X


    Ambrosi Abrianna Sale

    Ambrosi Abrianna brings the meaning of luxury exotic handbags to an entirely new level. First, the exotic skins are collected from around the world and shipped to a tannery in Paris. After the skin is “died to perfection” it is shipped to Italy to be constructed by old-world specialists. The last stop is the Ambrosi Abrianna retail space on Madison Avenue. Talk about establishing a deep carbon footprint. No worries, George and Leo can help us balance that out.

    Like other high-end exotic bags, Ambrosi Abrianna uses only one piece of skin to create each bag. In addition, the owner’s name, an inscription and serial number are engraved on a 24K plate that’s located discreetly on the inside of the bag. Purchasers also receive a climate controlled “infinity box” for storage, an owners manual, a travel treatment kit and an invitation to join the Ambrosi Abrianna Collectors Society. Hell, who needs a country club when you can be a member of a handbag society.

    Membership does have its price: crocodile belts can be had for about $1,000, business card holders in ostrich or croc are about $500, but the bulk of the Ambrosi Abrianna bags retail for between $8,000 to $25,000.

    This may all sound very 2008 and it is. However, Ambrosi Abrianna knows how to play it very 2010 too. The store is currently hosting a sale where several handbag styles are being discounted 40% off and custom exotic orders are up to 25% off. All joking aside, these bags are quite exquisite and a discount only makes them more appealing.

    Contact: Jonathan 212-582-2506, Madison @ 70th Street

    7’s Private Sale

    Buying jeans is never easy, no matter what your size. For this reason, we always suggest that denim shoppers forgo the sale rack and strictly buy what looks great. The problem often is that the jeans that look the best are predictably the most expensive pair on the rack.

    The upshot is that once you have identified your perfect pair of jeans you can keep track of the brand and style and be on the lookout for a discount. 7 for All Mankind’s private sale is the perfect oppertunity to pick up a back-up pair of your favorite jeans. Prices on the website are up to 60% off but you must use the private sale link to see all the discounted products.

    We found Roxanne skinny jeans for $113 from $180, the flared leg Charlize in white is $107 from $215 and the cropped Flaming is $104 from $209. Shoes, handbags and kid’s clothing are also heavily discounted.

    Clothing, shoes and handbags are also included in the sale section. We particularly like this cashmere sweater. It’s perfect for a cool spring day.

    If you’re worried about size or fit, we already checked through the small print and sale items are returnable for a full refund or exchange. Happy shopping.

    Retail Therapy: Abbe Held

    Kooba founder, Abbe Held’s personal style is very much like the bags she creates: always colorful and inspired by a vintage tradition that’s juxtaposed with a twist of big city luxury.

    Abbe often draws inspiration from the vendors she finds on the street in her native New York and is always looking to make a personal statement with her fashion.

    Like most vintage shoppers, Abbe is always looking for a great deal and is adept at spotting an accessory that will provide an inexpensive thrill. Today, she shares her shopping pains and accomplishments and offers a few key words of advice. Let us know what you think!

    What’s your most prized “deal?”
    I’m crazy for my gold beaded hoop earrings that I bought from a street vendor for $10. I never take them off!

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    I’m still thinking about the black silk YSL jumpsuit that I tried on and loved but still went home to think about. When I went back it was gone.

    This season you are looking for…
    I live in jeans so I’m always looking for great blouses and jackets that make a statement.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Buy pieces that speak to you and look good on YOU not just on your friends or in a magazine.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Aside from handbags of course, I’d have to say I have a big weakness for sunglasses.

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    I don’t think it’s about one item in particular. If you truly love it and feel good in it, then you will always get your money’s worth.

    Hermès Sale Details: VIP Style

    To get the inside scoop from the Hermès sale we sent in our most knowledgeable Hermès spies to sniff around the VIP sale today. The self-named LuxMommy and BonnieBirkin were very excited to participate. Both spies report that there was no line to get into the sale but the line to pay was torturous, up to 90 minutes.

    Note to shoppers: Lines to get into the sale on Wednesday will be horiffic and the long que to pay usually remains throughout the duration of the sale.

    On line, Lorraine Bracco was spotted on her phone and overheard telling a friend that she couldn’t get her in. (Couldn’t have been a very good friend.) Also at the sale, and at no surprise was Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford. (Maybe she needs to get swag lessons from SJP.)

    Once inside, LuxMommy was dismayed with the shoe collection, which is often plentiful and a highlight of the sale. However, there were many enamel bracelets, which were 40% off or $306 for the mid-size. LuxMomma’s fanciful eye was caught by cashmere mufflers for $237 and lady’s swimwear, which ranged in price from $450 to $1000. If you have a body worth swagging with a $1000 bathing suit, we say, go for it!

