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    Closing: Sonia Rykiel

    The Queen of Knits, Sonia Rykiel, is saying good-bye to Madison Avenue. Saturday will be the last day the boutique is open. Until then, all merchandise is being cleared out at a 50% discount.

    Rykiel fans lined up the first days of the sale to snag spring merchandise at a deep discount. The store is starting to look a bit bare but there is still a nice assortment of sweaters, which normally retail between $600 and $900. We also spotted a few dresses on sale for about $550 from $1100 and tees from $250 to $175.

    Sonia Rykiel is best known for her knits, exposed seams and wild red hair. She started designing in 1964. Her collection was first picked up by Bloomingdale’s more than 35-years ago. Fortunately, the department store will still continue to carry her collection along with the Boston Sonia Rykiel boutique.

    Sullen sales associates say the designer is looking for a new retail location but we happen to think the brand needs a full resurrection first. Unfortunately, Sonia Rykiel isn’t adored as much by the cool crowed of 2011 as it was by those who embraced her “braless” dress in 1964.

    Sonia Rykiel Closing Sale
    Last Day: Saturday, May 21
    849 Madison Avenue @ 71st Street
    212-396-3060

    Louboutin Sample Sale Lowdown

    So our coverage has unofficially blacklisted us from the Louboutin Sample sale, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get you the details. Today and yesterday were the first days of the invite only sample sale and guests included Louboutin employees, fashion icons, celebrities and industry royalty… or so we assume. Wednesday and Thursday the sale opens to press and Friday are invited guests who rank way down on the Louboutin totam pole. (But who are we to judge? We’re not even ont he totam pole.)

    The Feast’s, Tiffany Davis spent the day in the rain covering the sale and interviewing. She says most people– we’re assuming the non-celebs– waited for about four hours before getting into the sale. Shoppers were allotted 20 minutes of shopping before being asked to finalize their purchases. Use of cell phones and cameras are prohibited and will get shoppers booted from the sale, so don’t expect a lot of inside intel.

    Prices examples are as follows:
    Yellow loafer heels: $170
    Canvas (green) espadrilles: $150
    Classic matte closed-toe red pumps: About $200 each
    Classic black patent slingbacks and pumps: $250 and $325 respectively

    Our takeaway: It’s gong to take a lot more than that to get us to wait in the rain for four hours. We’re not even sure we would be game if they were giving away the red-soled shoes. What’s your sample sale tolerance threshold?

    Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
    Tuesday, May 17 to Friday, May 20
    Tues & Wed 8am to 6pm (Press)
    Thurs. 9am to 5pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
    306 West 38th Street, 3rd Floor

    Photo Credit: The Feast

    Now Open: Milly Boutique

    By: TJ Kennedy

    Even the misty rain couldn’t keep us away from checking out the new Milly boutique on Madison Avenue at 73rd Street. Michelle “Milly” Smith has officially stocked the former Sharper Image store with her feminine-chic frocks, which just gives us another good reason to never leave Madison Avenue.

    This entices shoppers with a bright and colorful window display. Indise, vibrant vintage-inspired print maxi dresses line the walls and bold statement jewelry cover the surfaces. The handbags were mostly orange and black and are perfect weekend getaway styles. Signature Milly mini dresses were in full supply. There were only a few styles in the limited swimwear section, but these select pieces were simple and unique, following the bold colors of the rest of the collection.

    Adjacent to swimwear, is an adorable kids corner full of printed dresses and striped tops. Now Upper East Side moms and their chic toddlers can perfectly coordinate.

    This new addition is just what the Madison Avenue retail scene ordered– there’s always room for Sharper Image in the anywhere USA subruban mall.

    La Perla 40% Off

    By: TJ Kennedy

    Just because it’s dreary and rainy outside, doesn’t mean you can’t turn up the heat in the bedroom. Our favorite luxury lingerie line, La Perla is having a 40% off sale on the second floor of the Madison Avenue boutique. The sale features the entire collection from the prior season and includes the regular La Perla line, Limited Edition and the Studio collection.

    It’s already a few days in to the sale and there are still tons of merchandise (with more sizes in the back). It’s a full wall of sleepwear heaven! Gorgeous, long silk robes that retail for $575 are 40% off and available in off-white, black, red, and navy. Sexy nighties in every color are marked down to around $180 and there are plenty of styles to suit your mood. Comfortable cotton short nightgowns are just under $100!

    Signature bra and panty sets range in prices based on material, but classic lace styles are only $99 and panties are $49. More ornate designs with silk embroidery retail for $315 but are also discounted 40%. Unfortanilty swim wear is full priced but who needs to cool down when there’s a lingerie sale as hot as this?

    Sigerson Morrison Blowout Sale

    Design duo Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison announced in March that they were saying fairwell to their namesake shoe company. For their final kick, the design pair will be hosting a final three-day “Crazy Sale” at Steven Sclaroff, in Tribeca. Prices will start at just $25 and most items will be up to 75% off.

