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    Gift Guide: Corporate Gifting

    It’s time to get serious about holiday gifting. Thanking your business partners is one of the most complicated giftings of the season. Your presents need to represent the ethos of your company and appropriately show gratitude to those who support you throughout the year.

    It’s also important not to go overboard, you don’t want your gift to seem like a bribe. On the flip side, you don’t want to send a gift a fruit basket to someone who entrusts you with a mega-size portfolio or trusted you to list their $30-million brownstone.

    Below are a few ideas to thank your customers and business partners. As for employees, everyone appreciates cash.

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    The Best of Cyber Week

    Chances are that you’ve been shopping or browsing online all weekend. Nonetheless, marketers still insist that the shopping continues full force through Cyber Monday. This season, most shopping will be done online. 

    Many of the discounts pick up where we left on Thanksgiving. You can click over to our Thanksgiving week cheat sheet. Below are the retailers we plan to stalk for Cyber Monday. Just be careful, the impulse to buy anything can easily overcome Monday morning shoppers.

    If you need Gucci shoes fast you should be stalking DSW  The site continually adds new styles to the assortment. Prices run 30% to 50% off retail. Here are Gucci Zumi kitten heels for $500 from $980, Marmont sandals are $500 from $690, and Ace sneakers are $450 from $650.  Princetown velvet slides are $650 from $790 or a version with embroidered cats is $550 from $890. There are also some kid’s Gucci shoes too. 
    Black Friday continues with a private Balenciaga sale where you can save 30% off with the code PS30. The women’s selection is here and men can click here. This herringbone handbag is $840 from $1200, this quilted leather bag is $805 from $1150, and mirrored slides are $420 from $600.
    You can save 20% off sitewide with most purchases over $250 with the code BLACKFRIDAY20 or 25% off when you spend over $500 with the code BLACKFRIDAY25. The big designers are excluded but there is still a lot from which to choose. Alexander McQueen sneakers are $400 from $540, Chloe boots are $427 from $570 and this Valentino Rockstud micro bag is $1100 from $1476. 
    For Cyber Monday, Mr. Porter is offering up to 50% off. An Off-White hoodie is $225 from $550, a cashmere sweater from The Row is $1000 from $1500 and Nike Airforce 1 sneakers are $84 from $120. This Cyber Monday sale seems like an early first markdown. We would suggest taking a scroll and getting a jump on men’s sales. 
    It takes a real insider to understand all of the promotions that are available for Cyber Monday at Saks. For starters, you can receive $50 off every $200 you spend on qualifying purchases with the code CYBER20SF and clearance items are an additional 20% off.  There is also 15% off beauty with the code CBTY20SF. Last, but not least, you can save 20% off Canada Goose with the code CG20OFF. 
    Tap over to Nordstrom to save an additional 25% off clearance items. This Isabel Marant sweater $100 from $400, RtA leather leggings are $500 from $1100 and this Victoria Beckham coat is $1500 from $2500. There are also plenty of beauty deals. This La Mer set is $255 from $500, this T3 curling iron is $130 from $160 and Tom Ford Illuminator is $35 from $70. 
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    Holiday Edition: Obsessions & Impulses

    When I first started MadSpy the idea was to direct shoppers to find the best deals. It was assumed that fashion girls already had a great sense of what they wanted and sometimes just needed to be pointed in the right direction. 

    As online shopping has exploded it seems that even the most accomplished shoppers are confused by the volume of options. Years ago, the bulk of my time would be spent toiling over the right words. These days, it can take hours sorting and filtering the best sale items to compile a post. I can’t imagine how it feels to be a novice shopper.

    This week, I’m lending a helping hand. Head to Instagram stories and tell me what you need to buy and I’ll do my best to point you to the right item or at least the right direction. The more details you include the more accurate I can be. 

