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    Following the Markdowns Update

    Earlier this season, we took stock of our readers’ most wanted items. As sale season heats up, we thought it would be a good idea to check in on the objects of our obsession and their markdown status.
    1. Chloe Elsie Large Satchel $1395


    Follow Up: The Elsie has not made it on sale in department stores or the boutique. A great alternative is the Abby, which is 40% off at Chloe boutiques. The sale price for the large Abby is about $1115 from $1875.
    2. Givenchy Nightingale $1900-$2300
    Follow Up: As expected, this puppy is going to be difficult to find on sale. Not may stores carry Givenchy bags, which makes the task even tougher. Bluefly has a host of Givenchy bags, which are about 30% off and the Melancholia is on sale at Barneys for $839 from $1405.

    Follow Up: This coat was reduced to 50% off at Missoni boutiques, in mid-November, but is currently all sold out.
    4. Cesare Paciotti heels $500-$600

    Follow up: Almost anyone will admit that Louboutins are a bit overplayed. We thought it would be fun to expand our shoe horizons. Most shoes are now 30% off at the Cesare Paciotti boutique and a limited styles and bags are 50% off.
    Follow Up: We guessed that you would be able to snag this little number for at least 30% off but it’s now 40% off or $474.

    Follow Up: When we first posted about this dress it was already reduced to $528. There have been no further reductions.
    Follow up: We first predicted that this necklace should go to 50% off but it’s still just 30% off or $342. We still think it will get reduced further. If you’re looking for a better deal now, browse through the selection on Oscar’s website. This exact piece is exclusive to Saks but there is still a great selection and it’s all 40% off.

    Follow up: This it bag is now $499 at Barneys but the Alexander Wang sample sale is next week. We bet a few early insiders can snag this style bag for under $400.
    Follow Up: As previously reported, Alexander Wang’s online store marked these beauties down 40%. Unfortunately, they are now all sold out. At Barneys they are now $539 but finding them may be difficult, unless you are a size 11. The bright side is that they do run very small.
    Follow Up: The bad news is that this exact style did not make it markdown. However, the more sporty version, with a shearling lining is now 50% off or $490 from $980.

    Gift Ideas: Texting Gloves

    During the winter, you can go through a pair of gloves a week. You’re in a cab, gloves come off to pay and voila, they are forgotten and abandoned. Sometimes lefty is gone, other times it’s righty. Either way, it’s a huge fashion loss.

    Over the years, I’ve tried tracking expensive leather gloves, tiny $1 gloves and huge ski gloves and I even purchased those clips that kids use to attach their gloves to their coats. Would you believe the whole clip fell off with the glove? I’ve come to realize that it’s best to settle for something more moderate.

    We recently saw these wonderful texting gloves at Saks for $65 and knew they would be perfect. They allow you to easily use your mobile device and are small enough to fit in your pockets. No more forgetting about the gloves on your lap! What’s even more cool is that the flaps can be turned up to protect pointer and thumbkin on the coldest of days.

    I’m just hoping that I can hold on to them through the New Year. As you can see, im setting my expectations low!

    Check out more of our gift ideas by clicking here.

    In Stock: Louis Vuitton Monogram

    Spies report that the Louis Vuitton boutique inside Saks Fifth Avenue has received a hefty shipment of monogram items today. Louis Vuitton has been sold out of most style bags with the iconic logo since mid-summer.

    “This is the largest shipment we have received in a very long time,” a sales associate commented. This shipment comes just in time to fill the needs of logo-hungry holiday shoppers. If you have your heart set on an iPad case though, you might be waiting until Spring. We hear that there were only three in the shipment and the wait list is long and growing.

    One has to wonder how commission earning sales people are dealing with the Vuitton drought. For sport, we used to go to Vuitton boutiques and ask for several known sold out products. The game quickly grew old and the employee’s desperation changed the tone of the joke.

    For the sake of holiday shoppers and Vuitton employees, we just hope that more inventory continues to stock the shelves. For some suburban teenagers, nothing else but a LV logo will do.

    Gift Idea: Rarities Gemstone Earrings

    It would be very easy for us to run to Van Cleef and suggest a $20,000 pair of earrings, which would melt of the heart and dazzle the eyes. However, we’ve never been known to take the easy way out.

