Nov 4, 2013

*SAMPLE SALE* A Dose of Dolce

Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana is snonymous with decadence and luxury. For the fall '13 sample sale season, the brand returned to NYC to host its annual sample sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The label's Sicilian heritage has always been favored by trendsetters abound and, judging by today's large turnout, even a sudden blast of cold air couldn't stop Gabbana fans from getting a dose of Dolce.

It's been over a year since Dolce & Gabbana hosted a discount shopping spree. I had such a great time at last year's event that I hoped this year's sale would continue to live up to expectations. Unfortunately, it did not. Though merchandise at today's opening was abundant, I noticed prices were up (oh no!). While everything was marked down 60~90% in Sept '12, for Nov '13, merchandise was discounted 10% less. So, if you're willing to pay a little extra for Dolce & Gabbana's past collections, here are my findings.

I'll begin with women's ready-to-wear. Rows and rows of cocktail dresses, floor length gowns, jackets, trench coats, skirts, knits, lingerie, pants, jeans, and T-shirts were organize by category. While browsing the apparel section, I noticed there were tons of stylish cocktail party frocks to choose from. If you're in the market for a statement dress to wow everyone at upcoming holiday parties, this is the sale for you. Cozy separates to keep warm this winter, not so much.

As for prices, a leopard print-lined trench coat was $590 (originally $2,950), a sleeveless silk floral dress was $1,147.50 (originally $2,295 & 5th photo below), a black polka-dot dress was $498 (originally $1,245 & 4th photo below), a sequin evening dress was $1,270 (originally $6,350 & 1st photo below), a jeweled neckline dress was $1,168 (originally $2,925 & 2nd photo below), an embellished jacket was $870 (originally $4,350 & 10th photo below), a lace-print silk skirt was $223.50 (originally $740 & 9th photo below), a gray embellished jacket was $2,030 (originally $5,075 & photo above), and a brown tweed jacket was $418.50 (originally $1,395).

Women's shoes and handbags were situated in the back of the 4th floor showroom and the selection was less than impressive. I spotted only a few Sicily bags and mini Sicilys. They were available in patent nude ($947.50 & 16th photo below), embellished raffia ($1,330), and crochet. Other than the Sicilys, there were evening bags in feather ($1,438 & 18th photo below), oversized raffia totes, black leather fold-overs, garden totes, and canvas luggages. As for footwear, a pair of jeweled sandals were $378 (20th photo below), red polka-dot peep toes were $148.50 (21st photo below), black strappy sandals were $397.50 (22nd photo below), and very noticeably worn satin sandals were $202.50. Sizes were available from 35~40, but the majority were 39s.

Men's merchandise was bountiful. Male shoppers were greeted to a wide variety of button down shirts, blazers, suits, T-shirts, coats, and trousers. As for shoes, the racks were located in the back right and comprised of mostly dress shoes.

Finally, let me take a moment to write about accessories. Located near women's footwear, I saw 10 bins of leather and woven belts. Jewelry was displayed in glass cases placed near the checkout counters. When I took a glimpse, I found a healthy amount of eye-catching earrings, necklaces, pins, and bracelets.

This wraps up you're daily dose of Dolce. Remember, the sale ends this Thursday. Happy Shopping!

21 comments:

  1. Girl, you are amazing for standing in that line in the cold. I went to Barbara Bui instead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anything for my Mizhattanites! :)

      How was the Barbara Bui sale? Did you get anything good?

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    2. My report is up. I got a handbag before they were all taken but overall it just wasn't for me. The discount was amazing but the apparel wasn't really my style. The one blouse I liked wasn't available in my size. Checkout took forever (like an hour for 10 people). I'm hoping for better luck at the rest of the sales this month.

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  2. menswear is stacked!

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  3. Barbara Bui was okay. Everything was 80% off There were a few 90% off -
    But everything is pretty much gone by now. There was very little stock left when I was leaving - and will not be restocking. The check out time was insane !! I got there around 11:30 and was finished shopping by 12 but I waited an hour ad a half to check out !! The checkout line was crazy - and moving really slow. There was only one person ringing people up and he was doing it manually. If you haven't gone yet - I say skip it - nothing still there is worth having (no bags cuffs, accessories left)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you put your comment in the wrong section. Wouldn't it belong better in the Barbara Bui sale listing?

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  4. Dg another disappointment compare to last year. Feel free to skip w/o any regrets

    ReplyDelete
  5. Please read that mizmanhattan asked me about Barbara bui!
    You must be a tpf'r purse forum...those girls have fits too about a comment being in the wrong section! Sorry you have trouble following a slight conversation switch..geez

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  6. SO AWFUL. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME at D&G. they were so disorganized getting people in and out - the people doing bag check, apparently, were first timers and didn't know what they were doing. it took forever (in a tiny hall) to check in and pick up bags because they were taping the number tags on the bags and of course they will not be visible once put on the shelf. people were like, "black coat, not that one, no, no, no, it has fur, no...oh yes that one, oh and a black bag too.." not the mention that apart from women's dresses from 2013 and 2012, there was really nothing worth buying and even those dresses were just too expensive at this point. things get marked down 50% 60% at their flagships at the end of the season.

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  7. I was at the D&G sale last night and it was decent. Waited in line for about 25 minutes (when people left, that's when they let people in). Even with some items going for 80%, some things were just still too expensive for me. I did pick up a shirt and checked out some really nice rain boots but decided to pace myself on the spending because I still have more sample sales to attend with C.Wonder being next. I would say attend if you can. You never know.

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  8. Replies
    1. two racks of clothing for kids but its still expensive. most of the items were from 2012 and 2013.

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  9. Any intel on whether they will slash prices tomorrow (the last day)?

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    Replies
    1. Prices are still the same. I will let you know if anything changes tomorrow.

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  10. Prices have been reduced. 70% off on 2012 and 80% off on 2011. All D&G items are now 80% off.

    ReplyDelete

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