Madison Avenue Spy

Saks Ends Consolidation Sale Tradition

January 22, 2015

Saks Fifth Avenue is quickly losing its leader board position as the department store with the best markdowns. As a matter of fact, its final sale return policy and strict 70% off make Saks the most expensive place to shop for quickly aging winter fashion.

On the bright side of things, the end of the Consolidation Sale means that there is no 9th floor discount bazaar. Anyone who loves fashion much agree that a high-end department store shouldn’t transform itself into a bargain basement frenzy. One must respect the fashion.

Starting at the bottom, there is one stand of discounted handbags. The selection includes a small assortment from Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney and a lone Alaia. The discount on bags is 60% off. A gold large Lanvin is $1516 from $3790, a Jimmy Choo messenger bag with studded stars is about $700 from $1895 and the Alia is $2444 from $6110.

Heading upstairs, all the discount fashion is located in proximity from their respective brands. The sale racks are in the center of the islands and the clouting is separated by brand. Right now, most all sale merchandise is discounted 60% with another 35% off, which brings the total savings to 70%. The merchandise is very similar to what is online but just a larger selection of styles and sizes. For example, there is this Stella McCartney print in pants, the dress, the top and more. A more ornate version dress from this collection is $566 from $1415. Among the Alexander McQueen selection there is this shirt dress that’s $370 from $1235. A Derek Lam shearling coat in eggplant comes to about $2000 from $6795. You can head this way to see dozens of items and their prices. (Chanel clothing is frozen at 40%.)

Heading up to the 8th floor, SHOE-ZIP, the discount on the outgoing winter collection is 60%. Most of what’s left are the less desirable options from top designers. Some of the highlights are high Valentino boots with a braid detail that come to $790 from $1975 and Saint Laurent red and black print pumps are $318 from $795. The biggest surprise is the large assortment of Alaia shoes. A black pair with raffia details are $684 from $1710. Pictures of those hotties and much more are right here.

We are told that the sale will end February 1 and there will not be any more markdowns. All sales are final and the store will not be accepting returns on final markdown merchandise. In some ways, we miss the old days where there were discounts of 80% to 90% off but we certainly don’t miss the mess and the chaos of the consolidation sales of yesteryear.

Alaia $2444

Lanvin $1515

Jimmy Choo About $700

Stella McCartney $510

Erdem $1000

Monique Lhillier $1100

Derek Lam $2000

Saint Laurent $360

Antonio Berardi $600

Christopher Kane $481

Jil Sander $700

Givenchy Selection

Givenchy Coat

Dior 40% Off

Chanel 40% Off

Shoes

Jimmy Choo $318

Saint Laurent $318

Boots

Alaia $684

Saint Laurent $210

Jimmy Choo $278

Alia Shoes $624

Alaia $1336

Chanel $958

Dolce & Gabbana $766

Chanel $410

Louboutin 40% Off

Madison Avenue Spy

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Last Day of Fivestory’s Bi-Annual Sale

January 21, 2015

Walking into the Fivestory bi-annual sale is a little like going to a rave in the South Bronx. The Bowery Hotel’s basement location feels rather sketchy but there’s certainly some appearances from top fashion brands.

Leonard $560 from $2570

Wednesday is the last day of the almost week-long sale and if you haven’t taken a peek it may be worth your while. All of their merchandise is either 60% or 80% off, depending on the age of the collection. We just focused on the 80% off merchandise, considering that you can go to almost any store and save more than 60%.

There were many more racks at the start of the sale but today there were only two racks clothing for men, four for children and six with women’s clothing. Granted, these racks were all packed but filled so tightly that it was hard to browse. After some tugging and pulling we found a Preen sweater print dress that comes to about $100 from $495, a Veronique Leroy sweater jacket is about $600 from $2180 and a Versace dress is approximately $540 from $2725.

