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    The Fall IT: Velvet Block Heels

    The thought of wearing a sweater makes our skin itch but it’s impossible to ignore the fact that fall fashion is here. September magazine issues are arriving and back to school shopping is well underway. It’s prime time to start dissecting the next big trends.

    The season’s hottest fabric is Velvet. The lush textile can be worn crushed, coloured or top-to-toe but our favorite items of the season are plush velvet block heels. Look for jewel colored hues like rich midnight blue, bordeaux and emerald.

    Some of our favorite variations are Gianvitto Rossi’s heavenly Mary Jane platforms, Miu Miu platform sandals, Chalotte Olympia’s velvet and metallic leather platform and Saint Laurent’s Candy platforms, which are almost completely sold out in every size. Be sure not to overlook Dries Van Noten’s ankle boots with a sculpted heel. They are showstoppers.

    If you’re not into clunky, we suggest you opt for Manolo Blahnik’s BBs in pearl velvet, Christian Louboutin’s or Saint Laurent’s pointy toe.

    Some wear-now variations– well wear in September– include Prada’s mixed media leather-velvet sandal platforms and Gianviitto Rossi’s low stacked sandal. If you’re looking for some less expensive options, we suggest you go with a platform sandal from Sam Edelman and a Barneys label Mary Jane.

    The best part about this trend is that the velvet sandals can be worn in early Fall and accessorized by a great pedicure. Once the frost of brutal Winter grabs hold, you can pair your sandals with thick opaque tights. Just make sure that your shoe has a heavy platform to counter balance the weight of the tights.

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    Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Restock

    The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends Monday but procrastinating shoppers can rejoice that the site has been restocked with some of the most popular items. Below is a compilation of some of the sale’s most popular items that are now, again, available. Remember, prices go up when the sale ends!

    Joie Shirtdress $145 going to $218

    MCM Canvas Shopper $596 going to $890

    Alexander Wang Sleeveless Draped Dress $400 going to $695

    MAC ‘Look in a Box – Sunblessed’ Lip & Eye Kit $40 going to $71

    Alo High Rise Capri Pants $58 going to $88

    adidas High Top Sneakers $52 going to $70

    Rudsak Double Zip Moto Leather Jacket $460 going to $690

    Vince Camuto Lace-up Pumps $80 going to $130

    Sub_Urban Riot’Kale’ Short Sleeve Tee $22 going to $34

    Spanx Mid-Thigh Shaper $27 going to $38

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    FiveStory Sample Sale 80% Off

    For some reason retailers believe that shoppers are on a perpetual hunt for basics. There are basic jeans, basic tees, basic jackets– it’s all so, well basic, um, boring. Claire Distenfeld, the owner of the multi-brand boutique FiveStory is one of those rare retailers who specializes in satisfying shoppers with the fantastic and exquisite.

    FiveStory is brownstone retail space feels like the love child between the Mark Hotel and Henri Bendel–in the old days. The decor is luxurious and the fashion is haute. Think Balmain, Cushnie Et Ochs, Mary Katrantzou, Roland Mouret, Jason Wu, Carven and Giambattista Valli, and, of course, there is Rosie Assoulin. The problem is, these fashions don’t come without a price. A very high price.

    The good news is that FiveStory is currently hosting a sample sale where everything, EVERYTHING, is reduced 80% off. Inside the sale, shoppers will find lots of dresses and shoes. Highlights include a gown from Mary Katrantzou with rainbow stripes is priced at $356 from $1780, a Tome canary yellow jumpsuit is $320 from $1600 and a Cushnie Et Ochs blouse with exposed shoulders is $132 from $700. We found lots of Leonard print dresses and Giambattista stunners. Not so basic jeans from Acne are about $50.

    The highlight of the sale is most difficulty the shoes. It isn’t often you find such steep discounts for brands like Del Toro, Charlotte Olympia, Aquazzura and Nicholas Kirkwood. Gianvito Rossi lace-up cage sandals are $260 from $1295, Aquazurra suede heels are just $130 from $650 and Charlotte Olympia sandals are $179 from $895.

    The sale also includes an eclectic assortment of bags and jewelry. Anya Hindmarch box clutches are under $300 and Charlotte Olympis Alice and Wonderland cylinder bags are $322. There is an abundance of Chloe jewelry. We also found a great Asherali Knopfer earring with cones on both sides for $191 from $955 and a Jennifer Fisher ring is $131 from $655.

    Nobody would debate that these discounts aren’t fantastic. Just note, most items are at least a full year old. Some items are from collections going back several years.

    FiveStory Sample Sale
    150 Greene Street (260 Sample Sale)
    Through Sunday, August 7th
    Thurs-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 7th 11am-5pm

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    Inside Manolo’s Final Summer Markdown

    If you are debating if you should pop over to Manolo Blahnik’s mid-town boutique to scope out their final sale– don’t debate, just go!

    As usual, prices are broken down by colored stickers; orange, red, blue and green with the prices ranging from $195 to $275. The sale isn’t as plentiful as past seasons but there are enough classic styles to put a crimp in your wallet.

