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    Pre-Christmas Sales on 5th Ave and Across 57th St

    We are in the Christmas shopping home stretch. We have briefed you on happenings along Madison Avenue and in our local department stores. Today, we bring you a recapitulation of the markdowns along Fifth Avenue and across 57th Street.

    Bottega Veneta: The first markdown started earlier this month. Shoes and clothing are discounted 30% to 40%. (Last year the discount was 50%?!) If you’re trying to find a bag on sale, we suggest you hit a department store our the outlet. The boutique doesn’t mark down bags, at least to mere mortals.
    Angeline: 212-371-5511

    Dior: No sale. No sale. No Sale. We hear, however, that the Woodbury outlet has received the fall and winter collection and the discount is 30% off. At the same time last year, the discount at the Dior boutique was 40% and 50% off on ready-to-wear.
    Jenny: 212-249-5822

    Emilio Pucci: There is still a great selection of Pucci sale merchandise. Most clothing, shoes and bags are now 40% off. Unfortunately, ski attire isn’t on sale. If you find an item that isn’t on sale a manager might be able to assist, if you know what I mean.
    Marcia: 212 230-1135

    Ferragamo: Men’s and women’s shoes, clothing and select bags are 35% off. We hear that inventory is starting to run low. We say wait for after Christmas. Prices here usually get very good towards January/ February.
    Sal: 212-759-3822

    Miu Miu: The discount on clothes, shoes and bags is just 30%. Last year, the sale was much better at a 50% discount. What’s worse is that there is barely any inventory and there wasn’t even a presale!
    Judith 212-249-9660

    Norma Kamali: On Wednesday, select items will be marked down up to 85% including swim styles, terry, poly jersey, sleeping bag coats. Camo sleeping bag coat styles will be available at 50% off.
    212-957-9797

    Yves Saint Laurent: The discount is just 30% to 40% off, depending on the item. The 57th Street location still has lots of merchandise. Other boutiques are expected to transfer their merchandise to this NYC flagship, which should translate into super discounts come January/Feb.
    Everest 212-980-2970

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    Pre-Christmas Department Store Overview

    Christmas is just six days away and the ca-ching of cash registers is going strong. Although boutique sales seem to be stronger than past years, it’s the department stores that are truly signing jolly tunes. Unfortunately, a retailer’s cheer is often associated with the discount shoppers lament.

    This season, we are seeing slower markdowns and less items on the discount list. Have no fear, there are still sales from which to take advantage. Here is a rundown of the current department store landscape. We will be sure to update you as sale news occurs.

    Barneys: A second markdown started just this week. Many designer items are now 60% off regular prices. Prices online still seem to be stuck at 40% off. As usual, we suggest shopping in person or calling the store to get the best deal.

    Bergdorf Goodman: The discount is still just 30% off. Historically, Bergdorf’s is the last and slowest to markdown their merchandise. The upshot is that they have the most inventory at the tail of the season. We will keep our eyes open as prices get adjusted.

    Bloomingdales: It seems as if Bloomingdales is always running a sale. Keeping up with all the discounts is sometimes the most difficult part. Bloomies took their first markdown around Thanksgiving and has been adding extra incentives since. Sale items and clearance are now an additional 40% off and if you use your Bloomingdales card you will get an extra 15% off. Total savings is about 65% on many items.

    Saks: The designer sale started on December 7 with a 30% discount on shoes and items for men. Women’s clothing was 40% off. Although the discount isn’t stellar, there is a nice assortment of discount Chanel shoes. Of all the department stores, Saks is usually the most aggressive with its markdowns. The slowdown in reductions is likely a good sign for shareholders.

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    Gift Idea: Zara Bag

    Sometimes we fall guilty in getting caught up with the newest trend or trying to run so far ahead of the curve that we end up with some very bazar purchases. There is never time for buyers remorse but there is always something to buy to make up for the miscalculation.

    This season, I made the mistake of spending way too much money on a bag that was a bit too trendy and too heavy to carry. Frankly, a purse is meant to carry a few key belongings not to build muscle in your forearm. It only occurred to me that I made apurchase mistake when I subconsciously found myself abandoning my purse at a local Gap. My next mission was to find a practical and inexpensive replacement.

