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    Sephora: Self-Care in a Time of Isolation

    Sponsored by Sephora and ShopStyle

    Now, more than ever, I feel the need to extract myself from the household tumult and spend a few minutes on my own. The bathroom has become my personal oasis and a steady delivery from Sephora is a modern indulgence.

    I have started to accumulate an arsenal of beauty and self-care items that I enjoy applying and experimenting with when I find a few minutes of alone time. The experience begins with lighting a candle and dimming the lights. In the evening, I like to take a warm shower and afterward blowdry my hair with my new Dyson hairdryer ($399) or manipulate curls with the Dyson Airwrap( $549). The process is surprisingly cathartic.

    While in captivity, um, self-isolation, I’ve discovered Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow palette ($29). I love the color assortment, which translates into natural undone beauty but also offers a bit of sparkle.

    Anyone who knows me well is primed in my penchant for buying lipsticks. Lipsticks are one of my favorite small indulgencies. I am always attracted to unique packaging, such as Pat McGrath’sMatte Trance lipstick ($38). My favorite color is Realness, which is a matte nude that has the perfect amount of blush to brighten your face without being blindingly bright or offensive. I use it on a daily basis as a “morning lipstick.” Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk ($34) delivers a similar result.

    I recently placed a new Sephora order and am looking forward to trying Armani’s Luminous Silk Concealer ($38) because the Armani foundation ($68) is my all-time favorite. I also ordered Peace Out peel pads ($24), which is a brightening peel containing AHA, BHA that dissolves dead skin cells.

    Above are some of my new favorites and old classics beauty products. I would love to hear how you’re finding time for self-care and what products you’re using to indulge yourself.

    Use code FREESHIP now for a limited time to get free shipping in the US and CA with no minimum purchase required. Make sure to sign up for Sephora’s Beauty Insider program to score points with every purchase.

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    Weekend Shopping: Impulses & Obsessions

    I’m frequently asked about my favorite fashion find. Even with all my shopping, the story hasn’t changed in 20-years. My favorite find will always be my Christian Dior wedding gown because it’s a love story with a fairytale-like happy ending.

    I was shopping at Kleinfeld, in Brooklyn and hated almost every gown I was shown. I didn’t want sparkles. I didn’t want puffs of tulle and I certainly didn’t want sequins. After viewing several dresses, I went on the hunt myself. I immediately spotted the most perfect and elegant Christian Dior gown. It was the only dress I tried on that day but it was $1,800, which was a lot 20 years ago.

    I put the dress completely out of my mind and avoided dress shopping. A few months later, I casually walked into a small bridal salon in Belmar, NJ. There it was on the sale rack. The store was discontinuing the Christian Dior line and I bought my dream for $350. I think that it’s very telling that I love this gown as much as I did the day I first saw it.

    As a social isolation activity, on Friday, I decided to give the old gown a twirl. We snapped a few pictures and danced a few TikToks, which all were inadvertently deleted. It was fun to get dressed up after so many days not wearing anything more formal than a tee-shirt and jeans.

    For a Saturday night activity, I’m kicking it up with a glass of wine and breaking down some of the best promotions. It was, for sure, a busy week. Most notably, Nordstrom started a promotion where nearly all merchandise is 25% off. Designer items are excluded but there is still a lot from which to choose.

    If you haven’t given the site a browse I suggest you do so right away as the discounts will end at 3am EST Sunday. I snagged a few Aviator Nation pieces because I rarely find them discounted. These Goodlife tees, for men, are also really nice. Here are also some really cute Comme Des Garcon pieces for men, women, and kids that are included in the sale.

    Ssense is also hosting a sitewide sale. The code SHOP20 will afford you 20% off nearly everything on the site. The main exclusions are Gucci and Golden Goose. An aqua Bottega Pouch comes to about $1900 from $2700 US retail and a Saint Laurent medium Envelops bag is $1750 from $2190.

    Bergdorf Goodman is offering an extra 25% off sale items and some new collections. are 15% to 25% off.  Croc-embossed Aquazzura heels are $225 from $750 and La Mer and Dr. Strum creams are 25% off– along with lots of other beauty products. Neiman Marcus is offering 25% off too but beauty was removed from the promotion.

    It’s not often you stumble upon a Bonboint sale but the Webster is discounting the fancy French kid’s brand 60% off. That’s the same savings as the sample sale. It was worth a mention.

    We’ll continue to update the post as the weekend continues and sales break. Feel free to drop a question or comment below. I am also always available by email: lila@madisonavespy.wpengine.com. Be strong, be safe, stay home! Xx

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    Ssense Entire Site 20% Off

    Drastic times call for drastic measures and Ssense is the latest retailer to offer widespread discounts. Starting today, you can save 20% off nearly everything on the site with the code SHOP20.

    The only exclusions brand are Golden Goose, Gucci, Loewe, Moncler, and Stone Island. Beyond that, you’re free to go wild. We suggest focusing on items that aren’t often found on sale or pieces that are priced less than you would find in the US.

