French Sole
French Sole, originator of the ballerina flat, first opened its tiny shoe shop in 1989 on the Upper East Side. For 20 years, they’ve continued to stock more than 5,000 pairs of shoes, library-style, with sales staff climbing up and down ladders to retrieve footwear. The store is now unloading its stock of samples (more than 300 different models!), many of which were too expensive to produce in mass. You can now snag these one-of-a-kind handmade gems at drastically reduced prices. Paint-splashed suede ballet flats are halved to $105, woven leather sandals are $109 (as opposed to $200), and linen espadrilles are clipped from $170 to $59. 976 Lexington Ave at 71st St (212-472-9200). Subway: 6 to 68th St–Hunter College. Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm. Thu 2–July 13.

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Vena Cava
Be prepared to battle fellow shoppers to get your hands on Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai’s covetable threads. The duo designers have gained a cult following for their hip garb, which is now hugely discounted. Bustier dresses (including the one on the left, worn by Blake Lively on Gossip Girl) are lowered from $550 to $250, leather leggings are $400 (as opposed to $900), and custom text-print chiffon T-shirt dresses are whittled from $435 to $175. 33 W 26th St between Broadway and Sixth Ave (718-875-4100, venacavanyc.com). Subway: F, V, 1 to 23rd St. Thu 18, Fri 19 11am–7pm; Sat 20 noon–6pm.

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