By Francine Szerer

The Fivestory store is a curated luxury shopping experience. Conceived by native New Yorker Claire Distenfeld, the idea began through Claire’s love for travel and passion for acquiring unique things at a young age. As she grew older, her memories became flooded with museums, shops, gardens, special streets and so much more. With amazing style and incredible experiences, Claire’s style developed into a concoction of everything from classic to avant-garde and all in-between.

Through their shared vision, Claire and her father, Fred, decided to take their passion and contribute to the world. Together, they created a store like no other. This father daughter duo was able to come up with a shopping adventure like no other and a store that combined their loves and interests like nothing else. Featuring the finest items from around the world, Claire and Fred decided to name this establishment Fivestory to represent not only the townhouse that holds the store, but also the diverse stories behind each product displayed within.

Now, you can understand my excitement to visit this exquisite sample sale. And on top of that, 260 Sample Sale is the host which is always great news. There’s nothing I love more than a well organized and very well stocked sample sale. (NOTE THAT THIS IS AN OFF SITE SAMPLE SALE)

Racks and racks of luxury, high end clothing adorned the floor. Most retailing between $1,000- $3,000 and each tag decorated with a blue or red sticker that reflected discounts from 75% to 90% off!! This sale features an abundance of party dresses, designer jeans, blouses and a many more show stopping pieces. I had a great time browsing the clothing, but I had to be honest with myself— I was really there for the shoes!!

The selection of heels and platforms from many different brands including Pierre Hardy and Aperlai was certainly impressive! I must have tried on close to every pair. Shoe retail prices start at $800, sample sale price 75% – 85% off!

Fivestory Sample Sale

When: August 8th 2017 to August 13th 2017

Where: 260 Sample Sale, 150 Greene Street, NY, NY

Even on a gloomy day that threatened rain, Italian shoemaker/designer-brand Sarah Flint still managed to find its sample sale suite brimming with eager customers on the first day of the sample sale! Shoe enthusiasts eagerly tried on and purchased from the vast collection of shoes on sale for un heard of prices!

With discounts as high as 85% off, you’ll be the talk of the office as your co workers wonder how you managed to afford those leopard pumps that retail for more than $1000. I promise we won’t tell 😉 Keep scrolling to see the incredible selection of shoes available at the sale, all going for just $75.

Like what you see? You can visit the Sarah Flint sample sale at 37 W 20th Street, Suite 906, New York, 1001. And if you think the only fancy assets in the building are the shoes, even the elevator ride up to the 9th floor offered a sight for sore eyes – with it’s golden 1960’s art deco styled buttons and finish, it’s a staple of classic New York City architecture in the area.

Sarah Flint Sample Sale

When:

Tue Aug 8 2017 8:00am – 5:00pm

Wed Aug 9 2017 10:00am – 4:00pm

Where:

Sarah Flint, 37 W 20th Street, Suite 906, New York, 10011

Global Fashion Group Presents…

The Valentino Sample Sale!

Fully re stocked and ready to go, you’ve gotta see it to believe it. Join us for the next two days of the Global Fashion Group’s sample sale featuring Valentino, Moschino, Marchesa and more. Prices are literally 80% off retail and all sales are final. RSVP through ShopDrop by emailing lexi@shopdrop.app to receive a Tiffany & Co, scarf free with your purchase! Keep scrolling to see amazing photos taken by our very own William Guzman.

By Melissa Atkinson of The Reasonable Style

Vivienne Tam Sample Sale

Are you looking for one of a kind items at affordable prices or looking for a show stopping dress that will spark up a conversation? Either way, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for  at  the Vivienne Tam Sample Sale. Located at 260 W 39th Street on the 11th Floor, as soon as you step off the elevator and walk through the entry way, you will be greeted by the host who will be prepared to check in your belongings. With 2 rooms to shop and many pieces to look through, you will definitely need your hands and arms free from everything.

To the left of the entry way, there is a room full of one of a kind, true samples only available in small/ petite sample sizes. Some of these items aren’t in perfect condition and range between $5 – $20 in price.

