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    The Department Store Round-up

    Department store markdowns are the slowest in memory. As one Saks salesman remarked, “We are getting revenge from last year.” Oh, there’s no revenge in shopping. We just lust after great deals.

    If you’re still in holiday shopping mode you’re going to want to check out our discount guides for the Meatpacking District, Men’s boutiques, 5th Avenue/ 57th Street and, of course, Madison Avenue. Below are the department store promotions.

    Barneys: Congrats to Barneys for becoming the first department store to take a second markdown. The sale is now 60% off on shoes and clothing and bags and accessories etc. Sizes are going fast. Be careful if you are ordering online. The inventory for the site is not maintained in real time. Orders often get canceled when items are sold out.

    Bergdorf Goodman: The first markdown of the season followed Black Friday. Women’s 3rd floor designers, shoes, accessories and the men’s store were all discounted 40%. Second markdown will begin Tuesday and all the same departments will discount fall/winter merchandise 60%. With one wave of the sale wand, Bergdorf has become the best place to shop — for selection and price–before Christmas. We imagine there will not be an additional discount until mid-January.

    Bloomingdales: Figuring out the discount at Bloomingdales always takes a math PhD. The 40% off regular price, plus an extra 20% incentive, plus an additional 15% off if you use your Bloomies card brings the saving to, drum roll please… 58.4% off. I hope I did that right. While you’re there don’t forget to pick up a Nespresso espresso. It’s the perfect antidote to the cold weather and shopping fatigue.

    Saks: How we used to love Saks. Though 30% to 40% off is just not that lovable. We spoke to several sales people today only to find out that there will be no additional discount until after Christmas. And it’s after Christmas when our love will return to Saks. Until noon Satuday you can take an additional 50% off already reduced prices for a total of up to 70% off. After noon, Saturday, the discount goes to 40%. We suggest you find a sales person immediatly if you would like to take advantage of the early discount.

    Neiman Marcus: The official discount on fine apparel and designer collections is still just 40%. We are told that the stores are “awaiting a directive for after Christmas sales.” However, we have heard reports about Viviers at half off. We’re not crossing a bridge or tunnel any time soon. So we’re going to need you to report back on what you see.

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    Meatpaking District Round-up

    We are combing the city looking for the best deals. There are only four shopping days left until Christmas and you need to keep to a budget. We’re telling you what discount to expect before you get to the store. So far, we’ve covered Madison Avenue, Fifth Ave/57th Street, our favorite gentleman’s boutiques, and now we’re heading down to the Meatpacking district.

    DVF: The fall season is discounted just 30%. Smart shoppers hit the sample sale where prices were 50% to 75% off. If sample saling (yes, we use it as a verb) does not fit your lifestyle, boutique prices often go to 70% by season’s end.
    Ashley 646-486-4800

    Alexander McQueen: You never know what to expect when you go to an McQueen store. Sometimes the collection can be morose and other times just over-the-top. This season, everywhere we looked there was something to love. The markdown is 60% off. Even with the steep discount some items are way over budget. Take this bird-print funnel neck dress. It’s still almost $2400 even after the discount. The dress was originally $5,975. The dress is a real piece of art but for those prices we prefer to save up for a Kandinsky. Not all items are thousands. A cable knit dress is $664 from $1670, a cowl neck dress is $659 from $1655 and statement platform shoes are $464 from $1165.

    Mosell 212-645-1797

    Stella McCartney: As we write, the fall/winter collection is 40% off but the discount goes to 50% on Monday. The discount includes bags and shoes. The additional markdown is happening right on time because there’s still quite a bit of merchandise left.
    Jason 212-255-1556

    Matthew Williamson: Everything is so much more colorful downtown but few designers are brighter than Matthew Williamson. Right now prefall is 60% off and the runway collection is 50% off. The discount could go to 80% after the New Year and that’s when we will start charging it up.
    Charice 212-255-9881

