In New York, they happen practically every week: Sample sales, where clothing companies unload all their excess inventory, and where bargain-hunting fashion lovers can score designer clothing for a fraction of retail.

To get a local taste of such deals, it used to be that one had to travel to Los Angeles or buy at St. John Knits' annual inventory sale in Irvine, an event the company has discontinued.

But with more fashion brands flourishing in Orange County, we're finally getting more sample sales in our 'hood.

Here's a look at local sample sales, how to find out about them, and how to shop 'em:

Ramp Logistics Warehouse Sale: Houses some 20 premium brands such as Trovata, Tankfarm, Modern Amusement, Jovovich-Hawk, Friend or Foe, Orthodox and Seaton. Sales are held once or twice a year – one in summer and one during the holidays. The most recent one was held in December. The warehouse is at 3641 Sausalito St. in Los Alamitos. An e-mail mailing list will be set up soon. Info: 562-296-6350.

Paul Frank Warehouse Sale:Held twice a year, usually right before the holidays. The most recent sale was held in December. The best way to find out about upcoming sales is to sign up on the Paul Frank e-mail list at paulfrank.com or call 949-515-7950.

Obey: Twice a year, in June/July and November/December. Savings are anywhere from 50 to 80 percent off. Usually held at 3500 W. Carriage Drive in Santa Ana. Sign up on Obey's e-mail list at obeyclothing.com.

RVCA: Twice a year, around June and December. Usually held at 919 Sunset Drive in Costa Mesa. Check the rvcaclothing.com or call 949-548-6223.

Hurley: No set schedule, though sales are typically held in Irvine right before the holidays. Info: 949-548-9375.

Fashion Elements (fem):A shopping event filled with clothing by emerging and established designers such as BCBG, Geren Ford, Tart, Single and more (cocktails, music and a runway fashion show). Prices are up to 60 percent off retail. Events usually include an admission fee from $5 to $7. Sign up on the mailing list at gotofem.com for the next Orange County shopping event, which is slated for spring.

OUTSIDE OC

Fashion Co-Op: Fashion Co-Op offers a large collection of West Coast designers. Shop from over 150 brands. Events include a Girl's Night Out which includes wine, desserts, spa services and shopping for a $50 admission or general admission for $5. Info: fashioncoop.com.

LRG: Sample sales are sporadic. LRG just held the first one in four years. For info, check the Web site atwww.l-r-g.com or myspace.com/lrgcali.

Isabella Fiore: Alas, there is no set schedule. Sales typically are held sometime before the holidays. There is no online mailing list; sales details are usually extended to friends and family. But you can call the showroom to find out when the next sale is. Info: 213-629-1956.

Barneys New York: The big semiannual warehouse sale features savings of 50 to 75 percent off all the posh designer names and it's so big that it's held at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar every summer. Check the Web sites out when summer rolls around: barneys.com  or barkerhangar.com.