Markdown season has turned our attention away from most sample sales but the Christian Louboutin sample sale is too buzzy and legendary to ignore. Before you get too excited, you must remember that this sale is by invitation only.
This season, invitees were surprised by the low-brow Eventbrite sale notification but the security aspect hasn't budged and it's still hard to get in without an invite. The sale Christian Louboutin officially kicked off today to the most important Louboutin insiders-- Instagram stars and magazine editors. The sale extends all week as the invited guest list expands to allow the general press and "friends and family."
Our snoops say that prices start at $200 but most styles are in the $300-range. The most expensive style shoes are $1000. A majority of the heels and studded variety pumps are priced between $300 and $400. For example, Pigalle black studded heels were $400 from about $1100. This season, we are told that there are more options for men's sneakers and shoes than ever.
We are told that shoppers had piles of shoes that were nearly sky high. Usually, there is a shopping limit of five or six pairs but this season customers can buy up to 12 pairs of shoes. We aren't sure if Louboutin is feeling extra generous or if the Cardi B-effect didn't really have a, well, bottom line. Most shoppers checked out with four pairs of shoes. Men were reported to buy more than most women.
Shoppers reported that there wasn't much of a wait to get into the sale today but the line at the register was more than 45 minutes. To make matters worse, inside the sale was hotter than a sauna. If you intend on attending, we suggest you dress in light clothing and pack a credit card with a high spending limit.
Louboutin fans who don't have an invite can save 60% off at Barneys or 40% off at Louboutin boutiques, including Saks Fifth Avenue. It appears as if all authorized online retailers have removed Louboutin sale styles. Fear not, we found some other-- less obvious-- options to shop for red bottoms online. Use the above scroll to see what we found.
We suggest you grab something you like right now, while it's available. The good bags usually don't stick around to the third markdown. If you're a frequent in-store shopper you can get lucky and fight a late-season return but it's not an absolute.
The clothing discounts are about the same as most other retailers. Some items seem reduced more than others. We suggest you do a search before completing any order or you can just wait for the third markdown when it's hard to find something not to buy....
This week, retailers started taking a second cut on sale merchandise. Usually, stores take markdowns at about the same time, but right now, we are heading into the weekend with a wide range of discounts.
Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman are offering customers savings up to 60% off. Keep an eye on Neiman Marcus, which is scheduled to take its second markdown on Monday but it's more likely to break a little early on Sunday afternoon. The second break at Saks is expected at any moment too.
Moda Operandi is leading the pack of online retailers with its reduced prices. Discounts are up to 60% off on assorted items. Net-A-Porter seems to be running a little off schedule and has delayed its second markdowns. We believe the site won't wait past Wednesday to offer additional discounts. MyTheresa is a great alternative if you're looking to save up to 60% off right now.
We know everyone is waiting for more information about the Chanel markdown. We are hoping to have dates and stock sheets ready to post on Monday. Next week is sure to be even busier, We suggest you put anything you like in your shopping cart and let the sales come to you.
It seems as if sale season just started but retailers aren't wasting any time. Both Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman started their second round of markdowns today. The discounts at both stores top 60% off.
We started over at Bergdorf Goodman today. Markdowns started around noon and still hadn't made it through the entire store. Bags and shoes are now 50% off and clothing is reduced to 60%. If what you want is already sold out online at Bergdorfs you can keep an eye out for the Neiman Marcus markdown, which will happen on June 11. Actually, the Neiman Marcus markdown will technically be an extra 25% off sale, bringing the total savings to 55% off.
Heading uptown to Barneys, you'll find that the shoe and bag departments aren't nearly as well stocked at Bergdorf Goodman. On the bright side, the discount is 60% off most shoes and bags. Among the bags, there are a few Balenciaga styles. If you have had your eye on an Alaia bag, now would be the time to pounce. Here is a bucket bag for $640 from $1600 and this drawstring cord bag is $1640 from $4100. The biggest selection is the Calvin Klein collection bags, which are undeniably pretty nice. Some of them happen to be a bit heavy but it's really an underrated accessories brand.
Between now and the end of the season there are flashes of additional discounts at Bergdorf Goodman. There will be a third markdown at both stores but that won't happen until July. Don't worry, it's not as far away as you think. The days always seem to fly by during Summer.
