Sample Sale Report: Bettye Muller

I stopped by the Bettye Muller Sample Sale on my way home from work last Friday. The sale was just expecting a shipment of 200 more pairs of shoes and staffers were busily organizing the boxes of shoes. The designer, a native New Yorker describes her shoes as, “...like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one
tells a story.”

With the wide selection of styles, well chosen materials, there is a slight vintage feel to some and a more ecclectic look to others. All shoes are priced to sell at just $50 a pop, $100 for boots and booties - even those that include genuine fur trim.


Shoe sizes range from 35.5-41 for most part. There are just a couple of size 35, but they are few and far in between. The staffers are very willing to help you locate your size and have a great memory for where the styles might be. The sale is a good mix of original samples and stock.

There are plenty of espradilles styles to choose from and they are particularly popular at this sale with warmer weather about to knock on our door.

The fur bootie above that was once $495, is just $100!

One interesting thing I learned while shopping the sale is that the designer Bettye Muller is a size 7 and creates all her samples in size 7 so she can try on all of the shoes.  If you are a size 7, you will be in heaven. Some of the styles are actually original samples that were too expensive to produce and never made it to production, so you might walk out with a one-of-a-kind creation.

Although the hours of the sale are listed as 8:30am-5:30pm. Staffers let me in on a little secret for Sugar Rock Catwalk readers, they are usually open from 8am onwards, in case you need to sneak in before work and often there til 6pm-6:30pm. Lunch time is by far the most busiest, and can create quite a bit of chaos when searching for shoes.

A great sale for the shoe lover and the bargain hunter alike, especially if you are a size 7, although there are many other sizes available to choose from. I didn't notice anyone leaving the sale empty handed, although you may have to dig around a bit to find what you are looking for.

Who: Bettye Muller & Linda Richards Sample Sale
What: From Bettye Muller - All shoes $50 (was $300-$500). From Linda Richards - Infinity scarf $138.
When: April 3-12, 2013. Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm
Where: 209 West 38 Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 505, 212.382.2257

NYC Sample Sales: April 1-7, 2013

Who: Tibi Sample Sale
What: Save up to 70%.
When: Sale ends April 1, 2013.
Where: Online only

Who: Paula Varsalona Sample Sale
What: Save up to 75% off on bridal gowns, evening gowns, cocktail dresses and mother-of-the bride dresses.
When: March 29-April 13, 2013. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Where: 552 7th Ave (b/n 39th & 40th St), Suite 602, 212.221.5600

Who: Rent The Runway Sample Sale
What: Up to 95% off retail on retired, gently used dresses and accessories from designers including Shoshanna, Badgley Mischka, David Meister, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor and many more.
When: April 1-7, 2013. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Where: 260 5th Avenue (b/n 28th & 29th St), 212.725.5400

Who: Maker & Company Sample Sale
What: Men's clothing at a deep discount. Sport shirts in size M-L $20-$40. Pants in size 34 $10-$20. Swim in size L $10-$20. Sportcoats in size 40R $40-$100. Sweaters in size M-L $40-$100.
When: April 1-5, 2013. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Where: 35 West 36 Street (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) Studio 10W

Who: Only Hearts Annual Tent Sale
What: Save 50-80% off women's clothing and lingerie. Lace dresses $64 (was $154). Metallic wrap dresses $68 (was $168). Silk with lace insets $79 (was $198).
When: March 30-April 13, 2013. Mon-Sat 11:30am-7:30pm, Sun 11:30am-6:30pm
Where: 230 Mott Street (b/n Spring & Prince St)


Who: European Classic - Emilio Visconti
What: Womens and Mens Clothing & Outerwear 60% to 80% off. Italian men's and women's ready-to-wear. Women's samples from Prada, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Missoni, Versace, Christian Dior, Balanciaga, Blumarine, Fendi and more. MaxMara ladies Cashemere/Wool coats sizes 12-20. Men's suits, tuxedos, sport jackets, slacks, shirts and more. Men's samples from Ermenegildo Zegna, Versace, Paul & Shark, Canali, Visconti, Brunello Cuccinelli, D & G, Luciano Barbera, Loro Piana, Armani, and more.
When: Month of April, Mon-Fri 10:30am-6pm. Closed weekends
Where: 48 West 37 Street (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) 11th Floor, 917.821.7751 or 212.629.3991

Who: Bettye Muller & Linda Richards Sample Sale
What: From Bettye Muller - All shoes $50 (was $300-$500). From Linda Richards - Infinity scarf $138.
When: April 3-12, 2013. Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm
Where: 209 West 38 Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 505, 212.382.2257

Who: Hunter Dixon Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off this collection of dresses and blouses. Pleated silk styles $75 (was $330). Aztec-print maxis $75 (was $495). Bow-detailed frocks $75 (was $264).
When: April 3-4, 2013. Wed-Thurs 10am-8pm
Where: 152 West 36 Street (b/n 6th & 7th Ave) Suite 801

