Earlier this month, Bergdorf Goodman revealed the first of its four part renovation. The newly unveiled jewelry salon is now located at the 57th Street entrance of the Lavender Lady. The updated look is exquisite although the jewelry collections seem to play second fiddle to the design of the room–the ornate shadowboxes on the walls and and jewel shaped jewelry showcases.
The redesign was spearheaded by Bergdof’s fashion director, Linda Fargo, and incorporates a palate of ivories and grays. The salon’s centerpiece is a pair of ornate custom-made chandeliers inspired by Lobmeyr’s “Sputnik” designs. Some of the renovation highlights include a private viewing room for VIP clientele and trunk show events. The 57th Street windows will now be available for jewelry-specific displays.
The space that is now the Jewelry Salon, was previously inhabited by scarves, sunglasses and select handbag brands like Givenchy, Celine, Alexander McQueen and others. These handbags have been relocated to the Fifth Avenue main floor entrance thoroughfare. Unfortunately, the new set-up is more reminiscent of a holiday market than the City’s premier shopping destination.
Change can be difficult and long-time Bergdorf shoppers are likely to feel a bit disoriented by the redesign. We will miss the warm welcome of the the dazzling jewelry that differentiated Bergdorf’s from other first floor handbag bazars.
One characteristic that remains the same is the second markdown discount. Right now, shoppers can save 50% on an assortment of designer handbags. The sale selection includes a moderate assortment of bags from Christian Louboutin, Proenza, Nina Ricci, Tom Ford and Bottega Veneta. (Head this way to see pictures and pricing.)
We are sure that we will adjust to the renovations and can’t wait to see what else Bergdorf Goodman has in store. We will just have to remember to take a 57th detour to spend time with all of our best friends– diamonds, of course.
Sale shoppers love this time of year. The discounts are plentiful and so are the options. The slyest sale shoppers are reaching beyond the common 60% off and searching for top designer merchandise that’s been reduced 70% or more.
Those looking to spend less than 30-cents-on-the-dollar have come to the right place. We scoured the Internet and have curated a selection of the best designer deals. Scroll through, we’re sure you’ll be impressed with out ability to sniff out high Aquazzura boots for $350 from $1400, Golden Goose sneakers under $200, a Rosie Assouline blouse for $225 from $900 or a Met Gala worthy Delpozo gown for $3000 from over $10,000. We can’t wait to pair this Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress ($440 from $1460) over a sleek turtleneck. With discounts like these you can afford to take fashion risks.
Black Friday is for the amateurs. Real shoppers sharpen elbows for the day after Christmas. It’s the time of year where you can still find a rather good selection of merchandise that’s highly discounted. Over the course of the week you’ll also find great opportunities to pounce on hard-to-find items that may get returned.
Below are some of our favorite post-Christmas shopping destinations. Share your favorites in the comment section below:
3. Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik usually starts their first markdown immediately after New Years. The discount is normally 33% off but if you can wait three weeks, prices get slashed to 50%. Then, right when you think your winter blues can’t get any worse, Manolo starts their February clearance sale where shoes are discounted up to 75% off.
4. Ralph Lauren
When Ralph Lauren slashes up to 70% off we’ve been known to raid the Rhinelander Mansion for cashmere sweaters for ourselves. The best part is that most of the leftover men’s stock is a size XS, which is just perfect for us. Just be careful, prices in the store don’t always match up online. So you might be better off just staying at home and shopping online. Right now, online shoppers can save an additional 40% off already reduced merchandise.
5. Barneys New York
Barneys still has better markdown opportunities than their competitors. Shortly, the store will begin to lose its competitive edge as other stores reduce accessories and shoes past 60%. The biggest Barneys advantage is their fashion lusty inventory. Gianvito Rossi ankle boots are $520 from $1300, an Isabel Marant beaded gown is $750 from $1875 and a Saint Laurent miniskirt is $800 from $2000.
The holiday shopping season is quickly coming to a crescendo. Most online stores can still get your gift there in time for Christmas but it may cost you. Cabbing all over the city will cost you too. Here is your guide to getting your gift there on time. Many stores and boutiques though out the city offer messenger service. Prices tend to range from $15 to $30. Some stores will wave the fee for expensive purchases.
