Adventures in Sample Sale Land. | Le Hoarder
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A NYC -ish* Style and Shopping Blog

Monday, May 15, 2017

Adventures in Sample Sale Land.



So most of you know how dedicated I am when it comes to sample sale shopping. It's been a while since I've done a how-to tutorial for sample sales (read my last one here) so I thought I'd revisit it after finally editing these pictures from the recent NYC snowstorm. That was the day that I hitchhiked into Manhattan from NJ because public transportation in Jersey was down. I had to do it because I had seen a friend's Insta-stories boasting of $50 designer shoes (Rochas, Proenza, Marc Jacobs...) at the Jil Sander sample sale preview.

When I say hitchhiked, I mean it. I literally stood by the side of the highway and waited for a bus for almost an hour. I finally put up my thumb and waited for someone to pick me up. Is it safe? Maybe...maybe not, but I should mention it wasn't my first time LOL. Luckily a couple heading into work picked me up and drove me over the bridge. Even on a nice day there are often people who want to pay the carpool rate to cross the George Washington Bridge so they pick up a commuter or two so they can use the carpool lane and pay a few dollars less. I've been around the block a few times so I obviously use my judgement when getting in a car. This couple was friendly and I spotted the empty carseat in the back and figured they'd be a safe bet.





The great thing about NYC is that it pretty much is always up and running. I've lived there thru a couple serious blackouts and 9-11, when the City was pretty much shut down. Otherwise for the most part, public transportation of one kind or another is always running in Manhattan. Those aforementioned days were the only times I ever had to walk 70+ blocks back to my apartment. I actually used to walk 50-100 blocks a day when I lived there just because I loved wandering the City. There's a reason I packed on the pounds in suburbia.




Any smart City girl knows it's all about layering. Winters are bitter cold so you pile it on if you plan on being outdoors for more than 5 minutes. And on shopping days I never wear stupid shoes. Never. I knew I needed a serious boot so I pulled out my thrifted Pajar boots that are waterproof and super warm. For me it was about function, not fashion - though I threw on my cute $3.99 Zara sale scarf that I had just scored.

Thou it's not fashion,  I figured I'd break it down for those of you who appreciate how I little I spend. From head to toe:
  • Hat: H&M, $1
  • Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, free with rewards
  • Scarf: Zara, $3.99
  • Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale, $10
  • Bag: Balenciaga, Nordstrom Rack, 75% off
  • Coat: One of my husband's really warm coats - gift from my brother.
  • Leggings: Comm-ci, gifted (RV $69)
  • Boots: Pajar, thrifted, $20 (RV $200)






So I digress, I got into the City, jumped on a subway and headed down. I was lucky because above ground subways were closed, but the A train is below ground in upper Manhattan. I got there just after opening and my friend Belle (who took all my pics that day) was already there. She scored a pair of the Proenza silver booties I wanted but of course they didn't have my size. They actually didn't have ANYTHING in my size. So after all that....

I did make plans with an-Insta friend, Diana who was visiting the City so I told her to meet me at the sale. She scored some cute shoes and dresses so it seems I was the only unlucky one. Win some, you lose some. We headed out to byChloe which was miraculously open! For the first half hour or so we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. Then little by little people trickled in as the City began to awake from it's snow induced slumber. We took the train down to Century 21 to find it closed so we just grabbed some tea and hung out until we decided we all had enough.

Message to any other bloggers visiting NYC - feel free to reach out if you want to hang out or shop, and I love to take pics. I wouldn't call myself a photographer but I have a pretty good eye and some basic editing skills. If you want to see NYC on the cheap, I'm your girl!

In NYC plan to walk on a bad day. Subway service is spotty sometimes and it's almost impossible to call a car in bad weather. Poor Diana learned that the hard way. When she was with me I dragged her around on foot and via subway - which she quickly learned is the only tried and true way to navigate the City. She probably froze that day but I probably should have warned her to bundle up.  She did look super cute though :)


Diana






Belle thought she looked like a little boy that day but I thought she looked adorable. Plus the pops of pink were just enough to scream girl LOL.


Belle








Unfortunately the buses still weren't running over the bridge so I had to hitchhike back as well. I stood there for about 20 minutes helping people flag down pedestrian cars when a woman finally gave up and called a car service - and she was going to my town. My share was almost triple of what a bus would have cost but I figured it was worth the convenience, instead of hitching over the bridge and waiting for my husband to dig out the car and pick me up. Normally you can walk over the bridge to but the walkway was closed so I really had no choice.

So in the end, one could argue that FOMO got the best of me and I really didn't need to go after all. Then again, I have quite the story to show for it.