There is still a rather diverse selection of Peter Pilotto dresses that debuted alongside his Target collection. They range in price from $400 to $600 from retail values of $2000 to above $3k. There are also several lovely print pieces from Leonard, which are priced similarly to the Pilotto items. (Both collections were clearly way overpriced to begin with.)

Among the 80% off shoe selection we found Chrissie Morris stingray sandals that come to under $200 from $915, Tania Spinelli booties are about $150 from $765 and Sergio Rossi peep-toe wedges are about $100 from $545. The sale also includes an assortment of jewelry and accessories for 80% off. An Aurelie Biderman bracelet is $130-ish from $660. There are also a few pieces from Dannijo and Alexandra Dodds.

We don’t expect you will go home with a huge haul from the Bowery basement sale but you might be able to find a special something. You can click here to see more highlights from our shopping trip.

Fivestory Offsite
Ends Wednesday, January 21
10am to 6pm
Bowery Hotel: 355 Bowery (Use the 3rd Street Entrance)

$150

Sergio Rossi $110

Nina Ricci $140

Various 80% Off

Preen $95

Peter Pilotto $409

Versace $525

Peter Pilotto $740

Roland Mouret $560

Lyn Devon $81

Veronique Leroy $420

Sydney to Wear $70

Au Jour Le Jour $90

Lyn Devon $350

Chrissie Morris $180

Madison Avenue Spy

15 Spring Items Already Selling Out

January 20, 2015

The New Year just started and the hottest pieces of the new collections are already selling out. Of course, some shoppers want to be on top of the game but we still can’t believe how quickly fashion can fly.

Some say that editors have all the power but it’s the consumer that always has the final say. This season, Tony the Tiger is the biggest fashion statement you can’t get. Anya Hindmarch’s is almost completely sold out everywhere. The only place we could find the Frosties Maxi bag is on the Anya site, which delivers to the US. When it comes to fashion, Miu Miu’s crochet tops ($1490) and dresses ($1355) are sold out everywhere online but are still available in boutiques and department stores.

As far of collections go, shoe and handbag departments all over the country are being swamped with requests for products from Valentino’s 1973 rainbow collection. There is just one Rockstud micro shopper ($2175) left on Neiman Marcus and many sizes of Rockstud slingbacks ($1195) are sold out on Saks.
On the more affordable scale, Alexa Chung’s collection for AG denim has been as hot as a July day. The hottest item is likely the Pixie dress ($455), which is practically sold out everywhere.

If you’re the type that already sold your Celine bag for more than you paid, then you’re going to want to jump on Loewe and Delvaux. Both bags are gaining huge momentum among fashion insiders.
This python Loewe Flaminco ($3950) is completely sold out.

Today, we are focusing on where what the shopper are saying with their wallets. In order to compile this list of ‘sold out’ items we spoke high end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Hirshleifers, Net-A-Porter and many more. Afterwards, we searched through dozens of online luxury stores. We suggest you snatch up anything on this list as nothing begets demand like the lack of supply.

Anya Hindmarch Frosties leather tote ($2295)
Miu Miu cashmere crochet dress ($1355)
Rosantica arm cuff ($665)
Valentino 1973 Rockstud slingbacks ($1195)
Valentino 1973 Rockstud Mirco Shopper ($2175)
Alexa Chung for AG pixie dress ($455)
Alexa Chung for AG cropped jeans ($325)
Christopher Kane floral patch jeans ($1745)
Christopher Kane floral aplique mini dress ($2095)
ISSA Rosemary dress ($1121)
Loewe Flaminco Knot bag ($2550)
Loewe Pyton Flaminco bag ($3950)
Oscar de la Renta gold sequin embroidered dress ($6490)
Saint Laurent black bucket bag ($2150)
Roksanda Ilincic color-block dress ($2015)
Christian Louboutin studded wallet ($695)

Madison Avenue Spy

Bergdorf Goodman Online Blowout & Beauty Bonus

January 19, 2015

It’s now or never if you’re looking to catch the last of this season’s deals. Right now, Bergdorf Goodman is offering an extra 25% off merchandise that has already been marked down 75%. That brings the total savings to over 80%.

