How to find sample sales in London
Be the first in line to the bun fight
Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.
Hello all! Welcome back and happy bank holiday - it’s been a while, hasn’t it?
I’m putting my Éclat hiatus down to a ‘no spend month’, which turned into another two - and going cold turkey did not bode well with a shopaholic newsletter.
You’ll be pleased to know this was a fairly successful stint, bar a few ceramic treats following a trip to Morocco, and some second-hand Vinted finds - which technically means… savings?
That’s until my arm was twisted to The Music Room’s recent sample sale for some golden treasures, courtesy of Daphine.
Unfortunately - and unsurprisingly - the stand was raided by the time I arrived at 6:30 pm. However, I did discover a new find (or should I say, 2 new finds?)
Insert Barbie Dream Girl Mega Babe co-ord:
This is by Casa Raki, the sustainable resortwear brand for lovers of travel. Because, although I physically live in London on a PR salary, mentally I am a successful boss lady who frequents hot glamorous destinations. So this felt like a sound investment considering cost per wear, yada yada (for said boss lady). Casa Raki is designed with high-tech, organic and recycled fabrics - making me a sustainable Queen.
And 70% off is not something to be sniffed at.
This win inspired me to help my friends out - sharing the sample sale newsletters and Instagram pages to follow so you can be in the know.
Remember, first come first serve:
The Box - one of the bigger venues in the city - has a curated calendar of events across the year, including sales, pop-ups, product launches, brand talks, DJs and fashion shows.
Address: 4–6 Ram Place, London E9 6LT
Instagram: thebox_london
Smart Works, shopping meets philanthropy. Smart Works is a wonderful charity empowering women in need. It provides high-quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to give women confidence, self-belief and the tools to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. Sales are made up of designer, sample and vintage pieces donated by the likes of Rixo, Needle and Thread, Never Fully Dressed, and many more - all at heavily discounted prices with 100% of proceeds going to Smart Works
Address: the sale is running next weekend, Sat 11th and Sun 12th May at the Truman Brewery in east London, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR
Instagram: smartworkscharity
The Music Room, Mayfair’s worst kept secret, is just yards from Bond Street station. The sample venue offers new events weekly from top industry designers and artists. Regular clients include Reiss, Joseph, Monica Vinader and Lululemon.
Address: 1st Floor, 58 Davies Street, London W1K 5LF
Instagram: themusicroommayfair_
Showcase.co is just three minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Circus tube station, providing access to limited-edition collections, runway samples, and end-of-season pieces at substantial discounts, catering to diverse tastes.
Address: 12 Regent Street Saint James's, St. James's, London SW1Y 4PE
Instagram: showcase.co
Worth it
The best way to ensure you never miss your dream sales: open up your inbox to your favourite brands and artists.
Refreshingly, during my spend sobriety, I culled a number of spam newsletters shoving consumerism down my throat. However, here are 5 female-founded and sustainable brands (known for their sample sales and pop-ups) that remain welcome in my inbox, and perhaps in yours too.
Sign up at your own risk:
Your daily companions exploring heritage design details, handmade in a Jaipur atelier – the Indian city known for its long history of skilled craftsmanship and design.
The vintage-inspired label and wedding guest favourite that doesn’t need my introduction. Rixo hold sporadic sample sales, invite via email (linked!)
Tatiana Alida Carrelet is an artist and illustrator known for her big strokes, vibrant colour, and positive prints. Initially, she started personalising Valentine’s Day cards for friends and family. Soon, she collaborated with Liberty London on a stationery pop-up. She has since partnered with Victoria Beckham and other fashion houses including Hermès and Miu Miu. I was lucky to score my ~ Espresso Martini Please ~ print at one of her sales last summer.
Inspired by men’s tailoring, and perfectly adjusted to women, these shirts are sustainably sourced, and stand the test of time as your wardrobe staple.
Djerf Avenue, founded by Matilda Djerf. Aka, Mother.
Having touched down in NYC one again, the chic Scandinavian brand hosts pop-ups that attract queues lasting multiple blocks. Rumour has it they plan to host one in London for the very first time this summer - watch this space!
Reads of the week
Style rules from the new Vogue editor - all things Chioma Nnadi, this interview covers her career, Portobello Road fashion roots, her love for vintage pieces scoured from charity shops and Vestiaire, and Chioma’s 5 personal style rules.
Every photograph from Lady Lola Bute’s spectacularly indulgent 25th birthday party at her home on the Isle of Bute - having devoured the socialite’s Birthday extravaganza over countless Instagram stories, this was the digest I’d been waiting for. Guests were adorned in gems from Aladin’s cave of treasures (Annie’s Ibiza by Annie Doble), and included the likes of Poppy Delevigne, Charlotte Tilbury, and Sienna Miller - who, by the way, floated down on a sparkly cobweb from heaven.
My invite got lost in the post.
