Madison Avenue Spy

November 29, 2019

Top Three Places to Shop This Weekend

The kick-off to Black Friday weekend has already started. There are so many places to spend your money it's hard to choose. Our official guide to Black Friday got so long that we are nearly lost in the sea of shopping options.

To expedite your shopping weekend, we chose three of what we believe to be the "best" sites to shop. Take note, that usually the best selection of merchandise isn't the most discounted and sites with the steepest markdowns don't usually have the best selection.

Below are three sales we highly recommend, along with a few of our favorite grab and go items. In this case, they might be more lust-anguish-and-quickly-check-out-before-overthinking. (Warning, editorial decisions are subject to change and there is a chance we can update this post with alternative options.)

Moda Operandi
The Moda Operandi sale offers a great selection of already reduced merchandise and the extra discount provides big savings on a great assortment of high fashion items. Sizes are patchy among the merchandise already reduced 50% off. We found this Zimmerman floral print jumpsuit that comes to just $185 from $530 and there is a full range of sizes available. The site also launched a private sale of Prada and Miu Miu, which you can access here. There are lots of great options for men too! The discounts are 50% off clothing and 40% off shoes, bags, and accessories.
Deal: Extra 30% off Sale
Code: X30 (Prada / Miu Miu Private code: PRIVATEX
Dates: Through Dec 2

Farfetch
Shopping on Farfetch can feel like shooting at a moving target. Each product listing can represent a dozen retailers. As each item sells, the price changes according to the different store that's being represented. We suggest you check back often as there is always something new and different popping up. This Graffiti Balenciaga bag is about $1000 from $2150 and a Balmain tank is $165 from $395 at US stores.
Code: FFX30
Dates: Until Dec 26

MatchesFashion
The discounts on MatchesFashion aren't the deepest but the selection is still very good The additional 10% off isn't restricted, which limits the disappointments. This Balenciaga Shift bag is a great price, considering we haven't seen it on sale at many other retailers and this Khaite blazer is a stunner at about $800.
Deal: Extra 10% off sale
Code: Extra10
Dates: Until Dec 26

Honorable Mention:

Neiman Marcus Black Friday Sale
Deal: Extra 33% off a selection of sale
Dates: Ends 11:59 on 11/19

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November 27, 2019

Black Friday: Unpublished Links & Insider Information

As Thanksgiving Day approaches it's hard to choose between cooking, eating, and shopping. You can guess our predication. This holiday season is turning out to be the most competitive since 2009. Black Friday is already upon us and the Thanksgiving floats haven't been inflated. Good thing that we have all the inside scoop and can lend you a little preview of the markdowns to come.

European online luxury retailers seem to take Black Friday even more seriously than American retailers. Head to Farfetch to save an additional 30% off sale prices. Our favorite Lake Como boutique, Tessabit is offering an additional 20% off sale prices. We are also looking forward to Sunday when Bergdorf Goodman will offer an extra 25% off sale merchandise and Intermix will start a savings promotion on Wednesday.

Below are our top picks for Black Friday. We will continue to add information and links to this post as it becomes available. Remember, it's always a good idea to add all your purchase considerations into your cart and edit out the items as sales go live. There are lots of markdowns to come and one of the miracles of fashion is that there is always something new to buy.

Bergdorf Goodman
Deal: Extra 25% off all sale (Men's extra15% Off)
Date: Dec 1 to Dec 2
What we're eying:
Manolo Velvet BB
Givenchy GV3 Croc Embossed Bag
Saint Laurent Vicky Belt Bag

FarFetch
Deal: Extra 30% off sale
Code: FFX30
Dates: Until Dec 26
What we're eyeing:
Saint Laurant Borsa
Off-White Arrows Tote
Valentino VRing Tote

Intermix
Deal: $50 off every $250 (Nearly every designer is excluded.)
Code: n/a
Dates: Nov 27-Dec 1
What we're eyeing:
~~Golden Goose Sneakers~~
Alexander Vauthier Knit Dress
Monse Turtleneck Sweater

LuisaViaRoma
Deal: Extra 30% Off Sale
Code: BF30
Dates: TBD
What We're Eyeing:
Rotate Puff-Sleeve Dress
Paris Texas Boots
Peter Petrov Blazer

MatchesFashion
Deal: Extra 10% off Sale
Code: EXTRA10
Dates: TBD
What We're Eyeing:
Balenciaga Shift Bag
Khaite Blazer
Jacquemus Oversized Belt Bag

