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    Turnbull & Asser Winter Clearance

    There has been much talk about the details of a men’s shirt since the Wall Street Journal published an article, this week, highlighting the subtleties that constitute a quality men’s shirt. Men, and women, who appreciate bespoke tailoring may already be familiar with the intricacies ranging from cuff to collar and yoke to gusset. They are also familiar with the cost of such quality details.

    Turnbull & Asser is best known for classic English tailoring and has dressed the Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill. More contemporary clients include, Sean Connery and Christian Louboutin (do you think he lines his suits in red?). As one might expect even off the rack merchandise is pricey. Shirts can easily run above $350.

    Exceptionally good shoppers, however, know that the store has a great sale twice a year: January and July. Discounts on Winter merchandise is currently 50% off while some items are even reduced more. In the past we have seen $100 shirts and $50 ties.
    There is still an abundant amount of merchandise and the same runs until the end of the month.

    We are completely intrigued by this shirt making video on the T&A site. It’s footage of their shirt factory and although the video drones on it’s impossible to stop watching.

    Contact: Michael 212-752-5700

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    Saks’ Orphans Ship Out

    At the very end of the season, Saks Fifth Avenue ships all their left-over sales merchandise to eight major Saks locations across the country. Starting Thurs. Jan. 21st, geographically blessed shoppers can sift through racks of the season’s orphans. The sale usually only lasts a few weeks and discounts typically range from 70% off to 90% off.

    Even though the sale isn’t slated to start for two days we are sure that the racks are out. Try to find a trust worthy sales person to presale or stash your consolidation babies.

    Participating stores include:
    • Manhattan, NYC
    • Atlanta
    • Beverly Hills
    • Boston
    • Chevy Chase, D.C.
    • Chicago
    • Houston’s Galleria
    • San Francisco

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    H Williams and Krizia Sample Sale

    We’ve noticed that it’s increasingly more difficult to find an interesting pair of shoes. And when you’re going to plop down several hundred dollars or even a grand do you want to have the same shoe as every other fashion wannabe?

    All year we’ve been looking for something that’s not a red soled heel or a ballet flat with gems and we think we’ve found the perfect alternative. H Williams collection, designed by Heather Williams, retails for $350 to $995, includes a wide range of styles including zippered booties and gladiator heels. The line is made of exotic skins like python, suedes and Italian leathers. Since her debut in Fall ’09 Heather’s shoes have been showcased in Glamour, Italian Vogue and Gossip Girl.

    More than feeling lucky to have been alerted to H Williams, we are ecstatic that the introduction coincides with a sample sale. H Williams footwear has teamed up with Krizia womenswear for a sample sale where most items will be discounted 60% off. Flat riding boots, which retail for $895 will be $380, an eggplant metallic python bootie that retails for $1,200 will be $495 and a very high suede bootie with cut-outs will be $350 from $820.

    On the Krizia side most items are also 60% off, jackets will range from $278 to $572, dresses $62 to $442 and coats $324 to $854. We are a bit disappointment that the discount isn’t more. In prior seasons, we have seen Krizia merchandise reduced 70% to 80% off. In the past, we have walked away with $600 shoes for $50.

    The sale runs until January 24th but starts Wednesday evening with a Prosecco and VIP viewing. (Remember the days when VIPs got champagne?)

    H Williams and Krizia Sample Sale
    805 Madison Ave., @ 67th St
    Wed, Jan 20th to Sun., Jan. 24
    Wed. 5pm to 8pm, Thurs. to Sat. 10am to 6pm, Sun. 12pm to 5pm

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    Victoria’s Secret: A Plastic Surgeon’s Nightmare

    Once in a rare while a very mainstream item becomes a cult sensation. In this instance, women who normally wear the finest undergarments– La Perla, Eres, Guia la Bruna and Marlies Dekkers– have been opting for Victoria Secret’s Miraculous Bra ($48 to $52).

    This bra doesn’t only promise a big rack but will enhance your female assets — the top, not the bottom– two full sizes and add maximum cleavage. That is a serious promise. Online, a 34A in every color and pattern is back ordered until April. There was no way we weren’t going to check out this thing.

    To better research this uplifting sensation, we took five ladies and hit Victoria’s Secret. Oh yeah, the Miraculous bra is a Miracle on steroids. At first glance the undergarment looks like any other seamless bra. It’s not until you pick it up for closer examination that you realize the cups are more padded than a private room at Bellevue.

    After browsing, each woman took their respective bra back to the fitting room and within moments the ladies were squealing like school girls meeting the Jonas Brothers. “Oh. My. God,” “This is amazing,” and “I don’t know if I can go out looking like this,” were only some of the initial reactions.

    Here’s a closer look of what our bra testers had to say. Sorry, there’s no pictures.

