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    FWRD Markdowns: Discounts 70% Off

    This is a quiet week for sales but the calm won’t last for long. Thanksgiving turns out late this year, which leaves fewer shopping weekends before Christmas. We’ve already had a sneak peek of the markdown schedule and can tell you that it will be earlier and even more aggressive than last year.


    Before the holiday shopping mania begins we took a scroll through Foward / FWRD and found some hidden gems. Most of the sale section is 50% to 70% off but most items fall in between. This adorable Valentino Rockstud mini-tote is $1090 from $1945, Saint Laurent leopard pony hair booties are still available in a variety of sizes and come to $838 from $2000. We also found these Franceso Russo slingbacks that are causing major 70s vibes.

    Take note, this is a forever sale section and the most reduced items are only available in limited size ranges. To avoid too much frustration, we suggest you eliminate anything that’s not in your size. It also never hurts to check back periodically.

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    Sample Sale: Moschino, Alberta Ferretti & More

    Shopping at a sample sale that is civilized and offers a great selection is few and far between. It’s for this reason we love to visit the Aeffe showroom and score current season merchandise at about 60% to 70% off.

    The selection will include an assortment of clothing, shoes, and accessories from Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, Fuzzi, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, and Cedric Charlier. There will also be a small section of merchandise for men. A cashmere-blend sweater from Alberta Ferretti will be $617 from about $1800, a Moschino Boutique newspaper print dress will be $216 from $675 and a Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini gown will be $415 from $1295. (Click here for more pictures.)

    Aeffe Sample Sale
    Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11
    Saturday 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm, Mon 10am-7pm
    30 West 56th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenue, 1st floor)
    For more details please contact info@aeffeusa.com

    Sponsored Mention

    Sneakers $56

    $80 from $285

    $190 from $600

    $203 from $700

    $186 from $640

    $161 from $575

    $500 Philosophy Coat

    $362

    $210

    $546




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    Discounts at Barneys Begin

    Update Nov. 15: Barneys is offering a discount of an extra 10% off. Click here to see what’s available, which is about the same as what we found on the site last week.  

    Clocks have dialed back but Barneys is springing forward with its a plan to begin inventory liquidation. Today the first wave of nominal discounts passed down throughout the store and online.


    Most items have are currently discounted either 5% of 10%, depending on the brand. If you’re looking for more savings, we suggest you wait until after November 15. That’s when all purchases become final sale and when we believe the better markdowns will begin.

    For now, you can use this time shop for items you might never see on sale. Hermes housewares are now 10% off. It’s not sample sale discounts but there is no line either. This Balcon print ashtray is $635 from $700. (People must be buying them because there is only one left already.) Little square plates in the same print are $85 now.  The same 10% discount has been applied to Baccarat.

    Moving out of housewares and into fashion, most Gucci is reduced by 5%. Sizes are already running thin for Brixton loafers. Delveaux bags are discounted by 5%. YSL is 5% off too. Balmain clothing is reduced 10% off.

    Take note, Goyard is a leased space at Barneys that merchandise was never part of the Barneys inventory. Goyard will not be discounted. Loewe, Celine, Fendi, and Givenchy are not reduced at all, which leads us to believe that they will be removed from the store momentarily.

    We wouldn’t suggest you buy anything that you wouldn’t normally have purchased at full price. We are sure more aggressive markdowns are to come but don’t think that the best items will survive to rock bottom. As you can see from the inventory levels of Gucci loafers, even a little discount drives customers on when the item is wanted.

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    Neiman Marcus 80% Off Clearance

    We started to feel the Sunday evening blues settling in but then remembered about a great sale. Right now, you can save an extra 30% off sale items online at Neiman Marcus.


    Once the additional 30% is accounted for the discount tips towards 80% off on some items. Here is a Chloe jacquard dress that comes to $377 from $1800, a one-shoulder dress from Redemption is $273 from $1560 and a metallic silver skirt from RtA is $121 from almost $700. We bet the sample sale isn’t even that good.

    We’ve been in the mindset to add a new coat into our regular rotation and found this Rosetta Getty trench for $435 from $2500.  This  Gabriela Hearst cashmere coat is $872 from $5000 and a Kobi Halpern wool blazer is $188 from $600.

    The shoe selection isn’t very good and the handbag options are essentially nonexistent. Even on the sizes in the clothing assortment can be very spotty. The best option is to sort by size before you being any serious browsing.

    This promotion Neiman Marcus promotion ends on Tuesday. This is the least expensive any of these items will ever get. The next stop is Last Call, when the merchandise is brought up to first markdown range.

