Today we got a little sneak peek into what Spring really feels like. The warm weather and bright blue skies have us revving for long Summer weekends. Good thing, Neiman Marcus has met the match of Mother Nature and is offering a sneak peek into it’s latest buy-more-save-more promotion.
Right now, you can use this link to save up to 30% off already reduced items. The deal goes, if you buy one item, you save 20%. Two items, save you 25% and three items will reduce prices by 30%. This is the type of sale that retailers love to use to “clear the racks.” We are just going to assume that we’re all going for the big savings of 30% off.
You can always sort through the lowest cost items if you need an extra item to hit the big discount. There are lots of workout items that are priced about $25, which would be $18 with the extra 30% off.
This sale promotion runs through Thursday. The next Neiman Marcus sale will be in a few weeks but the discount will be just 20% off. We suggest you load up now.
Saks Fifth Avenue friends and the family sale started this week. The incentive is 25% off but there are so many exclusions that we were hesitant to jump in. We thought our time would be better spent strolling the store than trolling the site.
In February the flagship Saks unveiled a renovated first floor, which is barely recognizable to its former state. It is modern, youthful, and open. There is no doubt that the upgrades represent a generational shift in shoppers. The new main floor encourages wandering and exploration but there still feels like something is missing despite the new lighting and escalator repositioning. Retailers are still in the infancy stage of understanding what the future of shopping.
The old days of friends and family sales are gone too. What’s included in the markdown is confounding as the Instagram algorithm. For instance, a rack of MGMC was included in friends and family and another rack isn’t. Unsurprisingly, the piece we liked wasn’t included in the sale.
We aren’t too surprised by this schizo Saks friends & family sale. It’s rather become the norm but we must say it’s more irritating than it is friendly. For what it’s worth, the promotion runs through Monday, April 8 but we wouldn’t be surprised if there was an extension.
Barneys has a lot of great things but not a great Chanel department. Yes, there are shoes but beyond Cs for your feet, you’ll have to walk west to Bergdrofs or East to Bloomingdales. This is why we were so excited to learn that Barneys on Madison will be offering a capsule collection of the Chanel Summer 2019 collection.
The assortment includes bags, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. The best part is that we got a secret inventory list of all the merchandise included in the Barneys collection. You can click here to see everything along with pictures from the set-up. The assortment is really some of the best items in the collection. This is a great opportunity to grab one of those special pieces that might have already sold out at other retailers.
The collection goes live to the public on Thursday morning and will remain available for about two weeks. In the store, you can find the assotment on the sixth floor.
Some of the more popular collection pieces include the CHA-NEL earrings ($975), cotton cropped CHA-NEL shirt ($2200), the Chanel drapped crystal belt ($4100), the wide-brimmed hat ($2100) and the two-piece knit Camilla ensemble ($3250). The collection also has a few key bags, like the PVC flap bag with an oversized pearl handle ($4000) and the double bags aka “Side Packs” ($6900). (Click for pics.)
We suggest you study the Chanel website, which contains detailed pictures and pricing. Once you’re sure of an item you can call in a credit card for a purchase.
Contact: Michael 908-433-3256 / mborsellino@barneys.com
This morning, the Jimmy Choo sample sale kicked off for press and VIPs. Just before 11am, there were only about thirty people waiting in the cue for general RSVP admission but that was just a temporary situation. By noon, the line nearly reached Sixth Avenue, almost a full city avenue. (Head over to can see Instagram Stories to see the extent of the wait.)
Inside, shoes are organized by color on racks and bags are on tables. The best deals are men’s shoes, which are all $150. Women’s shoes start at $250 but anything with embellishment falls into the $325 category. Boots, this season, are priced at $375. Click here to see.
So, what will you find? This is the best selection we ever recall but really nothing worth waiting for hours– especially at these prices. Even the men’s selection is better than in prior years. Sizes start at 34 and go up to 42. Size 37 had a great selection but size 38s were running thin the entire time we were at the sale. On the bright side, we were told that there is a lot of backstock.
