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    Holiday Edition: Obsessions & Impulses

    Looking back on 2020, it’s hard to believe where we started compared to where we stand today. We’ve certainly had our ups and downs, ins and outs, and most everything in between. The beginning of the New Year is always a poignant time to look back on your accomplishments.

    When it comes to MadSpy, that will always translate to shopping. It would be embarrassing to admit how much I’ve purchased and haven’t even had the opportunity to wear. At one point, I had a pile of shoe boxes that resembled the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (I guess when you can’t travel you create your own sightseeing landmarks.)

    The retail acquisition that most resonates is a plaid pair of Manolo Blahnik Hangisi shoes that caught my eye as part of early spring arrivals. (That’s pre-pandemic.) They hit the deep markdown in May at 60% off or $426 from $990. I cashed in all my Nordstrom points, which brought the total price to $27. I refuse to calculate how much money was spent to accumulate all those points but I’ll still consider it a big win. What was your most memorable purchase of the year?

    Speaking of good purchases, the last week of the year doesn’t usually provide the most exciting shopping opportunities as retailers know that most people are otherwise distracted or panic buying with their returns. This week, however, supplied a few notable discount opportunities.

    Givenchy and Fendi are the most recent brands to hit the sale racks. The best selection can currently be found on Net-A-Porter.  Some of the highlights include this Givenchy Eden bag for $810 from $1350. Fendi slides are $450 from $750 and a Fendi logo hoodie is $700 from $990. At FWRD by Elyse Walker, I found this Givenchy velvet Nano Eden bag for $833 from $2450 and there’s this Givenchy cardigan for $815 from $1630. 
    Earlier this week, we snagged the private 50% off sale link to Prada and Miu Miu at Bergdorf Goodman. This bowling bag still remains at $1050 from $1750 and espadrilles are $295 from nearly $600. 
    Speaking of great finds, we struck gold with access when TheOutnet shared a private clearance sale link that can be found here. The deal even gets sweeter when combined with the code SURPRISE, which will save you an additional 40% off. This Bindi bag from The Row comes to $774 from $2150 and this Miu Miu skirt is $351 from $975. Lots more details and great finds can be found here

    Both men and women should head to Mr. Porter for discounts at up to 50% off.  A Givenchy sweater is $540 from $900, a sweater from Stone Island is $234 from $335, and a cashmere sweater from The Row is $766 from $1100. Click here to read see more of our great finds

     Saks Fifth Avenue added several premium brands to its markdown list. This Loewe saddlebag is one of our favorite designs of the season and is now $1225 from $1750 and a mini Gate belt bag is $1085 from $1550.

    I can’t wait for you to share your favorite finds of the year with everyone over on Instagram

    Until next week.. same time same place?


    The Outnet Private Clearance Sale 80% Off

    We thought the year was going to out with a fizzle but we just got word of a deal that brings great bang for the buck. TheOutnet shared a private clearance sale link that can be found here

    These Valentino heels come to just $298 from nearly $1000, this Mary Katrantzou colorful pleated skirt is $180 from $1335, a Valentino bag is $575 from $1745, and a Marni coat is $500 from $2370. Don’t miss this Marni bag that’s $240 from $990 or this Dolce & Gabbana floral print dress for $842 from $3140.
    The sale will run through January 6th but we suggest you hop to it before the cover of privacy is lifted. Sizes are limited for each style and we can’t see what’s left lasting very long. 

    Mr. Porter Markdowns Get Good

    Discounts on men’s merchandise usually happen a little bit later than women’s designer markdowns. So be the day has come for Mr. Porter to give men the discounts they desire. The savings are up to 50% off and the best part is many items easily translate flawlessly into a women’s closet. 

    Over this way, we spotted Common Projects sneakers that start at a size 39 for $255 from $425, this Givenchy sweater is $540 from $900, a sweater from Stone Island is $234 from $335, and a cashmere sweater from The Row is $766 from $1100. This Loewe messenger bag is a showstopper for anyone at $930 from $1550, John Lobb shoes are $553 from $790 and this Thom Brown velvet blazer is $1074 from $1800. 
    In a society where women fight for equality, it’s nice to know we can double our fashion options just by searching through the men’s department. It might even make you more fashionable. 

    Bergdorf Goodman: Extra 20% Off Sale

    We thought it would be a quiet week but boy are we wrong. We just got word that Bergdorf Goodman added a promotion where many sale items are an additional 20% off. 

    The most recent markdowns aren’t included in the extra discount promotion but there are some good finds. We spotted these Gianvitto Rossi slingbacks that come to $277 from $700, this long coat from CO is $717 from $1500 and a Burberry shearling jacket is $1786 from $3800.

    There is a very large amount of Brunello Cucinelli sale items but even at a discount, the prices are so high that’s embarrassing to endorse. This cotton hoodie is $454 from $875 and is one of the more tame items. You’re probably better off shopping through the Balenciaga selection. This logo all-over men’s shirt can easily be worn unisex and is just $245 from $650 and this cashmere peacoat is $1435 from $3000. Don’t miss the Manolo selection although the sizing is very spotty.

    The sale will run through the end of 2020 but remember that’s just a few days. We don’t know if more merchandise will be added but you can be sure we’ll be on the lookout. 

    Saks Fifth Avenue: Fendi, Loewe and Valentino Markdowns

    What an eventful markdown season it’s been. It’s crazy to think that we area beyond Christmas and some items are only just coming up for their first price cut. Saks Fifth Avenue is the latest store to add several premium brands to its markdown list.