************

I don't always get around to posting my hauls so I decided to start sharing some of my best finds on a weekly basis. Last week I hit the Rebecca Minkoff NYC sample sale - I came for the preview and hung around waiting for a friend who came in with the public. I didn't go crazy because I plan on heading back for markdowns. I scored this Julian backpack for $75 that I probably didn't need but I really like the iridescent hardware. I also scored a few of these tassel belt bags for just $15 each! I grabbed a bag strap for me and a shorter version for Ella also for $15 each in the sample bin. I shared a peek of my strap on Insta here.

On my Insta stories I shared that H&M was having another mega sale so I popped into a couple locations. I found this coat for $7 from $99 and it rang up half price for $3.50!!!! Score!

And finally, these super cute Mimilore tassel earrings were in a swag bag from a blogger breakfast where I ran into Kyrzayda, a blogger I met when I was first getting started. I shared our meet-cute story here on Insta but I just have to say I can't believe I'm getting invited to the same events. For me that's a big win. In blogging you have good days and bad and it's easy to get discouraged. I was recently invited to an influencer event and the hosts pretty much ignored everyone - and fawned all over a couple bigger bloggers. The lesson is to be nice to everyone. As I grow I make friends big and small I try to show kindness to other bloggers just getting started because it wasn't always shown to me. So I try to treat others the way I wanted to be treated when I felt invisible. So for all those people who break you down - hang in there because there are some good ones who will lift you up and give you a hand when you least expect it.





So let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Sample sale season is in the house!

I'm gonna start with one of my favorite sale - Jimmy Choo. You can take a peek inside a previous sale report here. As far as strategy goes, get there early on day one for small leather goods and the best selection. But if you're thrifty like me and you already own everything, just go on the last day for markdowns. Last year I walked out with $50 shoes for my husband, the bag I dyed (see tutorial here) for $50, and a couple pairs of shoes for $100 that each retailed for over $2,000. This sale is epic. You can see other past hauls here and here. You can register for it here and use the password lance. You're gonna need your IKEA tote to haul everything home from this sale!

Jimmy Choo
May 16-18
Tues 11-7, Wed 8-7, Thurs 8-6
The Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th St.

My other weekly picks include the Modo eyewear sale for $20 designer glasses and sunglasses, The Best Kids Sample Sale for designer kids stuff (I usually get cheap hair accessories and odds and ends), 90% off retail at Alex & Trixie sounds worth a peek, and if I'm remembering correctly, The News has cheap jeans and such. Kendall & Kylie is new to the scene but it's a Clothingline sale so it may not be super cheap. But you never know.

The Best Kids Sample Sale
May 15-19, 10-5
34 West 33rd Street
This is a multi-showroom sale. Get a directory from security before you get in the elevator. Cash only.

Modo Eyewear
May 16-18, 11-7
594 Broadway, Suite 801

Alice & Trixie
May 17-19, 11-7
265 West 37th Street, 11th Fl

Kendall & Kylie
May 17-21
W-F 11-8, Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5
121 Prince Street

The News
May 18-20, 10-6
495 Broadway, 5th Fl

For the brides out there (I'm talking to you Belle!) check out Jenny Packham for Bridal, lingerie & accessories, Janis Savitt for some bling, and Eberjey and the Riviere Agency sales for your honeymoon.

Janis Savitt
May 17-19, 11-4
200 West 58th Street, Suite 12-B

Jenny Packham
May 18, 8-6
71 Gansevoort Street, Suite 2B

Eberjey
May 18-19
The Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th St., 8th Fl
RSVP required: rsvp@eberjey.com
*it's in the same location as Choo so you might as well...

The Riviere Agency
May 19, 11-5:30
139 Fulton Street, Suite 413

And for all sales ALWAYS BE FIRST IN LINE. It's the only way to get the goods.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there! I gave up expecting gifts other than small handmade trinkets from my kids - which is pretty much all I got. I told my husband after the Zadig & Voltaire sample sale last week that he got me a pair of boots (Teased on Insta here and here), a cluch and a belt - and I saved him a ton because it's all current season stuff still selling for full price. I'm a good wife after all :)

I spent my Mother's Day at the Rebecca Minkoff sale LOL. What better way to celebrate? Prices didn't go stupid cheap for bags so I grabbed a few for gifts, shoes which came out to $84 for 3 pairs (I split with Belle) and clothing went to $20 so Belle and I each grabbed a leather skirt. I found her the cutest sweaters and someone literally stole one out of her bag. Welcome to NY where sample sale shopping is a serious sport!

