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    Lai Closing Sale

    Lai, which is known for their classic leather and exotic skin accessories is closing their off-Madison store in June. All merchandise is currently 40% to 70% off. We expect the discounts to continue as the closing date approaches.

    We did a browse through the boutique and found that the merchandise is already beginning to get picked over. We still found a men’s Alligator belt for $195, a woman’s snake skin hot pink belt is $85, another women’s belt in teal alligator is $105, the same style in blue croc is $85 and a huge suede snake skin hot pink bag is $1100 from $2200.

    Although we are quite excited about the deals, we are saddened to see this boutique leave the neighborhood. Lai, which stands for Luxury Goods International, was started in 1953 by importing crocodile skins from South America and selling them to makers of shoes, handbags, and other leather goods.

    LAI
    35 East 65th St.
    212-794-3874

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    Saks Friends & Family Presale

    Saks Friends & Family is scheduled to start on Thursday, April 28 and run until May 1. We hear that sales associates will be officially allowed to begin preselling merchandise this Friday.

    The very loosely defined friends and family sale will be 20% off clothing and accessories and 10% off cosmetics. Every season this promotion becomes more popular, the discount gets reduced and the brand exclusions get longer. This time around we hear that Chloe and Brian Atwood have been added to the list of non-participating brands. (A full list of lasts season’s exclusions are below.)

    David Yurman, Chanel, Bugaboo, Fendi, Dior, Gucci, Prada, NorthFace, Hermes, Graff, Cartier, H. Stern, Pomelatto, Buccellati, Garrard, Bvlgari, St. John, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Marni, Loro Piana, Akris, Azzedine Alaia, Bridal Salon, Chado Ralph Rucci, Doo Ri apparel, Dries Van Noten apparel and shoes, Erdem apparel, Giambattista Valli, J Mendel apparel, Piazza Sempione apparel, Brian Reyes apparel, Escada apparel, Etro apparel, Brunello Cucinelli, Ralph Lauren Women’s Black Label and Collection, Ralph Lauren Men’s Black Label and Purple Label, TSE apparel, Celine shoes, Oscar De La Renta, Commes des Garcons, Jil Sander, Loro Piana, Marchesa Couture, Marc Jacobs apparel, Mario Schwab apparel, Marni, Junya Watanabe, Peter Pilotto apparel, Vionnet apparel, Zegna, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent shoes and handbags, Valentino, Lanvin, Ugg Australia, Sergio Rossi, Moschino, Donna Karan shoes, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang apparel and handbags, McQ, Opening Ceremony, Under.ligne by Doo Ri, Ann Demeulemeester, Derek Lam, Tod’s shoes and handbags, Roger Vivier shoes, Camilla Skovgaard shoes, Charvet, Kiton, Maison Martin bags, Roger Vivier, Isaia, Mikimoto on Saks.com only, Marco Bicego on Saks.com only, Jude Frances, Saks.com only, Ippolita on Saks.com only, Charbonnel et Walker, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Peter Shoiket, John Allan Men’s Grooming Salon, Louis Vuitton, The Fur Salon, Watch and Jewelry Repair.

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    Stella Kids Great for Adults Too

    By: TJ Kennedy

    When it comes to children’s wear, Stella McCartney has got all the spring essentials. The prices on her laid-back chic looks can sometimes be a bit of a shopping deterrent. In past seasons, the famed designer collaborated with Gap to make a children’s line that was just as chic as her marquee brand. The best part was that the larger sized kid’s clothing could still fit a slender or petite adult.

    Stella has since given up her relationship with Gap and has gone solo in the kid’s apparel business. As a matter of fact, the center section of her chic Meatpacking boutique is designated to her Kids Stella line. The collection is a rainbow of color amongst the mostly neutral women’s wear.

    Pony printed tees and floral tanks for girls up to age 4, all around $38, pair perfectly with the coral colored jeans priced at $82. Mini skirts and denim shorts fit for a pint-sized princess retail for $62. Other spring trends for tots are colored striped dresses and rompers in baby sizes as well as four-year-old sizes. While it’s still a bit chilly out, striped sweaters for boys and girls, from baby sizes to 10 years old, are priced at $88. Blue and red plaid ponchos are $118 and the adorable yellow matching rain boots are only $47.