    Leather goods range from 40% to 70% off, depending on the season and condition of the item. Wallets and Constance bags are plentiful in a variety of colors and sizes. A small size Dogon (wallet) is $780.The Constance bag is priced at about $2400 for the small size and $2800 for the larger size.

    BonnieBirkin reports that the Bolide bag ranged in price from $1500 for a damaged bag to $3200 for one in perfect condition. There are lots of men’s briefcases, in a variety of sizes and colors, including leather canvas combinations.

    Both shoppers spotted lots of belts, including some with hardware. A thin version of the Collier de Chien is $680. Mini-sized garden-party bags are abundant and were ignored by most shoppers. As usual there is an abundant amount of silks and ties and especially lots of Twillys. Silky Pop bags, the Hermès version of an eco friendly re-usable shopper was 70% off at $300.

    As seasoned Hermès sale shoppers, we all suggest skipping anything that you may not love. Even at 40% off, Hermès items are very expensive and everyone agrees it’s better to invest a bit more for true love than to settle for good enough. Good luck and please pass along your Hermès shopping conquests in the comment section below.

    Hermès Sale NYC
    Public Sale: Wednesday, March 24 to Sunday, March 28
    Weds. 9am to 6pm, Thurs. 9am to 8pm, Fri. to Sun. 9am to 6pm
    Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 W. 18th St. @ 6th Ave.
    Credit Cards Only

    Bloomingdales Friends and Family

    Our list of summer wants and needs keeps growing and growing while we wait for sales, discounts and markdowns. The first price relief of the season will be at Bloomingdales when the store’s merchandise will be discounted 20% for “friends & family.” These days, friends & family is translates into all customers.

    The sale will run from Wed., March 24 to Sun., March 28. You can use the code “friends” for online orders. Pre-sale is already underway. No, Chanel is not included, cosmetics are not included, and other certain designer exclusions apply.

    If you’re not in a hurry to make your purchases you can wait for the Saks friends and family, which is 25% off and will run in April.

    Hermes Sale Starts Tomorrow

    We thought we covered this to nauseam but we have received dozens of email today asking us about the Hermes sale. The VIP sale is tomorrow. An invite along with identification is usually required. Some seasons we’ve even seen spouses asked to wait outside.

    Following tomorrow’s preview, the sale opens to the public and runs through Sunday. Full sale details are below and don’t forget to check back tomorrow for merchandise and pricing information from our Hermes spies.

    Hermes Sale NYC
    VIP Preview: Tuesday March, 23
    Public Sale: Wednesday, March 24 to Sunday, March 28
    Weds. 9am to 6pm, Thurs. 9am to 8pm, Fri. to Sun. 9am to 6pm
    Metropolitan Pavilion: 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave.
    Credit Cards Only

    Yummie Fashion Fundamentals

    All great accomplishments begin with the right fundamentals. That’s why we are always looking for new foundation garments to put the right curves in all the right places. We were recently introduced to Heather Thomson who has been a creative force for two of the most shapely pop-stars turn fashion-stars, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce Knowles. Her Yummie Tummie shapeware is the perfect foundation for your summer wardrobe.

    Heather’s Yummie Tummie tanks change the overall look of an outfit by adding a little tuck and pinch here and here. As expected, the snug middle panel smooths away muffin spillage but what we didn’t expect is that our overall silhouette became more shapely. Unlike most shapeware these garments have room for your hips so you look tucked in all the right places but there’s also room for your hips to allow shape where it belongs.

    After trying a few styles, we settled on the Undercover Tank, which can be worn alone without looking like an undergarment. We also like how this tank is extra long and can be tucked into a low riser jean and paired with a variety of blazers to create a chic but casual outfit.

    The Undercover retails for $68 and starts at XS and runs into 3X. We could’t find the tank for less money but Yummie Tummie is sold at all of our favorite department stores and is the perfect item to pick up at a friends & family sale when you can save between 20% to 25% off.

    If you order online go a size smaller than you think because the tighter the better. Also, keep your bra on. The Yummie Tummie tank has a shelf bra but does nothing for adding shape or form to your bosom. Don’t forget about doing your crunches because the true foundation of great fashion comes from health and fitness.

    Jacadi Liquidation

    Our favorite Lower East Side discount store, Gabays Outlet, just received a huge shipment of Jacadi children’s clothing.

    The discount is currently 50% off retail and we believe many items to be current season merchandise. If you ware willing to wait it out, prices tend to get reduced further as time goes on and inventory declines.

    No kids to shop for? No problem. Closeout season is almost here…

    Gabay’s Outlet
    225 First Avenue (between 13th and 14th)
    212-254-3180
    contactus@gabaysoutlet.com