Jun 25, 2013

*SAMPLE SALE* Wrap It Up

Diane von Furstenberg's sample sale finally opened its doors to NYC bargain shoppers today morning. Whew! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind adventure. When news broke that DVF might skip this summer's sale, it was a shock to many fans including myself. Thankfully, everything has returned to its rightful place and all is well (but not without a little drama inside).

Surprisingly, when I arrived at the sale this morning, not many people were waiting in line. I quickly learned that the sale organizers opened earlier than planned. I was told by a 260 staff member that they started letting in shoppers around 8:30am. This was a godsend as I was worried about today's hot & humid weather. So, with only a handful of ladies anxiously waiting in front of me, I was let inside within minutes of my arrival. Entering the showroom, I found the space filled with DVF's fabulous prints and exotic patterns. The inventory was more than adequate for a 5-day long sale, even to the point that I found the aisles narrower than usual to accommodate the additional racks of clothes.

Speaking of clothing, lets dive right in to the offered selection. Summer really is the best time to bring out colorful patterns and today's sale had lots of DVF's signature styles. From busy spirals to graphic florals, I spotted many dresses that can add the maximum "wow" factor to your style. Prices on RTW were almost identical to last December's sale. DVF's iconic wrap dresses could be had for $150 while evening frocks were $275. Blouses were priced $80, sweaters & skirts were $80, and coats were $350. Also, I would like to mention there were more sample racks this time around. I spotted 6 full to the brim racks of samples situated near the fitting room in the back corner. Samples were priced $50 and damaged items were $30. As my usual rule, you'll want to head here first. As for sizes, today's inventory was fully stocked with sizes ranging from 0 (petite) to 14 (large).

As I mentioned earlier, the aisles seemed much narrower than usual. Claustrophobic people and people in general should be aware that unwanted bumping, shoving, elbowing, and poking will be the norm throughout the duration of the sale. For this reason, I highly suggest my fellow Mizhattanites try to keep their cool when it comes to the chaos inside. Let's remember, the lack of spatial awareness is a long standing tradition when it comes to bargain shopping. And for whatever reason, please please please DO NOT FIGHT like you're in kindergarten. I stumbled across a small tit-for-tat feud between two shoppers today. These two ladies were arguing about who found what first--grabbing at the item in question like a tug-of-war game, yelling that they would go "tell the staff"--all right in front of 20 or so ladies waiting in line for the communal dressing room. Sigh~ Anyway, let's move on.

The handbag section was situated near the cash registers. 13 plastic bins were filled with clutches, top handles, crossbody purses, and leather totes. There were a few designs that I noticed such as the 440 top handles, Adele clutches, and Tonda box clutches. Tonda clutches were available in various styles like studded leather, snake skin, and metal mesh. All leather handbags were priced $285 while clutches were $100. Adjacent to the bags were boxes full of small leather goods, accessories, and a single rack of scarves. Everything was priced under $100 and there were belts, wallets, and iPhone/iPad cases.

Finally, let me take a moment to mention the dressing room. The queue to try-on items moves very very slowly. This is where the bottleneck happens and for this reason you'll be spending a lot of time waiting around. Instead, I suggest you wear something light and thin so that you can try things over your clothes. If you are shy and can't fathom trying on stuff in front of a huge crowd, you'll want to bring a friend along. The reason is that each shopper was only allowed to try 10 items with NO HOLDING. That's right. If you have 11 items, you'll be asked to throw one item away. And that is a choice I don't want to make, do you?

For those seeking bigger bargains and a somewhat smaller crowd, further markdowns are expected later this week. I'll make sure to keep you updated via a comment below and Twitter. Okay folks, that's a wrap!

Price list:
RTW
Gowns/cocktail dresses $275
Wraps and vintage $150
Dresses $125
Jackets $125
Blouses $80
Shorts $60
Skirts $80
Pants $80
Tights $10
Coats $350
Sweaters $80
Leather $250
Samples $50
Damages $30

Handbags and accessories
Handbags $285
Crystal/Studded clutches $100
Canvas bags $60
SLGs $50
iPhone cases/Small tech $20
Belts $60
Scarves $75
iPad clutches $70

41 comments:

  1. Yay! I've been waiting for your review! Is it cash only? Or are credit cards accepted?

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  2. Hello there Mizhattan, I just wanted to take time out and say Thank you for the quick update/information.

