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    Sample Sale Alert: Gowns, Chanel & Louboutin Shoes

    There are very few things worse than shopping for a gown when there is a gun put to your head. That’s why we always love to keep an extra fancy frock on the side for when a big occasion arises.

    Today we stopped by the Couture Designer sale, hosted by Shelly & Renee. The sale includes a variety of ball worthy gowns along with an amazing assortment of luxury designer shoes. Among footwear we found Chanel boots priced at $640, Chanel shoes are $475 and Louboutins are all $390. You can click here to see the pictures of the very gorgeous offerings, which include several camellia verities and classic ballet flats. The shoe selection also includes Alaia, Sergio Rossi, Hermes, Brian Atwood and more.

    Among the gowns we found options from Naeem Khan, Donald Deal, Giorgina Jo, Marc Bouwer and more. The Naeem Khan dresses are $765 for short print dresses and start at $890 for gowns and outerwear. A variety of rainbow colored Marc Bouwer kaftans with jewels were about $650.

    In addition to the gowns and shoes, there is a small variety of bags from Chanel, Hermes, Celine and Hayward. The Hayward bags are exceptionally beautiful.

    This sale runs through Thursday. We trust you will take our advice and use this opportunity to  find an occasion dress now rather than waiting until you’re in a pinch.

    Sourture Designer Sale
    Monday, May 8 through Thursday, May 11
    10am-6pm daily
    37 West 57th St, 9th floor

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    Barneys SURPRISE Designer Sale

    We weren’t expecting designer fashion to hit the markdown circuit for at least another week. Barneys has surprised us all and is the first retailer to offer discounts on a small assortment of designer collections for men, women and kids. What’s even more surprising is that many items are reduced 40% and  50% off, including shoes.

    At first glance we thought that most brands would be excluded from the markdown but, boy, were we mistaken. Among the sale assortment we found items from Erdem, Lanvin, Saint Laurent and Aquazzura.

    Some highlights include these Aquazzura denim pumps that are $270 from $675, a pleated midi-skirt from Gauchera that’s $650 from $1300, an Erdem trench that’s $$2760 from $4600 and a pink and white striped shirtdress from Jourden that’s $330 from $550.

    This sale is quite small and we will still have to wait a few more weeks to get the full serving of markdowns. For now, this is a good start to the weekend.

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    Saks 40% Off Contemporary Brands

    The contemporary brands are on the markdown circuit. This weekend Saks Fifth Avenue is offering customers a taste of sale on many Spring items. The discount is 40% off and you can access the online pre-sale using this link.

    Denim makes up a major part of this sale’s inventory. Here are Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne jeans reduced to $125 from $209, J Brand patchwork jeans are $137 from $228 and Kenzo white jeans are $144 from $240.

    Among the bags available in the sale are an assortment from Nancy Gonzalez. A fringed bag from Loewe is $1425 from $2850, a hobo bag from The Row is $1155 from $1650 and you can’t help but smile from this Anya Hindmarch bag that’s $542 from $775.

    Among the other clothing is this colorful Pucci blouse, lots of flouncy blouses from Johanna Ortiz and lots of shoe options from Lanvin and Charlotte Olympia.

    The sale runs through May 7. We are still holding out for presales to begin– in about two weeks. Keep your eyes peeled.

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    Life Ball is Even Better Than MetBall

    I’ve been to the MetBall three times. It was years ago, before the event became Vogue’s biggest party of the year. The experience was fantastic but there are many other amazing events around the world.

    I might even go as far to say that the Life Ball, in Vienna, Austria is even better. Life Ball, which benefits HIV and AIDS relief projects, is considered Europe’s most extravagant party. I went three years ago, and can assert that Life Ball may be the most unbelievable event in the entire world.

    What separates this affair from others, is that it celebrates diversity and art. Life Ball brings together the most creative people in the world but it’s not stuffy. As a matter of fact, Life Ball is warm and welcoming.

    The festivities kick off with a designated privately chartered Austrian Airlines jet, which becomes a full fledged party in the sky. Passengers include celebrities and members of the press, who are all headed to the same glamorous charity weekend.

    After a quick in-air wardrobe change and hair and make-up primp, passengers land in Vienna. They are greeted by a huge red carpet press event, which includes many of Europe’s top media outlets. (You can click here to see some of my personal pictures.) It’s an experience within itself to watch celebrities ready themselves before landing and walk onto the tarmac where  mobs of press and fans and press are waiting.

