The countdown for the biggest sale of the year has begun. Only a few days from now, a long list of merchants will be taking their goods to the Westin in Alexandria for the 15th Annual Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale.I know shopping the sale rack can get frustrating; the sizes can be picked over and you can pull something from a rack and fall in love, only to look at the size and know no seamstress known to man could alter it to make it work for you. I decided to put together a few looks below to show folks that yes, there are still plenty of great options available. Don’t forget, there are tons of purses and jewelry to be found and those always fit.As merchants, we don’t want folks to leave frustrated. We have tried to make the entire day as enjoyable an experience as possible. We control access to the sale so there’s room to shop. While you wait, we know the line can get boring so we have a list of activities going on to make the time pass more quickly:Mind the Mat will have a Pilates and yoga class. Pilates Pro Works will be holding a plank competition every 30 minutes. AR Workshop will be there with a mini craft station, Salon deZEN has a braid bar, and then we have beverages! The Patterson Group will have a free coffee station in the morning and then we have Truly Sparkling being passed out all day, in case you need a little cocktail break. 

So here are my best tips for a great event.

1)  Get there early if you want to get the best selection. The line can start forming as early as 7am and the doors open at 9am.

2)  Follow us at @alxwarehousesale to get a sneak peek of what will be coming to the sale and any last-minute details.

3) If you want to enter to win a VIP pass to shop early, click here.

4) Wear comfortable clothes so it is easy to try clothes on over them. There aren’t any dressing rooms, so a tank top, leggings, and shoes that slip on and off quickly help make it easier to try things on.

5) Come ready to have a good time and if you bring a little patience -- it helps!

6) When you’re done at the warehouse sale, leave your car parked and take the trolley into Old Town and spend the day exploring all our great stores and restaurants.