If you walk straight from the entry way and make a slight left, you will enter the other room with stock items. This room has more of a variety of items ranging in sizes, silhouettes, seasonality and not to mention more organized. Want some work wear, casual outfits or cocktail looks? All of that can be found in this section.

Head over to the Vivienne Tam Sample Sale on it’s last day to take advantage of these fashion finds. It is the last day so you may get lucky and experience even more savings. Try your luck and happy shopping!

XOXO

Melissa

By Francine Szerer

I can still remember my first Nanette Lepore dress: I was about 15 years old and it was a hand-me-down from my oldest sister. Fine, it wasn’t a hand me down — she lent it to me and I never gave it back. I remember how beautifully it formed my figure, how the black and gold pattern intertwined to create the perfect oriental illusion. It was by far one of my most favorite possessions. Paired with my coveted rose gold Marc Jacobs pumps and I was ready to go. No matter what, in that dress, I always felt beautiful.

Fast forward to what feels like a whole lifetime and Nanette Lepore is still on my list of top designers. Although I no longer fit into that dress as well as I used to, the memory still remains. That is why I was beyond excited to venture into today’s sample sale.

Now, let’s talk about the Nanette Lepore Sample Sale!

I walked into 225 West 35th St and rode the elevator all the way to the top to then walk up an additional flight of stairs. The anticipation was brewing. As I entered the space, I saw an array of different textures fabrics and lace. The room was calm but I was beyond excited. This is why I absolutely love my job, shopping as work — who wouldn’t want to do this all day?!

Instantly the black with floral beading begged, “Pick me! Pick me!”

And therefore, obviously, I saved it for last. As I made my way, trying all of the dresses on, I knew I had found a special dress. All of the dresses I had picked out were absolutely gorgeous but, there was something about the floral beading that just drew me in. The most exciting part—

It was on the special reduced rack.

As soon as it was on me, although a few sizes too big (yay for alterations!), I knew I had found the one. Retailing almost $700, I bought this beautiful work of art for only $75.

Make sure to check out the sale. Today, August 3, is the last day!

By William Guzman

I’ve got both good news and bad news for you… and since I like to end things on high note I’ll start off with the bad: The COOPER & ELLA sample sale is no longer active, it’s been over for a few days, since the 28th to be exact. Now before you hit close on this tab just hear me out on the good news; using what I’ve learned from attending this last sample sale, we can make sure you are fully prepared and know exactly what to expect from COOPER & ELLA’s next sample sale that is bound to happen sooner or later.

Surprisingly enough, even the most seasoned of sample sale enthusiasts will tell you that having a solid game plan is key to getting the most out of any sample sale. (If there ever was a sample sale bible, that would definitely one of the ten commandments.)

Let’s start with the prices:

This sale boasted some of the best discounts I’ve ever witnessed from a sample sale! With retail prices dropping upwards of 90%! That’s both rare and nothing short of amazing.

Inventory:

An important piece of info to be aware of when it comes to sample sales is the amount of inventory and size range. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they’re collection ran a wide gamut of sizes from XS to XL, specially considering I visited on the second to last day of them closing, a period when other sample sales are usually picked through to the bone – so it’s safe to say that their next sale will be just as bountiful.

Payment method:

COOPER & ELLA gave me the freedom to choose between paying in either cash or credit/debit which is always a blessing since I am personally not a fan of being restricted to one form of payment.

At this point you should be more than ready to walk into the next COOPER & ELLA sample sale and have a head start on everybody else in terms of what to look for and what to expect. Now all you need is a way to keep up with upcoming sample sales so that you don’t miss out when COOPER & ELLA opens up their next one! The best way to be aware of all upcoming sample sales is to download the ShopDrop app from the app store (for free!).

Now bookmark this blog and forward it to a shopping buddy or two 😉

By Lexi Zimmer

Similar to music, I love discovering new brands. With new online luxury brands coming out of the woodwork, it’s hard to keep up. It’s also not so desirable to pay top dollar for new a brand I’m not familiar with, especially without actually getting to touch the merchandise before purchasing.
What better time to discover a new brand then when their merchandise is going for 60-90% off at a sample sale? Check out our top 5 NYC sample sales this week.