Handbags: Ricardo 646-619-7922
Shoes: CJ n347-229-6159
It can be quite stressful figuring out what gifts to give our dads (husbands-boyfriends-significant others) for Father's Day. We searched Madison Avenue and the cyber universe for the best Father’s day gift --on sale, naturally. Below are a few of our favorites:
Norstrom took its first markdown not too long ago and most of the store's designer collections are still well stocked. The discount is 40% off and new markdowns should be coming soon. The next price cut usually brings the total discount to 50% off.
What's even better is that Nordstrom is notorious for price matching. If you see an item priced less at another store make sure to contact customer service and Nordstrom will match the price in most situations. Some of the sale's highlights include some great classic luxury brands and edgy designers.
Long Summer days provide the perfect opportunity for multiple outfit changes. That means kicking off your heels and, yup, putting on another pair of heels.
Good thing Global Fashions just received a very large shipment of those famous spikey shoes that come in that heavenly lux Red V_______o box. Sample sale shoppers can expect to find a full-size range, from 35 to 42, of various colors and styles. All shoes are discounted 70% off retail. You can click over this way to see pictures from the last big sample sale shipment.
Don't hesitate even for a moment if you have your heart set on drinking a tall glass of champagne on a rooftop in your new spikey heels. Sizes get snatched up quickly when new shipments arrive and we would hate the idea of dining alfresco barefoot.
Global Fashions Red V______o Sample Sale
Monday, June 4 through Wednesday, June 6
9am-6pm daily
49 West 38th Street
Sun's out. Bun's out. It's officially June and we are excited to catch those early rays of Summer. Long beach days and short Fridays. This month's sample sale winners are those filling the need for bikinis and dressing for hot days.
As department stores and boutiques increasingly discount Summer merchandise, the sample sale arena must also become more aggressive with pricing. Look for sales that include in-season merchandise with discounts that top 70% off. You can expect retailers to begin final markdowns of 70% or more during the last week of June.
We've exclusively listed only the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. You can head to Chicmi to see a comprehensive list of all New York sample sales. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month with only our favs. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for sneak peeks and immediate updates. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the 'Spy' network.
Mikael Aghal & Red V Sample Sale Expect to find lots of pretty occasion dresses reduced to 70% to 80% off retail, which brings most styles to just $200 or $300. A long watercolor print gown is $300 from $995, a knee-length dress with architectural ruffles is $240 from $795 and a simple day dress with bell sleeves is $120 from $595. The sale will also include a new shipment of Global Fashions famous Red V spiked shoes. You know, the luxury shoes that come in all types of combinations and are a well-known classic. (Can't say any more, unfortunately.)
Monday, June 4 through Wednesday, June 6
9am-6pm daily
49 West 38th Street
Mont Blanc The Mont Blanc sample sale is always a readers' favorite. Most pens, watches, accessories, and jewelry are discounted 50% to 60% off but discounts on less popular items go up to 80% off. The most popular and giftable items tend to go very quickly. Those attending the sale should expect a long line on opening day and shorter lines throughout the term of the sale. For some reason, there is always a wait for Mont Blanc.
Tuesday, June 5 through Thursday, June 7
Tues & Wed 9am-7pm, Wed 9am-12pm
260 Fifth Avenue
Mara Hoffman Sample Sale At the last sale, we found prices nicely discounted but not more than an end-of-season retail sale. Print and solid bikini tops and bottoms were $40 each, one-pieces were $75, embellished bikinis were $50 each for tops and bottoms and embellished one-pieces were $90. Sarongs were $50 each. Among the clothing, maxi dresses are plentiful and priced at $115, jumpsuits were $120 and tops were $55. Click over to our review from last year, where you will find a lot more information, including how to navigate the no-changing room situation.
Tuesday, June 5 through Tuesday, June 12
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street
Alice & Olivia This bi-annual sample sale is always a seasonal highlight. The best part of the sale is that there are real samples, which will range in price from $29 for leggings to $129 for gowns. Open stock is discounted about 60% to 70% off. We usually get an early preview of the price list and will be sure to post it when it's available. Be sure to check back soon.
Monday, June 11 to Saturday, June 16
Mon 12pm-8pm, Tues 9am-8pm, Wed to Sat 10am-8pm
260 Sample Sale, 260 Fifth Avenue
La Perla Sample Sale We are always looking for sales with true samples. When it comes to lingerie it might be a bit more tricky. (What is a lingerie sample size anyway?) Those not born with the body of a Giselle, can still take advantage of discounts ranging from 80% to 95% off retail. We are told there will also be bags and a full-size range of shoes.
Tuesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 17
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
260 Sample Sale, 150 Greene Street
