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    Bottega Veneta Sample Sale

    The Details:
    Bottega Veneta
    Until Saturday, Jan. 10, 10am to 6pm
    697 Fifth Avenue
    (54-55 Streets) 3 Floor
    Women’s & Men’s Clothing and Accessories
    Sample & stock sale. Bottega Veneta’s fabulously sharp collections – women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and other accessories. Credit cards only.

    The Mad-Spy Report:
    Just a few bags, which were very expensive. Exotic skin bags are just 10% off original prices. Leather bags are just $200 but there were none to be found by the afternoon.

    The deals are found in the ready-to-wear department where tops and bottoms are $40, dresses are $80 and shoes are $50. Again, not a lot of inventory by mid-day but if you wear shoes size 38 and up, there are still some left. There’s a spattering of things for men but those who wear larger sizes have more options.

    Lila’s Commentary:
    The sale is scheduled to run through Saturday. It’s only logical that the Veneta folks are smart enough not to host a sample sale with no inventory. I imagine that they are pulling out new merchandise daily. For the best picks it’s probably best to hit the sale early because it looks like they aren’t replenishing throughout the day.

    Better yet, skip the lines and early morning rush and hit the Woodbury Commens outlet where bags are priced at least 30% off retail and the discount only gets better from there.

    6 Comments on Bottega Veneta Sample Sale

    Carnegie Hill Retailers Struggle

    I hopped north 86th street today and was totally shocked by what I found. It appears as if almost every other store is either relocating or going out of business.

    On the North-West corner of Madison and 86th Street is Baltons–a fairly unremarkable department store mostly supported by grandmothers and nannies. The loud yellow signs covering every window of the store shout that the store is closing and that everything is 30% to 50% off.

    Steps North on the same block, Village Designer Shoes has a bright orange sign that screams, “Co-op tripling our rent. Everything must go.”

    If you take a few more paces North, Feldman’s IV, the long-loved home furnishings and miscellaneous store –if you know the goods you know miscellaneous is the right word– has a sign announcing that they are moving to Lexington. That store has been there longer than I’m alive!

    On the same block, Didi’s Children’s Boutique, an upscale toy store is hosting a 30% to 50% off sale. Why? Because they are moving. To where? The owner admitted sadly that she still does not know. For those in the market for fancy European toys, these are heavily discounted considering this toy segment rarely hosts a markdown. For example, Carolle dolls and accessories are 30% off. Unheard of!

    For now we say farewell to those leaving our lovely avenue. You will always remain in a place in our hearts and memories. Especially Boltons, whose employees refused my 2-year-old a restroom. Serves you right!

    2 Comments on Carnegie Hill Retailers Struggle

    Gucci and Prada Third Markdown

    Christmas was just 12 days ago and already stores are taking another slash at prices in an attempt to cash out. Today Gucci and Prada are offering customers additional savings. Gucci ready-to-wear is now 75% off and suddenly the collection that had little to be desired is looking a bit more attractive. (Just a tiny-weensy bit.) Bags and shoes are now 50% to 60% of.

    Prada– whose sales people were overheard saying that they will NEVER reduce prices below half-off– is now 60% off ready-to-wear and 50% off bags. Don’t worry lace lovers. I still think there is another to come. I feel 70% off is the right number. I guess we will have to wait and see.

    This is probably last call for Gucci so you better buy now or forever hold your piece. For those who can’t get to the Gucci store you can snag the same savings online but we’re told that there store has a lot more pieces to choose from in addition to sizes. (That’s hard to imagine!)

    Prada Contact: Christina 212-327-4200
    Gucci Contact: Maura 212-717-2619

    5 Comments on Gucci and Prada Third Markdown

    Net-A-Porter To Launch Outlet

    The online luxury fashion retailer, Net-A-Porter, is getting ready to launch an online outlet appropriately called theOutnet.com. Rumor has it the site was originally slated to go live after the New Year but has been pushed back until February. 

    A Google ad boasts that prices will be up to 70% off but how much more of a markdown is that from their normal sales? Lets hope they dump the flashy editorial and pass the savings along to the shoppers.
    2 Comments on Net-A-Porter To Launch Outlet

    Saks EGC With Chanel Trunkshow

    Accessories have become the bread and butter of many designers’ bottom lines. It’s the hot shoe or hot handbag that sell out while the clothing is a clear afterthought. Gucci, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Dior are prime examples. So when the market takes a wild downturn how does a department store draw customers to its $3000 bags?

