Samples for (Eco)mpassion
Neighborhood: NoHo
Type of Place: Women's Clothing
Sample Sales
Description:
As an eco-concious bargain trove, Samples for (Eco)mpassion covers quite a few ideas whose times have come. Sample sales from various designers benefit charities the designers select; the bags given with purchases are biodegradable Bio Bags made from corn; and 5% of total store sales benefit Trees for the Future (www.tresftf.org), which plants trees in developing countries.
You might have to sift a bit; enthusiastic shopping can leave the racks somewhat disheveled. But concentrate and you will be rewarded with gorgeous designs at astonishing prices. On a recent visit, I discovered: a burgundy silk blouse from Ella Moss, perfect for now or for spring (85 off the original price of %84.50); an sweet orchid halter gown from I. Melero, an astonishing 90% off $129; a $5 sweater rack with items from Mark Eisen and Tyte; a perfect-for-tonight ivory wool jacket from Rebecca Taylor (90% off $229); a white linen blouse from Marc Jacobs (spring picnics will be back on the calendar before too long; 75% off $94); an all-season black cotton peasant skirt from Phillip Lim (90% off $89); and a just-right-for-Valentine's-dinner asymetrical black-velvet dress from the ever-beloved Diane von Furstenberg (85% off $192.50). A small but interesting men's section also boasts hot discoveries, including unfussy, well-designed hoodies from Loomstate (75% off $150) with amusing care labels: "We think it's best to wash these in cold water and simply hang them to dry in the sun" preceeds the washing-machine directions.
The fun, spontenaity, and comraderie of this shop extend to its changing rooms: 3 same-sex shoppers are allowed into the small rooms at a time, creating an in-this-together vibe in which laughs are had, advice is given, and clothes are passed from one shopper to another. I was shopping here on my birthday; my changing-room-mate asked if I was preparing for a special ocassion. I told her about my birthday party that night, and--why the hell not!--invited her join my friends and me. And she did! And, as it happened, completely by coincidence, she already knew and was friendly with a few friends of mine, making me wonder if Samples for (Eco)mpassion has some magic on offer in addition to great clothes.
Browse the racks; enjoy yourself; make a new friend; get some great clothes. At the same time, you'll be protecting the environment, supporting charity, and planting some trees--and that's the kind of multitasking we can all feel good about.
- Pamela Grossman, Feb 1, 2009
Samples for (Eco)mpassion
2 Great Jones St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 777-0707
Map
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