Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
The frigid weather didn't stop anyone from lining up outside the Rag & Bone sample sale this morning at the Chelsea Market. When the doors opened at 10:30am, the queue of about 75 people rushed in and the wonderful madness of the sample sale began. Shoppers had so many jeans, tee-shirts, and bags piled in their arms that a few were wearing multiple hats on their heads while waiting in the formidable checkout line.
Right inside the doors are men's shoes and ties. Sample shoes are priced at $95, while regular sneakers are $150 and boots are $225. There didn't appear to be a lot of stock, and all styles were going quickly. To the right past the shoes is a table of men's sweaters ($120) and the women's dressing rooms.
To the left and extending towards the front of the space is a massive table of men's and women's jeans (about $90, up from $85 last time). The price varies depending on embroidery and/or leather detail. This section was very well-stocked but absolutely mobbed, so expect to be fighting your way into the area with your size.
Right before the stairs is the rest of the men's apparel. Men's tee-shirts ($50), sweaters ($120), and dress and sport shirts ($98) are piled on tables in the center of the space. Blazers ($250), coats ($350), and pants ($120) are hanging on racks along the walls. A few styles of men's bags ($275) and hats ($85) are on a shelf at the top of the stairs.
The women's section at the top of the stairs starts with Jean outerwear ($250) and white button-down shirts and dresses ($98) to the left. Full line tees ($65), shirts and tops ($100), and sweaters ($135) are piled on tables in the middle. Shelves of hats ($85), leather bags (small styles are $195, larger ones are $275), and small leather goods ($125) are placed sporadically throughout the room.
Coats, jackets, and blazers are on racks on the right-hand side of the room. Prices start at $215 for vests, blazers, and sweater jackets. Leather jackets are $495 (there are only a few styles) and what is there is mostly suede. We saw a cropped peacoat for $350 and a leather parka for $850, too.
Rag & Bone/Jean tee-shirts ($45), long-sleeved tee-shirts ($55), and sweaters ($85) are on tables towards the front of the space. This area was totally disheveled, but sales staff was working quickly to re-stock and fix it up. Shoes are in the back left-hand corner — Sample styles are one-of-a-kind and priced at $95, while regular flats are $150 and boots and heels are $225.
The rest of the women's apparel is hanging on racks along the left-hand side of the space. We weren't thrilled with the selection, but there is a good range of sizes available. Shirts and tops are priced at $100, dresses are $150, and pants and skirts are $125. For leather, dresses are $450, separates are $300, and the Simone pant, which is listed but we didn't happen to see, is $450.
There are boxes of backstock piled throughout the space, so we expect that the merchandise will be refreshed a few times. The sale runs through Sunday at 3pm; check out the Dealfeed below for more details.