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We're finally back from the Mulberry sample sale taking place today and tomorrow on West 18th Street. And what a shopping trip it was: 45 minutes to an hour to get in, at least 30 to pay. It's definitely worth the time and effort, though, especially if you are the type that saves up all year to splurge on a designer handbag or two.
After the semi-crushing wait to get in, eager shoppers ran the four flights up to the sale while the less manic waited for the elevator. Breathless (we, of course, ran the stairs), we all checked our expensive purses at the door to browse for more expensive purses. The selection of bags and wallets is good—really good—and throughout our time there we noticed staffers restocking.
Of course, though severely marked down, the items aren't exactly cheap: we spotted some ugly buffed metallic bags in maroon and green for $699; pink patent purses for $599; and a style of bag called the Roxanne in python for $1195 (this one seemed popular, as there were only two left on the table when we were there). As for the small leather goods, keychains, credit card holders and photo frames are priced at $49; leather gloves are $79; wallets are $99; clutches are $199; ostrich and lizard skin large wallets are $399 and belts and hats are the cheapest at only $19. There were also a few racks of clothing (all still prohibitively priced at hundreds and hundreds of dollars) that no one was touching.
The scene was relatively calm. Ladies, and a few men, milled about with five or more bags on their arms, stopping only to admire the totes on their shoulders in the many mirrors propped about the white-walled space. In line, many passed the time justifying their purchases to others. One: "Yes, it costs $1000, but I'd rather buy one bag than three, or four." Another, to a shopper with four bags: "If you end up not liking that white one, you can always get rid of it on eBay."
· Above the Fray: Live from the Mulberry Sale [Racked]
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