This week, I was doing my normal scroll-scroll-scroll and tap-tap-tap, when I came upon a social media unboxing from a resale store. It was a very beautiful grey 25cm Birkin bag in Tago leather. It was from 2019 and priced at $22,000.

The bag looked like it was in very good condition but it hit a nerve at nearly two times retail. Have consumers been convinced that an ample retail price is just a starting suggestion? Have shoppers forgotten that they can take their powerful dollar anywhere? 

One must not forget an even more pressing question: How trustworthy is a retailer who would suggest a three-year-old bag at a 100% premium? I understand that there is a market for rare Hermes bags and I appreciate the skills needed to procure a Nigel Peak Birkin but there is nothing special or unique about this bag that would warrant $22k.

Don't be hoodwinked to believe your money isn't enough to buy what you want. If a particular item isn't available: Choose something else. The options are endless-- believe me, I know. I am never at a loss for places to spend money and I have proof. 

This week, I found myself repeatedly scrolling Moda Operandi. The site is offering discounts of up to 80% off and we found some amazing buys. Some remaining finds include this Balenciaga top handle bag for $834 from $1400, Dolce & Gabbana lace heels for $290 from $717, and a Prada leopard dress is $650 from $3250.

Bergdorf Goodman is offering an extra 30% off sale merchandise and it doesn't get better than these prices. If you see something snag it. Here is a wool coat from The Row for $1570 from $3000, a Peter Do blazer is $700 from $2500, and Manolo Blahnik sandals are $219 from $800 (size 6).

Earlier this week, we shared an exclusive promotion from the Italian boutique Nugnes 1920. You can save an additional 20% off sale items with the code MADISONX20. This Gucci suede skirt is $800 from $2360, A Gucci duffle bag is $1400 from $2356, or a Prada shoulder bag that comes to about $1132 from $2000. Be sure to also check out the non-sale merchandise as it's priced less than it would be in the US and you can use the code WELCOME10. This Gucci belt comes to $350 from $470 US and a Prada bucket hat is $360 from $500 US. You can see more in the full post here.

Net-A-Porter's sale is at 80% off and you can sense that the end is near. This Dolce & Gabbana floral print dress is $558 from $1400, a Balmain cropped top is $260 from $675, and Saint Laurent suede mules are $350 from $700. More Net-A-Porter finds are listed here. 

Valentine's day is just over a week away. We have some great gift suggestions for your love in our V-Day gift guide. Check back often as we continually add more suggestions as inspiration arrives. 

Lastly, news of the Dior price increase already feels tired but we have a post with everything you need to know. It's really not as bad as you think, which brings us right back to where we started...Don't fall for the consumer hype and shopping mania. My mantra is that there is always somewhere to spend your money. 

Ok kids. That's all for now. Next week? Same time, same place?

The end is near. Net-A-Porter's sale is now at 80% off. New merchandise is continually being added. We took a fresh dive into the most recent additions and found some very attractive fashion enhancments. 

This is really an opportune time to invest in a few items that can enhance your wardrobe but may otherwise be cost-prohibitive. Check out these Saint Laurent red corduroy pants for $495 from $950. These wool shorts from The Row are timeless and will look great with a designer sandal, a crisp white tee, and a Hermes Evelyn. Perfect low-key/uptown playground attire. 

This is really a sale of what's left. It's worth a scroll. Just one item can change your entire wardrobe. We promise you'll be happy you did. 

Below is a sampling of before and after pricing. You'll notice that rumors of a 30% increase were hysterical. 24s is a great online retailer for Dior. The site is owned by LVMH, the parent company of Dior, and doesn't charge any duties, taxes, or shipping for most items. You might even be able to find a few bags, like the small Bobby bag and new Spring Book Tote, at the legacy pricing. 

