Skip to content
November 21, 2012
Midnight Madness at Woodbury Common
By ManhattanMataHari
The thought of Black Friday fills us some with dread but others love the energy of overflowing stores and unbelieveable deals. To some, traveling to Woodbury Common is as much of a holiday tradition as visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center.
We sent our spies upstate to the notorious outlet center to get the inside scoop. Luckily, our sources have made it easier than ever to determine if it's worth diving right into the holiday season. To check the store hours and for additional sale information, visit the Woodbury Commons website. Those who prefer a more pieceful shopping environment are encouraged to call the outlet and have your purchases shipped right to your door.
Balenciaga
Women’s fall/winter 2011 merchandise will be an additional 25% off while spring/summer 2011 inventory is a whopping additional 60% off outlet prices. Some handbags and accessories will be marked an additional 25% to 30% off. Popular City bags are not included but there are some smaller classic First versions available for normal outlet pricing (30% off retail) in camouflage ponyhair, navy and white canvas, and black leather with gold hardware. One lucky size 42 lady can take home a popular $2650 brown moto jacket for just $1499.
Percy: (845) 928-2006
Friday: 12am-10pm
Saturday: 7am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-9pm
Bottega Veneta
Don’t count on getting any additional markdowns on popular woven style handbags or shoes, but certain seasonal purses will be an additional 30% to 50% off outlet prices this weekend. The Veneta fall/winter 2011 collection is 30% off retail with older pieces discounted 50% to 60%. Generally, outerwear and shoes are a 50% cut. Intrecciato fans won’t be disappointed to find lots of brightly colored seasonal purses like satchel styles for $2389 and totes $1529 to $1579.
Akiko: (845) 928-4563
Friday 12am-10pm
Saturday: 9am-10pm
Sunday: 9am-10pm
Chloe
The early bird clearly gets the worm at Chloe, with a door-busting additional 30% off everything in the store in the morning and then 20% after 6am. All outlet handbags are currently 50% off retail already (except for popular Marcie and Paraty styles). Lucky shoppers will be able to score these popular styles at a 20% to 30% discount, with small Marcie hobos (retail $1465 to $1500) now $1200 to $1300. Medium size Marcies in python (retail $3580) will be $2700 and a medium Paraty in rock color ($1895 retail) will be about $1600. We suggest you skip the chaos and presale these popular bags over the phone now for the 20% cut because they may not stick around until Friday. There is a plentiful selection of shoes already an additional 40% off outlet prices, including lots of exotic and leather boots, rain boots and wedge booties. Clothing is already 40% off retail and will be marked down about 50% off.
Jerry: (845) 928-6260
Friday: 12am-10pm (additional 30% off 12am-6am; 20% off for rest of weekend)
Saturday: 6am-10pm
Sunday: 6am-10pm
Fendi
Fendi opens at Midnight on Thanksgiving but additional markdowns don’t start until 6am. Outlet prices for handbags and accessories are already 30% off retail and the store will offer an additional 10% off starting in the early morning. Just be warned that there are no baguette or peekaboo styles at the store. You will find the international totes and a monogram Boston bag. Ready-to-wear will be the best bargain (outlet prices are already 65% to 70% off retail) and there will be an additional 20% cut. Shoes, including some boots will be an extra 15% to 30% off the outlets already halved prices. Furs are not included in this sale but they are 40% off retail.
Lauren: (845) 928-5455
Friday: 6am-10pm (possible in-store sale 12am-6am TBD Wednesday evening)
Saturday: 8am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-10pm
Gucci
We are told that there will be an additional Black Friday discount but the amount has yet to be determined. Women’s clothing is already 50% to 70% off retail but there are no furs or outerwear available. There are a decent amount of dresses but not many gowns. There are lots of handbags and a mix of leather a monogram styles for about 30% to 50% off retail.
Jessica: (845) 928-8034
Thursday: 9pm- Friday 10pm
Saturday: TBD if sale will continue
Sunday: TBD if sale will continue
Marni
Marni is kicking off sale season with an additional 25% off outlet prices for fall/winter 2011 merchandise. Older inventory will be an extra 50% off their outlets prices, which are already 50% from retail. Nothing in the store will be excluded and the sale will continue well past this weekend --until everything is sold.
Michelle: (845) 610-2240
Friday: 12am-10pm
Moncler
While there will be no additional discounts the store did receive a few shiny puffer jackets in green and purple yesterday. You should call now if you're interested in these because they will likely be gone by Friday. The selection of matte puffers is much better and are available in brown, taupe and black. Small sizes are limited but at least you will save 35% off of retail.
Britney: (845) 928-3045
Friday: 12am-10pm
Prada
While there will not be any additional Black Friday discounts, the outlet is 35% to 40% off retail. There are handbags, clothing, shoes (lots of boots), as well as two styles of furs. The Prada outlet is expecting a large shipment of merchandise on Friday and should be well stocked.
