Designer Bargains in Chicago
It's no longer necessary to spend a fortune on clothing and accessories to get the current season's hottest trends, although many can still look like they do.
A Permanent Sample Sale:
Chicago shoppers don't have to buy a plane ticket to New York or Los Angeles to attend a sample sale, a fashion industry event often held in designer showrooms that is usually kept a secret until the last minute. It is an event where random, temporary spaces may be rented for the day or weekend, and designer pre-production (sample) and post-production (overstock) get sold at deep discounts.
Deemed as Chicago's "First and Only Permanent Sample Sale," Beta Boutique (2016 W. Concord Pl.; 773.276.0905), offers fashionistas who like to outfit with latest trends, great discounts ranging from 40-90 percent off retail.
Located in Bucktown, Beta Boutique features the latest seasonal looks in contemporary apparel and boasts 1,700 square feet of shopping space, with merchandise changing weekly. In addition to sample, Beta Boutique also receives overstock from local high-end boutiques which spotlight Chicago labels.
"The designers we carry tend to be very edgy to fit with Bucktown," said Janice Moskoff, owner of Beta Boutique. "We have a lot of smaller, designer brands and jewelry from a number of local designers."
Beta Boutique understands that not every woman is a size six. It carries a large variety of sizes, ranging from an extra small to a 12 or 14, expanding beyond the standard sizes of zero to eight, typically found at New York and Los Angeles sample sales and many standard non-discount boutiques.
Bargain hunters take note. Beta Boutique's biggest event of the year is its Stacked Rack Sale, where all pieces will be marked at $150 or under. Approximately 15-20 of the city's top boutiques and designers are invited to participate and all merchandise will be organized by price and size, which many have come to appreciate, especially those who may get caught in the midst of a bargain shopper's frenzy.
At this event, there will also be a rack featuring items for $10 and under. Shoppers looking for designer jeans, take note. Rumor has it that a few lucky customers have found J Brand jeans on this rack.
The event will take place at 1552 N. Milwaukee Ave. (second floor above the Levi Store), on Saturday, August 16; 10am-6pm and Sunday, August 17; noon-5pm
Pictured above: Image courtesy of Beta Boutique
Current Fashion at Designer-Off Prices:
Lincoln Park is not known for its discounted prices, but that doesn't seem to matter to Fox's (2150 N. Halsted St.; 773.281.0700), a designer-for-less boutique, located in one of Chicago's highest priced neighborhoods. Customers flock to Fox's (especially on the weekends), where many loyal customers sift through the racks looking for designer pieces at discounted prices.
At Fox's, shoppers will find the latest fashion of the season, with plenty of trendy items, including handbags and jewelry, all at designer off-prices. Shoppers can expect to save between 40-70 percent off normal retail prices with new merchandise being brought in every day. Fox's buyers are based out of New York and travel abroad to Europe, buying select pieces from France and Italy for the Chicago and Skokie locations.
Having been in business for over 20 years, Fox's has made sure that it has top notch customer service.
"We make an effort to greet our customers and make them feel welcome," said Jayne Fox, manager of Fox's. "Sometimes it can be overwhelming given the amount of merchandise; it's easy for us to help pick out clothing."
Fox's host four big events each year, where new merchandise is brought up from the basement. When customers arrive for the event, the merchandise is fresh and new. Expect to find specialty items which aren't normally for sale dispersed in the mix.
The Annual Fall Party takes place at Fox's on Saturday, September 20 from 10am-6pm
A Sample Sale for Smaller, Indie & Local Designers:
Sample sales are not just for New York magazine editors with large expense accounts and the VIP'S who know them. Meet High Gloss, a boutique that focuses strictly on the sample sale, where shoppers can expect to save 50-80 percent off retail. High Gloss rents out a whopping 6,000 square feet of pure shopping space four times a year, bringing in 30-50 designers, including ones from New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Budapest.
High Gloss has taken a slight diversion off the average sample sale route--it likes to focus on indie and smaller label designers, as well as local Chicago ones. That's good news for those who live in town and have created their own lines--High Gloss is always looking to add more to its growing list.
"We introduce smaller, indie designers in a very forward, chic way," said Tamara Chaponot, owner of High Gloss. "We'll drop it if it gets too big; if it's not in every single department store, I want it."
Shoppers can expect to find all current season lines with the same personal service they would demand from a regular boutique. Chaponot said she and her team will hold items for customers. "It's boutique service at 80 percent off."
Pictured above: Image courtesy of High Gloss
July 2008
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