Madison Avenue Spy

December 29, 2019

A Decade of Shopping Mania Induced Trends (Part 1)

There is a heartwarming nostalgia that occurs when sifting and sorting through a decade of posts. More than once I gasped while reading about brands that have come and gone and fads that hit hard and fizzled.

Who can forget the high hopes of Coach veteran Reede Krakoff or the final days of Henri Bendels? Can you remember Moshi Moshi phones from Lesters? There's even a 2013 post about Rainbow Loom. (I still have zip locks filled with tinny rubberbands if anyone needs.)

In the same vein, it's comforting to see how much has stayed the same. We still love Rimowa luggage as much as we did in 2010. A Cartier Love bracelet is as cherished as it was in 2012 even if it will cost you 75% more. How about the staying power of the Gucci loafer, which first appeared in a gift guide in 2014? The mini-designer bag was first mentioned on the blog in 2012 but only last year did Jacqumus really amplify the trend with the Chiquita.

Below is half of a two-part series listing the top 10 the most talked-about fashion moments of the decade:

@jessicaleks

1. Christian Louboutin Shoes
Trends have started moving so quickly that it's almost unimaginable that any brand could maintain the frenzied desirability of Christian Louboutin. The French brand was the footwear leader at the start of the decade. Not until 2017 did shoppers show any sign of red sole fatigue. The brand has lost considerable relevancy among the fashion set but discount shoppers are celebrating in the demise as markdowns become more frequent. An influential shoe buyer recently confided that the Louboutin department store footprint would be tremendously diminished if the spaces weren't leased by the brand. Even Louboutin's recent sample sale revealed inventory levels that literally hit the ceiling even on the last day of the sale. Let's hope for Mr. Louboutin that Cardi-B breaks out another song and keeps the feeding tube connected while Loubs remain on-trend life support into 2020.

2. Celine Luggage Tote
It was love at first sight. The sexy curves, the demure logo stamp, and various color options made the Celine Luggage tote the biggest fashion get of 2011. Kirna Zabête had an exclusive with Celine and a waiting list a mile long. Retail prices started at $1800 but three months later the price jumped to $2000. Those who deliberated the purchase were penalized handsomely as the retail price for the Luggage Tote quickly raised to over $3000. This was the first time fashion lovers experienced price increases at such whiplashing speed. Today, it's almost expected that an item's cost will jump in tandem with popularity. The Dior Book tote and Bottega Veneta Pouch are two more recent examples of rapid price jumping.

3. Normcore
If it wasn't published, did it happen? I tried my very best to ignore the Normcore movement but it had an undeniable influence on pop culture and fashion. Basic daddy sneakers led to the craze for the Balenciaga Triple S. Land's End fleece vests now define Finstagram memes --the financial niche of Instagram. Visco girls currently represent the lowest common denominator of fashion or lack-there-of. All play a part in the Normcore culture, which still seems too irritating to even acknowledge but undeniably represent a segment of fashion and trend for the decade.

4. Logomania
What's the opposite of Normcore? Logomania. It was almost two years ago when we first started discussing the phenomena of covering oneself in head-to-toe logos. Fendi, Gucci, Dior and more, more, more. Logomania has evolved a bit but dripping in your favorite designer duds hasn't really abated. Like everything, a little discretion is advised if you don't want to look like Neiman Marcus exploded all over you.

5. Lashes
When I first conquered the trend of hyper exaggerated lashes, in 2012, I thought of it as an anti-aging strategy. Afterall, sagging cheeks, droopy eyelids, a falling butt, and deflated boobs all require a lot more invasive remedies. Lashes seemed like a safe start. Little did I know that extensions, falsies and a rotating carousel of mascara formulas would dominate the beauty conversation for the better part of the decade. The main topic has more recently moved up the face to eyebrows and made fashion victims out of those still maintaining their spider-leg resembling lashes.

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December 27, 2019

Weekend Shopping: Neiman Marcus Extra 33% Off

It's starting to feel like we've been weekend shopping for nearly a month but it's technically the weekend -- again. Many stores have already pulled the trigger on third markdowns. Discounts nearly everywhere scale towards 70% off but there are still some good deals to come.

This weekend you should keep an eye on Neiman Marcus. Starting Saturday, the site will be running a promotion where sale merchandise is an extra 33% off. The current promotion is 25% off sale, which brings the shoe markdown to about 62% off. It's unclear if the same promotion will be available at the store.

A few items we are watching include these rose gold Golden Goose, which will ring out below $200 once the extra percentage goes into effect. These Gucci logo high boots will be $490 from about $1300, and Givenchy silver and stretch heels will be $380 from $850.

Surprisingly enough there are still a few handbags worth watching. We would keep watch on this Saint Laurant bucket bag, this Loewe straw beach bag, and this Valentino VRing. The clothing is worth a scroll. We spotted this Balenciaga tee that's currently $200, a royal blue Balmain blazer that's $860 from $2300 and this Zimmerman dress is $330 from $650.