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    NOVEMBER SAMPLE SALES ????????????Veronica Beard, Prada, Barbour

    The calendar has turned to November, which means sample sale shopping will hit a frenetic peak. It’s a good thing because Thanksgiving and holiday parties are right around the corner. There is no better time to start collecting holiday gifts and adding some exciting pieces to your home and wardrobe.

    Below is a list of what we believe to be the best bargain bonanzas of the month. You can see a listing of all the sample sales occurring in NYC on ShopDrop. Continue to check back here and we will add more sales and commentary. Feel free to ask questions, feedback, and comments below. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to get quick and immediate updates.

    Chilewich Sample Sale
    If you’re looking for tabletop accessories you’re not going to pass up on the Chilewich sample sale. Expect to find an assortment of durable and stylish placemats, runners, napkins, and accessories for up to 90% off. This sale is a true sample sale and it only happens once a year. The timing couldn’t be better.
    Tuesday, November 5 through Thursday, November 7th
    10am-6pm daily
    261 West 36th Street

    RtA Sample Sale
    Did you know that RtA stands for “Road to Awe”? Neither did we! Something else: The LA-based company will be hosting a sample sale with discounts up to 80% off. We love this brand because it feels a little rock and roll glam with even a European twist. Keep an eye out for luxe leather, denim, and upgraded sweaters.
    Tuesday, November 5 through Sunday, November 10
    Tues 1am-8pm, Wed to Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    260 Sample Sale: 151 Wooster Street

    Carolina Herrara Sample Sale
    If you missed the ODLR sample sale you have a chance to shop discounted gowns and elegant day-wear at the Carolina Herrara sample sale. This is the first time that they are having a sale hosted outside of their own offices. It’s hard to speculate about the pricing but we hope that it will be along the lines of ODLR.
    Wednesday, November 6 through Sunday, November 10
    Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs to Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street

    Aeffe Sample Sale
    If you’re looking for a civilized environment to shop deals, this would be the place. Expect to find a lot of in-stores now merchandise from Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, FUZZI, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, and Cédric Charlier. There will also be a limited selection of merchandise for men. Most items are usually discounted about 65% off retail.
    Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11
    Saturday 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm, Mon 10am-7pm
    30 West 56th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenue, 1st floor

    Annabelle Fur, Coats and Jackets Sample Sale
    Annabelle, which is known for its gorgeous furs, wool coats, down jackets and accessories, is opening its showroom to shoppers. Expect to find pom-pom hats starting at $25. Down jackets starting at $60 and fur-lined vests starting $300. Don’t miss the gorgeous wool coats accented with fur or shearling jackets starting at $300. This is an amazing opportunity to buy top European quality outerwear for less than Zara prices.
    Wednesday, November 13 through Friday, November 15
    10am-6pm daily
    247 West 30th St, 2nd Floor

    Mont Blanc Sample Sale
    The Mont Blanc sample sale is always a readers’ favorite. Most pens, watches, accessories, and jewelry are discounted 50% to 60% off but discounts on less popular items go up to 80% off. The most popular and giftable items tend to go very quickly. Those attending the sale should expect a long line on opening day and shorter lines throughout the term of the sale. For some reason, there is always a wait for Mont Blanc.
    Wednesday, November 13 through Saturday, November 16
    Wed to Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-4pm
    260 Sample Sale: 260 Fifth Avenue

    Veronica Beard
    Look out for an assortment of jackets, sweaters, and dresses from size 00-24. There are tons of the designer’s trademark blazers along with tees, sweaters, and jeans. There are some true samples. Most production items will be reduced by 70% off retail. If there isn’t something specific that you desire, we suggest waiting for price cuts, which should come after the second day of the sale.
    Monday, November 18 through Saturday, November 23
    260 Fifth Avenue
    Mon 10am-8pm, Tue 9am-8pm, Wed & Thu 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm

    Prada Sample Sale
    Prada just announced that it will be holding a sample sale later this week, hosted by 260 Sample Sale. This is the first time the Italian brand has hosted a sample sale in nearly 10 years. his year’s sale will be comprised of an assortment of bags, shoes, and clothing. We think there will be a huge amount of shoes and bags but we don’t believe that discounts will be drastic. Prices are likely to be in-line with the boutique’s normal markdown of 50% off and then shift into higher reductions later in the week. Click over this way to read more about what we expect.
    Wednesday, November 20 through Saturday, November 23
    10am-8pm daily
    150 Greene Street

    Barbour Sample Sale
    Get the real sample sale experience at the Barbour sale. This one day sale will carry an assortment of true samples, which is approximately a size 6 woman. Prices will be at wholesale cost, which is normally about 70% off of retail. 
    Wednesday, November 20
    11am-6pm
    130 West 57th Street, 3C

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    Lake Como’s Tessabit 40% Off Designer

    Tessabit is a multi-brand luxury boutique based in Lake Como, Italy. It was the first store to carry Georgio Armani’s collection in the 70s and has remained on the cutting edge of trend and fashion ever since. More recently, Tessabit has their goals set on capturing the eyes of a New York shopper.



