In 1948, Vogue published its comprehensive *Book of Etiquette*, a 658-page guide to navigating social graces. Fast forward to 2023, and the magazine’s new monthly column, *Oh, Behave!*, tackles the ever-evolving world of social etiquette, and this month, the spotlight is on the thrilling yet chaotic world of sample sales.
For those unfamiliar, sample sales offer a chance to snag designer pieces at a fraction of the retail price, but they come with their own set of rules. The competitive nature of these events can bring out the worst in even the most well-behaved shoppers.
Vogue enlisted two experts on the topic: Jenna Lyons, fashion icon and former Creative Director of J.Crew, and Alex Consani, a TikTok darling and model who has made a career out of stylishly scoring discounted deals.
Their guide dives into every aspect of the sample sale experience, from the initial invitation to the ultimate victory of snagging a coveted piece.
Sharing the Secret:
Both Jenna and Alex are open to sharing the exclusive invites they receive, but they have their limits. For Jenna, it’s about whether the person is a true fashion enthusiast, while Alex takes a more inclusive approach, believing everyone deserves the opportunity to appreciate fashion, even those on a budget.Crashing the Party:
When it comes to attending a sale you weren’t invited to, Jenna takes a more conservative approach, while Alex is a firm believer in “if the pockets are open, the door should be too.”Sharing PR Contacts:
Jenna emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity when sharing PR contacts, while Alex, ever the generous friend, is happy to spread the word and even help secure those coveted Manolos.The Art of the Queue:
Jenna, with her self-proclaimed lack of patience, skips the lines altogether. Alex, on the other hand, acknowledges that arriving early is key, but ultimately the decision comes down to how badly you want the loot.Sample Sale Style:
Jenna advocates for practicality, suggesting slip-on shoes and comfy clothes for easy changing. Alex, however, is a heel girl at heart and believes in making a statement, even if it means arriving in a corset.Communal Dressing Rooms:
While Jenna appreciates the organized dressing room experience, Alex highlights the importance of a supportive environment where judgment is replaced with positive encouragement.Undergarments and Privacy:
Both Jenna and Alex are refreshingly candid about their perspectives on undergarments in communal dressing rooms, emphasizing the importance of comfort and self-acceptance. Alex, as a trans individual, brings up the crucial conversation surrounding changing rooms and the need for comfortable and safe spaces.Shopping in the Aisle:
The rules are relaxed in the world of sample sales, and trying things on in the aisle is acceptable, even encouraged. Alex enjoys the added benefit of getting feedback from fellow shoppers, while Jenna appreciates the time-saving aspect.The Hold-On Technique:
Holding onto a coveted piece is non-negotiable for both experts. Jenna sees it as a sport, while Alex uses it as a way to gauge her desire for the item.Manhandling the Merchandise:
Jenna isn’t afraid to speak her mind if someone is mishandling a desired item. Alex approaches the situation strategically, waiting for the opportunity to grab it once the other shopper relinquishes their grip.Talking Shop:
Jenna is open to offering fashion advice but recognizes that shoppers rarely take it, while Alex encourages conversation and enjoys getting feedback on her own style.Budgeting and Haggling:
Jenna admits to having no budget, while Alex is a frugal queen who emphasizes the importance of saving money. Both are open to haggling, especially for damaged or used items.Shopping for Others:
Jenna prefers to shop for herself, while Alex believes it’s important to have a conversation with the person before taking on the task.Sample Sale Regrets:
Jenna finds solace in her massive storage space, where unwanted items are eventually donated or sold. Alex recommends The RealReal for guilt-free reselling.Sharing the Steal:
Both experts love to share their bargain finds and flex their fashion savvy.Worst Sample Sale Behavior:
For Jenna, it’s about respecting the clothes, while for Alex, it’s about avoiding unnecessary aggression.Best Sample Sale Purchases:
Jenna treasures a cashmere coat she scored at a Katayone Adeli sample sale, while Alex boasts about a vintage Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs bag.Dream Sample Sales:
Jenna dreams of attending high-end sample sales, while Alex craves a Birkin sample sale, where she’d be willing to fight for the ultimate prize.From the initial invitation to the final purchase, this inside look into the world of sample sales reveals the unspoken rules, the highs and lows, and ultimately, the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a sample sale newbie, Jenna and Alex’s advice is a must-read for any fashion enthusiast hoping to score some serious style steals.