1. Chelsea and Walker Sample Sale

Chelsea and Walker claim to be breaking the boundaries of contemporary fashion, designed for those not searching to fit a mold.

The NYC brand focuses on attainable luxury with their line of high quality shirts, tops and knits. Chelsea and Walker fuses quality materials with a laid back look, using silk, lace and sheath to create every day wear. Take up to 80% off of ready to wear styles at the Chelsea and Walker 3 day sample sale.

Where: CHELSEA AND WALKER, 525 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1606, New York, 10018

When: August 1st 2017 to August 3rd 2017

10am – 6pm

2. Vivienne Tam Summer Sample Sale

Vintage doesn’t seem to be going anywhere fast… If you ask me, raiding your grandparent’s closet is the best way to get access to this trend… An easier way would probably be to check out the Vivienne Tam summer sample sale, and get 80% off original vintage samples at their three day sample sale. Yep, that sure does sound easier.

Where: 260 West 39th Street, 11th Floor, New York, 10018

When: August 2nd 2017 to August 4th 2017

Wed Aug 2 2017 9:00am – 8:00pm

Thu Aug 3 2017 10:00am – 7:00pm

Fri Aug 4 2017 10:00am – 6:00pm

3. Privé Summer Sample Sale Part II

So many cool brands.. all in one place… for sample sale prices. Come check out Free People, Bonobos, Alice & Trixie, Kendall & Kyle and more. This luxury sale will feature all sizes and plenty of stock as well as samples. Expect a lot of great summer pieces including T-shirts, shorts, dresses swim and so much more. You can find this sale at Chelsea Market.

Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, 10011

When: From August 2nd 2017 to August 6th 2017

10:30am – 7:00pm (Sunday closes at 5:30)

4. Khirma New York Sample Sale

For those of you who have been following us this summer, you know that you’ve had copious opportunities to snatch up designer hand bags for a fraction of the price. We’ve got another great opportunity for you if you haven’t found that perfect summer tote or clutch just yet. Get 80% off of Khirma New York handbags at their Greenwich village boutique. You will also find apparel from M.PATMOS, coats from Michelle Waugh and hats from Lisa Battaglia (yes fall is coming so accept it.)

Where: Khirma New York, 102 Charles Street, New York, 10014

When: From August 3rd 2017 to August 6th 2017

11am – 8pm

(Closes at 6 on the weekend)

5. In God We Trust Multi Designer Sample Sale

Speaking of discovering new brands, this sale could be your best opportunity to find some up and coming designers before any of your friends do. Check out this multi designer sample sale featuring several different independent designers, hosted by IGWT in Brooklyn. Brands include:  Hannah Kristina Metz, Ilana Kohn, Light + Ladder, Loup, Nikki Chasin, NOMIA, Samantha Pleet and many more! Check out the Facebook event for more information on this sale.

Where: IGWT Greenpoint Studio, 70 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, 11222

When: From August 4th 2017 to August 6th 2017

11am – 7pm

By Maura McNulty

I’ve been to the promised land; on a balmy Tuesday afternoon, I took the Q train up to 57th and attended the Manolo Blahnik sample sale at their 54th street store.

I was glad to see a modest line outside of the brick building; this event hasn’t been extensively advertised, so security was able to limit the maximum number of customers inside of the shop to 20. With a line of only 10 people, this event was remarkably small, and the line-wait was only 20 minutes long.The store was gorgeously organized, with a long table extending one side of the front room into another room that held shelves of shoegasm-inducing heels and sandals. However, the other side of the room was discretely marked “not part of sale”, leading to a broken dream of owning a pair of hot pink stilettos with that signature-Manolo Swarovski buckle. Sigh.

Ultimately, I was able to swipe two pairs of heels for $195 each (originally priced at $845). The prices are amazing for Manolos, so if you have an afternoon to spare, I highly recommend checking it out*. Just be warned if you have a foot size of less than 10: they seemed to be running low.

*Sample Sale Ends August 3rd