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    Silver and Gold at the Buccellati Sale

    By ManhattanMataHari

    If are in need of some ultra luxurious giftware or jewelry that will impress even the most refined taste, the Buccellati sample sale should be on your radar. The famed Italian jewelry designer makes approximately 3,000 pieces of jewelry per year, 500 or so of which are one-of-a-kind pieces. Their exclusivity and quality workmanship contributes to their hefty retail prices.

    Buccellati rarely goes on sale and holds its value extremely well; we couldn’t resist the opportunity to scoop up sterling tablewear, hollowware, flatware and gifts for around a 50% cut. Inside the sale we found lovely sterling candlesticks mostly priced between $6,000 and $12,000. The most impressive piece, however, was a huge sterling serving tray discounted just over 50% to $20,000 from $44,200. A large silver ice bucket is now $4,200 from $9,000. The sale also includes some more wallet-friendly gift ideas. Small grape dishes are on sale for $425 from $850.

    If you’re interested in gifts for yourself you will be happy to find jewelry discounted about 40% off retail. Their impressive selection of signature flower blossom necklaces in silver are priced from $575 to around $1000. Most of the 14K yellow gold collection and watches are still pricey, ranging from $15,000 to $80,000. Who can honestly pass up a yellow gold flower blossom necklace at the relative bargain price of $21,000 from $35,000?

    The sale also includes a good selection of brooches and a small selection of rings, earrings and bracelets. As you can see, Buccellati is big pucks but these items really hold their value when you’re making purchases at these sort of discounts.

    Buccellati Sample Sale
    Wednesday May 15 through Thursday May 16
    9am to 6:30pm daily
    Soiffer Haskin 317 West 33rd @ 8th Ave

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    Inside the Louboutin Sample Sale

    Louboutin may have posted a notice on the door of their office building stating that there is no sale but the story upstairs reads: Sale Sale Sale! The invite-only sample sale started today by appointment. Most of the invitees include a close clique of fashion journalists and bloggers with a sprinkle of celebrity.

    Our spies reported from the inside and say that the selection is much better than prior seasons. There are lots of classic style shoes as opposed to the “cray-cray” versions that usually dominate the sale. Also take note that everyone we spoke to came out with some sort of animal print and noted the great array of flats. For the first time, there is also a scattering of men’s shoes and a section of Strass sparklers. From the limited numbers we can assume that they are true samples. Prices range from $250 to $500.

    If you’re considering door-busting this sale, we suggest that you use your best technique starting Wednesday. The invite says that the three day sale is for press but it’s really friends and family. (All the press are scheduled to shop Monday and Tuesday.) Be forewarned there are also three layers of clip-boards: one in the lobby, another at the elevator and a third in the showroom. Also, take note the +1 has been eliminated. So, be sure to have a good story and prey for good weather. We have a feeling the line will be very, very long.

    Stay tuned we will be posting more intel and photos as the week progresses!

    Christian Louboutin
    Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17
    Daily 9am to 5pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
    306 W. 38th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Ave.)

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    LOL Kids Sample Sale

    Fashionable moms (and grandmothers) get ready! LOL Kids kicking off their epic bi-annual sample sale. Shoppers can expect to find the most fashionable designer collections for boys and girls from luxury brands like Miss Blumarine, Monnalisa, Jakioo, Iceberg, Aston Martin and Silvian Heach.

    Madison Avenue Spy readers can shop the sale starting today. We are told that the merchandise is primarily samples from the winter 2013 collections. You won’t want to miss the huge selection Miss Bluemarine for tot fashionistas.

    If you’re wondering if the investment in next winter is worth while we have the answer: Monnalisa dresses are priced between $100 and $150 (retail ranges from $240 to $340) and Monnalisa coats start at $110 (retail prices begin at $240). Boy’s Italian down jackets with fur hoods are $89 from $240. Point taken?

    If you have your eye towards summer you can always hop from Silvian beach tops, which are 45% to 60% off of retail and start at just $22. The sale will run for several weeks but we suggest shopping now to shop from the best selection. Mention Madison Avenue Spy and get a gift from LOL Kids.

