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    Gift Guide: Corporate Gifting

    It’s time to get serious about holiday gifting. Thanking your business partners is one of the most complicated giftings of the season. Your presents need to represent the ethos of your company and appropriately show gratitude to those who support you throughout the year.

    It’s also important not to go overboard, you don’t want your gift to seem like a bribe. On the flip side, you don’t want to send a gift a fruit basket to someone who entrusts you with a mega-size portfolio or trusted you to list their $30-million brownstone.

    Below are a few ideas to thank your customers and business partners. As for employees, everyone appreciates cash.

    The Baccarat Eyelit vase is the perfect item to make a genuine statement of gratitude. The price point ranges from $11,900 for the extra large but the small size is $540.

    A Rimowa suitcase is just the right message to gift someone who has been working hard on your behalf. We love that there are also a number of price points from which to choose. The Rimowa Stealth carryon is $1,375 and can turn heads even in a First Class lounge. It’s made of aluminum and magnesium and is more poised than the over-hyped Supreme-Rimowa collaboration. A less expensive option is the Rimowa Essential carryon for $540. We are sure it will be cherished just as much as the Stealth.

    The holiday season is about celebrating. What better way to mark the event with this quirky Alessi Anna G Corkscrew. It’s just $70 (and Bloomingdales is offering a 25% off.) You can send the corkscrew alone or pair it with a bottle of wine.

    Forget about the cliché candle. This season we have our eyes on the Diptyque electronic diffuser. It’s essentially a plug-in air freshener and you refill it with your favorite scented cartridge. The electronic element is $350 and the scented cartridges are $38. There is even an electronic diffuser for the car that’s $60.

    Last year, we were all gifted with a  Lineige travel beauty kit. I fell in love with the products so much that I recently bought full-size versions of each item. The Korean brand beauty kit is just $25 and is everything you need to pamper yourself before, during and after traveling. If you have a bigger budget you can spring for the Dyson hairdryer- OUAI set. The iconic hairdryer comes with Ouai leave-in conditioner, hair & body oil, memory mist, and texturizing hairspray and the price is $399– the same as the dryer alone but has a “value” of $465.

    Most of these gifts are very female oriented. Surprised? For a man, we suggest a Prada card holder ($117), Apple AirPods ($159), a Nintendo Switch ($299), a Gucci belt ($450) or a helicopter ride to an area airport on Blade ($900-$1100).

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    Madison Ave Sale-ing: Balenciaga, Prada, Givenchy, Valentino and More

    It couldn’t have been a more perfect afternoon to sale down Madison Avenue. The bright sun, changing leaves and ubiquitous sales make it ideal conditions to browse, shop and absorb all the beauty of luxury fashion.

    Discounts range from 30% to 50% off at many Madison Avenue boutiques. Some department stores are offering better pricing and lots of discount promotions but not everyone has the same selection. Keep an eye out, Chanel and Louboutin details are forthcoming. Newcomer, Gabrielle Hurst claims they won’t have markdowns but we’ve heard that before. See below for specific store details and head to the jump for pictures of our favorite sale items.

    Take note, Saturday, December 1 begins the ‘Miracle on Madison’. Between the hours of 10am and 5pm, Madison Avenue stores will be donating 20% of all sales to the pediatric initiatives of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. There are over 100 stores participating and lots of extra sips and snacks to enhance the holiday shopping festivities. You can click here to see a full list of participating stores.

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram for pictures and real-time updates.

    Balenciaga
    Who is gaga for Balenciaga? Clearly everyone. The discounts range from 20% to 50% off. Most bags and shoes we looked at are 40% off. Those BB booties we’ve been eyeing are 40% off. There is a good variety of bags included in the  markdown. Most styles are priced between 30% and 40% off. We especially like the Bolide-shape bag with a gingham print. It will look great with Winter white and transition easily into Spring. Click for pics.
     Elisa 212-328-1671

    Givenchy
    We are troubled by the number of times we go to a global flagship looking for a particular item and find it’s not sold at the brands’ stores. This is too often the case at Givenchy. Markdowns are up to 50% off. When we stopped in, before Thanksgiving, sales associates still weren’t sure what bags and shoes were included in the markdown. Lucky the salespeople are super friendly, otherwise, it would have been an entirely frustrating experience.
    Tara 212-650-0180

