Christian Louboutin Sample Sale: All The Deets & Is it Really Worth It?

As you may know the Christian Louboutin Sample sale is a highly coveted event that only a few lucky individuals get a chance to RSVP to. The “important” fashionistas like celebrities, magazine editors and now influencers are invited to shop. The event happens twice a year and I was lucky enough to attend both times this year. I’ve always heard about this sale and long dreamed of going, so I was beyond excited to finally see what the hype was about and if there was even a hype.

The Process

I can not tell you how to get invited as a friend surprised me and added me to the list. I took my invite and didn’t ask questions before this privilege got revoked 😂. As cliche as it sounds, you would have to know someone, that knows someone . When you are invited you are allowed to bring a plus one. I’ve heard of frequent shoppers at the boutique that do not get an invite. So the invite part is still a big secret. The first and last days are blocked off for employees and VIP guests only. Sometimes during the last couple of days there is an extra discount like 20% but it does not happen every time. At that point I do not think there would be any good stuff left, and you’ll definitely be making “just because” purchases.

When you receive your invite, complete with secret passcode, you will select your time slot and don’t be tardy to the party. Arriving early is highly encouraged as I’ve heard stories of guests being turned away. Every time slot has a different color wrist band and you must show ID that matches the reservation name. This is such a smart idea to eliminate having a long line outside wrapped around the corner. If you think you can walk up and get in, let me tell you, don’t even play yourself. When I arrived for my time slot a half hour early, there were about seven people already waiting in line and the line grew longer closer to my scheduled time.The line moves quickly, however they only let people in as people come out to control the amount of people inside. You’re allegedly allotted an hour to shop but the staff was not pushy at all. I think I was in there for almost two, literally looking for hidden gems.

Once inside you leave your bag and coat (during the winter) in coat check and take your wallet with you. During the summer they demanded that people leave their phones but during the winter they allowed phones as long you don’t take any pictures and post on any social media platform. I played by the rules and followed every single direction given. I’m trying to make it back next year.

There is really no need to take pictures inside, I guess if you would if you’re purchasing for someone. It a room full of silver racks filled with brown shoes boxes with Christian Louboutin written in white on top, with the price written in black on the front with a picture of the shoes. By the way, I really think they need to update their box design, but anywho. Once inside it’s every man for themselves. People are scrambling and boxes are everywhere. Sizes were in ascending order and mostly every pair was in their correct location. The staff does an excellent job going around organizing shoes that guests no longer wanted and putting them in their correct size group. I would say all sizes had a great assortment but of course popular sizes (37 -39) were limited by the time I arrived on day 3 (skipping work hehe) .There are very few mirrors and chairs. Most women including myself just sat on the floor to try on shoes.

Prices

In previous years I’ve heard stories of shoppers getting shoes for as low as $75. These days prices for shoes start at $200 and of course not many styles are priced at this minimum. It is most likely a style that you don’t care for but would purchase just because it’s inexpensive (even though we said we would stop doing that!) along with sandals, both heelEd and flat. I even saw a pair of sandals that I purchased from Neiman Marcus on sale for $330, for just $200 (pictured on the right).I saw loafers and ballet styles for $250. Most shoe styles are in the $300-$400 range, these were popular styles like So Kate’s, booties, pumps and riding boots. Embellished shoes and sneakers started at $600 and the most expensive pair was $1,000. Men’s shoes started at $250. Keep in mind Christian Louboutin shoes start at $700 minimum, so these deals are pretty sweet.

As for accessories, there are wallets and bags starting at $300. I personally wouldn’t buy and handbag from a shoe company. There were also an array of nail polish colors for $10-$15 depending on size.

Checking out

Each person is allowed to purchase five pairs of shoes. The checkout line can get lengthy as well. There are a few registers and someone checking to making sure each box has the correct size shoes and are matching pairs, which is smart. I would hate to go home and realize I have two left side shoes and there are no returns whatsoever. You are given the amount of dust bags for the shoes you have (while supplies last) and your items go into a large brown paper bag with no logo like most sample sales do. No cash is accepted. ALL SALES ARE FINAL!

Items that sTOOD OUT TO ME

There were a few items that I would have loved to add to my shopping bag, but I’m not balling like some of the attendees that had boxes stacked to their faces. This is one of those events people save up for and go HAM! I personally do not need 80 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes, I appreciate other designers. I’ve shared images, because we love visuals!

PVC strapped sandals (Janatina) - $200, retail $795

Velvet (shown are leather) loafer with a gold crescent (Laperouse)- $250, retail $960

Winged heel sandals (Samotresse)- $200 (that I spoke about above), retail $895

Thigh Highs (Classe) - $500, retail $1,595

Gladiator (Amazoutiful)- $500, retal $1,995

Riding boots, a wide selection! (pictured are Cate) - $400

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My Purchases

As always I was on a mission to find the best deals. So I tried to keep my spending at the minimum threshold in the $200-$300 range. I received my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes in 2008, well over 10 years ago, so for me it is not about just purchasing to say I have them, but because I like them and think they would be useful to my wardrobe.

During the summer I purchased these heeled sandals for $250 (retailed for $995) that I have yet to wear. (Stop buying stuff you don’t love lol). The style name is Circonvolulu, here is a pic =)

During the winter I really splurged because boots are expensive period, let alone a designer boot. I was longing for their combat boot style but I could not find my size. So I purchased some silver pony hair low heel “Alphabouton” boots for $300 that retailed for $1695. I splurged because with it’s low heel, I could wear them often and throw them on with literally anything. The silver pony hair matches my edgy personality well.

I also splurged $400 on a pair of “Classe”velvet thigh highs that retail for $1595 which I absolutely had no regrets for many reasons. They were velvet, making them very stretchy as I usually have a problem with boots because I have thick calves. I can wear them with skirts and over jeans. I can even slouch them to my calves to give a slouch boot moment. Aside from being sold by its versatility, the heel is only 100 mm with a built in platform making them super comfortable which is unheard of for red bottoms. Here are pics below.

I also bought nail polish sets as room decor and stocking stuffers. For $10 from $60, this deal isn’t horrible since Essie and OPI retails for $8.

Summary

Honestly, this isn’t 2007, when the craze began and women would literally bleed to get their hands on a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. That ship has sailed and we DO NOT need to revisit it.It’s funny because til this day I still see people forcibly showing off their red soles. Yes, you will find great deals at this sale, but you can still find deals at regular department store sales and their outlets. I have scored 80% of my Christian Louboutin collection on sale and always paid within the 300 range. You can also shop pre-loved if you’re into that market and find even lower deals. Many assume that the condition wouldn’t be up to par but that is not always the case. I have sold many pre-loved items that were in pristine, gently used condition. With all that being said, I still think Louboutin shoes are an easy go-to to dress up your wardrobe. Many may disagree and say that there are other shoes, but that red sole is truly an iconic staple for a lifetime. Not to mention, he actually has great, tasteful and creative designs in today’s “slap a logo on it” era. So if you are ever invited, it is definitely worth going, if you aren’t isn’t the end of the world.

Did I cover everything? If you have any question feel free to reach out!