Sample Sale Report: Stella McCartney

So I was uber excited about the Stella McCartney Sale today, but unfortunately couldn't drag myself out of bed to make it before work. When I walked by at 9:10am the line looked like it was about 40 minutes long so I decided to come back after work! A happy decision because when I returned at 6:30pm, there was no line outside and it only took me less than 5 minutes to check my bags and get into the sale. Please note that only cell phones and wallets are allowed inside the sale.

As soon as you walk in you are greeted by perhaps the best deal of the sale. All denim is $60 regardless of previously ticketed price. Some denim is cropped or has ankle zips, but I think my faves were the dip dye denim in black/grey wash, the dark beige metallic denim and the coated bronze sparkle black denim that looks like leather. The sizes were varied but I mostly saw 25-29.

The next thing I noticed were the bikinis that are all on sale for $60. There were assorted colors but one common feature is that none of them feature bra cups, which I personally feel is a must to prevent unfortunate poking through. The cutest styles were the red mesh (so Stella) and the lavender ruffle top/bottoms. You do have to dig through a box though, as some is displayed but the majority in a large cardboard box.

So the pricing system on other merch was anything that ends in a "9" was 50% the ticketed price while anything that ended in a "5" was 80% the original price. Basically anything that ended in a "5" was newer merch that hadn't already been marked down.

Handbags varied in price from $193 (was $965) for a patent and canvas tote to $280 for jeweled canvas metal strap purses to $250 (was $1245) for a quilted tote.

Now for shoes, the main purpose of my visit. Unfortunately I found out shortly afterwards that there were no size 35's at the sale! The majority of sizes ran from 36 to 39, but I did notice a good selection of size 40 as well. Some of the shoes were quite reasonable. Mesh flats for $100, Mesh pumps for $115. However, the more "runway" looking merch had a significantly steeper price. I was only able to spot 1.5 pairs of those super hot Mesh Basket Lucite heel sandals for $279 (was $1395), one half that I couldn't find the other side of was size 36.5, while the other was 37. The 36.5 did fit pretty small however and it's a bit narrow. The amazing beaded wooden clogs were $219 (was $1095). Many of the shoes were around $140.

In terms of clothes there was an array of different merch but the cheapest item I saw was one lonely tee shirt with "crayon" drawing for $29 (was $145). Other cami's and blouses varied from $119-200.

I saw adorable shorts for $93 (was $263) a lame skirt for $139 (was $695) trench coat for $279 (was $1395).

There was one rack of uber expensive merch that although was 80% off, it wouldn't make much of a dent in the near $7000 price tag!

The sale was definitely not cheap but it's still possible to get a deal especially if you're in the market for denim or a bikini. The shoes are reasonably priced as are some of the separates.

What: Stella McCartney
Why: Platform sandals for $179 (reg. $895), dresses for $139 (reg. $695), jeans for $59 (reg. $295).
When: July 14 & 15. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Ave