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    Montblanc Sample Sale

    Montblanc’s “private” friends and family sale is always a great place to pick up sophisticated gifts without breaking the bank. This sale is usually a reader favorite. Although, it’s dubbed private it’s not. Period.

    Last season shoppers were not happy with the sale. They said there were enormous lines and overcrowding. One Montblanc fan said she made it into the sale at noon all the rollerballs or ball point pens were already sold out.

    Those who got to the sale earlier found watches, pens, jewelry, bags and accessories. Most items were 65% off and leather goods were 75% off. All the pens that were under $300 went very quickly– as illustrated above. A limited selection of watches were more $1000. Cufflinks ranged in price from $100 to $300.

    The sale is only two days, starting Monday. There is no restocking and loyal fans turn out in mass for this discount opportunity. Those planning to majorly stock up should be warned that there there is a maximum of 12 pieces or and four watches for each shopper.

    Montblanc “Private” Friends & Family
    Monday, November 25 & Tuesday, November 26
    Mon 9am~7pm, Tues 9am~5pm
    260 Fifth Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)

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    Collections for Holiday Shopping Inspiration

    At this time of year, it’s hard to feel motivated to shop when it’s a task listed on your to-do list. We always recommend that you begin your holiday shopping with a bit of inspiration. We recently curated several style-influenced collections on eBay to spark ideas for great gifts (and items for yourself.)

    One of our collections is composed of items we envision as It-Girl Must-Haves. We included everything from a hot pink Mulberry Alexa to a white Alaia dress to an Hermes Collier De Chien cuff. In another collection we curated an assortment of our favorite Intoxicating Scents, which ranges from Tom Ford’s Black Orchid to Dyptique’s Feu de Bois. Perfect Accents is a collection of our favorite belts, hair accessories, gloves charms and jewels.

    We hope you will take some time to explore the inspiring collections we made and follow MadisonAveSpy on eBay as we create more. #eBayCollection and #FollowItFindIt.

    My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay.
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    Presales Starting on Madison

    Temperatures are dropping and so are prices. Today, we collected markdown intelligence from Madison Avenue boutiques that are beginning presale and discounts. Take note, some stores can be a bit cagy about their presales. It’s best to ask for a particular sales associate or call ahead to see if an appointment is necessary. It’s still early in the season for great boutique discounts. So we’ll just call this our seasonal amuse bouche. Enjoy!

    Chloe
    Presale will begin by appointment on Thursday and the sale officially begins on December 29. Clothing will be discounted 40% and shoes and a few select handbags will be discounted 30%.
    Kim 212-717-8220

    Dolce & Gabbana
    The Monreale inspired collection from Dolce & Gabbana will be discounted 30% to 40% off. The sale officially begins December 1 but presale started yesterday. Accessories and shoes are 40% off, while clothing is discounted 30%. Exclusions include, special pieces and the company’s black lace and gowns.
    Stephanie 201-951-2597

    Lanvin
    Presale started today at Lanvin. Clothing and jewelry are discounted 40% and shoes are 30% off. Some styles of ballet flats are included in the markdown but it’s hard to generalize about which ones. The sale officially begins November 25.
    Molly 646-439-0381

    Missoni
    The markdown at Missoni started last week and discounts range from 40% to 50% off. The markdown depends on how much stock they have of an individual item. So, you can assume that the hottest pieces of the season are discounted less. Winter accessories, like hats and gloves are not included in the sale but discounts have been applied to shoes, belts and jewelry.
    Sara James 212-517-9339

    Proenza Schouler
    Presale started at Proenza Schouler for VIP clients (i.e. editors, VIPs and those who have shopped at the story previously). “It’s a tight list” but we imagine that a store manager can accommodate serious customers. All others will need to wait until December 5th to shop the discounts. The markdown is 30% off clothing and runway bags.
    Emerald 212-585-3200

    Valentino
    Presale just began yesterday at Valentino. Clothing and shoes are discounted 40%. This season, there are no bags included in the markdown. The sale will open to the public in December.
    Neusa 212-772-6969

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    ANNABELLE New York and Alixandre Fur Sale

    Now that temperatures are dipping, it’s hard to not have a preoccupation with staying warm coats and accessories. Either faux or real, you know that fur is the best way to stay warm and look stylish.




    Starting Wednesday, you can get a jump-start on winter chic and save a bundle at the ANNABELLE New York/ Alixandre Furs sample sale. The three-day event will include a variety of luxury furs and outerwear that will be priced up to 60% off. In addition to the anticipated vests and coats, we are also told there will be a great selection of scarves, hats, wraps, ponchos, handbags and gift items. Once you’re geared-up you’ll be just fine if its cold, cold, cold.


    ANNABELLE NEW YORK / Alixandre Furs
    Wednesday, November 20 to Friday, November 22
    10am to 6pm daily
    150 West 30th Street (@ 7th Ave), 13th Floor
    Cash and Credit Cards Only

    Sponsored Post
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    Buy Cookware in November

    While we’ve talking about discounts and markdowns on clothing, shoes and accessories, the cookware market has been offering seriously hot deals. Historically, November is the best month in the year to shop for the kitchen and we would be negligent to not, at least, point you to some great places to “game-up” for Thanksgiving.

