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    Frieze New York Spills on to Madison Aveue

    We started the week off celebrating the fashion as an art from with the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s newest Costume Institute exhibit. We are closing out the week with more art appreciation as Frieze New York begins, on Friday.

    Pazooki Leila, Feel Your Feelings

    Frieze (pronounced Freeze) New York started in London more than 25 years ago and has become one of the art industry’s largest trade show. Housed under big tents on Randalls Island, the fair runs through Sunday and showcases some of the biggest and brightest in the art world. That means you can expect to see your social media platform of choice streaming with ‘interesting’ images all weekend long.

    If you’re not interested in trekking to Randall’s Island we suggest you explore modern art right here in our neighborhood. The Surrey Hotel, which is on Madison Avenue at 76th Street, recently added a gallery component called, “ArtSpeak.” A lineup of eight artists showcases contemporary veterans like Ryan McGinness, known for fusing high and low culture through veneers of spray paint and silk- screening, to newly introduced electroluminescent works by Jonny Detiger. You can check out more about the participating artists and their work, right here.

    The exhibits can be found throughout the hotel, including the rooftop garden. The hotel commissioned artist Peter Gerakaris, where he has executed a floating garden in the middle of the rooftop. The instillations incorporates colorful, saturated organic images of plants and flowers that nonetheless serve as his own symbols of communication.

    The Surrey has always been known for it’s fine art, including the signature six-foot tapestry of model Kate Moss, “Kate” by Chuck Close. This is the first-ever multiple-artist exhibition at the hotel. It’s clear that it’s making an effort to position itself as the neighborhood’s definitive destination for chic art and hospitality. The strategy couldn’t be better, considering The Met Breuer opened just blocks away.

    The exhibit will run through August 31. We couldn’t imagine a more fitting place to spend time and appreciate art– regardless of if you are visiting or staying at the hotel. It’s always been our favorite near-home retreat and now there is even more to appreciate.

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    Luxury 9 Is Designer Discount Heaven

    When you’re shopping for discounted designer merchandise you’re almost always looking at items that are several seasons old. This is not the case at our favorite new mid-town discount store. Luxury 9 has this season’s most coveted and rare fashion items steeply reduced prices.

    During a stop yesterday, we found a python green Phantom Celine bag that’s $3800 from $5950, an orange Micro Celine Luggage Tote is $2200 from $2700 and a gorgeous tri-color Celine Trapeze is $2300 from $2950. The craziest thing is that they are all this season’s bags. (You can see pictures of the bags right here.)

    We also spotted this season’s Gucci Boston bag with the bird print for $1300 and a cherry blossom painted wallet for $499. A white Prada Saffiano Cuir Convertible Tote is $1807 from $2780 and a one-of-a-kind crocodile Rockstud Double Handle Shopper is $7000. (One can only imagine this bag’s retail price but we bet it’s more than some cars.)

    If you can get past the bags you might not be able to pull yourself away from the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi shoes with gemstones or pearls. All are this season’s colors and are in perfect condition with the box and dust bag. Hangisi heels are $870 from $965 and the flats are $750 from $935. (There are pictures right this way.)

    Luxury 9 is also packed with clothing that is priced up to 90% off retail. Most items are sticker coded and range from $25 to $150. Some standouts are a red Roland Mouret top, a McQueen skirt and a Chloe blouse that are all just $150.

    Tucked away in the corner, we spotted Saint Laurent items like a leather skirt with heavy zippers for just $500 and an exquisite dress for just $300. You might want to grab these, as they might become collectables as Hedi Slimane gets comfortable designing for Chanel.

    This store has so much merchandise that you might want block out a full hour so that you can fully appreciate the breadth of fashion that’s available. Also, don’t be shy to ask for a better price. You might get lucky on some items.

    Luxury 9 accepts phone orders and will ship purchases. They will even schedule personal shopping services if you need help finding your way through the designer emporium. All we can say is– good luck!

    Luxury 9
    375 Lexington Avenue @ 41st Street
    Sunday to Thursday 11am to 8pm
    Friday 11am to 6pm
    Closed Saturday
    luxury9popup@gmail.com





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    Giambattista Valli One-Day Sample Sale

    Giambattista Valli is hosting a one-day sample sale and we just got word that the discounts will be as dramatic as Beyonce’s entrance to the MetBall. The event, which will take place on Thursday, will feature dresses and other fashions with prices slashed up to 80% off retail.

