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    Second Markdowns at Saks, Bergdorf & Barneys

    By ManhattanMataHari 

     New York’s big three department stores– Bergdorfs, Saks, and Barneys – started taking their second markdowns and added sale merchandise from Chanel, Christian Louboutin and Alaia. We scoured the stores and compared prices on our favorite designer items. We found that Barney’s has the best prices on accessories and clothing but the selection is more limited than their competition. Saks generally has the best pricing on shoes but their ready-to-wear discounts are currently tied with Bergdorf Goodman. You can click here to see dozens of pictures from our shopping trip.

    Barneys
    The first floor of Barneys, which is essentially a handbag gallery, has discounts that range from 30% to 40% off. We found a surprisingly large selection of Proenza Schouler handbags on sale, including a great lime PS1 satchel for $1119 from $1695. Balenciaga has two seasonal non-leather bags on sale, a small olive First for $959 and large cherry red work bag for $999. If you head to the second floor you will find the best selection of Giambattista Valli and Lanvin clothing, which takes the cake at 60% off. On the third floor we were impressed by the selection of Jil Sander and The Row for 60% off. Unfortunatly, the Missoni selection was rather thin. There are loads of Celine ready-to-wear but the discount is just 40% off. On the fourth floor we were sad to not find any discounted Saint Laurent or Proenza Schouler but were buoyed by the huge selection of Balenciaga, Marni and Givenchy at a 60% cut. As for shoes, Chanel will go on sale Friday at 40% discount and Louboutin, Alaia and Celine are all currently 40%. Most other designer shoes are currently 60% off retail. Barneys shoe department is a clear winner for the best selection of Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Miu Miu and Maison Martin Margiela. We spotted some funky Bottega Veneta platform pumps for $349 from $880. We don’t anticipate further discounts on shoes but there will be one more markdown on clothing, which usually goes to 75% off. More pictures are right this way.
    Jamise (accessories): 833-2031
    Olga (2nd floor): (212) 833-2522
    Alicia (3rd floor): (212) 833-2088
    Kareem (shoes): (212) 833-2141

    Bergdorf Goodman
    If you’re looking for Tom Ford purses then you should head to Bergdorf Goodman. There are two red Jennifer bags for $1829 from $2750 and a small cross body version in blue suede for $1129. We also found print Proenza Schouler and Givenchy satchels in the sale mix. Our favorite discount bags are the selections of Valentino and Nancy Gonzalez, which are marked down 40%. Heading up to shoes, there are many misleading signs that will tell you the shoes are 40% off, however you will be hard pressed to find any styles discounted more than 30%. The good news is the shoe selection here is definitely the best of all the department stores and includes high end brands like Roger Vivier, Alaia, Lanvin, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Charlotte Olympia and Christian Louboutin. In the mix are gold and silver metallic YSL Tribute sandals and a great selection of boots. Heading into the boutiques, Tom Ford and Fendi are nearly full of 40% off ready-to-wear. The Gucci selection is also still very plentiful. The third floor of Bergdorfs has loads of mixed designer sales racks. We were smitten with the great selection of Roland Mouret dresses and discounted Prada and Balenciaga. The fourth floor selection of Akris, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin and Valentino is far more extensive than Saks. How can you say no to one of those clear rockstud trench coats? Since the selection is so extensive, you may want to hold off until July when shoes typically go to a 50% cut and clothing is discounted up to 75%. Click click for photos.
    Carlos (Chanel accessories): (212) 872-2858
    Scott (shoes): (212) 872-8940
    Trayvion (Chanel clothing): (212) 872-8689
    Rachel (3rd floor): (347) 986-9629

    Saks Fifth Avenue
    When you go to Saks Fifth Avenue prepared to take an additional 25% off sales prices (plus an extra 10% with your Saks card), which puts prices in Barney’s markdown territory. We are not usually impressed with the handbag selection at Saks but we did spot some discounted Stella McCartney faux animal fur Falabella totes and Marc Jacobs shoulder bags for 40% off. We also found an orange Chloe Paraty and snakeskin embossed micro Marcies discounted 30%. There are a few Alexander McQueen day bags for 40% off. On the second floor you will find loads of discounted Michael Kors. We saw tons of Piazza Sempione, Escada and Brunello Cucinelli, Yigal Azrouel, MaxMar and Moschino. Checking out the Burberry selection we were please to see several coats and trenches, including a nice basic short black trench for $717 from $1195. There are also great sale options at Etro, Missoni and Ralph Lauren Black Label. Up on the third floor we were disappointed there weren’t many signature Emilio Pucci prints on sale but nearly everything in the extensive Dolce & Gabbana section is 40% off. The Jason Wu, Herve Leger and Proenza Schouler sales racks are becoming sparse but we were thrilled to find lots of awesome Peter Pilotto print dresses. Heading to the shoe salon everything is currently 30% off plus the extra 25%. Chanel, Dior and Louboutin shoes are all segregated on the right side and are elageable for the additional 25%. We found our favorite Chanel velvet smoking slippers for $595 from $850 but were not impressed by the Louboutin selection. Of all the department stores, Saks has the best selection of YSL Tribute and Tribtoo pumps. Same goes for Brian Atwood’s Maniac pumps, Nicholas Kirkwood, Giuseppe Zanotti crystal-embellished everything and Alexander McQueen. Peek at our pictures for more in store details.

