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    Century 21 Clearance 80%-90% Off

    Only one thing is better than an end-of-season markdown– an end of season markdown at a discount store. This weekend, Century 21 started their clearance sale and a great selection of clothing is discounted an additional 33% to 50% off.

    If “retail value” prices are correct, that would bring the total discount to 80% to 90% off. Consider this, Century 21 pays most of their luxury suppliers 10% of the retail price. So these prices may barely allow the discounter to break even on the merchandise.

    This weekend, we took a tour of the Downtown flagship and found lots of items worthy of being taken home. The best selection was within the evening wear. We always suggest snagging one of these “great ones” when you can find them this cheap. Storing them in your closet unit the correct affair presents itself is always a wise move. Nothing is worse than paying big bucks for a dress you’re barely going to wear twice.

    Among these evening frocks is a red carpet worthy Michael Kors dress that is reduced to $2500 from a starting retail price of $19,000. (No, we didn’t add too many zeros.) An Emilio Pucci gown with illusion is under $600 from a valued price of $3275. An insane John Gilliano jacket with fur (perhaps fox) collar is about $1000 from $9425. An LBD from Lanvin comes to about $700 from almost $4000 and a jeweled Prada jacket (winter 2012) under $900 from $8335.

    Among the less expensive reduced items is a classic Valentino red dress that’s $220 from about $740. Missoni knit wool pants are $175 from $1210 and a lovely Ports 1961 dress with a lace back is $200 from a $1190 retail. If you’re looking for sunglasses, most designer styles come to about $100 after the additional discount.

    Century 21 isn’t the best destination for handbag shopping. The store isn’t offering any additional discounts and there isn’t much that’s appealing. The only purse of notable mention is a YSL Betty that’s $1200 from a retail of about $1500. That’s not much of a bargain.

    We would absolutely suggest heading downtown if you’re feeling adventurous or need a formal dress. Otherwise you can just go for the fun. Shopping Century is always entertaining. Tourists can sometimes be tremendously funny.

    There are 13 more pictures of our shopping trip after the jump.

    Chanel Bags at a 60% Markdown

    Chanel would leave you believe that their merchandise never goes on sale but we have proof of lots of markdowns. As a matter of fact, many stores still have merchandise left over from the first markdown. Right now. If you’re buying Chanel winter merchandise, you should be looking for a discount of about 60% off.

    At Saks Fifth Avenue , in NYC, we found a pair of short Chanel work boots for $940 from $2300. Classic loafers in navy are $318 from $795. A sales person from Neiman Marcus, in Scottsdale, says that second markdown start Wednesday and is currently accepting presale. Included in the second markdown are tweed Chanel sneakers for 55% off and green ballet flats discounted to $250. You can several metallic hobos in turquoise, silver and murky green hobo for $1485 from $3300. Another style bag in a suede green is “just” $1080.

    The  plat de résistance, from the sale, happens to be a exotic 2.55 reissue (embroidered python). The bag is reduced to $7200 from an original tag of $16,000. There’s also a small zip shopping tote with chevron stitching that is about $1600 from $3600.

    On all accounts these are some great deals. Serious buyers should consider investigating Chanel departments outside our normal New York distribution centers. Boston, Scottsdale and Chicago are always great for Chanel finds. Generally, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are our top picks for bags and clothing.

    More pictures are after the jump:

    Saks Consolidation Sale Begins

    This morning New Yorkers awoke to a blanket of snow and news that the Saks Fifth Avenue Consolidation Sale for women will begin Thursday, January 9. (The men’s sale is currently underway.) That means that the department store’s 9th floor has become a virtual bargain basement for the winter 2013 season.

    The markdown is up to 70% off but the beginning of this sale usually only consists of leftovers from within the store. The merchandise isn’t all that desirable and pretty well picked over. Right now there is assorted merchandise from the likes of Stella McCartney, Temperly, Moschino, Yigal Azrouel, TSE and Donna Karen.

    If you wait just 10 days, merchandise from other Saks locations  will start making their way to New York. When this occurs it’s more likely to find key items from designers such as Missoni, Pucci, Herve Leger, Dior, Fendi, McQueen and Chanel.

