Now that I’ve been there, I cannot comprehend how I’ve been living here in LA for so many years and never been to the California Mart. What a waste. I’ve never in my life seen such a conglomeration of beautiful clothes for such low prices all in one place. The Saturday Sale is the biggest dang deal bonanza I’ve ever seen anywhere. And I mean it.
As I walked around the space, perusing the racks and tables just loaded with amazing pieces marked at 2 for $5; 3 for $15; 3 for $10 – I was really quite stupefied.
One vendor had gorgeous colorful handblown glass pendants from Argentina for $15 each. There were rings and earrings you would pay far more for in department stores for $1. That is not a typo. Un dollar. Uno dollaro. One dollar.
Another vendor had sterling silver jewelry – beautiful rings, necklaces and earrings at $7 each or 3 for $15. Some of the stuff is from known brands. They had some super cute Forever 21 dresses, tops and skirts for $10. I was mesmerized by a bevy of dresses by Simple for $40 each – clean and classic, in sweet colors - they were perfect.
There were also pricier items to be had. The highest price I saw was $40 and this was for really high end fabrics and styles. Super hip bags for as low as $5 were on hand at every turn.
As usual, it was Natascha who tipped me off to this sample sale and I have to admit, I was skeptical. The last time I went to a downtown sample sale, the largest size they had was a size 4.
Not so here. There was a bountiful selection of sizes on hand, from 2 to 2x, and plenty in-between. What’s really exciting is that many of the vendors here are up and coming designers and these samples are from their lines. I met one woman who makes the clothes she is selling there. She said they have over 4,000 samples to sell.
The sales are not happening every day or even every week; so, you have to be hip to when they are on. When you go the first time, you can sign up to be on their email list and be notified about upcoming sales. Generally, they are once a month; but, there will be more in the coming holiday season starting Thanksgiving weekend. You have to pay $2 to get in and IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!
NEED TO KNOW:
(Saturday Sample Sale)
California Market Center
110 East 9th Street, Downtown Los Angeles
The entrance is on Olympic Blvd. between Los Angeles and Main.
Phone: 310-837-6788
This is not a regular sale. It takes place approximately once a month. To find out when the sale is coming:
Follow on Twitter @saturdaysale
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/thesaturdaysalela.com
The next three sale dates are: November 10th, November 23rd and November 24th
Hours: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
(Jennifer Caldwell is a an actress and an active member of SAG-AFTRA, serving on several committees. She is a published author of short stories and news articles and is a featured contributor to CityWatch. Her column at www.RecessionCafe.wordpress.com is dishing up good deals, recipes and food for thought. Jennifer can be reached at [email protected]. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennifercald - Twitter: @CheckingTheGate)
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 10 Issue 77
Pub: Sept 25, 2012