    LOL Kids Sample Sale
    Mad-Spy Private Sale: Monday, May, 13
    Regular store hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat & Sun 10am to 5pm
    22 West 21st Street
    212-929-6521
    www.lol-kids.com

    Sponsored Post
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    Buccellatti Sample Sale

    Mari Buccellati wasn’t known for giving discounts to customers but modern times call for drastic markdowns. This week Soiffer Haskin will be hosting a Buccellati sale that will include gift items, holloware, tableware, flatware. and one-of-a-kind items. The sale starts Tuesday and runs through Thursday.

    We attended the Buccellati sale two years ago when it was hosted in the boutique. Handcrafted fine jewels and watches were all 40% off retail and silver servingware and home accents were 50% off. The pricing varied based upon the metal, but the majority of the sale jewelry was 18K yellow or white gold. Buccellati’s signature flower blossom necklace in normally $1200 but was significantly more affordable after the 40% markdown. A variety of silver trays started at $10,995. You can click here for more details from the last sale.

    Buccellatti Sale
    Tuesday, May 14th through Thursday, May 16th
    9:00am to 6:30pm daily
    Soiffer Haskin
    317 West 33rd Street @ 8th Ave

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    Amazing Comme des Garçon Sample Sale

    The Comme des Garcon archival sample sale starts Friday and experts say this is a sale you won’t want to miss. Racked previewed the sale today and can’t say enough good things about the inventory and prices.

    The sale includes a plethora of the company’s brands including Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe for CdG, eYE, CdG Black, and Tao and more. Racked’s keen eye spotted several pieces that are currently on display at the Chaos to Couture exhibit at the Met. These museum quality pieces are $700 but it doesn’t take a Decades expert to tell you they are worth every penny.

    Shoppers will find a variety of scarves, bags, and hats, as well as CdG dolls and snow globes. Prices generally range from 50% to 70% off depending on the collection. Prices will likely be reduced as the final day approaches. But don’t wait too long, we have a feeling that this may be a contender for the year’s best sample sale.

    Comme des Garçon
    Friday, May 10 through Monday, May 13
    Fri, Sat, & Mon 10am—7pm, Sun 12pm—8pm
    127 W. 30th St (between 6th & 7th Ave)

     Photo credit: Met Exhibit by Style Curated

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    Inside Manolo’s Sample Sale

    Reader update: You should let everyone know that they stopped letting in people by 9:30 am stating that the sale is closed due to overcrowding. I have never seen anything like this before.

    Today the Manolo Blahnik sample sale kicked off without a hitch. The sale was officially open to big foot press and insiders, and well, of course. Thursday morning everyone is welcome to come and shop and, of course, we have your game plan.

    Normally, we are not big fans of waiting in lines or waking up with those in a European timezone but this sample sale may be worth the aggravation. (It might even be fun if you plan with a friend.) Doors officially open at 9am but those looking for first crack will start cueing up at about 6am or earlier. Shoppers will each get a ticked with a letter and then the wait begins. The best part is that once you get your ticket you can leave and come back.

    Most of the best inventory is from this past winter’s collection but there are lots of sandals and summery styles from prior years. Prices start at $96 for styles that are plain, suede, leather or satin. Add some ornamentation and you’ll pay $125. Styles with large large rhinestones are $150. Prices are even great when you get into the exotics. Snake skins are $125, ostrich is $250 and you can go crazy with a alligator pair and that will still only cost you $300 from a retail price of $4300. (That’s less than the tax would cost.)

    Boots cost a bit more but are priced equally as attractive. Shoe booties, styles below the ankle are $200 and those above the ankle are $250. Styles from mid-calf to the knee are priced at $300 and OTKs $400. Prices on boots top out at $500 for OTK styles in astrakhan, sequins or shearling.

    Don’t count on finding classic BBs. We found a few styles of the famous shoe but they were either in patterned in plaid or lace. We found these bright pink chaos sandals that are currently $695 at Saks. We also saw this cream and white style from this past winter. There is an overwhelming assortment of satin styles in addition to many statement pieces.

