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    Moda Operandi: Met Ball-Worthy Gowns at 70% Off

    While most people are worrying about what they are going to wear for New Years, we are more interested in scoring a gown for the Met Ball on sale. This year, the event will take place on May 4 and the theme will be ‘Chinese Whispers: Tales of the East in Art, Film and Fashion.’ Chairs include, Jennifer Lawrence, Anna Wintour, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, Chinese actress Gong Li and businesswoman Wendi Deng Murdoch.

    We strongly suggest you get shopping now if you plan on shining as bright as the stars without spending the equivalent of a full wardrobe. Zac Posen’s gowns are always a big winner at the annual event and the construction of this box-pleat nude gown makes it a huge contender. Sure, it’s nude, which is a bit bridal but the right accessories can make this dream dress work. The current price is $2610 from almost $9000. (Here is the black short version for $1720 from $4000 and a pink one for $1480 from $2700.)

    You can bet that the asian theme will render red the most popular color on the steps of the Met — and it won’t only be the red carpet. The lines and the floral macrame of this Giambattista Valli gown will fit the theme perfectly, without being too literal. The discount price is $7000 from $11,800.

    The passing of Oscar de la Renta has made waves in the fashion industry and you can be sure insiders and stars will want to pay homage. You too can pay tribute in this jacquard silk two-piece dress that’s $2000 from $4800. This rose print dress is an Oscar alternative that’s priced at $1390 from $4790. Over here is a sexy Antonio Berardi lace and knit gown that’s reduced to $1525 from $4300.

    Granted, none of these dresses can be considered inexpensive but we always suggest arming your wardrobe with two gowns that you can throw on at a moment’s notice. There are few things worse than needing a gown and having to spend full price because it’s the wrong time of year. If there’s any chance you’re going to the Met Ball, or any-like event, get your dress now. June will be the next time you see discounts this high.

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    As Seen on Fox 5's Good Day NY

    Here is a list and the links to all the great discount fashion find I mentioned this morning on Good Day NY:

    1. Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jackets for Men & Women are now $50 from $70

    2. Gap In-Store is now 60% off already reduced merchandise
    Marino wool sweater is now $16 from $54
    Marino wool Cardi $18 from $59
    Floral sweatshirt $6.40 from $40
    Sequin sweater was not on sale in the store but manager price matched the website and gave the 60% off $14 from almost $60

    3. Athleta is offering an additional 20% off reduced items for a savings of about 50% sale ends 12/31
    Half Zip Running Top I paid $47 from $89, if I got it online it would have come to about $35 online
    High Tech ‘Drifter’ leggings $36 from $79

    4. J Crew is offering 40% off reduced merchandise for a savings of about 50%
    Tassle necklace $32 from $78
    Kid’s gold and navy tee $15 from $38
    Elephant skirt (No longer online) $32 from $68
    Women’s jeweled top $32 from $88

    5. Most high end designer clothing is 60% off at department stores but the discount on shoes and handbags vary. Barneys NY has the best prices for shoes right now.
    Lace Manolo BBs are $309 from $789

    Gucci is even offering 50% off most merchandise.
    Rainboots (no longer available online) $130 from $260

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    Stores that Offer More than Shopping

    New York is one of the best shopping destinations on earth. Whether you’re a tourist or are staycationing, you’re bound to hit the stores this holiday season. Even if you have your kids in tow, there are lots places you can shop and have loads of fun without even spending a ton of money. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

    H&M Time Square
    Sure, almost every mall in America has an H&M but how many of these retailers offer a multi-media runway? When you walk into the mega-store head, you need to the right up the stairs to the second floor. There you will be greeted by a runway lit with multi-colored LEDs, a live DJ and a working camera. I personally like to give the kids a $20 shopping budget and allow them to model their creations. After strutting your stuff, your image will be displayed on a large flat panel screen in the store and emailed to your account to share with friends.

