Start your engines! The Gilt City DC Warehouse Sale is happening this weekend and the race to designer duds is totally on. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, head to Gilt City right now. Unfortunately the tickets for Friday's late night entry have sold out, but there are still tickets available for Saturday, June 13 at Union Market for $10. This warehouse sale offers premium designer apparel, shoes, and accessories for up to 80% off retail price- which is a huge deal and you can score some pretty amazing items you wouldn't otherwise buy. Trust me- you don't want to miss this!
The stampede from Confessions of a Shopaholic sample sale scene
Since the sale is right around the corner, I thought it fitting to dedicate a post to tackling warehouse and sample sales. If you've ever been to one, you know its essentially like a stampede- crowded, pushy, and impulsive. If you haven't been to one...brace yourself. Conquering a warehouse sale takes strategy, patience, and perseverance, so let these tips below help you conquer any warehouse or sample sale.
How to Conquer a Warehouse Sale:
1. Be prepared for the stampede.
Go into the sale with the mindset that you will be crowded, people will be rude, and you need to be on your A Game. Sounds like a sports competition, right? Well it is. I can't image a better way to get in some cardio than spotting a pair of Louboutins across the room and sprinting to grab them before anyone else does.
2. Get there EARLY.
Arrive an hour to an hour and a half before the sale starts to save a place in line. Some sales only let a certain number of people in at a time and being at the front of the line is key so you get into the sale first and get first picks over all the goods.
3. Dress comfortably and wear clothes that are easy to take off/on.
Wear sandals or flats that you can slip on/off (but can still run in- remember you may need to sprint to those Loubi's) to easily try on all those ridiculously reduced designer shoes! Layer your clothing- most times there are no dressing rooms so if you want to try something on, you must do it in public. Think leggings, tank tops, light weight shirts, etc, that you can keep on while trying on that DVF wrap dress.
4. Take a small crossbody bag.
Some sales have restrictions on bag sizes, so take a very small crossbody to hold the essentials for any sample sale- credit cards and cash. Wear a crossbody to free up your hands and arms while shopping.
5. Get ready to dig.
This isn't the type of place that has items out on display for you to pick and choose and easily grab. You have to be prepared to really search and dig through racks, bins, piles, etc. If you find something you like but aren't positive you'll buy- take it anyways. Its first come, first serve and if you don't take it right away, chances are someone else will. Its easier to put something back after deciding you don't want it than fight with someone over those Pucci boots like in Confessions of a Shopaholic.
6. Have a focus.
Walking around aimlessly at sample sales will not do you any favors and you'll waste precious time putzing around. Know your favorite designers trademarks and logos before you go so you can spot their items easily. Also if you have a particular item in mind, focus on that. For example, if you are on the market for that perfect LBD, go looking for that item first, then move on to accessories and shoes. Stocks and sizes at these sales are limited, so prioritize what you're looking for and hit that section first, then move onto others.
7. Have fun.
I know, I know, how can this be so fun when there are so many guidelines and strategies? Well, let me tell you- finding a hot Alexander Wang frock for 80% off face value is pretty f***ing fun. Also, some of the sales have live DJ's and light food and refreshments to keep your shopping stamina up. If anything, go for the experience!
Happy Sale-ing!
XOXO
Blonde in the District