THE words discount and designer get new heft Thursday when the Super Bowl of sample sales – 7th on Sale – kicks off at 6 p.m. on eBay.
The unprecedented month-long, online auction will offer up more than 6,000 items donated by 300 of the world’s top designers at the behest of a team led by Vogue editor Anna Wintour. (The sale benefits AIDS-related charities.)
“It’s not like any designer is going to empty out their sock drawer,” cracks one insider, referring to the shoddy stuff some companies try to offload elsewhere. “Everything on sale during this event is top-notch.”
The main event promises to be women’s wear offered by designers as diverse as BCBG and Balenciaga, with such runway hits as Michael Kors’ Python trench. Retail price: $26,000. Starting bid: $2,600.
Other hot-ticket items include Ralph Lauren’s peacock-feather trimmed denims ($1,298; starting bid, $130) and Manolo Blahnik’s classic black patent “Campari” pump ($515; starting bid, $51).
“The sheer scope of the sale is unprecedented,” says eBay style director Constance White, who concedes that shopping online for apparel is harder than it is for accessories.
“The trick,” she says, “is to know what size you wear in the collection you are bidding on.” A Carolina Herrera jacket in a size 8, for instance, won’t fit the same way as, say, a Kenneth Cole.
“Research,” White says, “is essential. Try on the designer lines you love so you know your size. And make a note of your measurements. All the clothes we are featuring will have measurements listed next to the picture of the product.”
For the toughest online purchase – pants – White suggests factoring in the price of alterations.
Another tip for eBay virgins: Bid using odd numbers, like $33.01, rather than $30. A single cent can be the difference between victory and defeat.
To shop 7th on Sale online, which runs through Dec. 7, visit eBay.com/7thonsale.
SAMPLE OPPORTUNITY – SOW YOUR WILD HAUTES AT THE TOP OF THE CROP OF THE UPCOMING SALES
THE SHOE COLLECTOR: Sigerson Morrison
WHEN: Nov. 16-20, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m./Sat., Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: 180 Lafayette St., between Broome and Grand streetes; (212) 625-8925
WHY: Die-hard fans who missed out on a fabulous pair of shoes from a few seasons ago can rejoice – the designer’s first-ever warehouse clearance will be a mix of past-season shoes at a fraction of what they originally retailed.
SNEAK PEEK: Amazing buys include the classic leather motorcycle boots, down to just $100 (rg. $800), the brown pointy kitten heels, a mere $60 (reg. $390), last summer’s flat metallic sandals are now $60 (reg. $350), black leather round toe high heel boot, $100 (reg. $675), and the black leather East-West shoulder bag is now just $85 (reg. $775).
INSIDER TIPS: Merchandise will be replenished daily, but get there early in the morning for the best picks. Wearing skirts will make trying on boots and shoes a little easier. Cash and credit cards only.
THE SHOE COLLECTOR: GFW Group
WHEN: Wed., Thu., 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m./Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: 119 W. 40th St., 2nd floor, between Sixth Avenue and Broadway; (212) 399-3201
WHY: half the stock is isaac mizrahi shoes.
t’s ok to get a little shoe-crazy, especially if it’s discounted up to 80 percent off. Isaac Mizrahi leads the charge in this multi-designer shoe clearance, featuring footwear and accessories from Fall 2005.
SNEAK PEEK: Top picks include the Isaac by Isaac Mizrahi “Viveca” metallic slingback stiletto, $75 (reg. $250), the Ellen Tracy “Arrulo” brown leather riding boot, priced $75 (reg. $200), Will’s Fancy “Carlotta” black satin pointed toe slingback with beaded flower detail on a kitten heel, $75 (reg. $244), and the Magnolia “Alice” kitten heel black shearling ankle boot with pom pom laces, $50 (reg. $285). Cash and credit cards only.
MUST HAVE DESIGNERS: Chaiken
WHEN: Nov. 16-18. Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m./Thu., 10 a.m.-8 p.m./Fri., 9 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., 4th floor, between Sixth and Seventh avenues; (212) 334-3501
WHY: Easy, classic separates from the label, best known for their tailored pants and unexpected detailing, will be marked down 50 to 70 percent off.
SNEAK PEEK: Stock up on pieces from their fall 2005 collection, including the blue georgette marina tank with ribbon bow, now $95 (reg. $238), cream cashmere blend turtleneck tunic with cinched sleeves, $125 (reg. $260), a herringbone halo skirt in olive metallic, $105 (reg. $290), black and cream merino wool sweater with gold button detailing, $125 (reg. $268), and a blue tweed herringbone new tuxedo trouser, $120 (reg. $246). Sizes will range from 0 to 12, small to large. Cash, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
INSIDER’S TIP: Hit the sale in the morning or mid afternoon to avoid the crowds. Wear layers that can be removed so there’s no need to wait for the fitting room. Don’t be afraid to try a different size – fit varies. Merchanside is refreshed everyday.
MUST HAVE DESIGNERS: Calypso
WHEN: Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m./Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: 148 Lafayette St., at Grand Street; (212) 941-6100
WHY: The whimsical downtown boutiques will be clearing out their warehouse of past-seasons inventory with discounts up to 80 percent off.
SNEAK PEEK: Fabulous finds include jeweled satin heels by Hollywould from last spring, knocked down to $95 (reg. $450), the softest suede ruffled neckline coat from Calypso’s private label, down to $150 (reg. $450), cropped tweed pants with bow detail, now $30 (reg. $260), Calypso’s “Lola” shoes in purple leather are $60 (reg. $230), Chanel-inspired tweed blazer just $100 (reg. $450), and the Calypso “Paloma” wrap around chiffon skirt in a floral print, $40 (reg. $200). Cash and credit cards.
INSIDER TIPS: Also look for home accessories and children’s clothing. And get an additional 10 percent off at the Calypso Outlet during the same days as the warehouse sale, at 405 Broome St.
Sigerson Morrison – Purple velvet motorcycle boot with kitten heel, $100 (reg. $800) – Sigerson Morrison
Calypso – Calypso’s “Lola” shoes in purple leather are $60 (reg. $230)
Calypso – Jeweled satin heels by Hollywould, $95 (reg. $450)
Chaiken – Blue tweed herringbone new tuxedo trouser, $120 (reg. $246)
Gen Art – Floating bird garland by W. 29, $158 (reg. $175)
When: Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 148 Lafayette St., at Grand Street
Why: This chain of whimsical boutiques is clearing out warehouses of past-season inventory with discounts up to 80 percent.
Sneak peek: Fabulous finds include jeweled satin heels by Hollywould, $95 (reg. $450); suede ruffled-neckline coat from Calypso’s private label, $150 (reg. $450); cropped tweed pants with bow detail, $30 (reg. $260); Calypso’s “Lola” shoes in purple leather, $60 (reg. $230); tweed blazers, $100 (reg. $450), and the Calypso “Paloma” wrap chiffon skirt, $40 (reg. $200).