    So how do these budget friendly and stylish items translate to a full grown body? Unfortunately, the dresses and pants will not work. Instead try your luck with the floral tanks, lightweight cardigans and ponchos in size 10. The cardigans were only $63 and came in neutral grey tones while the floral tanks came in red and blue. The Stella kid’s collection also has a great military inspired jacket that comes in a size 12, which is just $189. Pair the jacket with jeans and some imaginative accessories and the potential is limitless.

    As far as clothes for boys go, the selection is much more limited. Some of the pieces are fit for both genders, but let’s face it, little girl clothes are just more fun! Now if only the big girl clothes at Stella had the same low prices.

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    Consigning: Out With the Old, In With the New

    By: ManhattanMataHari

    As the city blooms into spring and we begin to retire our down jackets and boots it’s hard not to contemplate storage issues with the changing over of the closet. After all, this is New York. Each season we face the dilemma of either paying for storage or parting with clothes that have gone unloved for the past year (or more). Luckily, Manhattan is a hotspot for designer and couture consignment with numerous establishments along Madison Avenue.

    Strolling up Madison Avenue in the 80s, there is one of the greatest concentrations of consignment stores in the city. Nearly every store follows a 50/50 split for items, meaning the final sale price will be split equally between the consignor and the store.

    Before you load up all your unwanted fashion valuables, it’s best to make an appointment with your desired destination. Most stores will not review merchandise unless prior arrangements are made. most require appointments to assess the value of your goods. Currently, most stores are only accepting spring and summer merchandise. So all those unwanted jackets and seaters will not be accepted until the end of summer.

    Some stores are known for specializing in certain items and brands – earlier this month Madison Avenue Spy reported on how Fisch For the Hip, in Chelsea, has the best selection of Hermes Birken bags in the city.

    Below is a guide of local consignment stores that all have a consistent track records for excellent merchandise and great reputations. In grand Madison Avenue Spy style, we surveyed the stores and are bringing you the highlights. We just ask that you don’t blame any temptation on us!

    Michael’s The Consignment Shop for Women
    1041 Madison Avenue (between 79th and 80)
    Michael’s consistently has a great selection of various designer handbags and shoes that may tempt you during your consignment appointment. While there was a lone olive Chanel Reissue flap and no Birkens to speak of, their online sale site has a YSL white leather Muse for $595, and a black patent classic Chanel for $1500. In store, there is a great selection of rare Hermes Collier de Chien belts. Black and Brown crocodile versions are $2500 each and the regular chestnut leather version is $1500 (the black leather version is available online). Since 30% markdowns begin after merchandise has been there for 30 days, savvy shoppers may want to wait until the beginning of May to score any of these gorgeous belts. While shopping, we couldn’t resist a brand new pair of Balmain suede studded gladiator sandals for $125 that retailed for over $1000 new.

    La Boutique Resale
    1045 Madison Avenue (near 80th)
    A few steps away from Michaels, La Boutique’s main store boasts lots of racks of designer clothing, with jackets and boots currently marked down 20%. Some items that caught our attention were a lovely Chanel metallic reissue medium flap bag for $2500, a Stella McCartney pastel plum colored Falabella tote for $575, and classic Hermes H belts for $400 to$450. Lots of Jimmy Choos currently dominate their modest shoe section.

    Encore Resale
    1132 Madison Avenue (between 84/85th)
    For a wider selection of clothing, Encore should definitely be on your re-sale shopping list, especially since their claim to fame as the first consignment store in the US. Encore has a good selection of high end couture and designer items, like a fabulous vintage Lanvin pink and black polka dot dress for $200 and a sheer silk Prada geometric dress for $180.

    A Second Chance Designer Resale
    1109 Lexington Avenue (between 77-78th)
    A stone’s throw away from Madison Avenue is one of the best places to find vintage and contemporary Chanel handbags and accessories in the city. A gently used patent black 226 classic flap will set you back $2700, while a lovely chestnut leather Hermes Evelyn bag is $999. They also have a great selection of Louis Vuitton handbags, and even a number of large red Goyard travel pieces (at about $2999). They do not have a lot of retail space for clothing, so if you are looking to unload a significant amount of your closet, other stores may be a better bet.

