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    Ippolita Sample Sale

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Last year, Ippolita’s first sample sale debuted to rave reviews. This year, we wanted to see if the venue switch to Soiffer Haskin would have an impact to the fantastic prices and wonderful shopping environment. So we went to investigate.

    We got  to the sale late Sunday afternoon on the opening day and there was about an hour long wait to get in. The environment indeed maintained it’s orderly atmosphere and the best part was that there was no line to check out.

     It appears that the majority of prices are quite similar to those at the last sale. The jewelry was all discounted 65% off retail and included lots of rainbow colored gemstones bangles in both yellow and white gold, as well as their sterling silver collection. Don’t confuse the numerous large $248.75 hooped gemstone earrings for their jeweled bangles, which will run you upward of $675.

    The savings is considerable on Ippolita’s gem bangles that retail for about $2000 and are best when stacked. If plain silver is your thing, there is a huge selection of various silver stackable bangles that are priced at $87.50 and up. Their resin fashion jewelry has the largest discount at 75% off retail. The resin bangles last year were just $50 but this year, most styles cost about $70.

    Some of our favorite deals from this time around are their fashionable gem teardrop necklaces in silver, and the small cabochon gem rings, which both come in just under $130. There is a good selection of Ippolita 10K yellow gold line, but it is still pricy even with the discount.

    We do not suggest missing out on this sale – keep in mind the items with the red dots are the last of their style, so don’t put them down!

    Ippolita Sample Sale
    Soiffer Haskin
    317 West 33rd Street (just West of 8th Avenue)
    Sunday, June 24 through Tuesday, June 26th
    9am to 7pm

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    The It-it: A Top Knot

    This June heatwave has us reconsidering our entire summer beauty regimen. We are throwing out the blowdryer and majorly limiting makeup. Lipgloss is always a necessity but, that’s it!

    As an alternative, we are opting for this season’s most popular hairstyle– the top knot. The top knot is basically a bun configured at the crown of your head. The northern ballerina hairstyle was popularized by street-blogger stylists and is now making it’s way to the beach-shore-lake-mountians near you.

    There are basically two different types of top knots. There is the messy top knot, which you would likely find paired with drop crotch pants and the very neat top knot, that’s become an icon of Oscar de la Renta.

    SepBella has a really quick YouTube tutorial on how to create a messy top knot:

    1. High ponytail
    2. Tease sections of the pony tail
    3. Wrap the teased hair and secure with bobby pins

    Simple right?

    Than there’s the Oscar de la Renta top knot, which is as elegant and understated as the designer’s fashion. This look can take a bit more preparation but the payoff is big. We found model Amanda Frank’s tutorial to be extremely helpful.

    So read up and sweep your hair up as high as the temperatures because you know the top knot is this summer’s hottest hairstyle!

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    Mikimoto Sample Sale Overview

    The ultra lux Mikimoto sample sale is heating up once again. The sale started today and those willing to venture into the heat were welcomed with savings from 50% to 70% off retail prices.

    Usually on the first day of the sale shoppers can wait for hours in the jewelry brand’s showroom hallway. This year, the turnout was much less and by late afternoon the there was no line at all. Prices for Mikimoto branded pearls range from $3000 for smaller items to about $12,000 for a large pearl ring. Pendants range from about $1000 to $4000.

    If you’re looking to spend much less you should consider the Blue Lagoon collection. Blue Lagoon is normally found in higher volume jewelry retailers like Zales. In this section you can find pearl pendants for under $200 and bracelets for under $1500. Pearl earrings were priced between priced $300 to $400.

    Usually we suggest waiting towards the end of the sale to avoid waiting in line but this year we say, go for it. You might consider skipping the sale altogether if you’ve been before because the merchandise is mainly the same. Always remember, pearls are graded like diamonds and  buying a Mikimoto pearl is like buying a Tiffany diamond. You can easily find similar quality for less money at a trusted local jewelry store.

    Mikimoto Sample Sale
    Thursday, June 21st and Friday, June 22nd
    10am to 7pm
    680 Fifth Ave. (bet. 53rd & 54th St.), 4th Floor.

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    Marshalls Downtown Shoe MegaShop

    By ManhattanMataHari

    When most of us hear about downtown shopping we immediately think of pricey boutiques. If you’re in the Astor Place area we suggest that you seek out the nearly incognito Marshalls Shoe MegaShop. The two story of discount shoes and accessory emporium is full of shoe options that will please even the most picky shopper.

    Although the store is very large it’s not as overwhelming as DSW. The majority of the shoe stock is contemporary but  that’s what local, budget conscience NYU students need, right? With a bit of searching, however, you can find some higher-end brand shoes that can even please a Madison Avenue shopper.

    We suggest heading straight to the sales racks where most of the designer shoes land. There you can find Salvatore Ferragamo chain slides and Ralph Lauren Collection wedges for about $100. Brightly colored $150 Kate Spade wedges are very current season and we adored Jean-Michel Cazabat open toed booties that were just $129.

