Sample Sale Report: GAR-DE and Friends

Dropped by the GAR-DE and friends sample sale after work and stepped into a spacious and calm shopping environment. There was room to breathe the racks were full but not jam packed and I could look at merchandise at my own leisure. Before you stop by make sure that you hit up an ATM as it is Cash Only on purchases under $100 or for a speedy checkout. Also note that there are no fitting rooms so be prepared to try clothes over or beneath tank tops or skirts. Fortunately there are 2 large mirrors for your perusal. There was a a mandatory bag check at the sale so be prepared to pull out your wallet and cell phone while you shop.

I immediately jumped to look at the GAR-DE merch and was drawn to this tribal Lego look print and started trying pretty much all of it on right away. Since the staff asked me not to take any pictures of pricing all prices are from my memory. Since I was looking for a long time at the Lego print the prices were approximately: Tanks around $40, blouses $60, shorts $49, dresses $70, Silk Jacket $98. There were also some of the same lovely styles in a silk crepe de chine in a beautiful mushroom tone.

There were some bright but earthy toned jersey twist back maxi dresses for around $60 and an ethnic look cotton woven dress for around $58. Leather and suede jackets were gorgeous and ranged from $249-295, but mostly in the $249 category. Some were perforated leather, others a mix of textures but all were interesting. Sizes ran from XS-L as far as I could tell but they tended to fit a bit small and I ended up sizing up to ensure I could wear the lovely Lego print dress I ended up scooping up after eating. There is an ease to these clothes and yet they are sexy and edgy simultaneously. The fabrications are high quality although some of the bottoms in the light color were a little bit sheer. Sweaters were neatly stacked and priced at $75 but I didn’t take too close a look. Current season merch is 50-60% off retail.

As for past season merch with a yellow or pink ticket, it’s an incredible 70-90% off retail.

Also at the sale was womenswear by Hyden Yoo, Rogan and Shae. Hyden Yoo had some really cute layered shorts that I tried on for $45. All the clothes by Hyden Yoo had a very clean and crisp aesthetic. Rogan and a beautiful rust colored silk shirt dress that I was admiring for around $90(?). Shae had some cute striped knits but I didn’t have a chance to look at it too thoroughly.

There was also a selection of shoes by 80%20, most appeared to be in the size 8 category and were at least 50% off retail. If you are a lucky size 6 however there was a bin of shoes that was just $25 a pair.

If you are looking for some high quality merch by a very talented emerging designer, some sexy little leather jackets, or a size 6 foot, don’t miss this sale.

Who: GAR-DE Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on suede and leather jackets, sweaters, dresses, tops, skirts, short, pants, and more, as well as Hyden Yoo womenswear and 80%20 shoes
When:July 13-16, 2011. Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Where: 135 West 36th St (b/n 7th Ave & Broadway) 14th floor. 212-967-8289