The L.K. Bennett Sample Sale Is Underwhelming at Best

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We stopped by the L.K. Bennett sample sale this afternoon at the brand's Madison Avenue showroom, and of the dresses, bags, and shoes that were on offer, we walked away unexcited by any of it. (Note that there was a very strict no photo policy here.)

Apparel is arranged by size in the main room, with 2s—8s on one side, and 10s—14s on the other, with additional racks of sample size 4's in the middle. In this section, cardigans will set you back $35, coats are $125, dresses are $95 each or two for $175, jackets are $80, tops are $40, and bottoms are $45 each or two for $80.

There are also boxes of tops, pants, and skirts in boxes in front of the racks. The apparel in the boxes looks pretty picked over and disheveled. Jackets and dresses took up most of the racks, with a silky geometric-print short sleeved fit-and-flare dress in dark pink, navy, black, and red (originally $425) catching our eye. We also noted a tan tweed jacket with a gently pleated hem in a size 2 (was $475).

The best selection of dresses is on the racks of size 4s down the middle of the room. We liked a black three-quarter sleeved velvet dress with a surplus neckline and a short sleeved shift dress with a sash in a moodily-hued print with bright blue floral accents (was $395).

Bags are on tables in the back of the apparel room, and also in the shoe room to the left. There is a box of belts ($25 each, two for $45) in front of the bag table, with the selection appearing to be all patent leather or leopard print. Clutches are $50, wallets are $40, and shoulder bags are $95. Most clutches are pink, with a few beaded styles as well. We liked a black and white polka dotted Saffiano leather tote. There are lots of patent leather totes in black and burgundy as well.

Shoes are in the room to the left. Ankle boots are $95 or two for $175, heels are $80 or two for $150, flats are $60 or two for $110, and knee boots are $120. Styles are arranged on shelves along the walls, and there's decent stock for all sizes, which range from 35 to 42. We liked a pair of nude matte leather pumps with a heel height of about two inches in a size 35 that were originally $295, and the same style in patent tortoiseshell that were originally $345. Pointy-toe black leather flats with olive green trim and an olive pony hair detail at the vamp in a size 37 stood out as well. We only noticed tall boots in the larger sizes and in one style, which was a burgundy suede in a relaxed fit that were originally $695. One of the most prevalent styles is a turquoise velvet smoking slipper marked down from $245.

Jewelry is priced at $30, and there is one box at the front by the reception desk and register. When we peeked inside, everything was still wrapped.

Overall, there isn't much to see at this sale. There are no dressing rooms, and we heard that there will not be any restocking. The sale runs through Thursday at 7pm and anyone can enter so long as they make an appointment by emailing caroline.cozier@lkbennett.com beforehand.