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The Madewell sample sale is back for a second round this year, and we found some great winter staples just in time for the chilly weather, during last night's preview at 151 Wooster Street in Soho. There were only a handful of shoppers (maybe they were deterred by the cold?), which means that there's more stock to shop when it opens to the public today.
The prices are similar to the last sale — cotton tanks and tees are $15, dresses are between $30 and $60, denim jeans are $40, jackets are $60, and heavier outerwear is $150. This time around, there is a small but good selection of leather jackets priced at $250. But also like the last sale, you will find some pieces with in-store sale price stickers that are way cheaper than sample sale prices. We advise that you check online first before purchasing your item to find the best deal.
When you enter the sale venue, you will be greeted by racks full of cozy sweaters to your left, organized by design and or/color. All the sweaters (including the 100% wool ones) are only $35. If you're lucky, you can find some cashmere pieces, as well but you have to dig. With the temperatures dipping rapidly, we think this section will be quite popular.
In front of the sweaters, you'll find five rows of outerwear, including faux-fur hooded parkas and wool coats both with and without leather detailing for $150. You'll also find casual jackets and vests for $60 and those soft leather jackets for $250.
The dress selection ranges from casual summer flocks to ready-for-work outfits. Sizes here run a bit large, but you'll definitely find a few worthy pieces in extra-small and small. Most of the dresses are priced at $60 while the cotton/jersey dresses are $30. There are also shorts and skirts for in this area for $40.
In the back of the room, you will find a good selection of shoes in sizes 6 through 11. Flats and sandals are priced at $65, heels and ankle boots are $100, and mid-calf or tall leather boots are $130. We spotted some nice leather d'Orsay flats in all sizes for $65, colorful suede Mira pumps for $100, and camel booties for $100. We also found one lone Sorel rubber boots in size 8 for $130.
Alongside the right wall in the back is where you will find all the tops, priced at $15 for cotton tank tops and tee-shirts, $25 for long-sleeved tops and blouses, and $40 for silk blouses and embellished tops, including sequin pieces and those with leather trim. There is a mix of every style, so it's worth spending some time here; We even found a few silk pieces from the Madewell x Sezane collaboration. Near this section, you'll also find denim jeans in sizes 24 through 30 for $40.
In the middle of the room are 12 plastic bins mostly containing small and medium ($90) and large leather handbags ($130), including many medium and large zip totes in black and camel. We also spotted leather backpacks, calf hair crossbody bags, and lots of large totes. The other bins contained luscious layering scarves for $20, cool patterned socks for $10, hats (straw, caps, and fedoras) for $20, seasonal sock shoes or faux-shearling slippers for $25, and finally, miscellaneous accessories (i{ad cases, glasses cases, umbrellas) priced between $10 and $30.
There is a small glass display for all of the jewelry, most of which is gold-toned. Rings are $10, earrings are $15, and necklaces are $20. There is a very limited selection, but we found a cute pair of rhinestone earrings (originally $24).
There are no dressing rooms and no floor-length mirrors around the venue, so bring a shopping buddy to help take pictures on your phone or ask a fellow shopper for the favor — that is, if you are game to strip and change in front of other shoppers
The sale starts today and runs through the weekend. Markdowns are expected, but, as always, go early for the best selection. Check out the Dealfeed below for more information.