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    Breaking News: Mansur Gavriel Sample Sale

    Mansur Gavriel just announced that they will be hosting their first ever sample sale, later this month. The four day sale will boast great discounts and offer a unique retail sample sale experience.

    In true Mansur Gavriel fashion, the brand will create a fully immersive retail environment that features an outdoor environment. The store will be outfitted with trees, flowers and other natural elements. Shoppers will even be assisted by Mansur Gavriel associates.

    The discounts will range from 40% to 75% off and include all product categories– handbags footwear and clothing. Among the sale merchandise will be a patent mini bucket bag in blush reduced 50% and come to just $222 from $445, a suede mini sun bag in brick will be $350 from $695 and a mini lady bag in peony will be $525 from $1050.

    From the examples we were given, it appears as if clothing from this past winter season will reduced 60% and shoes will be 70% off.  The shoe selection will include both sandals and more winter appropriate footwear. You can see pictures and pricing examples in the jump.

    We don’t usually get too excited for sample sales but this one seems like it will be one that’s worth the chatter.
    A great shopping environment, fantastic markdowns and stunning merchandise. Lets just hope they have a good plan to manage the crowds. You wouldn’t want long lines to break up this idyllic sample sale with a three hour wait.

    Mansur Gabriel Sample Sale
    Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, April 22
    Thurs to Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm
    490 Broadway

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    Inside the Versace Sample Sale (pics*)

    The Versace sale, hosted by 260SampleSale, officially kicks off tomorrow but this evening, there were dozens of eager shoppers browsing and shopping the VIP preview. The good news is that the sale wasn’t nearly as crowded as we expected and the discounts were even steeper– win-win.

    The Versace Collection clothing is the best deal at 80% off. Shoes, bags, belts, swim, etc, etc are 70% off. The Versus collection isn’t discounted but retail prices are much less. Versus clothing is 75% off and all other categories are discounted 65%.

    We started by browsing the best markdowns, in the Versace Collection category. We found a purple puffer coat that comes to $240 from $1400, a printed silk dress is $170 from $850 and leather jackets are about $300 from $1500. There are also several racks of long gowns that range in price from about $3000 to $5000. We found a fur coat for $3400 from $17,000 and a blazer with exaggerated shoulders and rouched sleeves for $420 from $2100. (Pictures weren’t allowed at the sale but we were able to stealthy snap a few key items, which can be viewed from this link.)

    The sale also includes a large amount of merchandise for men. Versace collection clothing for men is also 80% off. We strongly suggest men browse the suit options. Retail prices generally run from $1200 to $1600 and after the discount suits are just $240 to $320. That’s a true deal. There is also a rack of denim with classic Versace prints.  Men can also find classic Versace print ties and bikini swim suits towards the beach of the ground floor shopping area. (Pictures are this way.)

    Those with Versace mansion dreams can theoretically design a full table scape of Medusa heads, lions and bright prints. There are full china sets available but it’s unclear how many place settings are available in each print. Our guess is that there isn’t much. The housewares collection also has a few vases that range in price from $400 to $1400. At just 55% off it doesn’t seem like the best of deals.

    Downstairs, shoppers can find lots of shoe options for men and women for both Versus and Versace. Sizing is very limited for the the most attractive shoe styles. We are talking about 35s and 41s but those looking for sneakers will be more lucky.

    Before anyone gets too excited, lets remember it’s not 1996 and Madonna is no longer topping Z100’s pop-charts. Instead it’s 2018, and Cardi B is on in high rotation on Hits 1 as she rocks Versace on Instagram. Some say Versace is having a comeback moment, but you must be very careful when it comes to styling this 90s fashion hit.

    Not all good deals are actually good deals.

    Versace Sample Sale
    Wednesday, April 11 through Sunday, April 15
    Wed to Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
    150 Greene Street

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    ShopBop VIP Sale Link

    The hugely popular Shopbop sale event kicked off today for VIPs. Shoppers can use the code EVENT18 and save up to 20% on orders under $500 and 25% on orders above $500. Of course, there are designer exclusions. Shopbop’s list isn’t usually very bad but some of the higher end designers aren’t participating.

    The best part of this sale is that you can apply the discount to previously reduced merchandise. For this reason, we always like to start our browsing in the sale section. We are really into this Milly detachable trench coat that’s already reduced to $625 from $900. (It looks a lot like the Calvin Klein collection version, which is over $2500.) Frame jeans with a wide cuff are marked down to $73 from $245 and a rainbow stripped dress from Tome is $717 from $1200.