Head this way and you’ll find a Derek Lam sleeveless dress that’s reduced to $335 from $1790, Tom Ford high boots come to $750 from $2000, a Mary Katrantzou dress is $285 from $1520 and a Pucci shift dress is $325 from $1725. Among the contemporary designers we found an Alice and Olivia dress reduced to $150 from almost $600, a Halston Heritage jacket is $73 from about $400 and black and white check Rag & Bone jeans are $50 from $265.

If you have kids you have to check out the Moncler sale selection. The discount is just a straight 30% but there are some good options from which to choose. Here is a basic black for $416 from $600 and a baby puffer for $427 from $610.

The sale continues until Tuesday at 9am. After that, it’s probably time to start lusting after full price spring fashions.

Almost as noteworthy, that the lavender lady is also hosting a beauty event. When you spend $250, you will be given a tote filled with dozens of deluxe size samples, including Sulwhsoo, Hourglass, YSL and Laura Mercier. Some of our beauty obsessions include, anything Tom Ford (of course), the Sisley- Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil (to fight winter dryness) and Bakel’s EFABody bomb, which is a great way to stop winter dry-skin itchiness. The gift bag promotion starts Monday and runs through Sunday, February 1.

Madison Avenue Spy

Warm Up With Top Designer Fur Steals

January 16, 2015

A very well known fur manufacturer — whose identity we promised to protect– is moving showrooms and looking to sell excess inventory. On Sunday, this anonymous company is hosting a fur auction where top quality coats, capes, jackets and more will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The sale will include an assortment of merchandise ranging from shearlings to sable and chinchilla. These coats normally sell at high-end Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue retail stores and are usually priced between $3000 to upwards of $75,000.

There is no reserve for any of the merchandise and it’s expected that most items will sell for between 80% and 90% of their retail values.

Designer Fur Sale
Sunday, January 18
Viewing: 10:30 to 12:30
Auction 1pm
150 West 30th Street, 13th Floor

Sponsored Post

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DVF Final Markdown Offers Sample Sale Prices

January 16, 2015

We can’t deny that we’ve horribly missed the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale thus season. Of course, a substitute will do — if the price is right. Unfortunately, there are no upcoming dates to announce but Diane Von Firstenberg is hosting an online sale and prices aren’t far off from the iconic sample sale.

Through the end of Monday, shoppers can use the code JAN20 and save an extra 20% off already reduced merchandise. The prices at the sample sale would run $150 for classic wrap dresses, $125 for non-wrap dresses and $80 for sweaters. If you head this way, and use the extra 20% off, you can pay just $110 for this solid color wrap dress. A simple black knit dress, comes to just $80. The price of this super simple and clean cotton wrap shirt dress is $160.

At past sample sales the bags and accessories were a huge hit but they were still very pricey. Bags were priced at $285, clutches were $100 and scarves were $75. Online now, you can snag this snakeskin clutch for $115 and a snake-skin cross body bag for $140.

The best part of this sale is that there are no lines, no crowded fitting rooms and purchases are returnable. Unfortunately, we don’t usually come across sample sales with the same consumer friendly rules. Like sample sales, the super sale merchandise is final sale.

Madison Avenue Spy

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Century 21 Has Lanvin, Prada and Cucinelli for 95% Off

January 15, 2015

If you think the deals from the Bergdorf Goodman shopping trip were good, then you are going to need to heed our advice. First, open your calendar, find a window of about four hours and block it off for a trip to Century 21‘s downtown flagship. Okay, you may not need four hours but there’s no way you will want to feel rushed once you get into the thick of things.

Pucci $288

Right now, Century has reduced a large assortment of merchandise an extra 75% off. Not 75% off retail but 75% off Century’s prices, which brings the discount to 90% off on many items. Among the outerwear is a pony hair Pucci moto-style jacket that is reduced to just $288 from an original retail price of $4280, a Lanvin puffer is $288 from $3616 and a Brunello Cucinelli jacket is $373 from $3920. We even found a long black Hermes coat for $2295 from who-knows-what. Click here to see pics.

