*SAMPLE SALE* Oscar Party

Although Oscar de la Renta has been consistently hosting invite-only sample sales in NYC, the company has not held a formal public bargain spree in nearly two years (though it feels a lot longer than that). For spring 2016, the fashion house has found a brand new venue to make their grand return to the sample sale scene. The company has enlisted 260 Sample Sale to be their host for a 6-day long event in SoHo. As previously announced, the doors will open today at 10am, but I took an early glimpse of the offerings during the F&F preview last night. With glitzy red carpet-worthy designs filling up the space, this year's Oscar (sample sale) party was off to a very glamorous and chaotic start.

Meticulously designed with a romantic sensibility and an exceptional attention to detail, each piece from Oscar de la Renta oozes elegance and class. Although yesterday's preview offered items mostly from the pre-Peter Copping era, shoppers were given a rare opportunity to grab deals on the brand's exquisite prêt-à-porter, bridal, and accessories designed by none other than legendary Oscar de la Renta himself.

To get started, let me begin in the bridal area situated in the back left side of the venue. There were four racks of gowns available for budget-minded brides and prices ranged from $1,300 to $4,000 depending on the material and style. There were tulles, sequins, beadings, satins, laces, chiffons, and appliqués that were simply too beautiful for words. As for sizes, they ranged from 2 through 10, but smaller sizes were running out fast.

Moving onto evening wear, there were five racks of the late Oscar de la Renta's floor-length gowns. These couture-quality creations were marked down to two price points: $800 and $1,500--again, depending on the material and style. I spotted vibrant colors, floral prints, graceful drapes, and delicate appliqués.

Items from the RTW section were just as beautiful. The discounted merchandise included a windowpane tweed suit for $475 (6th photo below), a buttonless sequin jacket for $999 (originally $4,290 & 7th photo below), a red polka-dot dress for $357 (originally $1,190 & 8th photo below), a pink satin sleeveless dress for $867 (originally $2,890 & 12th photo below), a sequin top for $185 (17th photo below), a lace appliqué silk blouse for $185 (19th photo below), and a beaded ivory skirt for $1,464 (originally $4,880 & 22nd photo below).

In addition, the sale offered significant (but still expensive) markdowns on furs. For instance, a pink mink coat was discounted to $9,800 (originally $28,000 & 23rd photo below) while an embroidered mink bolero was priced $8,750 (originally $25,000 & 24th photo below).

Shoes were divided into two categories and located in the back. Samples (some gently worn) were displayed on tables while boxed up overstocks were put on nearby shelves. As for prices, all samples were $75 but overstocks were marked individually. To give you a couple of examples, a pair of laser cut espadrille wedges were $148.75 (originally $425 & 29th photo below) while black scalloped bow pumps were $243.25 (originally $695 & 30th photo below).

In addition to apparel and shoes, the sale had on hand a small selection of accessories and homeware. Handbags, belts, scarves, jewelry, and dinnerware were set up near the checkout counters.

Judging by last night's large turnout and feverish ambiance, today's official opening will most likely be bustling with hungry bargain hunters. Fitting rooms were available with a limit of four items per person and I've been told there will be a time limit enforced for try-ons. Also, per the sale host, there will be no restocking. Hope you enjoy the party!