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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

    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)

    Versace Presale 50% Off

    We have officially found the best markdown of the season– thus far. Versace is currently preselling fall and winter collection at a 50% discount. The runway collection, shoes and bags are all included in the half-off markdown.

    One has to wonder if the steep initial discount and rare inclusion of the runway collection is a sign of difficulties for the house of Versace. In prior years, the discount stated at 30% and then continued to 50%. During boom times, however, the Italian company decided to do away with discounts all together. The sight mall trolling teens with discount Versace was just too much.

    Well, not any more. Teens, this is your chance to load up and hit the mall!

    Contact: Gilles 212-317-0224

    Gift Idea: Dannijo Pile-On

    I think we’ve mentioned how much we have been enjoying the less expensive thrills of fashion jewelry. One of our favorite designers for bold edgy pieces is Dannijo. There is just one problem. It doesn’t seem as if one great piece is ever enough.

    To really achieve a bold look you’re going to want to employ the more-is-more philosophy. Stack a series of three or four smaller bracelets on one arm and a bold bangle on the other. Pair a glittery set of earrings with an eye-popping cocktail ring. If you’re not sure of how this pile-up works, check out Melissa Meyers’s Dannijo tutorial on PageDaily.com.

    All you need to do is add some wild hair for drama and you are set to go — even if you’re wearing all black. A great selection of Dannijo can be found at Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter and on the Dannijo website.

    Dior: Straight to Outlets

    Last month, we reported that the Dior boutique was moving from their Madison Avenue location to 57th. As a result, the entire sale season was in question. Today, we received word that Dior outlets have received a hefty shipment of fall shoes, accessories and clothing hot off the boutique racks.

    The discount ranges from 30% to 40% off retail, which isn’t very attractive for an outlet price. If you don’t need an item right away, we suggest waiting for after Christmas. Outlets usually run amazing holiday discount sales that range from an extra 30% to 50% off.

    Dior @ Woodbury Common
    845-928-4602

    Gift Idea: Fine Vintage

    Our dance card has been filled with several wonderful holiday parties. Whether it’s a magazine fette at a hot new venue or a networking event at a Fifth Avenue penthouse, you need to make the decision if you want to be noticed for your bold fashion choices or understated elegance.

    On either occasion it’s easy to make into cliche fashion choices. The most eye-popping looks are not the obvious choices like a Chanel clutch or Hermes JPG evening bag. When inspecting the fashion choices of other invited guests, we’ve really started to appreciate the unexpected.

    Vintage and consignment stores are the best way to capture an accessory or accent that is unpredictable. LA’s Decades Two has been running a huge Chanel sale over the past week. While we expect the boutique had an amazing assortment the online merchandise has quickly dwindled.

    Instead we found an amazing collection of corc Judith Leiber clutches. They are both stylish, understated and not jeweled! The prices range from $680 to $800 but the site is running a 15% off promotion if you use the code CHA15.

    Don’t be shy. Take a look. You might find a gift that is perfectly unpredictable. Just remember that this is a consignment store, which means there are no backsies!

    This Week’s Worthy Sample Sales

    The weeks leading up to Christmas are always prime for sample sales. There are literally dozens scheduled for this week but not all of them are worthy of your time and money. In order to save you energy, we combed through our inbox and favorite blogs to compose a list of Madison Avenue Spy worthy sample sales.

    Proenza Schouler
    Tuesday, December 14 to Thursday, December 16
    9am to 6pm
    495 Broadway (@ Broome St), 8th floor

    The sale opens to the public on Tuesday, which means Monday is a VIP, press or friends and family day. We imagine that this sale won’t be armed with secret service investigators. So die-hard Proenza fans, you know what you need to do.

    Prices are reported to range from $70 to $1430, which sounds significantly discounted from full retail. Merchandise will include, samples and unsold stock from fall 2010 and previous seasons. Shoes are always the first to sell out at their prior sales. If you’re willing to wait it out, prices are cut on the last day.
    c/o: NY.Racked

    Rodarte
    Thursday, December 16
    Undisclosed Location
    info@rodarte.net

    Most consumers can agree that the prices of Rodarte are kind of retarte. For this reason, this sample sale is always a reader favorite. You need to RSVP to find out the location of the sale and schedule an appointment. We have an idea of where it is but can’t post until we know for sure.

    Once you get an appointment, hit the ATM because the sale is cash only. Prices usually range from $40 to $4000. Ready-to-wear, shoes, t-shirts and accessories will be available, in addition to a few men’s knits. Some items can be taken home for a just a few hundred dollars but the wow-peices are closer to $1000. As we said, hit the ATM and make sure you know your daily withdrawal limit.
    c/o: Mizhattan

    Alexander Wang
    Thursday, December 16 to Sunday, November 19
    Thurs-Sat 10am to 7pm , Sun 9am to 2pm
    93 Mercer Street (b/w Spring and Broome)

    Who doesn’t love Alexander Wang? Even better, who doesn’t love Alexander Wang on sale! The sale will include merchandise from this season and include, bags, shoes, and T by Alexander Wang for men and for women. Discounts will be up to 80% off retail.

    The sale opens to the public on Thursday but in past seasons there is always a day or two of employee and press shopping. Frankly, that’s when the $300 Darcy and $250 Rocco bags are gobbled up. Prices for clothing usually range from $60 to $200 and up.
    c/o: NY.Racked