Barneys Warehouse Sale Survival Strategy

You know what your mother said about why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.... Well for my first post I feel like that is what I am doing. But who cares, let's jump in head first.

This is really one of my best strategical moves in finding expensive things at rock bottom prices. The Barneys Warehouse Sale happens twice a year, and is really the only time I let myself completely splurge and buy whatever I can get my hands on (disclaimer: whatever I can get my hands on that I am absolutely in love with and find the deal too good to leave for someone else). This is not shopping for the faint of heart. Get ready to disco with throngs of people you don't know, throw some 'bows, and see someone your mother's age with no shirt trying on a Balenciaga mini-dress dress from two years ago.

Plan of attack:

1. Find out when the sale ends. Go the day before when everything is marked down 60-75% off the sale price. Don't torture yourself by going early and getting a sneak peak at what won't be there in two weeks when it is actually affordable.

2. Give yourself a 3-hour window to shop. At 11am I waited outside the building to get inside for 15 minutes, in line for shoe matches for a solid 25, and another 30 to check out. You don't want to be rushed because trust me, there is a reason this only happens twice a year: it is all human patience can bear.

3. Wear clothes such as leggings, tank tops, and ballet flats. Mobility and body-hugging are key. You don't want to be messing with shoe laces or trying on dresses over jeans. There are no dressing rooms, so thongs are probably not a good option either.

4. ipod is critical. It is the only thing that keeps me sane. It really helps you focus and block out the crowd.

5. Something I wish more people would wise up to: For Christ's sake, please try on the shoe available before waiting in the heinous line to get the match. If the shoe doesn't fit or looks horrible put it back on the rack so it is available to others. If you love it, then get the other one. Saves a ton of time, and is courteous to your fellow shoppers.

5. Get ready to sort through racks of garbage to find the diamond in the rough. Obviously no one wants Kate Moss TopShop from like 2 years ago, but I always tend to find lovely little cashmere pieces which are cash-miracally expensive full price. I always look for pieces that transcend seasons and trends. Buy things you can modify to wear year-round and that won't go out of style in 6 months.

Ok, so you may be asking yourself what I came away with today. Here is the lowdown:

Original Price:
Co-op cashmere racerback tank dress - $158
Co-op cotton thick strap knit tank - $98
Ernest Sewn high-waisted jeans - $195
Castaner wedge espadrilles - $160
Barneys New York brown leather platform wedge sandals - $220
Total: $831

My Price:
Co-op cashmere racerback tank dress - $20.70
Co-op cotton thick strap knit tank - $14.70
Ernest Sewn high-waisted jeans - $20.70
Castaner wedge espadrilles - $32.00
Barneys New York brown leather platform wedge sandals - $44.00
Total: $132.10

The numbers don't lie kids. Remember to buy what you love, transcend trends and seasons, and hold out till the bitter end before you go!

Imelda Marcos is coming...buy more shoes!