The Art of the Sample Sale

For cost conscious shoppers, the sample sale is a best friend.

I am always on the hunt for a good sample sale and have been to many all over NYC.

Although shopping these sales is sometimes insane, it really is the best way to get your hands on gently used or even brand new merchandise for dirt-cheap. 

(Well, compared to original prices)

Some of my favorite websites for keeping up with the sample sale scene are:

The Stylish City 

Racked 

and

Mizhattan 

I also use the NYC Sample Sales iPhone app

Since for now, I'm not in New York full time, I check for sales whenever I know I'll be in the area.

Yesterday, my friend Lizzie and I hit the Theory / Helmut Lang sample sale at Clothing Line.

Clothing Line is on 36th between 7th and 8th Ave and holds sales for some major brands.

Here's what it looked like:

Everything was pretty much organized by style and size, so finding things wasn't too much of a dilemma. 

Word of advice: 

Wear layers when attending sample sales because there often is no dressing room, or one big dressing room for everyone.

Contrary to the crowds and long lines, Lizzie and I both made some awesome purchases.

My favorite purchase was a Helmut Lang oversize knit cardigan for $50. Original Price was $425.

 

HI! Welcome to bonny-fide.

My name is Lauren and I’m a college student working unpaid internships, constantly surrounded by fabulous fashion I can’t afford. So for now I see things I like and I attempt to make them happen (in a less painful way that won’t break the bank). I recreate things, I make things and I look for cheaper options, or at least I try.

One of the best ways to get your hands on affordable designer merchandise is to shop second-hand. I like to think of it as buying a used car.  Sure the value has depreciated a bit, but you’re still getting great quality for a fraction the original price.

So to kick-start bonny-fide, I figured I’d share one of my favorite activities: Thrifting.

My friend Kristen and I met up with my friend and former supervisor Andrew Mukamal at one of my favorite second-hand shops: Beacon’s closet.  This Manhattan clothing exchange is the perfect place to treasure hunt. 

This is how it went:

A bit of the inside of Beacon's Closet. So many previously loved wonders. They also sell new jewlery from local designers.

Some VERY "Andrew" items.

 Awesome Surf Style pull over.

Some of Andrew’s thrifting advice: If you see an interesting print or fabric, check the tag.  If the tag looks legit, take a picture or write down the name.  This is a great way to learn about designers that you won’t find on style.com. I looked up the designer of this shirt: Mark Greggory Montano.  Pretty interesting.

Prints galore and Junta Watanabe tie-dye hippy jeans.

And the find of the day:  black trench by COMME des GARÇONS for $65!!! Obviously the newest addition to the closet. 

Thanks Andrew =]

So there you have it. With some time and patience treasures are discovered.

Don't forget to check out Andrew's daily video blog: Today's Look!