No Line, New Discounts at Isabel Marant Sale

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This is an update to yesterday's initial perusal of the Isabel Marant sample sale. What a difference a few hours can make, right?

We popped by the Isabel Marant, Etoile (Marant's lower-priced label) & Jerome Dreyfuss sale around 3pm on Thursday. No line at all; just a handful of shoppers in the huge, light-filled, beautiful space. The racks are well organized, filled with last fall 2010 and spring 2011 merchandise (and a few older items). Isabel Marant is costly, it's true. But you're paying for the way she cuts clothes. If you've never tried on her clothes, this sale a great opportunity to witness her tailoring magic.

The pants fit great - low slung, a little louche, and easy to wear - but still make your rear look good. Skirts too. Tops look deceivingly blah on the rack, but are clever and quietly interesting on. Beware the striped fitted dresses and tops with football shoulders - the look does not work on most. Some skirts look fab and fitted on, but are cut a bit too tight for easy movement. But if you want the best fitting and arguably coolest pair of khakis you'll ever find (with a neat foldover waist and leather details for $195) - Isabel Marant's your label.

Other stuff we saw: A $60 rack full of beige and grey corduroys and jeans. Those wildly expensive embroidered silk bomber jackets that retailed at $1200 for $500-$600; two pairs of burgundy graffiti skinny jeans for $235; lots of sporty dresses and raglan sleeve tees ($125-$195); those pale pink jeans that sold out everywhere for around $200; two pairs of hot shorts in size xs and s ($195). Twill and tweed jackets (excellent for SoCal's fall) in black, beige, baby blue, and army green run $395-$650. Cute full mini skirts in tweed or cotton ($165-$225); knot-front stretch tanks ($175). (We were sad there were none of the excellent elastic waist trousers that we love.)

The real deal: check out the jewelry cases for pieces that range in price from $25-$95. Rhinestone necklaces and earrings in playful colors; we snagged some super wearable vintage-y rhinestone necklaces for $35-$40. Piles of beaded tube necklaces and bracelets (which you can still find at full price in other online stores) are around $50. A few pairs of silk tassel earrings, too.

But here's the surprise news: when you ring up your purchase the managers take 20% off, and will offer discounts on items that you, trying to be sensible, at the last minute decide not to buy. We scored a skirt for around $100. Sweet! We're gonna take an educated guess that they'll keep up this discounting through tomorrow.

And an update on sizing: Isabel Marant's sizing is 0 (xs), 1 (s), 2 (m), and 3 (l). We are a busty size 6-8, and fit into size 2, sometimes a 3, if the cut is especially slim. There are definitely items that will not fit curvier ladies (us included). But there's a lot that will - the bigger question is if you like Marant's insouciant style enough to take the financial plunge.

Also, don't overlook the bags by Marant's hubby, Jerome Dreyfuss. If you've ever wanted one of his uber-supple bags, you should probably pounce on this sale. The prices here range from $235-$500, with many everyday totes and shoulder bags for $395, which we think is a decent price for a fine leather bag. Exotic skins are only 50% off, but the other bags are 60-70% off retail price - which are normally $550 (for the twee mini bags) to $1000 (for totes) and up (for exotics). Great colors: red, blue, brown, forest green suede, animal prints, gold foil snakeskin. These don't look like samples at all - the stock is barely handled, and in bright, fresh colors and prints.
· This is the Line to Get in to the Isabel Marant Sample Sale [Racked LA]