    Sarah (Chanel accessories): (212) 940-4347
    Steven (2nd floor): (212) 940-2713
    Em (3rd floor): (212) 940-4296
    Deanna (Chanel clothing): (212) 940-2454

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    The DVF Sale Lives On

    Earlier this month we were startled when were were told that there were no plans for a Diane von Furstenberg sample sale this season. We are glad to report that DVF has decided not to forgo the fashion-loving event  and has scheduled to run the sample sale from Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28.

    The sale will take place at it’s normal location at 260 Fifth Avenue and we wear told there will be “loads of great stuff.” This is always one of our favorite sales of the year and last season we went home with stylish tops and dresses. Prices normally start at $50 for samples and run up to $250 for vintage wrap dresses. You can read full coverage from last season’s sale right here.

    DVF Sample Sale
    Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28
    260 Fifth Avenue

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    Pictures Inside the Chanel Sale

    The Chanel markdown officially begins on Tuesday and we have tons of stock lists, pictures and prices to guide you along your double-C discount shopping adventure. Prices on clothing and shoes are generally 40% off while bags are 30% off. And in the case you find yourself in the presence of a sales associate who insists Chanel bags never goes on sale– you can show off these pictures!!!

    Don’t be too shy to call around if your local department store doesn’t have the item you desire. We always suggest starting with less popular department stores. Personally, we’ve always had good luck shopping remotely with the Saks and Neiman Marcus at the Galleria in Houston, TX, the Saks in Desert Palm, CA and the Neiman Marcus in Scottsdale, AZ.

    You can see a full catalogue of more than 50 sale items on our photo stream right this way.

    Contacts:
    Saks Fifth Avenue Jonathan 770-331-9600
    Bergdorf Goodman Omitted
    Bloomingdales Ricky 917-517-0077

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    Baccarat Re-Opens on Madison

    The new Baccarat flagship store opened its doors to customers and in doing so unveiled the template for the new global direction of the brand. The 2,800-sq-ft store located at 635 Madison Avenue at 60th Street was designed by architect Rafael de Cárdenas and asserts Baccarat’s strong foothold as a leader in luxury home decor and accessories.

    We recently set our spy eyes on the new store and we can boldly assert that this isn’t your grandmother’s crystal chest. The store highlights the Baccarat’s long commitment to haute design and craftsmanship. The new location pays special attention to showcasing the numerous Baccarat designer collaborations including design veterans like, Nicolas Triboulot and Marcel Wanders.

    The bi-level store also displays the wide range of products which include tableware, lighting, decorative objects and pays special attention to the brand’s jewelry collection. We especially love the lighted design details like the purple display boxes that are placed throughout the store.

    You can click here to see a collection of pictures from the store. Not a bad place to through back a several glasses of bubbly, huh?

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    Marni Madison Second Markdown

    Marni sales associates just alerted select customers that the markdown is going to 50% off. from a 30% cut. Considering the level of discretion we were surprised to see that the sale is online too. As a matter of fact you may even have better luck with finding your select size when shopping on line. The downside to virtual shopping is that you can’t try the items on and try-ons are always important for a Marni customer.

    Some of our favorites from the sale category include the sleeveless faille print dress that’s priced at $1835 from $2878, a blue geometric print cotton dress $650 from $1300 and jacquard duster that’s  $950 from $1900. While you’re shopping don’t overlook the jewelry. We especially love the kitty bangle  $380 from $760 and this runway necklace that’s $260 from $520. We also wouldn’t mind this bag with suds and faceted crystals for $610 fr0n $1220.

     Kenny: (646) 442-6015

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    Spying Midtown Markdowns

    By ManhattanMataHari

    After covering the boutique spring/summer sales on Madison Avenue, Meatpacking and in Soho, we didn’t want to miss out on some of our favorite Midtown stores. Sales are now in full swing, so hurry in for the best selections of designer accessories and clothing for at least 30% off retail.

