Above the Fray: J.Crew Sample Sale Has Something for Everyone

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Having infiltrated the J.Crew sample sale, our correspondent reports an absurd quantity of merchandise. Oddly, it's all size 6. A second odd thing: There are no mirrors or fitting rooms. If you like something, they'll put it in a bag with your name on it, and you can come collect it at the register. This is apparently because the sale allows exchanges. Those two notes aside, though, it's a New England wonderland in there. J.Crew's mens, womens, kids, and bridal collections are all well-represented, and there's a ton of Madewell and accessories.

Tanks and tees are going for $10, vests and shirts $25, dress shirts $35, cashmere $60, cotton and wool sweaters $35, swim and lounge $10, shorts $20, chinos and cords $25, denim $40, and dress pants $60—so not necessarily better than an outlet, but pretty damn good. The menswear section is almost as plentiful as the women's, by the way. Our reporter spotted racks and racks of men's button-downs, shorts, polos, and madras, as well as tons of sweaters (cardigans and pullovers.)

As for the scene, it's already fairly insane, and only getting crazier. They're handing out Ikea bags for shoppers, and women are loading up. The most popular item, perhaps not surprisingly: The $60-a-pop cashmere sweaters.
· Lineblogging: J.Crew Sample Sale Draws Persistent Preppies to W.36th Street [Racked]