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Inside Chelsea Market's Theory, Theyskens' Theory Sample Sale

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The Theory/Theyskens' Theory triathlon of spring sample sales kicks off this morning with a women's sale at Chelsea Market. We stopped by for a preview before opening and found loads of inventory from both brands, marked down to the promised 60% off (and even lower on some pieces). All categories—from suiting to wedding-guest-appropriate dresses to handbags to leather jackets, and everything in between—were available in a full run of sizes. After the jump, a look at some pricing specifics.

Let's begin with Theyskens' Theory, which occupies the left side of the space if you enter from the Market. Overall, these price points are higher, but they actually reflect a larger discount from retail. For example, a black textured jacket that retailed for $2,700 will be $399. On the lower end of the scale, t-shirts and tanks go for $29. Tops are $79 and include some of the brand's iconic prints, as well as plenty in spring-appropriate yellows and blues. Pants and sweaters are both $99.

At the preview, staff were still finalizing details and not all pricing was posted for Theyskens' Theory skirts, shorts, or dresses. Skirts were mostly mini, silk, and printed, though we did spot one black maxi. The shorts selection wasn't epic—by comparison—and included printed silk high-waisted options and some colored denim styles.

Dresses and blazers were by far the standouts of the Theyskens' Theory selection. You can kill wedding guest season with the dress selection at this sale. That's not to say there are strapless pink cupcake dresses—think more like floaty, lemon-yellow slips and abstract-printed maxis. Meanwhile, blazers range from simple and sophisticated to wildly embellished.

On the other side of the space you'll find Theory. A (relatively) small selection of shorts are available for $59 and they come in basic hues like tan and navy as well as an orange gingham check. Pants go for $89 and run the gamut from the brand's signature suiting silhouettes to relaxed chino styles. Jackets cost $139 and largely err on the working-professional side (think navy and black two-button blazers). Tops—which include some nice silk options—and sweaters both cost $69.

One of the highlights of the Theory selection was the $299 leather. We spotted a number of cool coats, including an asymmetrical powder blue jacket and a coral motorcycle jacket. Leather also included a selection of dresses in bone and black, as well as cream leggings and luggage-colored joggers.

In the back of the room, down the quarter flight of stairs, is where accessories will live. At the time of our preview, shoes had not yet been unpacked and bags had just made it out but had yet to be priced. The bag selection was excellent, from neon-tipped crossbodies to rich, leather carryalls.

Update: And here's what's happening over at Clothingline.
· Dealfeed: Theory, Theyskens' Theory [Racked NY]
· Theory is Hosting Multiple Sample Sales This Month [Racked NY]
· Your Guide to May's Sixty-Seven (And Counting!) Sample Sales [Racked NY]