Moda Operandi
Deal: Extra 30% off Sale
Code: X30
Dates: Through Dec 2
What We're Eyeing:
Givenchy Mini Eden
Versace Pencil Skirt
Isabel Marant sweater

Net-A-Porter
Deal: Extra 15% off sale
Code: Here is the Secret Access Link to shop now but discounts won't be live until Friday.
Dates: Nov 29- Dec 2
What We're Eyeing:
Gianvitto Rossi two-tone slingbacks
Aquazzzura stripped pumps
Rejina Pyo corduroy trench

Saks Fifth Avenue
Deal: $50 off of $200
Code: CYBER19SF
Dates: Until Dec 2
What We're Eyeing:
YSL Tassel Bag
Balenciaga BB Bag
SAM Puffer with Fur Hood

Selfridges
Deal: 20% off Canada Goose
Code: SELFCCE
Dates: Until 12/1
What We're Eyeing:
Canada Goose Men's Lodge Jacket
Junya Watanabe X Canada Goose
Canada Goose Blakely

Shopbop
Deal: Buy more, save more up to 25% off
Code: MORE19
Dates: Through 12/3
What We're Eyeing:
Alice & Olivia animal tigar print boots
Nili Lotan leather pants
Off-White utility belt

Tessabit
Deal: Extra 30% off Sale
Code: BFX30S
Dates: TBD
What we're eyeing:
Fendi Uni Bag
Balmain Velvet Blazer
Roger Vivier Biker Boots

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November 26, 2019

Madison Ave Sale-ing: Balenciaga, Louboutin, Givenchy, Valentino and More

It couldn't have been a more perfect afternoon to "sale" down Madison Avenue. The bright sun, changing leaves and ubiquitous sales make it ideal conditions to browse, shop and absorb all the beauty of luxury fashion.

Discounts range from 30% to 50% off at many Madison Avenue boutiques. Most stores are officially on sale but there are a few still holding out until Friday. Historically, department stores are priced better than brand-owned retailers, but this doesn't seem to be the case this season.

Take note, Saturday, December 7 begins the 'Miracle on Madison'. Between the hours of 10am and 5pm, Madison Avenue stores will be donating 20% of all sales to the pediatric initiatives of the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering MSK Kids. There are dozens of participating stores and lots of extra sips and snacks to enhance the holiday shopping festivities.

You can click here to see a full list of participating stores.

Balenciaga
Who is gaga for Balenciaga? Not as many people as last year but still enough to maintain the heat. The discounts range from 30% to 50% off. Most bags are 30%. Shoes are half-off and sneakers are 30% off. Those BB mules we've been eyeing are 50% off. It will look great with Winter white and transition easily into Spring. Click for pics.
Mark 212-328-1671

Christian Louboutin
This is the first season that we remember Christian Louboutin going on markdown at the same time as all other brands. The discount is 40% off on all sale styles. Nothing was jumping off the shelves as we shopped. Frankly, the sale selection is much better at Bergdorf Goodman. We have all the sale pictures over this way.
Jose 212-396-1884

Dolce & Gabbana
Expect to find a fresh bloom of discounts and floral prints at Dolce & Gabbana. The markdown is 40% off on most seasonal merchandise. Be sure to check out the velvet floral print collection. We have an assortment of colorful pictures of the Dolce & Gabbana sale merchandise over this way. Billy: 212-249-4100

Emilio Pucci
The discount at Pucci is 40% off for the fall and winter collections. There are a few shoes and bags included in the sale. We suggest you browse the large assortment of sale scarves. There are lots of swim items that will be perfect for your Carribean getaway. We also spotted small pouches that come to just $180 and make a great gift. You can click on the jump link to see what we found on sale at Pucci.
Mo: 212-230-1145

Givenchy
Givenchy switched up the store a little and it feels less like a labyrinth with a focal point of Cruise collection bags in the middle. Markdowns are 40% off. There are only two racks of clothing included in the sale but no bags have been reduced. This is an instance where you will do better at a department store. See for yourself.
Karina 212-650-0180

Tom Ford
There is little that Tom Ford doesn't do well and sales aren't discluded. Right now, there is a large assortment of bags, shoes, and clothing all reduced 50% off. The best bet is a clutch that's 50% off and comes to about $700. Here is a picture of the clutch and an overview of what you will find at the store.
Veronica 212-359-0300

