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    Give Love & Self Love For Valentines Day

    Popular culture has decided that Valentine’s Day bashing is more fun than celebrating. We couldn’t agree less. Who cares if it’s an imagined holiday to promote retail and antiquated relationship philosophies? Shopping and love really can’t be an enemy.

    Valentine’s Day doesn’t require a huge grand gesture but rather something sweet and thoughtful. On the flip side, we don’t know any girl who would turn down a 20-carat diamond necklace from Lorraine Schwartz. Below are some “thoughtful and sweet” gift ideas we love and we think she too:

    Gucci logo knee-high socks $100: Chances are she already has the Gucci tights. We bet the stocks are next on her list for Spring. 

    Fleur du Mal lingerie $85 from $170: What’s Valentine’s Day without something a little sexy? For some playful pregame, send him the link and tell him to choose what he likes. That’s the type of credit card charge that can make a man happy.

    Riki Skinny Mirror $205: I have one and I love it. It’s even better if you’re someone who likes to record makeup tutorials or take beauty selfies. (Obviously, that’s not me.)

    Commes des Garcon Play hearts tee $100: Show a little CDG love with hearts. It’s classic, wearable and always in fas-hun. 

    Baccarat red vase $540: I stayed at the Penninsula, in Paris, one Fall and they upgraded me to the most tremendous suite. I loved everything about the hotel but what’s most memorable is the multiple bowls of white roses they delivered to my room daily. White roses now always remind me of Paris at the Penninsula and a little red vase is the perfect bedside luxury. 

    Dr. Vranjes defuser $345: White roses remind me of the Penninsula and Dr. Vranjes takes me back to JK Place, in Rome. The assorted fragrances deliver a rich aroma that can only be found with the very best quality of oils. I especially love this decanter as it’s a nice living room visual accessory. The exact fragrance from JK Place is Menograno Mento ($125). The top fragrance notes are black grape and watermelon with a tone of pomegranate-mint.

    Staub 1.75qt heart-shaped pot $215 from $350: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, or so they say. Tell her how much you love her cooking from the bottom of your heart with a pot that says it all.

    Kid’s Kartell Ghost Chair with heart $195: The scribble heart on this classic chair design sparks much joy even if it’s a mini size. 

    Jacquemus Le Chiquito bag $495: This semi-mini bag is difficult to find in stock. (Would you believe there is even a smaller size?) They are fun and playful and don’t require a serious financial investment as would a Chanel or Hermes bag.

    Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady $265 (no sales tax): This has been my go-to fragrance all winter. It’s light rose with black current and raspberry. It has similar tones to that of Diptyque’s L’Ombre but is much lighter and refreshing. This scent seems to sell out frequently and can be difficult to locate. If this is on your list you might want to grab it now before they are all gone.

    Coltorti: Big Savings on New Season

    As prior season sale merchandise fizzles to discounters, we are excited to turn our attention to newly-arrived fashion. Once upon a time, it would be months of watching and shopping before you could expect any savings. Today, if you know where to shop, you can save big even at the start of the season.

    Coltorti is a multi-brand store with several boutiques along the Eastern coast of Italy. They have an amazing selection of designer brands ranging from Saint Laurent to Bottega Veneta. To kick off the season with a bang, they are offering 25% off regular priced items with the code DEALMOON25.

    There are designer exclusions like Fendi, Moncler, and Golden Goose*. Even with the exclusions, you’ll find that prices are a lot more attractive than they are in the US. For instance, a Bottega Veneta pouch is $1900 from $2700 US retail. Even the newly issued shoulder pouch is $2000 from a US retail of $2800. A Fendi Kan U bag is $1800 from US retail of $2600.

    Even better savings are available on items included in the 25% off promotion.  A Balmain blazer in classic black comes to $1219 from US Retail of $2300. A Dolce & Gabbana track jacket is $473 from  US retail of $975. Paris Texas slingbacks are $210 from $445 here in the US.

    The site also has a lot of options for men. Some Off-White options are nearly half the price before the discount. Thom Brown retails for about the same as here but a 25% discount can be a big money saver.

