Madison Avenue Spy

May 19, 2015

Madison Avenue Spring Sale Roundup

Memorial Day may not offer the best discounts but some consider it the warm weather equivalent of Black Friday. Pre-sale has started at many Madison Avenue boutiques and most stores will officially begin their markdown next week.

For the uninitiated, pre-sale is when stores allow their top customers to pre-shop the sale collection. Pre-shopping a sale, or “pre-saleing”, usually requires a credit card to hold the merchandise, which is sent or available for pick-up once the sale officially begins. Throughout the coming weeks we will continually bring you the most up-to-date sale coverage from stores all over Manhattan.

Of course, we must start on Madison Avenue:

Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce&Gabbana is kicking off their private sale. The public sale is not scheduled to begin until May 21. Most of the Italian designer’s spring merchandise is 50% off. A nice selection of the popular floral print dresses are included in the markdown down, although they aren’t likely to last once the sale goes public.
Bill: 212-249-4100

Giuseppe Zanotti
While the Giuseppe Zanotti sale will begin their sale Friday, you can start pre-saleing immediately. Expect to find plenty of spring and summer styles for 30% off. Most everything is included except for a few "carryovers" or classic styles. Pre-sale shoppers can take their purchases home immediately and don't need to wait until Friday.
George: 212-650-0455

Hérve Léger
Max Azria’s iconic bandage dresses are about to be 40% off. Normally, the basic styles start at about $800 and go up to about $1200. None of the intricate bathing suits are included in the markdown, but our tan-line free abs will probably thank us for that in the long run. More sales merchandise is expected to come to the Madison Avenue boutique in the coming week.
Alex: 212-794-7124

Lanvin
Head to the Lanvin store to shop pre-sale from the spring and summer collection. Purchases can't officially be rung up until Friday but you can start shopping the 40% markdown on clothing, bags and jewelry. Sneakers and shoes are 30% off. Some classic bag and shoe styles are not included in the seasonal discount. Lanvin usually takes their discount to 50% off in late-June. You can never go wrong grabbing something ruffled.
Leslie: 646-439-0380

Missoni
Missoni is usually one of the first stores on Madison Avenue to start their markdowns but we hear that the new management team isn't as cooperative when it comes to markdowns. As of now, there is no sale and no pre-sale. We expect that it's coming soon but we wouldn't expect a hard markdown until after the weekend. The discount usually begins at 40% off but excludes swim and many accessories.
D.: 212-517-9339

Prada & Miu Miu
All is mum about sale season at Prada. We are told that sales people will have more information starting on Thursday but we suspect that they already have all the necessary data to begin pre-sale to those inquiring in person. Over at Miu Miu, we were invited to begin our shopping even though the sale doesn't go public until later this week. Clothing and shoes from this season are 50% off and bags are reduced 40%.
(Prada) Betty: 212-327-4200
(Miu Miu) Cathrine 212-249-9660...

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May 18, 2015

Gucci Launches Online Private Sale

Before the weekend, we reported that Gucci is currently hosting their biggest sale ever. After all, there's a new designer in the house and who would want to live with the ex-wife's furnishings?

The private sale has been going on in boutiques and department stores (Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom) but the online private link didn't go live until today.

You can click right here to go directly to the sale. The savings is 50% off everything. We were serious when we said the sale is BIG. The presale runs through May 22. Until then, your purchases will be embargoed. Shipments will commence once the sale is live on Friday.

We all know Gucci hasn't been the most inspiring brand of late, but there are some classic items you might want to consider grabbing while you have this opportunity. For instance, here are Gucci loafers that come to $319 from $640 and this leather point knee-high boot never goes out of style. This floral print dress is museum quality and is a relative steal for $840. (If you don't believe us, see for yourself at the Gucci Museum, in Florence.)

Looking through the sale selection of bags, the Disco style has been very popular over the last few years. The patent black is now reduced to $489 and a bamboo top bag (now $1329) will always define feminine style.

The second markdown usually beings in July. We suspect that all items will go to 70% off....

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May 15, 2015

Gucci Hosts Their Biggest Sale Ever

Gucci is rebranding. Frida Giannini is out. Alessandro Michele is in and he wants nothing to do with the old Gucci. To begin fresh, Gucci is hosting what may turn out to be the biggest sale ever. Right now, shoppers can save 50% on most Gucci items.

