Days are continually getting shorter and colder and there is nothing more delicious than getting home, kicking off your heels and suiting up in soft, warm pajamas. As a matter of fact, we look forward to it almost all day.
I’ve been on a personal mission to get the most out of my cozy time at home. I’ve found that Bloomingdales has the best loungewear options and Splendid has become my most beloved brand when I’m dying to snuggle-up and cozy-down.
These printed thermals are my absolute favorite. One in each print just isn’t enough. We love these cropped jogger pants because all you need to do is throw on a coat and you’re in a perfectly acceptable ensemble for school drop-off. On nights when the pre-war building heat is pumping, the windows are open and it’s still boiling, I opt for this simple short pajama set.
The right robe is the last remaining component before you settle in to Netflix binge. I find thin silk robes and oversized terrycloth styles to be a bit overrated. I prefer something thin and soft for Winter. Check out this flannel style from Henro or this heather knit version from Ugg.
You can click this way to see more terrific options from Bloomingdales. The best part is that you can always count on Bloomingdales to offer great promotion to make your wallet as cozy as your winter jammies.
We are always on the lookout for sales but every once in a while we are surprised by a price hike. Just in time for the holiday season, Gucci has quietly raised it’s prices on some of its most popular items.
We noticed that the ubiquitous Jordaan and Brixton Loafers are now $730 from $695. Customers are reporting that other styles of shoes and bags have gone up as much as a staggering 20%.
The good thing is that not all sites have raised their prices– just yet.
We did a little roundup of online stores looking for the best deals. We decided to use the classic Jordaan as a litmus test. Take note, velvet styles are now priced everywhere for $695.
Net-A-Porter: There have been no price hikes on the Jordaan loafer on NAP– yet. Black, brown and the velvets are all priced at $695. The best part is that there is a full size range still available. We all know that won’t last long. On the downside, all of the Brixton’s have been adjusted to the new price of $730.
Gucci: All prices on leather loafers have been updated to $730. As a matter of fact, this jacquard print is 795.
Saks Fifth Avenue: All basic leather style loafers seem to be sold out. The print jacquard versions from this season are $695 but this new style on per-order is $890.
Barneys:There are no Gucci deals at Barneys this season. They do happen to have a cool cat print Jacquard that we haven’t seen everywhere. It’s priced at $670. New style prints are $890.
FarFetch:Sadly, there aren’t many deals at Farfetch either. We found one red Jordaan priced at $695 but there is only one size left. Here is that cat print again for $670 and many sizes are available We did happen to find a Brixton in pink for $630!
If you’re on the prowl, and still can’t find what you want for the old price, we suggest you call some smaller designer boutiques that carry Gucci. You might have more luck finding your size or getting a price concession.
Some people are excited by a Saturday night dining at Le CouCous others prefer to clink glasses at the Boom Boom Room. This spy, especially loves kicking a weekend evening touring a fine Barneys presale.
Saturday started the beginning of Barneys designer presale. As usual, an abundance of designer merchandise will be discounted 40% off, designer bags will be reduced by 30%. The sale officially goes public on November 21 but we suggest that shoppers begin to call in their most desired purchases right away.
You can click here to see pictures of all the sale bags and shoes we found at the Barneys on Madison. Online shoppers can use the above scroll bar to preview the styles that will be included in the markdown starting on November 21.
The Givenchy brand has had better years. It’s no surprise that lots of classics are included in the presale. Look out for the Studded black Nano Antigona that’s $1699 from $2290. A small red Antigona is $1599 from $2280 and a baby blue mini is $1249 from $1790.
We suggest you grab what you can during presale or have your trigger finger ready for online shopping on November 21. There will be another wave of markdown merchandise after Thanksgiving and second markdown beings the day after Christmas.
The LVMH-owned Fendi has been hosting an employee sample sale all week. Usually, to get into these sales you need to have an employee ID and get past several layers of security. Starting Thruday afternoon, the company began allowing a small amount of public customers into the sale.