    Our informants weren’t able to provide too many examples, but we got pictures of a stunning summer dress with flower appliqué that will be $400 from $2700 and a more basic shift dress that will also be $400 from $2700. The sale will include open stock from this season, looks from off the runway and real samples– pay attention size 2s and 4s.

    We have a good feeling this sale will be talked about for some time. It’s just too bad that it wasn’t scheduled  before the MetBall.

    Giambattista Valli Sample Sale
    Thursday, May 5
    10am-6pm
    605 West 25th Street, 8th Fl

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    Shopbop Surprise Sale: 40% Off

    The weather may not be very warm right now but that isn’t stopping Shopbop from starting an early Summer sale. Right now, you can head this way to browse a large assortment of merchandise that’s reduced 40% off.

    First markdowns usually don’t start until right before Memorial Day but from what we hear the retail environment is not doing very well. We have heard that sales this year will be earlier than they have been for some time and that discounts will be much higher. We expect this ‘Surprise Sale’ to be the first of many.

    Inside the Shopbop site, we found classic Ferragamo Varina (bow flats) for $367 from $525, Prada sunglasses are $227 from $335 and a Mara Hoffman bikini is $78 from $112. We even spotted an inflatable pool swan that’s reduced to $50 from $70 and a gigantic beach ball ($138 from $200). You can earn the price of both those pool toys back with Instagram likes in no time.

    This sale is only for three days and runs through Thursday. Some popular items are running low but you can expect to see lots of this merchandise continue to make it’s way up the discount ranks.

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    Wardrobe Update: Vince Camuto at Nordstrom

    Vince Camuto has maintained it’s standing as a winning brand at department stores. Part of the band’s success is that the clothing, shoes and accessories are consistently on trend and come in a variety shapes, sizes and styles.

    Although the Vince Camuto passed away not too long ago, his legacy lives on and his design team continues to produce the fashionable items that shoppers crave. This season, Nordstrom has a great assortment of Vince Camuto options. This faux wrap jersey jumpsuit is universally flattering, as is this powder blue belted shift dress.

    The shoes this season are particularly on trend. Check out these suede peep-toe lace-up sandal pumps, cut-out loafers and this espadrille sneaker. Scroll below to see more of our favorites from Vince Camuto.

    Online shoppers should take advantage of Nordstrom’s free shipping and free returns. If only all stores were as easy to shop as Nordstrom.

    Sponsored Post
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    Manus x Machina: Redefining Haute Couture

    In our neck of the woods, the first Monday in May is much of a holiday as, say, the first Monday in September or the fourth Thursday in November. It’s Met Day! It’s the time of year, when the entire fashion and art world direct their attention towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

    Beyond the parties and celebrities, the Met attempts to further establish fashion as an art form in its own right. This year’s theme is Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. The exhibit explores the dichotomy between handmade and the machine-made in the creation of haute couture and avant-garde prêt-à-porter.

    Inside, museum goers will be astounded by the cathedral structure that was erected to house the exhibit. The two floor layout, which was designed by architectural firm OMA, is essentially a building-within-a-building. Soft sculpture encapsulates the fashion vignettes, which are all accompanied by detailed explanations of process and materials used to fabricate each design. This was perhaps the most enriching part of the exhibit. (You can click here to see lots of pictures from inside the exhibit or our Instagram feed to see our favorites along with commentary.)

    The exhibit’s main showcase is a Karl Lagerfeld-designed, Chanel haute couture wedding ensemble that features a 20-foot train. The dress is made of scuba knit– that’s a similar material Kohl’s uses for 75% of their designer collaborations. The difference is that this gown was hand molded and hand finished. The gown’s spectacular details include gold, glass, crystals, palettes and gold leather leaf.

    Throughout the rest of the first floor exhibit, you will find other wonderful examples of how machines have elevated the technical mastery of our most celebrated tailors. An elaborate dress from Dior’s Summer 2014 collection was sewn by machine but then finished by two brodeurs, embroiderers. The underdress of the gown is embellished with clear plastic crystals, red glass sea beads and white plastic flower shaped paillettes. The finished product speaks to the proficiencies of an artist who has mastered more than just one method.

