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Just follow all the girls wearing vintage-y prints and slightly-mussed top knots heading way west in the Garment District to the Rachel Comey sale. At the noon opening, the room was already packed with lady shoppers quietly, but determinedly working their way through shoes, apparel and accessories all marked up to 60% off. Yeah, there are men's shoes at 60% off, too, but they didn't notice.
Ladies' shoes are always the hot property at the Rachel Comey sale, so let's start there. The current season styles make up most of the offerings, so head back and left for signature clogs (platform slingbacks, peep-toe strappies, Mary Janes, distressed prints, flatforms, etc), stacked heel oxfords, ostrich pumps and more priced between $178 and $219+. Ankle boots run above the $200 range.
If you head toward the crowd in the right hand corner, that's where you'll find the $125 for one pair or $300 for three pairs deal. That area was already in mid-ransacking mode, with girls rooting through the stacks to find their size. Here, you'll find more past-season boots, booties, oxfords and, yes, clogs. Wedged between a clothing rack and the back of the bags table, there are also two bins of $60 past season and sale-rerun styles, plus size 10-ish samples.
Next up is clothing. We suggest first doing a quick pass at the $25 rack, which was full of picked-over and mostly-wintry items. But we did still spot a production sample deep purple suede purse and a bunch of textured creme three-quarter sleeve jackets, which would be great for layering. Then check through the neighboring $100 for one or $250 for three rack featuring a smattering of more weather-relevant printed frocks and skirts.
Otherwise, the colorful and graphic printed frocks (approximately $200 and up) were the coveted items. We loved the black and white short sleeve Blythe dress ($242) and the clashing print bustier Ether frock ($288 from $539). Tops are mostly under $100 and shorts and skirts are under $200. Additional accessories include belts for $25, leather saddle bags for $249 and fringy pouches for $242.
Every once in a while a guy sporting skinny jeans or cut-offs and strategically-tousled bedhead would wander in—although the one we encountered was really there to carry the overflow of his girlfriend's intended footwear purchases. In any case, there is a modest section of men's shoes near the front of the sale. Within the stacks, we saw ankle boots ($100), casual and canvas brogues ($161), wide strap mandals and canvas boat shoes ($100), structured chukkas ($167), rusty orange tassled brogues ($173) and our favorite: Classic black oxfords with electric blue soles ($173). There is also a very small selection of $60 samples.
The logistical details: Cash and credit are accepted and there is not a designated fitting area available. Although, the non-air-conditioned room is so freaking hot, it would be kind of a relief to strip down right there and then. Most everything is out on the floor, but a staffer said that they do have three boxes of shoes in the back. Caveat: They have no idea what type of shoes are in the box and if they'll even put the contents out on the floor. That said, if you're after shoes, better hurry over for the best selection.
· Dealfeed: Rachel Comey [Racked NY]
· Rachel Comey [Official Site]