We’ve been lusting after Solange Azagury-Partridge’s hotlips rings for years. As a matter of fact, we posted about them in 2012. It’s been almost been four years of walking by the Madison Avenue boutique and crushing on those sweet red lips.
Spending $1700 on this darling silver ring has been difficult but when we found it for less than 50% off so we couldn’t resist. Right now, TheRealReal has several new Solange Azagury-Partridge hotlips rings for just $595. The classic red isn’t available but here is coral pink and black. We also found a version in white but it looks as if it is pre-owned. There is only one available in each color. Hurry, before you miss this kiss.
As we count down the final hours of 2015, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Madison Avenue Spy family. When I started this blog –almost nine years ago– I wanted to carve a place on the Internet where people could get insider shopping information. With your support and help, I think we have succeeded in adding transparency to pre-sales and VIP shopping promotions.
I hope you continue to be amused and informed. Wishing you all a joyous, prosperous, healthy and Happy New Year. Without further delay, we bring you the final sales of 2015.
For the second time this month, Shopbop is offering shoppers an extra 25% off sale merchandise. Use the code EXTRAEXTRA when checking out to engage the additional discount.
The promotion started today and runs through the end of the Year. Just like 2015, it’s all over at the strike of midnight Thursday. That’s midnight Pacific Time, which gives us East Coasters a few extra hours to drunk shop.
The Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale is back. After taking a hiatus from the semi-annual event, Nordstrom is bring back its biggest sale of the year. The discount is 50% to 60% off most all fall and winter merchandise. Take note, the sale only runs through January 3rd.
Some items may not be discounted as much as other department stores but we love that each purchase comes with a no-questions-asked return policy. Nordstrom is also notorious for price matching. If you see an item priced less at another store Nordstrom will match the price in most situations. They have even been praised for honoring a markdown on a non-exact item.
The best part of this Half-Yearly sale is that there are a lot of great items that have been long sold out at other shopping destinations. For example, discounted basic black Saint Laurent Sac de Jours are long since sold out but are available here for $2300 from $3300. If you’re looking for steeper discounts of 60% head this way to find a classic Nina Ricci wool coat that comes to $1460 from $3650 or an iconic Proenza slash dress reduced to $1330 from $3325. Unfortunately, the coordinating fishnet tights are sold out just about everywhere.
We suggest you snag what you like now because Nordstrom’s online discounts don’t usually dip below 60%. If you’re shopping in the stores– that’s another story.
Earlier this month, Bergdorf Goodman revealed the first of its four part renovation. The newly unveiled jewelry salon is now located at the 57th Street entrance of the Lavender Lady. The updated look is exquisite although the jewelry collections seem to play second fiddle to the design of the room–the ornate shadowboxes on the walls and and jewel shaped jewelry showcases.
The redesign was spearheaded by Bergdof’s fashion director, Linda Fargo, and incorporates a palate of ivories and grays. The salon’s centerpiece is a pair of ornate custom-made chandeliers inspired by Lobmeyr’s “Sputnik” designs. Some of the renovation highlights include a private viewing room for VIP clientele and trunk show events. The 57th Street windows will now be available for jewelry-specific displays.
The space that is now the Jewelry Salon, was previously inhabited by scarves, sunglasses and select handbag brands like Givenchy, Celine, Alexander McQueen and others. These handbags have been relocated to the Fifth Avenue main floor entrance thoroughfare. Unfortunately, the new set-up is more reminiscent of a holiday market than the City’s premier shopping destination.
Change can be difficult and long-time Bergdorf shoppers are likely to feel a bit disoriented by the redesign. We will miss the warm welcome of the the dazzling jewelry that differentiated Bergdorf’s from other first floor handbag bazars.
One characteristic that remains the same is the second markdown discount. Right now, shoppers can save 50% on an assortment of designer handbags. The sale selection includes a moderate assortment of bags from Christian Louboutin, Proenza, Nina Ricci, Tom Ford and Bottega Veneta. (Head this way to see pictures and pricing.)
We are sure that we will adjust to the renovations and can’t wait to see what else Bergdorf Goodman has in store. We will just have to remember to take a 57th detour to spend time with all of our best friends– diamonds, of course.
Sale shoppers love this time of year. The discounts are plentiful and so are the options. The slyest sale shoppers are reaching beyond the common 60% off and searching for top designer merchandise that’s been reduced 70% or more.
Those looking to spend less than 30-cents-on-the-dollar have come to the right place. We scoured the Internet and have curated a selection of the best designer deals. Scroll through, we’re sure you’ll be impressed with out ability to sniff out high Aquazzura boots for $350 from $1400, Golden Goose sneakers under $200, a Rosie Assouline blouse for $225 from $900 or a Met Gala worthy Delpozo gown for $3000 from over $10,000. We can’t wait to pair this Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress ($440 from $1460) over a sleek turtleneck. With discounts like these you can afford to take fashion risks.
Black Friday is for the amateurs. Real shoppers sharpen elbows for the day after Christmas. It’s the time of year where you can still find a rather good selection of merchandise that’s highly discounted. Over the course of the week you’ll also find great opportunities to pounce on hard-to-find items that may get returned.
Below are some of our favorite post-Christmas shopping destinations. Share your favorites in the comment section below:
3. Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik usually starts their first markdown immediately after New Years. The discount is normally 33% off but if you can wait three weeks, prices get slashed to 50%. Then, right when you think your winter blues can’t get any worse, Manolo starts their February clearance sale where shoes are discounted up to 75% off.
4. Ralph Lauren
When Ralph Lauren slashes up to 70% off we’ve been known to raid the Rhinelander Mansion for cashmere sweaters for ourselves. The best part is that most of the leftover men’s stock is a size XS, which is just perfect for us. Just be careful, prices in the store don’t always match up online. So you might be better off just staying at home and shopping online. Right now, online shoppers can save an additional 40% off already reduced merchandise.
5. Barneys New York
Barneys still has better markdown opportunities than their competitors. Shortly, the store will begin to lose its competitive edge as other stores reduce accessories and shoes past 60%. The biggest Barneys advantage is their fashion lusty inventory. Gianvito Rossi ankle boots are $520 from $1300, an Isabel Marant beaded gown is $750 from $1875 and a Saint Laurent miniskirt is $800 from $2000.
The holiday shopping season is quickly coming to a crescendo. Most online stores can still get your gift there in time for Christmas but it may cost you. Cabbing all over the city will cost you too. Here is your guide to getting your gift there on time. Many stores and boutiques though out the city offer messenger service. Prices tend to range from $15 to $30. Some stores will wave the fee for expensive purchases.
Barneys
Get it there: Next business day $20
Deadline: 12/23 at 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free black box and black & white ribbon
Discount: Up to 60%
Bergdorf Goodman
Get it there: Free Rush shipping with the code BGRUSH
Deadline: 12/23 at 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free silver box with lavender ribbon
Discount: Up to 60%
Bloomingdales
Get it there: Express delivery $13
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: $5 white bottom and black top with elastic bow
Discount: Up to 60%
Net-a-Porter
Get it there: Next business day $20
Deadline: 12/23 5:30PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free, sale items come wrapped in tissue paper but full priced merchandise is eligible for their iconic matte black boxes
Discount: Up to 70%
Nordstrom
Get it there: Free Rush
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Not available on all items but the $2 gift set includes a gift box, tissue paper, a silver ribbon and a gift tag
Discount: Up to 60%
Saks Fifth Avenue
Get it there: Free shipping with the code HOLIDAY
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free black box with snowflakes, red bottom and red ribbon
Discount: Up to 70%
