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    MatchesFashion 2nd Markdown Surprises

    MatchesFashion took its second markdown today. Discounts now range from 30% to 60% off. We dove into the sale section assuming we wouldn’t find a generous assortment but we were very surprised.

    In some instances, the discount assortment matches and exceeds the markdowns at our very own neighborhood haunts.  Over here we found shoes from The Row discounted 50%. They are reduced by 40% at most stores. Here is a Saint Laurent bandana print bag marked down 50%. We haven’t seen YSL reduced more than 40% anywhere else. Here is our friendly Fendi-Fila print bucket bag that’s 40% off, which is the same as most other locations if you can still find it.

    Some other good finds include this Fendi red logo belt that’s $275 from $550. Here it is in black for the same price. Valentino Rockstud sandals are $450 from $750 and we haven’t seen these around the racks for a while. This Prada flame skirt is from last season but still works great for Summer and is a good value at 60% off. This Balmain stripped blazer is $940 from $1885 or 50% off and a Balmain tee is $172 from $342.

    It’s refreshing to see such a wide assortment of good options still available, It also doesn’t seem like the site is crashing with wild shoppers. We suggest you take some time on Friday to put together MatchesFashion edit of your own. Just remember, no girl has everything!

    Barneys 2nd Markdown (30+ Pics)

    Barneys just started its second markdown this morning. Some bags and shoes are discounted by 50% and some clothing is reduced by 60%. We were initially very excited for this markdown but despite a few exceptions, it’s a bit of a tease. After touring the store and online, it appears as if most items didn’t really get the second markdown treatment.

    There are a few online standouts.  If you’re looking for a Balenciaga bag now would be the time to pounce. A bunch of Market Totes are also 50% off. Here is a Chloe bucket bag for $830 from $1650 and this linen Saint Laurent tote is $1369 from almost $2000. Click here for pictures of what bags are on sale at the store.

    Some of our favorite items include this Balenciaga tee that’s $230 from $450. Remember when Triple S sneakers were selling for twice their retail price? Now they are 40% off. This Givenchy baseball cap is 60% off and these Gucci slides are 40% off. We have lots of pictures of bags and shoes.

    Take note, the online selection still includes a lot of YSL and Valentino bags that sold out at other stores. At Barneys on Madison, we found a few great Fendi totes and pouches. You can see pictures from at the store over here.

    Bergdorf Goodman’s 2nd Markdown (45+ Pics)

    Bergdorf Goodman officially took it’s the second markdown online. The new discounts will be available at stores starting Thursday. Many handbags are now 50% off and lots of clothing and shoes are now discounted by 60%. We expected that Dior, Celine, and Cuccinelli would also hit the markdown racks but we are told those markdowns will begin June 13.

    We suggest you first use our early access link to the Bergdorf sale online right now and purchase whatever you like. There still seems to be a lot of great options. If you don’t see what you like available, check out our pictures. We captured a lot of what’s available.

    The bag selection isn’t much better than what you will find online. Some online standouts include this little Sacai raffia bag that’s  $325 from $650, this Balmain tote is now that will be $675 from $1350, and this mini Off-White mirrored pouch is $250 from $675.

    We did took inventory and noticed a lot more space on the racks. (You can see pictures from inside the store here.) We are still in love with all these patterned Manolo Hangisi shoes. The flats are now $400 from $1000. They really spice up any jeans and tee look.   This pair of Valentino espadrilles and Balenciaga BB Knife mules are already 60% off and these Givenchy heels are almost a no-brainer at $380 from $950.

    In the clothing department, we are keeping our eyes out on this Balmain tweed blazer, this Dolce & Gabbana floral skirt, and this toile Tibi dress. The last markdown will come towards the end of the month and that’s when we shift our full attention to clothing. Remember, we have pictures over here.

    Extra Extra: Net-A-Porter Extra 15% Off

    Net-A-Porter just set live a flash sale where most sale merchandise is an additional 15% off. The new discount brings us extra inches towards a second markdown. You can use the code EXTRA15 to engage the additional savings.

    We spotted this Givenchy sweatshirt that’s already 50% off and comes to about $390 from $900,  an Erdem floral dress is about $500 from nearly $1200 and this Dolce & Gabbana “Millenials” tee is about $120 from $300,  This Anya Hindmarch candle is adorable for $33 from $75.

    The best part of this sale is that most of the merchandise is already redcued between 50% and 60% off. With the adiditnal markdown the discount tally creaps towareds 65% on the steapest end. The real second Net-A-Porter markdown will happen next week.

    Moda Operandi Additional Markdowns

    We noticed that Moda Operandi has started a new wave of markdowns and added a lot of new and great merchandise to its sale. Discounts are now up to 60% off an assorted item. The big differentiator is that their 60-off assortment is better than most retailers.

     We are especially keen on these Givenchy white mules that are $318 from $700. We love this statement belt from Maison Vancourt that’s $214 from $535, a Balmain tee is $250 from $500 and this Zimmerman tiered dress is about $350 from $900.

