By ManhattanMataHari

We are just a week 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.

3.1 Phillip Lim
Head downstairs to the sales area where plenty of fall/winter ready-to-wear has been discounted 60%. Our favorite pieces were the winter white dresses with shimmery embellished accents. There are additional sizes in the back, but we were told they will not last long. We were pretty disappointed by the mere two styles of shoes and three handbags marked down 40%. We suggest a visit sooner rather than later since there will be no further discounts taken.
Rui: (212) 334-1160

Jill Stuart
The fall collection just received what may be the final discount yesterday, at 50% off retail. Clothing is going quickly and not many small sizes are left. There are only a couple sales racks that are mostly dominated by fall’s flower print dresses. We were especially drawn to their soft sweaters and cute shoes on the floor sale display.
Sarah: (212) 343-2300

Kirna Zabete
We love this superbly curated boutique, but they really don’t make it easy to shop their sale merchandise. There are no sales racks- you have to search through each designer rack and look at the tags to see if the items are on sale. For this reason we suggest shopping the website sale section and then calling the boutique for your try-ons. The discount has been 30% to 40% for clothing and mostly. There are no immediate plans to increase the markdown, although we have the feeling there will be an additional discount post-Christmas. Our favorite finds were a Jason Wu oxblood wool and lace jacket ($2313 from $3305) and a royal blue silk Stella McCartney blouse ($504 from $840). In the basement you will find the best bargains in the store on the Target collaboration items, some of which are marked down up to 70% off.
Grace: (212) 941-9656

Mackage
Forget Moncler, Mackage puffer jackets are the next big trend in outerwear. After all, who wants to see everyone else wearing your jacket (or a look-alike counterfeit)? While these covetable coats are not currently on sale, they may go in January or February. Until then, we couldn’t help but swoon over the buttery leather jackets marked 50% off retail. There are even some basics in black available, although we loved a cool blue cropped version (now $330 from $660).
Ann: (212) 925-1455

Marc Jacobs
Hands down, MJ takes the cake for the steepest Soho discount at a whopping 70% off retail. Despite this hefty markdown, there is a great selection of clothing still available, especially outerwear. As per usual, handbags and small accessories are not included and the sale shoe selection leaves much to be desired. Even though there are usually plenty of sizes in the back, at these prices we suspect the clothing to fly off the racks.
Cori: (212) 343-1490

Marni
Marni fans will be delighted to learn that the entire fall/winter collection is now 50% off, including shoes, handbags, various accessories and even jewelry. This translates to nearly everything in the store beyond the small current collection at the front being marked down. There are some nice boots and plenty of small accessories that would make great holiday gifts.
Tony: (212)-343-3912

Miu Miu
Matelasse lovers rejoice, there are still three of the popular handbag styles at a 40% discount. Clothing and shoes are currently 50% off. Our favorites shoes are the glitter bottomed suede boots. This season the Miu Miu sale collection includes many classic styles and colors that are not usually part of the markdown options.
Marie: (212) 334-5156


Stella McCartney
With a current 60% discount, don’t expect another markdown anytime soon. There is a good sale selection of fall/winter ready-to-wear, with extra sizes out back. We were smitten with a stunning brocade peplum dress ($1378 from $3445). If you act quickly, you may be able to snag some of the popular Falabella totes in orange and python versions at a discount.
Jason: (212) 255-1556

Versace
We were pleasantly surprised to hear that Versace was starting their sale today.The boutique is taking their winter merchandise straight to a 50% cut. Since they had just started marking down items the store is a bit in disarray. The scarves and accessories are likely to be excluded, but shoes and select bags are part of the markdown.
Jeremiah: (212) 966-8111