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If you’re looking for a new bag or clutch with a $100 budget in mind, the Lauren Merkin sample sale is a gold mine. Head over to their second-floor Chelsea showroom to find an abundance of small crossbody bags of all colors and styles, most for under $125. We got a look at the stock this morning before the doors open to pick out some best bets.
Find a table of spring 2015 samples to your left when you enter, from the Meg in luxe calfskin for $95 (originally $195) to Taylor bags for $225 (from $375). Bigger Peyton bags are more than 50% off at $195 on the next table. Mini Caroline bags are going for $95, and come in everything from zebra patterns to studded fuchsia leather. The same deal goes for the table stacked with those Meg crossbody bags.
Note the Lauren Moffat x Lauren Merkin collaboration design for $125 (originally $395) as a great daytime bag. On major markdown is the Coco mini tote in navy for $95 (was $425). There were plenty of Reese shoulder bags going for $250, and Iris bags going for $100 nearby.
There’s a table of leather Ellie pouches and Paige clutches, ranging from $75 to $100. The center table has a large collection of Louise clutches, also $75-$100, depending on the material (originally $225). The $75 patterns were a little out there at times. There were great Lucca clutches at the end of the table that are going for $90 (instead of $275).
The main event for savvy shoppers will be the bargain boxes, on the right side of the room. Prices range from $20 to $50, marked down from as high as $225. If you aren’t afraid of more, shall we say, flamboyant patterns and styles, the selection is perfectly satisfactory. There are playful, bold textures like cork, multicolored metallic snakeskin, and bright yellow and turquoise knits, occasionally bordering on gaudy (compared to the mostly understated and trendy collection). We’ll leave it to you to pull those off.
Off to the side at the front of the sale, there’s a small section with wallets and change purses all between $25 and $40. iPad cases (for older versions) are only $10.
Quality-wise, the only issues you may have to contend with are the occasional missing strap (we spotted a Nina bag with this issue marked down to $150, from $525), and small markings or creasing in the leather offerings.The well-kept items are likely to be tossed around today as the sale is going on, so it’s in your best interest to head there sooner rather than later. The sale goes through Thursday evening—see the full hours below
Tuesday, April 14th through Thursday, April 16th. Daily 11am—7pm.