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December 3, 2010
Gift Ideas: Mark Schwartz’s Shoe Art
In honor of Art Basel, we thought we would focus today's gift idea on artful shoes. No, these shoes will not take up any more room in your closet but they are equally as beautiful. Mark Schwartz creates serious shoe art.
Mark started his career in the early 80s working as an assistant shoe designer to Roger Vivier. His sketches were dazzling and quickly caught the attention of Andy Warhol. The two artists quickly became friends and colleagues. In the 1990s, Mark opened his first shoe boutique in SoHo but it was his paintings that continued to catch the eye of shoe lovers.
There is an extensive gallery of sketches available for purchase on Mark's website. Most of them are being seriously discounted and can be purchased for between $100 and $200 each. That's much less than a shoe from a Vivier sample sale. A We couldn't imagine a more original and thoughtful gift for a true shoe lover....
December 2, 2010
Petit Bateau Brooklyn Sale
After a successful run in Tribeca, the Petit Bateau sample sale is packing it in and docking across the East River, in Park Slope.
Brooklynites, are you ready to save 50% to 60% off a great selection of items for women, children and babies? Well, you already live in Brooklyn, so spotting a great deal should be second nature.
What do you think about $40 tees for $20, plush velour kid¹s pajamas for $24 from $48 or adorable $28 onesies for just $14? We thought you would like that.
Unlike most sample sales, this isn¹t a one hit wonder. Large shipments are expected to arrive daily, which means that there is always something new to explore. You in? We certainly are!
Petit Bateau Sample Sale- Brooklyn
Sale starts Thursday, December 2nd
Mon-Sat. 9am to 6pm, Sun. 11am to 5pm
219 7th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn
Cash and credit cards
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December 2, 2010
Gift Ideas: Tom Ford Black Orchid
Tonight was the first night of Hanukkah. At least you get eight more tries if you blew it tonight. From now until Christmas we will be offering gift suggestions. Buying the right gift on sale could be difficult and can often be tacky. Our goal is to choose items that will be appreciated and imply personality and style.
There are so many reasons to hate winter but there are few reasons to love the gray season too. One of our favorites are the woodsy, dark and sexy scents. Our favorite, for several years in a row, is Tom Ford's Black Orchid. This scent somehow channels the very value that make men and woman similarly swoon for the dashing designer.
The Tom Ford Beauty Black Orchard Gift Set includes lipstick, nail polish and pressed perfume. The pressed perfume is great because you never have to worry about it going bad or spilling. Practical and sexy, it's almost a contradiction.
$140 @ Saks Fifth Avenue ...
December 2, 2010
Amazing Fur Sample Sale
Whether it’s faux or real, nothing says it’s 10-below and I don’t care better than fur. Next week, you can get a jump-start on winter chic and save a bundle at the Cassin, sherry cassin and Jocelyn sample sale.
All three brands can be found at the most exclusive stores. The three-day sample sale will include a variety of luxury furs and outerwear, including rainwear and faux fur for 50% to 90% off. A Jocelyn fox and raccoon scarf will be $198 from $495 and you can snag sherry cassin Mongolian lamb vests for $295 from $695.
In addition to the anticipated vests and coats, we are also told there will be a great selection of scarves, hats, wraps, vests and ponchos. You can even bedeck your picky older sister with gifts starting at under $100. Lets see her turn up her nose at that!
Cassin/sherry cassin/Jocelyn Sample Sale
Wednesday, December 8 to Friday, December 10
Wed & Thurs. 9:30am to 7:00pm, Fri 9:30am to 6:30pm
150 West 30th Street (@ 7th Ave), 5th Floor
Cash and Credit Cards Only
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December 2, 2010
Worthy Sample Sales
Our inbox has been flooded with sample sale alerts ranging from the fabulous to the ridiculous. It would be so easy for us to list all the upcoming sales but we know how much you hate running to an out-of-the way location to find long lines and barely reduced merchandise.
So here are our reviews of the most talked about upcoming sample sales. Of course, there are no assurances but we deem the below sample sales to be money saving shopping opportunities.
Michael Angel
Friday, December 3 to Sunday, December 5
Fri 10:30am to 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 11am to 5pm
65 Greene Street, 3rd Floor
Visa, Mastercard and Cash
Aussi designer, Michael Angel is known for his striking prints and well engineered clothing. His designs can be found on the pages of the most prestigious fashion magazines, including Vogue and V Magazine.
The sale will feature prices up to 90% off. We have a feeling that this will be one of those o-m-g sales--unmistakable fashion for unbelievable prices. That’s one way to get your heart pounding!
Brian Atwood
Monday, December 6
9am to 6pm
444 West 17th Street (between 9th &10th Ave.)
As of last week, the Brian Atwood sample sale was running under the radar but it appears that everyone and their grandmother is pumped up about snagging a pair of edgy heels for just $150.
We have a feeling that this sale could be madness but would remiss to exclude it from our listing. The sale is just one day. We would normally suggest going late and bypassing the lines. In this case, if you want a chance at a winner pair of shoes you’re going to have to get there early.
Diane von Furstenberg
Tuesday, December 7 to Friday, December 10
Tue 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 10am to 8pm, Thur 10am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 3pm
260 5th Ave (between 28th and 29th St.)