    Jeffery NYC: The discount went down to 40% on Thursday. Shoes are selling quickly. The “racks” are up and if you’re a 7.5 don’t even bother. There’s nothing left. There is a healthy selection of 8s and the biggest variety of shoes is the 10s or a European 40. The clothing is hit or miss when it comes to sizes. It is very clear that Jeffery was very cautious with his inventory.
    Michelle 212-206-1272

    Shelly Steffee: If you’re looking for great customer service, Shelly Steffee is the store for you. The sales women are super helpful and sweet. Dawn even offered to give us dresses on special consignment, so we can try them on at home. The markdown is 20% to 50% off depending on the production run and stock. Bottoms, for example, are 30% while a vest is just 20% off. There’s a little bit of everything left. It’s worth a shot just for the enjoyable shopping environment.
    Dawn 917-408-0409

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    Rodarte for Target

    For weeks we have been anticipating the launch of Rodarte for Target. It’s the perfect designer mash-up. Rodarte’s clothing is thousands of dollars even on sale. So to get your hands on great design for a very novel price is well, novel. In this case, Target left out an important component of a successful collaboration–quality. There needs to be some semblance of quality to the garment no matter how inexpensive the price tag.

    Yes, the Rodarte line looks great. We’ve been eyeing that black sequined ribcage dress since early pictures hit the Internet. When we actually felt the dress our hearts sank. The front is great looking but the back feels like a Disney fairy princess costume. The same goes for many of the Target garments. As a matter of fact, we looked through the entire line and couldn’t find a natural fabric besides for a few tee-shirts.

    The pretty camisoles are a horrid polyester. Silk can be sourced for so cheap. Come on! The crepe floral wrap dress feels like a flame retardant pajama. The faux fur vest might be better used to scrub pans.

    We understand the pressure to raise profit margins in tough economic times but Kate and Laura Mulleavy must have questioned the quality being used to execute their creative vision. For us, we rather admire $5,000 dresses and never own one than to overlook quality for a name on a label.

    Luckily brand appeal is prevailing. A fitting room attendant told us the line is doing very well. If you must buy something from the Rodarte collection go for the floral wind breaker or the mesh lace cardigan. In both cases the material and design are suitable.

    Going forward we hope that Target execs will look back to the quality lines they did with Rogan, Thakoon and Templerly London. All are great examples of Target designer collaborations. Unfortunately, it looks like a CFO had the most significant input in this Rodarte collection.

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    Men’s Roundup

    This week we’re breaking down all the sales. So far we’ve listed our sale finds from Madison Avenue, Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. Even with all these lists we’ve overlooked the boys. Today we are dedicating ourselves to the men and the women who shop for them. Here is an encapsulation (we’re not stopping) of sales occurring for men. Keep checking back throughout the day. We have several more stores to add.

    Armani: We love the spacey feeling of Armani Fifth Avenue but really, how many Armani stores can be in a 15 block radius? We clock five. Anyway, we diverge. All collections of Armani, ranging from Giorgio Armani to Armani Jeans, are 40% off. We spotted several iconic unstructured suits marked down, along with Armani Exchange shoes and Armani Jeans denim.
    Jennifer 212-207-1902

    Ermenegildo Zegna: Most of the fall/winter collection has been marked down 40%, including shoes, sweaters, pants, and shirts. Suits are discounted just 30%. In prior seasons we’ve seen the Zegna discount go as low as 70%.
    James 212-421-4488

    Ralph Lauren: One thing that drives us crazy about Ralph Lauren is that the prices on the web don’t match up to prices in the store. For example, most items ranging from Black Label to RLX were 50% off in the store but if you look at the site the discount is still just 40%. There are also so many different web coupons flying around that you never really know if you’re getting the best price. Ralph, lets streamline things a bit. Okay?
    David 212-606-2100

    Tom Ford: The autumn collection has been cut in half. Everything from suits, to shoes, to sweaters is now half the price.
    Contact: Mario 212-359-0300