    Of course, we will have a full report on Monday. This sale usually runs through the end of the month. At the very end, all prices are slashed by an extra 25%. Our advice is to go early, shop often, but expect the best merchandise in about two weeks.

    The Best Snow Day Online Shopping

    It looks like we are all snowed in and we couldn’t even imagine Uber-ing down to Bergdorfs. This weekend’s shopping will absolutely be limited to the clickity version. Below are a few great online sales to satisfy your desire to shop.

    Reiss
    We usually don’t make a point of following the style habits of others, but Kate Middleton is spot on with her love for Reiss. Right now, the British designer has discounted winter merchandise up to 50% off. The fashion is stylish, yet very affordable. Check out this great moto leather jacket that’s now $462 from $660, this “royal” blue fit and flare dress that’s $283 from $360 and this perfect size croc embossed bag that’s $181 from $285.

    Tory Burch
    It’s so much more fun to shop at Tory’s store on Madison but there’s no way, on a snow day. The designer is currently offering an extra 25% off sale items with the code NEWYEAR. The promotion runs through January 6. This Wren sweater has a front silk panel that seems similar to an Hermes style but this one comes to just $110 from $295. These flats may not be logo-ed but are very pretty and wearable, especially for $131 from $250.

    Banana Republic
    Sometimes you can find a great staple at Banana Republic and wear it all season long. It’s really hit or miss. You can use the code BRGOOD30 to save an extra 30% off sale items, right now. This double-breasted cape should not be worn with a stripped shirt but can be a cute accessory for $70 from $130. These candy jeweled earrings add the perfect amount of playful glamour for about $25 from almost $40.

    J. Crew
    Shopping J. Crew in Manhattan can be frustrating. We can’t figure out why the brand discounts items online and in some boutiques but not others. Making sure you get charged the right amount can be an irritating task. If you don’t mind waiting for your purchases, it might be easier to shop online. Sale merchandise is now an extra 40% off if you use the code SHOPHAPPY. This collection purple and blue jeweled sweater is $83 from $248 and this cashmere framed sweater is about $90 from $228. Collection gray flannel jeweled pumps are $180 from $428.

    Zara
    The high-style fast-fashion staple has continued to reduce winter merchandise. From our last post, when their sale first started, this color block top has shed another $10 to $30 from an irrational price of $70 and this leather bowling bag is also $10 less than it was.

    Major Manley Markdowns

    While you’ve been basking on the beach of Riviera Maya and swishing down the slopes of Davos, stores have been aggressively luring customers to shop discounted merchandise. Sales for men always start a bit after the ladies’ but now is the time to shop for your guy, whether he is looking for a new suit or new boxer briefs.

    Below are some of the best sales for men:

    East Dane
    We couldn’t tell you how happy we are that ShopBop created an equally incising destination to shop for men. The best part is that East Dane’s sale is as good as women’s markdowns. Right now, you can use the code EXTRAOFF25 to save an additional 25%, for a total savings of up to 77% off. Just be sure to shop soon. This promotional code expires at midnight Thursday. An Aspesi all weather quilted jacket comes to just $268 from $1200. A Mark McNairy New Amsterdam vest comes to $280 from $750, a Deuvetica black puffer (a great Moncler no-logo alternative) comes to $467 from $890, and Levi’s Vintage 606s are $107 from $205.

    Nordstrom
    Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale began for men this week. An assortment of merchandise is discounted up to 50%. Shoes are generally discounted about 35% off and clothing prices are slashed between 40% and 55%. Some of our favorite items include, a Neil Barrett leather puffer that’s about $1200 from almost $2700. Ferragamo loafers are $370 from $560 and a James Perse tee is $33 from $55.

    Mr. Porter
    Shopping Mr. Porter is our favorite online store for men. The site has a great variety of fashion but is also wearable. Right now, the discount is up to 50% off. Check out this Acne tuxedo jacket that’s $355 from $710, this Dolce & Gabbana overcoat that’s now about $1300 from over $2600 and this Maison Martin Margiela cardigan is about $700 from $4000. Be sure to check out these Pierre Hardy high-tops that are reduced to $372 from $745 and these Tod’s No_Code contrast oxfords for $322 from $645.

