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

This afternoon, the Oscar de la Renta sample sale kicked off in Soho to press and Gilt ticket holders. The sale includes a great assortment of almost all designer’s categories including dresses, gowns, coats, day-wear, skirts, furs, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, kids clothing, and bridal gowns.

ODLR is always a highlight of the season. It’s the perfect sample sale to pick up something nice and new for the Spring fundraiser circuit or Wedding season. The press preview was wonderfully calm but the half-dozen professional line-waiters outside holding spots for those who purchased early entrance coupons from Gilt City. We all know what that means!

Once inside, we were first captured by the children’s selection. Most dresses are priced at $65 and coats are $85. Most items aren’t sized, which makes any purchase a roll of the dice. The most remarkable find was a pink long-goat-hair vest that was marked $40 from $2000. (We have pictures over here.)

Beyond the children’s clothing, there is a large selection of evening gowns and day dresses. We recognized many of the dresses from the last sample sale but there were some additions from the most recent pre-fall collection. There are dresses, pants, and skirts in an eye-catching giant houndstooth tweed.

This red and black houndstooth style pant was $250 from $1990, a black-and-white style is $150 from $1790 and this trumpet cut dress is $250 from nearly $3000.  We also noticed numerous items in a check-tweed print. This dress was $250 from $2700. We also spotted several of these gold leaf embroidered dresses for $450 from nearly $3000. (See our pictures from the sale over here.)

Take note, the sale doesn’t include a lot of size variation. It appears as if most items are samples from years past. You will have the most luck if you wear a size 4 to 8. Most evening gowns were priced in the  $600 to $1000 range.

The sale, this season, has less jewelry than the last go-round. Earrings are all still priced at $65. There were some of the floral and beaded tassel styles. We also spotted some new style bags with a large flower applique for $500 from $1790. (See our pictures.)

Downstairs, there are three large racks of bridal gowns and an assortment of shoes. Most shoes are priced at $89. Most gowns we saw are under $1300 from over $9000. (Click for pics.)

The ODLR sale is one of those popular events that tend to attract lots of shoppers. The sale usually has a healthy line throughout its entirety. It’s not usually too bad of a wait but you should clock in some extra time if you’re thinking of taking a quick pass through the sale.

Oscar de la Renta Sample Sale 
Tuesday, March 19 through Sunday, March 24
Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm
151 Wooster Street