X


    Post-Mother’s Day: Celebrate Yourself

    As Mother’s Day comes to a close, it’s nice to look back and appreciate all the sweet notes, kisses and love that goes into making an ordinary Sunday so special. It’s also the right time to take a deep breath and, finally, relax.

    In many ways, Mother’s Day is much more work than an ordinary Sunday. There’s the extra early wake-up call from excited children, navigating a messy breakfast in bed, fawning over questionable gifts and entertaining your own mothers and grandmothers. Mother’s Day is as much about making the rest of the family happy as it is honoring motherhood.


    Now is the perfect time to celebrate your own motherhood and all the work and love you selflessly provide. It’s also not a bad time to start browsing Moda Operandi, which just started a VIP sale where a large selection of merchandise is discounted 40% off. Use the code FRIENDS40 at checkout.

    We found sandal slides from Ancient Greek that have the ease of a Hermes Oran sandal but come to just $130 from $220 and a wrap skirt from Marissa Web is $207 from $345. We are itching to try these Joseph white high-rise trousers that are $267 from $445 and this icy blue metallic Proenza bag is quite perfect at about $500 from $845.

    The sale only runs through Monday, which is just enough time to do some recovery shopping. We aren’t suggesting you go nuts but you certainly need a pat on the back.

    Anya Hindmarch Friends & Family Sale 75% Off

    Anya Hindmarch is looking to you, to assist in a major Feng Shui space clearing session in the form of a friends and family sale. Starting Monday, Global Fashions will host a sample sale for the London-based brand. Close friends and family (that’s you!) are invited to shop past season merchandise at 75% off retail.

    Among the selection are bags, accessories, clothing, and shoes. We got a little sneak peak and spotted a nearly irresistible assortment of totes, handbags, clutches and small accessories. A zippy wallet comes to about $100 from $395, a handbag with a bandaid is $500 from $2000, an oversized tote is $625 from $2500 and a pouch with an oversized tassel is $250 from nearly $1000. You can click over this way to see pictures of some of the items that will be available at the Anya Hindmarch sample sale.

    To make the sale even more friendly to friends and family, you can mention Madison Avenue Spy and save an extra 5% off your total purchase. That practically negates the cost of NYC sales tax!

    The selection isn’t huge and there won’t be any restocking. We suggest you attend the sale early if there is a specific item you’re eyeing. If you’re lucky, you might also find some warehouse goodies from other luxury brands.

    Anya Hindmarch Friends & Family Sale
    Monday, May 14 through Thursday, May 17
    Mon. to Thurs. 9am-6pm
    49 West 38th Street

    Sponsored post





    The Outnet: Extra 20% Off ‘Important Designers’

    When most sales exclude almost every important designer it’s extra refreshing to see a sale dedicated to discounted merchandise from the designers we love most. Right now, The Outnet is hosting a sale where an assortment of items from several popular designers is discounted an extra 20% off from their already reduced prices.

    This sale includes lots of pieces from Saint Laurent, Fendi, and McQueen. For instance, this Mugler jacket comes to $800 from $2500, this Miu Miu dress is under $800 from $1900 and this Maiyet jumpsuit is about $400 from almost $1300.

    What’s even nicer about this sale is that there are more than 1000 items listed. If you have an hour, you can truly get lost browsing through all the interesting merchandise. If you’re short on time, personalize your sort options. When you find something you want you must be sure of your purchase because all sales are final.

    We hear that the Outnet will be adding a large amount of Zimmerman items will be added before the weekend. Seems like an opportune time to get ready for Summer.

    Inside: The Jimmy Choo Sample Sale

    This morning, the Jimmy Choo sample sale kicked off for press and VIPs. By 10am the cue for general RSVP admission reached Sixth Avenue, nearly a full city avenue. An hour later, when we left the sale, the line wrapped around Sixth Avenue and spread to 19th Street. You can bet those ladies will be waiting several hours before they see any Choos. (While waiting in line, head over to  can see  Instagram Stories to see the extent of the wait.)

    Inside, shoes are organized by color on racks. (Thank you, Jimmy Choo, for taking our advice and abandoning the sample sale method of just throwing shoes on the floor and tables.) The best deals are the men’s shoes, which are all $150. Women’s shoes start at $200 but most styles fall in the $250 category. The nicest styles, unsurprisingly, are $325 and the most glittery novelty shoes are found near the checkout and priced at $500.

