Barneys Warehouse Sale starts in a few hours in the big apple (the L.A. sale began on 8/7). Personally, I think it is over-hyped, but if you plan to be part of the semi-annual frenzy, here’s a little something to help you through:

TCS’s Barneys Warehouse Sale Primer

1. Shop wisely as there are no returns.
2. Clean, attractive undergarments with ample coverage shall be worn as there are no dressing rooms.
3. Wear an elastic waist skirt and a fitted tank top so that you can easily try on clothing without having to actually disrobe…in public.
4. Thinking of ignoring the advice in #2 and #3? Contemplate this: Camera phones + YouTube
5. Attend the sale with a friend or two and grab items for them as well as yourself (and vice versa).
6. Make sure that the aforementioned friends know your fashion tastes & wants, and most importantly, your current clothing and shoe sizes.
7. Get a fresh manicure (or have newly filed nails) so as not to snag the only {select item} in your size by {your favorite designer} as you snatch it away from that chick on your right.
8. If you attend the sale early on, try to go back towards the end of the sale since items are heavily marked down in the final days. You never know, you might luck out as Barneys claims to replenish stock throughout the entire sale.
9. Leave that gargantuan handbag at home. If it’s too big, you will have to check it. And don’t bring a purse you have to actually carry…in your hand. Having both hands free to shop is imperative.
10. For lesser crowds, try to shop when the masses are at work–like late mornings on weekdays.

Don’t be disappointed if you don’t walk out with deals to post about. Manolo stilettos for $150 and Prada dresses for $300 may evade you this time, but there’s always next season!

Barneys Warehouse Sale NYC
255 West 17th Street (bet. 7th & 8th Ave)
August 14-Sept 1, 2008
8/14-8/15: 8AM-9PM
Weekdays 10AM-9PM
Weekends 10AM-7PM
Labor Day 10AM-7PM
212.450.8400

Barneys Warehouse Sale L.A.
Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Air Center
3021 Airport Avenue
August 7-17, 2008
Weekdays 10AM-8PM
Weekends 10AM-7PM
310.777.5700

50-75% off on designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women,
as well as gifts for the home. Shop the sale online at www.barneys.com.
(Items featured online can often be found at the Warehouse Sale.)