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    Mikimoto Sample Sale

    Mikimoto’s popular semi-annual sale upon us once again. Like last season, the sale will take place at Soiffer-Haskin where prices were 40% to 70% off. Expect to find lots of south sea pearls and opera length strands. A majority of the jewelry usually retailer between $4,000 to $10,000. So, you do the math.

    Remember to keep a discerning eye. If you find truly inexpensive jewelry it is because Mikimoto manufactures a collection of pearls for jewelry stores like Kay and other lower quality jewelry retailers.

    Most jewelry collectors look forward to this sale. So try to go early but don’t expect the Mikimoto royal treatment. One reader, from last season, commented that shopping for jewelry at Soiffer-Haskin is like going to a supermarket for diamonds. “I wish they could at least give out a jewelry box for my $2,300 (buy price) diamond and pearl pendant. Instead, it is in tiny zip lock bag and a cheap looking Mikimoto blue pouch in a typical Soiffer Haskin brown bag.”

    Hey, most women will take jewelry any way it comes: silver platter or paper bag. Thank you!

    Mikimoto Sample Sale
    Dates: Sat., Jan 16 to Wed., Jan. 20
    Hours: Sat-Tues. 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 9am-4pm
    Location: Soiffer-Haskin, 317 W 33rd St (@ 8th Ave); 718-747-1656
    Details: CC only. All sales final. No exchanges. No returns. No strollers. No children under 12.

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    Retail Therapy: Lauren Solomon

    Some people know how to put together an outfit and other’s really know how to rock it out. Lauren Solomon is the David Blaine of styling. She’s sexy and makes all kinds of fashion magic happen around her. Her most recent project was styling our favorite New York housewife, Jill Zarin for season three of the Bravo network sensation. Good-bye Roberto Cavalli track suit, helloooooo Chanel tweed.

    What’s best about Lauren? She knows how to find a great deal. Donna Karan for 95% off? She’s done it. Ferre for over 96% off? She has it. And she’s not afraid to shop for the cheap stuff like, H&M and Zara. I think we found a soul mate. Read on and tell us what you think.

    Your most prized deal?
    I have a few stand out deals. I found an amazing snakeskin knee-length fitted jacket from Donna Karan Collection that retailed for $6,000, which I bought for $300. It is sophisticated, yet edgy and can be worn to an interview or a night out. Most recently, at a sample sale, I found an Ferre jacket that retailed for $12,000 and I got it for for $500. The jacket’s beading is the most insane thing you’ve ever seen– it weighs around 10lbs. Fab!

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    I have one big purchase regret in my life. A few years ago, before I started earning money, I found a vintage Chanel bag. It was made of hard plastic and was small and square like an old music cassette. It was– by far –one of the most unique pieces that I have ever seen. I was drooling over it for days. By time time I decided to go back and buy the bag, it was gone. I still think about it all the time. I will never make that mistake again. (Ha!) If you love an item and it is one of a kind you should get it.

    For Spring your are looking for a great deal on what item?
    Everything! I always look for great deals. I can spend hours sifting through racks to find fabulous stuff for great prices. You just need to have a good eye. (Editorial note: and patience). I have personally created a balanced wardrobe of basics that I slightly update seasonally. I update my wardrobe by changing the accessories. One-of-a-kind vintage pieces are a great way to add a fresh look to your existing wardrobe. I also love to go to the garment district and buy trimmings to really personalize a garment.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Have fun! If you don’t feel good in a garment you won’t look good. It’s all about your attitude, confidence and energy. Fashion should visually express who you are as an individual. Another great tip is to mix and match expensive pieces with inexpensive pieces. Anyone can wear an entire outfit from H&M or Zara with a Chanel cuff and look like a million bucks. Some of my secret shopping haunts include, the vintage garages in Chelsea and the young designers market in SoHo. If you look closely you can basically find that same merchandise that’s being sold at Bendels but for a quarter of the price.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    I love most anything fashion– shoes, bags, costume jewelry…hats!

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    Cosmetics. There’s nothing like buying a fresh Nars bronzer or a new scent. Sometimes, I try to practice restraint and leave an item for a few hours and really think about it. If it’s still on my mind hours later I will go back and get it. Most of the time, I forget about the item within a few minutes. I wish that were the case with my Chanel cassette purse. (Ugh!)

    9 Comments on Retail Therapy: Lauren Solomon

    Bloomingsales Season Ending Sale

    Bloomingdales is closing out the season like Lindsay Lohan at a bar. Bottoms up!

    Shoes that have already been discounted 50% to 60% are an additional 50% off. We saw Chloe wedges, YSL heels and a scattering of other non memorable brands on the super sale rack.

    Making our way across the fourth floor, we found the best deals in what we like to consider the young designer boutique. A rack of Brayen Reyes winter merchandise is an extra 50% off already reduced price for a total savings of about 80% off. A black and white reptile print dress is $379 from $1895 and lime silk dress is $300 from $1495.

    Over on the additional 40% off rack, we found Lisa Perry black and white wool dresses with a final price of $386 from $1595, a Lela Rose top was $395 and now $98 and a Jean Paul Gaultier frock now $200 from $795. There are even Herve Leger dresses mixed in for under $440.

