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    Upcoming Sample Sales

    The Summer season is not known as the best time of year for sample sales but shoppers can be pleasantly surprised. The crowds are usually thinner and the discounts are fatter. That’s a combination we can all appreciate. Below are a few of the most attractive upcoming sample sales.



    Style Star Sample Sale
    NBC’s biggest fashion stars are hosting a sample sale consisting of merchandise featured on the show. You can expect to find a variety of merchandise from Hunter Dixon, Daniel Silverstein and Cassandra Hobbins.

    Thursday, July 11 & Friday, July 12
    Thurs & Fri 11am to 8pm
    213 W. 35th St between 7th and 8th Aves, suite 601

    Monika Chiang
    The Soho designer is known for her collections which bring a sexy twist to modern luxury. Customers can grab a bit of that glamour for a discount on Monika’s accessory lines. Shoes, handbags and belts will be reduced up to 85% off. Expect to find a lot of strappy studded spikey heels and overplayed sneakers with the internal wedge. Bag styles ironically resemble Givenchy and YSL.

    Wednesday, July 10 though Sunday, July 14
    Wed—Sat 10am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
    Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave between 15th and 16th St

    Eugenia Kim
    Too much sun over the long weekend? A straw hat is stylish and practical and you can get them deeply discounted at the designer’s upcoming sample sale. Be sure to check out Eugenia’s embellished headbands. The ethereal style is sure to be a big trend this coming fashion week. Friends and family are invited to shop the sale early. If you’re in the ‘hood, why not?

    Friends & Family: Monday, July 15 from 6pm to 8pm
    Tuesday, July 16th to Friday, July 19th
    10am to 6pm daily
    347 W. 36th Street #501

    Kirna Zabete Second Markdown

    Kirna Zabete may not offer the deepest discount in town but the boutique has a great assortment of sale items, some of which may have sold out at your local department store. The Soho boutique is currently offering up to 60% off on most of the most highly coveted items of the season.

    For the unfamiliar, a quick browse of their website sale should give you an idea of what you can find in the store. Most of the best items are still just 50% off but there are some better deals. For instance, his Givenchy bag for $1,877.50 from $3,755 is unlikely available at your local department store.

    We also found a great selection of the very reasonably priced Sonia for Sonia Rykiel. This beach to streets summer romper is $230 from $469 and this relaxed knit dress is $265 from $530. This Lanvin cap sleeve dress is priced perfectly $397 from $993 along with this 3.1 Philip Lim sleeveless knit dress $180 from $450.

    If you’re not worried about missing out on particular item you may want to wait for Kirna’s final markdown, which usually ranges in the 70% off neighborhood. After all, product stalking is our favorite pastime.

    Kirna Zabete
    477 Broome Street
    Lauren 212-941-9656

    OutNet Summer Sale 80% Off

    The OutNet is by far our favorite online discount sale and when it’s time for their bi-annual sale you have two choices: Hide the credit card or give in and max it out. Today we are choosing for the max-out option. We’ll show you why.

    How about a belted Lanvin dress for about $685 from $3485. That’s 80% off. Vintage doesn’t even come this discounted these days. Check out this Preen dress that’s also 80% off or $425 from $2175.
    Even if these McQueen shoes aren’t your style you have to appreciate the design. And now that they are 80% off you can afford to admire them up close. These KoKo Jimmy Choos are a classic and, dare we say, inexpensive at $288 from $1150.

    After a good resort you can find items that perfect summer items that won’t max out your card. We especially love the Karl Lagerfeld collection, which is highly fashionable and really affordable with jackets for $40 and dresses for under $100. There’s also DVF priced lower than the designer’s own sample sale.

    There’s even Alaia shoes for 75% off. Just make sure to shop early. Even though there may be additional markdowns all the good stuff goes fast.

    Celebrate Independence at the Outlets

    Independence day is almost here, which usually means major outlet reductions. We started snooping around Woodbury Common and found that many of our favorite stores are adding extra discounts to lure customers. Don’t worry if your plans don’t include driving an hour north to go shopping. Most stores are willing to ship merchandise.

    Balenciaga
    For the July 4th weekend Balenciaga is adding an additional 30% off handbags and ready-to-wear. Discounts at the outlet start at 50% off and the additional discount brings the savings to 65% off. Most of the inventory is from spring 2012. Unfortunately, there are no moto jackets but they are expected to come in with the fall collection in August.
    Terry (845) 928-2006

    Bottega Veneta
    The Bottega outlet has a lot of bags, which is not always the case. Styles from last year’s collections are an additional 30% off. A hot pink cabas type bag will be $2800 from $57oo and a black Veneta is $1427 from $2900.
    Lena (845) 928-4563

    Chloe
    For the holiday weekend the entire store additional 20% off. There are no Paratys or Sally handbags. There are Sally clutches, Sally wallets and lots of clothing from summer ’12.
    Catherine (845) 928-6260