This week, everyone is buzzing about a huge Feb 1 Dior price hike. No prices have been confirmed but I've seen rumors quoting increases north of 30%.  Don't fall for the Reddit quality hype. My sources say that basic Dior Book Totes are increasing about $100 and more fancy style bags are going up more but, again, nothing has been confirmed.

The increase shouldn't influence your shopping drastically. If you were already spending $5000 on a bag, $300 is less than the sales tax. If the purchase was imminent, why not sooner rather than later?

Keeping a closer eye on sales, the Italian store Giglio took another markdown and is offering an additional 20% off with the code 20MORE. That brings the total savings to about 60% off. Some highlights include this Prada puffer that's $1120 from $2800, Marsell boots are $400 from $995, and a Vivian Westwood wallet is $57 from $142. 

Net-A-Porter is offering 15% off an edit of new season merchandise. You can use this link to see what's available. This Nili Lotan oversized turtleneck is included in the promotion along with this new style Loewe sunglasses. 

Yoox is hosting a sale where lots of merchandise is mega reduced. We are talking discounts up to 75% off.  There is so much that you can keep yourself occupied scrolling all night. There are six pages of Gucci items alone. Here is a Gucci scarf for $160 from about $375 and this Prada skirt is $355 from a lot more than what's quoted. I'm jumping out of this one before I get lost and financially drained. The sale ends Saturday night. 

Earlier this week, we scored big from the Stuart Weizman outlet sale. Most shoes are discounted 70% off and there are lots of great styles available in all sizes. These stretch suede ankle boots are $175 from $575, knee-high suede boots are $218 from $725, these leather ankle boots with a zipper are $165 from $550, and these boots with a stretch backare $299 from $750. You can click here to see the full post and more of our favorite sals styles. 

We also pulled a selection of sales shoes that were all priced in the $300-range or less. You can see all of the picks here.  Some standouts include Roger Vivier pumps for $391 from $1450 and Balenciaga Bow sandals for $358 from $690. 

You can use this link to access MyTheresa's extra 20% off selection. You can only access the assortment through this link. The additional discount promotion brings most items to 50% to 65% off and the selection is really pretty good. This Loewe horseshoe bag is $1090 from $1950 and Valentino Birkenstocks are $250 from $520. More goodies are this way. 

As sale season comes to an end I suggest you keep an eye on Ssense. There are still lots of great finds. This Rick Owens bubble puffer feels like a cloud and is $885 from $2270 and this Isabel Marant sweatshirt is $133 from $295. Click-click for more sale picks-picks. 

At the beginning of the week, we offered a few ideas for gifts you can give yourself.  I love this PJ Salvage pajama top ($62) and pants ($62) with hearts all over. Nordstrom also has an excellent selection from Kim Kardashian's famed line, Skims. I couldn't help but feed my curiosity with a pair of Shims sleep ribbed boxers ($36) and a Skims Logo-Tee ($52). You can see more here. 

Is scrolling through thousands of product pages driving you crazy? I suggest you try out my new desktop shopping extension, Haute Pursuit. After downloading, you can click on the Haute Pursuit icon and use the search feature to scan thousands of sites for exactly what you're looking for. It will also offer suggestions while your shopping if the item is found for less money. You can check out more here. 

Ok kids. That's all for now. Next week? Same time, same place?

 Stuart Weitzman is hosting an online outlet sale where nearly the entire selection is reduced by 70% off. The best part is that there is a great assortment of boots including the brand's iconic styles. You can click here to access the sale. 

These stretch suede ankle boots are $175 from $575, knee-high suede boots are $218 from $725, these leather ankle boots with a zipper are $165 from $550, and these boots with a stretch back are $299 from $750. The sale also offers an assortment of heels and flats. These tasseled loafers are $150 from $500 and suede sandals are $119 from $400. 

At these prices, it pays to pick one or two items that you can use as a backup even if you don't need an extra pair of shoes.  Stuart Weitzman shoes are usually very comfortable and always a good basic to have in your fashion arsenal.