Zara Opens in Melbourne Australia

The press have reported the frenzied launch of the Spanish clothing giant Zara in Australia as "Zara fever" (see the news.com.au article Zara fever: 'Never seen anything like it'). We first saw it back in April when Zara opened its first store in Australia at Westfield Sydney in Pitt Street and today it was Melbourne's turn with Zara opening in Bourke Street.

For this store opening Zara wasn't taking any chances so it flew in extra staff from overseas to handle the anticipated crowds. And a crowd there truly was when fashion craving Melbournian fashionistas, both men and women, waited in queues all day, some for up to nine hours before the store opened. They waited and waited for their turn to bag some of the opening Zara fashion bargains. It was like the Boxing Day sales! Even with a limit of ten items per customer, the shelves of classic dresses, coats, jeans and knitwear were quickly cleared but routinely replenished. As what happened at the Zara opening in Sydney, it didn't take long at all, in fact within a few minutes of opening, most of the shelves had been cleared. There is little doubt that the long queues will be back tomorrow.

Queues at Zara Opening in Australia

This is really all amazing when you consider that other fashion retailers around the country have shown poor sales results so far in 2011 and some, for example Colorado, even closing down. But what's all the fuss about when it comes to Zara? Simple! Zara means the latest and affordable, fashionable clothing.

For more hot fashion sales visit Chic Sales and follow us on Twitter.

Sample Sales Roundup

The sample sale season is certainly off and running with lots of awesome sales taking place and now that the summer is finally hear, the sales are just getting bigger and better. Whether you're after new designer clothing or a new pair of designer jeans, or perhaps a new pair of designer shoes or a new designer handbag, there's a sample sale out there where you can save as much as 90% off retail on current fashion styles and the hottest brands. And the good news is that these sales are taking place all over the country and in some cases, you can shop online!

New York Sample Sales

James Jeans and James Icon Sample Sale

If you're in New York then the James Jeans and James Icon sample sale with bootlegs, skinnies, flares and denim leggings on sale at between 50% and 75% off retail, is definitely one sample sale to consider. This sample sale starts on Tuesday, June 7th and runs through to Friday, June 10th and is located at the James Jeans NYC Showroom in Greenwich Street.

L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers Handbags Sample Sale

Another sale for you lucky New Yorkers is Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers' handbags sample sale from Tuesday, June 14th to Thursday, June 16th at 144 Fifth Avenue, between 19th and 20th Streets. To give you some idea on the savings to be had at this sample sale, the L.A.M.B. Malabo Large Zip Tote from the Tamba collection and shown in the picture below, in glazed cowskin with easy access front pocket and adjustable shoulder strap is discounted deom from its retail price $448 to a sample sale price of only $175.

L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers Handbags Sample Sale

The Alexander Wang Spring Sale at 103 Grand Street with ready-to-wear, T by Alexander Wang, as well as handbags and shows at 40% off is another one to think about. You can also take advantage this offer by visiting Alexander Wang online.

Los Angeles Sample Sales

Riller & Fount Sample Sale

For west coasters, the Riller & Fount one day sample sale on Saturday June 4th at 308 E. 9th Street, Los Angeles is a great opportunity to bag chic ready-to-wear and basics from this LA-based contemporary brand at up to 80% off.

Splendid and Ella Moss Warehouse Sale

Another Los Angeles fashion sale on this weekend, is the Splendid and Ella Moss bi-annual warehouse sale at The Cooper Building at 860 S Los Angeles Street. There is something for the everyone in the family at this sale including dresses, tops and bottoms at super affordable prices from Splendid, Ella Moss, Splendid Mills, Ella Moss Girl, Splendid Girl, Little Ella and Splendid Littles.

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sales

If you are in Los Angeles then the Rebecca Minkoff handbags sample sale at the Confederacy, 4661 Hollywood Blvd is another to consider. for this weekend. This sample sale is also running at Madrone Studios, 1417 15th St, San Francisco.

Online Sales

Rock and Republic and Alexander McQueen Sales

If you can't get away to attend any of these sales then there are a number of great online sales to consider like the Rock and Republic Summer Sale and the Alexander McQueen Sale both offering 40% off already reduced items.

Neiman Marcus Women's Designer Sale

There's also the Neiman Marcus women's designer sale with savings of up to 40% off plus free online shipping at any price with promo code JUNENM through June 6th at 11:59 PM CT. The 40% off offer is also available in stores through June 8th.

For more hot fashion sales visit Chic Sales and follow us on Twitter.