The best buys are the wedge sandals and classic Jimmy Choo heels. Retail prices are normally about $700 but they often come on TheRealReal for between $150 and $250. Many times they are even brand new.
It was refreshing to shop the sale and find more than just old style shoes. Jimmy Choo has great new styles and we are looking forward to seeing more of that at upcoming sales. You can click this way to see pictures of what we think are the best styles from the Jimmy Choo sample sale.
The sale runs through Friday. Even though the weather is beautiful, we would avoid waiting in line for hours with the early rush. Prices are usually reduced on the last day. That’s when the fun begins!
Jimmy Choo Sample Sale
Wednesday, April 3 through Friday, April 5
Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs & Fri 8am-8pm RSVP Link Password: SAMPLESALE19
The Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 West 18th St., 2nd FL
We have sworn away puffer coats and bulky sweaters but now we are feezing everywhere we go. Beyond sipping hot tea, it’s getting hard to stay optimistic. Nonetheless, we know that warmer weather will be here soon (hopefully) and we are intent on shopping for shoes that liberate our toes and bare our shoulders.
Look no further than Farfetch, we were just given an early alert to an amazing promotion. Right now, you can use this link along with the code FF2019 to save 30% off new collection and sale merchandise.
There are lots of full price exclusions, which are indicated by the ‘New Season,’ ‘Permanent Collection,’ and ‘Exclusive’ labels. It’s nearly impossible to find anything that doesn’t fall into one of these categories. When you do find something, it’s an item that should be in the sale section, like this Givenchy fringe bag that comes to about $1000 from $1400.
Your time is better spent concentrating on the sale section where final markdowns hit 80% off once you account for the discount code. Here is a Givenchy pouch that comes to $300 from $835. White Neous sandals with a round heel are really new season and come to $370 from $575, mules are $240 from $564, and a PVC/ patent leather style sandal is $170 from $450.
We aren’t sure we would consider these Balenciaga pool slides a steal for $300 but they are discounted from $600. (Insider tip: Don’t buy men’s slides unless you have a wide foot. They never fit right even if the sizing works.) New season Prada shoes are $550 from $870.
This sale will go public later this week and runs all month, which means you should take advantage of the hidden gems while site traffic is still light. We suggest you spend some time searching for the brands you like within the sale section. We stumbled upon a few surprises.
Spring is in the air (or at least it should be) and we couldn’t be more excited to start planning for the warmer weather. New sandals, lightweight dresses and lots of rosé, of course. We aren’t quite ready to start pulling out the bikinis but long weekends will be here before you know it.
We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we would personally consider attending. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month and remain just a click away in the right sidebar. Below is a list of what we believe to be April’s best sample sales. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit.
Jimmy Choo Sample Sale The Jimmy Choo sale is legendary for the VERY long line and its discount prices. Basic pumps and sandals are usually $200, booties are $325 and boots are $375. Women’s shoes run from size 35 to 42 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. Click here for full details.
Wednesday, April 3 through Friday, April 5
Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs & Fri 8am-8pm
RSVP Link Password: SAMPLESALE19
The Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 West 18th St., 2nd FL
Dion Lee The Australian fashion designer is opening her showroom and offering discounts that you won’t want to miss. At the last sale, prices ranged from $40 to $150. There was a large assortment of the designer’s high-quality print dresses, skirts, and knits. If you’re looking for a real sample sale experience, this is the sale to attend.
Wednesday, April 3 through Friday, April 5
10am-7pm daily
401 Broadway, Suite 1910
Marc Jacobs Sample Sale What has become of Marc Jacobs? So much talent, yet the label seems to be in hibernation. Nothing in fashion stays the same and it’s only a matter of time until this sleeping bear wakes. For now, you can fancy yourself as a collector and snag huge discounts from the Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs collections.
Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 7
Wed 9am-8pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri to Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 8am-5pm
150 Greene Street
Sonia Rykiel We are so excited that Sonia Rykiel is hosting a sample sale starting Sunday. We can’t remember any prior sales from the French designer. We are told that this will be a “real” sample sale with excellent prices. There will be a selection of children’s clothing for women and children. This sale is only two days but we are hoping it will be successful enough to become a reoccurring event.
Sunday, April 7 & Monday, April 8
Sun 11am-6pm, Mon 10am-6pm
5 East 57th Street, 14th Fl (btwn 5th & Madison)
Lanvin Showroom Sale We always love the Lanvin sale because the discounts are great and there is always some prize to take home. (We even spotted some Elbaz items.) Dresses are reduced 90% off retail, bags are 70% off and all other items are discounted 80%. The other reason we appreciate this sale for the great selection for men. Click here for a complete rundown.
Thursday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 10
9am-6:30pm
37 W 57th St, 9th floor
Phillip Lim Sample Sale This sale is always very popular but as the designer wanes in popularity, there seems to be less of a draw. At last sale we attended large Pashlis were $300, minis were $200, the 31 Hour tote bag, Soleil bucket bags, and Biancas were $200. All other bag styles were $150. All shoes were $100. Shirts were $120 or $150 for embroidered options, pants, jeans and shorts were $75 and dresses ranged from $175 to $450 and outerwear ran for $175 to $500 for leather and fur options.
Monday, April 9 through Sunday, April 14
Tues 11am-8pm, Wed &Thur 10am-7pm, Fri& Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Sample Sale: 160 Greene Street
We’ve been watching the evolution of the tie-dye trend for the past year and have been curious as to how it’s going to pan out. Just recently we’ve started to see a kaleidoscope of neon colors hitting the wardrobes of influencers and the trend is only gaining velocity.
It’s likely that your Instagram feed has already been populated with tie-dye pieces from Prada, Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney, and R13. This trend can quickly go from Coachella 2019 to Grateful Dead Baby Boomer.
The key to owning luxury designer tie-dye is to focus on special technique or unique pieces. For instance, we love this Rosie Assoulin halterneck ($995) that’s tie-dyed by hand to resemble watercolor brushstrokes. This Raquel Allegra tank ($220) is a less formal option with a similar effect. We also love this Marques Almeida asymmetrical skirt ($620) that can be paired with a black tank top or blouse for a sophisticated tie-dye twist. Shiloh tie dye sunhat ($128) is perfect for the beach and this Amen printed top ($182) is more than a rocker tee if only for the juxtaposition of a delicate lace sleeve.
Notice how we have avoided tcliché tees and sweatshirts. We suggest you go with budget options for these items. The choices are numerous. We really like this bright pink and yellow beach coverup from Asos that’s only $45 and this Ramon’s tee ($26) can be easily zhuzhed with a few scissor snips.
We think this tie-dye fashion trend is just getting started and will spill over to the Fall and Winter. We can easily see a plethora of tie-dye puffers and cashmere sweaters. While you’re building your wardrobe, try to think of what will look good in 2020 and not wonder into Strawberry Fields Forever.
The thermometer is just starting to act like Spring and a nice discount can only add the needed warmth to get you in the mood for the new season. Right now, Barneys Warehouse is offering extra discounts up to an additional 60% off sale merchandise. The added savings brings the markdown to 85% on some items.
Spotting this Valentino Rockstud classic black bag reduced to only $785 from $3560 really brightened our day. That’s what we call a no-brainer. Seems like Spring boots have become an acceptable thing and this pair from Altuzarra is even white with printed flowers. At $200 from $900, it might even be worth buying to wear even a handful of times. These Paul Andrew sandals are $176 from $800 and you get two-Spring-trends-in-one– PVC and neon.
Take note, there are very limited sizes left on these clearance items. We suggest you do a size sort before jumping in. Good thing that the Valentino bag is one size fits all!
