Thursday, November 12, 2009

Manolo Blahnik sample sale

Update: so I did go, and the wait when I got there (11AM) was 1 hour. They definitely bulked up inventory-- I was surprised that it looked not-sparse when I got in at noon, seeing as I've read the Racked.com reports of women waiting since 7AM. You could tell there were plenty of newbies-- women were grabbing 5-6 pairs of shoes as if they were dying and only Manolos could save them. The wait now is probably borderline 2 hours. Oh, and I walked out empty-handed, a FIRST.

P.S. If you wear size 40 or 40.5 this is HEAVEN for you. Go.

I thought I should probably come out and take a stance on the Manolo Blahnik sample sale brouhaha which is currently enveloping the sample sale world in angst. Unlike the Christian Louboutin sample sale, which is an iron-clad invite list event, the Manolo sale actually allows general public to trickle in after the VIPs are gone.


I, for one, have always appreciated this and shared it discreetly. If you're a loyal reader of mine, you've emailed me, and I've told you all about it :) This is a very time-sensitive 4-5 hour shopping window in midtown Manhattan (doors close at 4PM)!

Inventory is completely insufficient for a massive stampede-- there are probably only 80-100 pairs of shoes per size. In the past the sale has been really special. You are guaranteed to walk away with at least one pair (or two, or three) of great shoes, and the prices are unbeatable.

This year I must say that the doors have been blown open for this fall's sale. A fellow blogger took it upon herself to inform her legions of viewers, and to add to it, Racked.com picked it up. To say I am unhappy with the turn of events is putting it mildly. Being a former corporate events planner myself, I would not be surprised if the location or date changed to prevent the inevitable crush of women dying for Manolos. However, it would not be right to keep my readers out of the loop, so instead of my standard vague post on Thursday, visit the Racked.com page for all the details.

However, since I work 3 blocks away from the Warwick Hotel, I'll pop by Thurs AM to check out the melee and keep you all posted!

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous11/11/2009

    I wonder what makes some people think they are "entitled" to the information even if they are the general public just like everyone else.

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  2. Anonymous11/12/2009

    Any details on why you walked out empty handed? I'm sorry to hear that!

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  3. My table (36.5) was particularly sparse, and a lot of those styles were ones you'd buy 'if you had the right outfit'. I did find 2 jewels: 4" patent navy pumps and lower 2.5" patent fuchsia pumps, but I NEVER wear navy, and I already have pink summer shoes. They would have been 'nice to have shoes' that I would probably wear once every 2 yrs. I've also spent a lot of dough recently, so I walked away from the table, exercising some self-restraint. Very sad. I wish I had found some 'MUST have shoes'!

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  4. Anonymous11/12/2009

    Impressive walk-away! I should take a lesson from you . . .

    Thanks for the update!

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  5. Anonymous11/12/2009

    did they have classic styles like the patent campari mary janes or this season's booties? how was selection for 38's? thank you for the report, as always!

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  6. The price sheet DID list MJs, but I didn't see any, and there was only 1 pair of booties that I saw on the 38 table- a dark grey fabric which had corduroy-type grain (but was not corduroy). It was gorgeous. The 38 table had a lot on it, but it was mostly sparkly evening shoes and bright colors. (My coworker I went with wears size 38.5, so we spent time in that area) Hope that helps!

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  7. Anonymous11/12/2009

    I wish it were Louboutin who removed the exclusivity :-(

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  8. You and me both! :) Maybe one day I'll get on 'the list' and you can be my +1 ;)

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  9. Anonymous9/10/2010

    every when does this sale take place? when will be for this year?thanks D. :)

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  10. The sale happens twice a year, usually every May and November. It used to be the city's best 'secret' sale, but in the past two years it's been a total circus. If you want me to add you to the sale alert, send me an email. fashionprospectress @ gmail.com

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