Sample Sale Report: Vivienne Tam

I dropped by the Vivienne Tam Sample Sale over lunch and was shocked to find such a calm scene. In the past, this sale has always been quite popular so I thought it would be full of ladies waiting to get their hands on some the latest beautiful butterfly inspired creations. Prints reigned supreme at this sale and added plenty of cheer on a day that started out rainy. Staffers were super friendly and willing to help shop and make recommendations.

It was very easy to breeze through this sale with almost no other competition. Although change rooms are not available, there are a couple of large mirrors available for shoppers to check themselves out in.

Merchandise was arranged by category (Jackets, Skirts, Dresses, Tops, Etc) and size. Sizes available at the sale were 0-2, 4-6 and 8-10. There was a large selection of all sizes but I felt that there was definitely more available on the smaller end of the spectrum.

There was no price list however merchandise was well marked on every item.
Prices were approximately as follows:
Blouses $50-95
T-shirts $45
Skirts $50, 95 or 130
Trench Coat $250
Dresses $95-230
Shoes $40
Belt $55
Butterfly Scarf $15 Cotton, $40 Silk
Chairman Mao Pillowcases $15 Small, $20 Medium

Some of my picks are below:

Butterfly print pieces from the Spring 2010 collection that matched Tam's Digital Clutch were available. Dress on the left was $495, now $180 (as seen on our friend Clutch 22). Dress on right was $795, now $295.

Super cute draped jacket was $550, now $165. Butterfly tank priced at $45.

Mesh ruffle sleeve top is now a bargain at $50 (was $275)! Applique Kimono sleeve blouse $95.

Mesh dress was $95 (?). Ruffle knit blouse was $350, now $140.

Small selection of accessories were well priced and displayed on a table with stock available from staff.

I think the best deal is for size 36 or 39 shoes! A small assortment of super cute shoes are now just $40! I think that they may have been fit shoes as the looked like they might have been tested but they are in relatively great condition. There were a couple random size 37s and a 35 thrown in the mix but 36 & 39 are the clear winners.

I contemplated going over-budget for this butterfly print trench that was just $250. Considering that come fall, trench coats are an item that could be worn nearly everyday, it's a purchase that would soon earn it's keep. But I decided that this time the budget wins and I reluctantly put it back for now!

I didn't have a chance to check out the sample rack but according to our friends at Racked.com they spotted a gown for just $30!

Bonus Points? Shoppers at this sale who spend $200 or more will be given a free butterfly print scarf in cotton! Also, if you sign up for the mailing list you have a chance to win a Digital Clutch of your own. Fingers crossed as I definitely entered :)

Go to this sale if you're looking for a pleasant sample sale that's anything besides bumping elbows. If you love digital prints or are looking for a super cute top/dress for summer there are plenty available at a great discount. Considering the quality of the merch, the details of design (cut-outs, embroideries,) and unique special items, this sample sale is very well priced.

Who: Vivienne Tam Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off 2010 Spring line. A silk chiffon butterfly-print tunic now $150 (was $375). Bonus. Shoppers who spend$200 or more will receive a FREE GIFT! (printed butterfly scarf)
When: July 14-16, 2010. Wed 9am-8pm. Thurs 10am-7pm. Fri 10am-6pm.
Where: 260 West 39th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 15th Floor. 212-840-6470.