Tim Hamilton Sample Sale

Today was the first official day of the Tim Hamilton Sample Sale in Chelsea. I made my way over to the West side of town amongst the art galleries in a large bright space the Tim Hamilton Sample Sale was taking place. It was a very calm and relaxing shopping experience. Although some items (the one-of-a-kind) were still being ticketed, everything is well organized and easy to see.

There is a bag check at the front, shoes upon entering the first room and the main clothing area is in the back. There are 3 change rooms available for try-ons. The environment of the sale was very chill and very calm. Staffers are friendly but pretty laid back answering any questions in detail but never hovering or making you feel uncomfortable.Women’s merch only comprised about 15% of the sale and was primarily current season/runway merch and one-off pieces.

There were 2 racks of women’s merch in a variety of styles ranging from tops for about $40-95 – including a pretty amazing angle seam body suit for $60, red organza button down tops for $60, cowl neck tunic $40. I spotted great novelty items like a high waisted cage skirt for $125 and organza harem pants for $100.

For someone willing to put in a little work, there was a fantastic very distinctive unfinished trench for $195 that is sans lining – if I was a bit taller I might have considered turning this into a project!

An amazing sheer cowl neck shirt ran $300.

Leather jacket was around $400, while a fabulous shiny trench on the wall was going for $600. The prices maxed out at $750-850 for architectural pony hair outerwear. For women’s wear samples are primarily sample/runway sizing – about a size 2-4.

This is a great sale for the Fellas! With about 7 racks of men’s merch and a table full of goodies, there is plenty to choose from. Much of the merchandise is from the runway and never went into production making it an Tim Hamilton original – this was available in only men’s sample size 40/32.

One-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal jackets were about $750 while a great graphic knit grandpa cardigan was $150. As for the tables, most of the merch is available in a full size range. Redux button-up shirts were priced at $95.

Men’s sweaters yielded some great bargains with cashmere v-neck basic sweaters in a waffle knit starting at $50 and maxing out at $400. I was also a fan of these cropped tuxedo pants but they were the only pair at the sale.

A couple of the most popular items included henley’s for $100 and ruched front hoodies for $75-125. The hoodies had a great weight to them and a really unique slight metallic sheen. The black cotton jacket above was quite amazing – it has a piece that can snap on in different ways and creating at least 3 slightly different looks.

As for general accessories there were some $25 scarves and $50 beach shawls. For the shoes, I only noticed women’s size 40 available and men’s 46 available. Boots/Italian shoes are $275, customized Docs are $150, Sandals $100 and Women’s Shoes are $350.

If you are looking for unique, high quality and detail oriented menswear this is truly the sale for you. Seriously great stand out pieces that will take your wardrobe to the next level.

Ladies, if you are sample size and looking for a unique one-of-a-kind piece, there are certainly some gems to be found although it is a fairly small selection. Fun to check out while you're bringing your fella for a style upgrade or if you're in the area.

Who: Tim Hamilton Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off Stylish gear including shoes, for both men & women.
When: October 1-3, 2010. Fri-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm
Where: 526 West 26th St (b/n 10th and 11th avenues) Suite 5B, 5th floor