Preowned luxury fashion is hotter than it’s ever been but that’s nothing new to Michael’s Consignment Shop. After 65-years at the same location, the fifth generation business has moved to a ground floor location, a bit further uptown to 84th Street and Madison Avenue.

Also known as one of Madison Avenue’s best-kept secrets, Michael’s has been a neighborhood fixture for those looking to retire old fashion or acquire great finds. The location change is just part of the upgrades coming to a business that originally started over 100-years ago. Tammy Fluhr-Gates, the great-great-granddaughter of the founder, is in the process of taking the reigns from her mother, Laura Fluhr.

While in conversation, both mother and daughter denied any fashionista association but rather preferred the title of ‘business woman’. “It’s my job to take the business to the next stage,” said Tammy Fluhr, who alluded to many upcoming projects but wouldn’t elaborate on any details.

For now, we will let the future brew while we dig into the present. The new iteration of Michael’s is a more finely edited and modern variation of its former self. The new store is only one level but still contains all the important Michael’s features. At the center of the store is a satellite display of showcases that contains high-valued bags and jewelry.

While browsing, we overheard other shoppers repeatedly commenting how Michael’s never fails to turn up an unexpected surprise. Women who are from the neighborhood or visiting from out-of-state (or even from out the country) couldn’t help from recalling their favorite past finds to a friend or an employee with a familiar face.

While shopping the grand opening, we spotted some amazing pieces. We found a large assortment of quilted Chanel and Dior bags, various vintage and like-new Hermes bags and in-season Prada flats and pumps for more than 50% off the retail prices. Fear not, the new store still has its famous Chanel rack, which always seems to have a tweed of temptation.

You can click over this way to see some in-store highlights but everyone knows what’s there today could be gone tomorrow. On the bright side, there is always something new to explore.

Michaels Consignment Shop
1125 Madison Avenue @84th Street
(212) 737-7273
Mon to Wed 10AM–6:30PM, Thurs 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM–6:30PM, Sat 10AM–6:30PM, Sun 12–6PM

Temperatures are rising and so are tthe disocunts on Madison Avenue. We’ve collected markdown intelligence from some key Madison Avenue boutiques. Most stores have already taken first markdowns and discounts span from 30% to 50% off retail.

Before making an impulse purchase, we suggest you do a quick review of what sales are online. Sometimes you can find even steeper discounts if you look beyond a brand’s boutiques. Other times the brands offer the most attractive deals.

Below is a sample of what we found at our local stores. Be sure to look at the pictures in the jump to get a sense of what’s on sale at each Madison Avenue boutique.

Alexander McQueen
Most everything from the spring and summer collection is 40% off. We can’t say anything much caught our eye. The clothing collection is much better than the accessories or handbags. We especially like the floral narrative but it doesn’t feel very McQueen. This is one brand that is in need of a revamp –and fast. Some pictures of what we found on sale at the McQueen boutique are over this way.
Daniel 212-645-1707

Anya Hindmarch
Discounts for the British designer’s playful bags, accessories and shoes range from 30% to 50% off. Most of the merchandise is just 30% off but cute beach slides are discounted 50% and come to $450 from $500. A crossbody Smiley Face bag is 30% off and many of the items from the ‘Chubby” collection are also discounted 30%. The markdown isn’t live online but we are told it will be shortly. Take note, some Anya items on Net-A-Porter are more highly discounted. See pictures of the Anya Hindmarch sale here.
Maria 646-852-6233

Balenciaga
Is there any brand hotter than Balenciaga right now? Arguably not. The discounted shoe selection isn’t as extensive as what you might find elsewhere but the savings is higher at 50% off. Market bags and select City bags are discounted 40% and most clothing is reduced 40% too. One of the best deals is the Blanket Reporter XS bag that’s discounted 50% to $845 from nearly $1700. Pictures of what’s included in the Balenciaga sale are over here. Take note, Triple S sneakers are back in stock but not on sale (obviously).
Nico 212-328-1671

Dolce & Gabbana
Expect to find a fresh bloom of discounts and floral prints at Dolce & Gabbana. The markdown is 40% off most seasonal merchandise. Be sure to check out the beachwear downstairs. We have an assortment of colorful pictures of the Dolce & Gabbana sale merchandise over this way.
Billy: 212-249-4100

Emilio Pucci
The discount at Pucci is 40% off for the cruise and the summer collections. There are hardly any shoes or bags included in the sale but the kids’ collection can be found for 40% off too. We suggest you browse the large assortment of sale scarves. Most silk scarves are reduced to $262 from $420. You can click on the jump link to see what Pucci clothing and scarves are on sale.
Terina: 212-230-1145

Givenchy
Anyone in the market for a couture wedding gown? Well, you won’t find it at the Madison Avenue Givenchy boutique but you will find a small selection of sale merchandise discounted 40% off. There are no Horizon bags included in the discount, despite the fact that they can be found on sale at numerous retailers like Barneys. The sale selection for clothing is also a lot bigger over at Net-A-Porter. Pictures of what you will find at the Givenchy store are in the jump.
Alee 212-650-0180

Prada
Prada boutiques only do one markdown each season. Shoes and clothing are 50% off and handbags are reduced by 40%. There aren’t many sale surprises in the boutique. It seems as if all the same items are discounted everywhere. You can see the entire sale selection of shoes and bags at Prada here. The second markdown at Barneys tops 60%, which will be a better deal if you can hold out and if you what you desire stays in stock.
Myra- 212-327-4200

Roger Vivier
It’s hard to resist a new pair of Roger Vivier shoes, especially when they are 40% off. The entire front room, of the second floor, is stocked with lots of beautiful discounted options. Sadly, we missed some of the jewel styles that you can find at some department stores. Unfortunately, Viviers discounted at many places online. We linked to a few but this is one brand where they prefer you physically get your prize. We have pictures of the sale Roger Vivier shoes and bags that we found at the store.
Edouard 212-861-5371

Valentino
Expect to fund Rockstuds galore at the Valentino boutique. The discount is 40% off, which is higher than most other retailers. That means that many of the most desirable styles are going very quickly. You can shop the sale selection online here or you can take peek at the Valentino Madison Avenue sale via our pictures.
Paula: 212-772-6969

McQueen

McQueen

McQueen

McQueen

McQueen

Givenchy

Givenchy

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier

Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch

Anya Hindmarch

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Balenciaga

Balenciaga

Balenciaga

Balenciaga

Prada

Prada

Prada

Prada

Prada

Prada

Prada

Prada

Pucci

Pucci

Pucci

Pucci

Pucci

Pucci

Pucci

Pucci