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    Sephora Insider Event (Re: Sale)

    The annual Sephora Beauty Insider sale started this weekend and shoppers can save up to 15% off on all their beauty wants and needs. Access is currently only available to the retailer’s most loyal VIB Rouge Members but opens up to the second tier on April 20th. After April 23rd, the sale opens to the public but the discount drops down to 10% to anyone with a lower loyalty status.

    In stores, we usually find that a sales person will amend the promotion outside of the given tiered loyalty parameters. Online users can use the code YAYVIB to engage the discount.

    Everything sold in retail locations is fair game. We generally suggest to start shopping the gift sets, like this NARS lipstick trio that’s $79, a Kevyn Aucoin contour and sculpting set is $65 and a Tatcha Dewy skincare set is $56.

    We recommend using this discount opportunity to try out the Dyson hairdryer $399. (It’s expensive but it’s also easily returnable if you don’t love it.) We also suggest testing out products from Drunk Elephant, which is the newest beauty craze that often sells out. Pat McGrath, which launched at Sephora, recently lowered her prices. We would suggest starting with a lipstick or eyeshadow kit.

    In years past,  this Sephora event used to accompany a 20% off discount. The good thing is that beauty promotions seem to be occurring more frequently in department stores and at other beauty retailers.

    Nordstrom: First Round of Markdowns

    Everyone is all abuzz about the first ever Nordstrom men’s store, which opened on Columbus Circle this week. Unfortunately, us women will need to wait a bit longer to fully engage in the Nordstrom retailing experience here in the city.

    For now, we can enjoy Nordstrom’s s round of markdowns for the season. Lots of Spring-ish merchandise is reduced 40% to 50% off.

    Some of the sale highlights include these Chiara Ferragni heart sneakers are $195 from $325, Hudson high-wasted skinny jeans are $170 from $255, Prada sunglasses are $390 from $650 and this Tracy Reese color block sundress is absolute perfect for strolling the city streets and is only $119 from $298. We aren’t always the hugest fan of Marchesa but this 3D gown is a show-stopper. The best part is that it’s 60% off.

    This markdown just started yesterday. The Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale, when all the designer merchandise goes on sale, is usually the last week of May.

    Breaking News: Mansur Gavriel Sample Sale

    Mansur Gavriel just announced that they will be hosting their first ever sample sale, later this month. The four day sale will boast great discounts and offer a unique retail sample sale experience.

    In true Mansur Gavriel fashion, the brand will create a fully immersive retail environment that features an outdoor environment. The store will be outfitted with trees, flowers and other natural elements. Shoppers will even be assisted by Mansur Gavriel associates.

    The discounts will range from 40% to 75% off and include all product categories– handbags footwear and clothing. Among the sale merchandise will be a patent mini bucket bag in blush reduced 50% and come to just $222 from $445, a suede mini sun bag in brick will be $350 from $695 and a mini lady bag in peony will be $525 from $1050.

    From the examples we were given, it appears as if clothing from this past winter season will reduced 60% and shoes will be 70% off.  The shoe selection will include both sandals and more winter appropriate footwear. You can see pictures and pricing examples in the jump.

    We don’t usually get too excited for sample sales but this one seems like it will be one that’s worth the chatter.
    A great shopping environment, fantastic markdowns and stunning merchandise. Lets just hope they have a good plan to manage the crowds. You wouldn’t want long lines to break up this idyllic sample sale with a three hour wait.

    Mansur Gabriel Sample Sale
    Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, April 22
    Thurs to Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm
    490 Broadway

    Inside the Versace Sample Sale (pics*)

    The Versace sale, hosted by 260SampleSale, officially kicks off tomorrow but this evening, there were dozens of eager shoppers browsing and shopping the VIP preview. The good news is that the sale wasn’t nearly as crowded as we expected and the discounts were even steeper– win-win.

    The Versace Collection clothing is the best deal at 80% off. Shoes, bags, belts, swim, etc, etc are 70% off. The Versus collection isn’t discounted but retail prices are much less. Versus clothing is 75% off and all other categories are discounted 65%.

    We started by browsing the best markdowns, in the Versace Collection category. We found a purple puffer coat that comes to $240 from $1400, a printed silk dress is $170 from $850 and leather jackets are about $300 from $1500. There are also several racks of long gowns that range in price from about $3000 to $5000. We found a fur coat for $3400 from $17,000 and a blazer with exaggerated shoulders and rouched sleeves for $420 from $2100. (Pictures weren’t allowed at the sale but we were able to stealthy snap a few key items, which can be viewed from this link.)

    The sale also includes a large amount of merchandise for men. Versace collection clothing for men is also 80% off. We strongly suggest men browse the suit options. Retail prices generally run from $1200 to $1600 and after the discount suits are just $240 to $320. That’s a true deal. There is also a rack of denim with classic Versace prints.  Men can also find classic Versace print ties and bikini swim suits towards the beach of the ground floor shopping area. (Pictures are this way.)

    Those with Versace mansion dreams can theoretically design a full table scape of Medusa heads, lions and bright prints. There are full china sets available but it’s unclear how many place settings are available in each print. Our guess is that there isn’t much. The housewares collection also has a few vases that range in price from $400 to $1400. At just 55% off it doesn’t seem like the best of deals.

    Downstairs, shoppers can find lots of shoe options for men and women for both Versus and Versace. Sizing is very limited for the the most attractive shoe styles. We are talking about 35s and 41s but those looking for sneakers will be more lucky.