Tessabit, our favorite store on Lake Como, in Italy created an editor of newish merchandise that is 40% off with the code DEALMOON40MH. It's worth a scroll if you're looking for a great staple that wouldn't be available on markdown. There is this Balmain tee in classic white is $180 from US retail of $395 and an oversized one-button blazer is $1160 from US retail of $2200. Here is the classic double-breasted Balmain. A YSLVicky wallet on a chain is about $1000 from $1700 and there are lots of great Roger Vivier options too.

We noticed that Gilt started adding merchandise for the new season. Take note of the plentiful assortment of Dior, which we haven't ever seen discounted. We suggest you snatch up what you like now because it won't be replenished again until the Fall,

Bandier is offering an extra 30% off on sale merchandise. There are a few Aviator Nation and PE Nation pieces that are moving fast. We will be sure to update the selection as the weekend progresses. Happy last weekend of 2019....

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December 26, 2019

Shopbop: Extra 30% Off Sale

For the last weekend of the year, Shopbop is offering an extra 30% off sale items. The extra discount brings the ultimate markdown to about 85% off. Just use the code TREAT at checkout.

This is a great time to grab a new something for your wardrobe, a sparkly little something for New Year's or a warm-weather vacation something to gift yourself. We suggest starting your browsing through the plentiful 70% off section. It's all final sale but the prices are right to take the risk.

We found this No. 21 Bomber jacket that comes to $350 from $1715. These Alice & Olivia animal print booties are only $100 from $500. One size of the Alexander Birman version remains. If you're a 36.5 you can grab them for only $140. They will look great with a spotted leopard print sweater or even denim and a black blazer. This Marc Jacobs heart print silk pajama shirt is perfect for Valentine's Day and is $95 from $450.

Outside the most reduced items, there is this Zimmerman dress that comes to $518 from $1850, Nili Lotan military pants are $220 from $450 and this ADD puffer is $260 from $530. We are really into this corduroy jacket from AWAKE that's $500 from $900.

The sale is one of the really good Shopbop sales but it will only last two days. The promotion ends Friday at midnight (PT). This is the best deal you can expect, outside of Shopbop's friends and family sale. If you ask us, it seems like a good opportunity to celebrate the end of the year....

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December 25, 2019

The Five Best Places to Shop After Christmas

Black Friday is for the amateurs. Real shoppers sharpen elbows for the day after Christmas. It's usually the time of year where you can find a rather good selection of merchandise that's highly discounted.

Many retailers started their markdowns early, which means post-Christmas shopping might not be as robust as usual. Nonetheless, over the course of the week, you'll be able to find great opportunities to pounce on hard-to-find items that may have just been returned. Below are some of our favorite post-Christmas shopping destinations. Share your favorites in the comment section below:

1. Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks always tops our list of favorite places to shop after Christmas but this year the Fifth Avenue store started it's markdowns early. The selection at the store on Thursday might not be as good as usual. To save you some time, we did some preholiday "fieldwork" and grabbed pictures of what you will be able to find at the store for 60% to 70% off. Click here to see. You can still grab this Givenchy Mystic online for $1046 from $3000 or this Balenciaga rainbow bag for $800 from $2290.

2. Bergdorf Goodman
If the current discounts of an extra 15% off aren't enough, you can pounce on the post-Xmas official third markdown. Discounts on clothing will officially hit 75% off. The shoe department at the store is severely anemic and there are very few handbags worth mentioning. This is the time of year when it pays to pick up an extra special piece of clothing that will enhance your wardrobe. I'm calling dibs on this Prada leather skirt and this Men's Moncler shirt is now just $146 from $250.

3. Nordstrom
Nordstrom's 'best sale of the season' just went live online. The promotion boasts discounts up to 50% off but designer merchandise is reduced much more. Balenciaga bow sandals and this Alanui cashmere belted sweater are 60% off. Here are Givenchy logo leggings that are $250 from $635 and

4. Neiman Marcus
We suggest you stop refreshing and waiting for the big markdown or discount promotion on designer merchandise. It's not happening today or even tomorrow but give it a few days and we promise you won't be disappointed. Right now, these Givenchy mirror heels are a great deal for $318 from $850 and these Valentino oversized logo sandals are $430 from $775.

5. MyTheresa
We don't usually love MyTheresa's late and slow markdowns but the upside is that they are able to hold on to a lot of good merchandise. Starting at midnight, discounts will hit 70% off. We have our eyes watching this Ascot bag from The Row and this Fendi travel bag that's a few seasons old.

Saks Dior $500 from $1250

Saks Balmain $860 from $2300

Chanel Sale Saks

Valentino Sale Saks

Saks

Saks Gianvitto Rossi $300 from $750

Saks Gucci

Saks Chanel

Saks Bottega

Saks Men's Dior

Saks

Chanel Saks 40% off

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December 23, 2019

Department Store Holiday Shipping Deadlines

You know it's the holiday season when you need to walk alongside cars to avoid slow-walking tourists. There are few things less appealing than rushing from Saks to Bergdorfs while pedestrian traffic comes to a complete stop.

