Sample Sale Tips
Sample Sale Tips
I can’t believe I was only recently introduced to the world of sample sales. I tend to be OCD about shopping and rarely ever shop without a plan. Or go into a store without knowing exactly what I want to buy. I used to write off sample sales because I was convinced they were all as crazy as that sample sale scene in Broad City (anyone know what I’m talking about)? But, I started giving sample sales a chance this past year and am now obsessed. Case in point, I was able to snag this amazing Reformation dress for over 75% off (!!!) – and because I loved it so much, I just had to get it in two colors.
Although I’m still a bit of a sample sale newbie, these are the best sample sale tips I’ve picked up over the past year. I will say NYC is by far the best city in the states for sample sales (LA has more and more each year as well!), but I am sure local designers/boutiques in other cities will also have them from time to time.
How to find out about sample sales:
This is one of the most important sample sale tips. If you follow brands you love on social media, they will usually promote sample sales there. I like Instagram best for this. I also like to follow Racked LA as they post a comprehensive list of all the best sales in LA that are happening each week. Some LA based brands that have had sample sales in the past year include For Love and Lemons, Stone Cold Fox, Flynn Skye, Show Me Your Mumu, Minimale Animale, Nasty Gal, and more…
What to wear to sample sales:
In my experience, it’s typically a bit of a free for all when it comes to trying on clothes. There isn’t usually a formal dressing room, maybe a section that is partitioned off from the merchandise – needless to say, you will most likely be trying on clothes in front of a lot of other people (no boys allowed). Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that you can easily change in and out of. I also recommend nude underwear so you can better gauge how items will look on.
Come prepared.
This is one of my sample sale tips you should not take lightly! Depending on the popularity of the sale, there may be a long line. Bring a friend, snacks and a bottle of water, an extra phone battery, whatever. Patience is key. If you’re really into a brand, go early.
Be prepared to DIG.
This is a sample sale, not Saks. At best clothes will be hung up on racks and organized at the very beginning of the day, but after hordes of girls have combed through, there won’t be any method to the madness at all. Better yet, clothes might just be thrown into giant bins and you’ll be diving in with a bunch of other girls looking for your size. It’s like shopping at Forever 21 x100.
Some of the clothes might be last season’s designs but sometimes you can come across items from this season if they have a minor defect or were originally a sample. Always be sure to check for minor defects (they should be disclosed, but sometimes they aren’t) – keep an eye out for things such as minor stains, small tears, or a broken zipper. Definitely try to negotiate on the price of these items if your heart is still set on them.
Be open minded.
Try not to go into sample sales with too many expectations. You might still be haunted by the dress you fell in love with last season that got away, but it may or may not be there. Instead, keep an open mind to the opportunity in front of you. You can truly find astounding deals at these things. However some days there might be nothing that catches your eye, which brings me to my last point…
Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Just because something is on sale, doesn’t mean you’ll wear it. A sale isn’t enough to motivate me to purchase. If it isn’t something I love and would have bought at full price, I won’t buy it. I’ve learned through experience that those pieces usually just end up in the back of your closet and you end up spending way more than if you had just invested in one quality piece you will end up wearing over and over.
So there you have it. What I’ve learned by going to sample sales. Sometimes it’s a gold mine, sometimes you go home empty handed. Either way, it’s worth checking out for yourself. What are your thoughts on sample sales? Do you have any sample sale tips? Love ’em or hate ’em?
xx, Amy
This dress is so cute! =)
~Alyssa~
shesalyssarenee.com
Follow Me:
Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin
Thanks Alyssa, that’s so sweet of you! xx
i love this dress!! its so pretty
http://www.carolinapinglo.com/
Thank you so much Carolina! xx
Great tips!
Love your dress!
xo.
http://www.itswhatsin.com
Thank you babe! xx
Nice! I miss my weekly raids, but definitely do the Minkoff sale if you’ve never been. And Joie/Equipment is also another favorite of mine 😀
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
Thanks Lauren! I missed the most recent Minkoff and Joie/Equipment sales but will be sure to catch them next time they’re in town. Hope to see you in LA or the bay soon! xx
I look forward to that, I have scheduled a quick trip to LA in October, but hopefully I’m a bit more spontaneous before then 😀
First off, I love this peach dress on you! You are the cutest Amy! Thanks for sharing your sample sale tips. Honestly I am fearful of them, but I always want to go and see what’s there bc I know I am so missing out. I will definitely have to keep an eye out for upcoming ones and take the plunge, and who knows, maybe I will see you there! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Hi Christine!! Tbh I was super scared of sample sales too (re: that Broad City episode where Abby and Ilana go to a sample sale… don’t watch it if you haven’t already, you’ll be terrified) and my very first experience was NOT pleasant – I waited 4 hours in line and went home empty handed. Yikes! BUT you really can get some wonderful steals. Sometimes it’s a bit of an investment in time, so I try to do my research before hand! Lmk if you ever have any questions or want to go sample sale shopping together! xx
I know what you mean. I’ve been scared off from sample sales after the wedding dress scene in Friends haha I might have to take your advice & give it a go though. Thanks for the tips! BTW, that dress looks amazing on you!
TFM BLOG
Thank you so much Shannon, you’re so sweet! Don’t be scared of sample sales, you can find seriously amazing pieces at prices that are tough to beat. Lmk if you decide to go and get anything! xx
Lovely dress! Love the cut out back!
My Small World
I adore the back of that dress! Great post girlie.
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhiteT.com
Thank you babe! xx
What a stunning dress – such a pretty shade. I love your tip about being able to walk away! That’s so important. Not all sales will work out. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Thanks Carmen, you’re too sweet! I think that is the biggest thing for me – although I also try not to waste my time, so I only go to sales I’m really excited about!
Nice dress, I love its style and the color!
xo, Alessia
http://www.fleurdhiver.com
Thanks Alessia! xx
Looking lovely!!
http://www.falifo.com
Thanks Olga! xx
You look amazing in that dress!! The concept of sample sales is really interesting, but I doubt we have events like that down here where I live 🙁 I would love to live in a bigger city where I can experience something like that, haha.
http://www.thewanderingkitsune.com
Thank you Nicole! Where do you live? Even if you don’t have big name sample sales, local designers/boutiques will usually have some kind of sale! If not, thanks to online shopping the sales online are sometimes just as good if not better! Thanks for reading xx
Lovely post! Maybe we could follow each other on GFC and instagram @djonovic_milica? If yes, follow me and I follow back as soon as I see it.
Let me know with a comment on my Blog
http://intonezzee.blogspot.com/
kisses
Thanks for the sweet words Milica! xx
Amazing dress, you are looking so lovely dear!
Very helpful tips! I’ll be in out in LA next weekend so hopefully we can make it over to some kind of sample sale.
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/
Thank you babe! That sounds so fun – lmk if you go to any! Also if you need any LA recs I’m happy to help 🙂 thanks for reading doll! xx
Dress is amazing and you look gorgeous !
http://chicglamstyle.com
Think you really dare to wear that shoes!