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    Inside Daffy’s Liquidation

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Calling all treasure hunters…
    We are extremely sad that Daffy’s will be closing but not so sad as not to take advantage of the rising discounts of their liquidation of stock. While the shopping experience is not for the faint at heart there are still some hidden gems to be uncovered.

    Just a few weeks ago, we grabbed $150 Nicholas Kirkwood satin heels and were hopeful to have another lucky shopping day. Right now, everything in the store is an additional 10% to 30% off their already reduced prices. A sales associate told us to expect additional 10% markdowns every other week or so until the store closes in October.

    While shopping at the East 57th Street location we found a large selection of shoes shoes and and boots for an additional 10% off. SportMax platform lace-ups and pretty MaxMara pewter leather strappy sandals are $90. Cinzia Soft platform sneakers are $45. There is a decent selection of unknown but well-made Italian labels for around $50 and loads of Polo canvas boat shoes under $25.

    Each store usually has their own “designer” clothing area. While most of the “designer” goods are long gone, you will find a plethora of well-made Italian dresses for around $50. We also managed to find a sheer Les Copains wool cardigan for around $70. A sales associate confided that there is a scattering of Les Copains and even some Moschino in the mix but they aren’t easy to find.

    Vigilant shoppers should be prepared to spend lots of time sifting through the selection. Those who love to dig will have a great time. Non-diggers should stick focus their energy on reminiscing.

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    Final Walkthrough at Bergdorf Goodman

    The final markdown started at Bergdorf Goodman started almost a month ago but straggling shoppers will not be completely disappointed. During a final walkthrough we were still able to keep our purple credit card working.

    In the handbag hall, near the 57th Street entrance, there is a rack of bags that are discounted 50%. We found a print PS1 for $929 from $1855, a Victoria Beckham shoulder bag is $1579 from $3150 and a Roger Vivier bag with classic gold brushed hardware is $2429 from $4850. (Seems obvi that the PS1 is a return and the Beckam and Vivier are still too expensive even at half-off.)

    If you’re a shoe lover, you should probably set your energy elsewhere. The final selection is quite sparse and limited to a few pairs of shoes for each size. At a 50% markdown it’s not even a noteworthy discount.

    The clothing discounts, however, will really please the sale shopper. Each floor seems to have a set area with discounted merchandise, in addition to designer specific sale racks. We found a cool Derek Lam sweater– which will be great in early fall– for $269 from $1090. A red and white Celine sweater is $529 from $2100, a Jil Sander paisley dress is $599 from $2410 and a hot pink Miu Miu mini-skirt is $209 from $820.

    Moving on to more “premier designers” we found a red Andrew Gn embroidered dress for $899 from $3600 and a slinky Boudra Jarrar dress is $499 from about $2000. In addition, there is still a small but worthy assortment of Tom Ford dresses and mixed Dior items that can be fun a great mid-summer lift.

    If you have been shopping the Bergdorf sales all season you may not be too thrilled with what’s left. Alternatively, those who haven’t been stalking the store should be able to find some interesting items that are worthy of being taken home.

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    Domenico Vacca Markdown

    Domenico Vacca is hosting a private sale where select summer merchandise is marked down 40%. The sale starts Friday, August 10th and runs through August 19. Online shoppers can browse here, although you will need to speak to a sales associate to find out what items are marked down.

    Even though a 40% savings is nice, those looking to save a bit more should wait until Domenico Vacca’s final sale in September. During the last big markdown we found a men’s sports jacket for under $1500 from $4600.

    Domenico Vacca Private Sale
    702 Madison Avenue (@62nd st)

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    Inside Manolo’s Final Markdown Sale

    By ManhattanMataHari

    If you are debating if you should pop over to Manolo Blahnik to scope out their final sale– don’t debate, just go! Although the sale started on Monday, we discovered there are still lots of gorgeous shoes and available sizes at a great price point.

    While it’s possible to find  a similar discount at department stores or the sample sale, the selection of current season “it” shoes is much better at this boutique sale. Then there’s always the increased enjoyment of shopping in the beautiful and wonderfully civilized atmosphere. We attended the sale in the late afternoon and there wasn’t even a line at the door.

    Available sizes are indicated on the bottom of each shoe. We found that there’s still a great selection of sizes but that won’t be the case for much longer. We suggest that you choose wisely when you pick shoes to try on. Each customer is only allowed three pair at a time. We suppose this rule limits indecisive hoarders, which is always a good thing for serious shoppers.

    Moving on to the selection, we found Carrie Bradshaw’s updated linen and patent Mary Janes, patent and raffia wedges, patent D’Orsays and fun neon pumps all for $195. It was refreshing to see that most of the sandals, flats, and non-embellished or exotic heels we picked up were all in the under $200 category.

    In the $250 category you can find shoes with much more intricate detailing. Most of these shoes normally retail for $800 or more. We only found a couple of jeweled heels with $295/green stickers but didn’t see any yellow/ $350 stickers.

    As usual, the alligator styles were priced as marked and still pricey, with classic peep toe pumps in a rainbow of colors now $1980 from $2475. There are plentiful slingback and classic pointy pumps in alligator for about the same price.

