Party On, Shop On

One of the things I love – and miss – about brick & mortar sample sales (remember those?) is the energy in the room created by tons of women who don’t just appreciate fashion but go crazy over it. There, I am among my people. Sure, I’ve heard horror stories of minor brawls erupting when demand outstrips demand over a single coveted piece, but that’s never been my experience. Rather, I see women who, in the jumble of the communal fitting room, help each other with hard-to-reach zippers and honest advice on clothing. Sample sales are fun and energetic, and I’ve never walked away from one unsuccessful. Over the past few years there has been a proliferation of sample sale websites, which are great for finding deals – but which lack the vigor and camaraderie of a physical sale. Clicking and browsing through a webpage just doesn’t conjure the gleeful vibes and anticipation of seeing clothes that were formally out of reach literally within your grasp. And I miss the party. So that, my friends, is why I am very excited to tell you about a series of very fun shopping events taking place over the next couple of weeks. Party on! Shop on!

The Mission Statement (No sales tax + Estrella’s birthday party)
April 15 all day (no sales tax) 5-9pm (party)
3458-A 18th St. (near Valencia)
Free
I have been to a couple of the Mission Statement’s Third Thursday parties and they are always fun and vibrant. This Thursday, they’re helping you celebrate filing taxes by suspending sales tax for the entire day. If you got money back this is a great place to spend it. If you had to give the government money – this is the only time you won’t have to give them any more! It’s Estrella’s birthday, and the first day of their spring hours (starting the 15th they’re open until 8pm), so there you have three great reasons to shop and party.

Give Two, Take One (Shop, swap, donate)
April 17 11am-4pm
79 New Montgomery St.
$2 entry or free with swap
Hosted by Beyond the Front Row and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco, this inaugural event is a clothing drive, clothes swap and pop-up thrift store, all in one. For every two items that you donate you get one swap ticket. You can also choose to buy clothing (everything will be priced), or just donate.

Shop Social
April 20 6-9:30pm
W Hotel 181 3rd St. at Howard St.
$15 Early Bird, $25 Regular
Presented by Chictopia.com and DNA (Designers+Artists), Shop Social is part trunk show, part sample sale, all party. You’ll be able to see – and purchase items from emerging and established talent, clothing and jewelry designers alike. And everyone goes home with a $10 shopping voucher to spend at any of the participating retailers.

Discarded to Divine
April 29 6pm
The Hall at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1111 Gough St.
Tickets start at $75
Discarded to Divine is very near and dear to my heart, as I’ve been a volunteer with the event since January. It’s also a great cause and the convergence of three wonderful and important things: fashion, environmental sustainability, and helping other people! An array of designers (student/professional, known/unknown) including Project Runway alums Sweet P. and Jay Nicolas Sario create clothing from discarded clothing donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Rags become transformed, and each piece is truly a Cinderella story. But they’re not just meant to be looked at – you can buy and wear them too! To check out some of these amazing creations visit Discarded to Divine on Facebook. This is a full-on gala event complete with silent auction, live auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; the ultimate in partying while shopping.