Rummaging through swap meets, flea markets, and sample sales is a great way to unearth great finds at a fraction of the price—that is, if you are up for the hunt. However, challenges are involved that up the hustle factor: limited quantities, fierce competition for elbow space, and no dressing rooms. Not to mention the fair share of hoarders who make it seems like they are bracing themselves for the next clothing apocalypse. Here are some tips on how to conquer the sample sale with minimal injury and a great haul:
Check Out the Scene
If you want to be hardcore, drive to the location the sample sale will be held ahead of time. Check out the parking situation. If you plan on biking and taking public transport, then know you’ll be able to lug only a certain amount of stuff.
The Stock Pile Approach
I tend to quickly grab whatever is eye-pleasing, and when my arms can’t bear it, I find a corner to divvy up the goods into either a keep or toss pile. Everything that gets tossed becomes fair game.
Wear Layers
If there is no dressing room, if you don’t want to get buck naked (and hey, if that’s your thing, more power to you). Here are my recommendations:
Ladies:
-Tight-Fitting Camisole or tank top so you can conveniently try on clothes on top of what you normally wear.
-Clunky Sweater: If you want to get a more accurate assessment of how something will fit, then a big sweater is what I would go for.
–Skirt : If you want to try on pants, your short skirt will spare you from baring your ass to your fellow shoppers.
–Leggings: There’s no real purpose to this, just that leggings underneath a skirt is pretty darn cute.
Lads:
Whatever works: As a dude, you have the liberty of taking your shirt off in (most) public places.Take full advantage, go crazy, have a field day.Maybe some boxers instead of briefs, and a decent-looking pair of boxers at that?
Shoes: If you are planning on trying out shoes, then slip on shoes or sandals are the way to go. Don’t forget the socks!
Mirror Mirror, at the Haul
If there are no reflective spaces (think the side of a car, a window) then you might want to bring your own full-length mirror. It might be worthwhile and prevent you from stuff that you’ll just toss away in the next few weeks.
Have Restraint
Just because you may be getting these items at a mega bargain doesn’t mean the same rules to shopping don’t apply. If you don’t love it, don’t get it. If it fits kind of funky, or is something you don’t normally wear, then you might think twice. On the other hand, if it’s a piece you think you’ll have fun with experimenting with other pieces, then go for it. Remember: It’s not a good value if it gets zero use.
Practice Sample Sale Etiquette
All I have to say is don’t be a selfish cow. I totally understand if your plan of action is to resell this stuff online and it contributes to your livelihood, but just keep in mind that everyone is here for the same reason: to get awesome stuff for cheap. If possible, don’t push and be respectful of other people’s space. Maybe even let the person next to you take the bralette top you were eyeing. Who knows, you might even feel decent afterward.
