Over the years the Saint Laurent sale has either been a total bust or a complete score. Considering the tremendous deals we found the few seasons we were almost sure that this season was going to continue the trend. We couldn’t have been more wrong.  Shoppers at today’s YSL sample sale VIP preview were unanimous disappointed.

For beginners, the VIP sale kick-off to the sale is usually not very strict. Today, however, organizers were checking names AND photo identification before allowing admittance. This is the strictest door policy we’ve ever encountered. Not even Christian Louboutin or Hermes VIP sales required a photo ID. (Perhaps they were trying to hide the fact that this sale is so dismal?)

If you were one of the lucky shoppers to get into the sale you were still not immune to disappointment. One shopper texted, “Don’t bother. It’s clothing from the dark ages and prices are a fortune.” As a matter of fact most items are just discounted 50%. “Even the scarves are expensive,” another spy wrote.

This season Tribute pumps are priced at $399 as opposed to $350 at last season’s sample sale. Saks Fifth Avenue has a selection of Tributes priced at $417. Clearly not worth the cab ride to 8th Avenue. White Y shoulder bags, which were yellowed with age, were priced at $749 from  a retail price of $1795. Tiny keychains were $99 from $199 and leopard scarves were $200 from $400.

Most everyone who shopped today left empty handed. Our advice is to skip this sale and enjoy the 50% discount at the boutique or wait for the third markdown at department stores. It shouldn’t be too long now.

Saint Laurent Sample Sale
Friday, June 28th through Sunday, June 30th
Fri &Sat 9:00am—7:30pm, Sun 9:00am—6:30pm
Soiffer Haskin 317 W. 33rd St btwn Eighth & Ninth Ave

The online variety store, Shop Jeen is hosting a sample sale on everything from novelty gum to iPod covers to Dannijo jewelry and printed leggings and cool temporary tattoos. If you’re not a Instagram follower of Shop Jeen then let us explain the lure — it’s like a no calorie candy shop for trend setters.

Prices start at just $1 and there is so much from which to choose. If possible, take a child (or a friend) to the sale and really make an afternoon of fun. (You can also receive an extra 10% off if you pair up.) While you’re there be sure to say hi to Erin, who was formerly one of our spies. Click here to see pictures from inside the warehouse sale and be sure continue shopping virtually through the store’s Instagram account.

Shop Jeen
Through Saturday, June 29
11am to 7pm
325 West 38th Street, #208
Cash & Credit Cards

Today was the first day of the Diane von Fustenberg sample sale. As expected the deals were great but when the air conditioning went out this afternoon, it was truly too hot to stand. One woman was so focused on the deals that she literally shopped until she dropped– an ambulance was called.

Mad-Spy Fan Shopping DVF

Hopefully the air conditioning will begin functioning again on Wednesday and shoppers can focus their strength on sorting through the always outstanding $50 sample sale racks rather than persevering the heat. We suggest hitting this sample sale sooner rather than later. It seems as if there isn’t to much back stock for replenishing.

Prices are the same as the prior season with wrap dresses priced at $150, regular dresses are $125 and skirts and blouses are $80. Take note that much of the merchandise is better suited for fall and winter. There are lots of long dresses and there’s lots of sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. The bags are a bit pricey but are quickly becoming a highlight of the DVF collection. Handbags are $285, clutches are $100 and canvas bags (perfect for the beach) are just $60.

Markdowns are expected later this week but in this instance we would opt for selection over savings. Just be careful not to over do it with the sequins, rhinestones and paillettes. You can click here to see more pictures from our shopping trip.

Diane von Furstenberg
Wednesday, June 26th through Saturday, June 29th
Wed & Thurs 10am—8pm, Fri 9am—7pm, Sat 11—7pm
260 Fifth Avenue btwn 28th & 29th St

Considering the price of costume jewelry, it’s hard to turn up the opportunity to shop Ippolita’s sample sale at a 65% cut off of retail. The Soiffer Haskin sale started Saturday but many of those early shoppers suffered a two hour wait to get inside. Sunday’s shoppers faired a much better luck– no wait and there was still plenty of merchandise.

Prices started at $20 for an arrangement of bangles and run through over $6000 for a gold necklaces with diamonds. A majority of items are 65% off but there was a small selection of jewelry for 70% off. The assortment in the higher discount category was so undesirable that it’s better just ignore the whole category. The newest Ippolita designs were discounted 50% off.

A sterling silver necklace similar to the one shown here with different stones was marked $113, this exact style was $193 from $550. There were lots of Glamazon hammered bangles in both silver and gold, along with lots of jewels with colored semi-precious gems. We couldn’t resist these rose large teardrop earrings that were about $200 from about $600. Equally attractive, were these gold hoop earrings with diamonds, which came out to approximately $3300 from $5500.

If you’re looking for the very best deals, we suggest that you wait to shop until the last day. Last season they offered shoppers an extra 15% off. Now, that’s a jewel of a deal.