Who: Prive Multi-Designer Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on men's & women's clothing
When: April 3-7, 2013. Wed-Sun 10:30am-6pm
Where: Inside Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (b/n 15th and 16th St)

Who: Shoshanna Sample Sale
What: Save up to 75% off dresses for the wedding season, swimwear for the beach, and separates for work.
When: April 3-4, 2013. Wed 10am-6:30pm, Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 231 West 39 Street, 4th Floor

Who: The Wrights Sample Sale
What: Resort and Spring stock and sample sale up to 75% off retail. Laser cut leather jackets and coats, skirts and dresses $350-$750 (was $900-$2000). Ivory embossed leather jackets $550 (was $1500). Silk and leather tops and dresses $220 (was $650). Cool jersey knits with leather trim $90 (was $300). Great one of a kind samples. Cash only. All sales final.
When: April 3-5, 2013. Wed-Fri 9am-6pm
Where: 110 West 40 Street (b/n Broadway & 6th Ave), Suite 1002, 212.391.2150

Who: Wanderluster New York Sample Sale
What: Women's Jewelry now at 30-60% off retail
When: April 4, 2013. Thurs 6pm-9pm
Where: 120 Walker Street (b/n Centre & Baxter St), Suite 4R

Who: Dinosaur Designs Spring Sale
What: Up to 80% off on handmade resin and silver jewelry, housewares and glassware.
When: April 5-8, 2013. Fri-Mon 10am-5pm
Where: 211 Elizabeth Street (nr Prince Street), 212-680-3523

Who: Roger Vivier Sample Sale
What: Steep discounts on designer shoes
When: April 5-9, 2013. Fri-Mon 9am-6:30pm, Tues 9am-5pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St. (near 8th Ave.)

Who: Alexandre Plokhov Sample Sale
What: Fall/Winer 2012 collection at up to 70% off. Strong, monochromatic strictly tailored clothing for men that is sold at Barneys. Wool-and-silk jacket $525 (was $1750). Reversible sweaters $310 (was $1030).
When: April 6, 2013. Sat 11am-7pm
Where: 27 West 20 Street (b/n 5th & 6th Ave) Suite 1201, 212.255.0368

Upcoming Sample Sales
Who: Badgley Mischka
What: Evening wear & RTW at 60-80% off retail
When: April 9-14, 2013. Tues-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-3pm
Where: 260 5th Avenue (b/n 28th & 29th St), 212.725.5400

Who: Tusk Semi Annual Sample Sale
What: Save more than 50-70% OFF select fine Italian leather bags & accessories for women, men and travel. Enjoy 15% OFF REGULARLY-PRICED merchandise in our retail store during the sale. Women’s Leather Wallets: $40 (was $95). Women’s Leather Totes: $80 (was $255). Gift Items: $25-35 (was $65-75).
When: April 12-20, 2013. Closed Sunday April 14. 11am-7pm daily.
Where: 242 West 26th St(between 7th & 8th Ave), 212-242-8485

A Few More Sales This Week!

Who: The Wrights Collection Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off Fall 2012 - CASH ONLY!
When: Nov 8-9, 2012. 9am-7pm.
Where: 110 W 40th St - Suite 1002 (b/n Broadway and 6th Ave). 212-391-2150

Who: AEFFE Sample Sale
What: 65%+ off menswear and womeneswer from labels like Alberta Ferretti, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschinom, Pollini and Cacharel
When: Nov 7-10, 2012. Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm
Where: 30 West 56th Street - 1st floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave). 212-632-9300

Who: Jamari Int'l Ltd. Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off kidswear
When: Nov 5-16, 2012. M-F 9am-5pm
Where: 525 Seventh Avenue - Suite 906 (at 38th St). 212-693-1733

Who: Butter, Bettye Muller & Something Bleu Stock/Sample Shoe Sale
What: Discounts on boots, pumps, chic skimmers, flats, gorgeous peep-toes, and platforms. The sale will feature tons of current styles retailing from $250-$700, now available for $60-$280. CASH ONLY
Where: Nov 9-13, 2012. Fri, Mon-Tues 9am-7pm, closed Sat & Sun
Where: 307 7th Ave - Suite 2307 (b/n 27th & 28th St). 212-366-1822

Who:Portolano Sample Sale
What: Discounts on Men's & Women's, hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, hoisery and socks
When:  Nov 5-16, 2012.  Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, closed Sat-Sun
Where 15 W 37th St - 2nd Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave). 212-719-4403

Who: Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor&Rolf, MM6, & More Sample Sale
What:  Discounts on men's and women's apparel and accessories.  Based on previous sales, sizing is almost all sample size (M for men).  Credit/Debit ONLY.
When: Nov 8-10, 2012.  Thurs 2pm-7pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 12pm-5pm
Where: 220 W 19th St - 10th floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave). 646-613-8457

Who: Pamella Roland Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on evening separates, cocktail dresses and gowns. No strollers allowed.
When: Nov 6-8, 2012. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 501 Seventh Avenue (nr37 Street) Suite 300. 212-921-1211