Britney: (845) 928-3706
Friday: 5am-10pm
Tom Ford
There is an extensive selection of leather handbags, shoes and ready-to-wear available at one of our favorite designer's outlet store. While there aren’t any popular Jennifer flap zipper bags, there are loads of discounted exotic leather bags. Brown and black crocodile (retail $19,990) are normally $7996 at the outlet, but will be discounted an additional 25% making them a cool $5997 each. Ford’s dresses will be priced between $530 and $650, including the extra 25% to 50% off outlet prices. Men and women’s shoes will be an additional 50% off and jewelry will be an additional 25%. Our jaws dropped when we found gladiator style s $71 to $78 for gladiator style sandals (retail over $650), flats around $60, and heels ranging from $122 to under $500 for exotics. You can view a price list and inventory for the sale here.
Jessica Graziadio: (845) 684 – 3100 (in store Wednesday 21st from 1pm – 9pm for requests)
Friday: 5am-10pm
Saturday: 7am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-9pm
Yves Saint Laurent
Starting Wednesday, handbags and shoes will be an additional 30% off the normal 30% discount. The YSL outlet is currently stocked with Tributes and Tribtoos, although size 38s are out of luck. They also have some oversize Muse handbags in orange and white and large versions in crackled black leather ($1183) and metallic silver ($714). Clothing and sunglasses will be an extra 60% off outlet prices. Pre-sale over the phone with a credit card is available, although all sales are final.
Shirley:(845) 928-2169
Wednesday: 10am-9pm
Friday: 12am-10pm...
November 20, 2012
Fashionista’s Gift Paradise
Right about this time of year we start brainstorming on how to wow the most fashion savvy of our friends. Really, what do you get someone who can get themselves almost anything?
We have the answer!
The CFDA & Vogue Fashion have created a charitybuzz auction to benefit those affected by superstorm Sandy. This auction is not just any auction. The biggest names in fashion have donated some truly amazing prizes that would make even the most irreverent fashion insider crack a smile.
Auction prizes include attending fashion week with Anna Wintour, which is already priced at $10,000 and a personal styling session with Charlotte Ronson with two front row tickets to her fashion show and after party. That one has a current bid of just $2000 but is valued at $10k.
There is really a gift for almost everyone: You can win your fashion obsessed daughter a week internship at DKNY. You can even wow your hedge fund husband by winning him a round of golf with NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
Our personal dream gift is the week at Diane von Furstenberg's Harbour Island Beach House. Everyone needs to get out of the cold.
The auction ends December 5th and we couldn't think of a more fulfilling way to help others!
...
November 19, 2012
Presale at Gucci & YSL
Early this week is the best time time to get shop if you're looking for a bit of savings and beating the crowds. Department stores and high-end boutiques have started taking presale orders for holiday promotions.
Most recently, Gucci and YSL started their presales. Right now, you can save between 30% and 50% off at Gucci boutiques. If you prefer to shop online then you can use this private online presale link and your order will ship on November 30th. In-store shoppers, who find a compassionate sales person, may be able to take their purchases with them immediately. While browsing the Gucci boutique, we found a lilac Soho tote for $979 from $1395, a black wool cape is $1100 from $2200 and Betty platform booties are $500 from $1000.
Over at Yves Saint Laurent/ Saint Laurent/ Saint Laurent Paris --still can't figure out the rebranding and don't really care-- you should be able to presale your intended purchases within a boutique. There is no online presale link, yet. The discount is similar to Gucci with bags marked 30% off but clothing is 40% off. While the store is fully stocked, we suggest grabbing a pair of these metallic silver pumps or a leather miniskirt.
Those who have an affinity for YSL beauty can save 20% off during the brand's friends and family beauty event. Shoppers can use this link take advantage of the is private link. The sale runs through November 22 and you can use the code PREVIEW12....
November 16, 2012
Busting the Saks Door Buster
Want to pick up some great deals at Saks Fifth Avenue for Black Friday but loath the idea of shopping among the throngs of early morning shoppers? Our trick is presaling the items we most covet.
Starting Monday, you can ask a Saks sales person to set help you set aside the purchases you would otherwise make the day after Thanksgiving. If you play your cards right you can save yourself 70% off.
It may not seem like great-discount-shopping season but the markdowns add up quickly. Right now the many items are discounted 40% off. Then the Saks door buster is usually another 50% off if you shop before noon. Before you know it, you have a November markdown of 70% off.
There's one hitch, not all items are included. The extra 50% only pertains to items already marked down. You might need to sift through some racks to find what you want but it's better than waiting for the consolidation sake. So, we highly suggest you go to Saks early next week if you're looking to take advantage of the unbelievable deals presented by Saks. Otherwise, you can always door bust with the best of them....
