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    The It-it: AVF Acrylic Accessories

    Wearing a great pair of shoes is one way to dress up an outfit and the same philosophy goes for home furnishings. We have recently become obsessed with Alexandra von Furstenberg’s acrylic home accessories.

    The collection includes candy bowls, vases, napkin rings, coasters, trays and treasure boxes in a rainbow of bright colors. Our favorite piece, however, is the limited edition Lotus Bowl. The multi-faceted bowl can be used to display fruit, flowers or just on it’s own to brighten up a spot in your kitchen, dining room or living area. What makes this particular item uniquely special is the way it refracts light. Our favorite color, is obviously orange.

    Unfortunately, like an amazing pair of shoes this type of home chic is not inexpensive. The aforementioned bowl is almost $1000 but an 8-pack of bright coasters are just $158. You can view the AVF accessories collection online here and  at Maison 24 on Park Avenue South and in Bridgehampton. Just don’t blame us when you find yourself hopelessly addicted to lucite.

    Alexandra Von Furstenberg
    Limited Edition Lotus Bowl ($958)

    Henri Bendel 50% Off

    Can’t remember the last time you were in Henri Bendel? Well, neither do I. I must admit that I prefer the memory of what used to be. The once decadent department store currently feels like a cosmetic arena combined with an a Etsy flee-market.

    Even the sales people we spoke to admitted to be confused by the store’s product assortment and lack of focus. This is just conjecture but I can’t imagine “this” Henri Bendel lasting much longer as it exists today. Something must be done but we can talk about that another time.

    During a quick browse we found jeweled bobby pins for $14 from $28, a croc embossed wristlet for $74 from $148 and large cosmetic bag for $29 from $58. As you can see, dedicated a shopping trip is not suggested but those looking to pick up a small gift or ‘Bendel’ trinket will be happy to save a bit.

    Bergdorf: The Final Sale

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Bergdorf Goodman‘s seasonal sale is winding down as marked by the luxury retailer taking their final 75% final reduction on designer ready-to-wear. The stock and sizes are starting to dwindle. Sale handbags, for example, are completely sold out.

    Shoe Salon
    All shoes are now 50% off retail with the exception of Chanel, Christian Louboutin, and Alaia which are still 30%. The selection is nowhere near as plentiful as the start of the sale (we didn’t see any shoes in size 37.5), but there are five large racks replete with Jimmy Choo, Yves Saint Laurent wedges and Tribtoo pumps (no Tributes), Manolo Blahnik, Lanvin (no ballet flats), Nicholas Kirkwood and all the usual suspects. We were surprised to find a few different styles of the popular Brian Atwood Maniac pumps and slingbacks. The discount is set to go up to 65% for all brands before the sale ends around the first week in August.
    Bill: 212-872-8940



    Second Floor Boutiques
    Chanel fans should head to the boutique stat! There are some lovely boucle wool blazers, which retail for nearly $5000 that are being transferred from the VIP customer closet to the 60% off sales rack at the end of the day. We were seriously tempted by a cropped style with a Chanel crest, as well as a poncho version. The Dior boutique has a few nice dresses, although sizes are limited and most are over $500 even with a 75% cut. Tom Ford has a plentiful selection of mostly separates, which are also 75% off retail.
    Alla (Chanel Specialist): 212-872-2856

    Third Floor Consolidation
    The majority of the designer ready-to-wear has been consolidated along the south side of the third floor. We did, however, find some 75% off sales racks in Miu Miu (not the most desirable styles). In the Balenciaga boutique where we were drawn to a lovely $1645 draped white dress marked down to $489. Marc Jacobs had lots of clothing on markdown, even some warmer separates that will easily transition to Fall. With a bit of patience you can find a limited selection of Marni, The Row and Narcisco Rodriguez on the consolidation racks. Our favorite finds were the $2250 Prada silk lips dress for $559, a hot pink long sleeve Celine statement dress for $589 and a $199 basic silk Gucci blouse with a tie neck.
    Mira: 212-872-2822



    Fourth Floor Consolidation
    Akris and Giambattisa Valli fans will fare well since their boutiques are replete with discounted separates and dresses. Don’t bother browsing the Oscar de la Renta racks since everything was rather matronly. We found loads of discounted Lanvin and Valentino dresses, with some Carolina Herrera, J. Mendel, and Bottega Veneta mixed in. Good luck!
    Jeremy: 212-872-8840

    Alessi Sale 20% Off

    Alessi is hosting an ‘It’s a Steel’ sale where for the entire month of July iconic stainless steel items are 20% off. The sale is in stores and online here.