Valentino
The Valentino boutique has started its sale. The discount on shoes, clothing and most handbags are 40% off. The sale started last week but there is still a nice selection of options. You can check our pictures here to see what we found. The discount at Bergdorfs is 40% off on bags too and they have a few more classic items than the Valentino boutique.
Neusa 212-772-6969

Zimmerman
This is Zimmerman's first sale cycle on Madison Avenue. The store was surprisingly busy considering that the sale doesn't start until Friday. We are told that nothing from the current collection will be reduced but, instead, items from the past Summer season will be brought back out at a discount. The markdown will only be 30% off but items that were previously reduced will be discounted even more. You will probably do much better shopping from Shopbop.
Annie 212-486-8080

Velentino

Givenchy

Missoni

Balenciaga

Missoni

Louboutin

Givenchy

Tom Ford

Dolce & Gabbana

Tom Ford

Louboutin

Givenchy

Louboutin

Valentino

Tom Ford

Dolce & Gabbana

Pucci

Dolce & Gabbana

Louboutin

Tom Ford

Louboutin

Dolce & Gabbana

Tom Ford

Balenciaga

Missoni

Louboutin

Missoni

Pucci

Louboutin

Dolce & Gabbana

Louboutin

Pucci

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November 25, 2019

Ssense Takes Its First Markdown

We are just days away from the formidable Black Friday and most retailers have already taken their first markdowns. Today, SSense joined the ranks for the online sale community. The markdown isn't officially live yet but you can use this link to save up to 50% off right now.

This sale isn't known for its explosive discounts but it's a great site to find merchandise that may not be discounted at other retailers. For example, a pink sparkly Balenciaga Bolide-shape bag? Have you seen it anywhere else? It's 15% off. The Jacquemus 'Le Chiquito' bag is sold out at most retailers but is 20% off or $403 from $510. Looking for those Saint Laurent Betty shades? They are 20% off. Fendi tights are $142 from $175.

This Bottega Veneta small tote is a find at $1970 from $2500 or a Canada Goose down bomber jacket is $740 from $900. There is also a decent selection of discounted Moncler puffers. This pink velvet style is $980 from $1700 and is still available in almost all sizes.

Pretty light blue suede Christian Louboutin heels are $640 from $845. Other sale highlights include the Saint Laurent mini Lou bag for $816 from $995 and a Kenzo sweatshirt, which makes a great gift item for $200 from $255.

At this point, you get the idea. Search Ssense for a designer you like and you're likely to find an interesting item on sale. It might not be the biggest savings but sometimes you only need a little discount to make the purchase worthwhile.

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November 24, 2019

Nordstrom Sale Goes Live Online

It's been nearly 10-days since Nordstrom started presale at its stores and now discounts on designer merchandise are finally live online. You can click here to access the sale now.

Alexandra Lapp

Upscale designer discounts are 40% off in nearly all categories. We first prowled the handbag section and found this Chloe Annie bag is reduced to $1110 from $1850, a Valentino VRing bag is $2040 from $4400, and a mini Saint Laurent Loulou is $1155 from $1650. This Maison Margiela iridescent puffy pouch is catching our eye for $866 from $1445.

Among the shoes are these Jimmy Choo boots that are $900 from $1500, YSL Opyum sandals are $717 from $2200 and velvet Manolo Blahnik heels are $778 from $800. Click here to scroll shoe sale. Take note, that the sale selection at stores is even better than what you'll find online. Most notably, Gucci and Louboutin are not discounted on the website.

Among the clothing, we spotted this Versace silk blouse that's now $700 from $1175. (Don't say we didn't warn you about the Versace takeover coming in the Spring. This top looks gorgeous under a black blazer and could be worn with jeans or dressed up with leather.) This cashmere sweater with hearts from Halogen is wallet-friendly at $100 from $150. We found this plaid La DoubleJ plaid coat at 60% off.

You can click here to see pictures of what we found on sale at the store. Remember, Nordstrom is very good at price matching. Even if the Nordstrom isn't discounted as much as another retailer they will adjust the price to close the deal....

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November 22, 2019

Where to Shop This Weekend

Last year, nearly every store started their markdowns on the same day. It was chaos for the consumer and everyone who watches sales-- mainly us. This season, the discounts have been a little staggered and we are even waiting for more to launch.