November 15, 2012
Madison Ave Loan Co
Madison Avenue Loan Co. is a private loan company that offers high-end clients collateralized bridge loans on jewelry, art, exotic cars and other valuable items. For more time sensitive needs Madison Avenue Loan Co. can appraise and purchase your valuables immediately.
Just think of it, from the time you have performance evaluations to when your company actually cuts the bonus check can be agonizing. Madison Avenue Loan Co. can take the edge off that pain and allow you to finance your annual New Year's vacation or the second half of your children's private school tuition.
Professional discretion is always a priority. Meetings take place in a plush office located conveniently in mid-town Manhattan. No transaction is too small or too large. All inquires are confidential and regarded with a high level of sensitivity. Call today to find out more information.
Madison Avenue Loan Company
646-278-7206
...
November 15, 2012
Presale Lanvin & Tom Ford
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just a week away? It's certainly hard to believe but the approaching holiday season means that sales are about to spring into action.
While many shoppers think it's necessary to wait for "Black Friday" to get the best deals we are true believers in shopping ahead of time, or presaling our purchases. Most high end boutiques and department stores allow good customers to set aside their purchases until their sale officially begins. Usually all you need to do is leave your credit card information. Some boutiques will even messenger your packages!
This week two of our favorite designers will begin preselling their winter collection. Lanvin's sale will officially start the November 26 but you can begin shopping the sale right now. The discount on bags, shoes, clothing and accessories is set to be at 30% off. Almost everything except classic items are included in the markdown. The next markdown is usually after Christmas when the discount goes to 50%.
Over at Tom Ford, the markdown is even better at 50% off. Most fall and winter fashion is included in the sale. We suggest snagging a dress or top with oversized zippers and booties with similar gold accent zippers are a must have.
Contact:
Lanvin, Rick 646-439-0380
Tom Ford, Melissa 212-359-0300...
November 15, 2012
Maison Martin Margiela x H&M
Maison Martin Margiela goes on sale at H&M at 8am Thursday but we were given a sneak peak to the sale this evening. After months of marketing teases we were excited to see how MMM's avant-garde designs translate on Main Street.
We all agree fast fashion on the cheap is fun but H&M's price points on this collection are much higher than usual. Maison Martin Margiela's H&M booties with a plexiglass wedge are $350, a leather clutch is $150 and leather bondage jacket is $400. Yes, these are some of the more expensive items. In contrast, shoes from the Lanvin x H&M collection were $99, a faux fur jacket was $150 and bags were $50.
So is the MMM collection worth the premium? That all depends on how much you like the French design house. For most of the general public the proportions are a bit intimidating. The candy wrapper clutch and over sized duvet coat coat are not wearable for most of the fashion buying population.
On the other hand, those who understand how to fuse together the exaggerated proportions with the stiffness of other designs will be thrilled. So to answer our original question, the $350 H&M booties and $350 leather pants are amazing but tread lightly unless you're sure you know how you work the over sized peacoat into your current wardrobe....
November 14, 2012
Thakoon’s Actual Sample Sale
By ManhattanMataHari
It’s hard to find a true sample sale nowadays – where sample actually refers to often one-of-a-kind designs in a model sample size. Well, as predicted the Thakoon sample sale is bringing the sample to sample sale in a big way.
While there are a few pieces of overstock from seasons past in various sizes, it seems the majority of the clothing on the racks were true samples. This is definitely a sale for skinny minnies since Thakoon’s sample sizes are 2 and 4. We didn’t spot anything in a size 6 and one lone size 8 dress.
The size range may scale towards the small size but so do prices. We found $50 printed cotton maxi dresses available in size XS or S. These may even accommodate a model that had a tiny-rainbow cupcake for lunch. In addition, there is a mix of seasonal clothing, with everything from summery maxi dresses and skirts to sweaters and even a $350 tweed peacoat.
The price points are generally $50 for tops, tanks and pants, with some nicer silk blouses, knitwear and skirts set at $100. Expect to find most of the dresses to be $200, including some nice solid silk, silk print and wool versions. However, some simple dresses can be found in the mix for $150. There were a good amount of pants too.
There are also some items that are specially priced as marked. Popular croc-embossed metallic dresses and blazers are $300, while some blue leather Addition jackets are $500, with a collection patent crop jacket next to them going for $600. A fun multicolored silk dress with a leather woven skirt overlay is $500.
We love that the sale is predominantly Thakoon collection, although there is a small selection from Thakoon Addition too. Prices for the lower end line mainly range from $150 to $200.
Overall, the shopping atmosphere was pleasant but we aren't exaggerating when we say that the sample sizes are so small that Lady Gaga shouldn't even waste her time.
Thakoon
Tuesday, November 13 through Saturday, November 17
8:30am—6:30pm daily
270 Lafayette St at Prince St, suite 1005...
