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    Inside: The Jimmy Choo Sample

    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.

    Handbags prices have also held steady. Small handbags are $250. Most of the most attractive styles are the larger category bags but the entire assortment wasn’t exactly enticing. Keep in mind, there is a $200 supplement for exotics, like pony hair. You can see the full pricing list and pictures of shoe and bags from the Jimmy Choo sample sale over here.

    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

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    Farfetch VIP Sale: 30% Off

    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.

    We love this straw and leather tambourine bag from Mehry Mu that comes to $250 from $354 and this neon Balmain clutch is very SS2019 and comes to $1052 from $1656. We’ve been crushing on Perrin Paris bags for ages and this is the first time we’ve seen them on sale. This clutch comes to $550 from $995. We were also surprised to stumble upon this VLTN Valentino bag for $1000 from $2445.

    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.

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    SAMPLE SALES ???????????? for April: Updated Sonia Rykiel

    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

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    The IT-It: Tie Dye Beyond Baby Boomers

    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.

    For the real thing, you can hit eBay. Here is a vintage Grateful Dead tee ($39) or a reissue of the 1975 Led Zeppelin tour tee ($19). If you really feel like going crazy you can opt for this Nirvana 1990s tie-dye long sleeve shirt ($1300). Before you go for the new season of Prada tie-dye, you can look for past collections. Here is a fit and flare dress ($425) or a classic skirt ($22).

    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.

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    Barneys Warehouse Sale 85% Off

    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.

    @tiffanichynel

    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!

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    Shopbop’s First Big Markdown

    Online retailers don’t quite run sale season the same way traditional store calendars negotiate markdowns. Shopbop for example, just started what we would consider, the first big round of markdowns. Meanwhile, most products are still full price at nearly everywhere you shop.

    Digging in, we went straight for Spring merchandise. Hayward is one of our favorite independent bag designers and the entire selection is still full price at Bergdorfs.  Here is a mini-patchwork Hayward bag that’s $413 from $600. Cult Gaia bags are already reduced by about 30%. This acrylic lavender bag is $208 from $300 and the macrame variety is the same price.  There is also an assortment of Staud bags reduced 40%.

    Among the more designer-ie items are Golden Goose sneakers that are reduced to $440 from $585. A Caroline Constas jumpsuit with this season’s palms print is reduced to $430 from $720. A Kenzo bum bag is $150 from $225 and this Monse flared brushed cotton jacket that’s $500 from $1700.

    If the item you’re watching isn’t included in this markdown it is likely to be added in the next sale drop. Usually, the site adds another batch of merchandise to its sale during the first week of April.

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    Neiman Marcus Hits NYC (Online 20% Off Promo)

    Neiman Marcus started an online promotion where you can save an additional 20% off sale items, which brings the discount near 80% off on a large assortment of merchandise. While shopping online we found some great buys, including this blazer from Gabriela Hearst, a Tom Ford metallic blouse, and a Summer romper from Shoshanna. (Take note, Bergdorfs is running a similar promotion but the extra discount is 30% off. You can see the full post over this way.) This online sale is nice but we thought it would be timelier to take this opportunity to actually explore the newly opened Hudson Yards Neiman Marcus.

    New Yorkers are naturally a negative bunch. We are adverse to change, highly opinionated and love the nostalgia of “old” New York. While highly judgmental, we must admit that Neiman Marcus did an excellent job visualizing a retail environment for 2019 and staying true to its bloodlines. The store is spacious, bright and thoughtful.

    The NYC Neiman Marcus is everything you could desire from a suburban department store– and we aren’t saying that as a slur. Frankly, we don’t need another Barneys, Saks or Bergdorfs. What we did get is a space that carries lots of luxury fashion that feels welcoming and safe. There isn’t much experimentation as far as designers. There is no Commes de Garcons, Del Pozo or Rossie Assoulin–but you can hop over to Forty-Five-Ten for all of that.  What you will find is a large offering of Etro, Dolce & Gabbana and The Row.