    You can hit both savings opportunities with this Bottega Veneta aqua Pouch that comes to $1920 from $2700 US retail. (This is actually one of our favorite color options. It’s available in black too but you miss the point without a bright color. )

    The code can also be applied to a variety of Christian Louboutin shoes. If we were going to go for anything Louboutin it would be something classic like these Pigalle pumps that come to $550 from $695. Here are So Kate heels that are about the same price.

    Some other purchase worthy options are from new collections that won’t be on sale for some time like this Balenciaga Hello Kitty bag that’s about $880 from $1100. A Saint Laurent mini Lou Lou camera bag is about $800 from $1000 and the mini Cassandra bag is $1720 from $2150.  This Fendi logomania sweater can be cool to, well, flex on your Instagram.

    Ssense is following in a recent tend to offer savings on a vast assortment of merchandise. Most retailers, this week, have discounted their sites from 15% to 25% off. It is only a matter of time until the incentive hits 40% off.

    We suggest you buy now, what will sell out later. Otherwise, it’s a reasonably safe bet to wait for later.

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    Neiman Marcus 25% Off

    Earlier this week, Neiman Marcus started a promotion where an assortment of merchandise was discounted 20%. We looked through the selection and we weren’t especially impressed.  That was until the discount got even better.

    We just got word that Neiman Marcus added a large assortment to the discounted options and took the discount up to 25% off. Perhaps it’s a response to the Nordstorm sale that started today…

    As with the Nordstrom sale, all of the major designers are excluded. One of the first differences we noticed is that Dior beauty is included in Neiman’s sale. We are seriously feeling tempted by the PE Nation selection. Check out these color-blocked leggings for $104 from $140 and this cropped tee is $39 from $79. They are sure to enhance your virtual workout.

    You can do remote drinks with friends and show up on the screen wearing this look. Solace London sweater dress with an oversized belt for $400 from $525 or this Alex Perry iridescent sequenced dress is $2080 from $2600.

    Spice up your sweats with these joggers with sequins from Retrofete for $360 from $480 or elevate your hoodie look with this ALC puffed sleeve sweatshirt that’s $145 from $200. We are in love with the Fiorucci selection. This hoodie is $150 from $200 and this classic sweatshirt is $130 from $170.

    Most beauty brands are included in the sale. You can stock up on your Dior, Tom Ford, and Diptyque.    I couldn’t imagine a time where some self-love and pampering is more deserved.

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    Nordstrom 25% Off Sitewide

    We are living through unprecedented times. The world has never been so prominently connected. I couldn’t imagine hypothesizing what anything will feel like three days from now. It would be foolhardy to try to predict the future of retail.

    What I do know is that Nordstrom is the first retailer to react to the current global state. Technically, beginnings at 9am on Wednesday, the retailer will be hosting a site-wide event where all merchandise will be 25% off. You can start shopping right now by looking for the items marked “Extra Savings.” The discount is revealed once you cart your item. The big designers are all excluded but this is nonetheless a big sign of what’s to come. 

    Nordstrom is just the first to make bold promotional statement.  We expect that there will be many more to come. During the great financial crisis, in 2008, Saks was the first retailer to slash prices dramatically in order to move inventory in a quickly receding economy. You can click here and read the post from 2008. (The comments section is where you will find the most interesting information.)
    This pandemic is a much different situation than the Great Recession as almost all major retailers have closed. By the time this vail of safety is lifted, it’s very likely the Spring fashion season will be over.
    The one thing we know for sure is that life will return to normal in the near-ish future. Our kids’ feet still grow and many will need new sneakers. Wearing sweatpants and pajamas all day will become boring and a delivery of fresh fashion might be exactly what you need to add a little happiness to your day.   
    Jumping right in, I plan to order new sneakers. This season, retro Reeboks are the most popular style. This pair is $52 from $70. I am also eyeing some Nili Lotan pieces that work well for at home and on city streets. These classic cargo pants come to $243 from $325. Aviator Nation is included in the promotion. This hoodie is $126 from $170. An Off-White utility belt is $146 from $195.
    The sale also extends to beauty. It wouldn’t be bad to jump on a Diptyque, Dyson or La Mer purchase. These brands are usually excluded in promotions. 
    I don’t know what will happen in the future but I know the power of retail and how much fashion makes us happy. Even a small purchase can brighten someone’s day and it will forever remind you of this moment. I still have many of my “2008 moments” tucked away in my closet. 
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    INTERMIX: Flash Sale

    Sponsored by INTERMIX and ShopStyle 

    INTERMIX launched a flash sale that is sure to add some sweet excitement to your day. Right now, you can save 40% off a very large assortment of new season merchandise and items that are already on sale.

    I suggest you begin your browsing among the host of items already on sale, which makes the savings extremely attractive. This aqua INTERMIX Private Label 100% silk blouse comes to $83 from nearly $200. This Veronica Beard blazer is $317 from $700 and this Rails hoodie is $53 from $138. This SAM puffer is perfect to save until next Fall as it’s only $250 from $600. These acid wash GRLFRND jeans come to just $95. (I actually have three pairs of this style. Dark wash in two sizes and this lighter wash that I linked. They run pretty true to size.)