The hours to take advantage of free shipping is ticking away quickly. Lucky, most New York stores will offer a messenger service for free or a small fee. Store prices tend to range from $15 to $30. Many times, retailers will wave the fee for expensive purchases. It never hurts to ask.

Below is your guide to getting your gift there on time from our local department stores-- along with how much it will cost.

Bergdorf Goodman
Messenger: $30
Get it there: Free two-day shipping BGRUSH
Deadline: 12/23 at 12:00PM CT
Gift Wrapping: Free silver box with lavender ribbon
Returns: Free
Discount: Up to 70%

Bloomingdales
Get it there free: Express shipping is no longer available
Same-day delivery: ($20)12/24/16 1:00PM EST in California, Illinois, New Jersey & Washington D.C
In-Store pickup deadline: 12/24/16 2PM EST
Gift Wrapping: $5 white bottom and blacktop with elastic bow
Discount: Up to 60%

Neiman Marcus
Get it there free: Free overnight NMQUICK
Deadline: 12/23 Noon CT
Same Day Messenger: $30
Gift Wrapping: $7 Silver box and a red bow with a gift tag
Discount: Up to 60%

Nordstrom
Get it there: Expedited Shipping
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST Saturday delivery $20
In-Store Pickup: 12/24 order by 3pm
Gift Wrapping: Not available on all items but the $2 gift set include a gift box, tissue paper, a silver ribbon, and a gift tag
Discount: Up to 60%

Saks Fifth Avenue
Messenger: $10 within NYC
Get it there: Express shipping is no longer available
Gift Wrapping: Free black box with snowflakes, red bottom, and red ribbon
Discount: Up to 60%...

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December 20, 2019

Weekend Shopping: Finding the Best Discount (Chanel too)

We only have a few days of shopping before Christmas. Tuesday is actually the last day of ground shipping for many retailers. Almost all of our favorite stores have taken a second markdown but discounts vary.

Locally, Bergdorf Goodman is running the steepest markdowns, with an extra 15% off promotion that will run through Christmas Day. Keep your eyes open on the sale section. Just when you think anything good is sold out they drop a few more great pieces. We've quickly posted some great Prada and YSL on Instagram that immediately sold out.

Saks Fifth Avenue still has some pretty good merchandise but that's only because the discount is still just 40% off on shoes and bags. Nordstrom just took a cut to 60% off on some shoes and bags. Bloomingdales has the best assortment of Chanel shoes and jewelry remaining and there are still size options. (We put some pictures in the jump.) Down over at Neiman Marcus, there is an additional 25% off promotion that will run until Christmas Day.

Above is our updated markdown schematic and below are some of the great finds we recently found online. We will be sure to update the selection as the weekend progresses. You can also click here to see pictures from inside various stores.

Neiman Marcus: Warren 929-458-1439
Nordstrom: Matthew 914-320-3672
Saks: Jaime: 347-850-5526
Bergdorf Goodman: Stephen 347-986-9597 or Alina

Neiman Marcus

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdales

Saks 40% Off

Neiman Marcus 40% +25%

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December 19, 2019

INTERMIX: Great Finds and New Markdowns

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December 18, 2019

Gift Guide: What to Get the Horace Mann Girl

New York private school girls are the most interesting specimen. They have more academic pressure than most first-year law students but many are more entitled than a Goldman senior VP. You can pick a random weeknight and observe them in their natural habitat at Nobu57 or Serafina.

Shopping for these girls is no easy task. She has a charge account at Sant Ambroeus and Knicks courtside seats. The bar is high but taking a step off the deep end of restraint is easier than ... Serena van der Woodson. Below is a gift guide that can satisfy the private school girl, from Birch to Columbia Grammar.

Cartier string bracelet ($580): Holding out for eighth-grade graduation to get her the Love bracelet? This should make her happy... for now.

MadHappy ($135) or Off-White hoodie: She might ask for Off-White but show her that you're the OG of cool. MadHappy recently got LVMH investment and is primed to become a luxury fashion household name.

Glossier ($40): The object of the game is to keep her away from your makeup drawer and out of you $250 La Mer creams.

Apple IPad Pro : ($799 with the Bestbuy $150 coupon): The trend seems to be ditching the laptop and going fully IPad. Not sure I'm ready to ditch anything but they are tech natives, or so they claim.

Golden Goose Sneakers: (20% Off): You don't need a gift guide to tell you she loves GG but the object is to not spend $550.

Brandy Melville: I don't get it. I wait outside. It's inexpensive. Fine. Enjoy.

Moncler Hat ($196 from $320): She needs it to match her Winter jacket.

Dior Friendship Bracelets ($420): Perfect content for her Insta.

Gucci Rubber Slides ($210): For St. Barths

Lululemon Warmup Jacket ($128): Bundle it with some 305Fitness classes and she will be all set for a healthy start to the new year....

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