    When we scouted the sale, Tuesday afternoon, there was a 15 minute wait to get into the store. Once inside, it was hard to choose which BBs to take home. Classic white or colorful suede? At $195 a pop just take them both, right? Peep-toe d’orsay heels were $250, as were most of the shoes that weren’t basic.

    A few pointers for Manolo’s final markdown: Shoppers shouldn’t hoard display shoes, you should be loyal to one sales person (they work on commission) and try to be in and out quickly because there is a one-out-one-in policy when the store is crowded.

    The final markdown ends on Thursday and then the boutique closes until Tuesday, August 9th. At that time all the Summer styles are whisked away and replaced with the fall collection.





    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street
    212-582-3007 (Don’t expect anyone to answer)
    Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM
    The boutique will close from 2pm to 3pm to restock

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    Manolo’s Biggest Markdown of the Year

    Monday is the start of the Manolo Blahnik super semi-annual sale. This four day sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on classic and ornate shoes from the spring and summer collection at up to 75% off.

    Styles are from the exclusive boutique collection and include some alligator. Prices are always marked by sticker dots, which usually range from $195 for a red dot up to $375 for a green dot. Most shoes and low boots– even highly ornate styles– are priced at $250.

    The selection of current season “it” shoes is much better at this boutique sale than the sample sale or the department stores. Then there’s always the increased enjoyment of shopping in the beautiful and wonderfully civilized atmosphere. Last season we attended the sale in the late afternoon and there wasn’t even a line at the door. You can click here to see all the details from last year’s final markdown.

    The store can get crowded but at least there isn’t usually a long line to get in. Since the sale is only four days, we suggest trying to attend towards the beginning. We doubt there will be a lot of restocking. Styles and sizes always run low quickly.

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street
    212-582-3007 (Don’t expect anyone to answer)
    Monday-Friday 10:30am to 6pm

    The boutique will close from 2pm to 3pm to restock

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    TheOutnet Discounts Hit 90% Off!

    Last week, we thought that TheOutnet’s clearance sale hit rock bottom when the discounts hit 85% off. We were wrong. Today, we found further reductions and the discounts now reach a whooping 90%. The sale includes an assortment of clothing, shoes, bags and jewelry.

    Needless to say these types of discounts are irresistible. Below is a section of our top picks. Feel free to sort through the merchandise yourself but don’t be surprised when you find your shopping cart maxing out your credit card.

    Vionnet pleated dress $525 from $5250

    Saint Laurent ankle boots $300 from $2000

    Isabel Marant wrapped ankle boots $222 from $1500

    Cedric Charlier faux leather mini-skirt $150 from $1000

    Emilio Pucci print dress $335 from $2235

    Matthew Williamson gown $375 from $2500

    Maiyet wide-legged pants $172 from $1150

    Roland Mouret stretch knit dress $252 from $1685

    Valentino box studded bag $500 from $3400

    Duro Olowu print midi-skirt $685 from $4560

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    Bottega Veneta Sample Sale

    It’s hard to think of a lot of benefits to being in the city during a Summer heatwave. As an external optimist we are always on the outlook for a silver lining. We suggest you grab an ice coffee and keep an eye on the annual Bottega Veneta sample sale, which kicks off Wednesday.

    The sale starts early with a friends and family preview and then opens to the public at 10 am. At past sales, woven bags were snatched up quickly. Discounts were about 60% off. Shoes tend to also go very quickly, but that shouldn’t be a surprise when prices range from just $100 for flats to $250 for boots.

    The clothing selection is always a big draw too. Last year, tops were priced at $100, dresses were $200 and coats were $300. The problem is always that the early shoppers scoop up all the best items.

    When we first started covering the BV sale, it was employees only and the merchandise assortment was epic. Now, shoppers can expect to find long lines and a questionable selection. Heading to this sale is somewhat of a crapshoot. If you do venture out, we suggest you apply extra sunscreen and abort the mission if the lines are too long.

    Bottega Veneta Sample Sale
    Wednesday, July 27 through Thursday, July 28
    Wed 10am-7pm, Thurs 9am-7pm
    Metropolitan Pavilion / 123 West 18th Street

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    Hunt & Gather: $200 Designer Shoes

    The prices of designer shoes have skyrocketed over the past five years. It wasn’t so long ago that standard designer pumps retailed for $600. Now it seems as if $900 is the designer benchmark. Analysts frequently debate if people are actually spending more or just waiting longer for deeper discounts.

    After experiencing several seasons of sticker shock it’s fun to hunt for shoes that are reduced under $300. Insiders tell us there is an deluge of designer merchandise still left in stores. Above is a great assortment of designer shoes that will cost you somewhere in the $200-range. It just proves that no matter your budget you should never settle.

    Our lineup includes an impressive assortment from Francesco Russo, Charlotte Olympia, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Aquazzura. Sizes are limited in each style but if you hunt, we are sure everyone can find something to gather.

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