Jun 19, 2012

*SAMPLE SALE* Preview J.Crew

Being a huge advocate of wardrobe staples, my closet consists of many J.Crew wears. So you can imagine my joy when I first heard that their sample sale would be returning this week. With invite in hand, I was dropped by the private opening earlier today where I was able to preview the sample sale merchandise available for public consumption tomorrow. So, would you care for a tour?

This is J.Crew's third time holding their sample sale at 260 Fifth Ave. And just as I expected, the sale venue was topped to the brim with merchandise from J.Crew & Madewell. My first stop was at the clothing racks, where I was definitely impressed by their selection. Clothes ran the color gamut, from eye-popping fuchsia to chic black. The types of garment also varied from silky silks to soft cashmere to the ubiquitous merino wool. I was happy to see that prices hadn't changed much from the last sale in November, but I was more impressed to find items from the current season. For instance, the $420 shimmer sequin cami from the J.Crew Collection was priced $149. I was also surprised to find the silk striped bow cami, the sequin block top, the jacquard keyhole blouse, the raindrop lace top, and the anchors aweigh pants, all at discounted prices. In the dress aisle, I spotted various styles from laces & cotton stripes to floral chiffons & graphic patterns. Other types of clothing such as chino shorts, T-shirts, blouses, trousers, down parkas, trench coats, cardigans, and tanks were available as well. Sweaters were $35, dresses were $30~$60, skirts & shorts were $40, jackets & blazers $110, trenches were $90, pants were $25, and denims were $40. As for sizes, they started at XXS and went up to L.

The selection of shoes wasn't as plentiful as the clothing, but I was able to find an assortment of flats, wedges, sandals, and heels. Sizes ranged from 5.5 to 10, and I remember seeing the Jayne T-strap ballet flats, the Viv leather flats, the Biella loafers, and the Martina wedges. They were each marked $100. I also spotted a few pairs of Madewell sandals & flats that were priced $65

Now, for the accessories. The jewelry section was as dazzling as ever. Statement necklaces, pendants, rings, bangles, bracelets, and hair pins were definitely drool-worthy. Rings were $15 while bracelets were $15~$35. Necklaces were priced $20~$60. If you fancy J.Crew handbags, you might want to get your hands on the Edie purses in red & pecan for only $80. Invitation clutches were available in various colors, and so were the Tillary purses. Prices for small leather bags were $80 while medium/large bags were $120. In addition to leather bags, there were countless $15 scarves, $25~$40 swimwear, $15 fedora/straw hats, belts, and other $10~$20 random accessories in plastic bins towards the back of the showroom.

The men's section was comprised of suiting, outerwear, button-down shirts, shorts, T-shirts, and denim. Finding items in small was a bit of a task, as most items were either medium or large. As for Crewcuts, adorable dresses, jackets, pants, shorts lined the racks and a plastic bin filled with tiny ballet flats had "Aww..." written all over them. Prices for Crewcuts were $15, $30, and $50.

Finally, there is a communal changing area with what I call "the least amount of privacy possible". So, if you plan on hitting this sale tomorrow or later this week, I suggest wearing leggings or running gear underneath so that try-ons are too much of an embarrassment. Also, do a quick price search online before you drop by to see how much of a deal you're really getting. I say this because, while there were many current season items at amazing prices, there were also a few items that didn't quite meet my expectation. But overall, I thought today's J.Crew sample sale was worth the trip. Oh~ one more thing! Expect CHAOS!!

Price list:
Cotton/Wool sweaters $35
Cotton/Jersey dresses $30
Party/Wear to work dresses $60
Wool/Silk/Cashmere skirts/shorts $40
Suiting jackets/Blazers $110
Trenches $90
Silk/Woven shirts $30
Tops $30
Chino/Cord pants $25
Tees/Tanks/Polos $15
Denim pants $40
Kids $15, $30, $50
Chino/Cord/Denim skirts/shorts $25
Flats/Sandals/Espadrilles $65
Heels/Ankle boots $100
Swim $25 & $40
Small leather bags $80
Med/Large leather bags $120
Belts/Ties/Pocket squares/Hats $15
Small fabric bags $20
Med/Large fabric bags $45

19 comments:

  1. Was there a good amount of Collection pieces?

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  2. Thanks so much for the report! We're there any silk Blythe pieces? I'm so torn on this sale because the current 30% off sale + 15% off student is always such a good deal.

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  3. To Anonymous above, There was one rack of collection pieces.

    Nadia, There was a healthy amount of Blythe shirts for $30 each.

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  4. Does anyone know if this sale is invite only? or is it open to everyone?

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  5. Johnny D,
    The sale is open to the public today.

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  6. I guess you get to go to the VIP sale if you have a blog and rave uncontrollably about how wonderful the sale is !

    I found it overpriced....but then again i didnt get to see all the wonderful samples that were taken the day before by bloggers who write puff pieces ..

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  7. anyone knows the prices for the jewelry?

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  8. How is the line today?

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  9. I have the same question - how is the line today?

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  10. I'm being told that there is a manageable wait in line but you should definitely bring some water for the heat.

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  11. What time of day do you think will have the shortest wait?

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  12. Try around 3pm. It's right before people start leaving work and well after lunchtime.

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  13. Any word on whether there will be further markdowns on the last two days?

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  14. Ruby Mines,
    Not yet, but I'll keep you posted.

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  15. Anyone know if there is any jewelry left?

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  16. As of 2:30pm, the line is down to the corner on 5th.

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  17. I went around 1pm today, there was no line. It's very hard to find small sizes in 0 - 2 (XS - S).

    Mizhattan,
    Do you think they will restock any small sizes?

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  18. Similar question to Anavel- will they provide any petite items?

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