    For the longest time we were sticklers to the finest quality jewelry. After a bit of reflection– and adult obligations– we’ve come to realize that you don’t always need to invest a bundle to enjoy great looking jewelry. We’ve recently grown fond of large checkerboard faceted gemstone hanging earrings. The look is elegant and punctuates most any outfit and hair style.

    HSN may be the last destination you imagine when shopping for jewelry but you may want to consider browsing through Carol Brodie’s Rarities collection, which includes the aforesaid earrings, priced at $299. We suggest going with the Prasiolite stone, which is subtle and easily flatters almost any outfit.

    While you’re on the site, don’t miss the diamond feather drop earrings, which are about $1,160. That’s a bit pricey for play jewelry but you can see how this gets addictive.

    Click here to see more of our holiday gift ideas.

    Balmain 80% Off

    It’s kind of comical to shop a sale where the discount is 80% off and still find items that are several thousand dollars. No, we aren’t talking about a used car auction. It’s The OutNet’s Balmain Sale!

    The sale went live today and there are dozens of great wardrobe pieces, including a purple silk-chiffon embroidered mini dress that’s about $3k from $12.3k, a deconstructed ruffled leather mini dress that’s about $3.6k from $14.4k and a cotton-canvas shirt for about $1.4k from $4.7k.

    Balmain’s retail prices seem extreme even in a world where a million dollar salary is considered middle class. Even though these prices are not inexpensive, this sale is a rare opportunity to snag a dream item for the same price as your monthly co-op maintenance.

    Gift Idea: Frédéric Fekkai Haircare

    Suggesting you purchase bathroom toiletries for a loved one seems kinda… um, unthoughtful. Unless of course, it’s the right toiletry. Frédéric Fekkai hair products are a bit of a luxury even if they are part of your daily grooming routine.

    Fekkai Advanced Essential Shea is the newest member of the hair products family. The product grouping is designed to repair dry and damaged hair. Perfect for these harsh and cold winter days. The shampoo and conditioner are $23 each and have a wonderful warm nutty scent.

    If you’re looking for a more economical alternative, we found a set of Fekkai shampoo, conditioner and styling cream for sale at Costco for $29. All you need is a nice bow and we know this gift will not see the crowds of a return line.

    Click here to see a listing of our previous gift ideas.

    Chanel Private Sale

    It took a trip to Soho but our spies have been informed that the Chanel private sale will begin next week. To be precise, the private sale markdown will begin on Wednesday, December 15 and the discount will be 40% off ready-to-wear, select shoes and accessories.

    Don’t be intimidated by the “Private Sale” title. There’s no list. It’s simply a Chanel presale. At the boutique markdowns you can expect to find shoes that are distantly winter styles, like those wolly-mammoth boots with icicle heels. Rain boots and ballet flats are not included. In the bag category, you can expect those multi-color wool style bags but not a patent leather Reissue. Ya catchin’ on?

    For the record, we examined the new Reissue Maxi double flaps and they are exquisite. You better get going if you’re looking to grab one of these new styles for the holidays. All the cruise style bags in SoHo are already spoken for. The price is $4000.

    Erma, Soho 212-334-0055

    Gift Ideas: Rimowa Luggage

    We’ve already covered a few gift ideas for the ladies and girls but we know it’s always most difficult to buy men a gift. Considering his jet-set lifestyle, Mr. Madison shouldn’t be without a Rimowa. Haven’t heard of it? Don’t be shy.

    Forget about a Vuitton wheely, the Rimowa is the only way to travel. Its polycarbonate body is light yet durable. The 365-degree rotating wheels are smoother than a shot of Johnny Walker Blue. As a matter of fact, we joke that this bag could not be pushed more easily even if it were operated by remote control. Oh, did we mention the wonderful color assortment? Totally stylish.

    Bags range in price from about $550 to $1000, depending on size and color and are available at Barneys. It’s not easy to find these puppies on sale, even online. We suggest checking with local luggage retailers for subtile discounts or stalking a nearby boutique a color-way closeout. Click here for a list of Rimowa dealers.