2010 J.Crew NY Sample Sale Finds!

I have been one of the biggest nay-sayers regarding JC's "sample" sales that take place in New York City since I left the very first one last January disappointed at the high-prices and crappy inventory after waking up early and standing in a freezing cold outside line....

I could go on and on, but I won't....

Anyway, it just so happens that the most recent sample sale was going on during our trip out to NY to see family.  We didn't make any special arrangements to go to the sale this time, just stopped by before our dinner reservations on Tuesday, the opening day.  I only had about 30 minutes to browse before the sale closed (which considering the experience last year, I figured would be MORE than enough time) so I went in with a mental list of things to look for ...

And here's my experience THIS year...

Merino Rose-Print Cardigan - I believe this is from 2007, but there is also a very similar print cardigan that's out in the stores right now.

Short Sleeve Cashmere T-Shirt - Lightweight and a great 3-season staple.  I'm still obsessed with this bright rhubard color!

Cashmere Henley Sweater - I have been wanting this style for a very long time, but have never been willing to shell out the bucks.  The color is between a light camel and putty.  So comfy!

Cashmere Argyle Crystal Button Cardigan - This is my fave of the 4 items.  I forgot to get a close-up, but the buttons are huge crystals .... very pretty!  I'll be wearing this a lot of the holidays!

Prices.  Yep, they were still not cheap.  $65 for long sleeve cashmere and down from there.  The fact the SAMPLE is written in Sharpie marker accross the inside of ever item has to not bother you.  The only thing I personally wouldn't buy with the SAMPLE written on it is a coat since it's taken on and off often and in public.  (which is kind of sucky because they had the Ruffle Front Coat in Camel in a size 2 for $100.... which I would have paid, but not with SAMPLE written on it! Oh well!)

I really wanted to check out the shoes and jewelry first, but that didn't happen.  There were a TON of shoes in a separate room ... good stuff.... like boots, booties, heels, flats, etc.... some that are even still online.  BUT, at anywhere from $70-150 a pop, they weren't cheap enough for me to splurge considering they were out of the box and I don't NEED any shoes (not that I need any clothes period, but whatev...)  As far as jewelry, there wasn't any the day we went.  The cashier couldn't tell me if there was even going to be jewelry at all, so who knows.

There was a TON more inventory this year than the last sale I went to.  If I found an item and wanted it in a different color or size, I was generally able to find it.  In the end, I had to narrow my selections down from about 10 to 4.... so there was definitely a lot of quality items to choose from, in my opinion.  The only area I didn't get to go through as much as I wanted was the dresses because we simply ran out of time and they were closing up shop.  There were a ton of cute dresses!  Oh well, next year!

My hubby didn't find anything since all the men's sizes were small and medium, and I didn't find my son anything since most of the Crewcuts started at size 4-5.  HOWEVER, there did seem to be a lot more to choose from than the very first sale I went to last year.

I didn't see any Collection items, wedding dresses or swimwear, but they might have all been sold before we got there.

So, all in all, I'm really glad we stopped by the sale, even though we weren't planning on it.   Anyone else go and have a good or bad experience?