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    Your Designer Sale Shoe Guide

    By ManhattanMataHari

    It is our favorite time of year again – shoe sale season! At this point, almost every department store has started their first markdown. Many stores started just yesterday, which means the inventory is still plentiful. Just one note, Christian Louboutin and Chanel have not been discounted anywhere. That markdown usually comes in a couple of weeks. So start putting your presale list together now!

    Below is a full blown tour of all the best shoe departments and markdowns in town:

    Barneys
    As always, we like to start our shopping at Barney’s since their first cut is 40% (unlike 30% everywhere else). Unfortunately, the better bargain has its drawbacks – namely a smaller selection of shoes and fewer size options than Saks or Bergdorf’s. You will be a very happy shopper if you are a fan of Lanvin, Manolo Blahnik, Casadei, Fendi, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta. We were thrilled to find $389 Manolo Mary Janes alongside, $479 YSL Tribtoo slingbacks and $759 python Lanvin flats. There is also a good selection of boots, with the best bargain being buttery soft Bottega Veneta’s signature woven high boots for $589.
    Leticia 212-833-2141


    Bergdorf Goodman
    For the best selection of sizes and styles, head a few blocks over to Bergdorf Goodman. While their shoe sale area is always chaotic, you will find plenty of glittery Miu Miu pumps and Jimmy Choos to complete your festive seasonal looks. This was the only store where we found discount Brian Atwood Maniac pumps. Fans of Alexander McQueen, Nicholas, Kirkwood, Tods, Dior, and Valentino should head here first. Noticeably absent this year were the walls of boots. There are currently no tall boots on sale despite one sales associate saying they were mixed in the racks.

    A second markdown will take place the day after Christmas and should be 60% off.

    Insider tip: avoid wearing black shoes since the shoe salon’s new carpeting sheds everywhere.
    Jose: 212-872-894 Jose_olaso@bergdorfgoodmanstore.com





    Saks Fith Avenue

    Saks Fifth Avenue is having their 10022 shoe sale starting with a 30% discount. This is hands down the best place to go for “it” shoes by Yves Saint Laurent. You can find their Tribute (pumps and sandals), Tribtoo and Palais pumps in a variety of materials and colors with plenty of different sizes available. If Jimmy Choos are more your thing, then Saks should be at the top of your list. Unlike Bergdorf’s there is a good selection of boots on sale too.

    Insider tip: On December 26th, ALL sale merchandise including 10022-SHOE will be an additional 20% to 50% off the sale price. Plan on arriving early and dealing with queues and utter chaos – last year they had to shut the line down around 2pm due to the insanity.
    Alfonso: 212-940-2401


    Jeffery
    Downtown divas may want to stop by Jeffrey in the Meatpacking district. While their selection and sizes are more limited than the larger department stores, the service and atmosphere are much better.
    Lemar: 212-206-1272

    Photos: #1 Bergdorf #2 Saks

    Versace at H&M Returns

    The Versace collaboration with H&M was quite successfully by all accounts. On launch day there were lines around the block and every item available was sold. Though you can really see the carnage of a design collaboration from the returns bin.

    Over at the 86th Street H&M we were surprised to see there was more than a small bin of returns. As a matter of fact, the returns have their own section within the women’s department.

    So what items did Versace fanatics decide to do without? To start there are lots of little pink bags and lots and lots of shoes.

    In the clothing section there are several of pink skirts with tassels, purple dresses and sequined print dresses. We found only one pair of printed leggings in a size two and a single bustier top. The pièce de résistance, however, was a men’s overcoat with a leather lapel and leather sleeves. Both the quality and the styling of this item was head over heals better than anything else we saw.

    The aforementioned coat is posted on ebay for about $700! From the looks of the ebay sales, we bet a lot more inventory will be coming back to H&M. You bet we’ll be keeping our eyes open for markdowns.

    Upcoming Sample Sales

    There are some very interesting sample sales coming up this week. Instead of posting about them individually, we thought we would list them all in one post. Of course, there are several more sales going on in the coming weeks but here’s what we think will be the best, brightest and most money saving.

    Rag & Bone
    Past coverage c/o Racked
    Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, December 4
    Thurs & Fri 10:30am to 8pm, Sat 12pm to 7pm & Sun 12pm to 5pm
    Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave. (btwn. 15th & 16th St.)

    Alexis Bittar
    Past coverage c/o Racked
    Friday, December 2 & Saturday, December 3
    Fri & Sat 9am to 6:30pm
    125 W. 21st St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.)
    Cash Only

    Rodarte
    Pre-sale scoop c/o Mizhattan
    Friday, Dec 1
    10am to 7pm
    The Ace Hotel 20 W 29th between 5th and Broadway

    Milly Sale

    The Madison Avenue Milly boutique has reduced select items from their fall and winter collection. The markdown ranges from 30% to 50% off, depending on the item. While browsing, I found a peacoat with fur trim for $696 from $995, a delicate pink merino cardigan is $206 from $295 and an enamel cuff is $110 from $225.

