If I do hear something I will make sure to let you know.

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  14. The Dorset shopper is $165? love the pink!

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  15. hi - does anyone know how the line is looking right now since it's lunch time, i'm debating whether to head out there or not, any feedback would be appreciated

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  16. Any Alexa bags left? Trying to figure out if it's worth going there.

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    1. I saw a few when I left but that was at 10 this morning.

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  17. I absolutely love your sale reviews! I'm serious. I can't get enough. You're the reason I wait in line or don't. Thank you Miz!

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  18. I just came back, no more ALEXA left

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  19. Just came back no more alexi shoppera or willos. It is emptying out so i suggest u go today. Dont think there will be much left to pursue tom...

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  20. I missed the sale today, is it really emptying? I was planning to go early morning? Is it worth to go ?

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    1. Worth going is a difficult question to answer. The good stuff have been taken. I would wait to see if additional markdowns take effect.

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  21. Do you think they still have the NY clipper satchels tomorrow? What time do you suggest I should go? Please update us if you think there is going to be additional markdown and restocking.

    Thanks

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    1. Go as early as possible. I've been getting word that most of the good merchandise has already been grabbed up by lucky early bird shoppers. There won't be any restocking but an additional markdown may be a possibility. I will keep you updated.

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  22. What are the additional markdowns today?

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    1. No additional markdowns as of now

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  23. That's not true, Racked posted the markdowns. Extra 5%

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  24. are those bags really made in china?

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    1. I bought the Maisie Clipper Clutch and because of the comment that was previously made of them being made in China I took a look. Mine was made in Turkey.

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    2. I got the Maisie Clipper heavy suede tote in black and it too was made in Turkey.

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    3. Made in China and made in Turkey are basically the same thing.

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  25. I bought a someret yesterday and i just checked it is made in china :-(
    is there a point of going tom after 5 For maisie bags?

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    1. I did see maisie bags still there this afternoon. If that's what you want, I would definitely go because it's additionally marked down to 75%. bags might be there tomorrow because when I was there about 3pm today, there weren't that many shoppers. good luck.

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  26. Hi, Is there anything left? I am interested in the alexa, clutch, or big shopper bag.

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  27. I went this afternoon, I've never seen so many merchandise cleared out. really nothing left. saw multiple empty table. Shoes look like about 10 each size, nothing in size 35. Only bags left looked undesirable. only alexa left is in exotic skin & orig was $4000. saw 2 wallets & 2 medium pouch both under $100. some belts still there. I would not waste time if anyone was thinking about going tomorrow for last day. right now bags are additional mark down at 75% but what does that matter when there is nothing attractive left to buy.

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  28. Have they added anything today?
    Thank you!

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  29. There were no Alexas or clutches left around 10am yesterday. The only shopper type tote was a red Maisie north-south tote, but there were only 3 left at that time.

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  30. very few bags left...no Alexas.
    not many accessories either. A few nice pieces of clothes (-80%). No addl discounts and restocking. No line.

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    1. Thank you for letting us know. I really appreciate it.

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  31. Thank you Miz for the info. I went yesterday and was able to grab a couple of beautiful pieces. There was not an over-abundance of items, but it was still a great sample sale for a bargain hunter (and there was no overcrowding to deal with). I got a pair of flats for $60 ($670 original price), a belt for $30 ($240 original price) and a handbag for $150 ($600 original price). LOOOOVE IIIIIT!!!!

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    1. I'm glad you had a great time. Enjoy your new bag, flats, and belt!

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  32. Anyone bought the tweed bag and wants to sell it? I love it so much, but am out of town.

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  33. Anyone wants to sell their clipper? Please let me know. Thanks.

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  34. Hi Miz, do you know if they will hold another sale this year? I missed the Sep. one :(

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    1. Sorry to hear you missed the sale. Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything from my contact yet. I will make sure to write an article if they ever do.

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  35. Is there a sale again in Sept?

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