For those who have been following our editorial coverage (ok ok, the obsessive shopping extravaganza) of Billion Dollar Babes, you will have seen the LA Story version of the LA BDB sale as well as the podcast/blog announcing the San Francisco sale. Readers know thath Fashiontribes Bloggers go where few fear to tread (for life, limb or fear of death by credit card debt), and so Fashiontribes.com’s intrepid San Francisco Girl about Town— TAMI YU took on the challenge to cover this amazing sale. This gorge young thing managed to snag an invite into VIP day and so she has a tale to tell that will have you waiting –or drooling– for the next sale to come to YOUR area. So read on, McShoppers and enjoy– live vicariously and wait with glee for the next sale to come to you! (Stevie, your LA Story Girl in the know!)
Bell Jacket
Despite the icky rain and gray clouds, the famed Billion Dollar Babes VIP sample sale kicked off with an impressive start last Friday 4/7 at Dogpatch Studios in San Francisco. Shoppers sipped cocktails while they perused calmly through thousands of high-end selections (Jenny Packham, Georgina Goodman, Anya Hindmarch, sass & bide, Ya-Ya, Bell, William B., etc.). The regular sale was on Saturday and our insider informant tells us that there were over 2000 shoppers there in the two days!
William B Jacket
It had a very calm, leisurely feel to the event, and I was very impressed with the orderly conduct of the shoppers (no catfights here) and the smooth organizing of the staff. I was equally impressed with Shelli-Anne Couch’s hands-on approach to running the show, observing her check out shoppers and mingling w/staff and shoppers alike.
Shelli Anne Couch
San Francisco Shoppers
With 45 designers, there really is something for everyone…according to the inventory folks, there were about 12-15 thousand pieces on sale (10 thousand pieces of clothing, 2-5 thousand pieces in the categories of accessories, shoes, etc.). Prices were slashed so low, it was very, very hard for me to walk away from it all. Everything was marked down 50-80% off retail prices.
It truly was girl heaven when I stepped into the 3rd floor. Transformed into a hip NYC salon, Cutler Salon was offering hair design consults while Giorgio Armani cosmetics did custom makeovers. Cutler had their coveted styling products on sale at special BDB prices while shoppers lined up for insta-party ‘dos. Everyone looked ready to party at the W after their locks were combed, curled, pinned and styled.
The Giorgio Armani artists were very knowledgeable, consulting with each shopper regarding the appropriate regimen to suit their individual lifestyles.
I had a blast checking out the new ArmaniSilk lipsticks.
Available in 18 colors, the highly pigmented micro-silk formula is long-lasting and ultra moisturizing. This can be paired with 3 optional top coats – Matte, Ribbon (satin) or Sparkling (shimmer)–which means you have the option of creating 54 potential shades! Their lip gloss collections are to die for, especially the Midnight Lip Shimmer line.
Platinum VIP guests were treated well but the goody bag policy has been changed. Rather than missing out on the fun -and goody bag– in case the VIP member missed the sale, goody bags will be sent once a year to each Platinum VIP member’s home! So fear not, Platinum members if you can’t scamper around the globe to get the goods in every BDB port! You will get your booty at the end of the year!
Anya Hindmarch Shoes
Demographics of average shopper:
Ages 20-35, fashionistas from all walks of life (young moms, students, young professionals).
Shoppers are mostly from the San Francisco Bay Area, but religious BDB members from LA also fly up to shop here. ( Who ever said that shopping wasn’t a religious experience? It’s the closest thing to the merging of science and religious fervor that one has ever seen!) The staff had a total of 3,200+ shoppers (700 at Friday 4/7 VIP pre-sale, 2,500+ at Saturday 4/8 sale) show up.
Jenny Packham dress
Two Shopper Profiles:
Susan W. — from SF, Age 32, physical therapist
Been with BDB for about 2 years; likes the San Francisco sales over the New York City ones (better space, more inventory selection). She typically buys purses, accessories and presents for her friends. She adores the makeup and hair lines that participate at each sale. It lets her discover the ‘hottest’ beauty brands. She loves the Cutler products.
T-bags dress
Bridget H. — from Marin, Mid-30s. a newly minted stay at home Mom (just quit her job) and has been shopping at BDB for 6 months. She likes BDB sales because it’s not like shopping at Macy’s or any of the other dept. stores… She loves the awesome prices and labels offered. She planned to buy as much denim as possible.
MORE Anya Hindmarch shoes
The Billion Dollar Babes sale is definitely worth attending–whether as a VIP or on Saturday when you need to get there early so that you don’t have to wait as long in line.
_–Tami Yu, Fashiontribes.com San Francisco Correspondent
Heads up my peeps!!! Don’t miss the next BDB in your area! The next BDB sale in the Windy City of Chicago!! The hot ticket is over 200 PRIME BOTKIER BAGS including last season’s Trigger Luxe bags in every style, color and silhouette.
So REGISTER at BillionDollarBabes.com and make sure you get on their list!!
See you at the BDB sale!
Tami Yu for the San Francisco Version of the LA Story
Stevie Wilson for the LA Story
Fashiontribes SAN FRANCISCO Billion Dollar Babes LA Story Jewelry & Accessories Fashionistas Bargains Fashion Shoes VIP Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Jenny Packham Cocktails Fashion Expert Beauty Style Expert LA Story.
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