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    The History of Chanel Bag Prices

    Since the beginning of Madison Avenue Spy we have been tracking the prices of Chanel bags. In doing so, we have created a rich archive of pricing history. As Chanel shoppers brace for yet another price increase, we thought we would take a look back at the way things were.

    As you can see by clicking on the chart below, the price of a Classic Chanel Jumbo bag will be $6000, as of May 1. That’s almost 100% more than it was in 2009. This season, most styles are increasing in price by about 12%. In the past, we’ve seen even steeper price jumps. Depending on the popularity of a particular style, bags have skyrocketed as much as 30% in a single year.

    Click on the image to expand

    Chanel generally evaluates prices in November and May. In some years, we’ve seen upward movement twice in a single year. For example, between 2010 and 2011 there were two price increases. During that year, the cost of many bags vaulted $1000.

    In 2009, we proposed that Chanel was attempting to reach a similar price point of the coveted Hermes Birkin bag. Perhaps Chanel is simply staying in step with other luxury brands? After all, the price of a Celine Luggage tote is $3600. We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to share in the comment section below.

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    4 Friday Friends & Family Sales

    We have officially hit the peak of friends and family season. This weekend there are four Madison Avenue brands offering discounts. Yesterday, we covered the Theory sale and today we are adding four more and a Saks Fifth Avenue reminder. See below for more details:

    Alice & Olivia
    Stacey Bendet’s Alice & Olivia is offering customers 25% off everything in the store and online. The sale runs though Sunday and also includes sale items. This skirt dress is on sale for under $100 with the promotional discount from about $200. This Stace Face Tank is perfectly adorable for summer as is this puff mini-dress, which reminds us of an Oscar de la Renta.

    Helmut Lang
    Online shoppers can use this link and add the code HLSS14FF to save 25% off all items. The sale runs through Monday, April 28. The designer’s newest collection seems to resemble MoMa-type patterns. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to check out the label’s take on the Birkenstock— they are almost all sold out.

    Tory Burch
    Though Monday, shoppers can save 25% off Tory Buch in stores and online with the code FRIENDLY. Exclusions include fragrance and home items. This satin tunic with jewels is currently on sale for $212 from $445 but come to just $160 with the discount. Searching the designer’s newest collection is inspiring us to host a green themed pool party this summer. Better stock up now, while it’s on sale.

    Saks Fifth Avenue
    The department store’s friends and family sale has been running for about a week but ends this Monday. Shoppers can save 25% on an assortment of items in stores and online using the code FRNFAM. You can click here to read though all the exclusions. Take note, there are now a lot more items in the sale section. For instance, this Ostwald Helgason sweatshirt that’s inspired by Jeff Koons comes to about $150 with the discount from $260 and this Clover Canyon patterned draped blouse comes to $120 from $200.

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    Theory Friends & Family 30%

    Theory is hosting a friends and family sale where shoppers can save 30% off at boutiques. The promotion is also available online using the code TSPRINGFF but the discount is 25%.

    Theory isn’t known for the most exciting pieces of fashion but they may provide the most wearable items. This Slicker Makintosh coat is already on sale and is quite versatile. It comes to about $350 from $645. This jumpsuit is the perfect blank canvas to a super accessorized summer outfit and is about $310 from $445. A sleeveless silk blouse isn’t exactly cheap for $130 from $190 but it pairs effortlessly with almost anything– pants, blazers, skirts, etc.

    The Theory friends and family sale runs for a full week and ends Wednesday, April 30. The only excisions are third party denim and Mansur Gavriel bags– but we’re pretty over them anyway.

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    Mother’s Day Gift Collection

    Mother’s Day is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Sunday, May 11 and we couldn’t be more excited to be the beneficiary of pampering and praise. The first thing you have to know about Mother’s Day is that moms don’t want you breaking the bank to say, “I love you.” They also don’t want a thoughtless card with a scribbled signature.





    Finding the perfect gift can take a bit of determination and thought. Over here we put together a few collections of gift ideas. The first collection is for the Domestic Goddess and contains an assortment of beautiful and functional items, like a Pucci cosmetic case and a gift set of hand-made soaps. The other collection, The Matriarch, is focused on the women who rules. Gift ideas include, Tom Ford sunglasses, a Cuisinart juice extractor and a Dolce & Gabbana studded clutch. You can also click here to see eBay’s guide for Mother’s Day.


    Ebay collections are a great way to inspire and be inspired. Create your own Mother’s Day collection using the tag #eBayMom and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win $500 to shop on eBay. (Sweeps ends May 11, 2014.)

    My blog post was written as part of my collaboration with eBay.
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    Inside the Yigal Azrouel Sale

    Yigal Azrouel has become one of our favorite designers. His clothing is edgy and youthful without looking overdone or overly-hootchie. This season’s sample sale started today and our devoted enthusiast, Paige Turner, couldn’t wait to dig in.

    As was the case last season, the sample sale is in the designer’s showroom. Those looking for major discounts will be especially happy because the samples section is much larger than past years. The only drawback is that a lot of the samples look like they are very old. They could have possibly come from the back of a warehouse. Prices for samples are the same as prior season’s– all Yigal Azrouel samples are $60 (leather $125) and Cut25 samples are $40 (leather $90). Within the sample rack we found this current season draped top and this maxi-dress.

