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    Celebrate Independence at the Outlets

    Independence day is almost here, which usually means major outlet reductions. We started snooping around Woodbury Common and found that many of our favorite stores are adding extra discounts to lure customers. Don’t worry if your plans don’t include driving an hour north to go shopping. Most stores are willing to ship merchandise.

    Balenciaga
    For the July 4th weekend Balenciaga is adding an additional 30% off handbags and ready-to-wear. Discounts at the outlet start at 50% off and the additional discount brings the savings to 65% off. Most of the inventory is from spring 2012. Unfortunately, there are no moto jackets but they are expected to come in with the fall collection in August.
    Terry (845) 928-2006

    Bottega Veneta
    The Bottega outlet has a lot of bags, which is not always the case. Styles from last year’s collections are an additional 30% off. A hot pink cabas type bag will be $2800 from $57oo and a black Veneta is $1427 from $2900.
    Lena (845) 928-4563

    Chloe
    For the holiday weekend the entire store additional 20% off. There are no Paratys or Sally handbags. There are Sally clutches, Sally wallets and lots of clothing from summer ’12.
    Catherine (845) 928-6260

    Fendi
    The normal discount at Fendi is 60% to 65% off retail. For the holiday weekend the outlet will be offering an extra 15% off accessories, clothing and select handbags. Men’s clothing will be an extra 10% off and shoes will be an additional 25% off.
    Diane (845) 928-5455

    Gucci
    The Gucci outlet is expecting a large shipment of bags before the holiday. On July 4th the outlet is extending an extra 50% off select handbags, women’s and children’s clothing. Select men’s attire will be an additional 30% off. Within the extra discount category you can expect to find some Boston bags, Sienna bags and Shopper bags.
    Bobby: (845) 928-8034

    Prada
    If you’re looking for great sales on Prada this outlet is not the place to go. Generally, the outlet only discounts merchandise 30% to 40% off full retail. That is actually less than first markdown in the boutique. There’s no longer a sample sale rack and but you might get luck browsing through the “end-of-series” rack, which offers an extra savings of 30% to 40% off.
    Becky (845) 928-3706

    Tom Ford
    The Tom Ford weekend sale will include men’s swim, hats, scarves, pants and outerwear at an additional 25% off. Select suits will be an additional 50% off, evening an additional 25%, women’s clothing an extra 50% off and select shoes will be reduced 50% off.
    Jessica (845) 684-3100

    YSL
    If you were disappointed by news from the last YSL sale then you might want to hit the outlet. Over the holiday weekend customers can save an extra 50% off clothing and 30% off most other items. We are told that there are lots of Tribute pumps in a variety of sizes. Colors include pink, yellow, blue, nude and black. Prices on these shoes are about $560 with plus an extra 30% off. The outlet is also expecting a shipment of more than 300 bags, which will include the Muse and the Cabas.
    Mark (845) 928-2169

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    Manolo Blahnik’s First Markdown

    The Manolo Blahnik’s boutique sale is happily on its way. The savings are currently 30% off but in just days the markdown will go to will be 50%.

    As far as markdowns go, the department stores are serving up better discounts. Just don’t expect to find any of the more interesting styles in Bergodorf or Saks.

    Towards the end of the month, Manlolo adds a third “sticker” markdown where prices start at just $250. You can see our past overage of Manolo’s sticker sales here. We always prefer the boutique final markdown to the sample sale– at least you get a box with your shoes!

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street
    Abby: 212-582-3007
    Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM, Sat 10:30- 6PM, Sun 12pm-5pm
    The boutique will periodically close from 2pm to 3pm to restock

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    Men’s Markdowns Summer Overview

    Markdowns for men’s clothing and accessories always come a bit after women’s. Here is a brief overview of current sales for the guys. The discounts range from about 40% to 60% off. We would say that Saks Fifth Avenue has the best selection but the winner of best discounts goes to online retailer Mr. Porter where the savings run up to 80% off.