    Of course, there is some time to explore Vienna, try some of the city’s amazing restaurants and attend a few pre-parties. On the day of the big event, the entire center of Vienna is closed as City Hall becomes the backdrop of the most extravagant conversion of music, fashion, art and life. Again, there is a giant red carpet parade of attendees that are creatively dressed according to the theme or more subdued participants dressed in black tie.

    Life Ball always attracts a-listers like like Bill Clinton, Elton John, Sharon Stone, Katy Perry and Paula Abdul. The event consists of several parts including, food, drinks, dancing, a music performance and a fashion show. Afterwords, VIP ticket holders are invited into City Hall to continue the festivities. The party continues all night.

    This year’s event will run from June 8 through June 11. Steele Luxury Travel is the exclusive travel partner for Life Ball and is the provider of VIP tickets, which grants you access to everywhere you want to be during the Life Ball weekend. An all inclusive option for the weekend, including the private round-trip flight is €3,100 per person and only available in limited quantity.

    Contact Steele Luxury Travel for the all inclusive weekend extravaganza or for other Life Ball ticket options: info@steeletravel.com or call 646-688-2274. The best part is that 100% of the ticket sales go to The Life Ball organization.

    We promise, after this, you will have no MetBall envy. (Click here to see my personal pictures.)

    On the Plane

    Red Carpet Arrival

    Ke$ha
    Bill Clinton’s Opening Remarks

    Pre-party
    Life Ball Fashion Show

    Dinner in City Hall

    One of Many Party Rooms in City Hall
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    Shopbop’s First ‘Surprise Markdown’ 40% Off

    The weather may not be hot yet but that isn’t stopping Shopbop from starting an early Summer sale. Right now, you can head this way to browse a large assortment of merchandise that’s reduced 40% off.

    First markdowns usually don’t start until right before Memorial Day but why wait for the completion to hit your pockets first? Inside the Shopbop site, we found this pretty perfect pink leather jacket from Iro that’s 40% off, this pom-pom Les Petits Joueures bag is reduced 30% and this dramatic fringed-edge, sleeveless top from Father’s Daughter is reduced by 30%.

    We even found a large amount of 14kt gold jewelry reduced 30% to 40% off. We are sure that no mom will be upset opening something pretty and gold on Monther’s Day– especially if you got it on sale.

    This sale is only for three days and runs through Thursday. Some popular items are running low but you can expect to see lots of this merchandise continue to make it’s way up the discount ranks.

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    Inside the 3.1 Phillip Lim Sample Sale

    The 3.1 Phillip Lim’s sample sale started off a busy month of discounts and markdowns. At the Greene Street sample sale space, shoppers were greeted with deep discounts. The event features assorted clothing for men and women, shoes, accessories and a quickly dwindling stock of handbags.

    If you’re lucky to still find any handbags, which were going incredibly fast, you’ll find large Pashlis for $300 or minis for $200. The 31 Hour tote bag, Soleil bucket bags and Biancas are $200. All other bag styles are $150.

    Downstairs you will find shoes for both men and women. All styles are just $100. There are some great options including fur lined boots, sneakers and sandals.

    Back upstairs, you will find multiple racks of clothing for men and women. The clothing isn’t well organized. Most items can be found in groupings of style. Shirts are $120 or $150 for embroidered options, pants, jeans and shorts are $75 but sequined styles are $300, dresses range from $175 to $450 and outerwear runs for $175 to $500 for leather and fur options. (Head this way for the full price list.)

    If you can’t make it to the sale, use the above scroll to find items online for similar prices. This leather jacket is just $320 here but $500 at the sale, this blouse is about $50 more at Neiman Marcus, this poplin blouse is just $10 more and a sleeveless blouse here is actually half the price of the sample sale and is available in an assortment of sizes.

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    Top Summer Trends: Stripes, Shine and Flounce

    It’s always fun to participate in fashion week and then see how customers respond to the trends set forth by designers. Stores are fully stocked with the runway’s hottest designs but some styles items are destined to make their way into every trendsetter’s closet.

