When we arrived there were shoppers all busy inspecting and searching through the many racks hung with clothing. Not too many shoppers, just the right amount to make you feel you were getting a bargain and invite you to the “deals” frenzy. Isn’t that what we love about these types of sales? Even if the prices weren’t the lowest anywhere due to the enthusiasm and panic of our fellow sisters we leave feeling euphoric clutching our beloved J Crew finds!

There were several long garment bars filled with the classic silk special occasion dresses that most have only seen pictures of. Being a veteran seamstress I’ve got a discerning eye for quality fabric/draping and would have left immediately if the quality was sub par. I was pleasantly surprised and began shuffling through the many dresses to find something in “Champagne” color to go with the shoes I’d already purchased.

Several weeks ago I purchased the cocktail length “Delores” in Champagne taffeta and though it was a good fit not exactly a spectacular wedding dress. Delores is perfect for bridesmaids and fits beautifully especially since J Crew added a gathered tulle ruffle underneath the hemline helping to fill out the a-line design. I thought in a pinch this dress will work since the wedding is very informal and vows being taken on the bow of our 37′ sailboat.

When I was searching the Internet for more choices and came upon this blog site I knew I had to get into the city for the sample sale. Going through the racks of wedding dresses there were many “Tatiana” and “Gracie” styles in a variety of sizes except for 16 which I was looking for. Finally getting to the end of the rack I spotted “Cecelia” and “Sophia” in Champagne AND size 16. Thrilled I grabbed a bunch of dresses and headed to an area where my friend and I could scrutinize them thoroughly. The dress I really liked “Sophia” has a small ink dot right in the front of the dress about knee height which looked as if someone had tried getting the spot out with something as it created a spot too.

We’re standing there and my friend asked one the working gentlemen a question and we got chatting, then a very nice petite woman came by and asked if I was purchasing the dress for a wedding of which I said yes, and she asked if I wanted to try them on. Why yes I’d love to! She was kind enough to direct me to an area in the back office area equipped with a curtain to offer some privacy from the rest of the crowd. It seems that their policy of no trying on does not apply to brides, so we gladly took the special treatment.

We were told by the sweet young woman having lunch in the back while I tried the dresses on that all the prices had been reduced that day. Cashmere’s were now 2 for $90 and many other specials as the sale grew to a close was being offered. Of course there was less of a selection through out but better bargains if you could find something of interest.

After trying the two different styles of dress I decided due to the fabulous price I’d buy both dresses in case I couldn’t get the tiny ink mark out of “Sophia” which was priced at $118. The Cecelia was priced at $90 and considering the amount of silk fully lined you are hard pressed to find a better bargain than that! I figured either I’d sell the other dress on Ebay or dye it and cut it shorter for a cocktail dress.

I’ve been doing extensive searching about silk tricotine and it’s cleaning requirements. Not all silk has to be dry cleaned, manufacturers do this for liability reasons and cannot guarantee cleaning if you choose to use water and Woolite. I’m sure I’ll find my answer and then begin the process of getting that itty bitty mark out of Sophia.

All in all the experience was fabulous and if you’ve got a wedding in the future where you know what you want and have your bridesmaids all lined up getting to this sale with dress sizes firmly known you will find the best bargains anywhere. I highly recommend the effort!