    The open stock items are priced almost exactly the same as prior season’s too. Cut25 jersey dresses are $125, tops are $100 and jackets are $175. The high-end collection, is understandably more pricey. Dresses are $250, tops are $120 and blazers are $225. We found lots of current season merchandise like this front-zip Yigal dress ($1050), this modern one that’s normally $1090 and this red skinny skirt ($520). There was also this jacket ($890) and this hot pink drapy top ($590). From the current Cut25 we found this sweatshirt ($265), an open shoulder blouse $275 and this stripped techno dress (currently reduced to $250 from $500).

    In addition to all the women’s finds, there are also a few racks of men’s clothing. As usual, there were hardly any men shopping. Women should take note that there is no dressing room. We suggest wearing sample sale attire — leggings and a tank for optimal modesty. Take note, that more samples are expect to arrive daily.

    Yigal Azrouël / Cut25 Sample Sale
    Through Friday, April 25
    Wed—Fri 9:30am—7pm
    225 W. 39th St (btwn 7th & 8th) 5th fl

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    Baccarat Annual Sample Sale

    When it comes to buying crystal almost all the brands seem as if they are too fussy and dated. Baccarat has invested in taking their brand to a modern level by partnering with some of the most talented designers of our time.

    Philippe Starck, Nicolas Triboulot and Eriko Horiki are just some of the design geniuses that have made Baccarat one of the most desirable brands in home goods. We can expect even more buzz as the brand opens a branded hotel with condos in midtown.

    For two days, you can dig into the home goods luxury world as Baccarat discounts their delectable items up to 80% off. The only catch is that you have to drive to the warehouse, in New Jersey. But think of how wonderful items you could bring home without paying the amount of a home.  The sale will include barware, vases, decorative pieces and a large selection of Baccarat jewelry. Remember, Mother’s Day is only a few weeks away!

    Baccarat Sample Sale
    Friday, April 25 to Saturday, April 26
    Fri 9am – 5pm, Sat 9am – 3pm
    36 Mayfield Ave. Edison, NJ 08837
    (800-845-1928)

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    Worthy Sample Sales: Bulgari, Yigal and More

    It’s been a few weeks since there’s been a sample sale worth mentioning. Lucky for us, spring break is over and sample sale shopping can resume. Below is a carefully curated selection of our favorite upcoming sample sales.

    Bulgari
    Bulgari is opening the vault and offering their treasured jewelry at significant discounts. The sale will include jewelry, watches, accessories, handbags, sunglasses, fragrances and beauty items. Beware, this sale attracts lots of shoppers and lines can span over three hours on the first day. Shoppers can expect to find leather goods discounted about 70% off, which comes to about $500 to $700. The markdowns on jewelry and watches range from 50% to 60% off. During past sales, we noticed that much of the jewels and timepieces were discontinued designs. We would be rather surprised if you were able to snag a current Serpenti watch. During the last sale sunglasses ranged in price from $150 to $200 and wallets were about $100.

    Tuesday, April 22 through Friday, April 25
    Tues to Thurs 9am—6:30pm, Fri 9am—5pm
    Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St (btwn 8th & 9th)

    Yigal Azrouël & Cut25
    This is always one of our favorite sample sales of the season. We love the wearable and sexy clothing that is stylish but still classic. At the last sample sale all Yigal samples were priced at $60 and Cut25 samples were $40. Leather Cut25 samples were $90 and Yigal leather samples were $125. You can click here to see full pricing and inventory details from last season’s sale.

    Tuesday, April 22 through Friday, April 25
    Tues 1pm—7pm, Wed—Fri 9:30am—7pm
     225 W. 39th St (btwn 7th & 8th) 5th fl

    Scotch & Soda
    We aren’t big fans of Scotch & Soda for ourselves but it’s great for men. The sample sale will provide discounts up to 70% off. At the last sale shoppers snagged tanks for $15, jeans for $50, and blazers for $100. Prices for clothing start at $15 for a tank and go up to $150 for leather goods.

    Tuesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 27
    Tues to Thurs 10am—8pm, Fri to Sat 10am—7pm, Sun 10am—3pm
    260 Fifth Ave (btwn 28th and 29th St)

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    Sweaty Betty 20% Off

    We will always have an affinity for Lululemon but their sketchy sale practices and strange color combinations have us looking for athletic alternatives. If you’re in the same boat, this would be the perfect time to give the Sweaty Betty a run around the block.

    The UK-based company, which has stores in Soho and CT, is offering customers 20% off from now until April 21. The promotion is also available online. Prices  for Sweaty Betty fall between Lululemon and Michi NY, with workout capris ranging from $60–$110 and tanks $30–$88. The focus is on gearing up for all types of sweat– ranging from yoga to running, ski to beach, gym wear to tennis.

    Despite cool cloths and interesting style we still think it’s best to keep your athletic clothing for Soul Cycle and Core Fusion. After all, you have a closet full of clothing dying for attention.

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