Almost every app allows you to mute or opt-out of specific features but who would imagine that a leading luxury brand would just unsubscribe from sale season? It's unimaginable but it's exactly what's happening at Chanel this season.
Chanel has put a giant do-not-disturb sign on its' boutique doors and will not, we repeat, will not be participating in any markdowns, discounts, sales or presales at its boutiques this season. The good thing is that this change of direction is not permanent.
The rumor is that Chanel will begin a process of preserving its overstock and bringing it back a year later. That means, going forward, sale merchandise will have aged an entire year before you get to benefit from any savings. As always, the sale next year will only include sunglasses, shoes, jewelry, ready-to-wear, a very small selection of small leather goods and an even smaller selection of seasonal style bags.
Not all hope is lost. Those looking to purchase sale Chanel will just need to focus their attention on multi-brand boutiques and department stores. Chanel's presale usually starts about June 18th and the official sale often begins around June 23rd. We expect that the department store dates will hold to tradition. The discount will be 40% at Barneys and the discounts at Bloomingdales and Saks will be 30%.
Sale lists haven't been distributed but stay tuned and we will be sure to post the information as soon as it becomes available. You can expect this sales season to be more competitive. We suggest you make contact with a salesperson asap if there is an item that you desire to buy during presale.
Most stores have already started their first markdowns on contemporary and luxury lines but there are always a few brands that hold off on discounts. Starting today, you can begin to presale seasonal merchandise from Christian Louboutin.
The sale officially goes public on Friday, June 1. Purchases from most stores will be held until then. A selection of much of what's on sale is in the scroll above. We don't know when markdowns will be put into effect online but we will be sure to keep you posted.
Christian Louboutin Madison: Jose Padilla madison.ny@us.christianlouboutin.com
Saks: Jay 561-537-9468
Barneys: Artie text: 702-526-0668
Preowned luxury fashion is hotter than it's ever been but that's nothing new to Michael's Consignment Shop. After 65-years at the same location, the fifth generation business has moved to a ground floor location, a bit further uptown to 84th Street and Madison Avenue.
Also known as one of Madison Avenue's best-kept secrets, Michael's has been a neighborhood fixture for those looking to retire old fashion or acquire great finds. The location change is just part of the upgrades coming to a business that originally started over 100-years ago. Tammy Fluhr-Gates, the great-great-granddaughter of the founder, is in the process of taking the reigns from her mother, Laura Fluhr.
While in conversation, both mother and daughter denied any fashionista association but rather preferred the title of 'business woman'. "It's my job to take the business to the next stage," said Tammy Fluhr, who alluded to many upcoming projects but wouldn't elaborate on any details.
For now, we will let the future brew while we dig into the present. The new iteration of Michael's is a more finely edited and modern variation of its former self. The new store is only one level but still contains all the important Michael's features. At the center of the store is a satellite display of showcases that contains high-valued bags and jewelry.
While browsing, we overheard other shoppers repeatedly commenting how Michael's never fails to turn up an unexpected surprise. Women who are from the neighborhood or visiting from out-of-state (or even from out the country) couldn't help from recalling their favorite past finds to a friend or an employee with a familiar face.
While shopping the grand opening, we spotted some amazing pieces. We found a large assortment of quilted Chanel and Dior bags, various vintage and like-new Hermes bags and in-season Prada flats and pumps for more than 50% off the retail prices. Fear not, the new store still has its famous Chanel rack, which always seems to have a tweed of temptation.
Michaels Consignment Shop
1125 Madison Avenue @84th Street
(212) 737-7273
Mon to Wed 10AM–6:30PM, Thurs 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM–6:30PM, Sat 10AM–6:30PM, Sun 12–6PM
Bloomingdale's has a sexy new shoe salon with lots of pretty designer boutiques to explore. We have our eyes on two departments in particular. That would be Gucci and Chanel, of course.
The big rumor is that Chanel boutique will not be hosting any markdowns this season. This news is still unsubstantiated but it means a lot more shoppers will be watching for presales at department stores. More on Chanel later.
