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    Bergdorf Goodman 50% Off

    We usually find that the discounts are better when you shop in stores but sometimes we get a curve ball. Today, Bergdof Goodman started an online only promotion where most merchandise that’s on sale is an additional 20% off. No code is needed.

    Most designer merchandise was already reduced 40% and the extra discount brings the total savings to about 50%. This type of savings is equivalent to a second markdown, which doesn’t usually occur for another week. The discount also extends to shoes and bags.

    Head right this way to snag a Givenchy jacket that’s reduced to $620 from $3100. That’s about 75% off. A Saint Laurent leather cape is $3740 from $7790 and Stella McCartney houndstooth-print faux fur coat is $1100 from $2295.

    The extra discount also applies to bags. An Alexander Wang cross body bag that’s $461 from $825, an Alexander McQueen Heroine is $1676 from $3000 and our favorite Proenza Schouler PSII tote is $1114 from about $2000.

    Check out these Manolo Blahnik BBs that come to $332 from about $600 and high Prada riding boots $756 from $1350. Christian Louboutin shoes are not an additional 20% off but the Lavender Lady seems to be the only online store that has the red soles marked down.

    The extra 20% promotion runs through the weekend and then disappears. Second markdown usually becomes official the week before Christmas. We suggest you take advantage of this promotion while the inventory exists.

    The Same Game: Who Sells It Better

    Yesterday, we spent some time taking a closer look at the discounts at our local department stores. Today we are crawling the web, searching for the best deals.

    One would think that  online price comparisons would be easy but e-railers purposely make it difficult. Instead of one broad markdown, most online stores individually price items according to their inventory levels. It’s almost impossible to nail down a discount at destinations like Shopbop and Net-a-Porter. Generally the discounts at both sites range from 30% to 50% off. One must really try to shop like items to see the real deal.

    For example, the popular 3.1 Phillip Lim OMG bag (retail $275) is $165 on Kirna Zabete but $192 on Shopbop. Print Oscar de la Renta dresses started out at $2890 but Moda Operandi reduced the style to $1360 but Net-a-Porter is selling the dress for $1734.

    Take note, that Moda Operandi seems like the overall winner as it still has a really great selection of designer merchandise and most everything is 50% off.  Below is a comparison chart of Kirna Zabete, M’Oda Operandi and Net-a-Porter.

    The Lowdown on Department Store Sales

    Almost all seasonal merchandise in department stores is on sale. At most of our local shopping destinations, fall and winter clothing is discounted 40% off but the prices of shoes and handbags vary greatly.

    Take note, some boutiques are offering even lower discounts than the department stores. For instance, Missoni and Miu Miu are both offering customers a 50% savings. Below is a comparison chart of Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.

    This season many stores are offering additional shopping incentives. Neiman Marcus and Saks are both offering reward gift cards with a purchase. Neiman Marcus is offering a $50 gift card on qualifying merchandise for every $200 you spend. Just use the code DEC50 and Saks has a variety of spending benchmarks, which range from 10% to 30% in gift cards. Use the code DEC2014.

    Here is your discount cheat sheet:

    Gift Ideas: Hostess & Corporate Gifts Under $200

    Buying a gift for a corporate client or a hostess gift can be a tremendous amount of work. The key is hitting the right note without getting too personal. Chocolates, candles and wine are often the standard but we found items with a twist on the traditional and added a few of our personal favorites. The best part is that all of our picks are under $200.

    From Top to Bottom: Nespresso Pixie $180, Brics Foldable & Packable Tote $120, Luxe City Guides Box Set $60, Cashmere Travel Set $179, Fornasetti Scented Candle $165,  Hermes Lock Perfume Spray $90

    Chanel & Louboutin PreSale w/ Pics

    Most stores have already started their first markdowns on contemporary and luxury lines but there are always a few brands that strong-arm all retail outlets to hold off on discounts. Starting now, you will be able to presale seasonal merchandise from brands like Chanel, Louboutin and Alaia at  40% . The official sale markdown date is December 16.

    If you have something particular in mind, we suggest contacting a reliable sales person to keep an eye out for your anticipated purchase. Last season was exceptionally difficult for Chanel lovers. Very few bags styles went on sale. We are told that this season’s sale stock list fsmall and only include exotic styles and some older shapes. (We bet this changes as the season progresses.) Head right this way to browse the an array of Chanel flats that are on sale and available from Neiman Marcus.

