Inside the Tracy Reese Sample Sale: Brights, Sequins, and Prints

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The Tracy Reese sample sale is back again with the brand's signature feminine shapes, mixed media patterns, and a new hot pink logo. The sale's first day (yesterday) was marked with lots of merch, very helpful sales assistants, and teeny tiny lines. Maybe shoppers were spooked by the storm clouds overhead, but whatever the case, die-hard Tracy fans who braved the weather warnings were rewarded with little competition and a chill atmosphere.

Some pieces fall on the pricey side—as high as $375 for leathers—but there are still quite a few deals in the sample section where the one-of-a-kinds are marked between $50 and $65 a pop.

With Memorial Day approaching, this sale is perfect for snatching up summer separates and dresses. Be prepared to search though, as racks are divided by size and require a little digging. But if time is on your side, you'll find troves of multicolored, globally inspired pieces to mix and match.

Getting down to business, shoppers will find covetable samples all along the right side of the room. Sizes run on the small side, but some pieces are over-sized and could easily fit a large. To take advantage of the $50 (for Plenty) and $65 (for Tracy Reese) steals, seriously spend time in the section to eye over the gauzy striped dresses, black and white diamond patterned jersey tops, silvery open knit sweaters, blue-piped white cardigans, and colorfully striped skirts.

Just a few steps over, the middle of the room is set up with a table full of shoes—mostly cork-heeled wedge sandals and a few flats, and sweaters—over-sized cardigans, yellow open knits, and cropped styles.

Along the other three walls is everything else. And each rack is fair game, since shoppers tend to move sizes around. There's a lot to choose from, as the pieces span a few seasons and collections.

Of course, keep in mind there are two price lists: for the Tracy Reese line, dresses are $150, jersey dresses are $100, jackets are $150, coats are $250, leathers are $375, and beaded dresses are $200. Tops, sweaters, pants, and skirts all ring in at $95. For Plenty, dresses are $100, jersey tops are $50, jackets are $125, coats are $150, and leathers are $250. Jersey dresses, blouses, pants, sweaters, and skirts are all going for $75.

Some standouts were the jewel-collared cardigans, scalloped edged leather skirts and jackets, pleated mini scooter skirts, leather moto jackets with purposefully clashed tweed and leopard print, bright floral-printed silk pants, and Michelle Obama-ready fit and flares.

While there are full-length mirrors between each rack, shoppers looking to try on will have to do so in the open. You won't be the only one though, and the upbeat pop music in the background should set you at ease. Through a little eavesdropping, we heard that more—and newer—pieces will roll out daily. And that leather cardigans are the most wanted.—Cambrey Thomas
· Dealfeed: Tracy Reese [Racked NY]
· Your Guide to May's Seventy-Three (And Counting!) Sample Sales [Racked NY]