Bridal Sale at Filene's?
Lisa Ann Taylor
on February 16th, 1996. I believe the opening is scheduled
for 8:00 AM however you should call the store and find out.
(sorry I don't have the number with me). Bring as many
people as you can and just grab as many dresses as you
can possibly hold. Guard them with your life because then
you can "trade" them for others you are interested in.
The policy is that the gowns can not be returned nor can
you buy more than 2.
Bye,
Lisa Ann Trainor
The Wedding Person
ORIGINAL POST:
I thought I remembered someone mentioning a big bridal sale at Filene's
Basement in Boston. Does anyone have the date on that? I'm at
Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and a friend and I are looking for
dresses (she is getting married in December 96, I'm getting married
June 97).
We would really appreciate any info on this sale (or any others) in the
NH/MA area. Ideas on where else to look?
Thanks!
Danielle (& Todd)
Danielle L. Benware
Basement in Boston. Does anyone have the date on that? I'm at
Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and a friend and I are looking for
dresses (she is getting married in December 96, I'm getting married
June 97).
We would really appreciate any info on this sale (or any others) in the
NH/MA area. Ideas on where else to look?
Thanks!
Danielle (& Todd)
6/28/97
Brenda L. Shaw
I've heard it's supposed to be in February, but haven't heard any exact
dates. I'll post them if I do.
Brenda (& Paul)
4/27/96
Beverly Fergason
>Filene's Basemnt is planning on having a "bridal bargain" sale
>on February 16th, 1996. I believe the opening is scheduled
>for 8:00 AM however you should call the store and find out.
>(sorry I don't have the number with me). Bring as many
>people as you can and just grab as many dresses as you
>can possibly hold. Guard them with your life because then
>you can "trade" them for others you are interested in.
>The policy is that the gowns can not be returned nor can
>you buy more than 2.
Do they only carry the gowns or do they have accessories and poofy slips
etc. as well?
If that's what I was looking for, would I need to be there at the
crack of dawn with all of the dress shoppers?
Thanks,
Bev (&Bill)
September 28, 1996
Alan & Denise Fields
(Lisa Ann Taylor) wrote:
> Filene's Basemnt is planning on having a "bridal bargain" sale
> on February 16th, 1996. I believe the opening is scheduled
> for 8:00 AM however you should call the store and find out.
> (sorry I don't have the number with me). Bring as many
> people as you can and just grab as many dresses as you
> can possibly hold. Guard them with your life because then
> you can "trade" them for others you are interested in.
> The policy is that the gowns can not be returned nor can
> you buy more than 2.
>
> Bye,
> Lisa Ann Trainor
> The Wedding Person
>
Hello folks! We realize we haven't posted in a while, so here's a
freebie--a reprint of an article we have in the new revised 3rd edition of
BRIDAL BARGAINS about the Filene's sale. Hope this helps and happy bargain
hunting!
Alan & Denise Fields
Authors, BRIDAL BARGAINS
web page for updates http://www.usa.net/~adfields
e-mail: adfi...@aol.com
The Running of the Brides
Snagging a Designer Gown for $199 at Fileneąs
There is probably no bridal event more famous in the U.S. than Fileneąs
Basement sale. If you happen to be near Boston or Chicago when the sale is
on and think you can survive the scene, this is definitely one event not
to miss.
Thatąs because Fileneąs sale features designer gowns that cost $1000,
$2000 and even $3000‹all marked down to an amazing $199. Yes, you read
right. $199. As you might expect, bargains like this attract a crowd.
After interviewing several brides who braved the sale and got great
deals, weąd like to offer our tips to making the most of Fileneąs Basement
Bridal Sale.
1. Plan in advance. Fileneąs Basement does not regularly carry bridal
gowns. Each year, they collect discontinued samples and other dresses from
bankrupt shops and designers. When theyąve collected enough gowns, they
hold the sale at only two locations: downtown Boston (617) 542-2011 and
Chicago (312) 553-1055. In Boston, the sale usually is held four times a
year‹February, May/June, August and November. In Chicago, expect it in May
and November. (Call the store directly for the latest schedule).
2. Brace for bargains. No matter what the original retail price, all gowns
are marked at $199. Patricia Boudrot, Fileneąs spokesperson, told me sheąs
seen one originally priced at $7000, although most would retail in the
$1000 to $2000 range.
3. Arrive early. While the doors open at 8 am, brides start lining up as
early as 5:30 am to 6 am. Several hundred brides will be in line by the
time the doors open.
4. Bring an entourage. These gowns are heavy‹some brides bring an
entourage of friends and family to help them hold dresses. Of course,
second opinions are nice too. In addition to bridal gowns, Fileneąs also
sells bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride and other formal dresses at the
sale.
5. Dress appropriately. Sneakers are a must. Forget your purse or let a
friend carry it. While dressing rooms are available, most brides just try
on the dresses right there in the aisles. łSome women wear leotards or
bodysuits,˛ says Felineąs spokesperson, łbut others are in the underwear
they plan to actually wear under the wedding gown‹these women are not
shy.˛
6. Brace yourself. This is not a sale for the meek‹brides can get darn
aggressive. Waiting brides have broken down the door at the entrance at
least five times over the years in Boston. When the doors open, everyone
rushes to the racks. All the gowns are gone in 32 to 46 seconds (this has
been time by more than a few amazed reporters, says Fileneąs.) In the
feeding frenzy, fist-fights have broken out, although Filene's says
security is on-hand to keep the event from becoming a melee.
7. Grab anything. Hereąs a bummer: gowns are not separated by size.
Everything is mixed together. Hence, the best strategy would be to grab
just about anything. Then let the bargaining begin.
8. Be prepared to haggle. At many sales, brides will trade with one and
other to find the style or size they want. Thatąs why you should grab as
many gowns as you can‹more bargaining power. If youąre a size 8 and youąve
grabbed a size 14, never put it back on the rack. Instead, trade it with
another bride for a dress you like. You might have to barter several times
before finding łthe˛ dress.
9. Mix and match. Hereąs a smart strategy: mix and match different gowns.
Some brides have had a seamstress combine pieces of two or more gowns they
found at Fileneąs sale. Take the lace from one dress, combine it with the
fabric and train from another and voila! A designer look at a fraction of
the designer price. Remember the cost of embroidered lace and silk fabric
today is far more than the $199 cost of each dress.
10. Cut it down. You may find the perfect gown at Fileneąs sale‹except
itąs two sizes too big. Yet at these prices, you may be able to easily
afford to have a seamstress cut it down to size. One bride had a size 14
re-made into a size 4.
--
Alan & Denise Fields
Authors
BRIDAL BARGAINS € YOUR NEW HOUSE € BABY BARGAINS € FAR & AWAY WEDDINGS € PARTLY SUNNY
e-mail: adfi...@aol.com
home page: http://www.usa.net/~adfields
Kelloops
as well?
Thanks,
Kelly