    I must admit though, our trip to Milly was not strictly to spy on sale prices. In fact, I was invited with other bloggers to style my very own holiday Milly look. In keeping true to the Madison Avenue tradition I started with a great purple coat. (Sometimes your coat is all others see of your outfit throughout the winter season.) After, I added a huge jeweled necklace, a great sparkly patterned dress and heels.

    Kat, who works on the Milly sales floor, is wearing a very festive sequined skirt with a classic silk print top. Her jewels include a simple long necklace and a big bold cuff. (Truth, I have a cuff addiction.) Doesn’t’ she look cute?

    So now, I need a bit of your help. This styling thing is a contest and the blogger with the most “Likes” wins a prize. Truth, I’m not worried about the prize but I am fiercely competitive. Now I’m asking readers to go to Facebook and “Like” my styling job. I promise that I will keep my day-job of finding great sales but who doesn’t want to win… even if it is a kitschy contest.

    Kat 212-395-9100

    Bottega Veneta Private Sale

    Sometimes we just don’t understand how certain brands handle markdowns. For example, most of the Gucci sales people would still deny there is a sale. Over at Tom Ford, the associates say there is never a sale. The icon of logo-less luxury, Bottaga Veneta doesn’t host sales either…

    Lets try that again. Bottaga Veneta doesn’t host sales on bags except for two hours twice a year. That’s right. On Thursday, December 1, Bottaga will be offering their fall and winter collection to customers at discount prices between the hours of 5pm and 7pm.

    Okay, the classic bags, like the Cabat, will not be included in that markdown but that doesn’t mean that the sale doesn’t exist. We expect that bags like the $4850 Nero Patchwork Intrecciato Nappa Lido Bag will be eligible. In addition, there will be shoes and clothing for both men and woman from the fall and winter collections.

    In past seasons, the markdown has been 50% off but we haven’t been told the discount for this sale. If you’re wary about crashing the private sale, we suggest keeping an eye on the Bottega website, as the brand often puts their online store items on sale a few weeks later.

    Angeline 212-371-5511

    Miracle on Madison

    Despite the (often) cool weather, this happens to be our favorite time of year in Manhattan. There is a buzz and energy that rivals any other place — and it’s not just because of the sales. As matter of fact, Miracle on Madison is a prime example of the wonderful activities that make this season shine even brighter.

    Miracle on Madison Avenue is a 25-year-old philanthropic holiday shopping tradition. Over 80 luxury and jewelry retailers on Madison Avenue participate by donating 20% of sales that day to the Children’s Aid Society. (Click here to see a full list of participating retailers.)

    The year, the celebration will take place on Sunday, December 4. A variety of activities are scheduled in stores and businesses located on Madison between 57th and 86th streets. We suggest, heading to 63rd and Madison between 12pm and 3:30 to enjoy a full lineup of holiday entertainment, including the Labor of Love Ensemble Gospel Choir.

    The event is presented by the Children’s Aid Society and the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District. This year, being the 25th anniversary of the event, the Silver Institute: Silver Promotion Service and American Express are co-sponsoring the festivities.

    Shopping, entertainment and a good cause? Now, that’s a holiday cocktail worth caroling about.

    Half-Off Chanels & Louboutins

    If you’re waiting for the official markdown on Chanel and Louboutin shoes you might need to wait a few more weeks. That is unless, you take a trip town to Gabay’s Outlet…

    The discounter has received a large shipment of designer shoes, which includes Chanel classics, Louboutin fantastics, Valentino lovelies and pretty Pradas. The discount on most pairs are more than 50% off. You can see a full gallery of pictures by clicking here. There’s one just one catch. There is only one size of each style.







    In addition to a fantastic shoe assortment, we found a wonderful selection of kid’s Diesel clothing that should not be missed. Boy moms/aunts/ grandmothers will not want to miss the Brums down jackets starting at just $69!

    Whether you prefer a sparkly Jimmy Choo or a natural nude Louboutin Gabay’s is the perfect spot to get your holiday shopping started on the right foot.




    Gabay’s Outlet
    225 First Avenue (between 13th and 14th)
    212-254-3180
    contactus@gabaysoutlet.com

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    Prada Sale to Begin

    Prada eliminated their presale policy a few seasons ago but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get top pick ahead of sale season. We’ve been told that the official sale will begin December 1 but… but… you can let a sales person know if there’s something you really want.

    The markdown sheets had not been released at the time we received our top-secret information but rumors we suspect that the discount on shoes and clothing will be 40%. We feel confident betting that bi-color Mary-Jane boots will be included in the markdown along with more traditional boots and booties.

    We believe that the braded style bags will be part of the discount merchandise but don’t count on much else. As a matter of fact, we were told the prices were increased on most of the classic Prada handbag selection. For example, the Saffiano Lux tote was $1560 but is now $1630. That’s $130 difference or about 10%, which would have normally covered the tax.

    Just one more reason to make friends with those who live in Jersey…

    Contact Betty: 212-327-4200