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.

Among the designer bags included in the first markdown are an assortment of Balenciaga City and Bazar. Also included are several styles of the classic City bags, extra large, medium and small Arena Bazar shoppers.

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.

We noticed a hefty assortment of Fendi bags included in the presale. Take note, some of the sale styles are from last season. We spotted, this bag with pom-poms, a variety of Lei Selleria bags, By The Way mini satchels and a mini Peekaboo with colored flowers. Among the straps included in the markdown is this fur style and some mini versions.

There are just a few Saint Laurent bags included in the upcoming markdown but this ribbed Sac du Jour in black and a brown version with snake skin handles are two popular styles that will be reduced. Also look out for the black soft Envelope medium chain bag that will be $1649 from $2350. Both black and red are on the sale list. Our favorite is the Monogram College large shoulder bag.

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.

Of all the designer bags on presale, Chloe has the largest selection. There are plenty of Faye bags, Marcia styles, Lexas, a Drew bag in black and white and all black.

Moving upstairs to the shoe department, the only designers excluded from this round of markdowns are Celine, Dries Van Noten and Christian Louboutin. All other sale shoes are 40% off. It’s no surprise there are no Speed Trainers  included in the sale but you can snag 40% off on Balenciaga velvet ankle boots, floral print booties and slippers. We also like the Maison Margiela drawstring ankle boots, Loewe loafers. Click this way to see a full assortment of shoes included in the markdown.

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.

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.

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.

At Nordstrom, we found a Roberto Coin diamond pendant that is just about the same price as Vetements awful star platform boots. You can afford to buy three gold and diamond sticking rings from Bony Levi for less than one pair of aqua Balenciaga sky-high neoprene boots. Oversized gold hoop earrings are more fashionable than  Valentino Rockstuds and they cost half as much. We bet that you wear them twice as often too.

What do you think you will get bored of first? This David Yurman stackable ring or a Fendi Peekaboo? Don’t even bother guessing which is more money. You already know. If you can’t live a season without Gucci, go for this 18k gold Gucci hoursebit necklace. It’s priced tless than the Dionysus top handle bag.

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