    Prada
    The Prada sale officially started right after Thanksgiving. Shoes and clothing are 50% off and bags are reduced by 40%. The sale selection isn’t very extensive at the Madison Avenu boutique. You are better off shopping sale at Soho or Fifth Avenue. (You can see here what we found at the Madison Avenue store.) The best selection on Madison is among the clothing. Unfortunately, the neon collection was a little too bright for the Madison Avenue crowd. Good thing you can find a lot of great Prada markdowns online too. We have been especially stalking MatchesFashion and Ssense.
    Betty: 212-327-4200

    Roger Vivier
    You can now save 40% off on a variety of classic buckle shoes. We were searching for the hiking boot with the glittery side buckle but, of course, it’s not included in the markdown. If you were stalking Birkenstock-style Viviers then you might want to pounce now for your warm-weather vacation. There are several styles available along with espadrilles and other sandals. You can see a pretty complete preview of the sale merchandise in our pictures.
    Magdalena 212-861-5371

    Valentino
    The Valentino boutique has started its sale. The discount on shoes, clothing and most handbags are 40% off. We were surprised by the great assortment of bags. Rockstud Spikes are only reduced by 30% but Candy Studs are discounted 40% off. You can check our pictures here to see what we found. The discount at Bergdorfs is 40% off on bags and they have a few more classic items than the Valentino boutique.
    Li 212-772-6969

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    What We Really Bought on Thanksgiving Weekend

    Are Thanksgiving deals really that good? This year they were better than usual but we still are always faithful to a hard second (or third) markdown. We find that holiday hype and the pent-up frustration from family overtime drives much of our consumerism.

    After investigating the purchases of friends, family, along with our personal shopping, we began to see some trends. One is that most of what we really bought on Black Friday were minor purchases.

    There was no extravagant jewelry, no mega-expensive handbags or cars. (Okay, there was a car but that’s not the norm.) Another theme is that people seemed to purchase the items they needed and were holding back to buy. The third and final observation is that online luxury retailers have been extra competitive. Those extra discounts are making big impulse purchases mighty attractive.

    Alessi Corkscrew ($40 from $90): I got a bunch to give as gifts with wine.

    Dyson Hairdryer ($320 from $399): I’ve been wanting to try it and took advantage of Sephora’s beauty discount.

    Pat McGrath lipstick ($32 from $38): I’m addicted to the packaging and love the different color lipstick tubes. I like the lipsticks too.

    Aviator Nation sweatshirt ($125 from $178): The kids love this brand. I don’t really get it.

    Maison Margiela reflective pleated skirt ($779 from $1300): The fabric on this skirt is amazing. It has a paper quality and reflects the light like a bicycle. I am looking to pair it with an oversized Balenciaga logomania sweater. I just have to wait to find it for the right price.

    Balmain sweatshirt: ($300 from $500) I’ll wrap it up and give it as a gift to one of the girls and take it back when I’m feeling the urge.

    Prada cardigan ($570 from $1140): It’s classic Prada and will be worn for decades.

    Jacquemus pumps with wooden heels ($300 from $520) I love the heel on these shoes and have been watching various styles for many seasons.

    LOL Pop-Up Store: ($36): It was a better option than the $200 LOL Dollhouse.

    Champion puffer ($160 from $200): My teenager loves it and the price was right.

    Sorel Winter boots ($127 from $150): I like the red laces and they look warm.

    Off-White “For Riding” rainboots ($223 from $315): They are more playful than Chanel rainboots and were a lot less expensive.

    Prada card case ($117 from $260): Makes a great gift.

    Apple AirPods ($159): Easy gift.

    Kaws x Seaseme Street ($30): A no brainer as gifts and one (or two colors) for yourself.

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    Bergdorf Goodman: Extra 25% Off Designer Markdowns

    Bergdorf Goodman started its first markdown just one week ago but Cyber Monday is the perfect excuse to entice shoppers even more. Starting right now, you can use our VIP link to access an additional 25% off previously reduced prices. That brings the savings to nearly 60% off on many items.

