X
X


    Madison Avenue: Ins & Outs

    The retail stores on Madison Avenue seem to change as
    quickly as fashion. It’s almost impossible to keep up with all the ins and outs
    along our favorite shopping corridor. As the Park Avenue tulips come into full
    bloom, however, it seems a reasonable time to take inventory of the comings and
    goings of some of our favorite retail destinations.




    Unlike any other retail corridor in the world, Madison
    Avenue remains unique as it is the only luxury destination that’s intimately
    tucked within a residential community. One of the more noticeable changes this
    year, is the renovation of several residential buildings with prime retail
    space. The Carlton House at 61st Street, The Marquand at 68th Street and the
    Whitney brownstone project at 74th Street are all undergoing huge renovations,
    says Matthew Bauer, president of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement
    District.

    As these new condos achieve success we wouldn’t be surpassed
    to see many more developers invest in updating the residential spaces along
    Madison Avenue, while updating the commercial properties too. We are looking
    forward to these the completion of these projects to see what new ventures come
    our way.

    For now, here is an update of what Madison Avenue stores
    have closed, are coming soon and have recently opened.

    Just Opened
    Peter Elliot at the Carlyle
    Roundabout Consignment
    Kent & Curwen

    Coming Soon
    A. Lange & Sohne
    Givenchy
    Madewell
    Nars
    Officine Panerai
    Paul Morelli
    Philipp Plein
    Qela
    Rena Lange
    Roland Mouret
    Santori
    Tomas Maier

    Closed
    Ann Ahn
    Brian Atwood
    Cesare Paciotti
    Domenico Vacca
    Girard-Perregaux
    Juicy Couture
    Mauboussin
    Moga
    Samantha Thavasa
    Swarovski
    Zig Zag

    Leave a comment on Madison Avenue: Ins & Outs

    Thakoon Sample Sale Starts Now

    The Thakoon sample sale doesn’t officially start until Tuesday but those with the inside track will be able to shop the best selection starting Monday. During the sale preview, which isn’t very strictly screened, fans of Thakoon will be able to shop the designer’s showroom for clothing, shoes, bags and accessories priced up to 80% off.

    The Showroom Project

    Over the years we’ve noticed that prices seem to go up as the sale opens to the public. As expected, the samples are always priced the best. These samples are often cut for models, which can be a difficult fit if you’re not 5’9″ and 115 points. Those who fit a “real” size four may be lucky enough to snag great items at $50 or $150 for more elaborate pieces.

    If you don’t fit into samples, the best next thing is the open stock from Thakoon Addiction. At the last sale most of these items were priced between $50 and $200. More ornate fashion from the designer’s higher end collection ran from $200 up to $400.

    You can click here to see all our coverage from last year. We just hope that this season’s sale has as much current fashion as the past sales.

    Thakoon Sample Sale
    VIPs Monday, May 5
    Tuesday, May 6 through Friday, May 9
     8:30am to 6:30pm daily
     225 Varick St (btwn W. Houston & Clarkson) suite 300

    Leave a comment on Thakoon Sample Sale Starts Now

    Mother’s Day Gifts at 85% Off

    Want to double-wow mom for Mother’s Day? How about getting her an amazing piece of fashion while getting a great deal. We’re talking up to 85% off retail on great brands like Saint Laurent,  Tom Ford, Valentino, Matthew Williamson and more.




    Amuze, the online luxury discounter, has launched a curated sale collection with wonderful gifts that are perfect for maternal goddess. The selection includes a black mini Saint Laurent Muse for $495 from $1195 and we can’t think of any woman who would turn up their nose from these Tom Ford studded sandals for $450 from about $2000. This Red Valentino dress is pretty and sweet for $130 from about $600.


    We couldn’t imagine any woman not loving all these deals but we know that some moms are harder to please than others. Amuze allows returnable for either store credit or refund (minus shipping, of course.) Think of how proud you can make your mother: Great fashion, excellent prices and a forgiving return policy!


    Sponsored Post
    Leave a comment on Mother’s Day Gifts at 85% Off

    Nancy Gonzalez Sale Early Access

    Just in time for Mother’s Day, Nancy Gonzalez is hosting her sample sale where her famous exotic skin bags will be significantly reduced. The sale doesn’t open to the public until Monday, May 5 but Madison Avenue Spy readers have been invited a day early to shop the Sunday VIP pre-sale.

    Customers can attend the pre-sale by giving a $36 donation (or more), which will go to New York Cancer Center. All contributions are matched by Shelly & Renee. Please email us here if you would like to attend. Space is limited. There will be a guest list at the door on Sunday but the remaining two sale days are open to the general public sans a donation.

    This season, the sale is much shorter than previous years but we hear that the sale will include more stock than ever. You can see pricing from the last sale right here.