    Wendy Whoppers: “This is how I looked when I first got married,” Wendy cooed after looking down at her reestablished cleavage. After four children, Wendy admits that she has considered seeking the assistance of a plastic surgeon and is very excited about the extra boost. Ultimately, our doubly blessed friend decided that her husband may not appreciate his wife sharing such similarities with Pamela Anderson.
    Verdict: She passed on the bra today but we have a feeling she will be back.

    Anita Blond: “I can’t believe I have something. I’ve never had anything. I even have cleavage,” said Anita, who has never required much support. Anita doesn’t think that the Miraculous is an every-day accessory but admits that some dresses look better when they are filled in the right places.
    Verdict: She didn’t buy the bra on the spot because she didn’t have her $10 off coupon. She will also be back!

    Boopsie Steel: “I’m getting this,” Boopsie declared without hesitation. I can wear this with tank tops, sequined blouses, dresses. “I don’t think I’m ever not wearing this,” she said.
    Verdict: Do you need to ask? We are surprised she didn’t buy more than one.

    Sandy Wilde: “Oh, my gosh. I look like a Barbie,” Sandy giggled. Afraid that her sweaters would stretch out, Sandy said she would stick to wearing her prosthetic chest on Saturday date nights.
    Verdict: There were only two bras left in her size so she decide to take it to “be on the safe side.”

    The conclusion of this little experiment is as plain as the mounds on these women’s chests. Dr. 90210 better be careful because this Miraculous bra adds a quite a bit of oomph to the bosom and without any recovery time.

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    Manolo Sale: Take 2

    Last month, we reported about Manolo’s first markdown. We also warned that the early discount–1/3 off– was just the start. Well, Monday marks the first day of the “real” Manolo Blahnik sale.

    We are told that the savings will be 50% or better on the fall/winter collection and “some alligator designs.” Last year, the price point started at $185 and went up to $400. The alligator pumps were $1500 from $4100.

    We suggest attending the sale right away if you’re looking for shoes in the under-$200-category. Popular sizes go fast and the boutique shopping experience is much better than breaking a heal to get access to the secret sample sale. Try to avoid the store between the hours of 2pm and 3pm, that’s when they close to restock.

    Manolo Blahnik Sale
    Starts Monday, Jan. 18th
    31 West 54th Street
    Mon-Fri. 10:30am to 6:00pm, Sat 10:30am to 5:30pm, Sun. 12pm to 5pm
    The boutique will close from 2pm to 3pm to restock when necessary

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    MLK Holiday at the Outlets

    The upcoming Martin Luther King holiday weekend has come to represent the end of the end. Most stores are taking their final markdowns so that sales people can concentrate on selling the high-margin current season merchandise. The same happens at outlets where the inexpensive becomes a bargain.

    On Monday, we will be heading out to Woodbury Common for our annual Martin Luther King holiday shopping spree. Yes, it’s been nine consecutive years that the Spy team has headed to Harriman, N.Y. for what we believe to be the best shopping week of the year. To prepare for our pilgrimage North, we called some of our favorite stores to get a preview of what’s in stock.

    Look for us on Twitter [LilaDelilah] on Monday. We’ll leave you a verbal trail of our shopping trappings.

    Bottega Veneta:
    There is no MLK discount but bags are an additional 30% or 60% off depending on the style and season. Ready-to-wear is an additional 75% off outlet prices but the sales person warned that the pickings are slim. In stock now: a shopper tote from winter ’08, in green red for $680, including all discounts. There are also some exotic bags like a python draw string tote for $2400ish or a Sloane bag in pink python, which is under $1300.
    845-928-4563

    Chloe
    Bags are currently 10% to 50% off outlet prices. Clothing is discounted an additional 50%. The ready-to-wear at Chloe can go down as far as 90% but most of the merchandise left by that time isn’t even worth that. The store currently has four “good” racks, according to a sales person, but we are still dubious.
    845-928-6260

    Dolce & Gabbana:
    Most of the inventory in the store is from Fall 2008 (is that considered vintage?) and is reduced an additional 60% off. “There’s a lot here,” says the shopgirl and we can’t wait to see.
    845-928-5221

    Giuseppe Zanotti:
    You always have to be careful when shopping at outlets because sometimes times the prices are more expensive than a normal boutique sale. Giuseppe is one of those boutiques. We are told the outlet has a $99 and $150 section of shoes. (Those are good prices.) Other shoes are 50% off retail. (Not a buy-worthy markdown.)
    845-928-4828

    Prada:
    The sales at the Prada outlet have been a bit sketchy these days. It almost seems as if the brand is having a bit of an identity crisis. We discount, we don’t discount. Who can figure it out? Well, the outlet is running a “promo” on ready-to-wear where dresses, skirts and pants are an additional 40% off and all other clothing is 20% off. Normal outlet prices are 40% off retail.We are anticipating prices to range from 50% to 65% retail. Not particularly newsworthy considering the last markdown in boutiques is usually 70% off.
    845-928-3706

