The atmosphere at Clothingline’s Helmut Lang/Theory sample sale was very tense. A few women came as early as 9 AM for the sale which opened to the public at 11AM. I arrived shortly after 9:30 AM, and the line grew quickly upon my arrival. By the time Clothingline opened its doors for business the line was stretched to the end of the block.
Once inside, the sample sale quickly became a madhouse and it was every woman for herself! I was amazed at how quickly the shoppers seemed to have devoured most of the blazers off of the rack. Women were practically climbing on top of each other to get their hands on a Helmut Lang Sugar Jacket or a Waxed Coated Cotton Blazer; sometimes even reaching for the same article of clothing simultaneously. Within one hour of opening there were hardly any Helmut Lang blazers left.
Stalking was rampant. Women were being followed by other women in hopes of getting casts-a-ways, but most of them were forthcoming about wanting to take your unwanted pieces. Next, the shoppers moved on to the racks that boasted Helmut Lang blouses, pants, dresses, and skirts.
Thankfully, unlike the blazers there was plenty to go around – though a fair amount of the merchandise were either damaged or slight irregulars. The severity of damaged and slight irregular merchandise ranged from slight manufacturing defects (i.e missing button), and stains, to thread pulls and large tears in garment. I did not see too many of the latter, but you should thoroughly inspect every piece of clothing you plan to purchase.
I spotted a nice pair of Helmut Lang Reflex Leggings in Medallion print (Org. $355), sadly the number of pieces that was available to begin with was very limited and they did not have my size (tears*sniffle*more tears). There was a hefty amount of Helmut Lang Exclusive Chroma tops for Intermix in bright orange, and royal blue, Lyra Twist Top, and Vena tank tops and blouses – all for $45 a piece (Org. $295-$355). Denim styled leggings and pants ranged from bright colors to basic neutrals – all for $50 a piece (Org. $195-$395).
With so much commotion at the Helmut Lang section of the sample sale, it seemed as though not too many bothered to go to the Theory section. Those shopping at the Theory section seemed less frantic and had an aura of inner peace. They at least weren’t being stalked and could take their time looking at an item with worrying about it being snatched away right in front of them by a zealous shopper. Even I retreated to the Theory section for some solace, however that calmness slowly ended as the shoppers from the Helmut Lang section made their way to Theory.
All in all, the Theory portion of the sale seems to offer the best options in terms of availability, variety, and quality of clothing (not too many damaged pieces). The racks were full of Theyskyens’ Theory, and Theory for Women and Men (see pictures below). Pricing was similar to Helmut Lang. A nice pair of Theory Marsienna T pants in pink will only cost you $50 (Org. $295), a Theyskens’ Theory blouse is only $45, and for the guys, swanky button downs are $45, blazers are $100 and pants are $50.
