Inside the YSL Sample Sale

Update: Wednesday 9:45am
We were just told that the sale has received a new shipment of merchandise and sale hours have been extended to 9pm on Wednesday and 6pm on Thursday.

Chances are that if you're headed to the YSL sample sale that you'll be reading this while standing on a very, very, very long line. Today we went to the VIP preview and can definitively tell you that this sale lives up to the hype.

Before we get to the details we are going to give you a bit of advice. If you don't like waiting on long lines we suggest going to the sale after 3pm. Generally, this is the slowest time of day at a sample sale. You may not get first-round draft material but there's still lots of items to help you empty your wallet.

Now that we have those details out of the way, we can continue onto selections and pricing. First, there are bags. Lots of bags -- or enough bags to get through tomorrow. There are Roadys ($600), postcard patent totes ($400), YSL canvas totes ($300), duffels/weekenders ($400), Cabases ($800), clutches for $200 and wallets for $100.

Now, shoes. Yes, there are Tributes ($350) but there aren't a lot and the colors are not very desirable. If you're looking for sandals you've come to the right place. There is a great assortment of colors and hights. If you're into Palai bow pumps, you can expect to score big. All sandals and boots are priced at $350. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of boots. When we last checked there were exactly three pairs. Pricing is as follows: Trib 2 $350, sandals $350, boots $350 and all other shoes $200. Men's shoes are all $200.

The best deals, as always, was in the clothing section. Much of the assortment is from fall 2011. You can browse much of the selection from that collection right here. Prices are as follows:

Coats: $600
Jackets: $300
Dresses: $300
Pants: $150
Skirts: $100
Blouses/Tops: $100

As in past years, the sale also includes lots of jewelry, sunglasses, belts and other accessories. Most shoppers would be wise to grab a few heavy cocktail rings, which are priced at $50. They are great gifts for girlfriends and cooler relatives. More specialized jewelry is priced individually and runs in the $200-$300 range. Among other accessories you will find a variety of sunglasses for $75, scarves for $100, belts for $50 and umbrellas for $100.

Overall, this sale is one that is worth shopping but you can avoid a lot of hassle by going to the YSL outlet at Woodbury. The prices may not always be as good but there's never a wait to get in.

YSL Sample Sale
Tuesday, October 23rd through Thursday, October 25
Tues & Wed 9am to 6:30pm, Thurs 9am to 4pm
Soiffer Haskin 317 West 33rd St between 8th and 9th Aves
Credit Cards Only