Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale: Recession? What Recession?

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The Dolce & Gabbana and D&G sample sale opened to the public at 9am today and non-stop crowds were still lining up five hours later. The sale offers 60 to 90% off clothing and accessories for men, women and children from 2009 and previous seasons. We must say though, even with the significant markdowns, everything is still freakin' expensive! Also, judging from the absence of any leather bags larger than a clutch and complaints heard at coat check, the sale is pretty picked over from yesterday's preview. The high price tags and limited selection weren't stopping the shoppers, though, as most were checking out with an average of four items each.

Let's start with the best bargains we found after carefully digging through the racks and shelves. For women, the small leather goods may be the way to go. We unearthed small python pouches for $118.50 (70% off of $395), a small gold suede and leather wallet style purse for $120 (60% off of 300) and even a pewter credit card holder for $66 (60% off of 165—last one of course). In the D&G outerwear racks, we spotted a couple adorable trenches, a puff sleeve khaki one and a baby blue number, for $358 (60% off of $895).

Otherwise, ladies are looking at Dolce & Gabbana dress tops all around $380, dresses starting from approximately $1,000 up to $4,000 (that's with the discount), suits around $1,000 and up and $300 mom jeans. Shoes start around $220 for summer sandals to about $800 for those sick (in a good way) wedge platforms.

Men have more discount options. D&G striped button down shirts run from $76 for slim cut to $85.50 for the regular cut. There are even some Euro hipster plaid slim button downs for $70.50. The D&G sneaker sections have some finds—white and silver leather kicks for $118.40 (60% off $296) and a pair of grey and silver suede ones for $114 (60% off $285). We also found a few 80's inspired color block puffies starting at $278 and a Members Only style navy jacket for $93 at 80% off. Ties are also a good option, for instance a solid Dolce & Gabbana silk navy tie was $27 at 80% off. Also on the racks: sweaters running from $200 to $255 (for a cashmere v-neck), black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo shirts for $178.50 and a grey pin stripe suit for $626.

There are communal dressing rooms in the back and strategically placed mirrors throughout the sale. If you decide to brave the crowds (and prices) and go, pack light, as there is a bag and coat check in the front and definitely set aside a good chunk of time.
· Lineblogging: Tiny Elevator Slows Down Queue Outside Dolce & Gabbana [Racked]
· Above the Fray: Good Deals for Those Willing to Dig at Dolce & Gabbana [Racked]
· Dealfeed: Dolce & Gabbana [Racked]