Most of the discounts are 50% off the most reduced price but after you get a taste of 75%, anything less seems like overpaying. To find the most reduced clothing you will have to head to the far back left hand quarter where there are several racks labeled 75% off. Most of the racks say medium but all the sizes are really mixed in.

Among the clothing racks we found an Antonio Berardi dress for $150 from $1750, a Prada shift dress for $273, a Brunello Cucinelli dress for $160 from $1790, a Stella McCartney top was $82 and a classic ruffled Lanvin dress is $244. There is also an assortment of items of finely made clothing from lesser known designers like Bibhu Mohapatra and Chalayan Black. Both designers retail dresses for over $2000 and but the prices are now reduced to about $160.

The biggest problem with shopping these discounts is not to overbuy. The temptation is hard but nobody has the closet space for all of Century’s reduced merchandise. Or perhaps, you do. Either way, we suggest you make this an immediate part of your end-of-season shopping.

Lanvin $331

Antonio Berardi $150

Pucci $298

Prada $274

Lanvin $288

Chaylan $170

Cucinelli $373

Cucinelli $89

Hermes $2295

Cucinelli $161

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Sample Sale Prices at Bergdorf Goodman (30+ Pics)

January 14, 2015

The general consensus when shopping this late in the season is that you will only find the rejects left over. We challenge any fashion lover to shop Bergdorf Goodman’s final markdown and leave empty handed. Right now, the markdown is 50% off shoes and handbags and up to 75% off on clothing.

In the first floor, handbag atrium, there is only one table of discounted handbags. Even though there isn’t a lot of selection, the options that are left are not horrible. Some might even say they’re good. A PS11 is about $1000 from $1990, a Tom Ford calf hair Alix is $1870 from $3740 and a Stella McCartney rope embellished clutch is $759 from $1520. A full assortment of pictures can be seen here.

The discount on shoes is still just 50% off, where the discount at Barneys is 60%. The difference is that Bergdorf Goodman has a lot more classic wearable shoes. As a matter of fact a bulk of the inventory is Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik. Among the Louboutins is a mid-high pump with PVC around the parameter for $350 from $695 and the flat version is $319 from $595. (These are almost sample sale prices.) Cabochon embellished extra high Loubs are $700 from about $1400 and a studded version with patent detailing and bows are $650 from $1295. Broadening out from the red soles, we found our favorite Givenchy shark bit riding boots for $729 from $1450, Valentino Rockstud pony hair booties are $1719 from $2295 and Chanel quilted low moto boots are $709 from $1425. Check out pics of everything mentioned here.

Be prepared to make tough choices once you direct yourself towards the fashion because nobody can have it all. The selection ranges from quality basics to refined statement pieces. Falling into the more demure category is this Giambasttista Valli classic gray cashmere dress is $790 from almost $2000, Celine black slacks are $619 from $1550 and a Balenciaga tulip skirt is $379 from $1535. Some of the more incredible fashion pieces include a heavy winter weight Alaia dress that’s $1400-ish from $5565, heavy weight Givenchy pants with zipper details are $839, a Mary Katrantzou asymmetrical dress is $1600 from $6400 and a Prada coat comprised of pieties and trimmed with mohair is $849 from $3200. (Here are pics.)

Some contemporary merchandise is 75% off but the majority is discounted 60%. After coming from the premier fineries it’s hard to settle your tastebuds on lesser reduced fashion. Among the selection is a lot more trendy and comprised of designers like Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, DVF and M Missoni.

There isn’t much merchandise online but with a little bit of sorting you can find a few winners. A lot of the bags are priced higher online but if you call the 800-number, a representative will connect with the store and make a price adjustment. Now, look through the rest of the pictures here and call for your car, NOW!