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    The Best President’s Day Sales

    Hurray! It’s a happy holiday Monday. That means there is more time to rest, stalk fashion shows and, of course, shop. Taking arctic temperatures into account it my be safe to say that the best shopping is at your fingertips.


    Here are some of our favorite online sales for post-Valentines Day and past Presidents:


    ASOS– Save an extra 20%
    Code: LINCLON
    Favorite item: Maison Scotch Varsity Cardigan
    Note: Sale runs till February 16 at midnight

    Athleta-Extra 20% off Sale
    Favorite item: Derek Lam cashmere sweaters
    Code: Extra20
    Note: Sale ends February 15

    Bloomingales– Get a $25 reward card for every $100 you spend
    Favorite item: Vince color blocked sweater
    Note: Through February 15

    Forzieri– 20% off sale merchandise
    Favorite Item: Pucci shoulder bag
    Code: EXTRA20
    Note: Sale ends February 15

    Neiman Marcus Last Call– Extra 30% to 60% off everything
    Favorite item: Fausto Puglisi cocktail dress
    Note: Sale ends February 15

    Scoop– Take an extra 60% off
    Favorite item: BLK DNM leather moto
    Note: Sale merchandise is final

    Century 21: Valentino Gowns at 90% Off

    We’ve spent the last week spying the final markdowns at all of our local department stores but couldn’t help but wondering about our local discount stores. So we set out to gather intelligence on Century 21, in the Financial District.

    Most all of the designer selections from this past Winter are now reduced to 90% off retail prices. We were thrilled by the markdowns but after two hours of sorting through racks and several runs to the fitting room we felt defeated. Most of the remaining merchandise was either highly undesirable, misfitting or damaged.

    But then we noticed the gowns…

    Towards the back wall of the third floor, there are two racks of sensational evening gowns reduced 90% off retail. Among the selection is an amazing assortment of off-the-runway Valentino gowns. For example, a Valentino beaded dress is reduced to $1047 from $14,125, a white gown that is bridal acceptable is $474 from $6200, a v-neck lace jumpsuit is $349 from $4370 and a breathtaking, dusty rose, lace and satin gown is $1033 from $13,140. Not to be missed is the perfect red gown with a leather halter and silk bottom that’s $1047 from $1322. The formal evening wear assortment also includes a few dresses from Rochas and Oscar de la Renta. You can click here to see pictures of our favorites.

    This is a shopping trip you need to take if you anticipate needing a gown any time in the near or distant future. If you can’t make it to the downtown Century 21, we suggest you take advantage of their personal shoppers that will pull clothing and ship anywhere You can click here to make a styling appointment or contact a personal shopper by phone.

    The IT-it: Net-A-Porter Launches Mansur Gavriel Shoes

    Mansur Gavriel took the fashion world by storm with their modestly priced utilitarian bags. The key to the company’s success was partly the price point but also reacting quickly to fashions aversion to logos.

    The minimal design, functionality and moderate price point propelled the brand to the top of the fashion blogosphere. It also didn’t hurt that production was limited and wait lists were endless. Now, Mansur Gavriel is entering the world of footwear.

    Net-A-Porter is the exclusive online retailer for shoes, which were just put live today. You know it won’t be long until this shipment is gone. After all, shoes are made for walking.

    News on Madison: Flowers in Bloom

    As temperatures drop this weekend, the flowers on Madison Avenue go into full bloom. ‘Platinum Jewels in Bloom’ is a flower and jewelry show that will run through the weekend. Jewelry boutiques located on Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th Streets will feature elaborate floral and jewelry arrangements in their store window displays.

    Participating jewelry stores include, Alexis Bittar, Asprey, CH Carolina Herrera, Chanel Fine Jewelry, Chopard, David Yurman, de Grisogono, Fabergé, Fred Leighton, Graff, Hueb Fine Jewelry, Ippolita, Kwiat Boutique, Lalique, Paul Morelli, Pomellato, Sidney Garber, and Stephen Russell. In conjunction with the event, participating jewelry stores and Platinum Guild International gave a sizable donation to support of Central Park Conservancy’s Playground Partners.

    Bergdorf Goodman 75% Off Final Days

    This year’s sale season has gone much longer than usual. The usually warm weather has clearly put a crimp in retail sales but that only means there is more for us to buy at a discount. We are told that Bergdorf Goodman will be shipping out their sales merchandise in about a week and we couldn’t help from wondering what treasures could still be found.