    Those looking for some new Chanel threads would benefit for waiting until the end of the season to make their purchases. Most seasons Chanel clothing gets slashed up to 70% off, which in many cases is less than vintage or pre-owned prices.

    Christian Louboutin shoppers can also begin shopping the markdowns at most boutiques and department stores now. The discount is 40% off. Louboutins are not discounted online, yet. You can click your way over here to see an assortment of shoe styles included in the sale and available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys.

    Chanel Soho boutique” Nicole, 212-334-0055
    Saks Shoes: Antionette 917-806-6579
    Bergdorf Handbags: Bruce 212-872-8796
    Bergdorf Shoes: Bill 212-872-8940
    Louboutin Uptown: Marina 212-396-1884

    Jay Strongwater Sample Sale

    Jay Strongwater is known for his colorful enamel and 18-karat gold home accessories. His collections include an arrange of frames, perfume bottles, trays and figurines and are often adorned with Swarovski crystals. These magical confections were collected by Elizabeth Taylor and were often commissioned by Oscar de la Renta.

    You can find these works of art at exclusive designer department stores. For a short time, this week, they will also be available for a deep discount at the Jay Strongwater sample sale. Expect to find a full range of the designer’s merchandise for 50% to 70% off retail. For example, a Washington Grand Eagle Figurine will be priced at $3250 from $6500, a 5″ x7″ Colette Pagoda from will be $735 from $2450 and a Mabel Cow Mini Figurine will be $58.50 from $195.

    The sample sale starts this Tuesday and will run for four days. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase a fine gift for a great price. We suggest you don’t wait to long. Obviously, the most collectible items will go fast.

    Jay Strongwater
    Tuesday, December 9 through Friday, December 12
    Tues 6pm-8pm, Wed & Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-3pm
    Lighthouse International: 111 East 59 Street (Park & Lexington)

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    Ralph Lauren Goes to 60% Off

    We are nearing the height of the holiday season and Ralph Lauren isn’t wasting a moment luring customers. The designer just took a second markdown on many of his collections bringing the total discount to 60%.

    We took a look inside and found riding boots reduced to $900 from $1350, a suede hobo bag with a horse bit is $900 from $1500 and a marino wool polo sweater is $54 from $145. Over in the men’s department, we found a quilted down jacket for $350 from nearly $500, a cashmere sweater from Purple Label for $650 from $1295 and a custom fit long sleeve polo is $70 from $93.

    For some reason, many of the prices are priced better online then they are in the store. You can always price compare from the inside the Mansion and ask a manager to make an adjustment  but it’s probably easier to just come home and shop. Below are more of our favorite items:

    Nancy Gonzalez & Luxe Fur VIP Sale

    Just in time for the holidays,
    Nancy Gonzalez
    is hosting a sample sale where her famous exotic skin bags will be significantly reduced. In addition, the sale will also include an unbelievable selection of furs from a large assortment of top name department store brands.The sale doesn’t open to the public until Monday, December 8 but Madison Avenue Spy readers have been invited a day early to shop the Sunday VIP pre-sale.

    Shoppers can attend the Sunday pre-sale early by giving a $36 donation (or more), which will go to New York Cancer Center. All contributions are matched by Shelly & Renee. Please
    email us here
    if you would like to attend. Space is limited. There will be a guest list at the door on Sunday but the remaining dates are open to the general public without giving a donation.

    The public days of this sale are always very popular and can be quite chaotic. As a matter of fact, every season the sale completely sells out. We suggest that serious Nancy Gonzalez shoppers should take advantage of this
    pre-shopping opportunity
    . With prices like these you can get a bag for for a loved one and yourself.

    Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale
    VIP Fundraiser Sunday, December 7 from 1pm-5pm
    RSVP Here
    Public Sale: Monday, December 8 & Wednesday, December 9
    Mon 9am-7pm, Tues & Wed 10am to 4pm
    Lighthouse International
    111 East 59th Street (bet. Park & Lexington Ave.)
    Cash & Credit Card. No Strollers


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