    Handbags are priced in a similar fashion. Evening bags are $350 and small handbags are $250. Most of the most attractive styles are the larger category bags ($450) and then there is a $200 supplement for exotics, like pony hair. (If only there were a truffle supplement, too!) 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? Lots of glitter style shoes!! Most are priced at $250 but much of the selection is what we could consider the most desirable Jimmy Choo styles. The best buys are the basic metallic Abel shoes that come in silver, gold, holographic and more. We find that a metallic Choo is a great investment because they are so wearable. Retail prices are normally about $700 from the Abel but they often come on TheRealReal for between $150 and $250. Many times they are even brand new.

    Personally, we find the platform peep-toe sparkle shoe a little dated. We were more attracted to a basic suede in navy or purple ($250) pump, a flat with oversized gems ($325), a peep-toe with small jeweled details ($325) or a basic pump with studded jewels. You can click this way to see pictures and of our favorite shoe 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!

    Barneys ‘Pre-Sale’; 40% Off

    It’s only the first Monday in May, otherwise known as MetGala Day, but Barneys isn’t going to let BagGirlRiri, Anna, Donatella or the Pope steal the fashion show. Today, Barneys started a mini seasonal online presale. The discount is 40% off select merchandise. 


    Presales are akin to the “quiet period” before a company goes public. You can’t actually buy the merchandise in the store but you can have your broker, oh sorry — sales person, hold your preferred items until the sale officially begins.

    Take note, this isn’t the true first markdown but there is still an interesting selection from which to browse. Over this way, we found Loeffier Randell ruffled slides for $229 from $375, Rag & Bone denim platform slides are $199 from $325 and Mari Giudicelli suede sandals are $319 from $535.

    Among the clothing, we found a bomber jacket from Ben Taverniti Unravel Project for $800 from $1339, a Victoria Beckham dress with sexy cut-outs is $1500 from $2520 and an adorable Zimmerman stripped dress with ruffles is $480 from $800. This white Jourden drop waist dress is perfect for Summer and priced pretty perfectly too at just $399 from $500.

    We realize this isn’t the real first presale or markdown but it’s always exciting to see a sale section. The first markdown presale usually starts around the May 17th. You can click over this way to see all the information about presale at Barneys last Spring.

    Net-A-Porter Private Designer Sale; 25% Off

    Net-A-Porter is hosting a private sale where you can save 25% off 1000s of items. To view the sale merchandise you must first log into your Net-A-Poter account. Afterward, you will see a Private Sale section appear.

    This sale comes several weeks before most major designer merchandise will go on markdown. The best part is that even the top European designers are included in this promotion. We suggest you first browse the bags because they are always the items that go fastest during the first markdown. Over this way is the Loewe car-wash fringe bag that comes to about $1400 from $1890, this Off-White “Sculpture” tote is about $650 from $875, a pretty pink Bottega Veneta woven bag is $1725 from $2300 and a Karl 24 from Boyy is $830 from $1110. There is also a very large assortment of Saint Laurent and Fendi options included in the private sale.

    There are even lots of sale surprises among the shoes. We haven’t seen these Saint Laurent Opyum heels marked down very often– especially basic black. There are still lots of sizes available and the price after the discount is about $750 from nearly $1000. The blue YSL heel version is starting to run low in sizing. Other shoe options include these Attico slides with an oversized buckle, Golden Goose sneakers, Fendi pool slides and dozens of inexpensive sandal options from Ancient Greek.

    Among the clothing, we love this Rocksanda top with bows on the sleeves. It will look great with a pencil skirt or a high-waisted pant. This skirt from Jacquemus is on the top of our ‘Summer-want’ list. There is a dreamy Reem Acra gown if you need something last minute for the Met Ball. More casual pieces for your Summer wardrobe include an Off-White tee, an off-the-shoulder dress from the Calvin Klein collection, a Balmain tank top, a House of Holland denim jacket, a mesh top from Kith and a floral print dress from Erdem.

    Last year, Net-A-Poter didn’t start their sale rollout until May 23rd, and it didn’t include many designer brands. We would suggest digging in now if there is something you like. Popular style bags tend to go very quickly during the first markdown.

