My favorite “rage” of the moment is bargain shopping. With most of my money going towards gas, I have little left over in the budget for fashion. So what’s a fashionable chick to do in these times of economic trouble? I figure there are two alternatives—either shop at Wal-Mart, or start hunting for sales.
LA is a haven for bargain shoppers, with sample sales being offered all over the place. Finding them is the tricky part. Now, sample sales do have their drawbacks--crowds, tricky sizes and unorganized displays make for a difficult shopping day. As long as you leave your house with a game plan and a positive attitude, you’re bound to strike gold.
The New Mart, 127 E. Ninth Street, has a sample sale on the last Friday of every month. Many different designers participate in this, but the variety can change with each sale. It can tend to be a “hit or miss” shopping experience, but when you “hit”, it’s usually a big one. Leave your credit cards at home, this sale is cash only.
Fashion Co-Op, Santa Monica Civic Center on Main Street, features sample sales on Saturdays from 1 PM to 5 PM. This sale features designers like Rock Scissor Paper, Michelle Frantz and Fighting Eel and are usually up to 80% off retail price. If you RSVP before you go, admission at the door is only $3, but if showing up at the last minute is your cup of tea, it’s only $5 to get in.
Sample Angel, 528 La Brea Avenue in Hollywood, features designers like Mint, Dutchy, and Alice & Olivia. Also up to 80% off and you can feel good when you make a purchase—20% of these proceeds go to a children’s charity. Sale is Saturdays, 10 AM to 6 PM.
A-List at Milo’s Studio’s, located on South Cochran Avenue, has one giant sample sale every season, and features designers like Tracey Ross, And Cake and Grass. Check out their website for more details and sample sale dates.
Also starting to take part in the “sample sale wars” are home furnishing stores. House Boutique on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica offers up to 50% off on bedding and house wares, but the early bird catches the worm—it’s only open from 9 AM to noon on Saturdays.
A few tips when shopping at sample sales:
*It’s always hit or miss. If you don’t see anything good the first time you go, keep going back. Merchandise can be different each time.
*Do Not pay attention to sizes. They are called samples for a reason. Just pay attention to what fits your shape best, not what the number on the tag says.
*Bring cash. Most places do not accept anything but.
*Make good decisions. These are all final sale.
*Last but not least, keep your cool. The mess and the crowds are enough to get even the sanest person flustered. Just keep your eye on the prize and think of how good you’ll look and how much money you’re saving.
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