It’s not too often that we find discounts pushing 80% anywhere before Thanksgiving. Outside of discount stores, these types of markdowns are usually saved for temporary special promotions. We were very happily surprised to find a large assortment of merchandise at the UK-based Matches discounted a full 80% off.
Among the items that are less discounted, but no less desirable, we found this Anya Hindmarsh tote that’s reduced 60%. It’s still not inexpensive but we’ve loved the style since it debuted this past Summer.
Matches offers free delivery and returns and even this highly reduced merchandise can be shipped back if it isn’t right. That’s even better than a sample sale– and some boutiques– where you have no recourse.
The New York City marathon is over but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t run over to the Andrew Marc sample sale right now. After scoring discounts up to 80% off you can carry home your purchases like a winning medal. Head this way to read all sale the details.
Writing a shopping blog sometimes feels like managing a hedge fund. In both fields we work to identify vulnerabilities in the market. Sometimes that means spotting a trend before prices rise, as was the case when we first spotted the Celine luggage tote, in 2011. (Back then the retail price was just $2000!) Other times that means hitting the streets to scope out great sales or finding new and interesting places to shop.
Most recently, we’ve been haunting the european-based luxury market place, Vestiaire Collective. At any given time, the site boasts 300,000 items from more than 10 countries around that world. The best part is that each item is authenticated and guaranteed, which takes a lot of the risk out of overseas consignment shopping. (Hedge funds specialize in mitigating risk.) We have found the site is particularly great for resourcing for designer items that might be rare, vintage or brands that aren’t as popular in the US.
For instance, we have been stalking Delvaux bags for about the past year. Retail prices normally top $8000 and spotting one locally is like seeing a unicorn. The company launched its first bag at the Brussels World Fair, in 1958, and the bags have been a steady part of royal European fashion. Resale prices for the bags are quite reasonable when they become available. Vestiaire Collective has one of the most steady streams. Here is the brand’s most classic style, The Brilliant, that’s like-new and priced at just $578. The same one is sold at Barneys for $4300.
It doesn’t hurt either that the dollar is super strong. We found these brand new Gucci loafers that come to just $387 and here are a super pair of Princetown Gucci slides for $588. If you’ve been stalking the Chloe bags or Anya Hindmarch, this is a great place to find one within your budget. The currency conversion makes almost any European item more attractive.
Unlike other sites, Vestiaire Collective allows you to set alerts when an item you’re looking for is posted, it lets you track markdowns or send a seller an offer. So, if you’re lusting after a Chanel Boy Bag tote, like me, you can stalk it and track it and place offers. This especially works well if you’re looking for clothing in a particular size. Just think, we have almost all the same tools as a hedge fund manager– minus the Bloomberg terminal.
Take note, items shipping from Europe that cost more than $800 will have import duties and taxes. We suggest trying to negotiate item prices to be less than $800 whenever possible to save on those extra fees.
Madison Avenue Spy readers can take advantage of a super special discount. Right now, you can use the code MADAVESPYVC and save 10% off anything on the site and receive free shipping on purchases over $200. There are no restrictions, but the code does expire on November 10. Let your heart be your compass– but don’t wait too long.
So just when you begin to think that hedge fund managers have all the fun, ask one about their collateralized debt obligation (CDO). We bet dollars to donuts you can have a lot more fun sourcing vintage Chanel jewelry.
Charlotte Olympia is kicking off the Madison Avenue markdown season, on Monday, with a private VIP presale. Shoes and bags from this past pre-fall and fall collections are all now marked down 50%.
There is a large assortment of merchandise included in presale. Just remember, the store only has one size of each item. You can browse through the sale assortment using this link. Some of our favorite styles include the Mid-Cenutry style sparkle Kitty Flat that are $284 from $565, a lips pouch that’s $270 from $545 and this feline backpack that’s about $920 from $1845.
All sales are final and orders called in over the phone can be secured by payment and shipped to the customer. Take note, the company is hosting a sample sale on November 17. (The details are here.) Decisions. Decisions.
Charlotte Olympia Boutique
22 East 65th Street
Harlina 212-744-1842
harlina.senfleur@charlotteolympia.com
New York is filled with unique Fall traditions. There’s the downtown Halloween parade, the New York Marathon and the Thanksgiving floats. Maybe fall sample sales aren’t as renowned worldwide, but us New Yorkers, celebrate sample sale shopping as a national pastime.