    Stripes are so big that some retailers attempted to make a national holiday devoted to horizontal love. The east-west and north-south lines can be found on an assortment of items ranging from pants to dresses to tops and skirts. Nailing this trend is exceedingly simple and doesn’t even require a large budget. Here is a Topshot shirt dress ($80) or this Proenza Schouler knit dress ($2250) that is Cannes ready.

    Flouncy sleeves are another one of those styles that is dominating Summer looks. Roksanda is leading the headlines with her signature bell sleeve. A less expensive option is this blush dress from Chelsea28.

    This past Winter we saw a parade of velvet shoes. For Summer, plush has morphed into smooth and shiny. We love how satin has been redefined into a casual slide. Here is a Prada version that has a big satin bow and Pedro Garcia‘s version is even more causal tops our list of Summer must-haves. Steve Madden, of course, has a version that can get you the look for (much) less.

    Nordstrom is the perfect destination to shop these trends and everything you need for Summer. The store has all the most cutting edge designer pieces and inexpensive options too. The best part is Nordstrom’s first-rate customer service, which includes free shipping both ways. After all, Summer is supposed to be stress free?

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    SAMPLE SALES ???????????? for May

    The Park Avenue tulips have blossomed, the Met Ball is moments away and mothers everywhere are about to be celebrated. Yes, it’s May, the biggest month for Spring sample sales. It’s the perfect time to plan for long weekends, strolls through town and bike rides to the beach.

    We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month and remain just a click away in the right sidebar. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to get quick and immediate updates. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the ‘Spy’ network.

    Nest Fragrances
    You can stock up on Spring scents at the Nest sample sale. Usually prices are about half off popular candles but there are often reductions as the sale goes on. We have been lucky enough to stock up on candles and hand soaps for $10 a piece. The problem is always the line to check out. Waiting on line tends to diminish the savings and our patience. The sale is being shared with S’well but if you have more than two bottles, you probably have enough.
    Tuesday, May 2 through Saturday, May 6
    Tues to Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm
    260 Sample Sale: 260 Fifth Avenue @ 29th St

    3.1 Phillip Lim
    The sale usually includes womenswear, menswear, shoes, accessories, and handbags at generous discounts. At the last sale, we found Pashlis priced between $200 and $300 and 31-Hour totes were $200. Dresses were priced between $175 and $450, outerwear ranged from $175 to $500 and shoes were just $100.
    Tuesday, May 2 through Sunday, May 7
    Tues 11am-8pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street
    Click here for the full review

    Dolce & Gabbana
    Dolce & Gabbana sale never fails to deliver. It’s a sale worth getting excited about. Expect to find an offering of womenswear, menswear, shoes, bags, intimates, jewelry, small leather goods and other accessories from past collections. During the fall sale prices were reduced 80% to 90% off retail. The one drawback is that the great discounts attracts great crowds. Shoppers complained of waiting over three hours on the second day of the sale. Be warned. This year can even be worse and Soiffer Haskin shows no mercy.
    Thursday, May 4 through Sunday, May 7
    Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm
    Soiffer Haskin: 317 West 33rd @ 8th Ave

    Jimmy Choo Sample Sale
    Basic pumps and sandals are usually $200, catwalk styles are $250, bejeweled styles are $325, and boots are $375. Women’s shoes run from size 35 to 40 and men’s go from 43 to 46. At the last sale men’s shoes were priced at $250 or $375 and included loafers, Oxfords, driving shoe and ankle boots.
    Thursday, May 16 through Thursday, May 18
    Tues 11am-7pm, Wed 8am-7pm, Thurs 8am-6pm
    RSVP Link Password: lance
    The Metropolitan Pavillion: 123 West 18th St.
    Click here for details

    Bonpoint Sample Sale
    Expect to find everything you need to make your baby and children fancy. Prices are usually 60% off retail. Last season there weren’t additional discounts or restocking. 
    Wednesday, May 17th and Thursday, May 18th
    Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-3pm
    123 West 18st Street @ 6th ave (5th floor)

    Caroline Constas Sample Sale
    One of our favorite blouse designers, Caroline Contas, will be offering her playful ruffled tops for up to 70% off. This is the designers first public sample sale. We are told that a $450 ruffled blouse will be $150, stripe shorts will be $100 from $250 and a strapless maxi dress will be $275 from $800. 
    Thursday, May 18 and Friday, May 19
    10am-7pm daily
    584 Broadway @ Prince St, Suite 609

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