Photos: Inside Vancouver's largest Aritzia warehouse sale yet

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      If you've attended one of Aritzia's legendary warehouse salesor had the misfortune of bearing witness to one, perhaps as a human coatrack or a very patient makeshift shopping cartyou know a game plan is necessary. This is especially true at this year's blowout, which, at a whopping 85,000 square feet, is the B.C.–based retailer's largest discounted function yet.

      But with thousands—and we're talking thousands—of women's shoes, apparel, and accessories to browse, where does one begin? Lucky for you, the Straight got a sneak peek of Aritzia's 2017 event ahead of today's (August 29) friends-and-family presale, where we were able to do some of the legwork for you.

      Below, images snapped inside the largest Aritzia warehouse sale yet, some of our top picks from the blowout, and our tips for shopping the once-a-year event like a seasoned veteran. The sale runs from this Wednesday (August 30) to September 4 at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s West building (1055 Canada Place).

      Babaton wool coats and TNA parkas, from $179.99
      Lucy Lau
      Alpha Industries souvenir jacket, $74.99
      Lucy Lau
      Wilfred blanket scarves, $39.99
      Lucy Lau

      Ditch the bag  No large bags, totes, or backpacks are allowed inside the sale. Bag check is available, though we recommend sticking to a small crossbody bag if you want to skip the lines.

       

      Wilfred Free top, $59.99
      Lucy Lau
      Assorted tops and shorts, from $14.99
      Lucy Lau
      Citizens of Humanity, Rag & Bone, and J Brand denim, from $74.99
      Lucy Lau

      Target departments  The sheer size of this year's sale makes it nearly impossible to go through every itemand we don't mean that hyperbolically. To make the most of the sale, make a beeline for the denim, outerwear, and accessory sections, where some of the best deals can be had.

      If you're on a budget, try sticking to lower priced areas. (All sections are divided by pricepoint, beginning at $9.99 and capping off at $179.99.) Denim and shoes are also separated by size for your convenience.

       

      Assort tops and pants, from $19.99
      Lucy Lau
      TNA denim jacket, $74.99
      Lucy Lau
      Adidas Gazelle shoe, $29.99
      Lucy Lau

      Shop the fitting room  You know what they say: one woman's trash is another woman's treasure. Keep your eyes peeled while you're in the changing area for items that may be no's for others. The fact that a shirt or pant even made it the fitting room is typically a promising sign.

       

      Wilfred Free sweater, $59.99
      Lucy Lau
      Assorted tops and shorts, from $9.99
      Lucy Lau
      Babaton pant, $49.99
      Lucy Lau

      Dress modestly  Aritzia has increased its fitting rooms from two to three areas this year. But because the sections are communal, where shoppers are usually fighting for mirror space, you may prefer to sport more modest undergarments. Dressing in easy-to-remove layers also helps you get in and out as quickly as possible.

       

      Assorted tops, from $19.99
      Lucy Lau
      Babaton top, $59.99
      Lucy Lau
      Assorted jackets, from $39.99
      Lucy Lau

      Arrive early  The blowout opens bright and early from Wednesday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday and Monday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. According to Artizia staff, today's friends-and-family presale saw Vancouverites lining up at Canada Place at as early as 3 a.m., so you can expect to see similarly dedicated shoppers in the following days. 

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      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

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