X
X


    Henri Bendel Castoffs

    Earlier this month, the 114-year-old luxury department store, Henri Bendel, announced that it will stop selling clothing and focus instead on its accessories and cosmetics. That’s a lot of clothing to hit the discount market and we know where it’s going…

    In the East Village, there is Gabay’s Outlet, a small designer discount store we like to think of as Century 21 lite. The store gets major close-outs from Bergdorfs and– you got it– Henry Bendel. Most shoes, bags, clothing and accessories at Gabay’s are priced at 50% to 80% off retail. Expect to find lots of Chanel, Manolo, and Jimmy Choos shoes, in addition to YSL and and Oscar de la Renta clothing. There is also lots of great men’s lables, including Etro and Davide Cenci.

    We were speaking with the owner today and found out that our East Village secret had first pick Henri Bendel’s luxury castoffs. The shipment is expected to hit the store later this week and should include some great clothing.

    The rest of the merchandise, we’re told, is heading to TJ Maxx.

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

    10 Comments on Henri Bendel Castoffs

    Dior Private Sale

    Dior has quietly gone on sale. The markdown is 50% off. If you don’t see signs don’t be afraid to ask.

    Speaking of Dior and Galliiano, we hear that Johnny is poised to start showing at the haute couture shows under his on label, in addition to Dior. His muse is set to be a super model with a cracked cell phone.

    3 Comments on Dior Private Sale

    Madison Avenue Sale Update

    We are slowly working our way down the Avenue. Many stores still have not started a markdown but every store is willing to help you pre-shop sale time.

    We are also finding that several of our favorite sales associates have been let go or are no longer at their respective stores. Creating relationships — especially trusting fashion relationships–is never easy. So when your contact leaves your store experience is bound to change. Below are some examples of changing relationships as well as sale information:

    Bottega Veneta:
    There’s no sale date and no item list, however if you would like to come in and shop the collection they will keep a watchful eye on your selections. We expect ready-to-wear to go straight to 50% off and bags and accessories to markdown 40%.
    Tatiana 212-371-5511

    Christian Louboutin:
    Nothing has been confirmed. We expect this boutique to hold out for a while, after all they have a luxury image to protect.
    Erich 212-396-1884

    Dolce & Gabbana:
    The store is holding a private sale for their premier shoppers. The discount is 40% and if you have a problem drop Lila’s name.
    Cono 212-249-4100

    Gucci:
    Maura is no longer there and getting sale information is difficult. After a long conversation we were invited to walk through the store and point out our favorite items so that we can “prepare for the situation.” We’re not sure what situation we are preparing for exactly but we will be happy for a 50% discount.
    Nora 212-717-2619

    Jimmy Choo:
    Zita is no longer at the Choo box and Jenny told us that they will not be going on sale for “a few months.” Don’t you know that there’s big demand for sandals way into September!? We’ll have to check back again.
    212-759-7078

    10 Comments on Madison Avenue Sale Update

    Posh Sale For Lighthouse International

    Every year, Lighthouse International hosts an amazing designer sale. There are vintage cloths, new designer cloths, shoes, jewelry, belts, hats. Basically, if it’s fashion it’s for sale. Designer donations include, Chanel, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Marni and so on and so forth.

    We were offered a peak in the fashion closet today and found an Oscar de la Renta dress for $150, a Matthew Williamson top for $125 (sure beats H&M) and a vintage Victor Costa for $150. We also found Prada, Chanel and Manolo Blahnik shoes priced from $75 to $100. However, the most exciting find was the “Kim Cattrall shoe box.” The Sex and the City star donated dozens of some of the most gorgeous shoes imaginable. Inside the box were rhinestone encrusted Giuseppe Zanotti ($200 to $250), black satin Sonia Rykiel pumps with large gems ($300), nude jeweled Valentinos ($250) and Manolos iced with jewels ($400).

    Click here to see lots more pictures and prices from our run through the Posh Sale closet.

    All of the money raised from the Posh Sale benefits Lighthouse International, a non-profit organization whose mission is to fight vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. The event runs from Wednesday, May 13 to Sunday, May 17. Tickets to the Sneak Preview and Cocktail Party cost $250 and $200, respectively. And you know those with the first dibs will take all the top picks. The more economical daily tickets cost $10 and those can’t stay away can buy a four day pass for $30.

    Day passes can be purchased at the door or from Posh Sale. Those wishing to attend the preview and cocktail party should call (212) 821-9445 and purchase tickets at the door. More details below:

    Posh Sale
    Sneak Preview and Cocktail Party: Wednesday, May 13, 4 -8 pm
    Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16, 11am – 7pm
    Sunday, May 17, 11am – 5 pm

    Location
    Lighthouse International: 110 East 60th Street, (Park and Lexington Avenues)

    Tickets:
    Four-Day Pass: $30
    Daily Tickets: $10
    May 13 Sneak Preview and Cocktail Party: $250 & $200
    Purchase tickets and view sale items at Posh Sale or (212) 821-9445

    5 Comments on Posh Sale For Lighthouse International

    YSL Private Sale Begins, Officially

    This afternoon I got the following voice mail message:

    Hi this is a message for Lila. This is Charles from Yves Saint Laurent. I’m calling you because we are going on sale. So give me a call when you get a chance. The number here is 212-980-2901.

    I call back to get the scoop but Charles was with a custmer. So I asked the sales assocaite who answered the phone, “Can you tell me the current markdown.”

    The associate replies, “There’s no markdown. Everything is still full price. We don’t go on sale until June.”

    I respond, “Then why did Charles just leave me a voice mail about a sale.”

    She answers, “Oh the private sale. I’ll have to put you through to Charle’s mailbox.”

    I leave Charles a message and he calls me back a bit later and says, “Oh Lila, would you believe all ready-to-wear is 50% off and shoes and bags are 40% and 50% off.”

    And that’s the way it all goes down in the boiler room of luxury fashion.Oh and just an FYI, markdowns at ysl.com are already live.

    Tune in tomorrow for a transcript of a conversation with Gucci.

    15 Comments on YSL Private Sale Begins, Officially