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    John Varvatos Friends and Family

    In the case of the John Varvatos friends and family sale you get the equivalent of a back stage pass. From Tuesday, July 13 to Thursday July, 15 shoppers can save 70% off the spring/summer collection.

    Online shoppers can use the code SP10FF to access the same discount. We are especially digging this racing jacket, which is $420 from $1395.

    Just take notice, all sales are final– just like an unforgettable night at CBGBs.

    Summer Manolo Sale

    The semi-annual Manolo Blahnik has begun. Spring and summer styles are now 60% off and there’s a great selection, according to our spies.

    The initial rush caused lines down the block on Friday, but the fury has slowed over the weekend. In 2009, the big summer markdown was just 50% off and it occurred to weeks later.


    Generally speaking, the last markdown during the winter sale is better because shoes are usually marked down 70% and the boutique also pulls out the exotic skin classic-style pumps. If you’re looking for sandals, however, this is the time to go.

    Contact: Abby 212-582-3007

    Barneys Didn’t Cut Prices

    Barneys announced their final markdown today but their prices are the same as they were two weeks ago.

    On June 27, we posted about Barneys second markdown, which amounted to savings up to 60% off. Prada Plex sandals are still $299 from $750. The $240 Louboutins we quoted are sold out but the seven pair left online are still just 60% off. That Vena Cava dress that was $159 is still, yup, $159.

    Last season, prices were slashed up to 75% off. So we question the validity of this being the final markdown. Maybe we just need to wait until the final final markdown.

    Stella McCartney 60% Off

    The Stella McCartney has reduced spring and summer merchandise to 60% off in stores and online. We are told that there is still a nice range of merchandise from which to choose.

    A Zebra print dress is $99 from $235, a military jacket is $559 from $1395 and a chiffon blouse is $697 from $1675.

    If you’re looking to grab some of these McCartney discounts you might want to go soon. The spring and summer collection is only going to be around for another week.

    Amy: 212-255-1556

    ABC Carpet & Home Summer Sale

    The ABC Carpet & Home Summer Sale — up to 75% off furniture, lighting, tabletop and decorative accessories in all of their stores and online.


    Hot nights call for a cool bed!

    Yes, we love shopping for shoes, bags and clothing, but at some point we run out of closet space. When we find ourselves debating between removing Tom Ford YSL for a new Lanvin we know it’s time to focus our shopping elsewhere. Perfect solution- the bedroom! We spend so much time shopping for threads that we wear, but what about the threads that we sleep on?

    It’s time to redecorate, starting with the bed!

    No need to wait for a big sale. From now until July 18th you can save on organic mattresses, bed linens, pillows, quilts, comforters, robes, sleepwear, decorative textiles, curtain panels, bath towels and accessories! Select bedding from Frette, Society, Pratesi, Yves Delorme, Abyss Habidecor, John Robshaw, Coyuchi, Sferra, Matteo, Labrazel, Downtown, Celso de Lemos, Coco-mat, Org, Umrao, Signoria, Fino Lino and Kevin Obrien are now handsomely discounted.


    So we may not have new homes to live in but we will have something new to sleep on. Plus we will not have to sacrifice anything from the closet.

    ABC Carpet & Home Summer Sale
    Now to Sunday, July 18
    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)

    Sponsored Post

    Retail Therapy: Hunter Bell & Jennifer Dixon

    Many fashion brands fail to succeed because a designer has poor business savvy or an entrepreneurial spirit lacks creativity. In the case of Hunter Bell and Jennifer Dixon these pitfalls were circumvented by bringing the two disciplines into one studio. Hunter took charge of designing her dream collection while Jennifer followed her financial passion.

    Their individual efforts paid off with the formation of Hunter Dixon. The brand, which was officially launched in 2009, is filled with bold colors, unique detailing and abstract prints. Consisting of sleek pants, structured dresses, tailored jackets and classic blouses, Hunter Dixon is a brand where sensible simplicity meets metropolitan style.