    Even though $96 Manolos are quite a rush, we prefer the boutique’s end of season sale. In August shoppers can score shoes at 75% off and not have to sift through plastic bags and search for missing mates. Did we mention that there is never a wait at the boutique!

    Manolo Blanhik
    Thursday, May 9th (public day)
    Doors open at 9am
    Warwick Hotel, 65 W 54th St. & 6th Ave, 2nd fl.
    CASH ONLY

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    Jimmy Choo: How to Get the Best Deals

    By ManhattanMataHari

    If you have any time tomorrow, be sure to head to the Jimmy Choo sample sale where you will earn even better discounts than those offered at the sale today. Those who attended the Jimmy Choo event early this morning we plagued by a line that lasted several hours. We postponed attending the sale until late afternoon to and avoided all lines and were greeted by a very pleasant shopping experience.

    To begin, there is a huge assortment of inventory from which to choose. Tables are arranged by size from 35 to 42.5, with 38 and 38.5 having the least selection. We were delighted to find lots of wedges, pumps, peep toes and evening strappy sandals, with glitter, crystals, feathers, exotic skins and metallic and patent leathers. Heels with red marker through the label are worn or damaged and just $90. The inventory is dominated by full priced overstock, which is available for $250.

    Flats and boots are also on the tables, but are less plentiful. Boots will run you $375, while damaged boots are $275. Be sure to check your shoes carefully since some are gently worn pairs and styles with slight color tone mismatches.

    The sale also includes lots of handbags: hobos, pochettes, clutches, totes and a significant amount of shoulder bags. Small handbags are $250, medium sizes and clutches $350 and large bags were $450. We found some fun glitter clutches that especially caught our attention. There are also lots of exotic leathers as well, which are $200 on top of the base price. Lots of small leather goods like iPad cases, wallets, and pouches are $75, while smaller change purses and key chains are $25. There are tons of belts, especially wider styles, which are $50. While we were shopping the received more scarves and the price was dropped to $50 from $75.

    We are told that further discounts will be taken tomorrow. Insiders say that the price cuts will range from 25% to 50% off the current sale prices. Additionally, they will be receiving more stock from outlet stores. We bet than in the hour just before the sale ends there will be ever further reductions. That’s even more reason to employ patience.

    You can click here to see all the pictures from our shopping trip.

    Jimmy Choo Sample Sale
    Wednesday, May 8
    9am to 7pm
    Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 W. 18th St. (between 6th & 7th Ave.), 4th fl

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    The Met Gala Inspires Punk

    This year’s Met Gala took an unexpected turn highlighting the history of Punk: Chaos to Couture. As the gala becomes increasingly like a circus so do the commercial opporunities. This year, the online boutique Moda Operandi live streamed the red carpet arrivals in addition to hosting a curated sale of “punk” clothing and accessories.

    Couture punk has always been a bit of an oxymoron but we thought it would be fun to identify great looking punk for less than Moda Operandi’s museum prices. After all, our modus operandi has always been to find the best for less:

    Moda Operandi Zana Bayne Harness ($275)

    Online variety shop ShopJeen hosts an entire section of harnesses. Our favorite is the Vaulter Cage Bustier for ($106) but if you’re looking for wearability opt for the  Trinity Swim Suit ($157).

    Moda Operandi Genevieve Safety Pin Earrings ($700)

    For the most part, costume jewelry is just costume jewelry. It’s hard to understand the difference between $700 of junk and $26 of junk. Both are good for a cheap thrill but one is actually cheap. These Rachel Roy safety pin earrings at Macy’s fit the bill and only cost $26. We also like these spike earrings work into the theme at just $24. Isn’t part of the punk ideal living for cheap thrills?

    Ashish Sequin Union Jack Tank ($735)

    If you’re looking for casual way to show off a sequin Union Jack, we suggest this cropped tee that’s reduced to just $9. Alternativly, you can opt for this full sequin tank but then other’s could mistaken you for a pole dancer in place of punk rocker.

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