    Sadly, we didn’t really spot any boots or booties, but then again it is a summer sale. The selection of sale clutches in the glass display case isn’t worth waiting for an attendant. We suggest you focus your shopping prowess on the shoes.

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th st (between 5th and 6th)
    Abby: 212-582-3007
    Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM

    The boutique will close from 2pm to 3pm to restock when necessary

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    Shoe Obsessed Shoe Sale

    Women have fashion on the brain 91 times in a given day or more than four times the amount that men think about sex, according to some arcane and scientifically questionable study. But who are we to argue? Truth is, 91 times a day seems like a conservative estimate.

    Since we are talking about fashion obsessions, there’s really no reason to overlook one of our favorite fashion topics– shoes. Starting Tuesday, TheRealReal.com will host an epic online shoe sale. The online luxury consignment store will be opening the floodgates and posting hundreds of shoes for sale.


    Prices will generally range from about $125 to about $225. For example, a pair of Alaïa woven wedge sandals will be $225, Fendi platform sandals will be $145, Giuseppe Zanotti beaded sandals will be $125 and Chanel boots will be $225. Um, that sounds like almost 90% off on that pair of Chanel boots. 


    What’s even better is that Madison Avenue Spy readers can use the code 20OFF for $20 dollars off any pair of shoes in the sale. Hey, that could even make those Chanel boots more than 90% off. Yes!

    So yes, we admit it, we spend a lot of time thinking of fashion but it’s better than other obsessions. You can click here to check out the TheRealReal.com’s shoe sale now. The sale ends Thursday and if you miss that perfect shoe those fashion thoughts are going to run off the charts.


    TheRealReal.com Shoe Sale 
    Tuesday, August 7th through Thursday, August 9
    Use the code 20OFF to save $20 on your puchase


    Sponsored Post
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    Fivestory Super Sale

    Fivestory only opened on Madison a few months ago but it is already becoming one of our favorite shopping destinations. The multi-designer boutique carries some of the most fashion forward brands and includes clothing, accessories, shoes and home décor for men, women and kids.

    The assortment is super-curated so that you feel as if you are browsing the closet of a top style blogger. What’s even better is that the boutique is holding an off-site sale at the Blakely Hotel where you can pick up top designer merchandise on a blogger’s budget.

    The sale includes an assortment of designer darlings for men and women that are discounted from 60% to 75% off. Participating designers include, Preen Carven, Victoria Beckham and Del Toro Shoes.

    The sale runs all week and ends Sunday but we suggest shopping early for the best selection. Even if another markdown is taken the difference will be negligible.

    Fivestory Off Site Sale
    Tuesday, August 7th to Sunday, August 12
    Tues-Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat & Sun 12pm to 6pm
    Blakely Hotel: 135 West 55th Street (6th & 7th Ave)

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    Manolo Blahnik Final Markdown

    We have made it through two markdowns at Manolo and the final price cut is finally here. Starting Monday, Manolo will begin their final markdown of the season. This four day sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on classic and ornate shoes from the spring and summer collection at up to 75% off.

    This year, we are told that the saving are “not to be believed!” Styles are from the exclusive boutique collection and include some alligator. Prices are always marked by sticker dots, which usually range from $195 for a red dot up to $350 for a green dot. Most shoes and low boots– even highly ornate styles– are priced at $250.

    The store maybe crowded but at least there isn’t a long line to get in. The sale will only run for four days and styles and sizes run low quickly. If you’re looking for a great deal we suggest you switch out of your heels and take a run over to the boutique asap.

    For a full rundown of past final markdowns you can check out past stories here, here and here.

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street
    Abby: 212-582-3007
    Monday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM

    The boutique will close from 2pm to 3pm to restock when necessary

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    Where to Stay: Hôtel Plaza Athénée

    With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.

    There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

    Hôtel Plaza Athénée

    Hôtel Plaza Athénée is the last in our week long series of Where to Stay but don’t let that deter you from exploring this property that’s rich with European style and quaintness. The hotel, which is located on 64th and Madison, should not be confused with the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue or The Plaza Athenee in Paris.

    The one and only Hôtel Plaza Athénée is furnished heavily with French rococo. There are gold clocks, chandeliers and trompe l’oeil tapestries. Fabulocity may be an understatement. Upstairs, however, the rooms are furnished in a much more traditional atmosphere. Each of the 142 guest room and suite accommodations that vary in style an decor.

    The most charming feature of this jewel box hotel are the balconies that accompany a majority of rooms and suites. Those who don’t live in New York my not appreciate the value of this type of space but travelers will quickly come to value the easy access to this extra sun drenched filled space.

    Our favorite space, of course, was the Presidential suite that’s often used for Television interviews and high-end fashion trunk shows. The space has the atmosphere of a private townhouse and can expand to become a full three bedroom suite.


    Downstairs guests can pamper themselves at the hotel spa. We love how each spa suite contains it’s own dressing room, lounge chair for relaxation and a private steam shower. So there is no awkward moment of bumping into another spa client in your slippers and robe. Genius!

    Rates range from about $500 to about $8000 a night and is perfect for those looking for a more traditional European atmosphere in the middle of New York.

    Packing tip: Don’t forget your Etro prints

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