    Barneys
    Clothing and shoes are 60% off and accessories range from 60% to 70% off. We are unapologetic about the fact that we are done with $1000 spiked sneakers. We suggest opting for a more moderate style of basic canvas. Thom Grey’s will do just fine at $89 from $225. We are in love with this muscle enhancing YSL tee that’s marked $189 from $320 and basic Paul Smith swim trunks that are $79 from $195.

    Bergdorf Goodman
    The Bergdorf man may not have a restaurant of his own any more but he can take advance of the same 60% markdown as his female counterpart across the street. Shoes are 50% and you really can’t go wrong with a basic Gucci loafer for $212 from $425. Most clothing is 60% off but higher end items like a Brioni french-cuff dress shirt is only 20% off or $476 from $595.

    Mr. Porter
    Hey men, if you’re really looking for some decent savings and love wonderful customer service than Mr. Porter is the destination for you. The all-men’s site is offering savings up to 80% off and there are still some great items from which to choose. This Balmain field jacket is a true classic and keeper at $780 from $2600. How about a unstructured Dolce & Gabbana linen blazer for $118 from about $1400?

    Nordstrom
    Most men love shopping at Nordstrom because of their no hassle customer service. We can’t argue with that. Take note that Nordstrom boys can save up to 60% off. Call us crazy but we love the lines on this Just Cavalli leather moto for $863 from $1400. This Dolce & Gabbana Madonna tee is unlikely to go unstolen from your girlfriend or boyfriend but it’s okay considering it’s reduced to $132 from almost $300. We generally love Oriebar Brown for his relaxed and fashionable designs. At 50% off you’re looking at some very reasonably priced summer fashion. Most men also love the store’s Faconnable brand, which is even more attractive when it’s 50% off.

    Saks Fifth Avenue
    It seems as if the Saks man might be able to save even more than the Saks woman. Many clothing and shoes styles are priced 60% off. You can’t go wrong with these Prada sailing sneakers for $171 from $380 or Prada Drivers for $216 from $480. How about a classic Diesel jean jacket for $134 from almost $300? Seems like another one of those items you can love and share.

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    YSL Sample Sale Full of Disappointment

    Over the years the Saint Laurent sale has either been a total bust or a complete score. Considering the tremendous deals we found the few seasons we were almost sure that this season was going to continue the trend. We couldn’t have been more wrong.  Shoppers at today’s YSL sample sale VIP preview were unanimous disappointed.

    For beginners, the VIP sale kick-off to the sale is usually not very strict. Today, however, organizers were checking names AND photo identification before allowing admittance. This is the strictest door policy we’ve ever encountered. Not even Christian Louboutin or Hermes VIP sales required a photo ID. (Perhaps they were trying to hide the fact that this sale is so dismal?)

    If you were one of the lucky shoppers to get into the sale you were still not immune to disappointment. One shopper texted, “Don’t bother. It’s clothing from the dark ages and prices are a fortune.” As a matter of fact most items are just discounted 50%. “Even the scarves are expensive,” another spy wrote.

    This season Tribute pumps are priced at $399 as opposed to $350 at last season’s sample sale. Saks Fifth Avenue has a selection of Tributes priced at $417. Clearly not worth the cab ride to 8th Avenue. White Y shoulder bags, which were yellowed with age, were priced at $749 from  a retail price of $1795. Tiny keychains were $99 from $199 and leopard scarves were $200 from $400.

    Most everyone who shopped today left empty handed. Our advice is to skip this sale and enjoy the 50% discount at the boutique or wait for the third markdown at department stores. It shouldn’t be too long now.

    Saint Laurent Sample Sale
    Friday, June 28th through Sunday, June 30th
    Fri &Sat 9:00am—7:30pm, Sun 9:00am—6:30pm
    Soiffer Haskin 317 W. 33rd St btwn Eighth & Ninth Ave

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    YSL Sample Sale Begins Thursday

    If you are looking to find the best selection of discount Saint Laurent and beat the crowds you’re going to want to hit the YSL sample sale Thursday with the VIPs. We generally suggest attending the sale mid-afternoon when there are usually no lines, crowds or list checkers.