    There are a lot of sites to browse for those diving into holiday sales. We hashed out the best Black Friday sales over in this previous post. An honorable mention should be made to the sale sections at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Enter at your own risk, it might cost you a few Benjamins before clicking away from either. 
    If you’re still not satisfied, we have a pretty complete list of all the best promotions this way. Special attention should be paid to MyTheresa and Ssense. Both are offering great discounts on current season designer merchandise. 
    Speaking of current season markdowns, we are still waiting for local department stores to take a good markdown. Thursday will be a big day for designer shoppers. Keep your eyes on Neiman Marcus. We have our bets on Saks for the best deals on Cyber Monday. 
    Taking a downshift from super-expensive designer merchandise,  Shopbop is offering 20% off purchases of $200 or more with the code SHOP20. This Jacquemous bag is $400 from $500, this JW Anderson chain bag is $425 from $895, and a Saks Potts puffer is $700 from $880.
    You might also want to consider digging into the Yoox Black Friday sale where discounts top at 90% off. Here is a Prada skirt for $382 from $850 and Prada slides are $228 from $570.  There is so much merchandise that I suggest you just do searches based on your favorite designer and cross filter by size. 
    That’s it for me today. Remember to head to  Instagram stories for some Saturday night fun. 
    Stay tuned. Until next time… same time, same place?

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    Where to Shop on Black Friday (Now)

    Waking up on Thanksgiving Day, it’s hard to choose between cooking, eating, and shopping. You can guess where we started. This holiday season is like none prior. There will be fewer people crowding stores and lots more shoppers logging online. Take note, the increased online shopping will mean a bottleneck in shipping. This season we suggest ordering earlier than you even anticipate to be necessary. 

    Lucky for you,  we have all the inside scoop and can lend you a little preview of the markdowns to come. European online luxury retailers seem to take Black Friday even more seriously than American retailers. Head to our post from earlier this week to see the best deals from Italy. We must admit, we are getting very well acquainted with DHL. Marketplaces like Farfetch and Italist are offering extending markdowns and extra savings. Ssense is also in it to win it–the customer, of course.  

    Below are our top picks for Black Friday and a sneak peek into Cyber Monday. Remember, to add all your purchase considerations into your cart and edit out the items that you don’t need now or that you don’t anticipate selling out. There are lots of markdowns to come and one of the miracles of fashion is that there is always something new to buy.
    Happy Thanksgiving!!


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    You might need to dig for a bit but your efforts will be rewarded when you find the right gem. Right now, you can save up to an additional 30% off already reduced merchandise. The savings is near 80% off on some items. There are dozens of styles of Manolo Blahnik shoes reduced to about $200 but there aren’t many size options available. You can easily find something from Stuart Weitzman for even half of that. While everyone is waiting for a sample sale from The Row we can assure you that the prices here are even better. The additional discounts will be available through Dec.1. The real designer sale will hit on Dec. 3.

    Sometimes you have to go straight to the mother ship to find the best selection and price. In the Private Sale section found in this link, you can save between 30% and 50% off past season Balenciaga merchandise. Triple S sneakers are available in a full-size range and are $680 from $975 and Speed Trainers are $549 from $800. A logo all over sweater is $830 from $1190, a backpack is $729 from $1050, and a graffiti City Bag is $1250 from $2100. 

    There is A LOT going on at Saks. So much so that it’s starting to feel like JC Penny. You can save 15% off lots of beauty brands including Diptyque, La Mer, Armani Beauty, and Jo Malone. Next, head over to the big deep discounts on past season merchandise. Reductions peek at 75% off. There are great finds like this Saint Laurent blazer that’s $861 from $3500 plus a $75 gift card with the code BCGC20SF. It would already be mine but it’s a size too big. This Off-White canvas tote is $200 from $330 and this Jitney bag is $850 from $1450. This Balmain jacket dress is $1377 from $2300 and this Mark Cross box bag is $1500 from $2300. 

    In a normal year, Lululemon wouldn’t chart on our must-shop list but the combination of covid curves and staying home more makes athleisure a must-have. Black Friday prices are about 30% to 40% off of retail, which isn’t earth-shattering but it’s a welcome saving. A pullover is $59 from $88 and cropped leggings are $59 from $88. Just a little word of warning, we would rather forsake a discount than purchase a color a style that’s not flattering. 

    Just when you think it’s all over, DSW adds more styles to its Gucci sale. The prices are pretty good. You’ll find Sylvie loafers are $500 from $890 and Sylvie pumps are $500 from $700. Kids Gucci slides make a great gift for just $150. Remember, keep checking back. 




