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    5 UES Neighborhood Needs

    We feel a bit remiss about not putting together some sort of New Year list. (Really, can you call yourself a publisher without one?) Today, we’re making up for lost time and taking inventory of our neighborhood needs for 2013. The full list would normally run quite long but we’re just jotting down some basic needs that shouldn’t be too hard to fulfill. Let us know if you agree or if we missed any of the biggies.

    5 UES Neighborhood Needs

    1. Zara (with Kids)
    Sure there’s a Zara across from Bloomingdales but we can’t figure out why the company hasn’t stocked this location with a children’s department. The Upper East Side is one of the most kid friendly neighborhoods in all of New York City. Even J. Crew opened a Crew Cuts in the northern part of Madison Avenue. Why not a Zara with a children’s department … and housewares while we are at it?

    2. Barry’s Bootcamp
    Soal Cycle is so 2010. There’s even an outpost in Scarsdale and you know what that means! All the hard bodies have migrated to Barry’s Bootcamp, in Chelsea.  It’s unfortunate that this downtown health craze is so difficult to access. Up here, women are as serious about their workouts as they are about their private schools and you know what that means too. Come on Barry, can’t you envision a line Escalades out front?

    3. Homegoods
    Have you ever seen anyone throw $1000 into a trash can? We have! You don’t need to linger at S. Feldman or Gracious Home to witness a time pressed house manager grabbing a garbage can that costs almost a grand. An Upper East Side Homegoods would be a welcome oasis for foodies, decorators and, yes, that black card holder.

    4. Michael White’s, Ristorante Morini
    Finding a good place to eat on a Saturday night on the Upper East Side is as difficult as getting your Co-Op board to sign off on renovation plans. We are keeping our fingers crossed about Michael White’s Ristorante Morini, which planned to open in the space once occupied by Centolire, on Madison and 86th. Hopefully, the new restaurant is as good as Marea and getting the secret phone number to the inside reservationist won’t be too hard.

    5. Iviva/ Lululemon for Kids
    Lululemon may have taken the athletic category by storm but their kid’s brand, Iviva, has been much more sheepish. We only found out about the Upper West Side “showroom” after our kids inquired about tot sizes while shopping at the parent store. Turns out that Iviva carries a great variety of merchandise specifically for dancers, gymnasts and ice skaters. They even co-braded with Disney’s Shake it Up. (I know!) The East Side can definitely support this experimental concept store. Just one word of advice: Rebrand to look more like Lululemon. Kids, tweens and teens love the brand as much as their mom’s and dad’s and nobody can make sense of that Iviva logo.

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    Net-A-Porter.com Final Reductions

    Net-A-Porter started a their final markdown where many reduced items are about 70%. To get the most enjoyment out of your online shopping, go to Net-A-Porter’s prior magazine issues and browse from there.

    This season’s final reductions sale seems to be more limited than prior seasons. Yes, there is an assortment of merchandise that’s marked 70% off but not nearly as much as usual. That’s a good thing for the retailer but not ideal for sale shoppers.

    Nonetheless we were able to find some great items in the sale section. A cheeky Karl sweatshirt is $55 from $185,
    a Jil Sander sweater dress is $670 from $2230 and a fashion week must-have tee from Moschino Cheap and Chic that says “Only Front Row” is $124 from $415.

    There are lots of great bags, shoes and accessories in the sale section but we found most of the prices are the same or better in department stores or designer boutiques. For now, stick to clothing that’s 70% or more.

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    Intermix 70% Off

    While you’ve been basking on the beach of St. Barths and swishing down the slopes of Davos, stores have been strategizing how to best say good-bye to fall/winter 2012 to make room for spring 2013. Right now, most of the department stores are waiting to make a third markdown but many boutiques are getting aggressive with their discounts.

    Intermix is offering shoppers an additional 40% off one or two items but 50% off if you purchase three or more pieces. Winter clothing is currently discounted between 40% and 50% right now, so the extra discount brings the savings to 70% to 80% off.

    While browsing the uptown store, we found a Theyskens’ Theory sweater for $100 with the additional 50% off from an initial price of $400. A Thakoon Addiction dress is $80 from $450 and J Brand coated skinny jeans/ pants are $80 from $220.

    Although the store will likely have another markdown, we suggest picking up three items now and settling with the 50%. Sometimes you have to take advantage of getting back from vacation early.

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    5 Great After Holiday Sales

    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 Wednesday 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 tomorrow.

    2. Net-a-Porter
    Right after the first of the year, luxury e-tailer, Net-a-Porter has starts a second markdown where many reduced items are an additional 25% off for a total savings of almost 70%. 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 stock that’s left 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 Electric Holiday
    The Barneys Lady Gaga Workshop might have been genius but the Disney holiday theme is a bit too Times Square for most of us north of 57th Street. Following the New Year, expect to find Mini Ears and Goofy towels for 40% to 70% off.

