There are so many sample sales that occur in the month of December that it’s hard to allocate your time and resources. Below is handy list of sample sales that we think are worth attending. Of course, each of our choices is followed by commentary with important shopping information. Let us know what you think!

Marchesa
Tuesday, December 4th through Thursday, December 6th
Wed 10am-6pm & Thurs 10am-4pm
601 W. 26th St. (bet. 11th & 12th Ave.), Suite 1425
Commentary: Our resident spy, Paige Turner attended the sale today and said that the couture dresses, which were all priced between $350 and $1000 were going very quickly. Most of the gowns from the brand’s lower end line NOTTE by Marchesa $100 and gowns were $150. This is a perfect place to stock up for those on the benefit circuit but inventory is going very quickly.

Manolo Blahnik
Thursday, December 6
9am to 4pm
The Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St
Commentary: Of course, this one is a no brainer. Shoes usually start at just $100 and even the most extraordinary boots are just $500. The drawback is the waiting and the crowds. Personally, we prefer the boutique sale in January even if a pair of shoes ends up costing us $100 more.

Rodarte
Saturday, December 8
By appointment:
andy@rodarte.net.
Ace Hotel 38 West 39th Street (b/w 5th & 6th Ave)
Commentary: Expect to find the obvious dress that’s $4800 reduced to $1200 but there is also usually a selection of clothing in those with a more temperate budget. Last season we found clothing was priced between $200 and $500, shoes ranged from $150 to $350 and bags were about $200ish.

Diane von Furstenberg
Monday, December 10 through Friday, December 14
Mon 8am-10am press, 12pm- 6pm f&f, Tues 9am—6:30pm, Wed 10am—8pm, Thurs 10am—7pm, Fri 9am—3pm
260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th St
Commentary: This is always one of our favorite sales of the season. It’s a great place to stock up on fashionable items for work and evening play. Prices have gone up over the years but the sample sale rack is always a favorite place to start. The unofficially starts on Monday but the door policy usually eases by noon. We suggest going to the sale at the start of the week when the selection is best. Of course, additional discounts are taken throughout the sale for those looking to save even more.

Vera Wang
VIP Access: (Sorry we maxed out) Monday, December 10 from 6pm to 9pm
Tuesday, December 11 through Wednesday, December 12
Tues 10am—6pm, Wed 10am—5pm
135 W. 52nd St The Flatotel
Commentary: Yes, we know that bridal only speaks to a small segment of the shopping population but we are told that this sale is going to be amazing. There will be more than 800 for sale ranging from the designer’s runway collection down to her less expensive lines. The discounts will be up to 90% off and we are told that the designer is pricing gowns so that they move quickly. Mad-Spy readers can get early access to the sale.
Please email us here if you would like to attend the private shopping event.

Twice a year Rodarte holds a sample sale that brings out the brand’s biggest fans. As we all know Rodarte’s fashion isn’t for the frugal. Good thing this sample sale makes shopping the brand much more digestible and has even surprised shoppers with unexpected deals.

Our favorite sale tweeter, @NYCShopGuide shared that this season’s Rodarte will take place on December 8th. To schedule your appointment, you need to email 
andy@rodarte.net. This system may seem ardious but we haven’t heard of a customer being turned away and it alleviates the dreaded sample sale line.

At the last sale, which was located at the Ace Hotel, clothing was priced between $200 and $500, shoes ranged from $150 to $350 and bags were about $200ish. Of course there are always the $4800 dresses reduced to $1200 but at least there is something in the vicinity of impulse buy.

If you’re interested in a more convenient Rodarte impulse buy, you might want to check out the selection of holiday gifts the designers put together for Starbucks. This is a collaboration that is absolutely worth discussing. Lets discuss…