We enjoyed the snow immensely but we thought it would be prudent to get out of town before the streets get to slushy. We are very excited to say good-bye to the frozen piles of white ice and hello to frozen white daiquiris.
Au revoir 2010, bonjour 2011!
Yves Saint Laurent has taken an additional price cut on the fall and winter collection. The discount is now 50% off. There is a nice selection of bags, shoes and clothing. If you’re snowed in, you can check YSL.com where there are also a few sale items.
We were really interested in snagging one of those bright colored plastic purses, but of course, they didn’t get marked down. Another option is this fabulous leather shoulder bag that was $1595 and is now checking out at $795. Pink Trib sandals are reduced from $760 to $459. We also found a few color variations of the classic muse discounted.
The Gucci and YSL discounts are usually timed pretty close to one another. So we wouldn’t be surprised to hear of a double discount on the double-Gs very soon.
Everest 212-980-2970
When the snow keeps you captured at home, there are only a few things to occupy your time. There’s always blessed sleep, but you have to roll out of bed at some point. Then there is eating but to get the good stuff, you have to cook.
Lynne Rossetto Kasper is one of our favorite culinary experts. Her podcast, The Splendid Table, is as comforting as a molten lava chocolate cake. It’s cooking made simple, non-judgemental and always delicious. In a recent episode, our favorite fashion persona, Isaac Mizrahi is interviewed about holiday tips.
After a hard day’s work, Isaac feeds himself with lots of wine in order to save up Weightwatchers points for when the real holiday festivities begin. This year, the in party food was not full course meals, according to Isaac, but heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts or dinner by the bite.
“I say good-bye to dinner. I love the hors d’oeuvre with the drink. And I love the dessert. Who needs a roast?” Isaac exclaims. It’s the perfect way to keep your cloths closing. Truth is, we all know that’s what really matters.
In the interview, Isaac also gives advice on making his toile cookie gifts, but it’s his creative table setting suggestions that got us thinking, dah-ling. “I do newspaper instead of a table cloth and then lay glassware on top of that. I think if you get bored you can read through your plate.” he says. “If you are at a really boring dinner– I hope it’s not mine– you can read headlines or editorials.”
Personally, we love the idea, but are concerned about newspaper print mixing with our food, or clothing. Do you think a clear table cloth should go on top or are we over thinking this one? An all white table setting is akin to the little black dress and is a timeless alternative.
When you are done shopping online, we urge you to listen to the Isaac’s homemaking tips and continue on to hear Nigella Lawson speak about her favorite cookbooks. (She is truly a domestic goddess.) One podcast and we promise you will be hooked on LRK (Lynne Rossetto Kasper) as hard as you are on a JPG Birkin. It really doesn’t get any better.
Reed Krakoff has started their second markdown on select handbags, ready-to-wear, footwear, small leather goods and accessories. The discount has gone from 40% to 60% off.
Although the brand’s first shoe collection was great, we found it to be a bit expensive. We say buy-pass the shoes and overpriced Coach handbags and take time examining the very well finished and stylish ready-to-wear. The collection was both chic and well priced.
Manny: 212-988-0560
Alexis Bittar has started their semi-annual sale. Jewels of all type and luster are on sale for half-off. Those still snowbound, can do their shopping online.
There is problem. We are finding it very hard to choose which items to buy. This large hinge bangle, which is reduced to $262 from $525 is one option. How about these crystal hoop earrings that are now $82 from $165? How can you go wrong with an extra large domed ring, $127.50 from $255?
We’re really not sure what to choose. We just warn you not to wonder out of the sale section. The selection there is already vast enough, more items just makes the purchase process more confusing!
We know you’ve been spending a lot of energy indulging almost everyone you know and their pets. Isn’t it about time you start thinking of yourself a bit and prepare for the frigid months ahead and your personal hibernation?
ABC Carpet & Home is the perfect destination to add warmth to your den. What’s even better is the three-day preview sale, which starts Monday, December 27. The discount will range from 20% to 80% off, which will add a bit of insulation to your wallet in addition to your home.