    Those who are still willing to scroll through sale merchandise can get lucky too. It’s just hard not to be jaded as we’ve experienced final markdowns. Take note, the most reduced items are several years old. For the price differential, the new season savings seems like a much better value.

    *Code brand exclusions: Fendi, McQueen, YSL, Stone Island, Bottega Veneta, Moncler, Max Mara, Golden Goose, and Chloe.

    Where to Shop (Hint: Not Department Stores)

    Winter sales started a few weeks early and the rest of the season unfolded in a hurried stride. This is usually the time of year that the sale assortment starts to feel like orphaned fashion. This week you’ll find that retailers are shipping out any remaining sale fashion.

    @clairerose

    If you want to do some serious shopping this weekend, we suggest you click online. Take note, the Net-A-Porter sale went a little deeper this week but will wrap up shortly. This may be your last chance to do some heavy-duty scrolling. 24S is also wrapping up its sale this week. For the final days, you can use the code EXTRA20 at checkout to save an additional 20%.

    Below are a few sale items that still remain in my saved folder:

    Hunt & Gather: 25 Shoes Designer Shoes for $200

    The prices of designer shoes have skyrocketed even more quickly than the Dow Jones. It wasn’t so long ago that standard designer pumps retailed for $600. Now $900 is the benchmark designer pumps. Analysts frequently debate if people are actually spending more money or just waiting longer for deeper discounts.

    After experiencing a season of sticker shock it’s fun to hunt for shoes that are reduced under $300. We like to think of it as three for the price of one. Above is an assortment of shoes that will cost you somewhere in the $200-range. It just proves that no matter your budget you should never settle.

    Our lineup includes an impressive assortment from Gucci, Manolo BlahnikGivenchy, Valentino, Prada, YSL, and Burberry. Sizes are limited in each style but if you hunt, we are sure everyone can find something to gather.

    The Men’s Edit: Great Buys for Guys

    Every day we rummage through racks of dresses, heels, and bins of bags. We are so focused on getting our next fashion fix that we often overlook the men’s fashion. Today we are completely focusing our attention on great buys for guys.

    Remember, men’s sales usually start a little later than women’s markdowns. That means options for our male counterparts are still plentiful even as sale merchandise for women is drying up. Over at Bergdorf’s, we found Givenchy swim trunks for $218 from $485, Gucci lace-up shoes for $436 from $900, and a Balenciaga techno rainbow shirt for $535 from $1090.

    Over on Mr. Porter there is a very large selection of sale merchandise reduced 70% off. A Palm Angles track jacket is $236 from $600, an Amiri sweatshirt is $240 from $600, Common Projects sneakers are $240 from $475,  and an Ev Bravado tee is $88 from $220.

    Over at MatchesFashion, the men’s selection is a little larger but the prices are a bit high. As women, we’ve really been spoiled during the last round of discounts. Some standouts include Amiri sneakers are $400 from $800, a Givenchy polo is $390 from $780 and a Greg Lauren work jacket is $1250 from $2500.

    It will take some time to scroll through the entire men’s sale section on Farfetch but it’s worth the time. If you use the code JAN20, you’ll save an extra 20%. Here is a Parajumpers puffer jacket is $410 from $760, an Off-White industrial belt is reduced to $150 from $300, an Aspesi puffer jacket is  $300 from $940 and Versace sweatpants are $290 from $900.

    Frankly, most of these items translate well into a woman’s wardrobe too. There goes an altruistic post. Can you blame us?

    The It-IT: Versace

    The most talked-about moment of the entire SS2020 fashion month was when JLo emerged in an updated rendition of her iconic Versace tropical jungle print Grammy’s dress. The fashion world went wild as the 50-year-old proved that everything gets better with time.

    The heat hasn’t died. Last week, Versace released its Spring-Summer ad campaign showcasing JLo as the star. Sunday’s Superbowl will fuel the flames fashion as the half-time will star JLo and you can bet she will be wearing, you guessed it, Versace.

