Dec 2, 2013

*SAMPLE SALE* Me and My Crew

Whether dressing up or down, J.Crew's wardrobe staples cater to modern women with impeccable taste. The brand is hosting its bi-annual sample sale this week and I was invited to preview the offerings today. Hoping to add some playful twists to my ordinary outfits, I quickly made my way inside J.Crew's holiday bargain blowout.

Just like I imagined, today's preview was fully stocked with merchandise. The only thing different compared to previous years was that the men's and women's sales were at completely separate locations. Men's clothing, shoes, and accessories were placed inside the 225 Fifth Ave venue while everything for women and children was sold at 260 Fifth Ave. Ultimately, having the whole 260 venue dedicated to women's merchandise resulted in a much more spacious sale floor. So, for the first time, I was able to peruse female offerings with ease and comfort.

Starting with clothing, women's apparel was organized by category. Notable items included peacoats in various crayon hues, embellished sweatshirts, silk blouses in pretty polka dots, glittery cocktail frocks, classic camel coats, sparkly sequin skirts, office-perfect tweed jackets, and winter must-have puffer vests. As for prices, dresses were $30 & $60, wool coats $150, blazers were $120, cashmere sweaters were $90, trousers were $70, and skirts were $25 & $40.

My next stop was at the shoe racks situated in the back. Sizes were available from 5~10 and there were many varieties to choose from. Heels were priced at $100 and I spotted Everly pumps in leopard prints, mirror metallic pumps in silver & gold, Etta jeweled sequin pumps, Sloane mirror pumps, and Valentina d'Orsay pumps. Flats were priced lower than heels ($65) and I found Darby patent loafers, Kiki ballets, Kiki cap toes, and Nora calf hair in leopard. Boots & booties weren't plentiful but they were available at $100 & $130.

Over at the handbag section, I spotted items like fold-over clutches, Biennial satchels, and quilted Brompton hobos. Prices on bags ranged from $90 for small leather styles to $130 for medium and large. Adjacent to the bags were J.Crew's popular jewelry collections. From "look-at-me" statement necklaces to irresistible arm candies, glass display cases were gleaming with crystals and colorful stones. As for prices, everything was marked $60 & under.

If you decide to attend the sale, I highly suggest browsing their accessories section. Situated at the far left, there were approximately 20 large plastic bins filled with winter accessories for only $10 & $20. The selection included lots of holiday gift options such as faux fur scarves, trapper hats, stylish fedoras, gloves, pouches, earmuffs and belts.

Since it's the holiday shopping season, tomorrow's official opening will undoubtedly draw a considerably large crowd of J.Crew fans. This week's sample sale is scheduled to run through Sunday and diligent bargain hunters should expect further markdowns to occur sometime near the end. As always, I will keep you updated.

Price list:
Accessories
Medium/Large leather bags $130
Small leather bags $90
Medium/Large fabric bags $45
Small fabric bags $20
Belts/Ties/Pocket squares $20
Socks/Tights/Small accessories $10

Jewelry
Embellished necklaces $60
Necklaces $35
Bracelets/Earrings $25
Rings $20
Bangles $15
Pins $10
Hair accessories $5

Shoes
Mid calf/Tall boots $130
Heels/Ankle boots $100
Flats/Sandals/Espadrilles $65
Weather/Seasonal $25
Rubber flip-flops $10
Men's dress shoes $100

Apparel
Party/Wear to work dresses $60
Cotton/Jersey dresses $30
Wool outerwear $150
Suiting jackets/Blazers $120
Long puffer/Trenches $90
Casual/Puffer jackets $60
Wool/Dress pants $70
Denim pants $40
Chino/Cord pants $25
Wool/Silk/Cashmere skirts & shorts $40
Chino/Cord/Denim skirts & shorts $25
Cashmere sweaters $90
Cashmere tee/Tank/Vest sweaters $65
Cotton/Wool sweaters $35
Women's one piece swimsuits $40
Women's separates/Men's swimsuits $25
Tops $15~$40
Weekend $20
Crewcuts $15~$50

46 comments:

  1. any notable collection items? thanks so much for this review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There were a wide variety of wool coats, embellished evening skirts, cocktail dresses, and tops. Prices ranged from $150~$850.

      Delete
  2. Was there a dressing room?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To offer as much merchandise as possible on the floor, there were no fitting rooms available.

      Delete
  3. Mizhattan,

    The first pic shows the excursion vests. Do you know how much they are priced for and if there are a lot of sizes/color?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi!
    Was there any long puffer coats?

    ReplyDelete
  5. exciting! do you remember seeing any of the neon yellow/pink tweed pieces - dress, jacket or skirt. i missed out on these at the store and would love to pick them up at the sale tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't remember seeing any neon yellow/pink tweeds but I was told the inventory will be replenished.

      Delete
  6. Did you hear anything about replenishing the sale throughout the week?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the merchandise will be replenished throughout the sale.

      Delete
  7. Are purses and coats allowed inside, or do they have to be checked? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Do you know if photography is allowed at the sale?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Apparently allowed as you can see pics above ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Although I plan to stay away until the weekend, the pics are making me rethink that.. I am SUPER EXCITED.

    ReplyDelete
  11. How is the line now? Has the lunch rush passed?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been going down the block, if not around the corner, since this morning!

      Delete
    2. I just left (3:30). It's still down and around the block. Great sale though.

      Delete
  12. I've never been to a jcrew sample sale before, but I have been trying to do a little research, ie looking at past sales. Price wise, is it better than going to the jcrew outlets or even just the sale section in a full price store?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The factory stores have shoddy, lesser quality. I've been to a few sample sales and find if you can endure the chaos it's worth going to.

      Delete
  13. I had better deal during summer sale at store, bought top for 12, while at summer sample sale they charged $40 for same. Agree with opinion above store sale has better deals than sample sale

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hows the line now? is it still around the block

      Delete
  14. I went at 3pm and waited about 30 minutes to get in. Its chaotic as always but one thing I noticed was that almost every item I picked up had the size tags cut out. This definitely wasn't the case at the June sale. Did anyone else notice this? it was so incredibly annoying, especially because there really isn't space and/or mirrors to try clothes on. So I passed on a lot of cute tops because I couldn't be bothered to figure out what size it was. And its all final sale. They did have a LOT of unique stunning embellished cocktail dresses, all on the pricier end. I think the shoes and wool outerwear were the best part of this sale. I found calf hair ettas and hummingbird glitter heel Ettas!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. how are the lines today?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. About 15 minutes outside as of 4 PM

      Delete
  16. How is the line today?

    ReplyDelete
  17. I agree with some one who commented on the inconvenience of cut off tags, I missed some cute tops and skirts!
    Although sale was good, wasn't too crazy about shoe section, some shoes were very scratched, dirty or soles were scraped

    ReplyDelete
  18. Do they take CC or cash only? thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  19. any discounts yet?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anybody go today? Im planning on going tom. Is there a variety of shoes left in size 8?

    ReplyDelete
  21. additional 30% off original sale prices tomorrow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually its additional 50% off original sample sale price tom (last day)

      Delete
  22. Hope folks got a chance to go to the sale! The shoe selection for me this time around was GORG and because of that I should have followed my gut and gone the first day. Although I went yesterday and today and happy with my purchases, the fabrics, stones and patterns of the shoes were beautiful.. Til next year J. Crew :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As always, thank you for your comment! I hope you enjoy your purchases!!

      Delete
    2. I will Miz. Thx for keeping us posted.. ALWAYS!! YOU ROCK!

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Related Posts with Thumbnails