    Some of the new season standouts include this Iro bone color leather jacket, which is perfect for a cool Spring day and comes to $777 from $1295. This bright red Ronny Kobo mini-dress is $292 from $488, an Alexis maxi dress is $480 from $800, and Loeffler Randall sandals are just $240 from $400.

    I would be remiss not mentioning INTERMIX’s exclusive line, which consists of lots of perfect inexpensive pieces to enhance your wardrobe. I love the versatility of this sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit that comes to just $82. It will look great with these tie waist pants that are $180 from $300. These Private Label butter-soft real leather leggings are also a great price at $360 from $600.

    The INTERMIX flash sale is set to run through March 19.  For items, outside the Flash Sale, MadSpy readers are invited to can use the code MADISONSPY15 to save an additional 15% off most other items on the site through April 30th.

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    Farfetch Flash Sale: Extra 10% Off Clearance

    I’m always game for an evening surprise. Farfetch just launched a surprise 48-hour sale where all clearance items are reduced an extra 10% off. You can use the code 48FLASH at checkout.

    I spotted this new style Fendi belt bag that comes to $1530 from $3300, a Tom Ford shoulder bag is $1350 from $2990 and this Givenchy charm bag is about $1300 from $3642. Among the shoes, I found these Manolo Lurums for $900 from $1300 and my favorite Hangisi style shoe is  $600 from $1100. The sale also includes a lot of Bottega Veneta sneakers. This style is $520 from $950.

    The sale also consists of a huge clothing assortment. My lifestyle doesn’t usually consist of a lot of time at home and I’ve been considering adding some more “home functional” clothing to my wardrobe. Here is a cropped Off White sweatshirt that is already 50% off and can also translate back into the real world again. The same goes for this orange Ambush sweatshirt.

    Some less expensive options include this Varley faux fur zip up that’s $85 from $187. Optical mesh leggings from Chopova are $104 from $20 and MSGM leopard track pants are about $160 from $460. A better alternative is taking a more positive approach and shopping for Summer beachwear, which you can find discounted from 60% to 70% off.

    I won’t be responsible for the repercussions of long term sweatpants use. It can be hazardous to your bikini body. The sale ends Wednesday at 5pm EST.

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    Weekend Shopping: Impulses & Obsessions

    Our weekend shopping continues with something special. Right now, you can shop on Farfetch you can save 15% off on Commes des Garcons Play items with the code BENEFIT15. We very, very rarely see CDG Play on sale and it’s always on the top of our list for gifts for loved ones (and our selves).

    Classic CDG Play Converse sneakers come to $114 from $150 US retail, a hoodie is $198 from $288 US retail, and heart tees come to $61 from $98 US retail. The code also works for men’s and children’s CDG.

    Tessabit, one of our favorite stores in Italy, is offering a great deal exclusively to MadSpy readers. Right now you can use this link to save 25% off a great assortment of new season fashion, shoes, bags and accessories. Use the code MADISONAVENUE25XT to engage the discount.

    The best part of the promotion is that the merchandise is coming from Italy and many of the items retail for less money when compared to our retail prices. Did we mention duty is included and there is no sales tax either? It’s a triple score. The code is valid until March 20.

    These Prada logo sneakers have been hot all over the world and come to $496 from $680. In NYC after-tax, they would be about $745, which results in nearly 35% total savings from ordering from Italy. It’s like a first markdown!

    Here is a new style quilted Balenciaga belt bag that comes to $750 from $1000, a Saint Laurant beach bag is $860 from $1150 and a small quilted Loulou is $1462 from $1950.  We are in love with these contrasting Valentino Rockstuds that come to $633 from $845 and a Valentino “Dreamers” leather pouch is $445 from $600.

    A little further South, in Florence, LuisaViaRoma is offering 20% off some new season merchandise with the code WW20. Some worthy applications include all Manolo style shoes. Hangisi heels come to under $800 from nearly $1000. (No sales tax and no duties add to the underlying savings.) Loewe leather logo sandals are $520 from $650 and the new style Off-White Jitney is $960 from $1200.

    The Outnet clearance sale is now an additional 20% off. Use the code FINALS to engage the extra savings at checkout. Some highlights include the assortment of Dolce & Gabbana dresses that are reduced to 85% off. This Preen dress comes to only $150 from $1140, a Saint Laurant blazer is $1120 from $3500 and Ann Demeulemeester riding boots are $390 from $1835. The sale ends on March 16.

    Saks Fifth Avenue started a promotion offering an extra 20% off sale merchandise.  The sale includes nearly all Tumi luggage. This aluminum 19″ is $956 from $1200.  These Paris Texas silver and snakeskin short boots are $280 from $565 and Gucci slides are $316 from $790. The shoe edit is a worthy scroll at 70% off if you eliminate anything outside your size.

    Also this week, the MatchesFashion sale is an extra 20% off. You can click here to read more details. We also suggest you take one last scroll through the Neiman Marcus extra 20% off clearance promotion. The sale ends Saturday night.

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