X


    Inside the Oscar de la Renta Sample Sale

    Pamplona is famous for the Running of the Bulls and the Oscar de la Renta sale has become legendary for the running of the gowns. Today’s sample sale VIP kickoff was more intense than ever but the volume of options wasn’t even Emmy worthy.


    To begin, three woman sprinted into the sale and one lady directed the others, “Don’t look just grab.” Another woman pulled so many dresses from the racks that she couldn’t even carry them all. Instead she dragged them along the floor like a janitor pulling an old mop across an elementary school cafeteria.

    One could argue that these women had a good strategy as this sale has much less merchandise than prior season sales. Usually the downstairs is filled with shoes and bridal gowns. This go-round, the downstairs level is occupied by a giant dressing room and there are only a few racks of bridal gowns.

    Upstairs you will find almost all designer’s categories but just less volume. There are dresses, gowns, coats, day-wear, skirts, furs, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, kids clothing, kids shoes and furs. Most items are priced between 70% and 90% off retail. Samples, which can be identified by an internal sample tag, are priced according to a master list. (You can see the price sample lists in the jump.) All other items are priced as marked.

    Some of the standouts include an ombré tulle gown for $1650 from nearly $15,000. A one shoulder gown with silk lace and tonal bead embroidery tracing every edge is also $1650 from $18,290. Rose Leslie wore it to the season 8 premier of Game of Thrones premier. A less opulent leaf motif dress is $875 from about $6000. Clearly, the savings on dresses and gowns are substantial. (You can see pictures here.)

    Over towards the checkout counter, you’ll see an assortment of jewelry and belts. Most are priced at about 80% off retail. These flower drop earrings in assorted colors are $65 from $350 and there are bins of great belts all priced at $40. Classic ODLR floral “Tro” bags are $537 from $1790. (We have pictures and prices over here.)

    Most all Children’s shoes that are all priced at $41. Last year, they were $20 but you can’t really complain even at $40. Some have original price stickers of more than $250. The children’s clothing assortment isn’t very  plentiful. Most samples are a size six.

    The ODLR sale is one of those popular events that tend to attract lots of shoppers, which tend to accumulate into a steady line throughout the days of the sale. It’s not usually too bad of a wait but you should clock in some extra time if you’re thinking of taking a quick pass through the sale.

    Oscar de la Renta
    Tuesday, September 17 through Sunday, September 22
    Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm
    151 Wooster Street

    Girls Dresses Most $85
    Most girl’s shoes $41
    Long skirts
    $1650
    $1650
    $850
    Short Dresses
    $575
    $575
    $1650
    $1650
    $550
    $558
    $1650
    $198
    $260
    $260
    $350

    Farfetch 15% Off Full Price Designer

    Farfetch is the most recent retailer to begin an early season discount promotions. Using this link and the code 19MID will afford you a savings of 15% off a wide selection of merchandise. The code does not apply to all designers and it’s been a big guessing game trying to figure out what’s included.

    We’ve tried to eliminate hours of disappointment and guess work. Bottega Veneta is not included. Gucci is not included. Saint Laurent is not included. Balenciaga is not included. Valentino is not included.

    So what can you use the code for? You can save on Off-White, Prada, Golden Goose, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and most everything else. You can identify an eligible item once you click on the detail page.

    It’s best to use these slight discounts for items you need right away or for products that can potentially sell out in your size. This is sometimes the case when you have a difficult shoe size or if an item is in high demand.

    Some worthy uses of the code can be for these Amina Muaddi Begum boots that will not stay in stock through sale season. Paris Texas snake-print high boots are already pretty affordable at $560 and the 15% off makes them a very palatable purchase. Maybe you want to gift yourself a classic Loewe bag that doesn’t go on sale or maybe you want to grab one of those Jacquemus tiny bags while they are still Instagram worthy?

    You shouldn’t have to look too hard to find what you’ve already desire. Be forewarned: There is no expiration on this code, so the extra savings can go away at any moment.

