I dropped by on day 4 of the sale and Pippa, who owns the store, was telling me they had already sold 250 bags!
I use to be a sample sale fanatic but after attending so many I realised how hit and miss they can be. It’s so disappointing when you queue up for an hour plus, then you finally get inside and there’s nothing you want to buy (yes, major first world problems!). Plus, the whole shopping experience can be quite hellish!
Over the years, I’ve discovered better ways to shop discounted luxury which are more peaceful and less hit and miss, for example The Outnet (read more about it HERE), preloved (more about that HERE and HERE) and Bicester Village (read HERE and HERE).
Although having said all that, there are 3 amazing sample sales (Versace, Temperely and Anya Hindmarch) this month which have really peaked my interest. As I’ve been left disappointed in the past I thought I’d do some research to see what their prices and selection were like.
However, I was so surprised by how little information there is out there reviewing and discussing past sales. Given that most of these brands hold annual or biannual sales I would have thought I’m not the only one who wants to research whether they’re worth attending.
So, I thought it might be helpful to start writing about the sample sales I’ve been to in case anyone is looking for more information on them. The first I’m going to chat about is the Versace sample sale which still has ONE MORE DAY LEFT (Thursday 26th October) if you want to bag a bargain.
This sale was being held at Pippa Store in Notting Hill which I’ve written a whole post about HERE. The great thing about Pippa Store is they host sample sales across a 2-4 week period so there is no mad rush to get there. The first few days are always a bit crazy but once the initial hype has died down you can pretty much shop in peace.
My only word of warning is, if you want to shop the first couple of days to get first dibs, the store is very small and they only allow 4 customers in at a time, so you could be in for a bit of a wait.
The overall stock selection was absolutely huge and they had 3 deliveries throughout the sale. They had everything from ready-to-wear, to bags, shoes, beachwear, accessories and jewellery for both Versace and Versus. Prices were as follows (although I’ve been told they are all up for negotiation on the last day!):
Versace:
Ready-to-wear: £150 – £650
Belts: £100 – £140
Shoes: £100 – £250
Bikinis: £80
Scarves: £70
Jewellery: £50 – £160
Keyrings: £40 – £70
Versus:
Ready-to-wear: £50 – £70
Belts: £50
Shoes: £90 – £160
Bags: £120 – £150
I went there hoping to score either a bag or some shoes. I have a pair of orange Versace flats which I’ve had for years and they’re honestly one of the buys I’ve ever made (see them HERE)!
I dropped by on day 4 of the sale and Pippa, who owns the store, was telling me they had already sold 250 bags! I spotted this little backpack and it won me over immediately. Lilac is my favourite colour, so it was meant to be! Backpack-wise they only had this one left and a black sequin one. They also still had a couple of incredible leather overnight bags which were stunners! I paid £350 for my backpack and it retailed for around £1400, making it (in my opinion) a great buy.
Unfortunately, I had less luck with the shoes. They were all quite wacky, think lots of boots in bright colours with super high heels. I had originally hoped to find some with the Medusa head on which they did have a few pairs of at the beginning but they were all snapped up very quickly.
All in all, this was a great sale. Although I missed out on a lot of the best pieces, I’m still delighted with my new bag. Plus, by day 4 the madness had died down and I got to shop in a peaceful environment with no queue.
If you’re a Versace fan and can make it down on Thursday I highly advise you do. I imagine you can pick up some mega bargains, as they’ll want to shift the last bit of stock. There are still plenty of statement coats, dresses and boots to be had, as well as a few accessories such as belts and a small selection of bags.
Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.
The backpack is super cute. I love the color.
Xx
Nikki
http://www.nikkilivinglife.com/blog
Such a cute look, love that bag!
xx- Nina
http://www.ninalnguyen.com/2017/10/classic-trench-coat.html
I think you hit the jack pot with this backpack! i love the soft color and it will go with so many chic outfits =o)
https://dreamofadventures.com/
oh this is such a cute backpack! It looks great on you!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
wow that sounds intense.. only four shoppers at a time.
Glad you were able to score a cute bag.
I used to be such a sample sale fanatic too! but I totally agree that they are too chaotic most of the times. I also really like the outnet for discounted designer. That bag you scored is a gem though! so cute!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Looks really interesting! Thanks a lot for sharing)
wow, great deals and I love that this is a bright color and isnt covered in logo. Really makes it so fashionable.
xoxo Falasha
Bite My Fashion
Instagram| Bloglovin’| Facebook
Oh wow!!!! I can’t believe you got that backpack for such a steal! It’s so cute as well! I never really go to sample sales as they’re not often held by me as I’m not in London, so I do prefer places like The Outnet too!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Oh very cute backpack darling
xx
SUCH a cute outfit! Obsessing over your backpack!
xx Rubi
Pose & Repeat
Beautiful backpack. I loved the colour too. Thanks for sharing details about this sale. I should keep an eye and see if there is anything like it here in Australia. Have a lovely day. xoxo Cris
http://photosbycris.blogspot.com.au/2017/10/at-beach-with-rosegal.html
Great find!! I love the pastel shades.