    We did a little edit of our favorite items, which you can see below:

    Sample Sale: Quero Handmade Shoes $99

    Following a month-long pop-up Quero, the European handmade shoe brand will be blowing out all their remaining inventory. Everything at the store including shoes, boots, oxfords, slides, and sneakers for men and women will be just $99. The sale is only for three days. (Remember, Father’s Day is just around the corner.)

    We stopped by the store to check out what will be included at the sale and couldn’t resist buying a pair of slides. The supple suede was irresistible and they will be perfect to slip on at the beach all Summer long. You can see pictures here.

    We were so impressed with Quero’s shoes that we convinced them to give us a discount to their online store. You can use the code MADSPY15 to save 15% on all online orders if you can’t successfully solicit a friend to make your $99 purchase at the sale.

     Click here to see what we found at the sale.

    Qüero Shoe’s Sample Sale
    Monday, June 3 through Wednesday, June 5
    10am to 6pm
    63 West 38th Street

    Sponsored Mention




    JUNE SAMPLE SALES ⛵️⛱???? Valentino & Staud

    Sun’s out. Bun’s out. It’s officially June and we are excited to catch those early rays of Summer. Long beach days and short Fridays. This month’s sample sale winners are those filling the need for bikinis and dressing for hot days.

    As department stores and boutiques increasingly discount Summer merchandise, the sample sale arena must also become more aggressive with pricing. Look for sales that include in-season merchandise with discounts that top 70% off. You can expect retailers to begin final markdowns of 70% or more during the last week of June.

    We’ve exclusively listed only the sample sales that we think are worthy of your time and effort. You can head to ShopDrop to see a comprehensive list of all New York sample sales. The post will continue to be updated throughout the month with only our favs.

    You can also follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for sneak peeks and immediate updates. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the ‘Spy’ network.

    Quero Shoes
    Following a month-long pop-up Quero, the European handmade shoe brand will be blowing out all their remaining inventory. Everything at the store including shoes, boots, oxfords, slides, and sneakers for men and women will be just $99. The sale is only for three days. (Remember, Father’s Day is just around the corner.)
    Monday, June 3 through Wednesday, June 5
    10am to 6pm
    63 West 38th Street

    Mara Hoffman Sample Sale
    At the last sale, we found prices nicely discounted but not more than an end-of-season retail sale. Print and solid bikini tops and bottoms were $40 each, one-pieces were $75, embellished bikinis were $50 each for tops and bottoms and embellished one-pieces were $90. Sarongs were $50 each. Among the clothing, maxi dresses are plentiful and priced at $115, jumpsuits were $120 and tops were $55. Click over to our review from prior years, where you will find a lot more information, including how to navigate the no-changing room situation.
    Tuesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 9
    Tues 10am-8pm, Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    260 Sample Sale: 150 Greene Street

    Montblanc
    The Montblanc 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 Montblanc.
    Tuesday, June 4 through Friday, June 7
    Tues & Wed 9am-7pm, Wed 9am-12pm
    260 Fifth Avenue

    Alice & Olivia
    This bi-annual sample sale is always a seasonal highlight. The best part of the sale is that there are real samples, which will range in price from $29 for leggings to $129 for gowns. Open stock is discounted about 60% to 70% off. We usually get an early preview of the price list and will be sure to post it when it’s available. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for a live update.
    Monday, June 10 to Sunday, June 16
    Mon 12pm-8pm, Tues 9am-8pm, Wed to Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm
    260 Sample Sale, 260 Fifth Avenue

    Global Fashions Valentino Sale
    Global Fashions is the official luxury distributor for several Italian designer brands including Valentino. The showroom will be opening its doors to the public for a Summer sample sale. All clothing will be reduced 80% off and bags and shoes will be discounted 70% off. Expect to find a large amount of couture runway pieces along with staple Rockstud icons for both women and men. This is one sale we highly recommend shopping for high-quality wardrobe forever staples. Shoppers should be sure to mention Madison Avenue Spy for additional discount promotions. You can click through here to see pictures from inside a past sample sale.
    Tuesday, June 25 through Thursday, June 27
    9am-6pm daily
    49 West 38th Street

    Staud Sample Sale
    Somtimes life requires a cheap thrill and we are hoping that the upcoming Staud sample sale will provide a little bit of an addreniline rush. Before jumping in, it’s good to remember that Staud bags can often be found at retailers for about $100. We wouldn’t spring for much more than that at a sample sale. 
    Tuesday, June 25 through Sunday, June 30
    Tues 10am-8pm, Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    151 Wooster Street

    Weekend Shopping Discount Cheat Sheet

    This is the most competitive markdown season we’ve ever experienced. It feels as if retailers are racing each other to the bottom. At most of our local shopping destinations, spring and summer clothing are discounted at least 40% off but the prices of shoes and handbags vary a little bit.

    Some boutiques are offering even lower discounts than department stores. For instance, Lanvin and Prada are both offering customers a 50% savings. Below is a comparison chart of BarneysBergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.  For the first time, we are adding Neiman Marcus to our local department store list as it’s now open at Hudson Yards.

    Bergdorfs  currently has the best discounts– when accounting for their extra 25% off through the weekend– and the greatest selection. Next week will be a very big week for the next wave of markdowns usually comes pretty quickly. Stick around and we will be sure to keep you posted.