Sample Sale Report: Elizabeth & James

UPDATE 10/17: As I called it, prices are now an additional 25% off through to the end of the sale.

I stopped by the Elizabeth & James Sample sale after work to moderate crowds browsing rack upon rack of neatly organized Elizabeth & James and Textile Elizabeth and James - the diffusion lines from growing clothing empire of the Olsen twins. The sale was typical of a 260 Sample Sale with neat organization, mandatory bag check as you walk in, communal change rooms and relatively speedy check out.

The front part of the sale was predominantly stock with prices as marked on every garment. This part of the sale held plenty of beautiful items of clothing but it was not nearly as bustling as the sample section in the back (pictured above). At the stock section of the sale, you'll find sizes XS / 0 to L / 10 in a multitude of styles from tee shirts, plaid shirts, jeans, furs, party dresses and more. Here are some examples of the product available.

Jewel shoulder tee for $61, a plaid short sleeve shirt for $33.75


Knit ponte vest for $79, Silk sleeveless blouse for $66

Camo anorak for $249, Fur vest for $191

Sequin blazer for $149,  jeans from $56-70, Chambray shirt dress for $50

Party dress for $99, Ponte pants for $66, Glitter moto pants for $91

leather moto pants for $224, Red fur coat $249, Fur trimmed jacket $324

Patterned blouse for $66, Plazer $99, Long chiffon dress $149, studded chiffon blouse $36

The back part of the sale consisted of true samples and the biggest bargains.  Although garments are significantly cheaper but you have to be wary of potential fit issues. Many samples were safety pinned or marked with masking tape. However, a large number of garments appeared to be final fit samples and didn't have very many flaws at all. The sample sizes seemed to vary but tended to be in the area of size 0-4.

Sample price list:
Tee's $15
Blouses & Shirts $25
Bottoms $30
Fur Accessories $30
Sweaters $40
Dresses $50
Jackets $60
Long dresses & Jumpsuits $60
Coats $90
Leather & Fur $120

After my digging I found myself taking home a very pinned pair of glitter pants that will need a bit of hemming but I couldn't resist for $30. The samples are moving fast, so if you are a smaller size in favor of digging, go early. Otherwise, I am guessing that the last couple days of the sale, stock will be further reduced. Not as cheap as the previous E&J sale held at the downtown offices but definitely a lot easier to shop and well worthwhile if you are a fan of the brand's effortless aesthetic.

Sample Sale Report: Elizabeth and James

While this isn't exactly a full report from the sample sale as I wasn't able to make it in during sale operating hours. I stuck my head in for a minute at the very end of the day and was able to snag a picture of the price list and interestingly enough how many of each item is at the sample sale. If you're looking for a pair of jeans or a blouse/shirt they seem to be by far the most plentiful item at the sale with over 200 units each and priced to go at $50. Staffers tell me that they are getting additional stock tomorrow, so the packs that I snapped pictures of are not all that the sample sale will behold. Prices top out at $00 for fur / leather and things for most part seem to be reasonably priced with tanks and tees weighing in at $20 and $30 a pop respectively.

From my brief glance in, I saw a lot of acid brights and just a hint of sparkle but not much left in the Fur/Leather category. Everything seemed to be organized on racks of type of item - skirts with skirts, tanks together although there did not appear to be more than a handful of each style. The showroom itself is spacious and well lit. Sizes seemed small and from past experience ranges from a 0-8. I will definitely be stopping by again tomorrow for a closer look and to snag a few things for myself. Watch my tweets for updates as I shop the sale.

Sample Sale Report: Elizabeth & James, La Rok & More!

I previewed the Elizabeth & James, Textile Elizabeth & James, La Rok and Patterson J. Kincaid Sample Sale yesterday and I had chance to snap a few pics including the price lists for the merch available.

The brands are divided up into 3 distinct little “rooms”, while overrun of Elizabeth & James shared space with Elizabeth & James Textile (menswear with a rugged feel and plenty of plaid). There were only about 3 racks of menswear.

2 Mirrors are set up for viewing, but they easily became crowded. There are no change areas, just tables in the centers of some of the “rooms” that you can throw your merch on while you try on. Bringing a friend is highly recommended.

One of the greatest bargains I spotted was with the La Rok fur. Though be wary as there are a few faux fur pieces in the mix. There was something that felt like a real mongolian lamb vest for $150! A bargain if you consider that at J.Crew a little Mongolian Lamb collar runs $98! I also spotted and picked up one of the La Rok skirts made of ostrich feathers that was a bargain at $50.

There is also plenty of heavily embellished metal bead jackets at $75 a pop. They remind me a bit of Michael Jackson, and so I love! I picked up the sole vest for myself.

This sale featured plenty of luxe looking girly frocks at La Rok for $80-100. For great printed daytime dresses, Patterson J. Kincaid had an abundance. I was particularly fond of a tribal print (not pictured) in an easy to wear dress for $70.

I spotted a leather biker jacket at Elizabeth and James and great boyfriend type winter wool coats with snaps for $250. Also a leather bustier dress for $150 and some great lace and silk tees for $40(?)

Sizes seemed to vary but I mostly spotted XS-M.

Who: Elizabeth & James, Textile Elizabeth & James, La Rok and Patterson J. Kincaid Sample Sale
What: Sample Sale. Cash & Credit Cards Only
When November 17-19, 2010. Wed & Fri 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-7pm
Where: 1384 Broadway 18th Floor (b/n 37th & 38th St)