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A surprisingly small crowd gathered just moments before the first-ever Christian Siriano, Lyn Devon, and Karolina Zmarlak stock and sample sale. ("Oh! I thought there would be more of a line here" was the prevailing observation.) If the group was small, though, it was also determined. You could sense the urgency in the basement-level Lyn Devon showroom as the crowd quickly began pawing through the racks of womenswear.
The Christian Siriano samples—priced at just $65 for cocktail dresses and $40 for silky tops—are up first on the right of the bag check.
Another surprise of the morning: People weren't so into the samples. Huh. Perhaps because the bulk of the styles didn't feature the Project Runway winner's distinctive prints and dramatic detail (plus there was lots of unforgiving body-con silk jersey in a metallic-y nude). We did however pick up a red abstract alien-Buddha ruffle shoulder frock and admired some of the silk organza strapless numbers. Be aware, while the sample sizes number anywhere between four and twelve, the fit can be a bit bipolar—like a two on top and six on the bottom. But they're definitely worth a quick perusal, especially since his cocktail frocks usually retail over $1000.
The Christian Siriano overstock selection takes up a few more racks and features a wider size selection of silk organza strapless frocks in jewel tones, yummy caramel leather shorts, gold-flecked magenta pants and skirts, lush cashmere wool coats, and ruffled draped tops. The prices run $150 for pants, skirts, and shorts (including the leather ones), $200 for blouses, $275 for jackets, $375 for dresses, and $400 for coats. There is also a small selection of Christian Siriano for Payless shoes—strappy wedges, gladiators and flats—priced at $70 and under, but sizing is limited.
While Christian Siriano has top billing at this sale, Lyn Devon's playful take on classic Americana makes up the majority of the sale. The selection is full of florals, stripes, checks, dots, citrus-y hues, pretty pastels and basic neutrals in silks, cashmere and leather. Prices run $75 for knits, $125 for skirts, pants and shorts, $150 for tops and blouses, $250 for jackets, $275 for dresses, and $350 for leather dresses and coats.
Lastly, FIT grad and Theory vet Karolina Zmarlak makes a showing with samples and overstock of her modern take on convertible dressing. Hit the orange-stickered samples (priced as marked) first. We admired a pair of aubergine high-waisted leather short shorts ($100) and a matching body-con jacket also for $100). An architecturally fitted, sexy kelly-green tunic is $100, and a fuchsia and red silk georgette belted vest/top is $150.
The overstock rack features more selection and sizing, including the non-sample version of the silk georgette top/vest ($320), black riding pants ($180), a sleek black organza draped jacket ($380) and a textured taffeta a-line skirt ($425).
As for logistics: There is a bag check upon entering. A small, communal, curtained-off dressing area and one teeny full-length mirror are available for fitting. Just ten minutes into the sale, the room was absolutely packed and everyone was angling for mirror space. But we highly suggest trying on your intended purchases. Everything is out on the floor and cash and credit are both accepted. The sale runs until 6pm today.
· Dealfeed: Christian Siriano, Lyn Devon, Karolina Zmarlak [Racked NY]
· Coming This July: The First-Ever Christian Siriano Sample Sale [Racked NY]