Montblanc’s “private” friends and family sale is always a great place to pick up sophisticated gifts without breaking the bank. This sale is usually a reader favorite. You can print out the below image for private sale entré. (We doubt it’s necessary, but why not go prepared?)

This season, the sale has made a venue change and prices may not be as discounted as its been in the past. During previous sales we found $600 fountain pens selling for $150, watches for $500 from $1500 and $1,000 leather bags marked down to $250.

The sale is only two days, starting Monday. Usually lots of loyal fans turn out for the is discount opportunity, which can translate to long lines. This year, we expect the crowed control to be a lot better now that the sale has moved to a professional sample sale location. (Some times you have to give a little to get a little– higher prices/ shorter lines.)

Those planning to majorly stock up should be warned that there there is a maximum of five pieces for each shopper. That should be more than enough for shoppers like you and me but enough limits to keep the reselling hoarders at bay.

Those looking for some more feminine gift items should mark their calanders for the Ippolita sample sale, which is scheduled to start Saturday, October 27nd.

Montblanc “Private” Friends & Family
Monday, October 22nd & Tuesday, October 23rd
Mon 9am~5:30pm, Tues 9am~5pm
260 Fifth Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)

The YSL sample sale is not one of our favorite because of the serious hoarding and unmanageable chaos. You wouldn’t guess it but YSL customers are quite aggressive. If you’re up for this sample sale challenge you will be highly rewarded with serious savings on classic and seasonal brand styles.

This year, the VIP preview — Shhhhh!– will start Monday morning and the sale will open to the public on Tuesday. There is a tightly guarded list on Monday, but there usually isn’t a line to enter and the shopping atmosphere is much more civilized.

 Last season, we shopped the VIP preview and found most shoes priced at $200 but Tributes and Trib Twos were $350. Bags were priced between $200 and $800. YSL muses were $700 and Muse Twos and Downtowns were $300. Jewelry was just $50 and all clothing was priced between $50 for a tee to $600 for a coat.

If you’re up for a classic New York sample sale, than this is the place for you. If you prefer a more civilized discount shopping environment, we suggest that you call Woodbury.

YSL Sample Sale
Tuesday, October 23rd through Thursday, October 255
Tues & Wed 9am to 6:30pm, Thurs 9am to 4pm
Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd St between 8th and 9th Aves
Credit Cards Only

By ManhattanMataHari

The Devi Kroell sample sale started Monday and we couldn’t resist sending our spies in to scope out the sale details. We are happy that we did because the designer showroom is fully stocked with merchandise, including samples from this season’s collection.

Most shoppers are attracted to the brand’s unique bags. Good thing the sale is stocked with lots of hobos, envelops and an wide array of minaudieres. Prices are in line with the past sales, which is between 80% and 90% off of retail. Unlike past years, there is no clothing but there are enough bags and shoes to keep a Devi fan occupied.

Although the bag variety is expansive you won’t want to miss the fancy scarves and belts, which are less than a prix-fixe lunch at the Four Seasons. The belts are  mostly skinny exotic leather styles with some wider versions thrown in for good measure.

Over in the shoe selection, flats were priced the same as past sales. In addition, there are some amazing current season exotic leather boots, but keep in mind the sizes are mostly sample 37s and 40s. We did find a couple of 38s too but they were samples, which means that there isn’t much stock.

The prices at this sale are simply too good to resist shopping. We were informed that that the sale will be restocked daily. There are no plans to drop prices toward the end of the sale so shop early for the best selection.

Devi Kroell Sample Sale
Monday, October 15 to Thursday, October 18
Mon-Thurs 11am to 2pm or 4pm to 7pm
55 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor
RSVP: appointment@devikroell.com

Today we rushed over to the press preview of Jil Sander’s sample sale and we were glad we did. Fortunately, there were no lines but that’s not likely to continue as word of the great discounts spreads, particularly to Raf Simons fans.

The discount hits 80% off on most items and there is a full range of merchandise from the fall 2011 collection and overstock inventory from spring 2012. The most popular section at the sale is undoubtedly shoes. Shoppers were purchasing towers of assorted shoe styles that reached up to their waists. The shoe popularity might be because everything in the section is under $150– ya think?!We even spotted flats that were just $50.

Moving on to clothing, shoppers who love iconic pieces from off the runway will score the best. The belted “egg dress” dress is $520 from $2890 and a bubble skirt is about $400 from $1900. If you’re still trying to get your hands on the Picasso sweater, you’re in luck. The quirky design from spring is now about $330 from $1640. There are also lots of neon paisley prints that starred in designer’s summer ad campaign.

The sale also “had” a good selection of bags but the assortment seemed wiped out by the time we were heading out. We wouldn’t count on finding much left starting tomorrow. Men can expect to find lots of solid white shirts and sweaters and some outerwear.

There is no changing room. So if modesty is usually your policy we suggest wearing leggings and a tank so you can test the fashion on top of your body armor. The sale runs through Saturday and there will likely be reductions. Just don’t expect there to be any restocking.

 Jil Sander Sample Sale 
Tuesday, October 16 to Saturday, October 20
Tues to Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
8 Crosby St. (Howard & Grand St.), 4th Floor

By ManhattanMataHari

The David Yurman sample sale started Thursday to mixed reviews. The discount ranges from 30% to 60% discounts and 10% of the proceeds going to breast cancer charity. The sale runs through Sunday but if you can’t make it you can always check out the David Yurman outlet, which offers similar discounts all year round.

Inside you will find the sterling collection marked down 30%, but no classic cable bracelets are available. You will find several confetti collection pieces in peridot as well as pearl cables and cuffs. There are lots of semiprecious cushion-cut rings, most plentiful in size 7. There are some stacked cable diamond embellished rings available too, although even with the discount were still pricey.

The 18K collection and  yellow gold and silver assortment were discounted steeper at 40% and 50% respectively. There is a great selection of white gold rings and earrings and lots of long necklaces with semi-precious stone beads. The watch selection is quite limited, but all timepieces are 50% off retail.

We are told that the sale may get an influx or new items on Friday but we wouldn’t expect classic Yurman pieces to appear. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find many items that were actually 60% off. We are told that there will not be additional markdowns, so go early to get the best selection. If the less than dazzling Yurman assortment isn’t catching your eye you can always wait until next week when the Chorpard sale is scheduled to begin at Soiffer Haskin.

David Yurman Sample Sale
Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14
Fri & Sat 10am- 7pm, Sun 11am- 5pm
The Altman Building
135 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue)

Chopard Sample Sale
Thursday, October 18 through Saturday, October 20
Thurs & Fri 9am- 6:30pm, Sat 9am- 5pm
Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St. (near 8th Ave.)