Beyond Gucci, there is an assortment of Jimmy Choo summer shoes, Fendi and Givenchy reduced 40% off. In the jump, we have pictures of what sales shoes aren't listed online.
Elena Ghisellini is one of our favorite handbag designers. She has created iconic styles for everyone from Givenchy, Tods, and Pucci. Her own label is just as iconic. Over this way, the small Angel is $777 from $1300 and this larger Eclipse is $810 from $1350.
There were extra Bloomingdale's shopping incentives over the holiday weekend. They are set to expire Monday. Don't feel too bad if you missed shopping this weekend. Most additional discounts don't apply to designer brands and can be sure that there will be another promotion bonus points "event" coming soon.
It's sale season-cum-Summer and just because everyone has headed out of town, doesn't mean the discount hunt comes to an end. So while you're sipping your rosé, you can browse the hottest sale items on the internet.
You can scroll through the slideshow below to see some of the most wanted sale items and find a full list of available holiday weekend discounts. As always, shoes and handbags are a hot commodity but uptown girls will never underestimate the value of a great dress.
Temperatures are rising and so are tthe disocunts on Madison Avenue. We've collected markdown intelligence from some key Madison Avenue boutiques. Most stores have already taken first markdowns and discounts span from 30% to 50% off retail.
Before making an impulse purchase, we suggest you do a quick review of what sales are online. Sometimes you can find even steeper discounts if you look beyond a brand's boutiques. Other times the brands offer the most attractive deals.
Alexander McQueen
Most everything from the spring and summer collection is 40% off. We can't say anything much caught our eye. The clothing collection is much better than the accessories or handbags. We especially like the floral narrative but it doesn't feel very McQueen. This is one brand that is in need of a revamp --and fast. Some pictures of what we found on sale at the McQueen boutique are over this way.
Daniel 212-645-1707
Anya Hindmarch
Discounts for the British designer's playful bags, accessories and shoes range from 30% to 50% off. Most of the merchandise is just 30% off but cute beach slides are discounted 50% and come to $450 from $500. A crossbody Smiley Face bag is 30% off and many of the items from the 'Chubby" collection are also discounted 30%. The markdown isn't live online but we are told it will be shortly. Take note, some Anya items on Net-A-Porter are more highly discounted. See pictures of the Anya Hindmarch sale here.
Maria 646-852-6233
Balenciaga
Is there any brand hotter than Balenciaga right now? Arguably not. The discounted shoe selection isn't as extensive as what you might find elsewhere but the savings is higher at 50% off. Market bags and select City bags are discounted 40% and most clothing is reduced 40% too. One of the best deals is the Blanket Reporter XS bag that's discounted 50% to $845 from nearly $1700. Pictures of what's included in the Balenciaga sale are over here. Take note, Triple S sneakers are back in stock but not on sale (obviously).
Nico 212-328-1671
Emilio Pucci
The discount at Pucci is 40% off for the cruise and the summer collections. There are hardly any shoes or bags included in the sale but the kids' collection can be found for 40% off too. We suggest you browse the large assortment of sale scarves. Most silk scarves are reduced to $262 from $420. You can click on the jump link to see what Pucci clothing and scarves are on sale.
Terina: 212-230-1145
Givenchy
Anyone in the market for a couture wedding gown? Well, you won't find it at the Madison Avenue Givenchy boutique but you will find a small selection of sale merchandise discounted 40% off. There are no Horizon bags included in the discount, despite the fact that they can be found on sale at numerous retailers like Barneys. The sale selection for clothing is also a lot bigger over at Net-A-Porter. Pictures of what you will find at the Givenchy store are in the jump.
Alee 212-650-0180
Prada
Prada boutiques only do one markdown each season. Shoes and clothing are 50% off and handbags are reduced by 40%. There aren't many sale surprises in the boutique. It seems as if all the same items are discounted everywhere. You can see the entire sale selection of shoes and bags at Prada here. The second markdown at Barneys tops 60%, which will be a better deal if you can hold out and if you what you desire stays in stock.