@mascarada.paris@leboudoirselectif photo by @posh_foto, in Milan

Before we go into the weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at the status of sales at our local stores. Usually, our comparison sheet is focused on Saks, Bergdorfs, and Barneys. Sadly, we are knocking Barneys off our standard comparison paradigm but will continue to track the liquidation status on its own. This season, we welcome NYC newcomers, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, to the spreadsheet.

Most stores are discounted "up to 50% off" but only some retailers have taken a big cut from this season's top merchandise. For example, Neiman Marcus has some items reduced 50% off but merchandise anything good from this season is reduced just 30%. Below is our famous markdown spreadsheet. Take note, Nordstrom's online sale won't go live until Sunday. For now, we left all its fields as N/A.

After browsing through all the stores we feel that Bergdorfs offers the best selection and deepest discounts. If you're looking for Gucci, however, you'll need to head to Saks or Neimans.

Feel free to reference the Excel schematic for all your weekend shopping needs. In addition, don't miss the Net-A-Porter sale, which is excellent this season and Luisa Via Roma is extending an additional 20% off sale items with the code BF20 as part of a "pre-Black Friday" promotion.

All weekend long we will post great finds on Instagram. If you see something, say something. We need all the eyes searching for that prize.

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November 21, 2019

Now LIVE: Net-A-Porter Sale Up to 50% Off

The Net-A-Porter sale went live early Thursday morning. Usually, this markdown isn't worth much excitement but the online luxury site is a little more aggressive with its markdowns than in past years.

NAP usually starts a fake-break early markdown and then, moments later starts a real sale by adding the big designers and lowering prices. This season, this first cut much better than past seasons but there is still more to come.

The markdown is up to 50% off and most items fall in the 30% to 40% category. The 50% reductions usually consist of heavy inventory levels or leftovers from a prior season. This Balenciaga top is older and a little awkward but reduced 50% off and this Bolide-style bag is still $1500 from $2150. I was surprised to find this Valentino V-Lock bag for 50% off or $1180 from $2375.

Some goodies that I have socked away in my cart include these Balenciaga square-toe BB mules but they aren't on markdown yet. I did spot a YSL small camera bag that's 40% off and comes to $690 from $1150 and this Givenchy GV3 is a good deal at 50% off or about $1300 from $2600.

This Rick Owens blazer is discounted but not enough. Belts are the accessory of the season and I like the subtly of this YSL style. The Peter Do hi-lo pleated skirt is insanity. I finally grabbed this Isabel Marant sweater that is $700 from $1000. (I'm holding off on the sweater dress even if it's 40% off!)

The shoe section is a lot of sneakers and summer sandals, which were more highly reduced three months ago. There are some good options among the Gianvito Rossi selection. Among the more exclusive designers, there is a wide selection of Fendi options. These PVC flats are $390 from $650.

What's did you check out with?

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November 20, 2019

Hidden Early Access Neiman Marcus /Bergdorf Sale (Pics)

Bergdrof Goodman's sale is bustling with loyal shoppers as most merchandise is already discounted 40%. Over at the Hudson Yards Neiman Marcus, the story is much different. The sale racks are out but nobody knows or notices. The discounts range from 30% to 50% off.

The markdown for both stores won't go live to the public until Thursday, November 21 but we were given this VIP early access right now with this link.

The Bergdorf Goodman link is hidden here. You can read the post about what we found at Bergdorf's over here.

The Neiman Marcus sale includes a large assortment of handbags reduced 30% off including Balenciaga, Loewe, YSL. A Valentino V-Ring bag with a tassel is $2659 from $3545. A Loewe Puzzle bag is $1912 from $2700, a Balenciaga XXS tote is $892 from $1200. This YSL Monogram Sulpice is $1942 from $2590. (You can click here to see pictures from inside the store.)

Among the shoe racks, there is an abundance of Balenciaga Triple S sneakers that are $731 from $975. A square toe Balenciaga mule with the BB heel is $650 from $900. The Manolo Blahnik assortment is slim online and much better at the store. Leopard pumps are $590 from $800 and Suede slingbacks are $536 from $725. These Moncler winter boots with fur are $643 from $870, YSL Opyum boots are $1253 from $1700. (Christian Louboutin and Gucci are discounted at the store but not online.) Click for pics.

The prices and selection are better at Bergdorf Goodman, for now. You can click over this way to check out what we found at the store or access the sale early online right now.

Neiman Marcus Hudson Yards:
Warren 929-458-1439
Jasmine: 929-458-1380

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