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The highly anticipated Tamara Mellon sample sale is back, and markdowns of up to 90% off await shoppers at 260 Fifth Avenue. We checked out last night's preview and found a lot of shoes—but a lot less clothing—to shop, starting at only $10 for sample clothes and up to $400 on large leather bags.
Compared to the last sale in September (where low prices made this sale a fan favorite in 2014), there are unfortunately some price increase on certain items. A few examples: pumps and high heels are $100 (up from $50 back in September). Totes and shoulder bags are $200 (up from $100), and clutches are $125 (up from $50). These price increases didn't seem to deter shoppers from picking up armfuls of shoe boxes, however. There are a lot more shoe styles this time around, and discounts of up to 90% off are still pretty attractive.
But while shoes are more expensive than last fall, the clothes are not: Jackets are priced lower at $50 (they were $100 in September), and pants, shorts, and rompers are $30 (all $40 in September). Furs are now $100 ($250 in September) but we only found one fur jacket—a jacket we spotted at the last sale, no less—hanging on the rack, which could mean that they'll add more styles or restock before opening to the public this morning.
The shoe section occupies the entire left side of the room, and all the way back near the dressing rooms. There are at least ten styles of flats and sandals to choose from, all for $75, as well as cute pony hair flats in zebra or blue leopard print for $75 (down from $695). Along the wall, you'll find a plethora of pumps in different colors of leather, suede, metallic, patent and exotic skin, all for $100. We even spotted these Diva Patent pumps at the sale, while they are still selling online for $595. Some styles had more size options than others, but popular sizes from 36 to 38 did not seem to be lacking. Boots, booties and sandal booties are all $150.
Samples are in the back of the room beside the dressing room. Here, you'll find $10 sample clothes and $25 sample shoes, though there were just three lonely pairs of strappy sandals in the plastic bin. There are only a few styles of sample clothing available, and most of the options are acid yellow and teal. Many of the sample pieces still have tags on, including rompers, pants, shorts, and dresses in sizes 2 through 10.
In front of the samples, there are plastic bins with bikini tops ($15), white denim by 3x1 ($30) and sweaters ($50, $125 for cashmere).
Bags are displayed beside the cashier. Speedate doctor bags like this leopard one and this classic one in black and white are only $400 (retail $1,295–$1,895). Totes and shoulder bags are $200, while clutches and small cross-body bags are $125.
Ready-to-wear occupied one row in the center of the room, plus one rack of long dresses and jumpsuits, all $50, including a nice long red dress and a silky slip dress with lace (in navy or in white) that would make for a perfect date-night look. There were also a bunch of one-shoulder cutout dresses for only $50 (retail $895).
Check out the photo gallery from inside the sale to see the offerings. If you're a fan of Tamara Mellon's shoes, we suggest you go early before sizes and styles run out. No word on markdowns just yet, but we'll keep you posted. — Hsini
Thursday, February 26th through Sunday, March 1st. Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 260 Sample Sale, 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts (212-725-5400).