    Over this way, these Off-White rain boots are a relatively cheap thrill for $236 from $450. This Prada tote is $600 from $1350, Chloe Rylee boots are $670 from $1190 and this Chubby Anya Hindmarch tote is $350 from $625. (It seems like the perfect gift for a new mom. It’s both adorable and functional.)

    We haven’t even started with the big surprises. There are men’s Balenciaga Triple S sneakers for $500 from $900, Manolo Hangisi heels are $390 from $1035, Balenciaga sock sneakers are $400 from $800, Prada bow pumps are $337 from $750 and this Chloe Drew bag is just $894 from $1600. Before you click away, don’t miss the multi-layered Balenciaga coat that almost broke the Internet when it appeared on the runway. It’s now $3560 from $9500.

    The extra discount promotion doesn’t require a code but if you’ll have to use this link to see the sale selection before it officially goes live tomorrow. We suggest that you jump on any item you’re considering right now. This sale will only run through Monday. The next official markdown will be December 10 but with each promotion and each markdown, the size options become more scattered.

    Sponsored Post
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    The Best of Cyber Monday

    Chances are that you’ve been shopping or browsing online and offline all weekend. Nonetheless, marketers sill insist that the shopping continues full force through Cyber Monday.

    Chuckle as you might, people are clicking and buying more than they are cruising actual stores. Most of the discounts are the same as they have been all weekend. You can click over to our Thanksgiving week cheat sheet. Below are the retailers we plan to stalk for Cyber Monday. Just be careful, the impulse to buy anything can easily overcome Monday morning shoppers.

    SSense
    We have spent a considerable amount of time scrolling through Ssense. The thing is that the discounts aren’t the best on the web but we’ve been shocked by the items we’ve found on sale. Last year, resellers were hoarding Balenciaga Triple S sneakers and reselling them for as much as 50% above retail. The Triple S is still continually selling out but here they are on SSense for $716 from nearly $900. They also have the black and the grey available on sale.

    Bergdorf Goodman
    We love a good promotion for designer clothing but sometimes a great markdown on ‘contemporary’ designers can be just as good. Right now, Bergdorf Goodman is offering an extra 25% off discounted merchandise. Only contemporary designers are included but we found a great assortment of jeans and casual clothing for real steals. Here are Frame cropped jeans that come to just $36 from nearly $200, these 3×1 cropped jeans with a raw hem are $53 from $285 and Rag & Bone boyfriend jeans are $75 from $250.

    StyleBop
    You can save 30% off everything on Stylebop with the code: BLACKFRIDAY. We suggest you apply your code and attack the sale section. Discounts are already up to 70% off. This Shrimps moto jacket comes to about $270 from $580, these Paul Andrew heels come to $250 from $919 and an oversized Vetements puffer (from Winter 2017) $1400 from nearly $4000.

    Melijoe
    No holiday shopping roundup is complete without a callout for the kids. We suggest you head to Melijoe where markdowns are up to 70% off. Here is an IKKS sweatshirt dress that’s reduced to $54 from $108, here is a faux fur coat for $151 from $250 and here is a floral print Dolce & Gabbana dress that’s 70% off. Our favorite aspect of shopping on Melijoe is how quickly your purchase arrives. If you time it right, you can literally have your purchase sent from Europe and in your house in less than a day.

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    ShopBop Black Friday Sale

    The kick-off to Black Friday weekend  has already started. There are so many tempting places to spend your money it’s hard to choose.

    Shopbop has completely sucked us in as we’ repeatedly spotted great things to buy. Get this: All full price merchandise is 25% off. On items already on sale, the shopping discount incentive increases with the more you spend– up to 25% off. Use the code MORE18 at checkout to engage the extra savings.

    15% off orders of $200+ 
    20% off orders of $500+ 
    25% off orders of $800+ 

    The best part is that Shopbop has a great assortment of items that are perfect for gifting. We already picked up this Champion jacket that came to just $175 from $200. We also love this Mischa Lampert pom-pom hat that’s $225 from $300. An Opening Ceremony fanny pack is about $75 from $95,  Cult Gaia oversized bracelets are $445 from $60 and we love this Hayward mini corduroy bag that’s $370 from $490. You can even apply the discount to Golden Goose.

