This is how you become Queen of Sale
IN NEW YORK.
Making the ‘3 for 1’ section unsafe with sweaty armpits in a lively company of fellow sales warriors? Nope. Sale is about making money? That's not my vision either. And there are a few more things that exclude me from the category of ‘sale junkies’. But, I must admit that an addictive good feeling occurs as soon as I see $300 instead of $1700 on that tag. And although I fully identify with the viewpoint ‘money shouldn't be talked about’, I can't help but share my sale triumph between my nose and lips (and preferably do the math out loud one more time). So, I'm not a sale junkie, but a stylish sales warrior? I think so. Because really, I will never be pulling at tops or dresses. But going hard on insane discount deals? Yes, I definitely do.
And then you're in the city just right. The sale flies at you and after scoring mega items for four seasons (that ‘from 1700 for 300’ is my latest acquisition) I'm doing quite well. So since I'm sharing the ins and outs of this city with love from this beautiful spot on the online horizon, here’s my ‘how what where’ for you to make a splash as a sale queen. And yes, definitely now that the bargain season is coming to an end.
HOW
Everyone has their own strategy. But ‘how’ to tackle the sale, for me, goes according to these four rules:
1.
Follow, like, and add Racked on ALL social channels. Because this site tells you exactly where, when, and how much discount there is to score. From sample sales to high discount percentages from Zara. Oh, and at sample sales they also tell you on the spot how long the line is, what sizes are still available (especially handy at Louboutin's annual sample sale) and whether it's even worth the trip.
2.
Make sure to wear easy-on-easy-off clothing and especially footwear. Nothing is more annoying than getting dressed being harder than the fitting session itself. And you must try things on. In New York, the rule is: sale = final sale.
3.
Sample sales are heavenly, but often only have one huge fitting room where you’re trying on with everyone else. It's a bit shabby, but it is what it is. A razor over the legs and a matching set I still find nice.
4.
Go early, because then everything is still hanging on racks, the staff is still fresh and lively to conjure up that one size for you, and you have the best chance of success.
WHAT
You may not agree with me, but I believe that discounts are for investment items . And of course, as a teenager, I also stocked up on 85 of the same flutter tops during H&M's sale, but I've learned from that. Have a mission and go look for your perfect leather biker jacket, that one designer bag, or a flowy evening dress for that one wedding with a black tie dress code. Oh, and work with a budget and don't go over it. Or just a tiny bit then...
WHERE
You score here:
1. Warenhuizen
Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf are the stores you need to be at. The collection is gigantic, the sale is gigantic, and all labels can be found there. Especially the shoe salon at Bergdorf is not to be missed.
2. Vlaggenschipwinkels
Flagship stores have the full collection. During sale, you must be there. In general, the larger stores are always better during sale times. But I do know an exception to this rule, and that is Intermix. Think: leather jackets, Chloé, and a lot of other beautiful things with super discounts.
3. Sample sales
Sample sales. The obsession for this has completely originated in New York. I used to always think of a too large space with too many scraps from too long ago. But in this city, that certainly doesn't apply, because I have already been to pearls of sample sales. La Perla, Alice + Olivia, Zadig & Voltaire... Find them all on Racked.