    Fendi
    The normal discount at Fendi is 60% to 65% off retail. For the holiday weekend the outlet will be offering an extra 15% off accessories, clothing and select handbags. Men’s clothing will be an extra 10% off and shoes will be an additional 25% off.
    Diane (845) 928-5455

    Gucci
    The Gucci outlet is expecting a large shipment of bags before the holiday. On July 4th the outlet is extending an extra 50% off select handbags, women’s and children’s clothing. Select men’s attire will be an additional 30% off. Within the extra discount category you can expect to find some Boston bags, Sienna bags and Shopper bags.
    Bobby: (845) 928-8034

    Prada
    If you’re looking for great sales on Prada this outlet is not the place to go. Generally, the outlet only discounts merchandise 30% to 40% off full retail. That is actually less than first markdown in the boutique. There’s no longer a sample sale rack and but you might get luck browsing through the “end-of-series” rack, which offers an extra savings of 30% to 40% off.
    Becky (845) 928-3706

    Tom Ford
    The Tom Ford weekend sale will include men’s swim, hats, scarves, pants and outerwear at an additional 25% off. Select suits will be an additional 50% off, evening an additional 25%, women’s clothing an extra 50% off and select shoes will be reduced 50% off.
    Jessica (845) 684-3100

    YSL
    If you were disappointed by news from the last YSL sale then you might want to hit the outlet. Over the holiday weekend customers can save an extra 50% off clothing and 30% off most other items. We are told that there are lots of Tribute pumps in a variety of sizes. Colors include pink, yellow, blue, nude and black. Prices on these shoes are about $560 with plus an extra 30% off. The outlet is also expecting a shipment of more than 300 bags, which will include the Muse and the Cabas.
    Mark (845) 928-2169

    Manolo Blahnik’s First Markdown

    The Manolo Blahnik’s boutique sale is happily on its way. The savings are currently 30% off but in just days the markdown will go to will be 50%.

    As far as markdowns go, the department stores are serving up better discounts. Just don’t expect to find any of the more interesting styles in Bergodorf or Saks.

    Towards the end of the month, Manlolo adds a third “sticker” markdown where prices start at just $250. You can see our past overage of Manolo’s sticker sales here. We always prefer the boutique final markdown to the sample sale– at least you get a box with your shoes!

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street
    Abby: 212-582-3007
    Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM, Sat 10:30- 6PM, Sun 12pm-5pm
    The boutique will periodically close from 2pm to 3pm to restock

    Men’s Markdowns Summer Overview

    Markdowns for men’s clothing and accessories always come a bit after women’s. Here is a brief overview of current sales for the guys. The discounts range from about 40% to 60% off. We would say that Saks Fifth Avenue has the best selection but the winner of best discounts goes to online retailer Mr. Porter where the savings run up to 80% off.

    Barneys
    Clothing and shoes are 60% off and accessories range from 60% to 70% off. We are unapologetic about the fact that we are done with $1000 spiked sneakers. We suggest opting for a more moderate style of basic canvas. Thom Grey’s will do just fine at $89 from $225. We are in love with this muscle enhancing YSL tee that’s marked $189 from $320 and basic Paul Smith swim trunks that are $79 from $195.

    Bergdorf Goodman
    The Bergdorf man may not have a restaurant of his own any more but he can take advance of the same 60% markdown as his female counterpart across the street. Shoes are 50% and you really can’t go wrong with a basic Gucci loafer for $212 from $425. Most clothing is 60% off but higher end items like a Brioni french-cuff dress shirt is only 20% off or $476 from $595.

    Mr. Porter
    Hey men, if you’re really looking for some decent savings and love wonderful customer service than Mr. Porter is the destination for you. The all-men’s site is offering savings up to 80% off and there are still some great items from which to choose. This Balmain field jacket is a true classic and keeper at $780 from $2600. How about a unstructured Dolce & Gabbana linen blazer for $118 from about $1400?

    Nordstrom
    Most men love shopping at Nordstrom because of their no hassle customer service. We can’t argue with that. Take note that Nordstrom boys can save up to 60% off. Call us crazy but we love the lines on this Just Cavalli leather moto for $863 from $1400. This Dolce & Gabbana Madonna tee is unlikely to go unstolen from your girlfriend or boyfriend but it’s okay considering it’s reduced to $132 from almost $300. We generally love Oriebar Brown for his relaxed and fashionable designs. At 50% off you’re looking at some very reasonably priced summer fashion. Most men also love the store’s Faconnable brand, which is even more attractive when it’s 50% off.

    Saks Fifth Avenue
    It seems as if the Saks man might be able to save even more than the Saks woman. Many clothing and shoes styles are priced 60% off. You can’t go wrong with these Prada sailing sneakers for $171 from $380 or Prada Drivers for $216 from $480. How about a classic Diesel jean jacket for $134 from almost $300? Seems like another one of those items you can love and share.