SAMPLE SALES!
Coming from the fashion industry, I really appreciate the value of a sample sale. A little 411 for those who are not familiar, sample sale items are usually higher quality & cost more to make than their mass produced counterparts on the mass market. They are made for the sales department of said label, so they are carefully inspected for color, quality and fit as they will be shown to the buyers of retail stores who will base their buy on these sample sales items.
Another type of sample sold is the production sample that is approved or rejected based on a list of highly scrutinized points that must pass inspection prior to making it on a sales floor but to the average buyer woud probably not to be noticed. After some time, these samples tend to accumulate and labels need to get rid of all these samples, but rather than dump them, some will give them to charity but most will sell them and try to recuperate some of the money spent to make these samples.
You can find real treasures at a sample sale for a a tenth of the value. That being said....
I got my list of sample sales for Los Angeles this weekend from
Daily Candy, Los Angeles. Here's a cut & paste. Arrive early, the early bird catches the worm!
What: Kain Label
Why: Affect a Cali-cool vibe with cult-status tees, silk dresses, and lightweight knits from past seasons, priced $25-$125.
When: Wed.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at W. Ninth St., ste. 505.
What: Vince
Why: Nab the L.A. label’s luxe staples at 50-90 percent off, from soft sweaters, tees, and leggings to silk blouses and statement coats. Dress down your dude in plaid shirts, cashmere hoodies, and twill jeans.
When: Thurs., 5-9 p.m.; Fri., 5-8 p.m.
Where: 5410 Wilshire Blvd., b/t S. Cloverdale & S. Cochran Aves., 1st flr., Miracle Mile. Credit cards only.
What: eM Productions
Why: Up to 70 percent off the likes of Wren, Me & Arrow, Society for Rational Dress, Brian Lichtenberg, and Something Else, alongside awesome vintage finds. A portion of proceeds benefits the American Red Cross’s Hurricane Sandy efforts.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at W. Ninth St., ste. 402, Downtown.
What: Kelly Wearstler
Why: Decorate yourself with up to 80 percent off the design darling’s ready-to-wear and jewelry collections.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 7961 W. Third St., at Edinburgh Ave., West Hollywood.
What: LD Tuttle and
Unearthen
Why: Get decked out from head to heel with up to 70 percent off Unearthen’s otherworldly baubles and crystal pendants, and up to 80 percent off LD Tuttle’s next-level kicks.
When: Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 544 Mateo St., at Palmetto St., Downtown (213-613-1487).
What: Joie,
Current/Elliott, and
Equipment
Why: Get 75 percent off everything your closet longs for — pretty party dresses by Joie, broken-in Current/Elliott jeans, and chicer-than-thou Equipment blouses.
When: Fri., noon-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Siren Studios Orange, 1050 N. Orange Dr., at Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood.
What: Monique Lhuillier
Why: The organza and tulle will fly with 40-90 percent off the designer’s coveted bridal gowns and ready-to-wear creations.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 1201 S. Grand Ave., at E. 12th St., Downtown (213-747-8811).
