Midwest Finds: Gilt Groupe Warehouse Sale

Nothing can compare to the shopping in New York, the mecca of flagship stores, sample sales and tax exemption for clothing and footwear under $110. The sales tax in Chicago is 9.75%, the second highest in the country, but there's still some great shopping.

I've already got a few favorite boutiques and consignment shops.  And the sale and clearance racks at mass market stores in Chicago (ex: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Ann Taylor) tend to have a better selection than the ones in New York just because they're not as picked over. I always have a hard time finding my size in New York, but in Chicago I haven't had a problem.

A couple weeks ago, thanks to a friend I had a ticket to Gilt City Chicago's warehouse sale. It was a great shopping event - cocktails, DJ, and deeply discounted merch! Apparel and shoes were all organized by size, and there was a lot of staff on the floor restocking with goods from the fitting room.  I don't know how often Gilt does these sales, but I will definitely go to the next one.

I left the sale with four pieces - a Alice Ritter dress, a Adam dress, a Kai Aakmann vest, and Marni heels, all for 75-85% off retail.

Here's how I've worn my Gilt finds.

Hand-painted crepe dress - Adam
Donna clutch - courtesy of Katherine Kwei
Flower hair clips - Forever 21
Black pumps - Sergio Rossi

Black silk dress - Alice Ritter

Skinny belt - Urban Outfitters

Green satin clutch - vintage

Blue print heels - Christian Siriano for Payless

Charcoal gray vest - Kai Aakmann
Light gray long sleeve - Uniqlo
Floral jeans - Urban Outfitters
Black bag - Hayden-Harnett
Gray boots - 80%20

My new favorite heels - Marni