    Another option is to always use the savings to get a jump ahead of the trends. You can catch two trends in one dress with this Tanya Taylor denim off-the-shoulder ruffled dress ($350). We love the color of this Black Halo dress ($345) and we would love to try out this Mira Mikati rainbow hoodie. For shoes, go for the Proenza ruffle sling-backs or No.21 braided mules.

    Remember, the trendiest of items go fast at this sale. Better to snatch them up now than to wait until the sale ends on Saturday. Get shopping.

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    Coming Soon: David Yurman Sample Sale

    The sample sale that you have been waiting for is for is finally here. David Yurman will be hosting his semi-annual sample sale starting April 19. Discounts normally range from 30% to 60% off retail and 10% of all proceeds on the first day of the sale will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

    The last David Yurman sale we scoped out there was a line that almost spanned the full avenue. Many people waited more hours before gaining entrance. Inside, shoppers said to have found cable bracelets reduced 30% off and other styles were discounted 50%. Rings and necklaces were 50% off and watches and pendants were reduced by 60%.

    Prices at this sale aren’t precisely a steal but Mother’s Day isn’t too far away and any discount helps. This is a good option for discount shoppers considering how David Yurman jewelry retains it’s value and how it’s become increasingly difficult to find the designer’s jewelry at outlets or discount stores.

    There are additional markdowns taken throughout the sale. If you don’t mind a wait, we suggest attending the sale early to get the best selection. Alternatively, we found some discount Yurman you can start shopping now.

    David Yurman Sample Sale
    Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, April 22
    Thurs 3pm–8, Fri & Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm
    The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street

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    Saks Friends & Family Sale

    The Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family sale started online and in stores. Despite the attractive 25% off discount clothing, shoes and accessories, there aren’t many designer options included in the promotion.

    Far gone are the days of a friendly across-the-board discounts but there are still some designer-y items from which to choose. The friends and family sale is bundled in one link but Saks was extra tricky and added sale merchandise that’s not eligible for the additional discount. (Some designers, like Valentino and Calvin Klein are just on markdown from last season.)

    Shopping the sale like isa little like playing a hopscotch game. Shoppers can apply the discount to some Proenza Schouler and Opening Ceremony, Cult Gaia, and Edie Parker. Again, the items that are included seem pretty random.

    The shoe selection is pretty bleak if you’re looking for premium designer discounts. The section is filled with designer sale merchandise but almost none are eligible for the friends and family discount. We like these white Schutz boots that are $195 from $250 and these rainbow slides from Loeffier Randall are perfect for sunny days.

    Some of our favorite friends and family items included this Chiara Boni dress that’s $208 from $700, a Mara Hoffman rainbow one-piece that’s $213 from $285, a BCBG lace top that’s $98 from $188 and a metallic Black Halo dress that’s $168 from $375. It’s not a bad idea to stock op on Swell bottles, which are also included in the sale, before camp and Summer.

    For what it’s worth, the promotion runs through Monday online but we wouldn’t be surprised if there was an extension. First markdown on designer merchandise is usually Memorial Day weekend but we hear that first markdowns of sale season might be pushed until June this year.

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    Bandier Friends & Family Sale

    When Bandier hit the upscale athletic-wear market it attracted the attention of everyone from Barry’s Bootcamp warriors to the SLT contortionists. It’s hard-core workout chic. The company’s sample sales attract miles of shoppers and the good merchandise is gone fast.

    Better than dealing with sample sale crowds, we thought it would be a good idea to hit up this weekend’s friends and family sale. Everything online (and in the store) is now 20% off. No code is needed, the discount is automatically applied during checkout.

    Spiritual Gangster has the rosiest sweats and we just love this Old School Pullover that’s about $73 from $92. Ultracore is our go-to for great workout leggings and we are crazy for this version with lightening bolts that’s about $150 from $196. We are also a fan of Koral’s high-rise leggings that are $70 from $88.

    The friends and family discount can also be applied to sale merchandise, which brings some items pretty close to sample sale pricing. This All Access bomber with a lion on the back is $160 from $300, PE Nation leggings are $80 from $195, an Upside sweatshirt is $72 from $128 and who can resist this sunny yellow sweatsuit?

    Buying new athletic wear is great motivation to keep your latest package from expiring. After all, aren’t we all working out so that our clothing looks even better? Right, and for health and brain function, but we all know it’s for the clothing!