    Madeline Weinrib End of Era Sale

    Madeline Weinrib has become famous for her iconic carpets and textiles, made in collaboration with artisans around the world. After 20-years in the business, Weinrib just announced that she will be closing her New York and San Fransicso showrooms in June, which will mark the end of an era.

    The designer explains that the “decision has weighed heavily on me, but I have realized that I need to return to my creative roots and passion, which has been difficult for me to focus on while managing my business and has led to burnout. I have taken a new studio where I hope to focus on creative projects and collaborations that are close to my heart.”

    As Madeline Weinrib shifts her creative focus, she will be clearing her showrooms and warehouses. Starting May 8, shoppers will be able to purchase her signature designs— carpets, fabrics, pillows, tabletop accessories fashion, furniture, and fixtures for between 50% to 80% off retail prices.

    You can click over this way to read about Madeline Weinrib’s prior sample sale. You can also click on the jump to see a preview of what items will be included in this showroom closing sale.

    We suggest home design gurus and brand fans should hit this sale early. It’s unlikely there will be a ‘next time.’

    Madeline Weinrib Sample Sale
    Tuesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 19
    Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Thurs 11am-8pm, Sat, May 19 11am-6pm
    126 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor

    Sponsored Post




    MAY SAMPLE SALES ???????????? Just Added: Caroline Constas

    The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Tulips are next. The sun is shining and we couldn’t be happier that it’s finally May. Expect to have a very busy credit card this month as it turns into high season for sample sales.

    As department stores and boutiques take their first markdowns towards the end of the month, be on the lookout for sales that include in-season merchandise with discounts that top 60% off. We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. You can browse Chicmi to see a full calendar listing of sample sales.

    This sample sale highlight post will continue to be updated throughout the month of May and remain just a click away in the right sidebar. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for sneak peeks and immediate updates. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the ‘Spy’ network.

    Wolford Friends & Family Sample Sale
    Last season this sale was held at a 260 sample sale space. This season, Wolford is bringing it home. Prices started at $18 tights and stockings with retail values under $100. More expensive tights are $45. Are the stockings and ‘stay ups’ that are $15. We expect that the prices will be even better this time around as the sale is being kept in-house.
    Tuesday, May 8 through Thursday, May 10
    10am-4pm daily
    330 7th Avenue, suite 1702
    Cash mainly, credit cards accepted for some items

    Jimmy Choo Sample Sale
    For the uninitiated, this sale is legendary for its amazing 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.
    Wednesday, May 9 through Friday, May 11
    Wed 11am-8pm, Thurs & Fri 8am-8pm
    RSVP Link Password: ROMY
    The Metropolitan Pavillion: 123 West 18th St.

    Bonpoint Sample Sale
    The discounts will go up to 70% and apply to every clothing collection (newborn, baby, girl, boy, teenager). At the last sale, most items were 60% off the retail sticker. That means that more formal dresses, which are normally priced in the $400-range were reduced to $260-ish. More casual dresses were about $200 in the boutique and come to about $80 at the sale. Boy’s trousers were about $60 from $150 and the collared shirts came to $48 from $120.
    Tuesday, May 15 through Friday, May 18
    Tues 1pm-8pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Thurs 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-2pm
    The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street (btwn 6th & 7th Ave), 5th FL

    Veronica Beard Sample Sale
    Look out for an assortment of jackets, sweaters, and dresses priced up to 80% off. We are told there will also be a selection of true samples. During a past sale, jumpsuits and dresses were both $195, tops were $125, skirts and pants were $150 and blazers were $295.
    Tuesday, May 15 through Thursday, May 17
    26 West 17th Street, Floor 7

    Caroline Constas
    The last Caroline Constas sale took place at the designer’s showroom. This season, the sale is being hosted by 260 Sample Sale, at it’s Wooster Street space. At the last sale,  there were two full racks of samples, all priced at $100. The open stock was a bit more pricey. Blouses were $175, dresses are $295, skirts are $200 and shorts are $75. We expect that prices will be more expensive this season, because of fees associated with a sale host. The good thing is that there is always enough for price drops.
    Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 3
    Thurs to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
    151 Wooster Street