    Saks Fifth Avenue’s Beauty on Five
    Walking around the stores for hours can be tiring. You can easily add a bit of energy and beauty to your day if you head to the fifth floor of Saks. Here you will find several beauty concessions. A brow bar finished by Blink Brow Bar and makeovers offered by Trish McEvoy. Our favorite, however, is the Paint Worskshop by Nails Inc. Ladies (and men) can make an appointment (212-940-4251) or walk up to get an entire assortment of manicures, ranging from gel to ornate nail art. The basic express mani is reasonably priced at $18 and the ‘Material Girl’ manicure is $30 and comes with a bottle of polish, which would usually cost $14 alone.

    Toys R Us Times Square
    Shopping at Toys R Us should be enough stimulation for a child but toys in a toy store isn’t enough when you’re in Times Square. The giant ferris wheel is destination worthy on it’s own. The 60-foot centerpiece features 14 custom gondolas, including a Barbie car and an M&Ms boat. The line could be long at this time of year but you are certain to get a nomination for Mother of the Year if you make this an after school playdate. For just $5 a person, you can’t go wrong.

    The Shops at the Plaza
    Great food, good shopping, salons and even a place for the kids to play! The Plaza food hall is a concept of Todd English and is so much more than your average food court. There is an assortment of artisan pizzas, burgers, seafood and, yes, caviar. We must say, the food is very good, and much better than most would expect. The shopping isn’t exactly stellar but the Douglas Hannant boutique is worth a browse and the men’s boutique, Angelo Galassois, is quite decadent. Beauty buffs can also indulge in the Warren-Tricomi Salon. Regardless of whether you’re with a child, you have to go to Eloise at the Plaza. There is a place for children to host their own tea parties, they can play dress up in ‘Eloise’s closet’ and send the NY enigma notes. That girl is always busy, busy, busy.

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    The Best Sales for the Guys

    Markdowns for men’s clothing and accessories always come a bit after women’s. Here is a brief overview of current sales for the guys. The discounts range from about 30% to 60% off. It doesn’t seem as if any store is offering insane discounts but it’s still early in the markdown season for men’s merchandise. We did the heavy lifting and sifted through all of the best shopping for men. You can find our full roundup below.

    Barneys
    Clothing and shoes are 60% off and accessories range from 60% to 70% off. We are unapologetic about the fact that we are done with $1000 spiked sneakers. We suggest opting for a more subtile form of luxury. There’s really no reason not to pick up a pair of Havaianas for $9 from $26. This white check Saint Laurent sweater is a bit more seasonal and priced at $359 from $890.

    East Dane
    If we had to send a hesitant male shopper to any one site it would be to East Dane. It’s easy to shop and the styling suggestions are unintimidating. Right now the discount ranges from 30% to 70% off. We suggest steering to the 50% off section if you’re looking for a great pair of jeans or casual weekend wear. The 60% and 70% sections are good if you’re looking to buy some warm weather clothing for vacation or you’re adroit enough to look ahead enough to next summer. Here’s a Rag & Bone sweater for $62 from $125 and J Brand jeans for $84 from $170.

    Goodman’s
    The Bergdorf men’s store was recently rebranded as Goodman’s. One thing that remains the same is the markdown, which is up to 60%. These Jimmy Choo biker boots are both rugged and luxe and are priced at $836 from $1200. This Alexander Wang sweatshirt is a good deal at $260 from $650 and a Brunello Cucinelli cashmere overcoat is always an absolute classic.

    Mr. Porter
    Hey men, if you’re really looking for some decent savings and love wonderful customer service than Mr. Porter is the destination for you. The all-men’s site is offering savings of 30% to 50% off and there are still some great items from which to choose. This Faconnable overcoat is $750 from $1700. How about that’s Canali shirt for $140 from $270?

    Nordstrom
    Most men love shopping at Nordstrom because of their no hassle customer service. We can’t argue with that. Take note that Nordstrom boys can save from 30% to 60% off. Moncler is just a bit too much for many men but a Duvetica puffer does the same and is much more understated. It also goes on sale. This one is priced at $615 from $1025. Patent Valentino oxfords are $527 from $1075. Yup, there are socks too, 3 for $20!

