Weekend Shopping: Impulses & Obsessions
New York City is the most hard-hit by the Coronavirus but it’s also the country’s more important economy. This week’s opening of NYC represents the reawakening of capitalism and is the first step towards normalcy. Some stores, like Macy’s and Gap, have announced that they will not be swinging their doors open at the first opportunity. Other stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue, are offering curbside pickup.
New York City luxury stores might have a more difficult recovery than other cities because so much of the economy depends on tourism, which is currently barely existent. To further exacerbate matters, many local luxury shoppers have taken residence outside of the city. I don’t foresee the recovery of stores on Madison, like Givenchy, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana happening any time soon.
On the bright side, data shows that online luxury shopping has been robust. There has been a flight to quality, as analysts would call it. Shoppers are opting to spend their money on more expensive quality items and have nearly forsaken the ephemeral satisfaction of fast fashion.
While on the topic of quality shopping, this morning we received notice that the online arm of Parisian Le Bon Marché, 24S, dropped Louis Vuitton merchandise to the site. This isn’t such a stretch considering the store is LVMH-owned. We were most surprised by the fact that the listed items are currently offered at French value and not at US prices. For instance, an Alma mini is $1068 from $1460 US retail and LV high heel sandals are $784 from $1090 US retail.
Most of the best LV items are already sold out. Some pieces don’t even show up on the site anymore. Early this morning, I spotted a Pouchette for $600 less than it’s sold here. What’s even better, is that duties are included and there is no sales tax. Don’t miss 24S’s Dior options, which can’t be found at any other retailer and the site’s great sale section.
Earlier this week we posted about the eminent private Saint Laurent sale. Inside sources say that there was a last-minute decision to move the sale to the end of June. Check out the full story here to see what’s included and to begin pre-shopping now.
Monday begins the Gucci sale. Discounts will be 30% off at Saks and Bloomingdales. We aren’t sure if the sale will be offered online too but it doesn’t hurt to be on the lookout.
As temperatures heat up we started thinking more about our Summer wardrobe and mainly swimwear. After all, it seems like poolside socialization is as social as it will get this Summer. Moda Operandi is currently offering an extra 15% off sale merchandise. The swim options are great.
This Versace one-piece is $117 from $275 and this Marie FranceVan Damme gold bikini is $140 from $330. Catch the full story with all of our favorite items here.
This week, Louboutins went on sale and Manolos saw another markdown at many stores. You can head this way for all the details. Manolo slingbacks are still available for $312 from $700 and floral mules are $202 from $675. You also can’t miss The Outnet’s sale where prices are reduced up to 90% off retail. Click here for all the details.
Shopbop started a sale-on-sale promotion where merchandise is an extra 25% off with the code SPOTLIGHT. This is a great type of sale to pick up a few basics, like shorts and pool-side essentials. A Poupette St. Barth coverup is $120 from $320 and a Mara Hoffman bikini is 65% off.
Next Sunday is Father’s Day. Click over to our gift guide for some ideas and inspiration. Mr. Porter also started its Summer sale. It’s not a bad idea to browse the sale section for the perfect gift. Here are a few standouts that I found.
Before you move out, check out the Blue & Cream Golden Goose selection. All styles are 40% off with the code GG40 (EXPIRED). This Super Star Skate sneaker is $330 from $550 and this Ball Star style is $250 from $415.
The wait for the Net-a-Porter sale isn’t far off. We suggest you begin pre-shopping now.
Stay tuned. It’s going to be an eventful shopping week. Until next time… same time, same place?