Right now, the sale is considered "private" but the sale opens to the "public" on May 18. Unlike most presales, Gucci is allowing customers to take their merchandise at the time of purchase and not wait until the sale officially begins. (They want this stuff, out!)

The sale isn't just occurring at Gucci stores but also includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Take note, as with many private sales, stores and sales people tend to be cagey. It is part of the culture that we really dislike.

We are told that the sale will begin online next Friday. You can click here to see an assortment of some of the items included in the liquidation sale. Those shopping in Europe should be able to begin presale in the next two weeks.

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May 14, 2015

Here, Kitty Kitty (Charlotte Olympia)

Charlotte Olympia is kicking off the markdown season with a very secret presale that begins Monday. Shoes and bags from this past spring and summer collections will be marked down 50%.

There is a huge assortment of merchandise included in the early-season VIP promotion. Just remember, the store only has one size of each item. You can browse through what's in stores now to get an idea of the assortment. Some of our favorite styles include the rafia kitty slippers (and bag), celebration wedges and this classic platform Dolly pump.

The boutique will not allow any holds. All sale items must be secured by payment and can be retrieved starting Friday. You can click on the jump to see the over 100 items included in the sale. Take note that this is just a cross section of the sale offerings. Yes, it's a lot.

Harlina 212-744-1842
harlina.senfleur@charlotteolympia.com

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May 13, 2015

Bonpoint Summer Sample Sale

Bonpoint is the go-to brand for children's luxury clothing, shoes and accessories. And while kids are the go-to ambassadors for destroying most anything, it's still our job to keep them looking civilized. We sometimes dare to even indulge them and teach them to appreciate the value of quality.

Today we were invited to get an early sneak peak of Bonpoint's sample sale before it opens to the public on Wednesday. Loyal boutique and sample sale fans will be pleased to know that everything about this sale (except the season) is almost identical to past season's sales. The discount is a straight 60% off. Sizes range from fresh-out-of-the-oven newborn to I'm-getting-too-old-for-this-look size 12.

Almost all of the merchandise is for the summer season, along with some bulkier sweaters and pullovers. Personally, we always favor the winter sale for the luscious coats and beautiful boots. Everything about Summer requires less formality and doesn't require the same variety of luxe clothing.

One of the differentials of this year's sale is that there was a lot of size 2s. There was also a large assortment of newborn, which always goes quickly. Expect to find the classics, like button down shirts and huge selection of girls sandals in a lot of sizes.

Recently, we've noticed that Bonpoint is mixing in a few trends with their classics. For example there were a lot of chambray shirts, for both boys any girls, mixed in with the more traditional colors. There was also a wonderful array of tulle skirts for the little gals. (Trend blazing.) Click here to see some pictures from inside.

Bonpoint Sample Sale
Wednesday, May 13th through Thursday, May 14th
Wed 9am—7pm, Thu 9am—3pm
Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W 18th St (btwn 6th & 7th Ave), 5th FL

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May 13, 2015

Tourneau Customer Appreciation Sale

Tourneau is hosting a 'customer appreciation sale' where an assortment of watches will be discounted 30% to 70% off through the weekend. We are told that participating brands will include JeanRichard, Audemars Piguet, H. Moser & Cie, MB&F, Dior, Girard Perregaux, Burberry, Gucci, TechnoMarine, and more.

Ya see, the 'and more' is what's making us pause. Perhaps what isn't being said is more than what is being said. Urban legend has it that Tourneau hosts a very exclusive sample sale--or in this case, 'a clean out the vault sale-- where the most covetable watch brands are available at unheard of prices. (Ahem, Rolex, Cartier and Hublot.) It's hard to say if this promotion will include the watch brands we all want most but it may be worth further investigation.

Some confirmed items that will be included in the sale are a a JeanRichard Aeroscope Black Dial reduced to $1500 from $3100, a $300,000 one-of-a-kind Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Minute Repeater and a Dior Women's Christal Diamond Black Dial Watch for $1900 from $4250.

Tourneau Customer Appreciation Sale

hursday, May 14th to Sunday, May 17th
Thurs to Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11:30-5pm
The Tourneau TimeMachine 12 East 57th Street...

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May 12, 2015

Nancy Gonzalez VIP Sale

Nancy Gonzalez is hosting her semi-annual sample sale where her famous exotic skin bags will be significantly reduced. The sale doesn't open to the public until Monday, May 18 but Madison Avenue Spy readers have been invited a day early to shop the Sunday VIP pre-sale.

