by contributor Suzanne Struglinski
Photo credit: Suzanne Struglinski
Deal-seekers flooded the Longview Gallery Tuesday for the District Sample Sale spring event that let shoppers pick through local boutiques’ last remaining designer sweaters, boots and scarves and also get a sneak preview of what we will be wearing in warmer weather–all while spending money to support the DC Diaper Bank.
Organizers say more than 25 designer clothing, shoe and accessory stores sold their end of season items at up to 90% off their original price, with all profits going to charity. For a $40 general admission ticket, shoppers cruised racks and tables looking for one-time-only deals while sipping cocktails or nibbling snacks from 12 restaurants on hand, including Policy, Sax Restaurant & Lounge, Del Campo, Chaplin, Dolci Gelati, among others.
Hollywood on the Potomac was on hand to get shoppers’ best sample sale strategies:
“Shop first, eat later,” said Lindsay Estabrooks of Virginia, a four-time sample sale veteran who came during the opening VIP hour. Her fellow shopper Laura Kurasiewicz also wanted to avoid picked over racks once more people arrived as the night progressed. She was hunting for a dress to wear to an upcoming wedding.
Loni Smith had the opposite plan of attack. “Eat first, shop second,” she said, adding that she liked to have her hands free as she looked through the racks. A self-described “girlie girl” she was circling a particular blue dress with a floral patterned top ‘like a shark.’ “It is super cute,” Smith said, as she contemplated buying it.
Other sale sharks balanced champagne glasses and shopping bags in one hand while sliding hangers down the racks with the other, all set to the clubby soundtrack provided by the live DJ.
K.C. Sledd’s strategy was to “take a lap” of all the stalls first, making mental notes of what to see and then going back to take a closer look at what might have caught her eye. Her friend Devan Barber said her plan was “to come with a friend who has done this before,” laughing with Sledd.
Janella Franklin bought a “really amazing” jacket and some greeting cards. She has a self-imposed rule that is she looks at something twice in the same store’s booth, she has to buy it.
Piper Mitchell was looking to “boost my winter wardrobe for next year.” Piper, who came with her mom, said they were going to hit as many booths as possible for that winter boost as well as see what might be there for summer.
The event has raised approximately $315,000 to donate to selected charities since 2006.
