*SAMPLE SALE* Getting Carré'd Away

So, where do we start? The absence of Hermès from their traditional September sample sale definitely put a damper on our spirits. But, as it turned out, the French fashion house was just being fashionably late (thank goodness!). As you may have read from yesterday's early report, Hermès returned to the NYC fall sample sale scene with a big bang. If time is what they needed to get back on the saddle and get their groove back, then by all means. Ladies and gents, are you ready to get carré'd away?

I arrived to the sale at 6:30 this morning. The late October morning chill plus the on & off downpours got me feeling less than motivated but that didn't stop Hermès fanatics and professional line sitters from stationing themselves in front of Soiffer Haskin as early as 11pm last night. After shivering in the cold for a good two hours and a half, I entered to a warmly welcoming audience of scarves, enamels, timepieces, neckties, shoes, housewares, belts, fragrance, gloves, RTW, and shoes.

My first destination was at the scarf section where the de rigueur included lots of pushing and shoving. 90cm scarves were marked down to $217.50 (retail price $435) while 90cm dip dyes were $227.50 (retail price $455). Scarves were abundant and included many different shades of color. But keep in mind there was a limit of 3 scarves per person. Situated right opposite of women's scarves were men's neckties. A rainbow collection of Hermès silk ties were priced at $97.50 with a purchase limit of 10 per person.

The jewelry section consisted of a wide assortment of enamel bracelets and watches. As is the norm with such an attraction, chaos and frenzy ensued amongst the vitrines. 1-on-1 service by an SA was offered to shoppers but getting the attention of one was a monumental task since the glass counters were besieged by bargain-hungry female shoppers. Enamel bangles were available in 65cm & 70cm and I spotted Optique Chaine d'Ancre, Clic Clac à Pois, Capitales, and many more. Just like scarves, there was a purchase limit set at 5. Prices for narrow sized bangles was $237.50 while wide versions were $287.50. As for watches, I found single & double strap Cape Cods, orange leather strap Heure Hs, Barenia & white Kelly 2s, single strap Nantuckets, and several varieties of Clippers. They were all discounted 50%.

Ready-to-Wear for both women and men were marked down by half the retail price. Sizes ranged from 38~48 for menswear and 36~48 for womenswear. I found sweaters, pants, jackets, and shirts for both genders. Shoes were situated on the left side of the showroom and there were black suede knee-high boots for $1,037, Carina ballet flats for $350, and dark brown alligator sandals for $1,025. Sizes for women's shoes ranged from 5.5 to 11 while men's footwear was available from 6 to 13.

Hermès' fragrance also made a comeback this year. I spotted Un Jardin sur le Nil body lotion for $31 (originally $62), Voyage d'Hermès EDT for $45 (originally $90), 24 Faubourg dry oil spray for $32 (originally $65), 24 Faubourg jewel bottle spray for $105 (originally $210), Eau de Merveilles 10ml spray for $31 (originally $62), and Terre d'Hermès gift set for $57.50 (originally $115).

Belts (sizes 70~110), gloves (sizes 60~80), housewares, silver goods, baby gifts, beach towels, hats, handkerchiefs, and pocket squares were also all available at this sale for 50% off. I've been told inventory will be replenished but, judging by today's insane turnout, I have a feeling merchandise will not be plentiful come tomorrow. Therefore, I wouldn't wait around and take your chance. Get your hiney over there and get your holiday shopping done early at this year's Hermès sample sale. It's back and it's good.