    LN-CC: New Season Moncler and Gucci Discounts

    We have noticed that a few retailers have initiated early discount promotions. The savings might not be large but the incentives are good at driving early season savings. The downside is that most of these shopping promotions exclude major designers.

    It only was a matter of time until we hit the designer jackpot. European luxury emporium, LN-CC is actually focusing on just the items we really want. We received a code that will allow you to save 15% off on a top selection of merchandise. Just use this link and the code special15ln at checkout to engage the savings.

    You must use this link to view the eligible items. We are most excited by the bag selection. You can save nearly $450 off this Gucci leather shoulder bag, about $300 off this see-through Fendi shopper to $260 off this Valentino Candystud bag.

    Among the other eligible items are thes include these classic Gucci loafers and this oversized Gucci belt. Don’t miss the Moncler-Palm Angles collaboration items and these Gucci tees.

    The code will be active until September 23 and LN-CC offers free shipping and free returns on most purchasers.

    Barneys Gift Card Promotion

    Not sure where to get the best bang for your full price dollar? We suggest you head to Barneys.

    Through Monday, Barneys shoppers can earn a $25 gift card for every $250 you spend. Purchases over $500 will get you even more. Accrued gift cards are redeemable for merchandise from September 2 through October 16.

    There aren’t any exclusions listed even though Louboutin, Chanel and Celine are usually on the do-not-apply list. Either way, that leaves lots of the prime fall fashion from which to choose (or shoes.) Gucci, Fendi, and Dior are included in the promotion. We would suggest going for a Bottega tote, a Gianvitto Rossi bi-color mules, a CDG tee or Prada thunder heels.

    The ‘Infinity’ promotion is available (what remains of) Barneys stores , on the website and at BarneysWarehouse. Be warned, however, Barneys will most likely not extend the dates if the cards aren’t used during the specified window of time. So be sure to enjoy your meal at Fred’s and go back next week to use those gift cards!

    MatchesFashion Extra 20% Off

    Online luxury retailers are feeling the pressure to close out anything left from prior seasons and MatchesFashion is the most recent site to add a little promotion to their sale selection. Starting today, you can save an additional 20% off past season merchandise, which has already been reduced up to 70% off. Use code EXTRA20 at checkout to engage the additional savings.

    We found these tall YSL brown suede boots that come to $720 from $1800 and they are still available in several sizes. The Bolide shape Balenciaga bag  rings up at $1200 from $2150, and this Givenchy GV3 is $1600 from $3000.

    The brand Hunting Season has been trending and adding this pouch won’t take too much of an investment as it just $320 from $771. You might be able to justify the price of this Balmain logo dress at $610 from $1885 and this coat from The Row is classic and is even less expensive than the sample sale at $1450 from $6000. It’s also one of those pieces you can keep for life!

    The most reduced items are from prior seasons but classics stand the test of time. There is really a good selection from which to shop. Just be mindful that the extra discount deems these items final sale.

    Shopping; Obsessions & Impulses

    Fashion week is in full swing and we can’t help but scroll through sale sections looking to replicate the styles we see on the runways. Frankly, it’s nice to do something productive while Uber-ing between shows.

    LuisaViaRoma is hosting a deal where you can take an extra 25% off sale merchandise with the code EX25. Don’t miss Le Monde Beryl mules that come to $180 from $480, Prada rainboots for $375 from $1250 and Alexander Birman sandals are $175 from $416. With prices like that you can skip the sample sale.

    Through Tuesday, you can save Neiman Marcus Last Call  is offering $100 off every $200 spent. That effectively translates to 50% off. Use the code SAVENOW at checkout. I found Roger Vivier flats that come to $428 from $1375, a JW Anderson drawstring bag is $365 from $1330, and an Edie Parker ‘Pop’ bag is $350 from $1300.

    Below is a list of some of the most noteworthy items I found. Keep checking back and I will add more, which is sure to happen. Hello, Bottega Veneta belt!