    Turnbull & Asser: Best known for dressing the Prince of Wales, Turnbull & Asser is the place to go for the perfect shirt. Forget about mass marketed Thomas Pink. We’re talking bespoke, Be-spoke. Most frequent shoppers of T&A don’t even know that that store has a major sale twice a year: January and July. Prices go as low as 80% to 90% off. Think $100 shirts and $50 ties. Nothing is marked down now but January is just a month away.
    Michael 212-752-5700

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    Fifth Avenue and 57th Street Round-up

    Yesterday we started our countdown to Christmas with an overview of sales happening along Madison Avenue. Today, we bring you a recapitulation (game on!) of the markdown along Fifth Avenue and across 57th Street.

    Bottage Veneta: The bag sale, according to most sales people, never happened. Wink. Wink. Sure. Getting sale information about ready-to-wear and shoes is no problem. Anyone is happy to alert you to the fact that clothing and select shoes are 50% off. Just don’t mention discounted bags because you will get sent straight to a department store. L’horreur, or should we say l’orrore!
    Angeline 212-371-5511

    Burberry: Our email box is filled daily with Burberry communications but try getting a sales person on the phone. The store is completely unable to communicate. After calling four times and being left on hold– one time for nine minutes– we decided we don’t really care about Burberry THAT much. If the web site is accurate, the Porsum collection is discounted about 30%.
    Sadia (212) 407-7100

    Dior: Most of the fall/winter collection is off the sales floor “but there’s a bit in the back we can take out for you.” The discount on ready-to-wear is 40% and 50% off. Unfortunately, Ski gear is not on sale…yet!
    Jenny 212-249-5822

    Emilio Pucci: The Pucci sale started just last week so there is still a great selection of merchandise across the board. Most clothing, shoes and bags are 40% off and new items are still being added to the sale selection. To get a better idea of the sale selection, shop the web site.
    Marcia: 212 230-1135

    Ferragamo: There is a good amount of merchandise on sale. The discount is still just 35% off for clothing, shoes, scarves, wallets and handbags. We say wait for after Christmas. Prices here usually get get very good towards January/ February.
    Nick 212-759-3822

    Miu Miu: Clothing and shoes are marked down 50% off. Bags are 40% off. There’s actually a good selection of discounted handbags including studded purses and classic style totes.
    Judith 212-249-9660

    Yves Saint Laurent: Shoes bags and clothing are now up to 60% off. There is still a quite a good selection of discounted bags that range from 40% to 60% off. The discount all depends on the popularity of the bag. For example, sale the popular Muse bag in python, metallic leathers and fur are 40% off.
    Donald 212-832-710

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    Yipit Launches

    We know you love Madison Avenue Spy because we serve up great sale information about all your favorite boutiques but there’s more to New York than just shopping. Yes, just a bit more. Like, we need to eat right?

    Yipit sorts though all the promotion clutter and serves up the best deals at restaurants, bar, spas and services from all over the city. Oh yes, they have shopping information too. (Some of which comes from us!) What’s even cooler is that you can enter your personal information and Yipit’s sale data will be localized to your specific neighborhood. We’re talking a three block radius.

    Our favorite Yipit deal came this fall, when David Burke Townhouse offered an Octoberfest lunch for $9. The Spies all loved the food and the price. Right now in our neighborhood, we can get 20% off a new bag at Artbag when we bring in a purse for repair, we can get a free glass of champers at Brasserie Julien or get 25% off a new coat at Barbour when an old coat is donated.

    Pretty cool, huh? You can find out the best deals in your neighborhood or throughout the city by signing up here.

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    J.Crew Collection Markdowns

    The J.Crew store, on Madison, always has nice sparkly things but for the price we figure that we can do better. Today, we passed through thinking it would be a fast stop but then we spotted a man with a markdown gun. (Always keep your eyes open for a markdown gun.)