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    1. That's what I'm here for! Thank you for your kind words :)

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  3. How long is the line right now??

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    1. I'm told by a fellow reader that the wait is 10-15 minutes as of 3:15. The larger crowds will come after work.

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  4. Thanks so much for the great review!

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  5. Do u know if they had the scotia lace pencil skirt at the sample sale?

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    1. I'm very sorry but the inventory was overflowing, so I can't be sure whether I saw it or not. Maybe another reader can chime in and help.

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    2. I did see that skirt in a small(ish) size.

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  6. Hi Mizhattan, love your blog as much as my husband and my wallet despise it. Just a quick note to to straighten things out as I am one of those ladies involved in the "tit-for-tat feud" this morning. To clarify, there was only one lady screaming for staff (not me) and yanking the item in question (sequined jacket in case anyone cared to know; apparently the only one of its kind at the sale) from my bag). I have frequented sample sales for over ten years and I have never before been attacked by a fellow shopper. When she realized that she had no case and was not going to get any help from staff she apologized and pleaded with me to give her the jacket she so very much wanted. So I did. And... I would have given it to her had she simply asked me in a civilized manner in the first place. So to all of you ladies out there... please be polite to your fellow shoppers, that will take you much further than bullying. And to the lady with the sequin jacket... I hope you enjoy it and never do that to someone again! Namaste.

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    1. I was right in front of you! I was waiting in line to go into the dressing room. I totally think the other lady was out of her mind. She huffed past me after she dropped the jacket. I completely think it was uncalled for. And yes we should all keep our cool as Mizhattan says. No need to fight we're all getting a deal anyway.

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    2. OMG I was on that line as well. I can't say whose fault it was because I was talking to my friend. Our conversation stopped because of the yelling and my friend told me I should take a video and send it to Miz. The argument ended as soon as it began so I didn't have time. From what you say it does sound like the other person was at fault. Was there only one jacket in that size?

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  7. Today is the 2nd day of the DVF sample sale. Will you be dropping by? Let me know what you get, how the line is, and how things are inside. Thank you!

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    1. I stopped by today around 2:30 pm. Not a long line to get in, but you were very right that the line for the dressing room moves very slowly. There doesn't seem to be any time limit for how long people can stay in the dressing room. Thanks for your blog - love it!

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    2. Thank you for letting us know!

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  8. What's the address?

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  9. Does anyone know what the line is like at the moment?

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    1. A friend who just finished shopping told me that there were 20 or so people waiting. Not a long line.

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  10. does anyone know if they're opening their doors earlier than their scheduled time like they did on the first day of the sale? thanks

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  11. Just got the email from 260 sample sales; additional markdowns tomorrow and sale extended through Sunday.

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  12. What time do the additional markdowns take effect today, Friday?

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  13. Also just so you know- last year I was yelled at for trying on clothes in the aisle over my leggings

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    1. Really?? I never heard of this. I've seen plenty of people try things on in the corners. Perhaps it was because you were doing it in the aisle and blocking traffic flow? If this is true, I will retract my previous advice.

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  14. Hey! Does anyone know how it will be after 6pm today?

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  15. Hey! Does anyone know what the new prices are like?? thanks!!

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    1. I saw the reduced pricelist on samplesalesuccess.com

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    2. 260 has a photo of the price list on their instagram

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  16. not much to covet for size 0/P unfortunately...

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  17. I went on Friday at 2pm and there was not much for 10-12; also it looked more like a Fall Winter sale with heavier fabric, long sleeves and darker colors than a summer sale; I also saw merchandise from the last two DVF sample sales which I didn't expect. I thought the sale was a bust; I bought 3 dresses which I will save for colder weather.

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    1. Thank you for your insight. It's very much appreciated!

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  18. will there be further reductions on the last day?

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  19. Any idea what the additional markdowns are? I might head over this morning..

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    1. No word from 260. But I'll keep my ear to the ground. If anyone goes, please let me know how things are inside. Thanks!

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  20. I know it's getting too close to the end but just letting you know that they are open until 7PM today.
    Everything has been further marked down.
    Dress $85
    Blouse $40
    Sweater$40
    Sample $30
    scarves $50
    Many thanks and perennial love to you, Mizhattan!

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