Mar 25, 2014

*SAMPLE SALE* A CoSTUME Ball

In case you're counting, there are 5 notable sample sales happening this week. Among them are the Costume National & Pierre Balmain events which are scheduled to kick off tomorrow. For those who are curious about these sales, I had a chance to preview the offerings earlier this afternoon. So give me your hand and let's waltz through the aisles of this Costume ball.

When I first arrived at the sale preview, the merchandise was neatly organized on tables and racks ready for shoppers to grab in just 24 hours time. Everything was discounted up to 70% off and I found each item individually priced.

Starting with Costume National, I was able to find the brand's signature avant-garde styles. The fact that there were only four racks of the brand's RTW disappointed me a little but, nonetheless, the selection was impressive. The outerwear section, especially, grabbed my attention. There were motorcycle jackets, tuxedo blazers, gorgeous navy trenches (6th photo below), fur-trimmed down parkas (7th photo below), and tailored wool coats. Prices on outerwear ranged from $359~$999. I also enjoyed browsing the two racks of dresses and tops as Costume National's iconic deconstruct/reconstruct designs are unique and eye-catching. As for prices, a metal embellished V-neck dress was $557 (2nd photo below), a sleeveless round neck dress was $273 (3rd photo below), a white shirt dress was $270, a black silk dress was $409, a bright orange shirt was $257 (4th photo below), and a black & beige layered cardigan was $257 (5th photo below). In the pants section, prices ranged from $178~$260 and I spotted everything from slouchy silks to tailored trousers (8th photo below).

If you like things a bit more rock & roll, there were tons of items from Pierre Balmain. In fact, the majority of today's merchandise was the French brand. To give you an idea on pricing, I spotted a striped metal mesh top for $255 (13th photo below), a studded collar shirt for $214 (12th photo below), an open-back brocade dress for $162 (15th photo below), a black & white leopard print jacket for $428 (14th photo below), and a black lace pencil skirt for $153.

As for accessories, there were belts, wallets, leather pouches, and handbags from both labels. Prices on belts seemed steep as I found them priced $99~$528. Wallets and pouches were average with tags between $83 to $189. There was an abundant amount of handbags which included oversized totes, travel carryalls, and evening clutches. A studded Pierre Balmain shopper tote was priced $486 (20th photo below) and a Costume National black python clutch was priced $657 (last photo).

There were no Costume National shoes when I was there but I was told a shipment would arrive later tonight and they would be out on the showroom just in time for tomorrow's opening. As for Pierre Balmain footwear, I noticed a few different styles such as studded flat sandals ($234 & 18th photo below), sneakers ($214 & 19th photo below), and pointed toe pumps.

Though I only glimpsed at the men's section, I spotted stylish suits, tees, dress shirts, knits, motorcycle jackets, and shoes. This week's Costume National and Pierre Balmain sample sales start tomorrow and runs through Sunday.

16 comments:

  1. Thanks Miz for your great review. The sale seems kind of pricey for a "sample" sale. 'Up to' 70% off .... I think we can probably to better on department store sales without having to trek all the way to the garment center. Thanks for saving me the trip - sounds like a skip to me, unless they drop prices .

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  2. Anyone know if there are any lines? Thinking of going up but don't want to stand in line...

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  3. Well, this was interesting! I like both Balmain and Costume National, and picked up a Balmain top in January, during the big sales.

    There was no line when I went to the sample sale today. In the back of the room, there were some random pieces by other designers--leftovers. I got a red leather jacket by Karl Lagerfeld for $360, which was a good deal. I like the jacket--it's a bit weird, but I like weird.

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    1. Weird isn't the word you're looking for. It's fashion-forward. I hope you enjoy your new "fashion-forward" jacket!! :)

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    2. Totally fashion forward. And I'm literally living in this jacket. I love it. Such a great deal!

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  4. Went today 3/26. Bought a wool costume jacket for $439 and a Balmain jacket for $289. Mostly smaller sizes, the styles left are sort of eccentric styles. Light traffic so you have lots of room to browse.

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  5. I stopped by around 3pm today. Very few people there, very quiet. There were some nice pieces, but most of what I saw were in size xs. I didn't end up buying anything.

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    1. I appreciate your update! I'm sorry you didn't find anything.

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  6. this was one of the best sample sales i've been to in a long time. no one there except for the few usual sample sale crazies (in a big huge empty room, does the one other woman have to hover over my shoulder and look at exactly what i am looking at?) there were a few "secret" lines there that were so amazing, a day later i'm still hyperventilating. my husband bought five pairs of pants and two shirts, i bought two coats and a shirt and i 'm going back on sunday to catch a few more pieces when they mark them down. it was amazing.

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  7. Prices were reduced starting today (3/29).

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    Replies
    1. Do you know roughly by how much? like was it an additional percentage off the stickers?

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  8. The final day mark down 30%.

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