Where Sale

I’m putting this post up after the fact. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to get the information up in time, but I REALLY want the info out there for people to know about. The Blue Dot sale I went to in San Francisco in August was PHENOMENAL. I will be posting about future sales of theirs and, if you live nearby, GO!!!

When: Sat, Sept 13 - Sun, Sept 14, 2008
Where: OC Expo Fairgrounds, Building 16

Link: http://www.bluedotboutiquesale.com/OC08.html

Special Service Announcement:

Remember to bring cash to this event - some vendors will only be accepting greenbacks.

There are NO DRESSING ROOMS provided, so wear something baggy, like a mu-mu, that you can use as a cover while pulling stuff on or off… or, just get crazy with your bad self and change in your underwear in front of hundreds of people… your choice.

Description:

The idea is great - bring together a collection of local, smaller boutiques and have them all off-load their out-seasoned wares at a massive warehouse sale. One gigunda event + a little charity giving + lots of promo + good prices = great sale, yes?

YES!!! This is a stellar event that’s put on three times a year around California. The discounts are STEEP, STEEP, STEEP. True, the cover, as I’ve mentioned before, is enough to make someone go “hmmm,” but after I was able to send a top-secret sale spy to the last event to do a little recon for me, I’m happy to report that the returns are GREAT. Plus, you’re supporting small, locally owned and operated businesses, so your money is ultimately going right back into the community via sales and business taxes, wages, rent, etc.

Again, remember to bring cash - some vendors will not be set up for credit card transactions. Also, please report back here via comments or email to: contact (at) wheresale (dot) com.

Thanks!

When: Sat, 8/23 (Private VIP) - Sun, 8/24 10-4
Where: Orange County Fair & Expo Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Link:http://www.thewarehousesale.com

Description:
Do you have a yen for designer jeans, but a bank account that’s running more on the Levi’s*** end of the price range? The Warehouse Sale events specialize in bringing high-end jeans to bargain hunters. They hold events around the country throughout the year and there’s one coming up in the Bay Area in a few weeks!

As with everything I’ve posted about so far… I haven’t actually been to one of these events, so it’s kind of a blind posting. Go at your own risk. Lord knows if I wasn’t a size god-knows-what (READ NOTE BELOW REGARDING SIZING) and 8 1/2 months pregnant, I’d be there in a flash. This particular event is labeled as a “Clearance Sale,” and I’m fairly sure that means the prices will be further marked down. Mebbe I’ll even call them tomorrow to find out for sure and update this posting.

IS IT WORTH IT?
Online reviews and articles about The Warehouse Sale events are mixed. For the most part, people are satisfied with the value, but the selection is limited and it’s not like you’re strolling out with $10 jeans that used to be $300. Think more like $70-100 for jeans that used to be $300. Still pretty cool if you’re willing to cough it up.

From what I’ve read, it’s best to make reservations ahead of time, which you can do by signing up at TWS website, and this also avoids the $5 admission fee.

ARE YOU READY?
For a big sale, always go prepared. In this case, the folks at TWS have been kind enough to outline an FAQs section on their site that covers some important info, such as whether or not they have private changing areas (they don’t). Check the FAQs out here.

A NOTE ON SIZING:
Keep in mind that they specialize in selling SAMPLES, so their size ranges on jeans are limited to size 23 - 32 for women and 28-40 for men. They also carry a brand called “Frankie B” that has sizes 0-10 (women’s)

***I actually think the price of Levi’s are even pretty exorbitant, but, a girl’s gotta wear something, right? I remember when buying a pair of jeans seemed like a fairly nonchalant purchase, but nowadays it’s a regular investment!

FURTHER INFO:
Great article: http://www.lasnark.com/the-warehouse-sale-la-convention-center