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Feeling as lucky as the Irish? ScoreLuxe.com is auctioning a fabulous classic Chanel wallet today. Be sure to check it out right away because you could end up scoring this beauty for just pennies.
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Retail Therapy: Shoshanna Gruss
Shoshanna Gruss is as native to Madison Avenue as spring tulips are to Park Avenue. Her uptown taste, urban savvy and local sensibility have all contributed to the designer’s successful clothing, swim and jewelry lines.
As a lover of fashion, Shoshanna is always on the lookout for a great deal but always stays true to her core belief that fit comes first. When she started her namesake clothing line she recalls, “I found that there were not any wearable, beautiful clothes out there for someone with my body type. I could never find a halter dress or strapless top that offered support for women who usually need to wear a bra. That experience inspired me to create the pieces that make up the core of my collection.”
In her most recent venture, Shoshanna is bringing her East Side look to QVC in the form of a jewelry line. The collection is versatile yet bold and is all very reasonably priced. Check out this aqua cabochon and crystal necklace for $99. Can you think of a better way to accessorize a plain white tee?
Below Shoshanna shares her prized wardrobe items along with a few heart breakers. Read below to find the full scoop and let us know what you think.
What’s your most prized deal?
I’m not sure if it was really a deal so to say, but my best purchase was a pair of black patent leather platform Christian Louboutins. At the time I didn’t really think that I needed them and almost didn’t buy them, but ended up getting them and they instantly became my go to pair of shoes and I continue to wear them all the time!
Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
I once saw the most beautiful Oscar De La Renta dress. It was 70% off and my exact size. I saw it on the runway, and LOVED it. I almost bought it, but then thought, when will I wear this gorgeous, huge, and still very expensive dress? The answer came a few weeks later when I got the invitation to a VERY black tie wedding. Alas, the dress was sold. I think about it all the time.
This season you are looking for…
A great new fun and colorful bag for the summer! For a while I think that some of the bags being shown on the runway were either too big or too small, and recently I have noticed they have went back to a very manageable size. Something that I can throw more than just a lipstick and my phone in, but something that isn’t a suitcase.
What’s your number one shopping tip?
Know your own body, what looks good on your best friend, may not always work for you. Once you find a flattering silhouette that you like, stick to it and continue to personalize your look with accessories!
What’s your biggest weakness?
Shoes! I think that the right pair of shoes can change your outfit completely. I am also rather petite, and shoes over the past few years have reached a whole new level in terms of height, so for me the higher the better!!
Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
A great coat! When it comes to quality in outwear, you should never skimp. I think it is important to do your research and find something truly amazing that you can keep forever and pull out years from now. They are like a good watch, timeless and something you will always need.
Coco Chanel by Man Ray
Sometimes buying a Chanel bag, shoes, coat or sunglasses just isn’t enough. Why not have a legitimate piece of the “real” Chanel?
Well, now you can be inspired by the woman behind the fashion. Christies is auctioning the most exquisite photograph of Coco Chanel by Man Ray. This piece is quite dramatic and trumps almost any piece of fashion.
Man Ray, is considered a modern master. He is credited for bringing some of the most avant-garde art movements to the US. In addition, Man Ray was a famed fashion photographer and shot for Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Vanity Fair.
Lot 311 goes live in Paris from March 29 to March 31. Bids are accepted on the Christies website, here. The estimated price for Coco is between $559 to $977. Don’t you think a bit of Coco art is worth more than ballet flats or a faux strand of pearls? Well, we do too!
Freelance Spies Wanted: Mad-Spy’s Shopping Squad
Are you the type of shopper who instinctively knows to head to the back of the store, down the stairs or into the side room for the best deals? Do you feel as home in Hermes as you do in H&M? Are you ready to share your shopping secrets with the rest of the world?
If the answers are yes to all these questions, and you have a knack for writing, then Madison Avenue Spy needs you to join our growing bureau of roaming spies. Please send us an email with your resume, writing samples and your best shopping secret.
The hardest part is picking your personal spy name, of course!
Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Spring Sale
Memorial Sloan-Kettering is kicking off the season with their annual “Celebrate Spring” sale. The Third Avenue thrift shop is a local destination for luxury treasures and the spring sale is usually the cream of the crop.
Starting Wednesday, shoppers will be greeted with a full stock of designer castoffs including, bags and shoes from Manolo Blanik, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Gucci. All will range in price from $100 to $175. Hermes shirts and sweaters will be priced from $120 to $175 and scarves will be just $185. Now those are prices that can’t be found on eBay or at sample sales.