    We haven’t even started sorting the sale section. Let’s go! Check out this Moschino sweatshirt dress that’s $100 before the incentive. Sorel boots with bright red laces are reduced to $127, a Cinq a Sept dress is reduced to $187 from $827 and that’s before the promotional discount. A Cushnie slinky gold dress is $373 from $1500 and a hoodie from The Range is $60 from $185.

    Take note that shipping times can take a bit longer during Shopbop’s big promotions but their great customer service is always consistent.

    Sponsored Post

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    Unpublished Links: Where to Shop on Black Friday (Now)

    Waking up on Thanksgiving Day, it’s hard to choose between cooking, eating, and shopping. You can guess where we started. This holiday season is turning out to be the most competitive since 2009. Black Friday is going to be rather interesting. Good thing that we have all the inside scoop and can lend you a little preview of the markdowns to come.

    European online luxury retailers seem to take Black Friday even more seriously than American retailers. Head to Farfetch to save an additional 20% off sale prices. We are also looking forward to Sunday, when Bergdorf Goodman will offer an extra 25% off sale merchandise.

    Below are our top picks for Black Friday and a sneak peek into Cyber Monday. Remember, to add all your purchase considerations into your cart and edit out the items that you don’t need now or that you don’t anticipate selling out. There are lots of markdowns to come and one of the miracles of fashion is that there is always something new to buy.

    Happy Thanksgiving!!!


    Deal: 25% off all sale
    Date: Nov 25 & Nov 26
    What we’re eying: 
    Deal: Extra 20% off sale
    Code: X20BF
    Dates: Until Nov 26
    Cyber Monday (ends Nov 27 at 10am GMT)
    Get $150 off $750 with code CM1
    Get $200 off $1000 with code CM2
    Get $300 off $1500 with code CM3
    What we’re eyeing: 
    Balmain Sweatshirt

    MatchesFashion
    Deal: Extra 10% off
    Code: EXTRA10
    Official Dates: Until Nov 27
    What we’re eyeing:
    Prada puffer
    Saint Laurent Sulpice
    Balenciaga Bolide shape bag

    Deal: 30% off new arrivals
    Code: Black30
    Official Dates: Nov 23 to Nov 25
    Cyber Monday: Markdowns go to 50% off
    What we’re eyeing: 
    Deal: Up to 60% off
    Official Dates: Through Nov 26
    What we’re eyeing: 

    Saks Fifth Avenue 
    Deal: up to 60% off and a $75 gift card when you spend $150
    Dates: Online now and in-store until noon on Friday
    What we’re eyeing:
    Off-White sneakers
    Fendi FF logo bag
    Palm Angles leather pants

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    Top Secret: Christian Louboutin Presale Begins

    At this moment, most people are planning their escapes, their menus or their Thanksgiving outfits. With the distraction of family and holiday, it’s hard to concentrate on, well, shopping. We suggest you take a moment for yourself right now because we have a scoop that you’re not going to want to miss.

    Christian Louboutin is starting its presale at department stores and boutiques. The discount ranges from 30% to 40% off. The best deals on red bottoms can be found at Louboutin boutiques, Barney’s and Saks Fifth Avenue (5th NYC only).

    We got our hands on the confidential markdown list! Are you surprised?

    After the 40% discount, glitter pulps with a flower accent will be $480 from nearly $800, sequined booties will be $600 from nearly $1000, silver sparkle sneakers will be about $590 from $945, and So Kate mirrored booties will be $660 from $1100. We even found these classic 85mm black pumps on the sale list and they will only come to $420 from $695.(An extensive stock list is available in the jump.)

    You can click here to see many of the items that will be available during the sale. If you would like to get an early start on pre-saleing we suggest you contact your Barneys, Saks or Louboutin sales person after the holiday. For now, every time a family member irritates you, stick another pair in your cart. By the end of the day, you’ll be right on track for a very merry Louboutin sale season.

    Wishing you and your loved ones
    a bounty of cheer,  
    plenty of pie, and much to be thankful for. 

     Happy Thanksgiving!!!

    Contact: 
    Christian Louboutin Madison: Jose Padilla madison.ny@us.christianlouboutin.com
    Saks: Jay 561-537-9468
    Barneys: Richard DM



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