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    The IT-It: Amina Muaddi Back in Stock

    The designer shoe floor has become increasingly more congested. Not so long ago, designer shoes were limited to a small area of any store and represented the biggest fashion houses and a small assortment of legacy brands like Manolo Blahnik and Todds. Today, footwear is one of the largest grossing departments in any retail environment and spans the largest ‘footprint.’


    Amina Muaddi is the newest designer with ambitions of winning over shoe customers. Splitting her childhood between Jordan and Romania and then continuing her education n Italy, Amina was able to achieve a unique design approach to shoes and started her own brand in 2018.

    Her shoes fuse a sense of opulence with timeless glamour. A particular emphasis is placed on the construction of her pieces and most designs are hand-made. Amina believes the last and the heel to be two most crucial elements to ensure the best quality shoe.

    In a little over a year, Amina she has accomplished creating such a buzz that finding her shoes has been a challenge. We noticed that her pre-fall collection hit stores over the weekend and various styles are currently available but are going fast.

    Intermix, Mytheresa, LuisaViaRoma and MatchesFashion currently have limited availability for preorders on the hand-made shoes. Our favorite styles include the designer’s distinctive geometric pedestal heel. We are crazy for these rainbow Begum slingbacks and the newest ankle boots with a lucite heel.

    We suggest you make a quick decision if Amina Muaddi heels attract your fancy. The last season’s collection disappeared fairly quickly and the designer’s fan base is exploding, which is a recipe for a quick sell-out.

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    5 Must-Haves for NYFW

    New York Fashion Week has officially started. Over the past several years, the fashion on the street has become even more important than than what is shown on the runway. Street style sets the tone for the entire season. What’s hot at fashion week usually becomes must-haves through the holiday season.

    In honor of NYFW, we are listing the five hottest items of the pre-season. Some aren’t even officially available and others are sold out. If you can get your hands on any of these items we suggest you do so asap. The buzz is only going gain in momentum as all your favorite influencers flex their most swagy fashions.

    1. Louis Vuitton Multi-Pochette (M44813) $1550
    You might have seen this concoction of bags already popping up on the Instagram feed on some of your most influential style gurus. The “bag” is essentially comprised of three bags– a micro pouchette, a larger pouchette and a round change purse. They are connected together by a chain and a fabric strap to create a utility cross-body type-bag. Fabric straps can be purchased separately for $495 each. The bag was slated to launch on September 1 but has been pushed off until September 27. This is the type of item we suggest preordering immediately if you intend on adding it to your collection.

    2. The Bottega Veneta Pouch $2400
    Writing about this bag again is starting to feel redundant but the fad is just beginning. We’ve already seen people collecting multiple colors of this clutch. White has been the hardest color to get and it’s available RIGHT NOW. The white version been especially popular because it resembles a cloud and looks dreamy when clutched under the arm.  We expect to see lots of the the new metallic colors during fashion week. You can click here to grab yours now and a limited edition red was just launched today too,

    3. Bottega Veneta Stretch Sandals $720
    What’s harder to get than a white Bottega Pouch? Stretch sandals! They seem to have launched but have never been accessible. You just can’t get these sandals unless your very well connected. We wish we had some advice but we are baffled. As an alternative, we suggest that mortals pre-order the Padded Bloc Pumps as they can be worn for the following eight months. They are also poised to be a big sell-out.

    4. Valentino VSling $2575
    The tone-on-tone matte is a toned down version of logo-mania. It looks fresh and cool. Almost like a matte Porsche Panamera. The bag is starting to catch the attention of fashion participants but it hasn’t trickled into the mainstream. What’s even better is that the bag hasn’t been all over Instagram, which makes you the ultimate influencer.

    5. Amina Muaddi Belgum Brooch Pump $895
    The shoe brand d’jour is Amina Mauddio. If you haven’t heard of it, now you have. Amina Muaddi is best known for its vibrant colors and holographic designs. We like them because of heel’s distinctive geometric pedestal. Our favorite style has a jeweled toe. We are torn between black, aqua or pink but would take any if we could find them. They are sold out at most everywhere. We could only find size 5s but we will continue to keep our eyes open.

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    Saks Fifth Avenue: Save Now Promotion

    We have become all too familiar with department stores’ gift card shopping incentives. You spend as much as you can for the opportunity to receive a gift card for a later purchase. More often than not, you get your gift card and think that you’re going to save it to buy something special. By the time you commit to the purchase, the gift card is expired. It’s all very disappointing.


