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    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


    Sponsored Post

    The Best Target Reissues

    Later this month, Target will be reissuing some of their best and brightest designer collaborations, including Proenza Schouler, Zac Posen, Rodarte and Thakoon. We must admit that we have gathered some really great pieces from these limited run collections. It’s a shame that the more recent designer collaborations have had diminished quality and higher price points.

    For reputation of the designers and the sake of Target customers we can only hope that the quality of the reissues will remain true to the originals, even if the prices don’t. Fashionista.com recently posted pictures of the entire 34-piece collection– which happens to only includes dresses for some reason. Below is a list of what we think are the best of the best. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have.

    The collection officially goes live online March 13 and is available in-stores until April 10. If you miss it, there’s always eBay.

    Top left: Tracy Fieth, Jonathan Saunders, Libertine,
    Bottom left: Alice Temperley, Zac Posen, Thakoon

    Retail Therapy: Gigi Mortimer

    Fashion week has just ended and we couldn’t resist recruiting Gigi Mortimer for our Retail Therapy hot seat. Gigi is best known among friends for her sharp sense of style and relaxed attitude. Most people, however, don’t appreciate her knack for spotting great deals.

    Gigi tells the story about how she fell in love with Baccarat’s black chandelier collection. She was unsure of the lofty price, so she decided to hold off on its purchase. Everything changed when Gigi received a phone call about an upcoming Baccarat price increase. She just couldn’t resist the opportunity to save money on the showpiece and swooped in and purchased it for her foyer.

    In addition to her great shopping skills, Gigi has a design resume that could overshadow even the most decorated garmento. She has held senior design positions at some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Tory Burch. Um, the woman even designed the Vera Wang Barbie with Mattel. Talk about a dream project.

    Most recently, Gigi and long-time friend Courtney Moss started Glamourpuss NYC, a playful accessories brand. For fall, the company produces rabbit fur hats, scarves and hoods. This summer, the company is introducing the most delicious watercolor caftans and beaded jewelry. We love the fact that most of the items in the Glamourpuss collection are under $200 and can be found locally at Saks Fifth Avenue and Calypso.

    What’s your most prized deal?
    Ten Years ago, while shopping deep in the corridors of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, I stumbled upon a magnificent pearl and semi precious stone tassel necklace. I bought the necklaces and gave one to my mother, grandmother, and best friend. For the last decade its timeless style has been a staple in my wardrobe. I love wearing it with traditional pearls and a suit to a ladies lunch or pair it with a white tank and a tan and wear it to a beach party. For our Glamourpuss NYC spring collection we are recreating this necklace in five fabulous colors. Cultured pearl with shocking pink quartz, Turquoise with cultured pearls, gold nuggets with pearls and navy quartz with pearls for $475. We recently saw a similar necklace in WWD from Van Cleef in Paris.

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    No regrets. I always find something new to fall in love with.

    This season you are looking for…
    After this long cold dreary winter, I am looking for COLOR.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Never buy two of the same thing even though you think you need two. Never buy pants loose they always stretch. One more thing, Saks Fifth Avenue’s Fifth Avenue Club has fantastic service and elegant changing rooms.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Organic Avenue juices they are a healthy luxury. I’m also obsessed with chocolate drizzled popcorn from Greenberg Bakery, two-inch T-bones from Leonard’s grilled with truffle salt and olive oil which challenges Mario Batali’s finest.

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    If you love it and it will become a part of your seasons uniform, its worth every penny.

    Photo Credit: Joshua Bright for Vogue

    Ralph Lauren Home Sale

    If you’ve always dreamed of surrounding yourself within the equestrian theme of Ralph Lauren, here’s your chance to decorate for less. Ralph Lauren Home is hosting a sale where furniture, lighting, home accessories, decorative pillows, gifts, vintage items and antiques will be significantly discounted.

    The sale runs from Friday through Monday. In prior years, this promotion was only open to Ralph Lauren employees but the discount was great with markdowns up to 75% off. We hope that the sale this year offers the same pricing but we have our doubts.

    Beware, organizers don’t want your kids and their sticky fingers. So no children under 12 will be admitted. On the plus side, there will be shippers on the premises to assist you with your purchases but costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the customer.

    Ralph Lauren Home Sale
    Friday, February 25 to Monday, February 28th
    Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-6pm, Mon 9am-5pm
    110 West 19th Street
    For more information: (718) 747-1656
    CREDIT CARDS ONLY

    Mi Casa su Armani Casa

    Amani’s Casa can now come to your casa at much more reasonable prices. The Soho store is currently hosting a sale where select merchandise is up to 60% off. The sale runs until Sunday, February 27th.

    Wether you’re purchasing merchandise on sale or full price, be sure to take advantage of the boutique’s resident interior designer who can help with everything from accent pieces, furniture placement to full on decorating.

    Armani Casa
    97 Greene St. (near Spring St.)
    212-334-1271

    Bloomies Fashionable Fundraiser

    Bloomingdales is hosting their Fashionable Fundraiser promotion where customers can save 15% on purchases in honor of the department store donating $75,000 to Mentoring USA. The event starts Friday, February 25th and runs until Sunday.

    Unfortunately, cosmetics and all designer brands except Max Mara are excluded. We’re not sure what that leaves us beyond “Aqua” but we’re sure you will find something to put the discount to good use.

    If only the promotion could be applied towards 40 Carrots…