Madison Avenue Spy

June 16, 2015

Mr. Porter Discounts Hit 70% Off

Just in time for Father's Day, Mr. Porter has brought their markdown to 70%. Shoppers will find lots of clothing and many accessories that are reduced 70%. Shoes are mostly discounted 50% to 60% off.

Some sale highlights include, Nudie Jeans that are just $62 from $215, Dan Ward swim shorts are $91 from $305 and a cotton and cashmere robe by Emma Willis is $336 from $1120. Among the shoes are Dolce & Gabbana slide sandals for $270 from $625, Adieu two-tone derby shoes are $320 from $800 and Ami green and white suede sneakers are $152 from $380.

Among the accessories are a large assortment of cufflinks and man bags that can be great gifts for dad, the man in your life or yourself. We especially like this Marni/Porter nylon messenger bag, an ombre leather cardholder and this classic Brioni belt.

All you need to do is add a silly card and a yummy treat to make a fantastic Father's Day. Perhaps some game day tickets could be a great addition too....

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June 15, 2015

Berdorf Goodman Starts 2nd Markdown

Bergdorf Goodman just started their second markdown, which means that there are discounts up to 60% off. This newest round of discounts makes Bergdorfs the best place to shop for bags. The Lavender Lady, currently has the largest selection and the best prices of all the New York luxury department stores.

The sale bags are still segregated by their respective designers. Near the North-Fifth Avenue entrance you'll find an assortment of Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Louboutin and Alexander McQueen. Among the Rockstud assortment there are flat clutches in pink, blue and rainbow. In the 57th Street bag atrium, we found an entire table of Tom Ford bags. A large fold over zipper clutch now $1000 from $2000, which isn't on sale at all online. The Tom Ford shopper and the large Alix are both 50% off in the store but they aren't reduced online.

This McQueen skull clutch is now $1500 from $3000, a small gold YSL Sac de Jour is $1400 from $2700 and a Stella McCartney Falabella with stones is $610 from $1220. Online there are also some additional good options, like this The Row backpack hobo that's $1325 from $2650 and this Tom Ford studded cross body bag is $1300 from $2600. You can click through the jump to see a comprehensive photo log of bags still available at the store.

Over in the shoe salon the designer shoes are also discounted 50%. Here are Aquazzura cutout leather bottles, Jimmy Choo cork wedges for $279 and Manolo lace laser cutouts are $400. You can't beat these Sophia Webster sandals with wings for $250 from $500 or these flats for $130 from $260.

Markdowns on clothing are up to 60% but not everything has been adjusted yet. We suggest calling your sales person and jumping on any item that peaks your interest. Head this way to see pictures from inside the store.

Bergdorfs Accessories Main Floor: Ron 212-753-7300

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June 12, 2015

Saks Jumps Into 2nd Markdown (Even Bags)

It seems as if we are sale-ing into second markdown season much earlier than anticipated. Saks Fifth Avenue, today, started their second markdown and most all designer items are now 60% off.

We were surprised to find that even some bags are cut by 60%. This Stella McCartney bag is now $890 from over $2200, a Lanvin lizard bag is $1116 from almost almost $2800 and a Dee Ocleppo python handbag is $1375 from $2750. The Christian Louboutin sale just kicked in today but the bags (and shoes) are still at just 40%. We kinda love this Valentine crossbody and this sweet charity.

The same 60% off extends to a large assortment of styles in the shoe department. Chloe ballet flats are just $221, this Aquazzura lace-ups are now $417 from $900 and Saint Laurent black-on-black studded heels are $465 from nearly $1000.

Standouts among the newly reduced clothing include, this MSGM pineapple print skirt that's $172 from $430, a Givenchy top for $290 from $725 and that Saint Laurent stars dress is $1500 from $3750. (Someone needs to take a better look at this styling. Geesh!)