    You know we couldn’t resist inching our way into the shopping psyche of this yin-yang duo. What do you think?

    What’s your most prized deal?
    Jennifer: A few seasons ago, Jimmy Choo knee-high, three-inch, black, suede boots, on sale at Kirna Zabete for $399!

    Hunter: A pair of Prada shoes that were under $200 last year that I wear almost everyday and still look brand new!

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    Jennifer: Is it a bad sign of my shopping habits that I don’t have one?!

    Hunter: A great looking pair of vintage heels from a high end vintage store in NYC…I left the store still thinking about the shoes and when I went back the next day to purchase, they were gone.

    This season you are looking for…
    Jennifer: “Jeggings” that aren’t TOO snug and more boyfriend blazers.

    Hunter: Cool pants! I have a closet full of great looking tops and have been wearing jeans for so long that I’m missing good looking pants that are draped and edgy.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Jennifer: Don’t let anyone talk you into something you don’t love (be it a salesgirl or a magazine). If you don’t like it on yourself, or feel sexy when you try it on; you won’t when you get home and you won’t wear it.

    Hunter: when you are too busy with work and don’t have time to run into a local boutique or dept store to find really cool pieces for your wardrobe, visit Shopbop online.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Jennifer: Prada Shoes and Ernest Sewn jeans.

    Hunter: Shoes and Handbags!!

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    Jennifer: A well – made silk blouse that is a classic color and that has a timeless silhouette will be in your closet for several years. A silk blouse can be worn year round these days and can transition well day to night and is an essential piece of the wardrobe.

    Hunter: I never think twice about paying full price for a quality classic item I know i would wear year round and have in my closet for years to come!

    La Perla 40% Off

    La Perla has started their summer sale and lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear are all about 40% off.

    The very lacy Lady Like demi bra is $144 from $240. You can complete your Lady Like set with a boy short, which is $118 from $198. A pretty lavender bikini top is $255 from $425. (The bottom is sold separately.) A long silk slip is $229 from $383.

    Did we fail to mention that there is a selection of men’s merchandise included in the sale? A striped cotton hooded bathrobe is $127 from $212, drawstring lounge plants are $73 from $122 and boxers are $35 from $69.

    La Perla’s markdown usually goes to 60% off by August and you know we just wrote about men’s merchandise so we could post Hot Guy’s picture.

    Bargains at Tiffany

    Tiffany has made so many changes in the past decade. The company stopped distributing products outside their own boutiques, expanded their affordable gift collection, over saturated their affordable gift collection and, most recently, refocused on fine jewelry.

    As cheesy as Tiffany can seem at times, it’s always a nice gift. As gold soars towards $1300 an ounce, we thought it would be fun to crack open few vintage Tiffany catalogues and compare prices. In 2000, gold averaged $279 an ounce. So you would imagine that prices could have easily quadrupled in the past decade. Think again.

    Jean Schlumberger’s “Sixteen Stone” ring in 18k gold with diamonds was $5,600 in 2000 and presently costs $6950. In 2000 the price of an 18k gold “Return to Tiffany” heart tag bracelet was $995. Today the same bracelet is $2150.The Etoile band ring with diamonds is currently $1800 but was $1000 in 2000.

    Even several gift items have stayed at a relatively steady price. A hand painted “Bunny” bank was $65 in 2000 and the redesigned version is now just $95. A “Rock Cut” dessert plate was $16 in 1997 and is now $35. The 9″ Hampton candlesticks were $40 each in 1997, $50 each in 2000 and are now just $70 each.

    Careful, not all prices have held steady. The “Man on the Moon” stirling silver rattle was $90 in 1997, $100 in 2000 but the current lighter weight re-deisgn is a wapping $260.

    As always, shoppers should be careful with what they buy but one has to wonder where shareholders stand with these shrinking profit margins.