    The public days of this sale are always very popular and can be quite chaotic. We suggest that serious Nancy Gonzalez shoppers should take advantage of this pre-shopping opportunity. With prices like these you can get a bag for mom and yourself and still have money for lunch.

    Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale
    VIP Fundraiser Sunday, May 4 from 1pm to 5pm
    RSVP Here
    Public Sale: Monday, May 5 & Tuesday, May 6
    Mon 9am-7pm, Tues 10am to 4pm
    111 East 59th Street (between Park & Lex)
    Cash & Credit Card. No Strollers


    Sponsored Post
    Leave a comment on Nancy Gonzalez Sale Early Access

    Milly Sale Half-Off

    Milly is hosting a sale where items from past collection is discounted 50%. The sale includes clothing, bags, shoes accessories for both women and girls. The Madison Avenue boutique has a limited assortment of sale items but online shoppers can take advantage of a large selection.

    Viva Luxury

    While browsing, we found this on-trend floral pouf skirt for $163 from $325 and the dress version of the same print is $188 from $375. Over here is a leather sheath for about $250 from $500 and this Darby bag is just about the same price.

    Take note, that the sale items that are reduced to 50% are final sale. We also suggest calling the boutique ahead of time to assure that the piece you want is available in the store.

    1 Comment on Milly Sale Half-Off

    Fivestory Mother’s Day Trunk Show

    Don’t know what to buy the woman to whom you owe your life? Take a stroll over to our favorite Madison Avenue boutique– Fivestory.

    The luxury emporium is hosting a pre-Mother’s Day shopping event, while launching its home collection and hosting an assortment of designer trunk shows. Designers include, jewelry from Khai Khai, customizable clutches from Edie Parker and treats from Magnifique Macaron. The best pert is that a portion of all proceeds will benefit the KJ Sisterhood.

    Please join me, as I’ll be there too. I always love to meet like-minded shoppers and we can strategize a plan to shop the Christian Louboutin sample sale.

    Fivestory Pre-Mother’s Day Event
    Thursday, May 1
    1pm to 7pm
    18 East 69th Street

    1 Comment on Fivestory Mother’s Day Trunk Show

    Norma Kamali Vintage Sale

    Norma Kamali is bringing back her famous basement sale. Customers can shop and browse the designer’s vintage archives for deep discounts for just three hours, Thursday evening. What’s even better is that you don’t have to go to the store to shop the sale.

    In a time when most designers like to shroud their sales in secrecy, Norma Kamali is letting it all out and allowing customers to virtually shop the sale with a stylist. You can browse the sale selection here and here. After (or while) you’re browse, email
    marissas@normakamali.com     or info@normakamali.com to place your order.

    After reviewing the stock list, it appears as if the best selection and deals may be the denim items. A denim moto high-lo jacket is priced at $100 from $750 and black and nude mesh Tara gown is $175 from $1100. There are also dozens of vintage parachute items, although they seem a bit pricey.

    Take note:  phone  orders and in-store purchases are final sale. For this reason, we always prefer to shop in the store whenever possible. Sample sales can result in questionable purchases even when the shopping conditions are ideal. We would hate to imagine the potential damage that can be made while shopping over the phone.


    Norma Kamali Vintage Sale
    RSVP Here
    Thursday, May 1
    5pm to 8pm
    1
    West 56th Street

    1 Comment on Norma Kamali Vintage Sale

    Coming Soon: Louboutin Sample Sale

    The Christian Louboutin sample sale is legend among shoe lovers. It’s closed to the public and invitations are as coveted as the China edition Porsche 911. We are not sure where the security is tougher but you can always count on a flurry of excitement when we get word of the Louboutin sample sale.

    A source that’s close to the company has given us word that the sample sale will begin Monday, May 12th and run all week. Press invitations are scheduled to begin Wednesday, May 14th. Each press invitation no longer includes a guest.

    Prices at the “secret” sample sale are highly discounted but generally start at $225 and go up to $550 for boots. Espadrille wedges may be found for $150 but that would be the bottom of the barrel. We often find that the best deals are the handbags but those have gone up in price over the past several sales too. We have also found an increasing selection of men’s shoes and sneakers.

    For more detailed shopping information you can check out our sale review from last season here. Over here we have lots of pictures from the sample sale last Spring. Ohhh, and don’t get thrown off by the decoy sign in the lobby saying that there is no sale. It appears every season and is as authentic as a Rolex on Canal Street.

    For the record, this Spy is likely to have her shopping privileges revoked. Nonetheless, we will bring you Louboutin sample sale coverage throughout the sale. Please feel free to email and tweet us info and pictures.

    Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
    Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 16
    Daily 9am to 5pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
    306 W. 38th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Ave.)

    9 Comments on Coming Soon: Louboutin Sample Sale