    Saks Fifth Avenue
    It seems as if the Saks man might be able to save even more than the Saks woman. Many clothing and shoes styles are priced 60% off. Your girlfriend might be jealous that you can snag these Nicholas Kirkwood ankle boots for $320 from $890. Don’t miss this classic Gucci sweater which is now $450 from almost $1250.

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    Where To Shop After Christmas

    Black Friday is for the amateurs. Real shoppers sharpen elbows for the day after Christmas. It’s the time of year where you can still find a rather good selection of merchandise that’s highly discounted. Over the course of the week you’ll also find great opportunities to pounce on hard-to-find items that may get returned.

    Below are some of our favorite post-Christmas shopping destinations. Share your favorites in the comment section below.

    1. Saks Fifth Avenue
    Starting Friday morning from 8am until noon, Saks will be enticing shoppers with discounts for a total savings of up to 70% off. So set your alarm clocks, because after the clock strikes noon the additional savings ends. The sale has already started online, which means that you don’t even need to get out of bed to participate in discounts. An adorable Kate Spade ‘HELLO TOKYO’ bag is just about $100 from around $300, a Duvetica puffer is $510 from $850 and Stella McCartney zipper-detail sweater is $321 from $1070.

    2. Net-a-Porter
    Luxury e-tailer, Net-a-Porter, already started their second markdown and some items are reduced up to 70% off. Starting this evening, you will notice that a lot more merchandise will be reduced to that 70% off mark. Purified brand creepers are $222 from $740, Aquazzura disco studded booties are $388 from $1295 and an Opening Ceremony top is $142 from $475.

    3. Manolo Blahnik
    Manolo Blahnik usually starts their first markdown immediately after New Years. The discount is normally 33% off but if you can wait three weeks, prices get slashed to 50%. Then, right when you think your winter blues can’t get any worse, Manolo starts their February clearance sale where shoes are discounted up to 75% off.

    4. Ralph Lauren
    When Ralph Lauren slashes up to 70% off we’ve been known to raid the Rhinelander Mansion for cashmere sweaters for ourselves. The best part is that most of the leftover men’s stock is a size XS, which is just perfect for us. Just be careful, prices in the store don’t always match up online. So you might be better off just staying at home and shopping on-line. We found a Black Label cashmere sweater that comes to $350 from $995, classic riding boots with a chain detail are $527 from $1250 and a small Ricky tote is under $700 from $1960.

    5. Barneys New York
    Early on Barneys started out having the best markdown opportunities. At this point, it’s losing a bit of headway as other stores move past the 60% discount. Their biggest advantage is their fashion lusty inventory. Marni ankle boots are $319 from $790, a Marissa Webb coat is $319 from $800 and a black and white Maison Martin Margiela sweater is $650 from $1625.

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    Your Rx For Holiday Recovery

    The holiday season comes with high expectations; the perfect decorations, the perfect foods, the perfect family (ha!) and the perfect gifts. There is no earthly way not to feel disappointed. That’s why we take matters into our own hands and always spend the day-after indulging in a serious session of retail therapy.

    We have just the right place to shop. eBay’s largest luxury seller, Linda’s Stuff is hosting a huge handbag sale. The assortment has just the right items to offset your holiday defeat.

    Say, your holiday dinner didn’t turn out as you intended after days of planning and cooking? An Hermes bangle for $399 should be able to help you to turn that frown upside down. So your dinner bombed and your in-laws called you inadequate? Arm yourself with a red Celine Luggage tote ($2700) and show them.

    Now that we’ve solved a few of the more common issues. We can dive into the more complicated scenarios. Your husband tells you that he found someone younger? Your son says he’s dropping out of med-school to live out his dream of playing the harmonica and travel with a festival band? And your daughter says he she is going to marry “the guy.” These are not little problems and few things will make you feel better. Naturally, this 30cm Hermes Noir Crocodile Birkin bag with Palladium Hardware can lighten the blow.

    This Linda’s stuff sale includes 415 items in a large range of prices that are sure to brighten most anything the holiday hits you with. The best part is that it’s not an auction and every purchase is accompanied with instant gratification. We wish we could say the same thing about eggnog.

