*SAMPLE SALE* Schouler Zone Ahead

Proenza fans, set your alarm for daybreak and get ready to use your best coming-into-work-late excuse. Why? Because the bi-annual Proenza Schouler sample sale is back and it's so goooood! The sale, taking place at the company's SoHo corporate building, has actually been running since yesterday and, until now, was for invited guests only. Fortunately, the general public will be let in starting tomorrow at 9am. If you decide to stop by this 1-day Proenza extravaganza--which I highly recommend you do--here's what you should watch out for as the Schouler Zone is ahead.

Proenza Schouler has been hosting their popular sample sales on Mercer Street for the last several seasons but, this time around, the brand decided to go back to their old corporate space to hold their 2014 winter sample sale. When I dropped by earlier today, I found the sale divided into five separate rooms each housing a single category of merchandise: RTW, handbags, shoes, samples, and denims.

Handbags will be the first thing you'll see when you walk inside the sale tomorrow and, if you wake up early enough, you'll be greeted with piles of PS1 satchels placed on top of several large tables. Proenza Schouler's iconic PS1 bags were $399 and I spotted several colors like saddle brown, white, and grape. PS13 satchels were also available in purple and striped snake for $399. Another must-have item, PS1 Pochettes, were up for grabs as well and I saw them in neon yellow, grape, smoke, and army green for $299. In addition, PS11 totes were $399, printed canvas totes were $99, and chain wallets were $299. One thing worth noting, you're only allowed to purchase a maximum of 3 bags and 3 SLGs.

Shoes were situated in a room adjacent to the bags and everything was marked down to $99. The selection was diverse with styles that included ankle-strap pumps, chunky heel booties, silver strappy sandals, pointed toe pumps, metallic flat sandals, and suede platform booties.

In the large Ready-to-Wear room, nearly twenty racks of clothing from prior seasons filled the space. The sale carried the design duos' Fall '13 as well as Spring '14 designs. Items from the Spring '14 catalogue were discounted 70% off original retail prices while the Fall '13 collection was marked down even further with an additional 30% off the lowest price.

As for samples, there were six racks plus three plastic bins inside the sample room and prices ranged from $19 to $499. Within the racks and bins, I found basic tees, merino sweaters, fur jackets, evening-appropriate dresses, and more. Denims were also in such abundance that they needed a whole separate space next to the sample room. The selection of denim jeans included everything from acid wash to black and each pair was priced for only $19.

Accessories and small leather goods were definitely worth taking the time to browse through. PS1 wallets in both small and large sizes could be found in an array of colors. They were very reasonably priced at $69. Belts, scarves, and key chains were also available for $39 & below. Last, but certainly not least, the Proenza Schouler x MAC cosmetic line made a surprising appearance. Lipliners, nail polishes, and eyeliners were just $10. As always, you can check out the full price list at the end of this article.

Since the sample sale announcement was made at the very last minute, I doubt the wait will be super long tomorrow morning when the sale opens to the public. If you're big fan of the brand, use this to your advantage and get there as early as possible. Tomorrow is the only day to shop and you'll score big if you're one of the first shoppers inside. As they say, the early bird catches the worm!

Price list:

Handbags $399

Canvas totes $99

Chain wallets & clutches $299

Shoes $99

Keychains $39

Zip wallets $69

Belts $19

PS x MAC makeup $10

Spring '14 RTW 70% off original

Fall '13 RTW 70% off plus 30% 

Sample RTW $19~$499

Denims $19