As always be sure you're following my Insta-stories for a peek inside the sales! Happy shopping :)

XO
Michelle the Fashion Mom







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33 comments

  1. Love the hardware on the backpack- I can see why you were drawn to it! I don't miss snow days but not looking forward to the humidity...

    http://asequinloveaffair.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! You really didn't miss much this round. And I'm not a snow person but humidity is the worst. Ugh...

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  2. I'm in love with the second look, the skirt is amazing!

    I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest outfit, http://nouw.com/bellss/minimalism-outfit-30128120. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana's skirt was pretty cute - probably not the best for a snowstorm thou LOL.

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  3. Glad you made in safely home ;-) Your writing always makes me laugh, I wish I lived in NY (except for those snowstorms lol, I'm "cold" today and it's in 67 degrees!) for a girls shopping day, same goes for you if you make it out to LA, of course you would still be showing me how to shop the sample sales here haha. Loved all the pics and your awesome sale finds as always!

    Tracy
    www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha 67 would be warm around here! Can't wait for you to visit NY - but I'll be ringing you next time I head to LA!

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  4. I definitely am so relieved that I got my lazy butt out of bed for Jimmy Choo. You were right (you always are) it was epic and I am so so excited to hit all the other sales this summer. <3 Being first in line is hard but totally worth it!! <3

    p.s: I still look like a boy but it's okay LOL

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  5. you two totally experienced for bad weather haha, I thought that I should dressed up haha. Anyway, I was glad that we met due horrible weather. I hope next time we can hang out when it warmer and do more wallet damage haha

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  6. Wow I've never hitch-hiked before and don't think I would dare to it, gotta admire your determination babe! You girls all look so cute and happy even though it must be freezing!!

    I'm always dressed for function during winter too - I can't stand the cold! I rely on my trusty Karrimor coat that I got at a steal in london during a closeout sale!

    XO Candi
    thelollychase.com

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  7. Girl, you always know how to find the best bargains in town for all those top brands. I'm so glad that you have posted all the locations and I'm dying to check all of them out and get some bargain pieces for myself!!! I should totally hit you up next time I'm in town so you can share some of the latest sample sale locations =P

    Thanks for sharing girl!

    xx, Jessie
    http://4evajessie.com/calm-the-fxxx-down/

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  8. You always crack me up with your posts. I cannot believe that you hitch hike and that you've done it more than once! Lol. You are one brave mama! You seriously find the best deals in the world! Man, that Balenciaga bag was such a score and all of your other goodies - I mean who buys stuff for $1 these days?! YOU! Love that Rebecca Minkoff bag too! So many amazing deals to be found and you know exactly where to get them. So glad you met up with Diana and took some photos! You did a great job and they turned out beautifully. Can't wait to see your next finds! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

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  9. You always find the best sales! I'm obsessed with Diana's skirt! Gorgeous!

    xo, Jennifer
    www.publicistinpearls.com

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  10. Wow, what an adventure you had that day. Hitch hiking to go to a sample sale in the stormy weather, hehe. I'm sorry they didn't have anything in your size but hey, at least you got to hang out with the cutest girls and take plenty of photos. Btw, i can't believe you found the Balenciaga bag for 75% off at Nordstrom rack, how come I never have such luck? Anyways, I'm excited to contact you if I ever get to go to NYC! Sounds like you know all the good places and good sales to take me to <3.

    -Lily from With Love Lily Rose

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  11. Girl you are so BOSS haha, hiking through that kinda weather to go shopping - that's true dedication that i can admire LOL. I also love how you were able to meet up with other bloggers too! I'm a fan of Queenhorsfall so it's so nice to see a collaborative post in a way.
    Honestly i'm a little jealous about how amazing of a deal that Balenciaga bag was ...75% off is a dream and it's seriously making me wait out the sample sale deals instead of just buying full price next time. you find the most amazing deals babe! NOTIFY ME NEXT TIME PLS LOL

    Wanderlustts
    www.wanderlustts.com

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  12. Love the pink sunnies and so weird to see photos of NYC in snow now but I still love it!!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  13. OMG! Loved reading about your adventures in the city hahaha
    I read all the prices on all the things you score all the time and I'm like WTF! You have a talent my friend!!!
    How was the Jimmy Choo sale? OMG! Can't believe there are some shoes there for $100!
    PS: You all three look adorable! Completely obsessed with this post!
    XO
    Aimara
    www.waysofstyle.com