Myra- 212-327-4200
Roger Vivier
It's hard to resist a new pair of Roger Vivier shoes, especially when they are 40% off. The entire front room, of the second floor, is stocked with lots of beautiful discounted options. Sadly, we missed some of the jewel styles that you can find at some department stores. Unfortunately, Viviers discounted at many places online. We linked to a few but this is one brand where they prefer you physically get your prize. We have pictures of the sale Roger Vivier shoes and bags that we found at the store.
Edouard 212-861-5371
Valentino
Expect to fund Rockstuds galore at the Valentino boutique. The discount is 40% off, which is higher than most other retailers. That means that many of the most desirable styles are going very quickly. You can shop the sale selection online here or you can take peek at the Valentino Madison Avenue sale via our pictures.
Paula: 212-772-6969
I often get asked how we came up with the idea for Madison Avenue Spy. Frankly, it started at the register at the Gucci boutique on Madison Avenue. I was buying an item during the presale and the customer next to me was buying the same item for at full price.
To me, it felt like an injustice. It was at that moment, that I realized that sale information should be shared on the internet so everyone could benefit from presales, private sales and VIP promotions. Since then, Gucci has changed designers three times and is currently reigning as the king of fashion.
As brands find themselves at the top of a fashion trend cycle, it's not uncommon for them to hide from markdown season. Last season, Gucci declared that its boutiques will no longer be participating in sale season or offering any customers any markdowns on any items. Instead, sale merchandise is being distributed among discount stores and outlets.
Not all hope is lost if you're planning on snagging some discounted Gucci. The key is looking for non-Gucci owned retailers. Unfortunately, Gucci controls most of the space in New York's department stores. Shoes are the big exemption. We already highlighted all the Gucci shoes that are on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. Bloomingdales also has it's Gucci shoe selection on sale-- stay tuned for pictures and prices.
If you can make your way to a Nordstrom that carries Gucci you might have some luck too. Online we found a few items that might be able to quench your thirst for sale Gs. Here is a pink Marmont that's $1300 from $1950, a jeweled tiger shoulder bag is $2278 from $3400. There are some shoes still available but the assortment of children's clothing is the most plentiful section.
We added the contact information for sales associates who might be able to help if what you desire is already sold out online. We would also suggest keeping your eyes on the more traditional online retailers who sell Gucci. After all, not many brands can avoid for very long.
Nordstrom: Selma 704-763-1146 Saks: Jay 561-537-9468 Neiman Marcus: Chiara 551-502-0465...
We are in the heat of markdown season, but fortunately (or unfortunately), we have more responsibilities than just buying whatever we went for ourselves. Truthfully, is there anything sweeter than a finely dressed mini-me?
World Wide Kidz is hosting a sample sale of gorgeous European childrenswear that's all discounted between 60% and 90% off. Brands include Moncler, Dolce & Gabbana kids, Trussardi, Simonetta, Bébé Sweeney, Mimisol, Fay, Hilly’s, Bikkembergs and more. Sizes run from newborn to 16-years-old and include a variety that will finely suit your children for camp or a fancy occasion.
For the tiniest of baby boys and girls, we found an assortment of gorgeous stetchies from Bébé Sweeny that are all priced at $25. Retail prices usually extend to more than double. A Trussardi one-piece with a matching bib is $33 and girl's baby Moncler coat is $190. For bigger kids, we found a boy's Dirk Bikkembergs blazer for $79, a Simonetta dress comes to just $63, boy's Moncler shorts and swimsuits are about $50 and a variety of gorgeous Mimisol Summer skirts are $79. You can click through this way to see pictures from inside the children's European Clothing sample sale.
The sale is scheduled to run until the end of the month. We are told that there will be replenishments throughout the course of the sale. We suggest asking if you don't find exactly what you want. You never know what can be hiding in an errant rack of kiddie clothing.
World Wide Kidz
Tuesday, May 22 to Friday, June 1
10am-7pm daily
605 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor (one block from Saks)