    The IT-It: Amina Muaddi Back in Stock

    The designer shoe floor has become increasingly more congested. Not so long ago, designer shoes were limited to a small area of any store and represented the biggest fashion houses and a small assortment of legacy brands like Manolo Blahnik and Todds. Today, footwear is one of the largest grossing departments in any retail environment and spans the largest ‘footprint.’


    Amina Muaddi is the newest designer with ambitions of winning over shoe customers. Splitting her childhood between Jordan and Romania and then continuing her education n Italy, Amina was able to achieve a unique design approach to shoes and started her own brand in 2018.

    Her shoes fuse a sense of opulence with timeless glamour. A particular emphasis is placed on the construction of her pieces and most designs are hand-made. Amina believes the last and the heel to be two most crucial elements to ensure the best quality shoe.

    In a little over a year, Amina she has accomplished creating such a buzz that finding her shoes has been a challenge. We noticed that her pre-fall collection hit stores over the weekend and various styles are currently available but are going fast.

    Intermix, Mytheresa, LuisaViaRoma and MatchesFashion currently have limited availability for preorders on the hand-made shoes. Our favorite styles include the designer’s distinctive geometric pedestal heel. We are crazy for these rainbow Begum slingbacks and the newest ankle boots with a lucite heel.

    We suggest you make a quick decision if Amina Muaddi heels attract your fancy. The last season’s collection disappeared fairly quickly and the designer’s fan base is exploding, which is a recipe for a quick sell-out.

    5 Must-Haves for NYFW

    New York Fashion Week has officially started. Over the past several years, the fashion on the street has become even more important than than what is shown on the runway. Street style sets the tone for the entire season. What’s hot at fashion week usually becomes must-haves through the holiday season.

    In honor of NYFW, we are listing the five hottest items of the pre-season. Some aren’t even officially available and others are sold out. If you can get your hands on any of these items we suggest you do so asap. The buzz is only going gain in momentum as all your favorite influencers flex their most swagy fashions.

    1. Louis Vuitton Multi-Pochette (M44813) $1550
    You might have seen this concoction of bags already popping up on the Instagram feed on some of your most influential style gurus. The “bag” is essentially comprised of three bags– a micro pouchette, a larger pouchette and a round change purse. They are connected together by a chain and a fabric strap to create a utility cross-body type-bag. Fabric straps can be purchased separately for $495 each. The bag was slated to launch on September 1 but has been pushed off until September 27. This is the type of item we suggest preordering immediately if you intend on adding it to your collection.

    2. The Bottega Veneta Pouch $2400
    Writing about this bag again is starting to feel redundant but the fad is just beginning. We’ve already seen people collecting multiple colors of this clutch. White has been the hardest color to get and it’s available RIGHT NOW. The white version been especially popular because it resembles a cloud and looks dreamy when clutched under the arm.  We expect to see lots of the the new metallic colors during fashion week. You can click here to grab yours now and a limited edition red was just launched today too,

    3. Bottega Veneta Stretch Sandals $720
    What’s harder to get than a white Bottega Pouch? Stretch sandals! They seem to have launched but have never been accessible. You just can’t get these sandals unless your very well connected. We wish we had some advice but we are baffled. As an alternative, we suggest that mortals pre-order the Padded Bloc Pumps as they can be worn for the following eight months. They are also poised to be a big sell-out.

    4. Valentino VSling $2575
    The tone-on-tone matte is a toned down version of logo-mania. It looks fresh and cool. Almost like a matte Porsche Panamera. The bag is starting to catch the attention of fashion participants but it hasn’t trickled into the mainstream. What’s even better is that the bag hasn’t been all over Instagram, which makes you the ultimate influencer.

    5. Amina Muaddi Belgum Brooch Pump $895
    The shoe brand d’jour is Amina Mauddio. If you haven’t heard of it, now you have. Amina Muaddi is best known for its vibrant colors and holographic designs. We like them because of heel’s distinctive geometric pedestal. Our favorite style has a jeweled toe. We are torn between black, aqua or pink but would take any if we could find them. They are sold out at most everywhere. We could only find size 5s but we will continue to keep our eyes open.