    Good thing, Saks Fifth Avenue is offering a promotion that doesn’t require to use a gift card at a future date. Depending on how much money you spend, you can save money off your purchase right now. The promotion is only available online. Use the code FORMESF at checkout to engage the savings.

    The breakdown is:  
    Spend $250, save $50 
    Spend $450, save $100 
    Spend $700, save $175
    Spend $1000, save $250 

    In the past, there were nearly no restrictions on this promotion but this season. This go-round we had to search for brands that are included. (You know it’s going to take some serious looking when even Michael Kors opts out.) The most attractive designer options include Balmain, Gianvitto Rossi, Manolo Blahnik, Aviator Nation, Rachel Comey, and some various others.

    You can go for this Balmain blazer and save $500 from the full price of $2100. This Rachel Comey puff sleeve top will come to $325 from $425 if you throw in a package of hair ties. These lace Manolo “Hangisiflala” flats are beyond gorgeous and discounted $250 with the promo.

    While you’re browsing, don’t miss the sale merchandise. We found these Gianvitto Rossi mules for $193 from $645, The Row low boot for $476 from $1200 and  Moncler rain boots $223 from $425. Take note, the promotional savings can’t be applied towards sale merchandise.

    The code is valid through Friday. The next Saks promotion is one of those tricky gift cards.

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    September Sample Sales ????????????

    It’s hard to believe that Summer is already over. Normally, September is a dead month for sample sales but there appears to be a blooming calendar this season. We aren’t sure if the proliferation of September sales is a sign of a shifting economy or the expanding sample sale business but only time will tell.

    We’ve exclusively listed the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. These are only sales we explicitly endorse. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month. You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to get quick and immediate updates or check Shopdrop for a complete list of all New York sample sales. Feel free to ask questions and leave feedback in the comments section, so that everyone can benefit from the ‘Spy’ network.

    Robert Clergerie
    Robert Clergerie’s inaugural sample sale will include a variety of shoes and boots priced up to 80% off. Most styles will fall within the range of $75 to $285 from retail prices of $350 to $900. We will be sure to add more analysis as details emerge. 
    Tuesday, September 10 through Thursday, September 12
    Tues & Wed 8am-8pm, Thurs 8am-3pm
    The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18 Street, 5th Floor

    Alexandre Birman
    This will be Alexandre Birman’s first sample sale in New York. Two years ago the brand hosted a sample sale on Gilt and prices were discounted 60% off. We can’t prognosticate this sale’s discounts but take note of what styles have been reduced by retailers and to what price. There has been a lot.
    Wednesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 15
    Wed 9am-8pm, Thur to Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    450 West 14th Street

    Oscar de la Renta 
    We always look forward to the ODLR sample sale. The assortment is consistently good and prices can be amazing if you look in the right places. Past sales included a great assortment of almost all designer’s categories including dresses, gowns, coats, day-wear, skirts, furs, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, kids clothing, and bridal gowns. Most items were priced between 70% and 90% off retail. Belts and jewelry were 80% off and some shoes were priced as little as $20. You can click over to the post from last season to read more details. 
    Tuesday, September 17 through Sunday, September 22
    Tues 10am-8pm, Wed to Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm
    151 Wooster Street

    Global Fashions Valentino Sale
    Global Fashions is the official luxury distributor for several Italian designer brands. The showroom will be opening its doors to the public for a Fall sample sale. Expect to find a variety of Italian designers and even some great classics. Discounts will range from 50% to 80% off.  Stay tuned for more details or click over to see pictures from the last sale. 
    Tuesday, September 24 through Thursday September 26
    9am-6pm daily
    49 West 38th Street

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    Italist Begins November-Type Markdowns

    We all wait eagerly forward to November’s first markdowns but how exciting would it be if you could get similar discounts today? Italist has already started to chisel away at prices on Fall ’19 merchandise. The additional savings on top of the currency difference adds to some big savings. You might even go as far as saying it’s as good as first markdown.


    Take a look at this new Gucci Marmont style. It’s currently $2200 at Bergdorf Goodman but it’s priced at under $1500 on Italist. The Gucci Dionysus tweed bag is priced at $2500 at Bergdorfs and under $1500 on Italist.  Some other interesting standouts include the Fendi perforated Kan U for $1630 from a US retail of $2390, A Valentino medium size Rockstud tote is $1480 from a US retail of $2400 and the Celine small 16 is $2533 compared to $4100 at Celine in the US.

    There aren’t just great bags. Balenciaga Triple S sneakers are $680 from US retail of $895, Gucci tweed hiking boots are $882 from a US retail of $1190 and Bottega Veneta pumps are $550 from $760 in the US.