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    Black Friday: Unpublished Links & Insider Information

    As Thanksgiving Day approaches it’s hard to choose between cooking, eating, and shopping. You can guess our prediction. This holiday season is turning out to be much different than in past years. Black Friday is already upon us, sort of. Good thing that we have all the inside scoop and details to help inform you where to shop and when.

     

    MyTheresa

    The deal: PRIVATE Extra 30% off 
    Expires: November 30
    What we are eyeing:
    Loewe straw bag $903 from $2150

    Savannah’s

    The deal: Up to 50% off
    What we are eyeing:
    Manolo Skysan heels $478 from $1200
    Alexander McQueen heels $445 from $890
    Givenchy boots $1080 from $1350
    The deal: Discounted Gucci shoes extra 20% off. Add to cart to see the final price. 
    Expires: New styles continually added
    What we are eyeing: 
    Jordaan loafers $399 from $730
    Ace sneakers $399 from $790
    Strawberry sneakers $359 from $650

    Deal: Extra 30% off sale
    Expires: November 29
    What we are eyeing: 
    ALC Navy blazer $321 from $650
    AGoldie sweater $117 from $168 
    Alexander Vauthier dress $715 from $1740 

    Deal: Up to 50% off. Check out the deals for teens. (Many work for adults too. Golden goose goes up to a size 39)
    What we are eyeing: 

    Golden Goose Superstars $335 from $530 
    Moncler hat $114 from $190
    Balmain blazer $1300 from $2300

    Deal: Discounts up to 50% off
    Expires: Ongoing
    What we are eyeing: 
    Saint Laurent Kate bag $1500 from $1990
    Moncler puffer $835 from $1160

    Deal: $50 off $200 full price items including beauty 
    Code: THANKFUL
    What we are eyeing: 
    Manolo Hangisi $750 from $995
    Barbour coat: $500 from $650
    The Deal: 30% to 40% off lots of items 
    What we are eyeing: 
    Highrise tights $70 from $100
    Crop top tee $29 from $54
    Long sleeve tee $60 from $88
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    Italian Boutiques: Venerdì Nero (Black Friday)

    If Black Friday existed in Italy, it would be right now. We could call it Venerdi Nero and shop our credit cards to a deficit. A number of Italian boutiques started amazing discounts. The best part is that the sale assortment is comprised of premium merchandise. See details below:

    Deal: Take 30% off sitewide
    Exclusive code: MADISON30
    Exclusions: Gucci, Prada bags, YSL Bags, Moncler
    Sale highlight: Fendi coat with fur pockets $3190 from $4160
    Deal: Take 30% off sitewide
    Code: BF30
    Sale highlight: CDG Play cardigan $236 from $412 US

    Deal: 25% off sitewide
    Code: MOON25
    Exclusions: Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Golden Goose 
    Sale highlight: Amina Muaddi heels $660 from $985 US
    Deal: 20% off sitewide
    Code: BFX20
    Sale highlights:
    Maison Michel hat $360 from $570
    Balmain tweed blazer $1505 from $3200 US
    Off White bag $670 from $1260 US
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    Weekend Shopping: Obsessions & Impulses

    Have you been following along this week? It’s been crazy. Sales are breaking left and right. There are so many sales that it’s nearly impossible to keep track. Now it’s time to discuss the lay of the land and review what’s current and a few things we missed.

    MyTheresa started a private sale where a great assortment of designer merchandise is reduced up to 30% off. You will only see the discounts if you use THIS LINK to initiate the sale.  Highlights include this Balmain tank that’s $250 from $395 US. We also love this Marni bag that comes to $1323 from $1890. This Jacqumus Le Chiquito bag is a great price at $392 from $490. This Isabel Marant sweatshirt makes a great gift at $272 from $341. Be on the lookout for lots of Roger Vivier options. Shearling lined boots are $1200 from $1700 and knee-high boots are $1260 from $1800. Classic black flats, which we don’t recall ever seeing on sale, are $580 from $725.

    Saks Fifth Avenue is a premier destination for holiday gifts and continually has an amazing sale assortment. Check out some of my favorite gift ideas from Saks here. Among the sale options, we spotted this heart-stopping Saint Laurent velvet blazer that’s now just $1000 from nearly $3400 and this Balmain tweed jacket is $1245 from $4150. These Manolo booties are $400 from $1000 but only available in a size 6.

