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Those summer rooftop parties are calling your name left and right, and how else will you show up looking like a casually chic pixie person without beaded outfits from Alice + Olivia? You, too, can look like a walking Whitney exhibit—for around $119 per top, of course. We checked out their sample sale preview this morning, and got a look at the lovely styles (and the potential bank account sabotage) on offer this time around.
The sales floor is mostly covered by the ready-to-wear stock, sizes 0/XS up to a 12/L. Styles are well represented through all sizes, with multiples of most tops and bottoms among all the racks. It should be noted that while most items are more than $100, everything is under $300—including those crazy-embellished leather jackets for $299 (down from $1,998).
Some of the other big discounts we saw included a long sequin-embellished jacket for $289 (was $1,098), a cobalt blue leather dress for $289 (was $1,098) and a long black and white pleated skirt for $279 (was $898). On the cheaper end at $119 apiece, we saw citrus print trousers (were $242), gray cargo capris (were $264), and a peplum dress (was $264). We also saw multiple colors of a peplum top for $79 (was $198) and leopard print shorts for the same price.
Beaded and embellished tops generally run from $159 to $199 (originally $330 to $440). We liked a leather short-sleeved top with a sheer back for $199 (was $495), a red, white, and blue sleeveless beaded top for $159 (was $348) and a beaded sweater for $159 (was $330). Dresses are generally $159 to $279, depending on the detail and material.
At the back left hand corner by the dressings rooms (ten items per person allowed) are two racks of gowns in sizes 0 to 12, though most are a size 4 or 6. We loved an "Island Woman" print gown for $279 (was $898) and a two-piece multicolor gown with leather trim for $279 (was $797).
The focal point for bargain shoppers is the tiny sample section at the back. The pricing is a little confusing for how things are displayed: Basically, there are four racks with samples for $99 (mostly tops, jackets, blazers, and short dresses), one rack against the righthand side for $59 per sample (one-off older season styles), sample gowns at the back for $119, and one rack that isn't labeled that follows the sample pricing posted on the walls. This section has $49 blouses, shorts, skirts, capris, sweaters and jackets; $59 dresses; and $99 embellished and leather items.
Some of the best $99 samples included gray leather pants, a sequined navy-and-white-striped skirt, black leather overlay shorts, and a black leather skirt with colored flower beading. We also saw a cream and brown leather blazer and a bright red leather dress. For dresses, a beaded sample gown with feather details for $119 really caught our eye.
Nearby are bins with women's sample sweaters sizes XS to L (still packaged) for $49, a bin of men's sweaters for $69, and scarves for $49. Closest to the registers are handbags and accessories. Large print and pattern totes are $109 (from $595—$645), beaded clutches are $99 (were $495), and iPad cases (that can double as a zip clutch) are $29. Hats on the back shelves are $49.
Looking to take advantage of those sample prices? Even though this sale goes through this Saturday (check out the Dealfeed below), they'll definitely be the first pieces to go, so be sure to get there soon—the doors just opened, FYI.