The DVF sale is legend, not especially for prices but for selection. The first day is always the most crazy. There are lines to get in. Lines to try on clothing. Lines to pay. We suggest waiting to at least the afternoon or until the second or third day of the sale.
In past seasons, wrap dresses and vintage styles were $150, coats $350, cocktail dresses $250 and sweaters $80. By Thursday, prices are usually cut significantly. The only problem is that inventory isn't usually replenished. If you’re looking for a simple wrap dress we would suggest hitting the Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio where there were several styles for just $179.
Cesare Paciotti
Wednesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 9
10 am to 6pm
12 West 57th Street, suite 901
CASH ONLY
If you haven’t blown your yearly budget on shoes yet, you may be able to make up for lost time at the Cesare Paciotti sample sale. Men’s and women’s shoes and accessories will be discounted up to 80% off.
We don’t have many details on this sale but hope that showroom employees are warmer than the Madison Avenue boutique sales help. Someone has to tell those women that nasty does not sell shoes.
L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers
Wednesday, December 8 to Friday December 10
Wed 8am to 8pm, Thus 10am to 8pm and Fri 8am to 6pm
144 Fifth Avenue (Between 19th & 20th St.), 2nd Floor
CREDIT CARDS ONLY
Don’t worry, we weren’t expecting you to fill your closet with Gwen Stefani’s designs. But we know your niece, little cousin and friends’ daughters will love the edgy styling and grown-up feel of LAMB or the fun anime of Harajuku.
Prices will be up to 70% off. A LAMB Maria Messenger Bag will be $75 from $228 and a Harajuku Lovers Candy Bar Tote will be $25 from $88. Just add a lip gloss and you will be sure to be to win hearts without spending a bundle.
Temperley London
Saturday, December 11 to Friday, December 17
Sat 11am to 7pm, Sun 12pm to 6pm, Mon to Fri 11am to 7pm
453 Broome Street, 2nd Floor
Okay, this sale is all about you. We've been to the store and know there is an abundance of amazing pieces. It’s going to be hard to choose. At least you know the prices will be great.
Prices will be up to 80% off. We know from the past that this DOESN’T mean that there’s a small rack of steeply discounted merchandise. For example, a Temperley London mini dress will be $398 from $995 and a Temperly London jacket will be $880 from $2200....
November 30, 2010
Luxury for Just Pennies
Long weekends are one of the highlights of the holiday season. What could be better than a weekend away from the normal grind? Perhaps, a more stylish way to travel. This week, ScoreLuxe.com is auctioning off --the very hard to get—Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall 60.
This versatile duffle bag, which has a current bid of just 5-cents, will make the perfect gift for anyone who likes to go-go-go. Actually, we can’t imagine anyone giving it away. It will make the perfect gift for, aham, yourself!
We know what you’re thinking. How can a $1200 bag sell for just pennies? Well, ScoreLuxe.com is an innovative auction site, which allows shoppers to purchase bids and score their dream splurge for fractions of their retail price. Just last week an $1850 Gucci bag sold for 56-cents, a $500 Bloomingdales gift card sold for $6.64 and a $500 Tiffany gift card sold for 74-cents.
What’s even better is that all the items on ScoreLuxe.com are purchased directly from the retailer and are guaranteed authentic and brand new. So you never have to worry about your mother-in-law complaining that you stuck her with a bootleg Vuitton.
Bids are just 99-cents each and think about how much fun you will have bragging to your friends about the amazing find you snagged for more than 99% off. Be sure to check out ScoreLuxe.com for other upcoming auctions like gift cards from Neiman Marcus, Burberry and Saks.
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November 30, 2010
McQueen’s Last Collection 40% Off
The fall and winter collections are officially on sale at Alexander McQueen. The discount is 40% off most clothing, shoes and accessories.
This collection is the last designs that we overseen by the late McQueen. We are sure that key pieces will go quickly. The discount is also available online but only for shoes. We suggest browsing the website and calling your closest McQueen boutique to facilitate your purchase.
If you are looking to choose truly iconic pieces, go with the print marino wool dresses or a double breasted jacket. It just doesn't get more McQueen than that. If you're willing to wait it out, the discount should go to 60% off.
Mosell 212-645-1797...
November 30, 2010
Lanvin Presale Begins
If you are like most fashion loving consumers, you browsed the Lanvin for H&M online lookbooks and watched the fashion show video. But standing at the entrance of a local H&M at the crack of down was just too much for many fashion obsessed customers. Don't be ashamed, we happen to agree.
When our spy appeared at the 86th Street H&M location mid-morning, she asked a shopper about her Lanvin purchases and the shopper quickly responded, "Are you nuts! Lanvin is 10 blocks away, you think I'm going to wait in line." Amen!
Fast forward two weeks and our Lanvin salesman (from Madison Avenue not 86th Street) advises us that presale has started and the discount is 30% off clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories. Okay, we admit, 30% off a $2000 purchase isn't close to a $200 dress but we are always suckers for the real thing.
How insane is that asymmetrical wool crepe dress? Items like this cannot be found in H&M. We are going to keep our fingers crossed for a second markdown!
Christopher 646-439-0381...
