Style slaves hoard their pennies for sample sales—the biannual purging by fashion distributors of end-of-lines and the clothes worn at runway shows and fashion shoots. Discounts run 50 to 80 per cent. The savviest shoppers arrive at least 30 minutes before the doors open to get the best selection and avoid long queues. Here, insider access to the city’s most exclusive sales.

PYA IMPORTER, 15 Apex Rd.
The goods: Stacks of elegant cashmere sweaters by Toronto-based Line, separates crafted by Bono’s wife for the Edun label, denim from Earnest Sewn and Loomstate. At last year’s sale, $1,000 Helmut Lang jackets were marked down to $65.
Getting in: Easy. For sale alerts, send a note marked “PYA sample sale” to pya@pyaimporter.com.

PINK TARTAN, 27 Bathurst St.
The goods: Silky camisoles and tailored tweed toppers. Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s collection is sold at Holts and Saks and worn by the likes of Kate Hudson and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Getting in: Medium to tough. Sales are “exclusive to friends.” If you’re chic and charming, they may add you to the list.

REIA N STUDIO, 555 Richmond St. W., Ste. 706
The goods: A rotating list of designer labels. Men come for suits and separates by Cerruti, Costume National and Hugo Boss. For women, clothing from Canadian designers like Mercy, and shoes by YSL, Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo, Chloé and Stella McCartney (at less than $200, buying five pairs is simply good economics).
Getting in: Easy. Open to the public. For dates, e-mail info@reiastudio.com.

SLAVIN AGENCY, 80 Wingold Ave., rear entrance
The goods: Labels usually sold at Mendocino, Holts and Aritzia, including L.A. line Velvet, J Brand jeans and Full Circle. Vertiginous stilettos from Dolce Vita are a staple.
Getting in: Almost impossible. You won’t get in without a fashion industry friend.

AGENCY ONE, 10 Wingold Ave.
The goods: Fashion-forward Holts brands (House of the Gods, Religion and Junk de Luxe), often discounted up to 80 per cent.
Getting in: Easy. Write to info@agencyone.ca with the subject line “Sample sale.”

MISS SIXTY SALE, location varies
The goods: Fashion and footwear from such cool young brands as Acne, Filippa K., Denim Birds, James Perse, Nudie Jeans and Energie. The biggest steals are found in the Miss Sixty collection of shoes and accessories: $400 women’s boots and leather purses for $100 to $150.
Getting in: A first day pre-shop—enjoyed by preferred clientele—is followed by two days open to the public. For advance notice, send an e‑mail marked “Sample sale” to info@sixtycanada.com.

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