     

    To start, there are some really great Loewe bags that just went on sale. This Loewe saddlebag is one of our favorite designs of the season and is now $1225 from $1750 and a mini Gate belt bag is $1085 from $1550. Next, check out the sale selection from Fendi. These sock sneakers are $382 from $850 and this Kan U is $1855 from $2650. 
    Lots of Valentino items got a second markdown. Here are Rockstud jelly sandals for $222 from $700 and Rockstud sandals are $312 from $700. There is also a lot of great Balenciaga deals. This puffer is $1116 from $2800 and these mules are $267 from $600. 
    These aren’t all hard markdowns and some of the prices are a result of weekend flash sales. We would suggest pouncing on any fashion that’s reduced by 60% or more. 

    The Best Places to Shop After Christmas

    Black Friday is for the amateurs. Real shoppers sharpen elbows for the day after Christmas. It’s usually the time of year where you can find a rather good selection of merchandise that’s highly discounted.

    Many retailers started their markdowns late, which means post-Christmas shopping will be better than usual. Over the course of the week, you’ll be able to find great opportunities to pounce. Below are some of our favorite post-Christmas shopping destinations. Share your favorites in the comment section below:

    Starting from, um, now, you can save an extra 30% off sale items. Use the code BYE2020 to engage the extra savings. This Off-White Jitney bag is $525 from $1130, this is a great houndstooth Teddy-style  coat for $476 from $860, and these Alexandre Birman shoes are great for kicking up your heels for New Years (in your living room) at $390 from $800. The extra discount code expires on Sunday. 
    Christmas Day means Christmas gifts and MadSpy friends can save an additional 10% off Nugnes1920 with the code MADISONX10. These “Fake” Gucci sneakers come to $450 from $680 US, a Prada crossbody bag is $1274 from over $2000 and a Moncler jacket is about $900 from $2000 US. The code is valid through the remainder of 2020. 
    DSW 
    Gucci shoes fans should be stalking DSW.  The site just added a ton of new styles to the discount assortment.  Prices run 30% to 50% off retail. Here Jordaan loafers for $480 from $790, the Sylvie loafer is $550 from $790, and Ace sneakers are $500 from $790. There are also some kid’s Gucci shoes too
     

    Lots of designer merchandise was just added to the NAP sale section. These items won’t see another markdown after the holiday but previously reduced items will get another cut. Some great new deals include these Chloe slides that are $207 from $415 and a Rossie Assoulin watercolor skirt is $450 from $900. 

    Keep your credit card handy because Saks is taking another round of markdowns after Christmas. The discounts will span to 70% off. Additional brands like Chloe, Loewe, and Celine will be added to the markdown. The site will also host a series of flash sales. Stay on your toes and make sure you keep refreshing. Right now, this Balenciaga tote is $833 from $1200 and these Bottega Lido flats are $732 from $1220. 
    It’s almost the New Year, which makes it the perfect timing for the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale. Discounts will be up to 40% off and include nearly everything from the winter collections. The sale will officially begin on Christmas Eve. Currently, this Perrin crossbody bag is $600 from $1000 and a Balmain knit jacket is $980 from $2450.

    Neiman Marcus 

    Fragrance and beauty fanatics will wake up to a Christmas day treat with 10% off. After the eggnog hangover wears off, some brands will be discounted an extra 50% off the sale price. Designer items will be an extra 25% off sale prices. Be on the lookout for Fendi markdowns.  Right now, a Balenciaga all-over sweater is $318 from $850 and these Valentino sandals are $560 from $900.
    Right now, the discounts at Bergdrofs are up to 70% off including the additional 30% off sale items. Immediately following Christmas, there will be another markdown and promotion that’s an extra 15% off sale. That will make the discounts marginally better at up to 75% off retail. We suggest you don’t wait to save a bit and buy what you like now. Right now, this Bottega bag is $1575 from $2250 and Manolo animal print shoes are $290 from $700.

    Intermix Private Sale: Extra 50% Off

    Update: If you couldn’t get into the VIP portion of the sale on Friday, you can use this link to shop now. Take note, the sale assortment isn’t exactly the same but there is plenty from which to shop. 

    Intermix is hosting a private sale where a selection of sale items are 50% off. To access the sale you will need to be a VIP and  click here and sign in to your account. 

    A few of the highlights include these Jimmy Choo heels with a crystal strap for $500 from nearly $1000, Manolo Mary Janes are $372 from $745, and an Intermix jeweled cardigan is $150 from $300. (Wear the cadi backward to add drama to an outfit. ) There are even some sale items that are an extra 50% off. These Jennifer Behr earrings are $105 from $350 and a Dion Lee dress is $420 from $1400. 
    The sale runs through Saturday morning at 3am. Take note, all sales are final. 

    Ssense Adds Another Markdown

    Here we go again. Ssense started another round of markdowns. Some items were reduced further and other merchandise was added to the private sale section. To access the private sale you need to have already purchased an item from Ssense and log into your account. 

    There is a very large assortment of Saint Laurent items. We suggest you focus on perspective purchases that are hard to catch on sale or reduced close to 30% off. Otherwise, you might be better off purchasing elsewhere. This Carre satchel is $2088 from $2900 and this mini Lou is $886 from $1150.

    There were also lots of Golden Goose added to the private sale. The discount isn’t insane but there are sizes and a great assortment of styles. These Superstars are $352 from $530 and this pair with a gold star is $347.

    Some of the more reduced items include these Fendi pumps that are $519 from $880 and this Fendi skirt is $449 from $1100.  There are still lots of Commes des Garcons items like this white shirt with a heart for $142 from $180 or a hoodie for $176 from $220.

    We aren’t in love with this private sale format, which is exclusionary to many customers. Maybe it’s enough incentive to be a customer before the next sale.