    Retailers are also taking big bets that Versace will be a fashion star this Summer. Moda Operandi is already almost sold out of the offering the $7000 jungle dress worn by JLo on the Milan runway. A  less revealing and less expensive $1700 version is also running low in sizes.

    We are officially calling Versace this Summer’s biggest trend. We don’t forecast that medusa prints will be worn head-to-toe a la Kris Jenner but there are a few key iconic Versace pieces that can enhance your Summer wardrobe. A silk blouse, bathing suit, a headband or a bustier top are a good start.

    Versace mania hasn’t quite lit up yet and you can still find some pieces on sale. Here is a Versace tee for $250 from $500, printed leggings are $252 from $512, shorts are $318 from $800 and a bucket hat is $200 from $800.

    The Versace hit is just another reason to hold on to what’s good. The iconic vintage styles have surpassed new season retail prices. Sometimes old is better than new, just ask JLo.

    Weekend Shopping: Chinese New Year Edition

    Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai! We couldn’t think of a better way to ensure good luck and prosperity all year than shopping for great weekend sales. We found some good ones.

    Tessabit, in Italy,  is offering 20% off new season merchandise with the code DEALMOON20T. Not every designer is included but the code TSB10XT will save you 10% on most everything else. These YSL Casandra sandals come to $800 from $1000 and the Jacquemus Le Chiquito is $400 from $500. (This style sells out fast at full price.)

    Taking a step into 24S, in France, you can save an additional 20% off sale items when you spend $200+ with the code EXTRA20. These Bottega Veneta mules come to $525 from $805, Thom Brown derby shoes are $310 from $1200 and a Balenciaga glitter bag is $790 from $1350. Remember, there is no sales tax, duties or shipping.

    Over on Jomashop, everything Celine is 50% off. That includes bags. A big bucket bag is $994 from $1990. It’s even available in red, which is especially apropos. A Trio is $494 from $1990 and a quilted shoulder bag is $1200 from $2800. The site also has lots of Gucci discounted 40% to 50% off.

    Opening Ceremony is closing, which is another huge retailer loss to NYC. For now, you can win an extra 40% off reduced prices with the code YOTR40. This Chloe Sevigny polo immediately caught our eye as it comes to $60 from $140 and the flounce denim skirt is awfully cute too for $160 from $300.

    Celebrate the Lunar year with the added bonus of shopping with a bottle of champagne and sweets within arms reach. Wishing all my readers and followers fortune and luck in all your endeavors in the Year of the Rat. 

    Nordstrom: Inside Remaining Sale (Pics)

    Usually, New York is a hub for sale merchandise. Most stores ship merchandise from their satellite stores into NYC flagships. The opposite is the case with the newly opened NYC Nordstrom store.

    Today we crossed Fifth Avenue to see what could be found for at Nordstrom at steller prices and the sad truth there is almost nothing. There are no bags left on sale and we are told the one rack of remaining shoes went to the Rosevelt Field Nordstrom store.

    There is some clothing still left at the flagship store but most of it is only reduced by 33% to 60% off. You can click here to see pictures. Online shopping might provide to be a bit more fruitful. We spotted this strong shoulder Veronica Beard blazer for $278 from $700 but it’s only available in a size 8. A Tibi faux snakeskin skirt is $170 from $475 and Nili Lotan camo hoodie is $195 from $325.

    If none of the designer items are winning your heart, we suggest you explore the inhouse collaboration with fashion mega influencer, Atlantic Pacific. There are several good pieces available for amazing prices like this faux leather pleated skirt that’s $80 from $140. (I get compliments on mine wherever I go.) This striped sweater is $41 from $70 and a plaid blazer is $100 from $170.

    Nordstrom NYC doesn’t seem to be a prime destination for deals but we hear that some local Nordstrom Rack stores have good merchandise. See, we can always find a spot of sunshine when it comes to shopping.

    Ienki Ienki $1019 from $1700

    Moncler $206 from $344

    Max Mara $2213 from $3690

    Balmain $244 from $395

    $755 from $1945 (Cant remember the brand)