Shoppers can attend the Sunday pre-sale early by giving a $36 donation (or more), which will go to New York Cancer Center. All contributions are matched by Shelly & Renee. Please email us here if you would like to attend. Space is limited. There will be a guest list at the door on Sunday but the remaining dates are open to the general public without giving a donation.

The public days of this sale are always very popular and can be quite chaotic. As a matter of fact, every season the sale completely sells out. What would you expect when in-season merchandise is reduced 60% to 70% off? We suggest that serious Nancy Gonzalez shoppers should take advantage of this pre-shopping opportunity. With prices like these you can get a bag for for a loved one and yourself.

Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale
VIP Fundraiser Sunday, May 17 from 12pm-5pm
RSVP Here
Public Sale: Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 20
Mon 9am-7pm, Tues & 10am-6pm, Wed 10am to 4pm
Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 45th Street Street (bet. Madison & Vanderbilt Ave.), Sutton Suite 2nd Floor
Cash & Credit Card. No Strollers

Sponsored Post

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May 12, 2015

Krakoff Sale Has Krazy Deals

It's always sad when the good brands die too young. Such is the case with Reed Krakoff. The designs were very good, the quality was excellent but the price point was deadly -- literally.

Shoppers who love the Reed Krakoff brand but found the sticker prices too shocking will be very pleased with the designer's going-out-of-business sample sale. Today we got a preview of the event and only wish we had more closet space.

Those who get to the sale early will want to go straight to the handbag section in the back left. There aren't a lot there and the prices are quite attractive. Non-exotic style skin bags start at $100 and top out at $400. These mini-RK40s are $300 and ones missing the shoulder strap and older style minis are just $125. The big sizes, which are available in a few colors are also $300. Flap bags with a chain strap are available in assorted colors and priced at $200. Many clutches are $200. Exotic bags are more relatively much more expensive priced between $500 and $1500, depending on the size. You can see lots of pictures of what's available in the jump but keep in mind there there isn't a lot of stock and they will go quickly.

Serious shoppers will quickly wan to continue towards the back of the room to the samples racks. Dresses and jackets are $125 and tops, skirts and pants are all $75. Most of the current summer season collection could be found, along with older merchandise. The only problem that but many of the items are size tiny. Those who are a cupcake bit larger than waif, should still take a serious sort through the racks. We found a few dresses and tops that could accommodate a smallish-medium. Jump to see more.

Once you're done with the sample clothing turn 180-degrees to the sample shoe racks. Shoes are $75 and boots are $100. Just about every shoe from the current selection can be found and some shoes and boots from prior seasons. Again the only problem is that most styles are only available in an 37 or 39. We also found a few 40s and 41s but didn't see any small sizes.

All open stock at the sale is discounted 75% off. There aren't many shoes at all. Most styles have only one or two sizes available and you know those won't last long. There are also lots and lots of open stock clothing. The only problem, which has always been the company's issue, is the insane retail prices. Even at 75% off the ready-to-wear is still not inexpensive.

For example, this leather-paneled mesh skirt is a hefty $1190 and even after the 75% off, comes to $300. Not expensive but not exactly inexpensive. This foil print dress is very beautiful and priced at $2200. After the discount it's $550. Again, a good price but few sample sale shoppers are purchasing $500 dresses in bulk. Click here for lots of pictures.

We found the same mathematical problem comes into play with the jewelry collection. A costume metal cuff or leather bracelet is still not really a steal when reduced to $300 from $1100.

The sale opens Wednesday at 10am and runs for five days. We suggest showing up first thing if you want to grab one of those insanely priced bags or any of the great samples. Otherwise we suggest you sit tight until prices are slashed to 90% off retail.

Reed Krakoff Sample Sale
Tuesday, May 12 through Saturday, May 16
Tues & Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm
151 Wooster Street (Bwen Houston & Prince)

Bags

$300 Flap Bag

Flap Bag $300

Tote $300

Chain strap $200

Micro bag $125

Clutch $125

Sample sale racks

Grey Concept pants/skirts $75, sweaters/stops $100

Sample Dress $125

Sample dress $125

Open stock $750 from $3000

Sample shoes $75

Small leather goods

Jewelry 75% off

Sample leather pants $75

Open stock 75% off retail

Belts $50

Open stock 75% off

Open stock 75% off retail

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