    The best part of the promotion is that the merchandise is coming from Italy and already at a discount when compared to our retail prices. You can use this link and the code MOON40S at checkout to a gage the savings.

    The extra promotion brings the final cost to more than 50% off on many items. The Vring Valentino bag is $2145 at our retail stores but comes to $1128 after the discount. A Balmain velvet blazer retails here at $2300 but comes to just $1100 and a tee comes to $190 from $395 at US stores. Balenciaga square toe BB boots are $690 from $1590 state-side.

    While in the sale section, keep your eyes focused on European designers. That’s where you will find the best values. We noticed that the Fendi prices weren’t less than here but the 40% discount is way more than you will ever find on brand new items like the Karligraphy bag and anything from Brunello Cucinelli.

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    Chanel: Official Price Increase

    The Halloween -scaries are mostly all putaway today but our biggest fright has become official. Chanel’s new pricing is now live and the price hikes are confirmed.

    The price change in the US is not nearly as extreme as we were initially told. Classic and Reissue bag styles are $200 more and Boy Bags are an extra $100. You can see the official new pricing in the below chart. (Click in the image to view the numbers more clearly.)

    Unfortunately, the European market isn’t as lucky. According to SpottedFashion, Chanel prices in the Eurozone have increased by 7%. In France, a Wallet on a Chain has increased by €150 to €2150 and a medium classic is €300 more for a total of €5150.

    Shoppers have questioned the virtue of a Chanel bag purchase as prices begin to move closer to those at Hermes. Many long-time Chanel fans have stated dismay in the deteriorating quality of newly manufactured purses. Other customers have aired issues with Chanel’s customer service.

    Hermes, on the other hand, has maintained its hand-made manufacturing heritage and will service a bag to the best of their ability regardless of its age. Hermes bags also have been proven to hold their value on the resale market better than Chanel.

    What are your thoughts on the new prices? Are Chanel bags worth the expense? Will you buy a preowned bag or a new one?

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    Barneys Destined to Close: Now What?

    This afternoon the gavel fell and the fate of Barneys was determined. Authentic Brands Group and B. Riley will be the new owners of Barneys and of all its assets and intellectual property for the price of $271 million.

    ABG has been forthright that their purchase plan includes the closing of all Barneys’ locations — including its 275,000-square-foot flagship property owned by Ashkenazy Acquisition at 660 Madison Avenue.

    “It’s a sad day,” said Judge Cecilia Morris as she determined the fate of Barneys, which includes the loss of 1,500 jobs and the end of an era for New Yorkers.

    Jeff Trexler, attorney and associate director of Fashion Law Institute, based at Fordham School of Law, observed the proceedings and in an interview with Mad-Spy said, “There was a palpable sense of loss. The sense of losing more than a store. Barneys has been important to so many for much of its history.”

    The question of how ABG will liquidate inventory remains a question. Texler told Mad-Spy that the jewelry vendors are among the only merchants that have prior authorization to retrieve its merchandise. That means that everything from Chanel shoes to YSL bags are up for grabs.

    Some experts believe that ABG will keep stores open for a limited time and slowly reduce merchandise until most of it’s sold. Other experts believe that the most valuable inventory — from Louboutin to Gucci– will be sold behind the scenes.

    The perception that Barneys is dead has to be factored into any decision, ” Trexler said.  A fire sale will only diminish the value of the label, which will primarily be used for licensing.
    Another expert with whom we spoke agreed that customers shouldn’t be too optimistic about paying pennies for Prada. “If ABG decides to liquidate its inventory, you can bet that the best merchandise will be removed. Off-price stores from TJ Maxx to Gilt are already placing offers,” he said.  “At stores, you will most likely see the Coop brand reduced to liquidation values along with fixtures and odd accessories.”

    The individual brands have worries about seeing major disicounts too.  A comment noted that big companies, like LVMH, are attempting to buy back their merchandise in order to maintain control.

    Inside sources say that all NYC employees have been called to a meeting on Friday morning. We anticipate that it will be a somber day.

    On a personal note: The Madison Avenue Spy team is very thankful to all of our friends at Barneys. You have made our lives more colorful, stylish and fun. Our stories of shopping at Barneys and eating lunch at Fred’s will be told as a legend and be repeated to future generations. We wish everyone lots of luck and success and look forward to sharing new beginnings.

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