There’s one hitch, of course. This sale isn’t such a deep rooted secret. The great prices and wide variety of luxury products attracts dealers and hoarders who line up at the crack of dawn. We suggest skipping the initial long lines and popping in towards the end of the sale. After all, one woman’s junk is another’s treasure.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thrift Shop
Wednesday, March 9 to Saturday, March 12
Wed 10am to 7pm, Thurs & Fri 10am to 5:30pm, Sat 11am to 5pm
1440 Third Avenue (btw 81st & 82nd streets)
212-535-1250
Now Open: Brooks Brothers, Frey Wille and … Michael Kors
This has been a busy week on Madison Avenue. So far Brooks Brothers and Frey Wille officially opened shop. Michael Kors on the other hand, looks as if it’s movements away from pulling the butcher tape off the front doors.
Brooks Brothers, which opened early last week, took over the space formally occupied by Bolton’s, at Madison at 86th Street. The 3,000-sq-ft location carries the brand’s signature men’s collection but is banking on drawing the family oriented customer to it’s revamped fleece line and boys and girls clothing.
Frey Wille, which should not be confused with Free Willy, is best known for their enameled bracelets. The Austrian brand has taken the space that previously housed Furla, at Madison and 64th. Frey Wille is not a newcomer to luxury and has more than 80 free standing stores around the world. It will be interesting to see how the jewellery company educates and entices the Madison Avenue customer to their $1000+ bangles. Historically, Hermes is the go-to brand for enamel bracelets.
The biggest Madison Avenue debut–which seems to be just days away — will be Michael Kors. This weekend, we spotted employees carefully putting the final touches on in-store and window displays. The new store is located at 790 Madison Avenue, the Southwest Corner of Madison Avenue and 67th Street. The 4000-sq-ft location was formerly occupied by Ungaro and features two floors of selling pace, plus a finished lower level.
Michael Kors already has two stores on Madison, one at one at 77th and another at 60th. We hear that this grand space will serve as a Michael Kors emporium and sell merchandise from all lines ranging from Michael Kors Collection to MK.
With all these new store openings one has to wonder which retailer Cintra Wilson will hit first for her New York Time’s column. We are placing our bets on MK. What do you think?
Hermès Boutique Sale
How many times has an Hermès sales person told you that the boutiques never have sales? Countless, right? Aren’t you glad you know better.
The Hermès store at the Shops at Riverside, in Hackensack, NJ is hosting a sale where ready-to-wear, shoes, hats and gloves are 40% to 60% off. (Bags, small leather goods, belts, jewelry, scarves, ties, etc. are not included in the markdown.) Move quickly, because the sale runs just until Saturday.
Last year, we found high-heel platform lizard sandals that were reduced from $2350 to $1410, black patent leather flats with a silver “Kelly” buckle were $388 from $970 and suede high boots were $710 from $1775. In the ready-to-wear department we spotted a silk trench coat that for $2920 from $7300, a $10,600 cashmere coat with a mink collar was marked down to $4240, a heavy brandy wool winter scarf was $573 from $895, a $345 rain hat with an orange lining was reduced to $207 and a bright orange knit cap with darker Hs was $177.
The best part of the sale, however, was the helpful staff and civilized high service Hermès environment. Try getting that at Soiffer Haskin.
Speaking of which… the Hermès sample sale extravaganza at Soiffer Haskin (Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St.) will run from Wednesday, March 23 to Sunday, March 27. This week, well connected Hermès customers received invitations to the VIP sales day that will take place on Tuesday, March 22. If you’re not a VIP, it pays to become friendly with a sales person- like now!
Contact: Manny 201 -487-1111
The Shops at Riverside
Petit Bateau Warehouse Sale
It’s time to get our heads out of the snow and start to smell the Park Avenue tulips. March is here and warm days are not too far away. It’s almost Spring!
In order to help us along, Petit Bateau is hosting a huge sample sale of spring merchandise. Prices will be from 50% to 60% off retail and we hear that the warehouse is stocked with a rainbow of stripped cotton classics. In addition to the standard kiddy collection there is a large assortment of candy colored adult tees, which are simply the best.
Don’t wait too long if you’re looking to stock up on the beloved French cotton. Just like March, this pop-up sale is coming in like a lion and will be gone like a lamb.
Petit Bateau Warehouse Sale
524 Hudson Street (between 10th & Charles)
March 3 to April 30
Mon- Fri 9am to 6pm, Sat 10 to 5, Sun 11 to 5
Cash and credit cards only
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