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    Bloomingdales Friends & Family and New 5th Floor

    Do you ever recall a time that Bloomingdales wasn’t undergoing some sort of renovations? Bloomies most recent endeavor, dubbed ‘The Heart of Shoe York,’ combines its original contemporary (2nd floor) and designer (4th floor) shoe floors into a nearly 27,000-square-foot department on the fifth floor.

    The total “footprint” of the shoe department is now more than 40,000 square feet and incorporates 100 brands. The shoe salon contains nine shop-in-shop boutiques, which include Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Fendi, Dior, Gucci M. Gemi, Jimmy Choo and more. (You can click over this way to see pictures of the new 5th floor taken by our friends @nycshopguide.)

    While you are checking out the new fifth floor== and we strongly suggest you do so– you can also begin presaling for the upcoming friends and family sale, which starts Friday. The discount is 25% off an assortment of shoes, bags, clothing and accessories. Beauty shoppers can take $15 off every $150 spent on almost all beauty purchases. To make the friends & Family sale even sweeter, you will receive a $25 reward card for every $100 you spend.

    Bloomingdales can be frustrating to shop (especially with all the construction). We’ve become a big fan of the “In-Store Pickup” service. Shop online and retrieve everything from the customer service department on the 3rd floor. Once you get there, you can try everything on and just take the items you like.

    We love this Frame and Partners jumpsuit ($299), this rose gold sequined dress ($232) and this rainbow sweater is just $42 and that’s before the f&f discount. The promotion can also be applied to sale items. These frayed white jeans come to $140 from $300 and this Stutterheim rubberized raincoat will about $150 from $300.

    The friends and family promotion runs through Sunday, April 15. We suggest that you shop during this markdown. The next sale with similar discounts won’t be until mid-May.

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    Beauty: Getting Your Makeup Professionally Right

    We don’t usually spend a lot of time talking about lipsticks and bronzers but we thought it was critical to share this public service announcement.

    There is no easy way to say this, but more times than not, your makeup artist is creating a problemed look rather than a beautiful one. It’s en epidemic! Every day we see pictures of beautiful young girls who have been fashioned to look like the social media celebrities they see ‘Instagram’ or ‘YouTube.’ It doesn’t translate well in a three-dimentional context.

    For this reason, we enlisted Dustin Lujan and asked him a few key questions to help you properly instruct your makeup artist. Dustin’s editorial work and knowledge have graced assorted glossy magazines and the runways and videos of Versace, Oscar De Le Renta, Akris, Marchesa, Reem Acra, Douglas Hannant, Kim Hicks, Erin Featherston, Misha Nanoo, Victor De Souza and other esteemed fashion houses.

    Below are some tips and pointers that we hope will inspire your next makeup application:

    What are the most important instructions to give your makeup artist?
    The most important instructions to give an artist are to give a specific idea of what you want or may need. Be specific, like how long you need the makeup to last or if you want light coverage foundation. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard women say they want a “natural look” and then they are shocked that they don’t have a smokey eye and red lips. What they meant was ‘go light on the foundation’. Remember, your makeup artist is not a mind reader and the more information about your likes and dislikes result in a better consultation. If you cant verbalize what you like, share pictures of examples of things that you are drawn to.

    What are the most common mistakes makeup artists make?
    One of the biggest missteps of makeup artists are not staying current and relevant to the present day. If you are stuck in the past, and are not willing to stay updated and educated, the entire industry will leave you behind.

    What are the most common misdirection’s clients give?
    One of the biggest client misdirection’s I have seen is poor communication. Specifically, there are three miscommunications I have seen:  #1 Smokey Eye – What is a smokey eye to you? It falls between smudged eyeliner to full on black goth shadow. Find out your smokey eye. #2 Red Lip – What is your red lip? For most clients this can range from a sheer fuchsia gloss to a dark plum matte lip. Know your colors and your comfort level.

    Penciled brows and crazy long lashes? Is too much ever too much?
    I believe everything in moderation and blending can take you a long way. I also would like to let people know that “Instagram Makeup” and “YouTube Makeup” are not realistic in daily life. The extreme looks are meant to show up under extreme lighting and the techniques used a lot of times are to sensationalize the audience as not to loose the viewers’ interest.


    You’re not fully dressed unless you’re using these products…
    You are not fully dressed until you are using your skincare!!! Even the best makeup artist cant correct neglected skin. The must own products are eye cream, moisturizer and SPF. Three simple items will do wonders for the skin. Remember if you do not have a great canvas how can you paint a beautiful picture?

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