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We got to the Mode PR sample sale a few minutes before the doors opened to get the low-down on the discounts for brands like Ace & Jig, Apiece Apart, Lizzie Fortunato, Base Range and more. That means we had a front-row seat for when the small but mighty crowd that had been patiently waiting in line downstairs took the formerly peaceful second-floor showroom by storm.
The two racks and table containing Ace & Jig womenswear and children's apparel, located on the right-hand side of the showroom when you enter from the elevator, was immediately swarmed—and that was likely before shoppers knew that every piece was an even $60. Shoppers tussled over sweaters, lightweight tops, and skirts, lots of which was plaid in bright and muted hues. They were protecting piles of clothes they pulled off the racks and bargaining with one another for sizes (and far off in the distance, if you listened carefully, you could hear the Hunger Games flute music). An associate representing the brand said they'll be restocking periodically, but it's unclear how much merchandise that's left to replenish.
The brand with the second-most action was Apiece Apart, located to the left of the Ace & Jig racks and mostly consisting of fall/winter 2014 overstock. Prices range from $30 for solid-colored cotton tee-shirts to $200 for weightier pieces. Standouts included a long, heavy wool coat for $180 (available in several sizes in navy and light blue) and a printed bralette for $40, with matching pants and skirts on the rack. See the gallery above for more items and pricing.
Other brands on this right-hand side of the room include Base Range in the far right corner—they had a single (yet stuffed) rack with a small bench in front of it carrying everything from pants to silk tops to slip dresses to wool coats, mostly in neutral tones like navy and blush and tan. Prices here range from $5 to undies to $140 for leather pants.
Right in front of the elevator entrance are shelves filled with Edith Miller's USA-made cotton tops, dresses, shorts, and skirts—though you could pass for a French girl with all the striped attire available. The more you buy here, the more you save: Tops and dresses are $30 each or two for $50; shorts and tank tops are $20 each or two for $30; hoodies and miniskirts are $50 apiece; and there's a $10 bargain box with tops on the floor.
Right next to this is a single rack from lingerie brand Lonely. Bras with intricate velvet straps are available up to a size D for $40, while matching panties for each go for $20. There are a few pieces like robes and (very sheer) rompers here too, and each of those are $40.
On the left-hand side of the room was perhaps the most overlooked brand: Drome. Leather dominated these racks, whether it was in the form of a perforated jacket, candy-striped hot pants, or a laser-cut leather dress. Prices range from $100 for tops and skirts to $250 for very warm-looking lamb coats. Check out more examples of what you'll find in the gallery.
All of the accessories are here as well, like Clyde floppy hats for $112 for $142—though hunt for the samples, which are priced as marked (and generally cheaper), and take a look in the $20 bargain bin, too. Lizzie Fortunato had a nice table displaying jewelry—like statement bracelets for $90 and chunky necklaces for $100—and printed fold-over clutches for $125. Gold-tinged Aesa jewelry is along one window, individually priced from $20 to $120 (we were a big fan of $88 ear jackets), and sits next to a rack of Michael David apparel that tops out at $100 for "chill pants."
Mirror access is scant and dressing rooms are non-existent, so be comfortable with the fact that you might be changing in front of strangers to assure a good fit. Ace & Jig, Apiece Apart, Base Range, and Edith Miller are confirmed to restock their selections, but don't expect any further discounts to arrive if the crowds remain this strong. The sale runs through 7pm tonight and from 11am to 7pm tomorrow at 547 Broadway—look for a sign on the door between the Clarks and Hugo Boss stores on the western side of the street.