Barneys
Get it there: Next business day $20
Deadline: 12/23 at 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free black box and black & white ribbon
Discount: Up to 60%
Bergdorf Goodman
Get it there: Free Rush shipping with the code BGRUSH
Deadline: 12/23 at 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free silver box with lavender ribbon
Discount: Up to 60%
Bloomingdales
Get it there: Express delivery $13
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: $5 white bottom and black top with elastic bow
Discount: Up to 60%
Net-a-Porter
Get it there: Next business day $20
Deadline: 12/23 5:30PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free, sale items come wrapped in tissue paper but full priced merchandise is eligible for their iconic matte black boxes
Discount: Up to 70%
Nordstrom
Get it there: Free Rush
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Not available on all items but the $2 gift set includes a gift box, tissue paper, a silver ribbon and a gift tag
Discount: Up to 60%
Saks Fifth Avenue
Get it there: Free shipping with the code HOLIDAY
Deadline: 12/23 12:00PM EST
Gift Wrapping: Free black box with snowflakes, red bottom and red ribbon
Discount: Up to 70%
Proenza Schouler is offering holiday shoppers a 50% savings. The discount extends to shoes and bags, which makes this the ideal place to shop for the designer’s popular PS1 and PS11 bags. The discount is also available online here.
In the boutique we found medium PS1s in gold, berry, aqua, mustard, burgundy and red along with a few print and exotic skins. They are all about $890 from $1780. The exotic styles are more, of course. The assortment also includes mini PS11s that come in metallic pink, gold, and rose gold and are also 50% off. You can click here to see all the sale bags available at the Madison Avenue boutique.
The markdown also includes a great assortment of shoes and clothing, like this gorgeous double breasted coat that’s $1100 from $2200, these mid-heel ankle boots for $535 from $1070 and thigh high boots are a relative deal for $945 from $1700.
Proenza Schouler 822 Madison Ave @ 69th Street Adrian 212-585-3200
There are just a few days before Christmas and there isn’t a lot of time to pick up last minute gifts. Almost all of our favorite stores have taken a second markdown. One can expect to universally save 60% on women’s clothing but if you’re in the market for shoes are bags, the discounts vary greatly.
This is a huge weekend for retailers and your last chance to finalize your holiday shopping list. Retailers are only adding to your temptation by taking second markdowns. Bergdorf Goodman is the latest store to start promoting additional discounts.
Handbags are now 50% off, which is excellent except the online selection isn’t very good. A Givenchy Pandora is $1100 from $2300 and a Valentino fringy shoulder bag is $939 from $1900. The shoe collection, on the other hand, is excellent. The markdown is 50% off and the selection is top-notch. Manolo fringe boots are $900 from $1900 and Tom Ford sandals are $750 from $1500. Careful, some styles like Valentino Rockstuds are still only 30% off.
We suggest you pounce on this second markdown right away. It’s not often that Bergdorfs goes toe-to-toe with Barneys this early in the season. (Shoe pun intended.)
If you haven’t heard of Elina Linardaki’s Penny Lane sandals ($187.51) it’s a good thing because it means you’ll be the first to have them. The Greek label is quickly rising to fashion fame for their pompom and charm embellished sandals. Instagramers can’t get enough and neither can we.
The whimsical footwear is all handcrafted by expert Greek shoemakers. Each sandal is uniquely outfitted with friendship bracelets, turquoise, stones, tassels and pompoms. It’s almost as if they were designed specifically for fantasy vacations.
Elina Linardaki’s sandals can be found on Etsy but shipping takes a bit of time. Those who need their fix before schools let out can head to the Muzungu Sisters pop-up, which is open until December 19 at 402 West 13th Street.
These sandals are on the must-have list for anyone traveling to a warm weather climate for holidays. That includes most anywhere south of Miami–Rivera Maya, St. Barths, Anguilla et al. We only hope to wear out our first pair before Hampton weekends return.
