The Deets on J.Crew's 7th Sample Sale

As mentioned in the January 5th "J.Crew's 7th Sample Sale Coming Soon {yey?}" post, J.Crew is having another Sample (aka: same crappy clothes you've seen the last 6 times) Sale. (Image above courtesy of Racked NY.)

"Thanks!" to Suzy, as well as Linda (in this post), who let us know that NY Mag's The Cut (click here) shares some additional details on the items available:

J.Crew is hosting a sample sale on apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children. The women's featherweight cashmere cardigan is $60 (originally $158), the women's cotton trench coat is $70 (originally $168), men's suede boots are $60 (originally $135), and men's wool suiting blazers are $149 (originally $365).

This all sounds great, right? Well, don't get too excited. This latest Sample Sale sounds like the last one, which I found to be another disappointing Sample Sale. Some tips and advice for these kind of sales:

• The majority of items for sale are items rejected from customers during the 6 previous Sample Sales. So, check clothes for holes and stains.
• The items mentioned above (like the Cotton Trench Coat) will be limited in sizes & number available. For the last sale, they kept touting a pea coat for $100. When I got there (on the first day of the sale too!), there were like 5 of the coats in size 4 and 6 (which are not my sizes). Thanks for nothing.
  
• The shoe section will be divided by size which is convenient. See a pair of shoes, grab it and try on later. Seriously, the shoe section sells the good stuff quickly.
• That last point brings me to another tip I learned from fellow customers... the really good stuff we never see. I was told that the ClothingLine employees get "first dibs" and buy all the sweet merchandise before the doors even open. Great.
• Keep expectations in check. I went to 2 Sample Sales hoping to snag some great finds like a Jaime Bag for cheap. Totally did not happen. Most shoppers barely buy and those who do only get a handful of items because the items there are just okay (especially for the price points).
  
• Think hard whether you want it before you buy it. Most items can be bought for a lower price point with some patient stalking online and in-stores. (Moreover, items from J.Crew will come in better condition than the Sample Sale.)

Another post will be up on the first day of the Sample Sale for those who attend & can share more details. :)

Will you be attending this latest sample sale? If you are, please let us know! Do you have any additional tips & advice for Sample Sale shoppers?