    Burberry
    On the main accessories floor you will find lots of handbags 25% to 50% off, including classic styles and fun bright metallic numbers. On the second floor there is the higher end London collection, which is mostly 20% to 30% off. We were enamored with a $895 bomber style quilted jacket for $725 and a $795 short cropped trench for $650. For a better discount head to the third floor where you will find loads of jackets and ready-to-wear at a 35% to 50% cut. Some buttery soft $2545 black leather jackets are now $1296, while head-turning $3195 metallic trenches are now $1595.
    Chris (accessories); Danny (rtw): (212) 407-7100

    Fendi
    Don’t expect to find any handbags on markdown but shoes and ready-to-wear are discounted 40%. Since the sale started May 30th there isn’t a surplus of sizes in heels. Don’t worry though, there is plenty of clothing stock and a sales associate will call around to find your shoe sizes at other stores before they are sent off to the outlets. Now that’s service!
    John: (212) 759-4646

    Ferragamo
    While the private sale started on Friday, the Italian designer’s public sale starts today. Expect to find plenty of seasonal shoes and accessories for a 35% cut. This is the year of the Vara classic shoe – and we hear there will be seasonal colors included in the sale even if we can’t customize our own pair at a discount.
    Dillon: (212) 759-3822

    Emporio Armani
    Clothing and accessories have been discounted 40% from retail. We were most impressed with their sublime selection of leather jackets in many colors. Unfortunately, no black leather jackets are included in the markdown since they carry over from season to season.
    Edward: (212) 317-0800

    Mulberry
    If you are looking for a new handbag, we suggest you head over to Mulberry soon. There are loads of highly covetable leather goods and handbags now 20% to 40% off. Even the highly covetable $1500 Alexa satchel is marked down to $1050 and there are tons of different styles and colors to choose from. A small basic black Brin ($1100) is now $650. Clothing is also 50% off but we couldn’t take our eyes from all the great handbags.
    Karina: (888) 685-6856 x3

    Saint Laurent
    We have never seen basic black Muse handbags on sale before, but our source informed us it is included in the 30% accessories markdown.  (We have a feeling that shoppers didn’t respond well to the redesign of the classic bag.) Shoes have a similar markdown and include both Saint Laurent styles and YSL classics like Tribute sandals and Tribtoo heels. We got confirmation these YSL styles are destined for a planned phase out, although a timeframe has not yet been solidified. Hedi Slimane’s avant-garde clothing collection is a hefty 50% off if you can pull off his punkish looks.
    TJ: (212) 980-2970

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    LVMH Tag Heuer Friends & Family Sale

    LVMH is hosting its annual Tag Heuer friends and family sale where shoppers can save between 40% and 60% off retail on the fashionable and sporty watches. To access the sale you must use the link lvmhpartners.com and enter the access key link2013 in the friends and family login section.

    We especially like giving Tag watches as a gift to young adults and sporty dads. Take note that if you order before this Thursday, you can get your purchase delivered before Father’s Day! The sale will run another week until June 17. We suggest shopping quickly because we see popular styles already selling out.

    Our favorite style is the Formula 1, which is listed on the site with face options that come in red, black and orange. Watch enthusiasts will love the Carrera Automatic Chronograph that’s on sale for $3000 from $4500. Usually the site offers a wider variety but sometimes less options simplifies gift shopping.

    Take note that purchases are limited to a total of three watches and shopping is only open to US residents. In addition, all sales are final– no backsies! On the bright side all watches are covered against manufacturing defects for two years from the date of purchase. So keep your receipt!

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    What’s On Sale At Barneys

    First markdown started about two weeks ago but don’t always be be fooled by the early bird analogy. Today we took a tour of the front line of Barneys and found plenty of red hot markdowns. You can click here to view a photo gallery of our shopping trip or read on for in depth more details.

    On the lobby or handbag floor, you can find a small selection of markdowns from almost every designer. All of the discount handbags are either 30% or 40%off. On sale is a Proenza PS11 with a woven body motif and a baby Givenchy Nightingale in white and gold for $989 from $1850. There is also a really nice sale selection of classic Mark Cross bags, which are reduced about 40%.

    Moving up to the shoe floor there is a wild amount of discount shoes still waiting to find the perfect home. You can figure that there are still at least two islands of shoes for every size. The sad part is that so many styles are utterly horrible. Seriously, there are some fugly shoes out there. However, of course, we did spot some classic, pretty and even stylish shoes within the mass of questionable footwear experiments. We found very nice Miu Miu bow flats for under $225, Casadei wedges perfect for the girl on fire and our new favorite designer Alberto Moretti had a selection of heels that rival Louboutins.

    Between the floors of bags and the shoes almost every piece of clothing in the store is on sale. As a matter of fact we only found a rack of Balmain lather jackets and some Balenciaga clothing not on sale. The discount is 40% on most items but some designer racks are already running thin. For example, only a few unessential Mary Katrantzou items remain and we found little more than one Prabal Gurung dress. On the other hand, Rick Owens is packed with sale merchandise.

    On all floors and all accounts, you can get a good feeling of what’s in the store by looking online. Still, for us, nothing is better than touching and feeling the merchandise. Had we not gone shopping we would have never fallen in love with Alberto Moretti.

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