Notting Hill is THE BEST place to take photos. So lovely there
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
I love samples sales and I like that backpack, so cute! 🙂
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Oh my gosh, I am so jealous! I love that backpack, it’s so fun! I’ll have to check out Pippa Store next time I’m in London.
That’s such a cute backpack and it looks amazing with the denim jacket!
https://styledwithamanda.blogspot.com
I have never been on a sample sale. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Lesley Kim
I’ve never been to a sample sale before. I think line alone is a turn off. I like the bag the color is soft and beautiful.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
your backpack is so cute, I love it
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
That bag is so cute!! Love it a lot <3
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
The backpack is so amazing! Kisses
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/2017/10/vestido-de-rayas-en-paris.html
Ooooooh – wow!!! Loving all the items you’re wearing, such a gorgeous combination and those colours are just stunning!
Layla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
This is stunning backpack and has nice size to it x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.be/
Such a great post and idea! I love this backpack too. So chic!
Xoxo
http://www.stylemefancy.com
Omg SUCH a cute backpack! And I can’t believe everything in the sample sale was so affordable!!
xo,
H
http://firsttimethings.com/
A great review of the sample sale. I love your new bag.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
You look so stunning! but your bag is a pure dream!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: PFW STREET STYLE OCTOBER II
I love your bag! I’ve never been to a sample sale but I would love to just to see what it’s like. I think you’re right though and there are easier ways to shop! Very useful post – thank you. : ) xxxx
♥ Carly Susanne ~ A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
OMG that back pack is insane! I agree used to always hit up sample sales but now I really try and choose wisely, planning on maybe going to the Mary Katrantzou one on Monday so maybe I’ll see you there! ha xx
Alya / moorizzla xx
You are rocking this adorable backpack- what a killer score!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Stunning outfit!
Have a nice evening!
Gil Zetbase
amazing look my dear, love your denim jacket
NEW REVIEW ON MY BLOG <<< Multitasking products RODIN Olio Lusso >>>
have an happy day
kisses
Beautiful outfit!
I love a good sample sale especially from designer brands. That bag is lovely!!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
A lot of people would now prefer just to shop online. Reducing hassle and effort but it deletes the feeling of getting to choose what you want by its “feels and size”. That bag looks astonishing.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Oh I love your backpack its too pretty!
You look beautiful.
Have a great weekend.
Xx Caroline
http://www.foreverdolledup.net
Your outfit is always so chic and on point. This is another whole outfit which I love absolutely. Thanks for sharing this…
xx Ashon
http://ashonfashionary.com/single-or-multiple-stones-a-guide-to-engagement-ring-styles/
Lovely style!! 🙂
Have a great day
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
http://desiresinstyle.com/
You’re absolutely right that a sample sale can be hit or miss but looks like you lucked out with that bag!
http://www.aryachic.com/greece-part-i
Awww thank you sweetie! xx
Thank you darling xx
I can’t tell you how happy I was with this find, it’s the perfect backpack xx
Thank you so much Didier xx
Tell me about it, that’s why I don’t shop the first weekend of the sale xx
The Outnet is so much less stressful than sample sale shopping xx
Thank you, hope you liked the post! xx
Totally agree re. the logo! I love how the medusa head blends in with the colour of the bag. xx
This is why Pippa Store is a such a great place, as it gives people who don’t live in London a full month to visit the sale! xx
Thank you darling xx
It is very pretty! I love living in Notting Hill xx
Thank you hun, sometimes you can’t beat a sample sale xx
Do it! They always have amazing sample sales on xx
Thank you so much lovely xx
Ooooh you’re missing out on some mega bargains xx
That’s why Pippa Store is such a great concept because the sale lasts all month, so no lines! xx
Aww thank you darling xx
Thank you so much lovely xx
You’re so sweet, thank you hun xx
Thank you hunny, so glad you like the colour combination xx
It’s a great size and so perfect for traveling! xx
Glad you like the idea, there will be plenty more of these types of posts xx
There were definitley some mega bargains! xx
Thank you so much lovely! xx
Yay, I’m soooo glad you like it hun! I’m obsessed with the pastel colours xx
So happy you found this useful, that’s great to hear! They will be plenty more posts of sample sales coming soon too xx
Thank you so much hun xx
Thank you! xx
Can’t beat a good sample sale find, right!? xx
Thank you so much! Sometimes you can’t beat that feeling of finding an awesome sample sale find xx
Thank you so much darling xx
You are the sweetest, thank you so much for the lovely comment! Made my day hun xx
Thank you sweetie xx
It really was, I’m so happy with it! xx
Oooh please let me know how it is and if you score anything amazing! xx
I agree, there are Versace items that look wacky but this backpack of yours is pretty and cool to the eyes. Fabulous find dear!!!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Such a good find! I love it.
Angie
http://www.thefashionfuse.com/
What a lovely bag ! so cute
Have a good evening 😉
Olivia <3
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com
Thank you Rubi! xx
Thank you so much lovely xx
I’m super in love with it, I got very lucky! xx
Yes do, hopefully you’ll bag a bargain too if there is something similar xx
Awww thank you so much doll xx
Thank you Angie xx
Thank you Olivia xx