    We are told you can expect to score and save big on signature Sigerson Morrison and Belle styles like t-strap wedges, skimmer flats, ankle booties and platform sandals. The extensive stock includes bold colors, metallics and exotic skins. In addition, shoppers can look foward to discounted handbags gloves, books, scent, candles and stationery from Mad et Len, Pilot, Assouline, and more.

    The best part– according to us– is that both Kari and Miranda will be on hand to meet and great fans and loyal customers. It may not be Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley or a personal invite to Christian Louboutin but we can gurantee that there will be no wait and a lot more fun.

    Sigerson Morrison Blowout Sale @ Steven Sclaroff
    Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22
    Fri & Sat 1pm to 7pm, Sun. 2pm to 5pm.
    44 White Street

    Louboutins Galore at DecadesTwo Pop-Up

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Once again DecadesTwo, the renowned LA-based consignment company, has brought their finest to their popup shop in Soho. We got a sneak peek of the sale and were pleasantly surprised by the selection of accessories and the pricing.

    If you’re like most of us mortals who have no hope of snagging an invite to the Louboutin sale, you might want to check out the vast variety of both new and used Louboutins. After all, most of the inventory is pretty close to sample sale prices. The famous red soled heels to run from $175 for basic pumps to about $450 for more embellished or exotic styles. Brand new Louboutins are priced significantly cheaper than department store sale prices – $270 for black Mary Janes to $390 for boots.

    In addition to Louboutins, we spotted Chanel ballet flats, Chanel heels and fabulous pair of Yves Saint Laurent gray suede Palais booties, all priced at about $340. Other shoe brands include Alaia, Giuseppe Zannotti, Miu Miu, and various other high-end designers. One drawback is that there is only one size in each shoe and the best selection is size 37.

    The handbag merchandise was even more impressive than the shoes. The prices, however, are a bit steeper. Mini Chanel flaps in brown suede and patent black leather were priced at $1900 and a small Chanel beige patent flap was $2350. A black lambskin Chanel clutch was $895. Other high-end designer bags include Nancy Gonzalez, Louis Vuittons, Versace, and Valentino. The best purse deals seemed to be for Lanvin ranging from $650 to $895. We also spotted a few Fendi baguette styles for about $400.

    Looking for Chanel jewelry? You won’t be disappointed. A glass case replete with Chanel jewelry ranged from $345 for clip-on earrings to $3400 for intricate large necklaces. A classic black leather woven chain necklace is $895, while a thick chain-link bracelet is $1350 and cuffs were priced at about $1600.

    Overall, the ready to wear section pricing was a bit steeper than we hoped, but then again the items are mostly rare. Courtesy of Decades, there was one rack of vintage dresses loaded with sequined and embellished contemporary dresses. A few highlights include, a white sequined Lanvin jacket and a to-die-for red Marchesa strapless dress (Neiman’s $2950 tag still attached) both for $1100. We also spotted a lone white Herve Leger bandage dress in the mix for $550. Emilio Pucci silks were priced around $450 for dresses, while a blouse was $180.

    Since the selection is limited, we suggest shopping as early as possible. While they will be replenishing some stock on Saturday, all ready to wear and highly desirable items –think Chanel purses and Louboutins–will sell out quickly.

    DecadesTwo Pop-Up
    @ Kiki de Montparnasse
    79 Greene Street (at Spring)

    Christian Louboutin Sale Uncovered

    If early birds get $100 Manolos, than it’s the vertous who get sample sale Louboutins. Shoppers with extreem amounts of patience will be excited to learn that the Louboutin sample sale is scheduled for next week. The bad news is that the sale is closed to the public and by invitation only. An RSVP is required.

    During past season’s sales, a few readers commented that they were able snag invites. Just expect the line for discount Louboutins to run longer than the wait at the DMV. If you’re able to brave the standing on West 38th Street, you may not be able to overcome the disappointment when you find out that a celeb– like Blake Lively — already ravaged the sale. Rumour is that the Gossip Girl star purchased 50 pairs of discount shoes. Lets hope you don’t share her shoe size.

    The official comment on the aforementioned situation: “In regard to VIP/celebrity shopping habits, we never disclose that information in order to protect the privacy of our clients.” You can’t blame an insider for not yapping. As spies, we can appreciate a tight lip. As for this sale, the cover is officially blown.

    Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
    Tuesday, May 17 to Friday, May 20
    Tues & Wed 8am to 6pm (Press)
    Thurs. 9am to 5pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
    306 West 38th Street, 3rd Floor

    Manolo Blahnik Sale Reminder

    Just a friendly reminder: Manolo Blahnik sample sale will take place tomorrow (Thursday.)

    There are three ways to succeed at this sale:

    1. Be an early bird.
    2. Hire someone to be an early bird for you.
    3. Be connected enough attend the sale during the press hours, which means prior to the 11am public shopping

    We actually fall into the category: “none of the above.” Shopping the final markdown at the boutique may cost a bit more but saves lots of time and aggravation. Either way, we have you covered. TJ Kennedy will be covering the sale all morning and will be reporting back with unfolding sale news.

    Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale
    Thursday, May 12
    11am to 3pm
    Warwick Hotel 65 W. 54th St @ 6th Ave
    Cash only