The Christian Louboutin Sample Sale Returns This Week for Only the Most VIP (Updated)

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Update: Representatives for Christian Louboutin reached out to stipulate that a sale will not be taking place this week. Our original story is below.

The least-secret secret sample sale — Christian Louboutin — is about to begin. Madison Avenue Spy is reporting that the notorious semi-annual event returns to 307 West 38th Street today, but be warned: As always, security is tight. You'll need to meet the three-part criteria for entry — your name on the list, a photo ID to match, and an email invitation on your phone.

Per the shopping blog, magazine editors are at the top of the hierarchy that enter the sale on the first day, followed by general press, and lastly friends and family as the week goes on. Invitations typically specify which day you're supposed to shop. In past years, doors would open to the public in the final hours of the final days, but that wasn't the case this time last year (still, it never hurts to check it out).

Even if you are on the list, that doesn't mean you're subject to royal treatment. Last year, a VIP tipster faced a wait time of up to two and a half hours in line, but once inside she found plenty of shoes ranging in price from $200 to $500 as part of a sale she described as "glorious." There was a hard limit of five pairs of shoes and two accessories per customer.

If you get into the sale and want to tell us about it, email ny@racked.com to give us the scoop. If you can't get in, go gawk at the updated Madison Avenue boutique instead and wait patiently for seasonal markdowns.