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    Christian Lacroix 80% Off

    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

    Pre-Christmas Shopping in Meatpacking

    We are combing the city looking for the best deals. While there are only three shopping days left until Christmas, we know you need to keep to a budget. We’re telling you what discount to expect before you get to the store. So far, we’ve covered Madison Avenue, the department stores, Fifth Ave/57th Street and now we’re heading down to the Meatpacking district.

    Adam: The fall collection is 40% and prefall is 65% off. There are only two racks of prefall merchandise but there are still four racks of clothing from the fall collection. Unfortunately, holiday and resort are not on sale.
    Maya 212-229-2838

    Alexander McQueen: The markdown is a reasonable 60%. Bags and shoes are running low but there is still a great selection of clothing from which to choose. We suggest shopping online to get an idea of what you like but then going to the store. The boutiques have a lot more inventory and a much better assortment.
    Mosell 212-645-1797

    Catherine Malandrino: The prefall collection is 60% off and fall is 40%. There is a wide assortment of dresses from the runway collection, which are included in the sale. There are still lots of sizes available but 0s and 2s are starting to run low.
    Janette 212-929-8710

    DVF: The fall season is discounted 30%, plus an additional 20% for a total of about 45% off. Smart shoppers hit the sample sale where prices were 50% to 75% off. If sample sales aren’t you’re thing you can still hold out for the final markdown, which is about 70%.
    Ashley 646-486-4800

    Jeffery NYC: Jeffery cut prices 40% on winter merchandise just last week. It’s going to be another week or two until another markdown is made. Shoes are always the fastest to sell at Jeffery. There are a few styles of Lanvin and Chanel shoes that are included in the markdown but most were sold out before sale season even started. You’re likely to have much better luck in the clothing section where there is still a great assortment of designers and sizes available.
    Michelle 212-206-1272

    Matthew Williamson: Everything is so much more colorful downtown but few designers are brighter than Matthew Williamson. The discount just dropped to 60% off and there are still a lot of great items available. There is word of a friends and family sale but we are told that wouldn’t be until February. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
    Stephanie 212-255-9881

    Moschino: There is still quite a bit of merchandise left over from Cheap & Chic and Moschino’s main collection even thought the discount is 60% off. The inventory for men is almost all cleared out but women looking for great looking coats are in for a jolly holiday.
    Justin 212-243-8600

    Ports 1961: The markdown is still only 30% off but last weekend there was a promotion where coats and sweaters were 50% off. We are told that the coat and sweater deal will still be honored but we aren’t sure for how long. We suggest holding out for friends and family, which usually entices customers with a 70% off discount sometime in January.
    Heidi 917-475-1022

    Stella McCartney: The fall/winter collection is 60% off, which is considerably better than the 40% to 50% markdown from last Christmas. Unfortunately, there is less merchandise this year. As usual, Adidas merchandise is not on sale but there are plenty of knits, trousers and blouses. Most of the coats that made it to discount season are already gone.
    Jason 212-255-1556

    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

    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.

    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.

    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

    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

    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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