    I highly suggest you take a quick click over to the Italian boutique Nugnes 1920. There is an early Black Friday promotion where you can save 30% off this selection with the code BF30. Be sure to check out the selection from Comme des Garscons Play, which is hardly ever included in any promotions or markdowns. Here is a Moncler jacket for $536 from over $900 US retail, this graffiti Blanciaita City bag is $1160 from $1950 and this Balenciaga camera bag is $700 from $1090. You can see the full post with more of my favorites here. 

    Ssense started a private sale. To view the discounts you will need to use this link and log into your account. If you can’t see the discounts, don’t worry. The sale goes live on Monday. The markdowns span up to 60% off but most items are reduced 20% to 40% off. Check out this Moncler jacket for $835 from $1050 and here is another in black for $845 from $1160. High top Golden Goose sneakers are $430 from $560 and Chloe sneakers are $320 from $500.Details are all in this blog post. 

    LN-CC also hosting a private sale where discounts range from 20% to 50% off and the selection is fantastic. To view the discounts  YOU MUST FIRST CLICK ON THIS Private Sale link BEFORE THE SALE PRICES ARE REVEALED. This Saint Laurent mini Lou is $813 from $1250 and this YSL Joan bag is $1268 from $1950. You can tap over to the full post here. 

    If you’re looking for the perfect gift, look no further than  Jennifer Behr. you can use the code THANKFUL and save 30% off everything on the site. Choose from stocking stuffers like this braided velvet headband that’s $208 from $298 to more extravagant items like this jeweled Gayle Circlet that’s perfect for a bride or striking up a princess vibe. All the details are right this way. 

    Net-A-Poter‘s first markdown just went live to the public at the start of the week.  You can access the sale now through this link. This Fendi logo print top is pulling hard against my sensibilities as it’s reduced to $745 from $1500 and this Balenciaga City bag is $1128 from $1880. You can see more here. Take note, there will be extra bonuses and more designer merchandise added shortly. 

    MatchesFashion quietly started the sale season. Registered users can click here and sign in to see the discounts, which extend to 80% off on past season merchandise. The sale really isn’t that great–yet. This is one to keep an eye on. Details are this way.

    Maybe my favorite post of the week: Chanel! You didn’t think I forgot about that, did you? Product information is still coming together but keep your eyes on this post. It should be a fun follow.

    Looking forward. We have Thanksgiving, which means it’s the big lead-up to Black Friday. Monday will be a very big day. I can’t wait to share the festivities with you all.

    Stay tuned. Until next time… same time, same place?



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    Nugnes1920 Early Black Friday Sale

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

    We are so lucky because the boutique is sharing a special early Black Friday promotion with MadSpy readers. Right now, you can save 30% off this selection with the code BF30. 
    The sale edit contains lots of fashion items you won’t find on sale anywhere else. Here are classic Gucci loafers that come to $525 from $790 US, Gucci combat boots are $816 from $1190 US, and these Gucci heels with the ankle chain are $660 from $940.
    This Moncler jacket comes to $1120 from $1600 and this Moncler hat with a pom-pom is $193 from $286. There is also a great assortment of Golden Goose sneakers. There are several Ball Star styles that come to $340 from $550 US.
    Don’t miss the men’s selection too. Fendi, Comme de Garsons Play, and Moncler. Most items are pretty unisex, so you’re not going to want to miss that scroll. 
    Nugnes 1920  differentiates itself from other luxury emporiums with its desire to interpret the collections through their own values. The owners see luxury as a way of being and offering oneself with treasures and enhancements of cultural roots.
    In the general sale section there are more finds even further reduced. This python Prada bag is reduced by 50%, Saint Laurent sunglasses are $190 from $375, and check out this leather moto jacket from Simonetta Ravizza that’s $480 from $1370. There are lots more color and size options too. This Gucci floral print scarf is an excellent gift at $200 from $400.
    The Black Friday sale will run through November 30. There are no duties and shipping is free with purchases over $300. Keep your eyes on Nugnes 1920. It’s a great resource for sale season. 
    Sponsored Post

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