    Ina
    208 East 73rd St (between 2nd and 3rd)
    A bit further off the beaten path you can find the Upper East Side outpost of Ina. (They have four other stores downtown). While their Prince Street location is renowned for high end couture, the plethora of designer shoes for smaller footed (6-7.5) fashionistas was remarkable. Gently used Blahniks, Choos, and Louboutins don’t break the bank at just around $150.

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    Baccarat Sample Sale

    Sipping Dom Perignon on a festive occasion maybe nice but there is only one way to make that yummy bubbly taste a bit better. The flavor enhancer we have in mind isn’t in the beverage but in the accessories, of course. There is something about a red Baccarat Vega Flutissimo champagne flute that escalates champagne flavor and the festivities.

    At $160 a glass, or almost $2000 for 12, it might make more sense to buy another case of champagne. After all, who has a party with just 12 people? It’s always our philosophy to not make budget choices unless it’s absolutely necessary and a good sale is always a fantastic workaround.

    For two days, Baccarat will be discounting their delectable items up to 80% off. The only catch is that you have to drive to the brand’s warehouse in New Jersey. But think of how many glasses you could buy if they ere just $32 a pop! TIn addition to barware, the sale will include vases, jewelry crystal decor and French China. We think discounts like that are reason enough to throw a party!

    Baccarat Sample Sale
    Friday, April 15 to Saturday, April 16
    Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 3pm
    36 Mayfield Ave. Edison, NJ 08837
    (800-845-1928)

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    Look for Less: Prada, Gucci and Jil Sander

    By: TJ Kennedy

    Bright colors, crochet, and fringe spiced up the runways for spring 2011 and it’s time to put these warm weather looks into action. The tailored, sexy suits from Gucci have made a huge splash, gracing the covers of every magazine adorning celebs from Katy Perry to Tina Fey. Lucky for us, the fast fashion companies have really stepped up their game to match the colors and styles of our beloved high-end designers.

    While the gorgeous emerald green Gucci blazer for this season runs for $2,150, Zara has a similar version in the same color along with a stunning orange, currently on sale for $99.90. They also have a Gucci look-alike satin mini skirt with tailored front pockets in green and cobalt blue on sale for $39.90. The wide variety of jewel-tone color options of skirts, blazers, and blouses, gives you the freedom to create your own springtime suit in the color pallet of your choice for a fraction of Gucci’s prices.

    Other looks from the spring collection feature bright colored jeans, also seen at Jil Sander, Rachel Roy and Max Mara– a must-have for this season. H&M has a pair of jeggings in the perfect shade of orange that would complement a bright blazer perfectly for only $19.95. They also have a neutral tan blazer for $59.95, $40 less than the Zara version and an adorable blue, cropped Burberry-type trench jacket for just $34.95.

    Another hot trend thanks to the spring line from Prada is colorful horizontal stripes. There was no shortage of this trend at H&M and Forever 21, with tanks, tees, and floor length dresses filling up the racks. As expected, Forever 21 had the cheapest selection with striped tanks under $10 and a floor length dress only $19.95. The same dress was at H&M for $34.50 and Zara had a similar version for $59.

    As far as crochet goes, Isabel Marant, Ralph Lauren and Gucci set the bar which H&M and Forever 21 happily hopped over. Both stores had several pieces (tops, shorts, and skirts) in a variety of colors, from brown to bright pink, all under $30. Fringed pink ponchos, striped green knit tops, and even neutral woven shorts. Pair one of these tops with the Etro inspired print long skirt that costs $9.90 at H&M and you’ll be the picture of boho-chic without breaking the bank.

    The real deal of the season had to be jewel-toned leggings at H&M in purple, teal, and coral, (adorable under a floral ‘70s style tunic) for only $4.50! These are the perfect accent to the hyper color trend that stormed the runways at Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Dior.

    No matter how much of a fashion purist one may be it’s impossible to stock up on every trend every season. We suggest saving money by picking and choosing a few of these more trendy looks. Then you can splurge on the true icons of the season (when they go on sale, of course.)

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