    Shoes are discounted 50%, which is not very alluring at this time of year. On the bright side, we were able to find some really great shoe and boot still left. Christian Louboutin Follies Cabo 120 are $700 from $1395, Givenchy shark bit booties are $725 from $1450 and Roger Vivier suede fringed pumps are $525 from $1050. It’s possible that the store will offer an additional 25% off promotion before the sale comes to a complete end. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

    Moving upstairs to check out leftover clothing, we found an abundance of coats, jackets and dresses. Perfect for Chinese New Year is a Mary Katrantzou print dress is $882 from $3535, a Christian Dior shift dress is $875 from $3500 and a Mugler dress with silver edging is $537 from $2150.

    Further upstairs, there is a full range of outerwear still available. Perhaps the most alluring section is the Moncler boutique. There are still three full racks of coats and jackets that are discounted 40%. We are told that another markdown is coming in about two weeks, which will bring the savings to 60%. If you’re still looking for a winter coat, we suggest that you start scoping out the merchandise now and keeping your eyes peeled.

    Moving online, the discount isn’t as good as what we found in the store but there are still a few sale options. Below are a few items that  we found online or click here to see pictures of what we found in the store.

    Manolo Sale: Ohhhh, Man-no-no

    The Manolo Blahnik boutique’s final clearance sale started Monday and we couldn’t help from being the first scope out the deals. This sale is legendary for the plush discounts that tip 75% off. This season the markdowns are similar to prior seasons but the selection is much smaller. For this reason, we are calling this sale a ‘Ma-no-no.’

    As usual, the prices are marked by colored dots that start at $195 for very basic suede pumps and go up to $550 for high leather boots. We are a bit disappointed that only the most basic shoes were marked with blue dots ($195)– these shoes are often the styles marked $100 at the sample sale.

    Most of the selection had orange dots ($255), which is only $60 more but it seems to be a mental hurdle. We spotted one style of Hangisi, a satin open-toe slingback, that was offered in assorted colors. They are marked with a navy dot, which indicates that they are  t$325 from $935. You can see an assortment of pictures right this way.

    Unlike most years, women didn’t have towers of boxes surrounding them as they tried on multiple styles. You can see why in the pictures in the jump. There aren’t very many eye popping styles and some pairs we even recognize as being several seasons old.

    There was no reported line to get in on Monday. Just be sure not to show up at 2pm, when the store closes to restock. Lets agree to understand that restocking means reorganizing the merchandise. The boutique sale does not usually receive new inventory throughout the sale.

    Manolo Blahnik 
    31 West 54th Street
    Abby: 212-582-3007
     Monday-Friday 10:30am-6pm

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

    The Best Monolo Sale of the Season

    We have made it through two markdowns at Manolo Blahnik and the final price cut is finally here. Starting Monday, Manolo will begin their final Winter markdown. This four day sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on classic and ornate shoes from the winter collection at up to 75% off.

    Sale 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 $350 for a green dot. Most shoes and low boots– even highly ornate styles– are priced at $225.

    The markdown event will begin this Monday and run through Thursday, February 11. Once the sale ends the Blahnik boutique will close for a breather. The planned re-org will continue until Monday, February 15th, when the store will reopen with the new collection.

    The boutique is often crowded and don’t expect your calls to be answered. On the bright side, unlike the sample sale there usually isn’t a long line to get in. The sale will only run for four days and styles and sizes run low quickly. If you’re looking for a great deal we suggest you switch out of your heels and take a run over to the boutique asap.

    Head this way to see the full rundown of last year’s final markdown sale.

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street
    Abby: 212-582-3007
    Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM

    The boutique will close from 2pm to 3pm to restock and reorganize (read: for lunch)

    Paul Morelli Fine Jewelry Sample Sale

    There’s a way to really knock the socks off of your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day in true Madison Avenue Spy style. Fine jeweler– Paul Morelli— is hosting a sample sale at his Madison Avenue boutique. We are told that discounts will extend to 70% off retail prices.

    Paul Morelli is will known for his modern pieces that are manufactured with profound attention to detail and delicacy. Each piece is handmade and reflects his dedication to superior craftsmanship and artistic curiosity. All of Morelli’s pieces are singed and produced on-site, by hand, in his own workshops from conception to completion.

    The jewelry line can also be found at Neiman Marcus and  1stDibs but is seldom found discounted or on sale. For this reason, we suggest you take advantage of this opportunity and stock up on diamonds as lovely as your true love.

    Paul Morelli Sample Sale
    Sunday, February 7 through Tuesday, February 9
    Sun 120m-5pm, Mon & Tues 10am-6pm
    895 Madison Avenue @ 72nd Street

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