By ManhattanMataHari
It is our favorite time of year again – shoe sale season! At this point, almost every department store has started their first markdown. Many stores started just yesterday, which means the inventory is still plentiful. Just one note, Christian Louboutin and Chanel have not been discounted anywhere. That markdown usually comes in a couple of weeks. So start putting your presale list together now!
Below is a full blown tour of all the best shoe departments and markdowns in town:
Barneys
As always, we like to start our shopping at Barney’s since their first cut is 40% (unlike 30% everywhere else). Unfortunately, the better bargain has its drawbacks – namely a smaller selection of shoes and fewer size options than Saks or Bergdorf’s. You will be a very happy shopper if you are a fan of Lanvin, Manolo Blahnik, Casadei, Fendi, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta. We were thrilled to find $389 Manolo Mary Janes alongside, $479 YSL Tribtoo slingbacks and $759 python Lanvin flats. There is also a good selection of boots, with the best bargain being buttery soft Bottega Veneta’s signature woven high boots for $589.
Leticia 212-833-2141
Bergdorf Goodman
For the best selection of sizes and styles, head a few blocks over to Bergdorf Goodman. While their shoe sale area is always chaotic, you will find plenty of glittery Miu Miu pumps and Jimmy Choos to complete your festive seasonal looks. This was the only store where we found discount Brian Atwood Maniac pumps. Fans of Alexander McQueen, Nicholas, Kirkwood, Tods, Dior, and Valentino should head here first. Noticeably absent this year were the walls of boots. There are currently no tall boots on sale despite one sales associate saying they were mixed in the racks.
A second markdown will take place the day after Christmas and should be 60% off.
Insider tip: avoid wearing black shoes since the shoe salon’s new carpeting sheds everywhere.
Jose: 212-872-894 Jose_olaso@bergdorfgoodmanstore.com
Saks Fith Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is having their 10022 shoe sale starting with a 30% discount. This is hands down the best place to go for “it” shoes by Yves Saint Laurent. You can find their Tribute (pumps and sandals), Tribtoo and Palais pumps in a variety of materials and colors with plenty of different sizes available. If Jimmy Choos are more your thing, then Saks should be at the top of your list. Unlike Bergdorf’s there is a good selection of boots on sale too.
Insider tip: On December 26th, ALL sale merchandise including 10022-SHOE will be an additional 20% to 50% off the sale price. Plan on arriving early and dealing with queues and utter chaos – last year they had to shut the line down around 2pm due to the insanity.
Alfonso: 212-940-2401
Jeffery
Downtown divas may want to stop by Jeffrey in the Meatpacking district. While their selection and sizes are more limited than the larger department stores, the service and atmosphere are much better.
Lemar: 212-206-1272
Photos: #1 Bergdorf #2 Saks