    One criticism: In addition to the main floor Chanel boutique, would have liked to see a bit more top tier luxury clothing brands. A little Valentino, Gucci, Givenchy and Dior ready-to-wear would go a long way establishing this Neiman Marcus as an everything-you-need shopping destination.  Don’t worry, there are designer handbags and shoes galore. (We posted a bunch of in-store fashion highlights to the jump.)

    The Hudson Yards Neiman Marcus has artful installations, numerous engagement points and offers plentiful experiences. It’s Instagram-able and fully shoppable. We love the personalizing station, where you can let your imagination go wild. Shoppers can choose from a large variety of patches, embroidery, studs and even collaborate with an artist to handpainted an item. Prices start at $35 to afix a set of initial patches and most customization takes about a week.

    We also loved the humongous dressing rooms, especially in the personal shopping area. You might never want to leave. “Try-ing on” situation is so much less of a drag when the environment meets that of your own home. One observation, it would be nice if all the dressing rooms were stocked with bottled water. Part of the 2019 retain environment is anticipating the needs of your customer and who doesn’t get thirsty while shopping?

    We aren’t sure if Neiman Marcus needs a beauty service section but customers can choose from blowouts, waxes manicures and more. We are also not sure that online shoppers need designated stylists, especially when they are allocated with more than 800 sq feet. Seems like the three online stylists would be better positioned at the personal shopping department, which was void of any sales associates.

    The flower kiosk, on the main floor, is another cute in-store feature. It seems as if a $40 will buy you a very sweet boutique of high-quality flowers. In a pinch, it’s more thoughtful than a candle or hand soap.

    Nowadays, one of the biggest draws to any department store is its restaurant. The Neiman Marcus main floor contains a gourmet food department that is an upscale version of TJ Maxx’s world food section. It also has a kitchen for food demonstrations and Irving Farm coffee. The Zodiac Room, on the seventh floor, offers an adequate option salad and a good looking burger. On our third visit to Hudson Yards, we found Blue Stone Lane to be the best option for a quick salad or sandwich.

    The most exciting moment at Hudson Yards Neiman Marcus was when we surprisingly stumbled upon some of our favorite sales associates. (Their contact information is below along with a few pictures we shot while scouting the store.)

    Despite the naysayers, Neiman Marcus offers New Yorkers a different experience. We can’t say it will become a regular haunt, partly because of the $35 Uber fare from the Upper East Side, but we do welcome a luxury shopping alternative.  What do you think?

    Louis Vuitton: Monique 860-328-3894
    Neiman Marcus Luxury Specialist: Sean 929-458-1410

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    Save the Date: Jimmy Choo Sample Sale

    The Jimmy Choo sample sale just slid into the sample sale calendar. If you want to get in on this shopping-trip you must have a confirmed ticket. No worries, we have all the details to get you in and out in no time.

    The sale opens to the public on Wednesday, April 3 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. To attend the sale you must use this link to RSVP. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter the code SAMPLESALE19 to receive your email confirmation number.

    You should take note, this sign-up system does nothing for crowd control. Last year, the line for admittance spanned down the block, around 6th Avenue, and up 19th Street. Unless you have a VIP confirmation, we suggest you refrain from attending this sale until the second day.

    For the uninitiated, this sale is legendary for 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.

    This sale is always one of the most popular sample sales of the year but I have never personally purchased anything even during the press preview.  Jimmy Choo has some great styles shoes but none of them ever seem to make it to the sale. The sale is usually overstocked with 2010-style glitter shoes. Woodbury Common Outlet usually offers similar pricing and a much newer style selection.

    There are pictures and the price list from the VIP segment of last year’s sale is in the jump. We think you’ll do better shopping from the above assortment of shoes that we found priced near or below the sample sale prices.  We will also be sure to post a full report in real time on Instagram and follow up with a full blog post online.

    It’s also worth noting that prices get slashed drastically in the afternoon on the last day. (Don’t be surprised if you spot people squatting with piles waiting for the price cut.) Last season, heels were reduced to $100, jeweled shoes & booties were $150, boots were $200, small leather goods were $30 and men’s shoes were $50. That’s when it might be worth scavenging Choos. (No, probably not.)

    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

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