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    Neiman Marcus x Target x CFDA Fizzles

    What might have been the biggest trend of the last decade might be dying with a heavy flop. Designer and store collaborations my have had a history of exciting shoppers, elevating the visibility of a designer and adding foot traffic.  The much hyped collab between Neiman Macrus, Target and top CFDA designers seems to be dying a slow and painful death.

    Today, the artfully curated collection is has been slash to 50% off less than a month after it’s launch. What’s even more surprising is the amount of merchandise that is still on the sales floor. As a matter of fact, during a trip to Target today we found only three items sold out: the DVF yoga mat, the Tory Burch thermos and the Rodarte wrapping paper. We even found numerous Alice & Olivia bikes and black and white roll away suitcases.

    While one might say that it’s timely to slash the prices on items such as Jason Wu Christmas tree ornaments and Band of Outsider cookie cutters we found that other seasonal items in Target to only be discounted 30% off. So is this collaboration flop an anomaly or a sign of the times?

    Earlier this month H&M had a similar situation with their designer collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela. The press, the blogosphere and “fashion icons” – like Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mena Suvari, Kanye West, Helena Christensen and Selma Blair fell all over themselves at the a snazzy launch party. Unfortunately, shoppers weren’t as eager to buy a bra top onsie even if it was photographed on by Mena Suvari.

    Yes, there typically needs to be three flops for a trend but we don’t suggest hanging around for the next launch. In the meantime, you might want to snatch up some Tracy Reese dessert plates and Altuzarra tray because they are 50% off and quite nice.

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    Madison Avenue Sales Con’t: Fivestory, Celine…

    We are now only five days away from Christmas and procrastinators can rejoice in prime markdown season. Many boutiques are just starting to take their second markdowns. As a rule of thumb, right now, a good deal is 60% or more off of clothing and at least 30% off of shoes, handbags and accessories. For the remainder of the season we will be working our way through popular shopping areas and bringing you news of the steepest discounts. Our first stop was Soho and yesterday we focused on Madison Avenue. Today we bring you… Madison Avenue part deux.


    Celine
    The current markdown is 40% on clothing and some shoes. No bags have been discounted, unfortunately. We expect there will be another markdown some time after Christmas but we wouldn’t bet on the sale extending past 60%.
    Incus 212-929-7525






    Domencio Vacca
    The luxury boutique just started a “private holiday sale” where most of the collection is 40% off. The sale “opens” to the public on Friday. If you’re not in a shopping rush we recommend holding out for the store’s final markdown, which goes to 70% off.
    Mallory 212-421-8902

    Fivestory
    The uptown chic, Fivestory is hosting a sale where clothing, shoes and bags are discounted 40%. There will likely be another markdown after Christmas. We hope that the store hosts a final blowout sale at the end of the season, like they did this past summer.
    Eileen 212-288-1338

    Mauboussin
    The French jewelry company, Mauboussin is offering a 20% off discount promotion. The only exclusions are accessories, fragrance, Amour je T’Aime, and Tu es le Sel, which are both collections of engagement rings. Don’t be too intimidated by the fancy storefront. There is a large selection of jewelry that can work with an assortment of budgets, like the Petite Rose d’Amour ring that’s 18k gold with a huge rose quarts that’s $1500 from $1880.
    Laurce 212-752-4300

    Oscar de la Renta
    Shoppers can currently enjoy 40% off fall and pre-fall merchandise. These past collections were praised for unearthing a younger youthful feeling. You don’t want to miss the short, full-skirted silhouettes. Another markdown should come soon but we don’t expect the discount to go to 70% as it has in some years past.

    Reed Krakoff
    Clothing and shoes are discounted 40% at Reed Krakoff. Handbags are 30%. After Christmas the discount will go to 60% on clothing and 50% on bags. If you’re in the market for a RK bag, we suggest contacting the store now and have a sales person keep an eye on your prospective purchase. There is still a large selection of bags from the fall and winter collections but once the price goes down we expect that they inventory will quickly decline.
    Jarvis: 212-988-0560

    Yigal Azrouel
    Madison Avenue newcomer, Yigal Azrouel started their second markdown today. The discount is now 60% and there is still a great selection from which to choose. All sales are final but we don’t know anyone who would want to return a Yigal leather skirt.
    Kate 212-929-7525

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    Madison on Sale: Dolce, Chloe, Marni and More

    We are just six days away from Christmas and procrastinators can rejoice in prime markdown season. Many boutiques are just starting to take their second markdowns. As a rule of thumb, right now, a good deal is 60% or more off of clothing and at least 30% off of shoes, handbags and accessories. For the remainder of the week we will be working our way through popular shopping areas and bringing you news of the steepest discounts. Our first stop is Soho today we return to Madison Avenue. Check back tomorrow for Madison Avenue part deux.

