New York à la Keiko: nykeiko shops: J. Mendel sample sale...yes, there are (some) samples! [October 2013 NY sample sale]

Thursday, October 10, 2013

nykeiko shops: J. Mendel sample sale...yes, there are (some) samples! [October 2013 NY sample sale]

The beautiful gowns at the J,Mendel sample sale

I attended the J. Mendel private sample sale last night. I was expecting the same amount of inventory as the last sale but there was definitely less stock (evening gowns, ready to wear, accessories) this time around. The selection of fur items was also very small...to my relief.

When you enter the showroom, you have your long gowns to your right organized by size (size 0-4, size 4-6, 8 and 10-16). Most gowns went for 85% off the retail price tag and most gowns were priced over $6000 retail. There were a few samples amongst the bunch but mostly in size 0. Ever seen a J.Mendel runway show? It is skinny model heaven.

All the gowns were lustrous and beautiful as expected. The most abundant variety of dresses and styles, including a couple of bridal gowns, are in the size 0-4 rack. There were a couple of damaged or stained pieces though.

The ready to wear pieces were nice but not great. A pretty pink blush dress stood out for me. There were also some decent leather pieces and the fur coats were 85% off.

All the accessories at the sale were displayed on one long table. When I got there, there was only a pair of hand warmers, two white bags, two fur throws in pink and brown, silk sequined scarves for $50, leather belts and a bunch of embellished satin belts for $25. I wonder if the items were already picked over or the selection was just that small.

Finally, a rack with fur vests/capes and wraps were priced between $350 and $550. This white fox fur cape was so decent and marked at $400 down from $3,290, some might say they got themselves a deal? Not for me although I pictured myself wearing it on the red carpet of an imaginary event that would never happen...