    Alessi always makes a nice hostess gift or a wonderful gift for yourself. Some discount examples include Michael Graves teakettles now $144 from $180, a large Mediterraneo front bowl is $141 from $176 and an espresso coffee maker is $165 from $207.

    TheOutnet Clearance Begins Tuesday

    TheOutnet.com will begin their bi-annual clearance sale Tuesday, July 17, according to exclusive information given to MadisonAvenueSpy.com. We are told that over 2000 items will be reduced up to 85% off.

    Before the weekend, TheOutnet treated us to a sneak peak of their clearance inventory. Highlights include a Rick Owens, Sparta wool-flannel coat for $278 from $1390, a Peter Pilotto printed silk dress for $339 from $1695, a Miu Miu color-blocked satin dress from the “star” collection for $575 from $2874 and a Lanvin embellished dress for $1286 from $6430.

    This is one of the TheOutnet’s most popular shopping events. The sale is scheduled to begin just before noon. We suggest logging on as soon as possible because items do go quickly. Just don’t be surprised if there is a logjam on the site. Unfortunately, it’s the online equivalent in standing in a sample sale line.

    For your viewing pleasure we have added lots of pictures from TheOutnet’s clearance sale to our Instagrapm photo stream.  Instagram users can follow us @MadisonAvenueSpy or click here.

    Photo credit: StreetPeeper

    Manolo First Summer 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

    Alejandro Ingelmo 70% Off

    One of our favorite indie shoe designers, Alejandro Ingelmo, is hosting a sale at his Soho store where select summer shoes are marked down 70% off. The discounted shoes are also available online, just ignore the 40% off image and click on each item to see the reduced price.

    We found the iconic Origami open toe shoes for $239 from $795, Penny heels are $179 from $556 and Sophia platform heels $199 from $459. Men’s shoes are also included in the markdown. For instance, Jeddi hightops are $169 from $525.

    Alejandro Ingelmo
    51 Wooster Street
     646-692-8184

    Kirna Zabete Second Markdown

    By ManhattanMataHari

    The fabulously well curated Soho boutique, Kirna Zabete, is now having second markdown on t summer clothing, shoes and accessories. This means all the most coveted pieces from our favorite designers like, Lanvin, Proenza Schouler, Giambattista Valli and Givenchy are included along with cool indie labels are now up to 60% off.

    For the unfamiliar, a quick browse of their website sale should get you out the door and into your taxi. We found this Lanvin jersey structured shoulder dress marked down to $332.50 and a printed Erdem panel dress is $397.50. There are also lots of nice separates to choose from like this $375 Prabal Gurung side-draped skirt. Our favorite items are by designer, Duro Olowe. The below photographed dress is $745 from $1400.

    While there are a lot of dresses and separates online you should keep in mind that all clearance purchases are final sale. It may be safer for online shoppers to opt for stylish accessories. We love the $259 Giambattista Valli enamel panther bracelets and Lanvin flower ribbon necklaces for about $340.

    Whatever you do, don’t miss the shoe selection, which is totally fierce. Pierre Hardy striped wedges are $259, while Lanvin’s ballet wedges are just under $500 and Nicholas Kirkwood flowers pumps are now $347.50.

    If you’re not worried about missing out on particular item you may want to wait for Kirna’s final markdown, which usually ranges in the 70% off neighborhood. After all, product stalking is our favorite pastime.

    Kirna Zabete
    96 Greene St. (between Spring & Prince)
    Lauren 212-941-9656