    Other highlighted designers include Miuccia Prada, Pierpaolo Piccioli (Valentino), Alber Elbaz (Lanvin), Marc Jacobs (Louis Vuitton), Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy), Mary Katrantzou,Hussein Chalayan and so many more.

    Downstairs, the exhibit is broken up into three significant pillars of fashion métiers, or jobs: pleating, lace, leather. Visitors are given detailed explanations about methods and fabrications.

    This exhibit is less of a history lesson than any past Costume Institute instillation. There is so much information waiting to be revealed. It may take several visits to digest all the knowledge. We are just so happy that it’s so conveniently located in our neighborhood.

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    The Outnet: Extra 30% Off Important Designers

    When most sales exclude almost every important designer it’s extra refreshing to see a sale dedicated to discounting merchandise from the designers we love most. Right now, The Outnet is hosting a sale where an assortment of items from several popular designers are discounted an extra 30% off from their already reduced prices.

    This sale includes lots of pieces from Balmain, Lanvin and Valentino. For instance, this Balmain jacket comes to $1000 from $3600, this Roland Mouret leather and crepe dress comes to about $700 from $2700 and this Alaia classic belt is $700 from $2000. There are also lots of more inexpensive options, which can also double as a Mother’s Day gift for yourself or someone you love. A playful W-3 PVC bag is $75 from $205, an oversized Thomas Maier leather belt is $110 from $450, and Oscar de la Renta earrings are $115 from $290.

    What’s even nicer about this sale is that there are more than 1000 items listed. If you have an hour, you can truly get lost browsing through all the interesting merchandise. If you’re short on time, personalize your sort options. When you find something you want you need to be sure of your purchase because all sales are final.

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    The Best Sales this Weekend: Asos, RL, Bloomies and More

    It’s practically May and long weekends aren’t too far away. It’s time to start reevaluating what you have from last year and identify those items that you know you’ll need until the weather is legitimately warm.

    There are several sales going on this weekend. Be sure to browse the Asos sale section for a pre-summer re-fresh, Bloomies is hosting a shoe sale, Coach is offering 25% off for Mother’s Day and Ralph Lauren has some serious discounts. We’ve highlighted some of the best and also pulled some of our favorite items that you can buy now on sale.

    Asos– Save up to 80% off
    The Asos outlet is where to begin your seasonal shopping when you are avoiding Zara. Some standout items include, a See by Chloe star blouse that’s reduced to $187 from $400 or this cloud print blouse that’s $150 from $400. Both are light but will work great with jeans while it’s chilly. This Frankie Morello sweatshirt is reduced almost 80% to $127 from $623 and Markus Lupfer flat sandals are $204 from $560.

    Bloomingdales– Shoe sale: save up to 25% when you spend $500, 20% when you spend $250 or 15% when you spend $150
    You would have done better had you made your purchase during friends and family but if you spend $500 it’s the exact same discount. Some of our favorite items for Spring include these rainbow espadrilles from Kate Spade that are $160 from $228 (before the additional promotion), these Celine-esque slides that are priced at just $195 or these classic Giuseppe thong sandals.

    Coach– Save 25% off Mother’s Day Sale. Use the code MOM2016 at checkout.
    The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Mother’s Day is around the corner and the Coach collection is more popular than it has been in decades. Be sure to check out some of the new style bags. We really like the Swagger that comes in an array of bright colors and it’s just $350. The classic cross-body saddle bag ($550) can be customized with you’re mother’s name or just add a simple MOM to the front. Before you check out be sure to take a browse through the ready to wear. We were quite surprised.

    Ralph Lauren–Save an extra 15% on items already reduced up to 50%. Use the code PRIVATE16 at checkout.
    Ummm, who doesn’t need a personalized Polo when they are $60 from $98? (They should all say Mad-Spy on the back. Don’t you agree?) We understand if everyone doesn’t want our name on their back but this denim dress is quite agreeable at $160 from $245, as is this canvas field jacket that’s $100 from $200.

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