    Sponsored Post
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    Your Guide to Which Retailers Price Match

    Online stores are increasingly making it more difficult for customers to price compare. In order to make it impossible to shop around, designers often make slight variations of the same product. These product varieties are even more important in online retailing where a customer can shop hundreds of stores at one time.

    In honor of the holiday sale season, we searched out a item that is ubiquitous throughout the retail scene. We consider this item our contrail. (Yes, we are getting scientific today.) 3.1 Phillip Lim’s $1100 ‘Totes Amaze’ bag can be found on more than a dozen online retailers. Now that sale season has started, however, the price ranges from $440 all the way up to the original retail price.

    As of December 22, the retailer, Nordsrom is offering the tote for the least amount of money, at $339.98. International site, Ssense is just two cents more $440. ShopBop and Neiman Marcus tie for most expensive retailer with a markdown price of $770, or just 30% off. Our experiment was to see which retailers would honor Nordstrom’s price with the least amount of hassle. Just for good measure we asked all the stores if they’d match Ssence’s price too.

    Since it’s the week of Christmas, we also got a great indication for retailers’ customer service abilities. Our findings were that larger companies answered calls relatively quickly but not all e-tailers were keen at price matching. Although Shopbop offered the highest pricing, the site promptly offered to adjust the cost to meet the deal offered by Nordsrom. Neiman Marcus also promptly answered our call but politely declined to match Ssense’s price because ‘it is an international site’ but did offer to match Nordstrom.

    Saks Fifth Avenue also offered to match the price given by Nordstrom but we would first have to pay full price and then wait 10 days for a supervisor to authorize a credit for the difference. It feels unsettling that the operator at Saks was unable to guarantee the price adjustment. We would suggest skipping this policy as it can easily put a gift giver in a precarious situation if the price were not adjusted as anticipated. On the other extreme, Net-A-Porte makes it a flat policy not to price match.

    Even though Scoop and Ssense both offered competitive pricing both retailers did not reasonably answer calls. We disconnected the call with Ssense after more than five minutes on hold and Scoop didn’t even have an operator answering phones. Callers were asked to leave a message and wait for a return call. None of those scenarios are comforting to a pressured and stressed shopper.

    Below is the raw data to our Totes Amaze shopping experiment. We removed many of the stores that carry the bag on Far Fetch, because of the large assortment of variances that apply to working with a small independent international stores. We would love to hear about your holiday shopping experiences in the comment section below. Have you found retailers to be naughty or nice?

    Site Price Time on Hold Answer
    Shopbop $770 >1min Will honor the Nordstrom price
    Ssense $440 <5min p=""> No answer
    Net-a-Porter $550 >1min It’s our policy not to price match.
    Neiman Marcus $770 >1min Will not price match Ssense but was transferred to a supervisor would price match with Nordstrom
    Nordstrom $439 >1min Ssense is international website and we can’t price match.
    Saks Fifth Avenue $660 3min We would have to pay full price now and would later be credited the difference pending manager approval.
    Scoop $576 >1min No operators. Only voice mail.
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    Bergdorf Goodman’s “2nd Markdown”

    Bergdorf Goodman just started promoting their “second markdown” today. Wait. Before you get excited from the “up to 60% off”, you have to look more closely at what’s being offered.

    Sure, there is still a great assortment of handbags but that’s because the discount is still just 30% off. So we are going to skip over that, for now. The same goes for shoes, which are still only 30% off. Pass.

    Lets sink our teeth, or wallets, into where we can find the deals. Clothing? Um. Nope. Almost all the designer merchandise is still just 40% off. Maybe the contemporary designers? Nah, most of that selection is still 40% off too. The only merchandise that’s 60% off seems to be summer clothing from last season. For instance, Halston Heritage strapless optic print gown that’s $173 from $495 and this Michael Kors print one piece bathing suit for $69 from $199.

    This 2nd markdown, could be a good opportunity to get some last minute beachwear for winter break. If you’re looking for discounts on this season’s merchandise, however, we suggest you head to Barneys.

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