    Unexpectedly, this Zara bag appeared as if a message from the gods of practicality. It’s just $109.90 and light! It has a stylish look that could be related to the Givanchy bag collection or maybe Balenciaga. Who knows? The bottom line is that the leather is very nice and did I mention it’s light? Just be mindful that this particular bag can only be found at the Zara on 59th Street & Lexington Avenue.

    We call this the perfect item for the sometimes impractical woman you love. Click here to see our growing list of gift ideas.

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    Temperley Lowers Sale Prices

    We just received word that prices have been reduced at the Temperley London sample sale. Most items are now between 75% and 80% off. Shoppers say there is still a nice assortment of sweaters and sweater dresses. So perfect for weather like this.

    Although we greatly appreciate Target reissuing designs from some of their most successful collaborations, we prefer to stick to the real thing. Especially when the price is 80% off. Real wool is so much better than a poly-blend.

    Friday is the last day. Don’t delay!

    Temperley London
    Friday, December 17
    Fri 11am to 7pm
    453 Broome Street, 2nd Floor

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    Gift Idea: Japanese Mooncakes

    We’re going to be blunt: bringing your hostess flowers is thoughtful but a huge pain. Who wants to worry about pulling a vase, cutting flowers and arranging them while your guests are arriving?A bottle of wine is thoughtful too but by the time guests arrive the host has likely taken care of buying spirits.

    We think it is more considerate and creative to bring your host or hostess a small token of appreciation. A cookbook, chocolates or a small kitchen accessory is always a nice consideration. But the mooncakes from Japanese bakery, Minamoto Kitchoan is more like an ace up the sleeve.

    This traditional confectionery is like the Tiffany’s of Japanese sweet delicacies. Every item is painstaking assembled and handled like a rare gem. The bakery’s speciality is wagashi, or handmade intricate sweets made with mochi, azuki red bean paste and fruit. These sweets are traditionally used at Japanese tea ceremonies but are just as cherished as a gift.

    What’s even better is that the store is located almost directly across the street from Saks Fifth Avenue! Shoes for me, mooncakes for you!

    Minamoto Kitchoan
    608 5th Avenue (The entrance is on 49th off of Fifth)
    212-489-3747

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    Diamond Values on the Rise

    After years of hearing about lousy retail economics, it’s nice to finally report a rosy outlook. One of the most cheerful segments of the retail sectors seems to be the turnaround in the jewelry market.

    The International Diamond Exchange or IDEX reports that demand for polished stones is increasing and there are even shortages among high demand stones.

    As the consumer’s hunger of polished diamond increases, so do prices. Any good investor will tell you it’s better to cash out of an asset while the market is hot than to hold off for unknown future economics.

    DivorceYourJewels.com is the perfect service to assist in navigating the tricky market of jewels and gems. The company has assisted 1000s of customers cash out of valuables without dealing with the questionable ethics of 47th Street or the huge fees of auction houses.

    DivorceYourJewels.com is a full service company with a personal touch. Missy, the company’s founder, meets with every client personally –even at your home– to review their needs and furnish them with gemological certification, if necessary.

    If you’re not in the market to sell, you can check out the DivorceYourJewels.com online store to get great deals on designer jewelry and watches.

    DivorceYourJewels.com
    Missy Schorr
    917-846-9999

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    Madison Avenue Pre-Christmas Sales

    We are a mere days from Christmas and the pressure is mounting. For the final countdown, we are going to canvas the city in order to find the best deals. Today we hit dozens of Madison Avenue women’s boutiques to form our most comprehensive sale round-up ever.