    Some of the best deals we found were Sam Edelman sandals for under $40 and popular Louboutin-esque spiked back pumps for a cool $79. The perfect look-for-less item, right?

    Marshalls Shoe MegaShopa
    740 Broadway (Near Astor Place)
    (212) 475-4981

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    Department Store’s Second Markdown

    It’s been about a month since department stores started their first markdown and shoppers will be trilled to learn that Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman have cut prices once again. Discounts now range from 40% to 60% off but prices seem to range widely between stores.

    The sale at Saks has gone from 30% off shoes and to about 50% off and 40% off designer clothing to about 55% off. The markdowns at Bergdrof are now 50% off shoes and 60% off clothing. Over at Barneys the discount on shoes range from 40% to 60% off but most designer clothing is still discounted just 40%.

    It seems as if Bergdof Goodman is your best bet for one-stop shopping but we suggest implementing a price comparison system. Online is always a great place to start. As a matter of fact, it seems as if Barneys has implemented a new website, which hopefully translates into a better inventory tracking system. Maybe this season shoppers won’t be hit with out-of-stock email several weeks after placing their order. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!

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    Shoshanna Sample Sale

    Now that we are knee deep in summer weather it’s the prefect time to freshen the flirty dress section of your closet. Those in agreement will want to take advantage of the Shoshanna sample sale.

    The sale will take place on Wednesday and Thrusday at the Shoshanna showroom, which a good indication of this sale’s worthy status. At the last sale, dresses and universally well-fitting bathing suits were all be priced at $100 and under.

    Shoshanna Sample Sale
    Wednesday, June 20th and Thursday, June 21st
    Wed 10am to 6:30pm and Thurs. 10am to 6pm
    231 West 39th Street, Suite 422 (btwn 7th and 8th Ave)
    212-719-3601

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    Madison Ave Father’s Day Sales

    By ManhattanMataHari

    In honor of Father’s Day we thought we would deliver the best places on Madison Avenue to grab a last minute gift for dad. If you don’t find the perfect gift at any of the below locations you can always deliver the man of the hour a day of rest. Priceless!

    Barbour
    While the famous English brand’s classic quilted jackets hardly ever go on sale, they are having a 30% markdown on their $159 lightweight version of the quilted jacket in seasonal colors like blue and charcoal that will take your dad from Summer to Fall in stylish comfort.
    Amanda: 212-570-2600

    Bottega Veneta Men
    The men’s store off Madison Avenue is having a 50% sale for spring and summer items, including ready-to-wear. Select shoe styles are 50% off, although most staple gift items like ties or leather goods are not included.
    Jessie: 212-879-5782

    David Cenci
    Get dad some impeccably tailored shirts, handmade ties and jackets for a cool 20% to 40% off retail. You can’t go wrong with a classic collared shirt.
    David: 212-628-5910

    Etro
    For dads who appreciate color and prints, Etro may be right up their alley. Men’s ties and summer clothing are 30% off retail. Scarves, luggage and swimwear are excluded.
    Ray: 212-317-9096

    J Crew Men
    While the J Crew Collection men’s store doesn’t normally have sales they are having a couple of great low-cost promotions for Father’s Day. Polo shirts are $29.50 each, while boxer sets of two are now $40. If your dad is a J. Crew man we suggest heading to the Rock Ct. location, which is filled with discounted merchandise.
    Trevor: 212-453-2677

    Porsche Designs
    Porsche Designs sports a host of incredibly designed items that extend way beyond the automobile or  sunglasses. You can grab your design loving dad a host of well-thought items for 50% off retail prices.
    Jay: 212-308-1786

    Tom Ford
    While we reported on the women’s sale recently it seems a lot of the men’s sale stock is dwindling. No ties on sale but the boutique still has a selection of men’s shirts and jackets, as well as some great loafers  for a 50% cut. Small leather goods are going quickly, but are also 50% off.
    Melissa: 212-359-0300

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    Louboutin Spring Sale

    Most retailers of Christian Louboutin will start their red soled shoe sale on Thursday. Coinciding with the markdown, the Louboutin boutique  host a private sale night where VIP customers will be the first to shop from the assortment of discounted shoes.

    Last season, the discount for shoes was 30% to 40% and handbags were a deal at 50% off retail. Unlike the department stores the boutique’s selection and sizes tend to be limited. To attend the Louboutin boutique sale you must RSVP by email.

    Those looking for a more sane sale environment may want to head over to a local department store. We find that Saks Fifth Avenue is the best of the bunch when it comes to presale shopping. Above is a select assortment of Louboutin’s included in the Saks markdown.

    Christian Louboutin Private Sale
    Thursday, June 14
    3pm to 6pm
    RSVP: Events.MadisonNY@ChristianLouboutin.FR

    Saks: Yelena 212-940-0131

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