    Bergdorf Goodman
    We don’t usually need an excuse to shop the men’s store at Bergdorf Goodman but a sale never hurts. The Fifth Avenue men’s store has discounted winter merchandise up to 60% off. A Givenchy
    Double Doberman Plaid Shirt
    is $500 from $835 and a Lanvin tweed coat is $2500 from $3800 and Jimmy Choo studded high tops are about $700 from $1000.

    Ralph Lauren
    It’s hard to find more classic men’s clothing than shopping at Ralph Lauren. Right now, you can save an additional 25% off already discounted prices for a savings that comes to about 55%. A Black Label gingham sport shirt is $200 from $295, a Sloan french-cuff dress shirt is $262 from almost $500 and a Black Label Denim leather patrol jacket is $1350 from almost $3000. Head this way for discounts on polos. This custom fit Big Pony polo is $52 from $98.

    Where to Shop After Christmas

    We apologize in advance but we are going to take off for the rest of the year. We wouldn’t want to leave you hanging so we put together a list of sales you’re not going to want to miss.

    In the meantime, you can always email us with your inside shopping tips. If we can find a reliable network we’ll be sure to pass on the information along with your unique spy name. Happy Holidays, Healthy New Year!

    1. Saks Fifth Avenue
    Starting Thursday morning, Saks will be enticing shoppers with an additional 50% off from 8am until noon for a total savings of up to 70% off. After the clock strikes noon the additional savings drops to just 40% off sale items. So set your alarm clocks or presale Monday and Tuesday.

    2. Net-a-Porter
    Luxury e-tailer, Net-a-Porter, already started their second markdown where some items are reduced up to 70% off. Starting Wednesday evening/ Thursday morning, you will notice that a lot more items will be reduced to that 70% off mark. Of course, you can wait for this merchandise to hit TheOutNet, but why wait?

    3. Manolo Blahnik
    The 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 are 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 bring your iPad, so that you can price compare.

    5. Barneys New York Holiday with Jay Z
    Barneys special holiday store was a huge bust on all accounts–no pun intended. We doubt that many people are going to the Madison Avenue department store to shop the collection, despite the fact that all the proceeds are going to charity. That makes the fate of the $17,000 special design Hublot watch into question, along with this $700 Elder Statesman cashmere ski mask and this Balmian Epaulette tee for $1000. All these items were customized for the collection and we couldn’t imagine any discount store wanting to be associated with the messy controversy. Barneys will have no choice but to close out the merchandise quickly. After all, the money has already been spent. That’s what we call a lose-lose situation.

    Huge Reed Krakoff Bag Sale

    Reed Krakoff is hosting a large markdown on their handbags. The discount is about 60% and there are dozens of great styles from which to choose.

    While shopping the boutique, we event found a classic black Boxer included in the markdown. The brand’s iconic style bag is now $626 from $1490. The more slouchy styled Fighter bag is $710 from $1690, a tri-colored Atlantique $626 from $1490 and a sweet Academy cross body bag is $416 from $990.

    Surprisingly, the markdown on shoes and clothing is not as much– just 40%. In the meantime, we are going to be sure to keep our eye on the alligator printed long sleeve sweater that’s still $714 from $1190 and this crewneck sweater dress with leather front skirt that’s still $1014 from $1690. We should also talk about these perforated leather booties that are $510 from $850.

    Reed Krakoff
    831 Madison Ave
    212-988-0560

    Piperlime Closing Out Kids

    Piperlime, a division of Gap, is closing their kid’s department. Children’s shoes are now reduced up to 50% off. Through Thursday night, you can also use the code NEWSTYLES for an extra 30% off.

    These toddler New Balance sneakers are $22 from $44 and just $16 with the discount code. Sorel snow boots come to about $32 from $60 and boy’s Adidas Orions are about $27 from $52. Beware, sizes are selling out quickly and all sales are final. Sometimes the final sale situation outweighs the price savings– especially with small kids. Order with care!