We must admit we are a bit surprised by this markdown. If Saks were an economic indicator, we would suggest you aggressively hedge your luxury investment exposure....

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June 12, 2015

Madison Avenue Debuts: Annick Goutal, Jitrios, Gianvito Rossi & New Louboutin

Spring has officially sprung and new Madison Avenue stores are blooming. One of the most active blocks seems to be Madison at 75th Street. Practically the entire block has been renovated with a notable expansion and several newcomers.

French perfumery, Annick Goutal, just feted the opening of their boutique on the corner of Madison at 75th Street-- formerly the jewelry store, Liliblue. The brand started in the 80s and became well-known in the 90s for their floral fragrances like Gardenia Passion. Today, the brand is capturing the noses of a new generation with blockbusters like L'Ile au Thé.

In April, French designer Jean-Claude Jitrois, known for his luxurious stretch leather designs, opened his first US boutique. Those in Europe, especially Monaco, are more familiar with Jitrios but we have no doubt that the high-tech body-con designs will quickly become part of the Uptown girl's wardrobe.

Christian Louboutin fans should take note that the boutique is growing. The new space looks to be at least twice the size of its current footprint and it will contain a designated men's store. The expansion is long overdue considering the overcrowding that often occurs if there are more than two customers in the store. Let's just hope that the expanded boutique will employ a crop of associates that provide the professional services that should accompany $1000 shoes.

Along the same block will be luxury shoe brand, Gianvito Rossi (son of Sergio Rossi). The location is the luxury brand's first retail store. The Rossi's shoes are currently found by the well-heeled at Net-A-Porter (now 70% off!), Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys.

Last but not least, is the arrival of the Apple store. The tech-everything store officially opens on Saturday and we will be sure to bring over a pie to mark the occasion. An apple pie, no doubt!...

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June 11, 2015

Inside Barneys Summer Sale

We are driving full speed into sale season and couldn't help but collect intelligence from the store with the best shoe discount... and bag discount... and second markdown on most clothing. Yes, the discounts at Barneys are topping 60% off.

On the first floor, sale bags are in the right alcove. There you will find several styles of Balenciaga, Chloe and Givenchy marked 40% off. You can click here to see almost all the sale bags. Some highlights include a Givenchy Pandora with a snakeskin front for $2189 from $4150 and several Antigona totes for $1079 from almost $1800. A classic black Chloe Emma bucket bag is $1250 from almost $2100. Alaia portfolio clutch with rivets is $1124 from $1875.

Hitting the upstairs shoe department, the sale section contained lots of designer Birkenstock-type styles, Aquazzura lace-ups and wedges. Pics are over here. Notably missing, are the sale Chanels and Louboutins. The red soles are currently being pre-sold for an official sale start date of Friday but sales people claim to not know what Chanel styles will be marked down later this month. It's quite easy to guess: summer styles minus the super classics.

Most shoes are 40% off. Some notable sale styles are Balenciaga wedges are reduced to $399 from $665, Lanvin flats for $299 from $495 and Alaia heels for $799 from $1340. We also saw these glitter Givenchy Birks, Chloe wedge/clog-hybrids and these Aquazzura flats. Many of the styles we saw are not online but some online winners include the lovely lace-up Isabel Marants that are $639 from $1060.

While sorting through the sale clothing you will find that much of the merchandise has been marked down a second time. The discount on most clothing is 60% off. What's nice about the current shopping experience is that the sale clothing is in its respective places as opposed to the sale exile that comes later in the season.

Among the Prada clothing we found cotton stripped dresses for $509 from $1280, a tapestry patchwork dress is $1329 from $3320 and a long silk print dress is $1269 from $3170. Moving on, there was a long Nina Ricci two-tone long vest dress for $1109 from $2780. Virtually the entire Dolce & Gabbana collection is 60% off too. All the flower prints are still available: red flowers on black, red flowers on white polkadots and purple wisteria on white, white flowers on black and yellow flowers on black. Here are photos.