LVMH employee sales are notorious for offering the most epic discounts. Today we stopped by this sale at 5pm and there wasn’t much of a crowed and the door policy was pretty lax. Attendees are required to show ID in the lobby and when checking-in. As predicted, the discounts range from 80% to 90% off.
There are really no bags left to speak and very few small accessories. There are lots of Fendi key chains and charms– Fendirumis, Micro Monsters, Abcharms, Cookie Bugs and more. All are priced between $100 and $200. There are also iPhone cases and other small gadget gizmos. All sunglasses are $70 and jewelry is 80% to 90% off too. (Pictures are right this way.)
The best selection is the shoes, which are priced as marked at about 85% off. Most shoes are from last winter’s collection. We spotted Karlito Fendi sneakers for $180 from $1550, there were lots of ruffled mules in various colors priced at $120 and ankle boots were $180 from $1300. (You can click here to see pictures.)
Take note, ‘opening-to-the-public’ is subject to change at any time. The door policy this afternoon seemed inconsistent. Some people seemed to get in while others complain about being turned away. The crowed was very light early in the evening. We expect that the final two hours, tomorrow, will be busier. Good luck! Please leave comments below about what you see, find and buy.
Fendi Showroom Sample Sale
Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10
Thurs 4:30pm-6:30pm, Fri 9am-11am
598 Madison Avenue, (57 Street) 16 Floor
Most people have been so distracted by the news that shopping has been brushed aside. As part of the back-to-reality process we started to surf online stores while still keeping an eye on current events. We were excited to find that Nordstrom is hosting a Fall clearance sale where discounts are about 40% off.
The limited-time promotion runs through Sunday in stores and online but we suggest you start browsing now before weekend shoppers begin to attack. These very cool Opening Ceremony boots with a lucite heel are now $270 from almost $450. We are surprised to see them online at all since some stores have sold out.
We just love the assortment of stylish denim. Here is tuxedo pair from Frame that’s $146 from $245. We just love this ‘Wild Child’ leather bomber jacket from Alice & Olivia that’s reduced to $600 from $1000. It’s 40% off and reduced to $890 from $1500. This bomber jacket from The Kooples isn’t leather and is a lot less expensive at $270 from $450.
As the saying goes, ‘See something, Say Something.’ If you see an item for less at another store, we suggest calling Nordstrom operators and they will price match and even sometimes even add an extra shopping incentive. It’s just a nice little perk.
t’s not too often that we find discounts pushing 70% anywhere before Thanksgiving. Outside of discount stores, these types of markdowns are usually saved for temporary special promotions. We were very happily surprised to find a large assortment of merchandise at the UK-based Matches discounted a full 70% off.
Matches offers free delivery and returns and even this highly reduced merchandise can be shipped back if it isn’t right. That’s even better than a sample sale– and some boutiques– where you have no recourse.
In a sea of $5000 bags and $1000 pumps it’s hard to get excited about almost any accessory. These types of price tags make it hard to justify a new purchase every season. It’s actually become a bit of a bore. The thrill just isn’t there.
We have found ourselves abandoning the shoe floor and luxury handbag department as we browse items with more sparkle and shimmer. A new necklace or bracelet seems a lot more appealing than a purse. After all, classic jewelry pieces can be worn for a lifetime day-in-and-day-out. Even a Chanel 2.55 can look worn and tired after a few years of use.
This season, simply put, we are leaving the shoes and going for the gold (and diamonds). As always, shoppers should take advantage of Nordstrom’s great customer service. We never have any doubt of the quality and authenticity of jewelry purchased at Nordstrom. The best part is that there is always free shipping and free returns. If only shopping was as gratifying.
Bitta Design Group is hosting a sale of fine jewelry that will knock your socks off. The company’s exquisite collection will be available for a significant discount for a few days only. This private sale includes an array of dazzling earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets discounted 70% off retail prices. You can click over this way for a sneak peek.
Bitta Design Group Private Sale
Tuesday, November 7 through Thursday, November 9
10am-8pm daily
Lotte Palace Hotel: 455 Madison Avenue @51st Street