The Andrew Marc sample sale is one of the most universally anticipated sales of the season. This weekend, the designer will kick off the sale in style and shoppers won’t be disappointed. The sale features deep discounts on men’s and women’s, leather, fur, wool, down and rain outerwear. This year, the sale will also include Andrew Marc’s footwear, which includes shoes, sneakers and boots.
The sale starts Sunday and features savings up to 80% off retail prices. An Italian wool coat with detachable silver fox fur trim will be $249 from $995, a diamond quilted 80/20 down coat with removable coyote fur trimmed hood will be $299 from $695, a down jacket with a detachable coyote fur trimmed hood will be $129 from $410 and a men’s rabbit fur trimmed parka with a removable hood will be $99 from $415.
The sale runs the entire week but we suggest attending soon. Like always, the best merchandise tends to go quickly and the good stuff will be cleaned out as fast as First Avenue after the marathon
Andrew Marc Sample Sale
Sunday, November 5 through Sunday, November 13
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat& Sun 10am-6pm
401 Seventh Ave @33rd St. (Penn Plaza Pavilion)
We aren’t normally fans of big and splashy hi-lo designer collaborations. Most of the time, the hype is overkill, the lines are nuts and everything worthwhile is sold out within moments of doors opening. This wasn’t the case with today’s Kenzo launch at H&M.
We stopped by several H&M stores and almost the entire collection is still available. As a matter of fact, we liked the collection much better on the sales floor than we did in press promos and advertisements. It appears as if the styling in the promos was over top for most customers. Ultimately, each piece, individually can really spice up a wardrobe.
For instance, we couldn’t resist this real silk red tiger print blouse with contrasting ruffles ($79). It will look amazing with a black leather skirt and this ruffled orange sweatshirt ($49) is perfect for jeans and boots. Our favorite item are these dramatic opera length gloves ($80). Granted, the Kenzo items can’t be described as inexpensive but the quality is pretty good.
We wouldn’t suggest going crazy on these wild print items but we defiantly encourage an impulse purchase or two. We have a feeling that you will be glad you did. The collection is also still available online if you’re not a fan of the H&M shopping experience. Today, happened to be more pleasant that ever. We couldn’t be more thrilled.
Tans have faded but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be beach ready at a moment’s notice. Get vacation ready at the Vilebrequin sample sale where you will find a selection for men, women and children. The collection includes swimwear, cover-ups, shorts, tees, polos, button down shirts, hats and beach bags. Prices are discounted up to 80% off retail with items starting at just $20.
Sunday, November 5 through Sunday, November 13
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat& Sun 10am-6pm
401 Seventh Ave @33rd St. (Penn Plaza Pavilion)
It’s still very early in the sale cycle but Neiman Marcus is getting a jump on the action. The luxury department store started it’s first round of discounts. Many woman’s clearance items are discounted up to 70% off, other collections are reduced 40% off as part of First Call and even newer merchandise is reduced 30%, until Friday, as part of the Spree Sale.
The sale is perfect timing for those take advantage of stocking up on new style denim and items from more trendy contemporary designers. Almost all of Frame Denim’s new styles are included in the markdown. We’ve been waiting to get a pair of their Le Skinny de Jeanne Stagger Raw-Hem Jeans that has a hi-low hem. We love the high rise at the waist and the fact that the hem allows us to show off a cool ankle boot. Speaking of boots, these SJP gold ankle boots need to be shown off and are currently discounted 30%.
We also suggest taking advantage of this sale to grab some chunky oversized sweaters. I always think that everyone should own a Missoni knit cardigan coat. It’s an outfit maker. This one right here is the first time we’ve seen it discounted and is currently 30% off. Over here is a new style Markus Lupfer sequined sweater that’s now $270 from $385.
We couldn’t wait a moment longer to get this Alice & Olivia sweater that goes from sunglasses-on to sunglasses-off with just a swipe of the hand. If only one of my loving family members would would show enough appreciation to get this ‘Always Right’ embroidered leather jacket. It would be just too conceited to get it for myself.
Online shoppers can take advantage of the great customer service at Neiman Marcus, which features free shipping and free returns. If only more things in life were so satisfying.