    In an unprecedented moment, tons of J.Crew collection items were being discounted. The markdown gun lead us to blouses that went from $79 to $19.99. We found a gorgeous wool coat that was reduced from $258 to $159. There was even sale jewelry. We found a jeweled necklace for just $20 and a floral sash was just $10 from $35. In addition, there was a great assortment candy colored cashmere crew-necks for $99. (Gift Alert!)

    Don’t bother shopping the website. The assortment of sale merchandise at the store is much more plentiful and the discounts are steeper.

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    Madison Avenue Sale Round-up

    We are a mere ten days from Christmas and the pressure is mounting. For the final countdown we are going to canvas the city in order to find the best deals. Today we hit dozens of Madison Avenue women’s boutiques to form our most comprehensive sale round-up ever.

    Carolina Herrera: Pre-fall and fall merchandise is 50% off. Don’t expect to find a large inventory and what’s left is a scattering of random size. So what’s your lucky size?
    Naura (212) 249-6552

    Chanel: We are sorry to report that there are no sale bags this season. If it makes you happy, jewelry and shoes are 40% off.
    Stephanie 212-535-5505

    Chloe: “We have loads of clothing and lots of bags,” all of which are discounted 40%. The shoe and boot collection is smaller but we think that there’s time for additional markdowns.
    Incus: 212-717-8220

    Christian Louboutin: The 40% off discount has been going on since Thanksgiving. What’s left? “It all depends on size.” Sale items include select fall/winter shoes, fashion pieces and a scattering of inventory from last spring/summer. The older merchandise isn’t discounted any further because: “We don’t ever go more than 40% at the boutiques.”
    Erich (212) 396-1884

    Dolce & Gabbana: Last weekend, our friends and family got a 60% off discount but mortals are only awarded with a 40% markdown. There is still a nice selection in clothing, shoes, accessories and handbags. The sale should go to 60% either right before or after Christmas. Keep your eyes open.
    Rodney 212-249-4100

    Gucci: Inventory is starting to run low, at Gucci as customers pick through the sale items. Ready-to-wear and shoes are 50% to 60% off. If there’s something you want, go now, because “there’s not much stock.”
    Maura 212-717-2619

    Jill Sander: The ready-to-wear, shoes and bags are 50% off. There is a “moderate” selection of sizes.
    Jess (212) 838-6100

    Jimmy Choo: There’s still a great selection of boots, bags and shoes, which are now 50% off. Sizes are also abundant. So you’re likely to find Cindy’s lucky size.
    Faisa 212-759-7078

    Luca Luca: The discount ranges from 20% to 50% depending on the specific stock level for each item. At the 50% level there are several sweaters and dresses.
    Solia (212) 288 9285

    Michael Kors: Expect to find a lot of one-shoulder numbers, black and white sheaths, satin dresses, and neon frocks at Michael Kors. Fall and pre-fall is marked down 50% across the board. Just be warned: there are only four neon-pink strapless cashmere dresses! If you have a body and personality to pull that number off, we suggest you save money and just wear a bikini.
    Denny 212-452-4685

    Missoni: Upstairs, you will find fall/winter ready-to-wear discounted 40%. The men’s collection, downstairs to the right, is discounted 50% off. No. Scarves still aren’t on sale. We wonder if this is good sign for the economy. Call it, The Missoni Indicator.
    Paige Newsam 212-517-9339.

    Prada: Ready-to-wear and shoes are 50% off. Handbags and accessories are discounted 40%. There is an unusually large selection on Madison because “a new shipment just came in from Italy.” You’ve got to love customs.
    Christina (Madison Ave.) 212-327-4200

    Sigerson Morrison: Markdowns are still in progress. Select items are 30% off. There is a “good” selection of flats and boots on sale. We would wait for a larger and wider markdown before hailing a cab.

    Contact: Amelia (212) 734-2100

    Valentino: Expect to find a plentiful assortment of ready-to-wear, bags and shoes – all marked down 40%. Of course, the classic style bags aren’t on sale but you can still get the seasonal colors (patent green and gray) discounted. Robert 212-772-6969

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