Straw isn’t only for beach bags and picnic baskets. This Spring’s biggest designer trend is a little wicker mixed with leather details. Every designer from Chanel to Prada is offering raffia options to weave into your warm-weather wardrobe. 

Some of my favorite items of the season include the Prada wicker top handle bag that’s $1400 from $1790 US. I also really love this Prada raffia bucket hat is another great option that’s $500 from $625 US when you use the code LN-VALENTINE15. 

MyTheresa is attempting to close out the season with a bright red bow and is offering additional discounts up to an extra 30% off sale merchandise. You can use this link to access the sale. The extra discount brings the savings to 60% to 70% off on many items. 

There are several Saint Laurant bags included in the extra markdown. This Lou camera bag is $897 from $1350, a large Niki tote is $1700 from $2200, and an Uptown clutch is $833 from $1250. There is also a very good selection of Saint Laurent shoes included in the extra markdown. 

Some other great items we spotted were this Rick Owens signature jacket for $1200 from $2500 and this Maison Michel straw hat, which is perfect to tuck away for summer at $399 from $810. This Off-White bag is $472 from $1125 and Tom Ford heels are $857 from $1300. 

The sale runs through Tuesday, Feb 16. It’s definitely worth an extra scroll. 

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Madison Avenue BID is offering special private shopping experiences: “Make a Date on Madison Avenue.” In the name of love, 49 participating stores are inviting Valentine’s shoppers to book a private shopping appointment through and after Feb. 20. You can book an appointment through this link and find more details on the Madison Avenue BID’s website.

This was a bonkers sales season. All the markdown patterns and trends we’ve come to know along the year flew out the window. This season, Ssense emerged as a retailing star with a great selection and competitive pricing.

LN-CC, which is based in London, has started Valentine’s Day promotion that provides the perfect opportunity to score a new season item for a good savings. You can use the code  LN-VALENTINE15 to save 15% off anything in this selection. Men can use this link. 

This week, I was doing my normal scroll-scroll-scroll and tap-tap-tap, when I came upon a social media unboxing from a resale store. It was a very beautiful grey 25cm Birkin bag in Tago leather. It was from 2019 and priced at $22,000.

My “Dream Pet”

The bag looked like it was in very good condition but it hit a nerve at nearly two times retail. Have consumers been convinced that an ample retail price is just a starting suggestion? Have shoppers forgotten that they can take their powerful dollar anywhere? 

One must not forget an even more pressing question: How trustworthy is a retailer who would suggest a three-year-old bag at a 100% premium? I understand that there is a market for rare Hermes bags and I appreciate the skills needed to procure a Nigel Peak Birkin but there is nothing special or unique about this bag that would warrant $22k.

Don’t be hoodwinked to believe your money isn’t enough to buy what you want. If a particular item isn’t available: Choose something else. The options are endless– believe me, I know. I am never at a loss for places to spend money and I have proof. 

This week, I found myself repeatedly scrolling Moda Operandi. The site is offering discounts of up to 80% off and we found some amazing buys. Some remaining finds include this Balenciaga top handle bag for $834 from $1400, Dolce & Gabbana lace heels for $290 from $717, and a Prada leopard dress is $650 from $3250.

Bergdorf Goodman is offering an extra 30% off sale merchandise and it doesn’t get better than these prices. If you see something snag it. Here is a wool coat from The Row for $1570 from $3000, a Peter Do blazer is $700 from $2500, and Manolo Blahnik sandals are $219 from $800 (size 6).

Earlier this week, we shared an exclusive promotion from the Italian boutique Nugnes 1920. You can save an additional 20% off sale items with the code MADISONX20. This Gucci suede skirt is $800 from $2360, A Gucci duffle bag is $1400 from $2356, or a Prada shoulder bag that comes to about $1132 from $2000. Be sure to also check out the non-sale merchandise as it’s priced less than it would be in the US and you can use the code WELCOME10. This Gucci belt comes to $350 from $470 US and a Prada bucket hat is $360 from $500 US. You can see more in the full post here.

Net-A-Porter‘s sale is at 80% off and you can sense that the end is near. This Dolce & Gabbana floral print dress is $558 from $1400, a Balmain cropped top is $260 from $675, and Saint Laurent suede mules are $350 from $700. More Net-A-Porter finds are listed here. 

Valentine’s day is just over a week away. We have some great gift suggestions for your love in our V-Day gift guide. Check back often as we continually add more suggestions as inspiration arrives. 

Lastly, news of the Dior price increase already feels tired but we have a post with everything you need to know. It’s really not as bad as you think, which brings us right back to where we started…Don’t fall for the consumer hype and shopping mania. My mantra is that there is always somewhere to spend your money. 

Ok kids. That’s all for now. Next week? Same time, same place?

Nugnes 1920 is a luxurious boutique located in Southern Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. The store is family run and is renowned for its great selection of amazing designer items.

We are so lucky because the boutique is sharing a promotion exclusively with MadSpy readers. Right now, you can save an extra 20% off final reductions with the code MADISONX20.

 

The sale selection is really great and includes items that you won’t find for this price anywhere else. Check out this Marni bag that comes to $751 from $1556 or a Prada shoulder bag that comes to about $1132 from $2000. These Gucci Mickey pants are about $309 from nearly $1400 and Valentino ankle boots are $773 from $1488. 

The promotion will run through Feb 12. There are no duties and shipping is free with purchases over $300. Keep your eyes on Nugnes 1920. It’s a great resource even for full price merchandise as you can probably save a few dollars.