    Italist’s prices may not seem so discounted when you are looking at the site straight on. We suggest you do a search on Net-A-Porter or Neiman Marcus to get an accurate retail price. We don’t need to wait until November to pull the trigger. We can start enjoying now.

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    Weekend Shopping: Obsessions & Impulses Labor Day Edition

    ATTENTION: Bottega Veneta Pouches were restocked and white and various other colors are now available. Click here. We just found a fresh launch of red, which we’ve never seen. Click here for red.

    There are only a couple beach days left before the unofficial end of Summer. It’s just about time to put down the White Claw and it’s not a moment too soon because that stuff is actually disgusting. I  would love to say that I’m still hunting for ultra reduced bikinis and sandals but I’ve had my fill. We are now turning our attention towards transitional items that get us excited for a new fashion season.

    The most fashion forward are clamoring for Bottega’s Pouch and we just found the nude back in stock. More price conscious shoppers are grabbing the Mansur Gavriel look-alike version that’s $400 or about 80% less expensive. The fashion dupe is already sold out at Bergedorf Goodman and isn’t expected to be restocked until December.  You can still snag one from Ssense in black or pink. (Now sold out.) Don’t wait until everyone gets back from extended vacation– those will be gone too.

    If you need a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, Century 21 has a selection discounted between 40% and 50% off. We also spotted some items from the Dior x Kaws collaboratiuon discounted 60% off.  There is also a small selection of classic Off-White sweatshirts for 60% off.

    I also found myself tolling Fashionphile. It’s not officially a sale but site stalkers will notice a slew of  new markdowns. Here is a new Givenchy mini GV3 for about $800, this Louis Vuitton Giant Logo pouch is reduced to $765 and an Hermes pouch is $245.

    Below is a list of some of the most noteworthy items I found. Keep checking back and I will add more. (P.S. The Fashionphile pics aren’t working. You can use the links above):


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    MyTheresa Extra Discounts

    The Labor Day promotions are beginning to roll in and even European sites are trying to get a piece of the action. Today, MyTheresa started a shopping incentive where reduced merchandise is an extra 30% off. You can add the code FREEDEL for free shipping.


    MyTheresa isn’t known for their dramatic markdowns but they always have a great assortment. The additional discount brings many items down to about 50% off and there are lots of great options for Fall.

    Picking up from where we left off with trends last season, there is a huge assortment of Balenciaga shoes, bags and clothing. This Balenciaga logo sweater is $450 from $1290 and Speed Trainers are about $500 from $770. Saint Laurent Nikki ankle boots are $535 from nearly $1100, a Valentino mini-tote is about $1300 from $1950, Loewe shoes are $280 from $785, and a Versace dress is $670 from $1600. There are also a lot of great Prada pieces. This dress is $430 from $1230, a Prada tote is $518 from $1058 and a banana sweater is $285 from $680.

    For those who have been on the prowl, MyTheresa has the Bottega Tote that seems to gaining Instagram fame. There are also some Pouch options, including black.

    The promotion ends August 30th. Don’t be discouraged if an item isn’t as reduced as you would like. Just put it in your shopping cart and wait. Sometimes stalking is more fun than the shopping.

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    Farfetch: Extra 30% Off Sale

    We’ve hit that point of the Summer that we couldn’t even consider another white gossamer dress — regardless of price. Summer shopping is kind of over but we fully condone taking a discount opportunity to start Fall shopping.


    Farfetch just started an incentive where you can save an additional 30% off already reduced merchandise. You can use the code FX30 to engage the discount.

    Daniel Lee’s new Bottega Veneta is turning out to be the biggest trend for the coming season. We wouldn’t exactly mind a new intrecciato bag. Here is a classic style that’s now about $2000 from $3700 and here is a smaller style that’s $1260 from $2260. This JW Anderson classic black bag is only $600 from $1700 and this Jil Sander bag is $2080 from $4878.

    Shoes are a little more difficult to nail down because of reduced sizing options. Her his a pair of emerald green slingbacks from No.21 that are $228 from $1247, Alchimia Di Ballin booties are $191 from $900 and Balenciaga houndstooth booties are $725 from $2270.

    Among the clothing is this Rosie Assoulin dress that comes to $411 from over $1900. (You can pair it with a denim jacket and it’s Fall appropriate.) Speaking of which, this dip-dyed denim jacket is $90 from $417. This Josie Natori embroidered denim trench is a very special piece and is priced at $450 from $2426.

    There is really a a huge assortment of items in the sale section. It takes time to scroll but you have some time. The promotion runs through September 9.

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