    At the last sale we found Roadys ($600), postcard patent totes ($400), YSL canvas totes ($300), duffels/weekenders ($400), Cabases ($800), clutches for $200 and wallets for $100. There are tons of shoes too. Trib 2 were $350, sandals $350, boots $350 and all other shoes $200. Men’s shoes are all $200. Right this way for details on the last YSL sale.

    Be sure to follow us on Twitter for the most up-to-date sale information.

    YSL VIP Sample Sale
    Thursday, June 27
    Soiffer Haskin 317 W. 33rd St btwn Eighth & Ninth Ave

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    Shop Jeen Sample Sale Like No Cal Candy

    The online variety store, Shop Jeen is hosting a sample sale on everything from novelty gum to iPod covers to Dannijo jewelry and printed leggings and cool temporary tattoos. If you’re not a Instagram follower of Shop Jeen then let us explain the lure — it’s like a no calorie candy shop for trend setters.

    Prices start at just $1 and there is so much from which to choose. If possible, take a child (or a friend) to the sale and really make an afternoon of fun. (You can also receive an extra 10% off if you pair up.) While you’re there be sure to say hi to Erin, who was formerly one of our spies. Click here to see pictures from inside the warehouse sale and be sure continue shopping virtually through the store’s Instagram account.

    Shop Jeen
    Through Saturday, June 29
    11am to 7pm
    325 West 38th Street, #208
    Cash & Credit Cards

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    DVF Sample Sale: Too Hot to Stand

    Today was the first day of the Diane von Fustenberg sample sale. As expected the deals were great but when the air conditioning went out this afternoon, it was truly too hot to stand. One woman was so focused on the deals that she literally shopped until she dropped– an ambulance was called.

    Mad-Spy Fan Shopping DVF

    Hopefully the air conditioning will begin functioning again on Wednesday and shoppers can focus their strength on sorting through the always outstanding $50 sample sale racks rather than persevering the heat. We suggest hitting this sample sale sooner rather than later. It seems as if there isn’t to much back stock for replenishing.

    Prices are the same as the prior season with wrap dresses priced at $150, regular dresses are $125 and skirts and blouses are $80. Take note that much of the merchandise is better suited for fall and winter. There are lots of long dresses and there’s lots of sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. The bags are a bit pricey but are quickly becoming a highlight of the DVF collection. Handbags are $285, clutches are $100 and canvas bags (perfect for the beach) are just $60.

    Markdowns are expected later this week but in this instance we would opt for selection over savings. Just be careful not to over do it with the sequins, rhinestones and paillettes. You can click here to see more pictures from our shopping trip.

    Diane von Furstenberg
    Wednesday, June 26th through Saturday, June 29th
    Wed & Thurs 10am—8pm, Fri 9am—7pm, Sat 11—7pm
    260 Fifth Avenue btwn 28th & 29th St

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    Inside YSL’s Summer Markdown

    Everyone has YSL on their mind considering that the sample sale is scheduled to being later this week. We always suggest scoping out the bonafide boutique before we every suggest waiting in lines or shopping among hoarders. Right now spring, ready-to-wear is 50% off, several bag styles are marked down 40% and shoes prices are cut 30%.

    The most interesting deals are the handbags especially considering the classic styles included in the markdown list. A classic black Muse is about $1300 from over $2000 and matte black Muse Two is $1050 from $1530. The only problem is finding these bags still in stock. The more Hedi Slimane-styled Duffel Bag 12 is discounted in both green and white from $2850 to $1859.

    Despite lackluster critic reviews, several retailers say that this past YSL collection sold much better than previous seasons. We must admit that we liked Hedi’s hint of punk couture. This asymmetrical top in leather and wool ($950 from $1800) is highly wearable and stylish. A black and white stripped blazer ($1480 from $2900) is going to look as stylish next summer as it does this summer. And this LBD with chain details, ($2500 from $5000) will be perfect going to into fall.

    If you’re looking for shoes we would definitely head to a department store or wait for the sample sale. A 30% cut this late in the season isn’t a good deal for any shopper. We found the best prices at Barneys with a 60% cut but the best selection at Saks with a 40% discount.

    TJ: (212) 980-2970

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