    Before anyone gets too excited, lets remember it’s not 1996 and Madonna is no longer topping Z100’s pop-charts. Instead it’s 2018, and Cardi B is on in high rotation on Hits 1 as she rocks Versace on Instagram. Some say Versace is having a comeback moment, but you must be very careful when it comes to styling this 90s fashion hit.

    Not all good deals are actually good deals.

    Versace Sample Sale
    Wednesday, April 11 through Sunday, April 15
    Wed to Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    150 Greene Street

    ShopBop VIP Sale Link

    The hugely popular Shopbop sale event kicked off today for VIPs. Shoppers can use the code EVENT18 and save up to 20% on orders under $500 and 25% on orders above $500. Of course, there are designer exclusions. Shopbop’s list isn’t usually very bad but some of the higher end designers aren’t participating.

    The best part of this sale is that you can apply the discount to previously reduced merchandise. For this reason, we always like to start our browsing in the sale section. We are really into this Milly detachable trench coat that’s already reduced to $625 from $900. (It looks a lot like the Calvin Klein collection version, which is over $2500.) Frame jeans with a wide cuff are marked down to $73 from $245 and a rainbow stripped dress from Tome is $717 from $1200.

    Another option is to always use the savings to get a jump ahead of the trends. You can catch two trends in one dress with this Tanya Taylor denim off-the-shoulder ruffled dress ($350). We love the color of this Black Halo dress ($345) and we would love to try out this Mira Mikati rainbow hoodie. For shoes, go for the Proenza ruffle sling-backs or No.21 braided mules.

    Remember, the trendiest of items go fast at this sale. Better to snatch them up now than to wait until the sale ends on Saturday. Get shopping.

    Coming Soon: David Yurman Sample Sale

    The sample sale that you have been waiting for is for is finally here. David Yurman will be hosting his semi-annual sample sale starting April 19. Discounts normally range from 30% to 60% off retail and 10% of all proceeds on the first day of the sale will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

    The last David Yurman sale we scoped out there was a line that almost spanned the full avenue. Many people waited more hours before gaining entrance. Inside, shoppers said to have found cable bracelets reduced 30% off and other styles were discounted 50%. Rings and necklaces were 50% off and watches and pendants were reduced by 60%.

    Prices at this sale aren’t precisely a steal but Mother’s Day isn’t too far away and any discount helps. This is a good option for discount shoppers considering how David Yurman jewelry retains it’s value and how it’s become increasingly difficult to find the designer’s jewelry at outlets or discount stores.

    There are additional markdowns taken throughout the sale. If you don’t mind a wait, we suggest attending the sale early to get the best selection. Alternatively, we found some discount Yurman you can start shopping now.

    David Yurman Sample Sale
    Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, April 22
    Thurs 3pm–8, Fri & Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm
    The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street

    Saks Friends & Family Sale

    The Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family sale started online and in stores. Despite the attractive 25% off discount clothing, shoes and accessories, there aren’t many designer options included in the promotion.

    Far gone are the days of a friendly across-the-board discounts but there are still some designer-y items from which to choose. The friends and family sale is bundled in one link but Saks was extra tricky and added sale merchandise that’s not eligible for the additional discount. (Some designers, like Valentino and Calvin Klein are just on markdown from last season.)

    Shopping the sale like isa little like playing a hopscotch game. Shoppers can apply the discount to some Proenza Schouler and Opening Ceremony, Cult Gaia, and Edie Parker. Again, the items that are included seem pretty random.

    The shoe selection is pretty bleak if you’re looking for premium designer discounts. The section is filled with designer sale merchandise but almost none are eligible for the friends and family discount. We like these white Schutz boots that are $195 from $250 and these rainbow slides from Loeffier Randall are perfect for sunny days.

    Some of our favorite friends and family items included this Chiara Boni dress that’s $208 from $700, a Mara Hoffman rainbow one-piece that’s $213 from $285, a BCBG lace top that’s $98 from $188 and a metallic Black Halo dress that’s $168 from $375. It’s not a bad idea to stock op on Swell bottles, which are also included in the sale, before camp and Summer.

    For what it’s worth, the promotion runs through Monday online but we wouldn’t be surprised if there was an extension. First markdown on designer merchandise is usually Memorial Day weekend but we hear that first markdowns of sale season might be pushed until June this year.

    Bandier Friends & Family Sale

    When Bandier hit the upscale athletic-wear market it attracted the attention of everyone from Barry’s Bootcamp warriors to the SLT contortionists. It’s hard-core workout chic. The company’s sample sales attract miles of shoppers and the good merchandise is gone fast.

    Better than dealing with sample sale crowds, we thought it would be a good idea to hit up this weekend’s friends and family sale. Everything online (and in the store) is now 20% off. No code is needed, the discount is automatically applied during checkout.

    Spiritual Gangster has the rosiest sweats and we just love this Old School Pullover that’s about $73 from $92. Ultracore is our go-to for great workout leggings and we are crazy for this version with lightening bolts that’s about $150 from $196. We are also a fan of Koral’s high-rise leggings that are $70 from $88.

    The friends and family discount can also be applied to sale merchandise, which brings some items pretty close to sample sale pricing. This All Access bomber with a lion on the back is $160 from $300, PE Nation leggings are $80 from $195, an Upside sweatshirt is $72 from $128 and who can resist this sunny yellow sweatsuit?

    Buying new athletic wear is great motivation to keep your latest package from expiring. After all, aren’t we all working out so that our clothing looks even better? Right, and for health and brain function, but we all know it’s for the clothing!