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    Madison Avenue Round-Up Part 1

    For the past month we have been on undercover shopping missions and reporting on the most secret and classified sales along Madison. As of now, all the private sales and pre-sales are done. Madison Avenue is officially on sale. For your convenience, we are summarizing all the markdown information we’ve uncovered and adding a few more pieces of intelligence.

    Almost every boutique took their first markdown at 40%. We are wondering if this is an innocent trend or if there is some type of sordid CFDA price-fixing afoot. What do you think?

    Chanel
    Ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories are 40% off. The sale went public June 2.
    Betsy 212-535-5505


    Chloe
    Ready-to-wear, shoes and some bag styles are 40% off. Of course, everything we wanted is either sold out or not marked down. We’ll give it more time.
    Gisella 212-717-8220


    Christian Louboutin
    The summer collection is 40% off. There is a great range of styes and there is still a good variety of sizes left.
    Erich 212-396-1884

    Dolce & Gabbana
    Ready-to-wear, shoes and most bags are 40% off. There are three full floors of merchandise from which to choose.
    Rodney 212-249-4100


    Giuseppe Zanotti
    Most summer styles are 30% off. Giuseppe now has a US e-boutique with sale merchandise but selection is much smaller than the store.
    George 212-650-0455


    Gucci
    Shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear are all 40% off. The sale went public online and in boutiques on June 1.
    Contact: Tim 212-717-2619

    Lisa Perry
    There hasn’t been a markdown on the current season’s merchandise but downstairs in the “Vault”, fall and winter clothing and accessories are 50% off. Don’t miss Lisa Perry’s personal garage sale where she is selling amazing vintage Pucci, Courrèges and Pierre Cardin for about $1000 a piece.
    Lisa Perry 212-431-7467

    Michael Kors
    Shoes, bags and clothing are 50% off. We love the soft palate of lavender, gray and blue Michael used this season. The discount often goes to 70%.
    Tony 212-452-4685
    Missoni
    The spring and summer collection ranges from 40% to 50% off. The sale started mid-May and the merchandise is starting to run thin.
    Connie 212-517-9339

    Prada
    Ready-to-wear, shoes and select bags are 40% off. There are lots of great cloths to choose from but the shoe selection seems uninspiring. The sale officially began June 3rd.
    Ana 212-327-4200

    Oscar de la Renta
    Ready-to-wear (including dresses and gowns), accessories, shoes and handbags are 40% off. Do you think Oscar hopefuls ever shop Oscar’s sale for their gowns?
    Sonia Rykiel
    Bags, shoes and clothing is 40% off. The sale started about two weeks ago and the inventory is already running low.
    YSL
    Select shoes and bags are 30% off. Clothing is 40% off. Unfortunately, the most popular shoe styles, like Tributes, are not on sale.
    Charles 212-980-2970 (YSL, 57th Street)

    Dolce & Gabbana Summer Sale

    Dolce & Gabbana has officially reduced their summer merchandise by 40% today. Ready-to-wear, shoes and most bags are included in the sale.

    The selection is still plentiful but it’s still hard to digest the high ticket prices when the Nordstrom Rack, on Union Square, has current season Dolce merchandise for over 70% off. We expect the Madison Avenue discount to go to at least 60% by August.

    Contact: Rodney 212-249-4100

    Chloe 40% Off

    Chloe officially took their first markdown and ready-to-wear, shoes and some bag styles are 40% off. There is still a great assortment of merchandise. Be aware that the merchandise varies between Chloe boutiques.

    In past seasons, the discount has started off at 50%. Will there be another markdown? Our guess is affermative.

    Contact: Gisella 212-717-8220

    Alexander Wang Markdown

    We hear that Alexander Wang is looking to open a retail store in NYC. We imagine that he isn’t shopping Madison but where ever he lands it will be a popular draw. Until then you can shop his online store where the discount is 40% off for bags, shoes, clothing and underwear for both men and woman.

    A black draped shift dress is $67 from $112, a mesh shopper is $435 from $725 and clogs are $285 from $475. There is still a great selection of merchandise and sizes. We just wonder if there might be another markdown to come.

    Marc Jacobs 30% Off

    By this time last year, Marc Jacobs was closing out all of his summer stock with a 70% off discount. This year, however, summer merchandise didn’t hit the store until late in the season and the discounts are coming slower than usual.

    Starting today, the Marc Jacobs boutique (in SoHo, not the West Village) is discounting the spring/summer collection 30%. The sale includes ready-to-wear, shoes and jewelry. If you’re looking for sale bags you might want to search Net-A-Porter, where several styles are 30% to 40% off.

    Contact: Cynthia 212-343-1490

    Saks $999 Bridal Sale

    Is there any sale more terrifying than a bridal sale? The price of a bridal gown alone can cause a father-of-the-bride to participate in an eloping plan. It’s no wonder why brides get so crazed from a money saving option.

    Well, brides (and dads) will be thrilled to know that Saks Fifth Avenue is hosting a bridal sample sale from Wednesday, June 2 to Sunday, June 6. Dresses from Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Amsale, Kenneth Pool, Monique Lhuillier, Anna Maier~Ulla-Maija will all be priced at $999 each. All sales are final and there are no alterations but that sounds like a fantastic deal to us.

    Shelly Steffee Packing it In

    Shelly Steffee is packing up and closing her Meatpacking District boutique. A letter to customers said, “Due to issues with our lease negociations, we will be closing the Shelly Steffee store.”

    The Shelly Steffee boutique opened almost a decade ago when the area was better known for drug dealing, prostitution and transsexuals then upscale shopping. In honor of their farewell, the store will be hosting a final sale from Wednesday, June 3 to Sunday, June 6. There will be lots of one-of-a-kind and special vintage pieces, as well as an eclectic array of accessories including shoes, bags, belts, jewelry, and fur.

    We are told that Shelly’s famous dresses will be priced from $95 to $150. We were especially fond of the spring collection, which contains several edgy looks that are wearable and versatile. We really hate to see this store leave but are happy to know that so many chic retailers will continue to carry the line.

    Contact: Kitty 917-408-0410