Some designers, like Celine, are still at 40% off. It seems as if prices are being slowly modified according to designer collection. We would suggest grabbing any iconic pieces now, while this markdown is still on the DL. Click here to see dozens of pictures from todays shopping trip.

Givenchy Pandora with a snakeskin front for $2189 from $4150

Antigona totes for $1079 from almost $1800

black Chloe Emma bucket bag is $1250 from almost $2100

Alaia portfolio clutch with rivets is $1124 from $1875

YSL Bags

Givenchy $1619 from $2695

Balenciaga

$659 from $1095

$599 from $995

$449 from $750

$399 from $665

Lanvin $299 from $295

Manolo $449 from $745 and Givenchy Birks $629 from $1050

Givenchy

Aquazzura

Alaia $799 from $1340

Prada $719

Prada $1329 from $3320

Prada $1269 from $3170

Dolce

Celine

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June 10, 2015

Intermix Extra 50% Off Already Reduced

There weren't a lot of blockbuster looks this season but sale season always has a funny way of causing items you would otherwise ignore become attractive. It's kind of the same effect as a fourth glass of champaign at Bagatelle.

Right now, Intermix is hosting a sale where all reduced items are an additional 50% off. Although, nothing initially jumped out at us, we were still available to find a few items worth purchasing because of the nearly 70% off final discount. Take this Yigal Azrouel cape blazer that's now about $460 from almost $1400. A Veronica Beard blazer with a dickey is $270 from $800 and a pretty white lace skirt from Alexis is $160 from $445.

This extra 50% off sale will only last two days. Take note that all sales are final but who has the time to go to the post office send things back anyway?

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June 9, 2015

Net-A-Porter Discounts Now 70%

It feels like the first markdowns just started moments ago but that doesn't stop the competition among retailers. Today, Net-A-Porter upped their discount to 70% on many items.

Some new and notable markdowns include, a Victoria Beckham floral length full skirt for $735 from $2450. a Melissa Adabash swimsuit is just $75 from $245 and a Peter Pilotto multi color skirt is $400 from $1335.

Some other sale highlights include Miu Miu wedges that are now $375 from $750. These aren't the prettiest shoes or the most stylish of the season but they are utilitarian in the way that you can pack one pair of shoes and wear them during the day and at night. Isabel Marant-style Birks are much more palpable for $272 from $545. Marni pants are $650 from $1300. And there are also lots of basics like Rag & Bone and J Brand skinny jeans for $100 from $200.

This is by no means the end of the line. As time goes on more items will be added to the 70% category. Last year, the online retailer ended their sale on June 24 with a discount that topped 80% on some items. They don't mess around!...

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June 8, 2015

Chanel & Louboutin Markdown Intel

Most stores have already started their first markdowns on contemporary and luxury lines but there are always a few brands that strong-arm all retail outlets to hold off on discounts. Starting soon, you will be able to presale seasonal merchandise from brands like Chanel and Louboutin, which haven't yet started their markdowns.

We are told that Chanel will officially go on sale June 20th and presale will begin a few days before then. The discount is 30% off retail. Supposedly there will be very few bags and small leather goods. As a matter of fact, last season there were only eight bags that made it to markdown and women were dueling over them-- primate style . The selection of shoes and clothing are usually much larger. The discounts and selection will be the same at all stores, including Chanel boutiques.

If you're looking for a discount on Christian Louboutin shoes you can head to Jeffery where the discount is 30% but note, that all purchases are final sale. Barneys is offering presale with a discount of 40% and Saks is conducting their own presale with a 30% discount. The sale officially beings Friday at Saks and Barneys. You can click here to see a sampling of styles included in the markdowns.

Barneys Louboutin: David 917-841-6963
Saks: Personal Shopping 212-810-9988
Bergdofs Chanel:
Jeffery: John 212-206-1272

Jeffery

Saks

Barneys

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