    Chanel
    Last week we uncovered the mystery of the Chanel handbag sale and brought you pictures from department stores all over the neighborhood. Chances are that most of these bags, which were discounted at 30% off are gone but you can always scope out less popular fashion hubs and keep your fingers crossed. Chanel clothing, is discounted 40% just about everywhere. If you’re looking for a great deal you can hold off for final clearance, where markdowns can run as steep as 70% off.
    Nicole, Soho 212-334-0055


    Chloe
    Clothing and shoes are both 40% off at the Chloe boutique. Handbags are discounted 30%. Surprisingly, the discount can be applied to select Paraty style bags. On Madison Avenue, you can find sale medium Paratys in ivory, the small size in brown and the large size in light gray and tan. We expect that there will be another markdown after Christmas but the store will honor price adjustments for purchases made within a week.
    Kim 212-717-8220

    Dolce & Gabbana
    The markdown at Dolce is 30% and that includes select bags, shoes and clothing from the fall and winter collections. We expect that there will soon be another markdown considering most department stores have adjusted the designer’s merchandise to 60% off.
    Maria 212-249-4100

    Gucci
    The discounts on Gucci handbags are 30% and men’s and women’s clothing and shoes are 50%. If you’re looking to grab a Gucci bag for less, you should check out the DSW website where there is a huge array of discount Gucci bags, shoes and jewelry. Costco also has a large assortment of bags that ranges in price from $299 to $399.

    Jil Sander
    Clothing, shoes and bags are 40% off at Jil Sander. There is still a nice selection from which to choose. If you can, hold off shopping until after Christmas. We expect the discount to go down to 50%.
    Mildrid: 212-925-2345

    Lanvin
    Lanvin just started a second markdown on runway, ready-to-wear and shoes. The discount on most merchandise is now 50% off and there is still a great variety. Accessories, jewelry and ballet flats are still 30% off and kid’s clothing is 40% off.
    Chanie 646-439-0380

    Marni
    Clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry are now 50% off at the Marni boutique. We are told that sale merchandise will only be around for another three weeks or so due to the rapid delivery of pre-spring merchandise. Our bet is that lingering winter merchandise will be available until February.
    Jamie 212-257-6907

    Milly
    The Milly markdown includes merchandise from fall and pre-fall and ranges from 30% to 50% off. A variety of coats are 30% and 50% off too. There are also a few handbags included in the sale but they are leftovers from summer.
    Kate 212-395-9100

    Missoni
    The Missoni discount ranges from 40% to 50% on clothing, shoes and handbags. No scarves or gloves are included in the markdown. Additional discounts are likely coming soon.
    Connie 212-517-9339

    Prada
    The Prada discount stands at 50% off clothing and shoes and 40% off bags. It’s been several years since the Prada boutique has been so aggressive with their markdowns. We hope that the prices will be cut to 70% off as they did many years ago. Fingers crossed!
    Ramone Alanzo 212-327-4200

    Valentino
    Everyone’s favorite Rockstuded brand has started their second markdown. Clothing and shoes are 50% off and bags are 40% off. You can get a good idea of what’s included in the sale by browsing though the brand’s online store.
    Neusa 212-772-6969

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    Blowout Prices: Jacadi, Petite Bateau, Nicole Miller

    You may be able to show restraint while shopping for yourself but when you see discounted children’s clothing all bets are off. We’re not sure if it’s the mini sizes or the bright and playful styling but more is never enough when it comes to the little ones.




    This season, Lux Brands is offering a sample sale where you can get amazing deals for your kids and pick up a deal for yourself. The mid-town pop-up shop is fully stocked with Jacadi, Petit Bateau, Brum, Monnalisa and Sonia Rykiel. In addition, there’s a full assortment of highly discounted Nicole Miller dresses for you.


    Sometimes we talk about great prices but you’re not going to believe your eyes. Most Jacadi and Petit Bateau items are priced at $7, $10 and $20. Brum coats are $59 from a retail price of $300 and Monnalisa and Sonia Rykiel items are 70% off. Now, those Nicole Miller dresses we’ve been talking about are just $20 to $25. So you can re-wardrobe your tots and yourself without any guilt.


    Those looking for an even larger assortment with the same discount prices may want to take a trip to Lux Brand’s warehouse in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Who says there’s nothing good to be found in Brooklyn? Aham.


    Lux Brands
    605 Fifth Avenue, 6th floor
    (Near American Girl)
    Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 7pm


    Brighton Beach Warehouse
    505 Brighton Beach Avenue
    Sunday to Friday
    Mon-Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 10am to 4pm


    Sponsored Post
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