    YSL:
    On Saturday, the YSL boutique will have a one day sale where all clothing will be an additional 50% off. Unfortunately, that won’t be much use to us on Monday. If there’s an item you have in mind, however, the YSL salesman told me they will presell it on Friday.
    845-928-2169

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    Mikimoto Sample Sale

    Mikimoto’s popular semi-annual sale upon us once again. Like last season, the sale will take place at Soiffer-Haskin where prices were 40% to 70% off. Expect to find lots of south sea pearls and opera length strands. A majority of the jewelry usually retailer between $4,000 to $10,000. So, you do the math.

    Remember to keep a discerning eye. If you find truly inexpensive jewelry it is because Mikimoto manufactures a collection of pearls for jewelry stores like Kay and other lower quality jewelry retailers.

    Most jewelry collectors look forward to this sale. So try to go early but don’t expect the Mikimoto royal treatment. One reader, from last season, commented that shopping for jewelry at Soiffer-Haskin is like going to a supermarket for diamonds. “I wish they could at least give out a jewelry box for my $2,300 (buy price) diamond and pearl pendant. Instead, it is in tiny zip lock bag and a cheap looking Mikimoto blue pouch in a typical Soiffer Haskin brown bag.”

    Hey, most women will take jewelry any way it comes: silver platter or paper bag. Thank you!

    Mikimoto Sample Sale
    Dates: Sat., Jan 16 to Wed., Jan. 20
    Hours: Sat-Tues. 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 9am-4pm
    Location: Soiffer-Haskin, 317 W 33rd St (@ 8th Ave); 718-747-1656
    Details: CC only. All sales final. No exchanges. No returns. No strollers. No children under 12.

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    Retail Therapy: Lauren Solomon

    Some people know how to put together an outfit and other’s really know how to rock it out. Lauren Solomon is the David Blaine of styling. She’s sexy and makes all kinds of fashion magic happen around her. Her most recent project was styling our favorite New York housewife, Jill Zarin for season three of the Bravo network sensation. Good-bye Roberto Cavalli track suit, helloooooo Chanel tweed.

    What’s best about Lauren? She knows how to find a great deal. Donna Karan for 95% off? She’s done it. Ferre for over 96% off? She has it. And she’s not afraid to shop for the cheap stuff like, H&M and Zara. I think we found a soul mate. Read on and tell us what you think.

    Your most prized deal?
    I have a few stand out deals. I found an amazing snakeskin knee-length fitted jacket from Donna Karan Collection that retailed for $6,000, which I bought for $300. It is sophisticated, yet edgy and can be worn to an interview or a night out. Most recently, at a sample sale, I found an Ferre jacket that retailed for $12,000 and I got it for for $500. The jacket’s beading is the most insane thing you’ve ever seen– it weighs around 10lbs. Fab!

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    I have one big purchase regret in my life. A few years ago, before I started earning money, I found a vintage Chanel bag. It was made of hard plastic and was small and square like an old music cassette. It was– by far –one of the most unique pieces that I have ever seen. I was drooling over it for days. By time time I decided to go back and buy the bag, it was gone. I still think about it all the time. I will never make that mistake again. (Ha!) If you love an item and it is one of a kind you should get it.

    For Spring your are looking for a great deal on what item?
    Everything! I always look for great deals. I can spend hours sifting through racks to find fabulous stuff for great prices. You just need to have a good eye. (Editorial note: and patience). I have personally created a balanced wardrobe of basics that I slightly update seasonally. I update my wardrobe by changing the accessories. One-of-a-kind vintage pieces are a great way to add a fresh look to your existing wardrobe. I also love to go to the garment district and buy trimmings to really personalize a garment.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Have fun! If you don’t feel good in a garment you won’t look good. It’s all about your attitude, confidence and energy. Fashion should visually express who you are as an individual. Another great tip is to mix and match expensive pieces with inexpensive pieces. Anyone can wear an entire outfit from H&M or Zara with a Chanel cuff and look like a million bucks. Some of my secret shopping haunts include, the vintage garages in Chelsea and the young designers market in SoHo. If you look closely you can basically find that same merchandise that’s being sold at Bendels but for a quarter of the price.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    I love most anything fashion– shoes, bags, costume jewelry…hats!

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    Cosmetics. There’s nothing like buying a fresh Nars bronzer or a new scent. Sometimes, I try to practice restraint and leave an item for a few hours and really think about it. If it’s still on my mind hours later I will go back and get it. Most of the time, I forget about the item within a few minutes. I wish that were the case with my Chanel cassette purse. (Ugh!)

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