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  14. I wish I lived in NYC not for the weather but for all the crazy bargains you find. You crack me up with all your adventures. How can you hitch hike and go out on a crazy weather like this? I'd be in couch with my PJ's watching Netflix. I guess yo have to pay somehow to get these amazing bargains. I can't believe you purchase Jimmy Choo shoes for $100. So nice that you met Diana and Belle. All of you look so good even in a crazy storm weather!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Aurela xoox
    www.aurelafashionista.com

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  15. Hey Darling
    Hows you?
    Can't believe the Big snow what you have there.... Good... Here in Portugal is so warm.
    So Amazed with your Deals and Shoppings:) you are A Shopping Boss:)
    It was so Fun to see you Girls having Fun:)
    Loved The Photos and the Vibe:)
    Snd that Jimmy Choo shoe for that price...ahha:)
    You are Amazing:)
    Wish you Amazing Day
    Love Open Kloset By Karina

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  16. Ughhh I am literally so jealous. If there's one thing that I'm totally feeling like I miss out on are the sample sales but if I lived there I would be poor because that all I would do. Along with go out and eat all the time. Loving all the steals you got!

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  17. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post! All of you look totally stylish and fun. Great layering! The perfect outfits to deal with the storm. Can't believe the weather up there, beacuse here is San Diego is super hot!
    It looks like you had so much fun while shooting. I wish I could take advantage of the sample sales, because I know that you can find great pieces to complement your wardrobe. You are a great shopping partner!
    Have a nice day!
    Vanessa

    http://thefashionstatement.net

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  18. I'm over here complaining about it raining! You are so adventurous! It sounds so incredibly fun to find these deals! It's like an all the time treasure hunt! That's probably some of the funnest part of it! I always find myself hunting for these sort of deals after I read your post! Always #inspired! All of your outfits are so cute and perfect for the weather! The Mimilore tassel earrings are too cute! Love the backpack and little bag as well! I've been SO into accessories lately and I'm normally not! Hope you are having a great week!

    Manda | http://EvocativelyChosen.com

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  19. Girl, I don't know how you had the courage to get out the house on that weather and even hitchhike to make it to the sample sale, haha. I'd never have your courage, but at least all that effort was worth finding some gems. After all, you always find the best prices at a fantastic price. Wishing you a great day! xx

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

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  20. Hahaha, sorry, but you wrote about the snowstorm in such a fun way that I'm chuckling while reading it. I remember that day when you went to NYC DESPITE the snowstorm and I was like, jeez, this girl is crazy. Now I know you better and understand your reasons why, but I still think you're a tad crazy, haha. I love your take on life in general and your take on sales and making the most out of life no matter how much or little money you have got in particular. You're a true inspiration and I'd love to meet up sometime in New York! :)
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

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  21. You're giving me serious FOMO here with all those damn sales!!! I would love to go to just a few of them! But you're a prime example of never come between a girl and her desire to shop and find a bargain! Sounds like you and Diana had a blast too!

    Helen xx
    http://helenchik.com

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  22. Oh my gosh you girls are seriously dedicated going to sample sale in this crazy weather!!! But I have to admit that all the pieces you scored are worth the treck in the snow. You and Diana and Belle are seriously bargain hunters. Major props $100 for the Choos.

    xo Sheree
    PoshClassyMom.com

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  23. OMG, you are so brave to hitch-hiked. hehe.. I am so glad you made it home safe:) But I can see going through all that trouble was worth it. All the pieces look so amazing. The things we have to do for fashion ;) It looks like you ladies had fun.

    xx, Maryam

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  24. Yes one of the things I love about NY is the big sample sales!!! Honestly theres so many great deals you can find out there. I have to say I love all the looks in this post even with the cold you manage to look so stylish and comfy at the same time which I really like because for me is very hard for me to pull off.

    xoxo
    Marcy

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  25. OmG how much information. You are lucky to live in NY. If I happen to come to you I'll write to you and lets go together if you can :) Always buy good clothes, I would say you do good business. ❤️
    Xx
    Eva
    www.themermaidfashion.com

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  26. I cant believe it was snowing!! You are a real shopoholic, girl! I love how you always find clothes for great prices, you could teach us a bit 😄You are so lucky to meet Diana :)

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  27. I have to visit soon so I can go sample sale shopping with you! You always find the best pieces at a steal! I would never be able to do bargains like that here in Denmark! I cannot believe you hitch hiked! 🙈 I would never have the guts to do so! Have watched to many scary movies 😂 Uh and that pin striped skirt with the light blue jacket = perfection! Such a stylish look!

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  28. That is so much fun and excitement to getting to the sample sale! I would have done the same if I were you, knowing all the goodies that are waiting for me. I am so jealous that there are such insane sales in NYC.
    Xo,
    Everest

    ReplyDelete

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