    Carolina Herrera: Pre-fall and fall merchandise is 50% off. Our sizing is limited it’s worth taking a look because the collection was particularly beautiful. Even if you don’t find the perfect down you’re likely to walk away with a valuable sweater or basic.
    Michelle 212-249-6552

    Chanel: The private sale started December 15 and the discount will is 40% off ready-to-wear, select shoes and accessories. There is a tiny selection of discount bags but the classics are not included.
    Stephanie 212-535-5505

    Chloe: The markdown started almost a month ago, so the availability of discount merchandise is a bit low. The discount is 40% and if you motivate your sales person, she may be able to track down exactly what you’re looking for.
    Incus: 212-717-8220

    Christian Louboutin: The 40% off discount has been going on for more than two weeks. What’s left? “It all depends on size.” Sale items include select fall/winter shoes and fashion pieces.
    Erich 212-396-1884

    Dolce & Gabbana: The 40% markdown started December 1. Even so, the store is so big that you can always find an item to try on or explore. We expect the discount to go to 60% either right after Christmas. Keep your eyes open.
    Rodney 212-249-4100

    Gucci: Inventory is starting to run low, as Gucci as customers pick through the sale items. Ready-to-wear and shoes are 40% off, and bags are about 30% off. The Madison Avenue store is a bit low on merchandise, even though the discount isn’t as good as usual. We suggest hitting the internet after browsing the boutique.
    Maura 212-717-2619

    Jil Sander: The ready-to-wear, shoes and bags are 40% off. We are told that most of the exciting pieces are already gone. You might have better luck in the shoe and bag department.
    Jose 212-838-6100

    Jimmy Choo: There’s still a good selection of boots, bags and shoes, which are still just 30% off. Sizes are also abundant. We think it’s a good idea to hold out for the next markdown, if you can.
    Faisa 212-759-7078

    Lanvin:
    The markdown is still just 30% off clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories. We are hoping for a second price cut, but we are told that other Lanvin boutiques never go below 30%. Now, that’s a bummer!
    Christopher 646-439-0381

    Luca Luca: The discount is mainly 50% off with an abundant inventory of day dresses and luncheon wear. There is a small selection of evening gowns discounted to 50% but most are 30% or 40% off.
    Solia 212-288-9285

    Michael Kors: Fall and pre-fall clothing is marked down 50% and accessories are 40% off. There is still a large selection but some sizes are running thin– so to speak. Customers who wear a size 2 through 8 will probably have the most luck in finding what they are looking for.
    Tony 212-452-4685

    Missoni: The is discounted 50% off but the nicest sweaters and knits are already sold out. Scarves were never included in the sale but that selection is running low too.
    Paige 212-517-9339.

    Oscar de la Renta: Dresses and gowns are 40% off and there are still plenty of knock-outs from which to choose. Sometimes it’s hard to get past the dresses but don’t overlook the shoes and jewelry, which are also 40% off.

    Prada: This was the most disappointing sale season in ages, according to veteran customers and sales associates. The markdown was just 30% and there were only about 10 pair of shoes on sale. Everyone is very disappointed. There is one bright spot. We hear that the boutique just received a shipment of sale bags from Italy. We are on our way!
    Betty 212-327-4200

    Reed Krakoff: The Madison Avenue new-comer started their 40% off markdown last month but there is still a great variety of ready-to-wear and shoes. Bags sold pretty quickly but there are still a few styles from which to choose.
    Manny: 212-988-0560

    Sigerson Morrison: Markdowns are still in progress. Select items are 40% off. There is a wide selection of shoes, boots and handbags on sale. While shoe shopping, don’t miss the Sigerson Morrison lambskin fur shawls ($1000) and hats by Mischa Lampert, which that range from $135 to $290.
    Amelia 212-734-2100

    Valentino: Expect to find a full assortment of ready-to-wear. The selection if sale bags is running thin but there is still a nice assortment of shoes. We suggest calling about sizes.
    Robert 212-772-6969

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    Rodarte Sale Location Revealed

    Yes, we know that rsvp-ing is a lot of commitment. So, as promised, we have your information about tomorrow’s secret Rodarte sample sale. SpyMom confirms that this year’s sale will once again take place at the chic Ace Hotel. Remember, credit cards are not accepted! Click here to read about the expected merchandise selection and pricing information.

    Rodarte Sample Sale
    Thurs., Dec. 16
    9:30am to 6:30om
    First come first serve
    Ace Hotel
    20 West 29th St. (b/w 5th and Broadway)

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