Upstairs, on the fifth floor of the Calypso store — 68th and Madison– is a private sale. Racked reports, “the sale includes, Boho skirts, dresses, scarves and more (20 boxes of merch!) marked way down.”
The sale runs from Feb 13th to Feb 16 from 10am until 7pm. The email says the merchandise is from the fall and cruise collections.
Cruise on sale already? And we thought it was going to be a slow sale month! Yipit, thanks for the tip,
Fashion week doesn’t officially start until tomorrow but Victoria’s Secret got a jump start with a model heavy party at the Bowery Hotel.
The emerging style of the evening? Bowler hats. Yes, you heard right. We counted eight–yes 8– guys wearing bower hats. Some paired their Victorian era hats with loosely knotted skinny ties while others combined the look with a casual shirt.
The only thing we regret is not gathering the bowler wearing men all in front of the “step and repeat” on the red carpet. What an image!
When the weather is nice there’s nothing nicer than taking a stroll along Madison. We weren’t the only ones feeling that way. For the first time in months we saw shoppers actually shopping (buying things) at boutiques all along the Avenue.
Most of the buzz was about Fashion week and poor economy but that’s not going to stop people from wanting to look great. Here’s a round-up of what’s left of the Fall/Winter collection at your favorite stores and boutiques:
Bergdorfs: Some stuff left but really don’t bother if you’re looking for anything with style.
Bloomingdales: There are two racks of leftovers that are 50% off wth another 65% off. The only standout is a black Zac Pozen in size 6.
Chloe: Everything was reduced to 70% early in the season and has been gone since January. Smart move.
Contact: Gisella 212-717-8220
Dolce & Gabbana: Nothing Left.
Contact: Cono 212-249-4100
Dior: Everything’s been shipped out. By the way, this store is so much better than 57th Street’s rave ambience.
Contact: 212 249-2254
Gucci: Done.
Contact: Maura 212-717-2619
Kriza: The store is still heavily stocked with winter clothing and the discount is just 60% off. We’re still waiting for that 70% off sample sale phone call.
Contact: Julius 212-879-1211
Prada: All done.
Contact: Christina 212-327-4200
Saks: This is where to go for great selection and price.
Contact: Marie Jose 212-940-2536
Ungaro: A few stunning dresses and gowns still available but the discount is still just 60% off, which is still too heavy for our change purse.
Contact: 212-249-4090
Vera Wang: If you need something chic and pretty take a run over ASAP. The winter collection is 70% off and there are still some great jewels. Plus it’s fun to watch the stressed brides.
Contact: Maria 212-628-3400
YSL: Some leftovers but everything is still about $1500-ish at 60% off.
Contact: Charles 212-988-3821
Image: Vera Wang
Great V-day gift Alert:
Until the end of the day (Wednesday), JoMalone.com is offering 25% off all products. The discount is only available online and not in boutiques or department stores.
We especially love Pomegranate Noir for winter and Honeysuckle Jasmine for spring/summer. A 30ml bottle is $55 and 100ml is $100. We suggest going with the smaller size because it’s so much fun to switch scents and who wants to be stuck with an aging big bottle when you can get something new?
The hairstyling guru, Frederic Fekkai, recently launched a “green” line of hair products. Fekkai Au Naturel is a plant-based collection that is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrences. In addition, the tube is made with 40% recycled materials!
The shampoo, conditioner and gel all retail for $23 but unlike most natural hair products this stuff smells fantastic.
Yeah, we know you’re waiting for “the deal.” This is Madison Avenue Spy not beautyhype.com. Well, the standout product in the Au Naturel line is perfect for those trying to stretch their blowouts. The Powder Clean Dry Shampoo (also $23) is like a talc, made of natural cotton fibers, corn and rice starch.
The jist is that you save water by not washing your hair but to us it’s about the money saved between blowouts. (That’s where we get the green and lean.) All you have to do is “lightly shake on the root area, massage with your finger tips and brush through.
All of us beauty bloggers were treated to blowouts and manicures at the salon today. And you better believe that we’re trying to keep this great out-of-the-salon bounce for as long as possible. Even if that means skipping the gym. So check back with me on Wednesday if you’re truly curious about my Powder Clean Dry Shampoo expermint.
Knock-Knock.
Who’s There?
Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Who?
Betch’ya didn’t know it’s Saturday!
Okay. It’s getting close but don’t say we haven’t been warning you. Everyone is looking for an inexpensive say, I didn’t forget. Willing to throw out some coin but don’t want to be cliche? Here are a few ideas that will go far beyond this silly $450 Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Heart Coin Purse.
For Him:
Show you care by replacing your man’s underwear draw. For some reason guys never know when enough is enough. We say 12 months tops. We’ve been told Hanro ($58 each) is the way to go. Hugo Boss is a less expensive but equally worthy option for a fraction of the price ($20 each). Both at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Nothing looks more polished than a perfectly tailored suit with a french cuff shirt. One way your man can show off his personality (or yours) is with a great pair of cuff links. Missing Link (40 West 25th Street Shop LL108) carries more than 10,000 styles, from deco enamels to twenties diamond-and-platinum ones. Everything in the store is top quality and style but you’re going to pay with prices ranging from about $100 to $2500.
Another option is to hit eBay. We are particularly fond of these vintage art deco snap cuff links , which are just $45 and can be delivered to you by Feb. 11 giving you enough time to make a manicure appointment.
For Her:
We know she’s difficult because she already buys herself everything she wants. No! Do not try to guess her bra size and we know you’re not the sample sale type. It’s time to shop the clearance rack at your gals favorite online store.
What women doesn’t need another bag? This Fendi net shopper will be great going into beach season and is reduced from $580 to $319. What’s better is that it will come beautifully wrapped.
It’s almost mandatory to give something red for V-day. How about something that’s red with soul? A Christian Louboutin shoe, perhaps. Not willing to spill a grand? Check out Barneys, which still has fair selection at about 60% off. Sizes are spotty but you should be able to find at least something that will fit your Cinderella.
Flowers? Let’s face it you’re not going to find any flower deals for Valentine’s Day. If you’re downtown we suggest Ariston, which astonishingly has a 20% off coupon on their site. For you’re uptown girl go with L’Olivier. One suggestion: Don’t get roses. Because of the high holiday volume they are harvested early and usually won’t last as long as a one night stand.
If you are totally strapped this season, pick up some cheesy V-Day crap at Duane Reade. We promise, she won’t care. You love her and that’s all she needs to know.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the bummer Saks consolidation sale. Turns out, the late January sale was just hype. Last week, however, the third floor (designer level) got a huge influx of merchandise.
Most items are currently marked 50% or 60% off the original price. We suspect that later this week or early next week all these 2008 treasures will take a large additional markdown. Think 50% to 60% off for a total savings of 75% to 85% off.
Now would be a good time to call your sales person or go to the store and pull the items your heart desires.
Contact: Marie Jose 212-940-2536
3rd Floor Premier Designers
Our Absentee tipster sent in the following intel:
SATURDAY SALE-ING
75 % Off Paul Smith
London gentleman, clothier and foppish dandy Paul Smith is brandishing his wares at a more than decent 75% off. Suits, shirts, cashmere, jeans and even rakish charm will be discounted.
Sale runs Feb 6-8, 108 5th Ave (at 16th St), 212-627-9770 and 142 Greene St (near Prince), 646-613-3060
Thank you to Absent and his cadre of fashion hounds. Remember, Tokyo might seem all bright, new and flashy but New York will always be the rock of our existence. xo Lila
