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    Century 21: Fashion Worth Fighting For?

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Century 21 is known for their name brand designer deals. It’s a city landmark filled with epic stories about unearthed treasures and luxury deals. As with every store, however, the merchandise and prices seem to range widely from season to season. We thought it was about time to start our spring shopping and find out if Century 21 is truly serving up: “Fashion worth fighting (tourists) for!”

    We started our review in the accessories department. Right away we found an exemplary selection of silk scarves, including Pucci ($59.97 to 79.97), Versace ($99.97) and Missoni ($79.97) neatly organized in trays in glass cases.

    It was a bit disappointing not to see any of Missoni’s iconic woven scarves in the accessories department, but a quick foray into the shoe department proved a plethora of Missoni shoes ($249.7to $399.97). There was also wide assortment of Marc Jacobs and Givenchy high heel sandals. Both brands were priced at $199.97, while Derek Lam espadrilles will set you back $219.97. We also found a decent selection of Badgley Mischka formal shoes priced nicely at $79.97 to $89.97. (After all, it is bridesmaid season.)

    Moving upstairs, we went straight to the European Designer section but were sad to see so many ill-sorted dresses already damaged. Some of the better (and easy to spot) finds were $775 Missoni dresses selling for $199. On the bright side, there was a wide assortment of discounted Stella McCartney but the prices still seemed a bit too lofty. A fabulous $2460 pearl embellished silk tank was $849.97 and other embellished silk tanks and tees were still $349.97 to $499.97.

    Not far from Stella’s loot, we found Lanvin sequin embellished blazers for $1899.97 from $5875. A Chanel-inspired Lanvin wool blazer was $1799.97 from $5425. Also in the mix were Jil Sanders and Derek Lam apparel. The real deal seemed to be the selection of Dolce & Gabbana bustier corset style tops ($229.97 to $349.97) and filmy satin and lace camisoles ($149.97 to $179.97).

    Racks of Marc Jacobs apparel dominated one whole area, and there was a large selection of their classic black trench coats for $329.97 from $628. For a more unique spin on the classic trench there were some nice Gyphon khaki studded collar versions for $259.97 from $690.

    Overall, we were a bit disappointed by the amount of damaged inventory. Shoppers mus review their purchases carefully prior to checking out. That in combination with the overwhelming lack of organization, clueless tourists and overall high prices, makes us think that shopping boutique and department store sales may be a better option. Bottom line: Fashion not so worth fighting for.

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    Montblanc Friends & Family Sale

    Montblanc’s “private” friends and family sale is always a great place to pick up sophisticated gifts without breaking the bank. This sale is usually a reader favorite. You can always count on legitimately good deals, like $600 fountain pens selling for $150 or $1,000 leather bags marked down to $250.

    The sale is only two days and starts Thursday, April 28. Last time we attended the sale on the second day and the inventory was a bit depleted. This season, that shouldn’t be a problem because purchases are being limited. Each shopper can only buy two watches, five writing instruments, five pieces of jewelry and five pieces of leather. That should be more than enough for shoppers like you and me but enough limits to keep the reselling hoarders at bay.

    Montblanc “Private” Friends & Family
    Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29
    Thurs. 8:30am am to 5:30pm, Fri. 8:30am to 4:30pm
    Palace Hotel
    455 Madison Avenue (4th Floor) Madison & 50th Street
    CREDIT CARDS ONLY. NO CASH.

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    A Totally Great Louis Vuitton Deal

    There is a reason why Louis Vuitton named one of their most versatile handbags, the “Totally.” It’s totally versatile and totally usable. The medium size is perfect for toting your 15″ MacBook Pro to work or handling a towel and sunglasses at the beach. Either way, it’s totally indestructible and totally timeless.

    Um, but then there’s the price, of course. With a pricetag that tops $1000, the Totally may have some competition. That is, if you had to spend $1000. Every day the innovative penny auction site, Scorluxe.com auctions off an assortment of luxury merchandise for a fraction of their retail value. Just last week a pair of Louboutin heels sold for $3.90 and a $150 Neiman Marcus gift card was won for just $1.17. Would you believe the last LV Totally that ScoreLuxe.com auctioned off sold for $36.33?

    Penny auctions like Scoreluxe.com allow registered users to to purchase bids and score great luxury items for a fraction of their retail price. What’s even better, is that all the items on the site are purchased directly from the retailer and are guaranteed authentic and brand new. As an extra bonus, Madison Avenue Spy readers can get 10% off their first purchase of bids by using the code MADISONAVE.

    Be sure to check out ScoreLuxe.com to find a never-ending line-up of wonderful items at even better deals. In addition to the Totally, ScoreLuxe.com is offering great prizes like $100 gift cards to Saks Fifth Avenue and Burberry.


    Sponsored Post
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    David Yurman’s Bridal Collection

    By: ManhattanMataHari

    Wedding and anniversary season is just around the corner. But really, who needs an excuse to indulge in exquisite jewelry. This month, David Yurman introduced a bridal line that includes engagement rings, wedding bands and other romantic pieces guaranteed to make a gal swoon.

    David Yurman’s modern designs are likely to steal market share from traditional bridal institutions like Tiffany’s and Cartier. The collection includes all the traditional elements of any bridal line but all with Yurman’s twist. In addition to the standard bridal designs, the line-up also includes the patented David Yurman Signature Cut Diamond, which is a cushion-cut diamond with 75 facets.

    With retail price points comparable to Tiffany’s, each of the 18 rings in the collection are sure to retain top value based on the high quality of GIA certified diamonds. For a truly one-of-a kind experience, the Yurman team is available to assist in custom designs with popular colored diamonds or other design alterations.

    Benedicte Mackiewicz: 212-752-4255

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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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