Hundreds of designer items such as Tom Dixon, John Reeves, Barbara Barry and Ralph Lauren are on the discount list. For example, you can expect to find Frette queen bedsets for $375 from $1,250, a Barbara Barry conversation sofa with handpicked fabric for $4999 from $8250 and a John Reeves Louis black night chest for $499 from $795.
To hibernate properly, you will have to keep your feet warm. And of course, ABC Carpet & Home always has the best selection of rugs that can do just that. The rug and carpet discount ranges from 50% to 80%. The “one size, one price” special cannot be missed. For instance, 8×10 rugs normally range in price from $2999 to $5999 but will cost just $1499. In the 10×14 category, rugs will be marked down to $2499, which normally range from $3999 to $9999. Can you think of anything more luxurious than a 100% wool velvet Ralph Lauren carpet priced at $79.90-per-yard from $149?
In addition, many sale items will be available to purchase online. The preview sale runs until Wednesday, December 29 but continues on for the general public until January 30th. We suggest shopping early to get the best picks. Then you can really belt out the lyrics … Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
ABC Carpet & Home Winter Sale
Preview sale: Monday, December 27 until Wednesday, December 29
Sale: December 30 through January 30
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 10-7, Thur 10-8, Sat 11-7, Sun 12-6:00
888 Broadway @ 19th Street (Click here to see more locations)
We originally planed to write a long story about the best post-Christmas shopping destinations but we know that walking three blocks in this blizzard is more adventure than most people need. So, for the sake of sensibility (which is totally out of character) we are going to break down the best online sales. Please let us know if we missed any goodies!
Saks: So you thought that the sales of 2008 would never occur again? Well, think again. As a post-Christmas promotion, Saks discounted a wide assortment of items to 70% off. One customer reported snagging a pair of $2500 Louboutin thigh-high boots for just $800. Moncler jackets at 40% off were being picked like organic tomatoes. The additional discounts were only valid until noon today in stores but continues online until midnight Sunday.
Barneys: The selection might be great at Barneys but the shopping experience is almost always horrible. Snow or no snow, online seems to work out best, especially right now. The discount appears to be up to 70% off and there are great selections from Lanvin, Proenza and Fendi. Miu Miu bow flats for $199 seem like a very reasonable price. We know that shoes are always the first click but don’t overlook the clothing. There are some truly amazing pieces.
Net-a-Porter: We would normally endorse a full-on shopping spree but prices haven’t been cut much further since the 50% off post-Thanksgiving sale. For browsing purposes, always sort by discount and keep an eye on the farther reductions tab.
Bergdorfgoodman: The online discount is 60% off and we were surprised to find that some items were less expensive on BG.com than NeiemanMarcus.com. Check out these Alexandre Birman python heels for $299 from $750. There’s also a nice assortment of discount Lanvin an Jason Wu clothing still available.
Victoria’s Secret: Yeah, we know we may be browsing outside our tony neighborhood but nothing seems more sensible than comfort right now. That can only mean one thing: new sleepwear. We especially like these thermal cotton PJs, which are $30 from $50.
The 57th Street Christian Lacriox store is running a sale where discounts range from 50% to 80% off. No, this isn’t one of those sales where everything you pick up is several thousand dollars and still has a four-digit price tag after the discount.
Most ready-to-wear is 60% off and select gowns are 70% to 80% off. Most jewelry, shoes and handbags are 60% off. Take a look out for one accessory case in particular, the discount is 70%.
It seems as if the selection is starting to run low but there are still some wonderful pieces like a 5-inch wide embossed croc belt, edgy floral dresses (no, it’s not an oxymoron) and eye catching rhinestone shoes.
Despite the fact that Lacriox reported a profit this summer, we didn’t see any incoming merchandise. We hope that new shipments are coming soon and our worst suspicions are wrong.
Hubert: 212-753-2569
