What You'll Find at 3.1 Phillip Lim's Sample Sale

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The much-anticipated 3.1 Phillip Lim sample sale opens to the public tomorrow and we checked out the preview this morning to let you know what to expect. As promised, there were deep discounts on men's and women's ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes. Small handbags were only $200, medium handbags were $300 and large handbags were $450. Pashli satchels in all sizes and different colors and materials were abundant while the 31 Hour Bags and Ryder satchels were more popular among shoppers, leaving a minimal selection on the shelves.

Exotic skin clutches were only $150 and small zipper bags were going for $100. Shoes were also priced at a mere $100 and included pony hair loafers and oxfords, metallic sandals and pointy toe flats. Most of the shoes were sizes 37 and 39, with a few styles in miscellaneous sizes. Quirky sunglasses were priced at $75, while the limited selection of belts and gloves were only $50.

Women's ready to wear was mostly from past seasons, with the majority from the fall 2013 collection and before. We also noticed a lot of actual samples including styles that never made it to the stores. Heavily sequined and embellished dresses went for $500, while t-shirt dresses, silk day dresses and poplin shirt dresses were $150-$250. We spotted a black leather utilitarian jumpsuit for $550 that is sure to be a show stopper for the right shopper.

A rack of miscellaneous outerwear included leather jackets and vests for $550, wool coats for $500 and blazers for $175. Among the bottoms we saw printed silk pants for $75, and leather skirts and shorts for $200. There were a few pairs of beautifully tailored pants for $150.

The women's sweater selection, which included mohair styles, lightweight knits that tie around the waist and sweaters with front fur panels, was slim and priced from $150-$300. Silk blouses were $150-$250 and ranged from simple tees and button-ups to draped styles with sheer panels and embellished necklines.

There was a surprising amount of menswear, but the pieces were more kitschy than classic. Patchwork pants for $75, sweaters tunics for $200 and embellished sweatshirts filled the racks. The men's bag and shoe selections were better than the ready-to-wear picks, with classic oxfords for $100 and camouflage print bags.

The sales staff was very friendly and helpful, so don't be afraid to ask them questions. Two large mirrors allowed several shoppers to try on clothes at once, but there was no private fitting rooms at this sale. We heard there will be some restocking of more sizes in the styles that were out, but no word on further price reductions.
· Dealfeed: 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale [Racked NY]
· 3.1 Phillip Lim's Sample Sale Starts on Thursday in Soho [Racked NY]
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