    Stores are still trying to figure out the magic formula but the trend seems to be increased use of electronic gift cards. Next week Saks is hosting a giant Chanel trunk show. Guess what’s coinciding? EGC!

    The Chanel trunk show and electronic gift card event runs for two days starting Wednesday, Jan. 14th. The levels are below and as you would expect the big discount comes when you spend $3000 on anything in the store. You get $1000 or 33% back in gift cards to spend on anything else in the store. Yay, spend more money…

    Saks EGC 1/14 and 1/15
    $250-$499 = $25
    $500 -$999 = $75
    $1000-$1999= $250
    $2000-$2999= $500
    $3000+ = $1000

    Photo credit: Stylefrizz

    2 Comments on Saks EGC With Chanel Trunkshow

    Louis Vuitton Currency Arbitrage

    Welcome to the other side of the new year. As always, we are committed to finding you the best deals in the universe of luxury shopping.  The savings exist even among the loftiest of brands and this economy watching your dime is more important than ever.

    Lets use Loius Vuitton as an example. No matter how much you hope, pray, wait or stand on your head they are not going to discount their products. We’re not sure if the “shredding room” is truth or legend but does it really matter how the goods are disposed if they’re not falling into wanting hands for a bargain?

    On the Vuitton US web site the iconic Speedy 30 is $700US. The LV’s UK site has the same bag for £355UK or £309UK (minus the VAT*). The exchange rate brings the total cost of the bag down to $447.19 as of business close on Friday, January 1st. That’ a savings of $253 or about 35%.

    This currency arbitrage can come in handy among many of our favorite European luxury brands. So officially: Happy 2009 and don’t fret too much about the new economy. There’s always a deal to be had.

    *VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a tax levied goods and services in many countries throughout the world, including the UK and most EU countries. The VAT is currently 15% in the UK but is refundable to many tourists upon traveling home.

    Contact: LV Bond St. 011 44 20 7399 4050

    15 Comments on Louis Vuitton Currency Arbitrage

    Calypso 95% Off

    We know you’re sitting in your office, at a desk or in your cube thinking about your plans for  this evening. Trying not to watch the clock can be a struggle. I’m sorry that I can not get you out of where ever you don’t want to be any faster but I can give you an activity.

    Head to  Calypso and check the sale section. Items on the site are already reduced 50% to 90% off but if you buy any two items you receive an additional 50% off your total purchase for a savings up to 90%. 

    This Arianne Dress was $250 and was reduced to $29. Find another item you like and this dress will come out to just $15! If you’re not into clothing there are also handbags, jewelry and baby clothing included in the sale. 

    The site is slow but there are lots of pretty colors for over which to contemplate. This should definitely use at least 30 min of your day. No need to thank me.
    Happy New Years!
    XOXO,
    Lila
    4 Comments on Calypso 954 Off

    Anik $59 Cashmere Sweaters

    Anik New York has been a fixture of 3rd Avenue and 77th Street for more than 20 years. The style is always simple but timely. The store carries all the staples of a Third Avenue boutique: lots of Theory, premium denim and beaded tanks. The real treasure here is the cashmere, which is privately labeled under the store’s brand called Malika.

    At full price, most of their cashmere sweaters are a good value at $200 to $400. When their 50% off and 70% off sale takes place it’s hard to not overload. Well sale time is upon us and in these economic times people are even doubting $100 cashmere.

    This weekend, the Madison Avenue location (at 83rd street) has bins of cashmere sweaters priced at $59! The colors and sizes are limited–camel, gray, navy and chocolate brown in extra small, small and large– but what more do you really expect? 

    In other bins shoppers can find premium long sleeved tees and thermals priced at $29 and pastel rayon/nylon blend fitted sweaters for just $19. Most everything else in the store from Fall/Winter is 50% off but the discounts always go to 70% off as the season progresses. 
    Tip: Try and pop over on a weekend because additional discounts are often offered as part of a two-day promotion.
    Photo Credit: FashionJunkie.com
    2 Comments on Anik $59 Cashmere Sweaters