The Official MissWYA Guide to Sample Sales

I’ve officially been in the “real world” a.k.a the world post college graduation for about five months now meaning I’m still pretty reckless with my money. I’ll admit it- I love shopping. Nothing gives me a thrill as much as finding something so amazing (especially at a great price). Working in the world of fashion and beauty, my routine of jeans and a tee shirt doesn’t always fly (although I’ve been known to rock it in the office while the rest of my coworkers traipse around in skirts and heels).

As I come into my own with my sense of style, I’ve found that the quality of clothing from my usual hangouts (Forever 21 and H&M in particular) don’t normally cut it. The jeans either fade or stretch beyond my size 0-2 frame. The sweaters pill and the shirts become dull and lackluster after two washes. I may covet the designer pieces but my sensibility tells me otherwise in terms of spending (umm $144 for a T-Shirt? I’ll pass).

This is where the amazingness (so not a word) of sample sales comes in. I have the fortune of living in NYC where there’s a sample sale practically every week. If you don’t live in NYC, check your local paper, blogs, etc. because you never know what might be around (and there’s always sites like Gilt, HauteLook and Rue La La that have the same benefit of a sample sale just from your home!)

Sample sales are a great way to invest in good quality clothing and accessories but at reduced prices. While it’s great to rack up on the Proenza’s and Wang’s of the world, they can be QUITE overwhelming for a beginner! Here are my top tips to getting the best out of them:

* Stay in the know. These sales are often advertised ahead of time- I say at least two weeks prior to them happening. Your best resource may be Racked, Madison Avenue Spy, Sample Sally, and my girls over at Sugar Rock Catwalk. These guys ALWAYS have the scoop! You can also check this site (shameless self promotion) as I tend to update the minute I hear of sample sales. Also if you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow the designers you love as they tend to tweet out details of samples sales; there are also several people (editors, journalists, PR people themselves) who get the heads up ahead of time and tweet it out before any blog (i.e: JimShi- dude always seems to know of everything ahead of times).

* Arrive early! This is important. Super fans tend to line up an hour and a half before the sale. If waking up at the ass crack of dawn isn’t your thing (and I don’t blame you), aim to get there a half hour before the sale. Lines are long and tend to move slowly. Not only are you stuck in a long line with chatty women, the stock inside is dwindling. Note: if you’re ever going to an Alexander Wang sample sale, get your ass there at minimum an hour before the sale- I always try to wing it and get there 30 minutes before only to be left in a line wrapped around the block.

* Wear comfortable clothing. This means it should be easy to take off, so leggings and a T is great for summer weather and in the winter I say jeans and a long sleeve shirt. The point is you want to be able to whip it off in less than a minute and throw it back on without having to worry if it’s tied/fastened/closed properly.

* Wear good and clean underwear. One would think that needs to go unsaid but you’d be SURPRISED at the mess I’ve seen (and wished I haven’t). Often at sample sales the fitting rooms consist of one large room with mirrors everywhere. There are no individual changing rooms and you’re surrounded by 20 half nekkid women. I tend to get anxiety and/or disgusted by the sight of women in thongs or floppy underwear so I just grab whatever XS/ Small/ 0/ 2 combo I can find. When in doubt, buy a size up- you can easily take it to a tailor later on to adjust.

* Be realistic. If you are like me and can’t take the fitting room situation - or in the event there is no fitting room at all- know what suits your body and buy clothes you will actually wear. Now is not the time to try that neon pink halter dress if your wardrobe consists of dark turtlenecks. If you don’t normally wear A line skirts, maybe now isn’t the time to experiment. You will only purchase something and later regret it. Stick with what works best for your shape, because returns are usually not allowed.

* Go with a budget in mind. Don’t go crazy and purchase every $50 dress in sight just because it’s $50. Try to take cash and leave your credit cards at home if you KNOW you’re incapable of staying within the budget.

* Don’t just buy to buy. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you should buy it. If you won’t wear it at least five times, put it down.

* Know your stash. If the piece won’t work into your current closet, put it down. There’s no use buying those high waisted trousers if you have to go to another store to find clothes that will go with it.

* Remember, quality not quantity. Samples are samples for a reason. If the seams are coming apart or there’s a major tear in the shirt, I say put it down. No use dishing out the dough only to realize later on that you can’t remedy the situation.

* Classics are classic for a reason. Don’t go to a sample sale and purchase too trendy pieces. Go for the well cut trousers, coats and shirts. You will get the most wear out of them, so it will be money well spent.

* In the winter, dress warm. In the summer have water bottles ready. Should you be stuck in a line, your throat and toes will thank you.

* UPDATE 3:18PM PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE. People often lose their minds at sample sales so there may be times when you might have to get a little ‘hood. Rather than knock someone out, breathe and walk away. I’ve been scratched (yes, animals) before over a $35 shirt so keeping calm is important. Also, finding something you like won’t always come as soon as you walk through the door.Dig through the boxes/bins/ racks/ what have you to find the right size or item for your wardrobe.

I’m sure there are more tips but these are my must follow rules. Know of an awesome tip I’m missing? Let me know in the comments!

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.