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Maje opened its first Manhattan store in 2011, and four years later, the brand is hosting its first sample sale (sister brand Sandro's sale, meanwhile, returns next month). We checked out the preview at 260 Fifth Avenue last night and found women's ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories for up to 80% off retail prices. The sale looks to be made up of solely overstock, as we did not spot any true samples.
We were looking forward to seeing what the sale had to offer, but were a tad disappointed with the high prices. For apparel, prices start at $60 for tees, including striped (originally $115), heathered (originally $155) and printed (originally $175) styles. All other tops are $110, like gold leather tanks, silky lace camisoles, neoprene shells, and plenty of linen designs with jeweled details at the necklines.
There's a large inventory of $75 denim and an assortment of $150 pants along the lefthand wall when you enter. Here, we particularly liked a pair of white trousers with leather trim.
There are three racks of short and long dresses, all priced at $150. Some styles we spotted include a slinky raspberry jersey dress (originally $340), a floral maxi (originally $455), a black jacquard dress (originally $495), a strapless red bustier dress (originally $635) and a strapless bandage style (originally $865). As you can see, your savings varies depending on what style you pick.
Although winter is over, we found some of the sweaters ($125) and cardigans ($175) alluring. We liked a $175 chunky wool cardigan with leather sleeves (originally $545). All blazers are $195, which range in style from party-ready sequined to a work-appropriate burgundy wool style with leather trim (originally $515).
There is also a small but nice selection of jackets ($150) and coats ($250), which included a good khaki military parka (originally $795) and a electric blue wool coat. The K-way X Maje collaboration raincoats go for $95.
For the summer, there are shorts and (lots of) skirts, including some denim and neoprene pieces, all priced at $95.
Note that all pieces with leather trim or detail do not have special pricing—we actually found a full lamb leather skirt for the same price as a regular skirt ($95). All-leather jackets are $350, including a nude Febbie leather jacket (originally $865 and a black leather jacket with intricate zippers (originally $915).
Sizing ranges from small to large (T1-T3), or European size 36 to 40. We found a lot of large (T3/40) stocked for many of the styles, which is expected for an overstock sale. We rarely spotted any size 34s (extra-small), with the exception of pants.
Shoes are in the back beside the dressing room, and there's about 20 different styles to choose from. Prices start at $95 for ballet flats (which were conspicuously absent). Sneakers (like a suede high top), pumps, and sandals are $150, while boots and booties are all $195. One pair of fringed camel booties were originally $250—not so great of a discount.
All of the accessories are by the cash registers, and we were underwhelmed by the choices. Jewelry, which included some feather necklaces and beaded pieces, is all $25, and all leather bags and clutches are $150. We spotted a two-pocket camel-colored bag (originally $655) and a leather-and-canvas clutch (originally at $320).
There are eight trays filled with leather or canvas belts, both priced at $50 (originally $125—$225). There's also a bunch of modal and cotton scarves priced at $50, and hats are the same price as well.
This sale is a bit pricy, and we're hoping that some markdowns will come later in the week to make the merchandise a bit more attractive. However, some brand fans were carrying armfuls of clothes to the dressing room last night, so this isn't a bust for Maje lovers. The sale starts at 10am today and runs through Sunday; see the Dealfeed below for hours.—Hsini
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