    Further across the floor, the more established designers are heavily discounted as well. Marc Jacobs is a further 40% off already reduced prices. A black and white floral print silk dress was $995 and is now $360 and a gorgeous turquoise wool coat is about $600 from $1800.

    The pinnacle of our shopping afternoo, however, was found in the Chanel boutique. A long cashmere cardigan with gold tirm and double-C buttons was $1,000 from $3,000.

    On second thought we may have been more amused by the Agent Provocateur “accessories,” which are now 2/3s off. A leather and brass “Ruxandra Cuff” was $290 and is now “just” $100. Sweetheart, Valentines day is about a month away. It’s never too early to think ahead!

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    Robert Clergerie 50% Off

    For some reason we always thought of Robert Clergerie footwear as delicate dainty shoes. Today we spotted a 50% off sign and ran in to check out the discount.

    We’re not sure if we may have been mistaken by the overall Clergerie aesthetic but what we saw was not dainty or delicate. As a matter of fact, most of the shoes and boots could have easily been mistaken as orthopedic. Was this a collection gone wrong or have we been mislead by a fancy logo?

    Taste aside, the Madison Avenue boutique has discounted their entire winter collection 50% off. Winter loafers, boots, sandals, heels and flats are all marked down by half. Most shoes retail for under $500 at full price and high boots– the best looking of the batch– we still under $1000.

    While on the topic, can someone clue us in: Is this normal Clergerie or a design experiment gone terribly wrong?

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    Gap x Stella McCartney Discounted

    It was just about 60 days ago that pint-sized fashion crazed toddlers –and their parents–were clawing over Stella McCartney’s shrinky dink designs for Gap Kids. Now the Stella collection is being phased out like a club-kid hitting 40. The merchandise has already taken a markdown and is now being discounted an extra 25% off, for a total savings of about 60%.

    There is a huge selection of merchandise at the Gap Kids on Third Avenue and 86th Steet. That MJ military jacket is $52 from $128, a silk flower applique dress is $41 from $98, tights that were $14 are now under $6 and a cashmere leopard sweater was $88 and is now $36.

    With prices this good you can let your child’s real fashion genius come alive. There is some sale merchandise available on Gap online but you have to sort through the general sale merchandise and prices aren’t as good as they are in the store.

    As a side note, Crew Cuts (Madison & 88th) is having a huge sale. In addition to marked down prices there is an additional 20% off already reduced merchandise, which adds up to about 50% off. We found some cute classic J. Crew tee shirts for $10 and floral headbands for under $5. Who knew you could have so much fun for under $100?!

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    Retail Therapy: Veronica Webb

    Veronica Webb has been captured on the pages of almost every major fashion magazine, including Elle and Vogue. She has walked the runway for major companies such as Chanel and Victoria’s Secret and was the first African-American fashion model to have a contract with a major cosmetics company when she signed with Revlon.

    Veronica most recently co-hosted Bravo’s “Tim Gunn’s Guide” To Style where she helped several fashion challenged women undertake a wardrobe makeover. Now she is unveiling her shopping secrets on Madison Avenue Spy. We love a women who hangs with Azzedine Alaia but isn’t too shy to shop at Zara.

    What’s your most prized “deal?”
    A classic piece like a trench, cardigan, shift dress, pea coat in a luxury fabric and a couture cut and a great price!

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    I have a no regrets policy in fashion and in life. Make a decision and own it.

    This season you are looking for…
    Quality and great color.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Going to visit my great friend Azzedine Alaia in Paris once a year.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Handbags. Secret sources for a fix? Zara and Isabella Fiore.

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    These days? Only something you need in an emergency!

    3 Comments on Retail Therapy: Veronica Webb

    Chuckies Sale

    Chuckies has discounted their winter season shoes 50% off. Upstairs, at the Madison Avenue location, you will find a wide assortment shoes and boots. Sizes are limited but there is a great selection of Chloe shoes, Lanvin flats, Miu Miu heels and several rhinestone encrusted footwear.

    This Winter, Chuckies introduced men’s shoes to their store. It seems as if it’s been a slow start because there is a great assortment of men’s shoes, boots and loafers on sale. If you know a man looking for a new spiffy pair of shoes this would be the place to send him.

    Unlike department stores, all sales are final. So make sure to try them on and our shoe rule is not to buy anything that hurts in the store because 30 blocks down the road you’re sure to get blisters.

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    Zara Sale

    Zara’s semi-annual sale is underway and most items in the store are 50% off. These Zara sales are known for being a bit of a mess– lots of damaged and shop warn merchandise.

    The good merchandise usually goes quickly. So if you see any of the Balmain “inspired” shoes, don’t put them down. At $179 they were a bit pricey but are sensational for just $90.

    If you’re looking for one of the limited edition Zara 1000s, a high heeled sandal with criss-crossing metal chains, you can find them at the Zara on Lexington 59th Street. The shoe retails for $229 and hasn’t showed up on eBay yet. Considering they are still in stores and not on eBay we can safely call this marketing venture –a limited flop.

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