    We love shopping for housewares at both Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Although you might get sidetracked by the great fashion, you shouldn’t overlook them for your cookware needs. On sale at Bloomies, you will find a Ballarini Rialto 6-piece cooking set for $190 from $390 and a set of four Luigi Bormioli wine glasses are $25 from $35. Macy’s has a Cuisinart 7-speed blender for $60 from $100 and a Wusthof Silverpoint 16-piece knife set is $170 from $342. Keep in mind that you can save an additional 25% during Macy’s friends and family sale, which is December 3rd through December 9th.

    If you’re looking to stay further uptown, Sur La Table (1320 Third Avenue @ 75th Street) is offering some really delicious deals. For example, this All Clad 3-quart sauté pan is $99 from $229. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ three-piece knife set is $99 from $265. The Nespresso Essenza and Aeroccino with a milk frother is a favorite for its economic counter-top footprint and the milk frothed can be stored away. This beloved Manhattan gadget is now $100 from $198.

    A bit further uptown, William Sonoma (Madison @ 86th Street) is offering similar deals. A Zwilling J.A. Henckels 7-piece knife block set is $320 from $765. A large All-Clad roaster, perfect for Turkey, is $160 from $330. Who needs an immersion blender? (I do!) This one by Abrax is now $75 from $100. You can also save 20% off all table-top with the code TABLETOP.

    After spending so much time talking about the knives, gadgets and roasters, we think we deserve a bit of a shopping break. For fashion, of course.

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    Versace, Moschino and Armani at TJ Maxx

    This time of year always has us scrambling for wardrobe updates. Looking great isn’t an option when you have work parties and gatherings with friends and family. If you’re looking to grab some feel-great/ look-great items for not-so-much than you might want to take a browse through TJ Maxx.

    During a trip to Columbus Square, on 99th and Columbus, we found lots of “Runway Collection” items marked down seriously low. For example a cocktail ready DVF beaded dress, with a sexy lace back panel, was reduced to $169 from $300. The retail price on this simply elegant piece was $600. An Armani chalk stripped blazer is reduced to $479 from $800. The retail price on this wardrobe classic was $2000. We also spotted Gucci studded shoes reduced to $289 from $400 with a retail price of $650 and classic brown suede Dior pumps are $360 from $500, with a starting retail of $750. (You can click here for pictures.)

    Most of the above items are markdowns from earlier in the season but there are also good deals to be found on newer arrivals. A black and white color blocked Versace dress is $200 from a retail price of $450 and a Stella McCartney velvet tuxedo jacket is $500 from $829. While you’re shopping, don’t miss the jewelry counter. The brand is Italian-made Ottaviani, and there is a stunning cuff for $50 and Lanvin-like pearl and ribbon earrings for $15.

    Heading uptown to the TJ Maxx on Columbus Circle, we found lots of different designer items but not so many markdowns. For example, an elaborate Marc Jacobs skirt with feathers and beading was marked $1000 from $2000, a chunky Love Moschino belted sweater is $249 from $625 and a See By Chloe dress is $150 from $375. Most impressive were new style Saint Laurent platform pumps for $500 from $995.

    Those looking to shop for kids gifts can also make out well at both TJ Maxx stores. Uptown we found a playful Betsey Johenson duffel bags that’s perfect for sleepovers. It’s price is $60 from $120. There is also a great selection of discounted Barbie dolls and accessories. Newly released, “Barbie Look” dolls are $17 from $25 and “Fashionista Barbie” is $13 from $17. Princess & Barbie Popstar houses are $30 from $40.

    We agree that it’s a bit off color to buy gifts at a discount store but it’s a great way to fulfill the “something for me too” urge. And really, we are happy to buy a Barbie anywhere it’s discounted.

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    Target FEED Bags $12

    Target has reduced their Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED collaboration items up to 60%. Don’t worry, even though your savings can translate into a free meal for you, doesn’t mean that those in need will go hungry. At the onset of the collaboration, Target committed to 10 million meals. So, this discount is just a win-win situation.

    Head over to the FEED section of the Target website, and you’ll find a large orange woman’s tote bag reduced to $12 from $35, a FEED baseball cap is $5 from $15 and the famous Target collaboration bike is $200 from $400.

    Although these are sale items, they could be thoughtful holiday gifts for the humanitarian among your friends and family. At these prices you can even through in a donation to your loved one’s favorite charity. Now, that’s what we call spreading good will.

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    H&M Opens Times Square Mega Store

    f you ask most city kids for their favorite part of the city, most will answer Times Square. Everything there is beyond human proportion, bright, loud and created for fun. The new 40,000-square-foot H&M Times Square is no different. The store is a retail playground with lots of entertaining technology and great views.

    The store is scheduled to open at midnight, Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Lady Gaga and the launch of the Isabel Marant collaboration. That’s what we call a Times Square entrance. The company is expecting thousands of people to attend the extravaGaga. Unfortunately, she won’t be performing but will be shopping with her fans. (Wouldn’t you love to know Gaga’s favorite H&M items?)

    Upon entering the store, shoppers will quickly notice and appreciate this store’s use of technology. In place of signage mannequins are fit with LED screens offering additional product information, iPads near the fitting rooms to do online and multi-store product searches and a social media runway where your pics can be beamed to your personal accounts and to street-side monitors. The mega-store also carries all of the company’s products, except for home. As a matter of fact, this is the first store that we’ve seen that has an entire beauty section.

    Heading to H&M in Times Square may be out of the way but it’s absolutely an entertaining Times Square destination. As a matter of fact, your tween might have more fun here than the nearby wax museum. It might end up being a less expensive way to entertain her too.

    H&M Times Square
    Open daily till 1am
    4 Times Square

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