Dec 4, 2013

*SAMPLE SALE* Stepping into Stella

The last time Stella McCartney hosted a public sample sale was in 2009. Last week when it was announced that the brand would be holding a public sample sale for the first time in 4 years, I'm sure there was a loud unison shout of glee coming from fashionistas around NYC. Since I'm one of those said fans, I decided to make the sale priority número uno this morning. So, away we go!

When I first arrived, I found Stella McCartney's sale well underway with bargain shoppers crowding around the goods. About 5 rows of clothing racks were the first thing I noticed when I entered the sale. From precision-cut blazers to paillette details from her Fall 2011 collection, there were a plethora of stylish pieces to browse through. As for prices, RTW was divided into 2 groups. Price tags ending in a 9 were discounted 50% while tags ending in a 5 or 0 were 80% off. To give you a few specifics, a coral pink blazer was $399 (originally $799 & 2nd photo below), a lightweight buckled jacket was $319.50 (originally $639 & 5th photo below), a mirror dress was $299.50 (originally $2,159 & 4th photo below), a rosette fitted top was $379.50 (originally $759 & 6th photo below), a pair of printed black & white pants were $149.50 (originally $299 & 7th photo below), and cuffed shorts in oatmeal were $119.50 (originally $239 & 9th photo below). Denims were available in various styles and they were $59.50~$74.50.

The shoe section wasn't alluring at all. Markdowns were only 50% and sizes were extremely limited. A pair of glittery flats were $109.50 (15th photo below) while black strappy sandals were $129.50 (16th photo below). The handbag section could charitably called disappointing. McCartney's Falabella bags were nowhere to be seen and only a few seasonal styles of embellished mini shoulder bags ($279 & last photo below) and an oversized glossy tote (239 & 18th photo below) were available.

In the lingerie section, I spotted one rack of chemises and satin slips standing next to another rack of bras & briefs. Prices on lace bras were roughly $33~$42 while lacy briefs were under $20. Adidas by Stella McCartney merchandise was situated near the lingerie area and was comprised of parkas, hooded tops, and other sportswear items. Markdowns were 70% off.

The best deal at today's sale, I have to say, were the fragrances. Perfumes and shower gels were super affordable. Stella shower gels were $10.50 while perfume bottles were $18.90~$28.50. Tomorrow is the last day of the sale, and sadly, there will not be any restocking. If you plan on going, the door closes at 7pm today and 6pm tomorrow.

27 comments:

  1. Oh, so that's where you went. I went to NEST and Tocca instead. Maybe I passed you on the street. I will never know... ;)

    I'm actually really not a fan of Stella McCartney's designs so I'm happy I opted for the candle and fragrance sales instead. But it was great report as usual.

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    1. How was the NEST sale - Is it worth leaving work early ?
      Stella sounds like a disappointment so I'll skip it.

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    2. I have my full report here but in general I was really happy with the selection and the prices. http://tinyurl.com/pdj9gbn A few prices were up in comparison to previous sales but you'll still find some great scents at good prices.

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  2. Thanks for your review.
    How was the adidas stuff - did you see much in the way of bottoms (sweats, tights, shorts)

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    1. Yes, there were tanks, pants, tennis skirts, and swimsuits inside plastic bins.

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  3. Yipes this sale was terrible. Lots of Adidas stuff though in giant tubs.

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    1. I agree. Handbags & shoes were particularly disappointing.

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  4. Thank you for the post. Did you see full size runs? I read elsewhere that there were few smaller sizes, and I'm wondering if I should skip as I'm usually a US 2.

    Someone elsewhere asked about Escada. I stopped by and thought it was awful. It used to be a great sale--perhaps I have just changed too much. Items were now 80% off, and the samples mixed in with stock. Sport was also mixed in--I found everything sort of heavy and matronly.

    I thought JCrew was also awful--no try ons, no mirrors and the labels and sizes cut out of numerous items. I bought a Collection skirt, but it will require alteration.

    I *loved* Ygal Azrouel and may go back.

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    1. Sorry, I didn't pay too much attention to sizes. What did you get from Yigal Azrouël?

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    2. The most beautiful dress--one of the body con ones in black and olive green. I almost bought a second dress, but wanted to budget to see how the rest of the week goes. I also bought an amazing scarf--last one--black and icy grey boiled wool in two textures . . . one of those things that looks ridiculously simple, but has all this depth, like a Chinese ink painting. Also, a hat. I think I will go back for more accessories at the least. Prices had dropped--the dress was $195. I'd never looked at Azrouel before (please forgive lack of umlaut). Interesting person--self taught. I always like people like that.

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  5. i made the loop today from stella to NEST to tabitha simmons to tocca and have to say that the only one really worth opening up my wallet for was NEST. stella was super disappointing - still very expensive and everything looked a bit worse for the wear after being thrown on the ground in the fitting area - and tabitha shoes were beautiful, except there was veeery little available in my size (and i'm mostly in the market for flats).

    tocca i also found disappointing, though maybe only because it was more expensive and more limited in selection than NEST. NEST, on the other hand, had tons of great candle options - including my achilles heel, holiday smells - and great prices (6 regular-sized candles for $90!). i've got gifts for everyone i can imagine and i am enjoying the elton john holiday candle as we speak :)

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    1. I'm glad you had such a great time at the NEST sale. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. Stella and Nest are well worth it...
    Scored the Stella McCartney Illusion dress for 155$...

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    1. I'm so happy to hear of a success story from the Stella McCartney sale!

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    2. I scored a dress as well. It was a hit or miss sale IMO.

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  7. Are there any additional markdowns today at Stella?

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    1. Yes, I was told Stella McCartney Adidas items are now 90% off and RTW is marked down to 80~90%.

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    2. What a great sale! I scored so many great dresses and sweaters and such at 90% off!

      Thank you mizhattan! If not for your quick update I would have skipped this one.

      You are a god to me!

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    3. I'm happy you found so many steals! Thank you for reading!!

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  8. I also like the Stella sale but I'm a large-extra large and had a tight budget. I found one dress that I liked and some underwear. I couldn't have afforded more so the lack of selection didn't bother me. They were pretty picked over and it was older styles..

    Although I had hoped for some of her "leather" bags, I did see a small crossbody that I didn't get and keep thinking about. If anyone got it and changed their mind, then please let me know:)

    ...hit Tocca afterwards and was shocked that the perfume was so expensive compared to sales in the past. Bumped into some people from the Stella sale which was fun:)

    Candles are probably prettier at NEST but I didn't have time to go.

    This sale season makes me wish I were a lot thinner and had more money!!:)

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    1. I agree with you on the money part but thin isn't something to be wishing for. I'm on the "larger" size as well and find sample sales have more clothes for larger ladies than for petite ladies because the smaller girls grab everything and anything they can which leave plenty of untouched larger items. Also I think women's brands in general have a lot more large sizes left unsold.

      I went to NEST and had a really great time. Today is the last day. You should try to go.

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    2. Extra small or extra large, I truly believe beauty comes from within. There is a look and style for every single person. It's all about owning yourself and being confident.

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  9. So true, both of you:)

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