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    Crazy Gaga Workshop Sale

    We have to admit that the Barney’s Lady Gaga Workshop was a genius concept. It was imaginative and unique. We also have to admit that the prices of the novelty items included in the collaboration were also imaginative and unique.

    Well, all that has changed. Barney’s has slashed the prices of their Gaga Christmas workshop. The discount ranges from 40% to 70% off. The best deal is the candy. For example, candy finger rings which were insanely $28 and are now $9. You might want to bypass the stale candy and opt for the popular Deborah Lippman 3D Holographic nail polish. The duo set of polish is now $29 from $40.

    Another good bet is the Gaga Workshop x Barney’s tote, which is $14 from $38. (Be careful, not to confuse this tote with the Barney’s x Gaga tote, which is still $26 from $38.) The flame press-on nails are a personal favorite, but are still a frivolous $157 from $225 and you’re cousin from Pittsberg won’t get it. Instead, send her a bite of the big apple by way of the deep V-neck Gaga tee $33 from $75.

    Although the discounts are attractive, we bet that many of these items will show up for even less money at Barney’s outlets across the country. Anyone want to send me a note when they find those crazy nails for $2.25?

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    The It-it: The Weightless Tote

    We can’t say it was unexpected. There was bound to be a backlash against the bigger and heavier bags that have been dominating the streets of Via Fashionable. A 35cm Birkin weights almost three pounds and that’s before it’s loaded with your wallet, phone, lipstick, keys and other junk.

    Handbag designers are increasingly adding fashionable lightweight bags to their collections. The styles, colors and quality go beyond the Goyard tote or the LV Neverfull. These bags are are wonderfully basic. There’s no lux lining, zipper or hardware but the leather is supple and the lines are classic. Best of all, they weigh next to nothing, which means you can feel free to pile on the junk.

    Celine’s version comes in a variety of colors and is priced at about $1600. At Bergdorf Goodman we found a YSL tote that has girly contrasting tassels that retails for $1500. Balenciaga’s Papier tote is $1350 and Givenchy offers another option with their Antigona for $1280.

    Although these tote bags are light,  they are not cheap. A good shopping tote will get kicked around and faithfully used and may show their wear quickly. Less expensive options are also abundant. We just suggest bolting for an interesting color and making sure your tote is weightless.

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    Marc Jacobs 70% Letdown

    By ManhattanMataHari

    When we first caught wind the Marc Jacobs collection would be a hefty 70% off We couldn’t help but get excited when we caught wind of the Marc Jacobs collection discount. The markdown is hefty at 70% off but upon arrival at the store we were sorely disappointed.

    The sale consists only of two small racks of fall and winter 2011 merchandise. There is also a small assortment of booties and pumps below that have been marked down. The racks of clothing were sparse at best, with our best find being a boucle wool $1800 peacoat marked down to $540. It is truly hit or miss because the styles and sizing is extremely limited. A sales associate hinted there “might” be some extra sizes out back but it seemed unlikely.

    We also spotted a few $7900 retail sheared fox cropped jackets on the markdown rack. Even with the discount there are better fur investments for your money. Looking down at the sale shoes, it was easy to see why these stragglers were still on the sales floor – not the most desirable styles. Sadly, no tall boots were to be found.

    Bottom line: if you had your heart set on getting a discounted Stam handbag or other accessories, don’t bother. We suggest calling ahead if you had your heart set on a specific item.

    Johann: 212-343-1490

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    Scoop Sale

    Scoop just added another 30% markdown to their already reduced merchandise. The overall markdown is under 50% and some items are discounted up to 75% off.

    The store is stocked with a reasonable amount of Zac Posen, Missoni, Michael Kors and 3.1 Philip Lim. We found a $725 sweater dress marked down to $289. With the additional 30% discount the final price is just $200. A Kimberly Ovitz dress is $310 from $565 and $1000 Alejandro Ingelmo heels are just $310.

    Even the Scoop sales woman admitted this was a very good discount. Next stop is the Scoop warehouse sale but we think this markdown is both civilized and worthy of two thumbs up. You know, if did such a thing.

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    Manolo Blahnik First Markdown

    The new year means many things to different people. To us, the new year is the start to Manolo season. Every year, the Manolo Blahnik boutique takes their first markdown following the big ball drop.

    Currently, shoes and boots from the winter collection are now discounted to 33% off. This markdown should not cause too much excitement considering that department stores are running sales where Manolos are 60% off.

    In three weeks you can expect the discount to drop to 50% off and by early February the discount climbs to 75% off. You know, that’s when we come running. You can click here to see our Manolo closeout coverage from last year were we found lots of ornate and iconic styles for just $250!

    Manolo Blahnik
    31 West 54th Street (b/w 5th and 6th)
    Monday to Friday 10:30 to 6:00
    Saturday 10:30 to 3:300
    Contact: Abby 212-582-3007

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    Your New Year’s Eve Plans

    It’s quite easy to find the perfect party outfit now that sales are dropping faster than the Swarovski ball. Sequins at 70% off are more abundant than confetti in Times Square. Making the perfect end-of-year celebratory plans may not be so simple. Actually, celebrating the end of 2011 may cost you more than a pair of Chanel heels– and that would be at full price.

    The Price Hike, a blog that monitors the prices at high-end restaurant, recently posted about the real cost of dining on New Year’s Eve. The “real cost” is calculated by adding the price of tax and a 20% tip to the cost of a tasting menu. Would you believe that the real cost of dinner for two at Eleven Madison Park on New Year’s is $1482. That’s $1160 more than the price a couple would pay on any other night throughout the year.

    Yes, Eleven Madison Park, is offering an amazing menu. According to the expert blogger there will be one course of white truffles, two courses of black truffles, foie gras, lobster, black sturgeon caviar, and many more freebies. Still it’s a whole lot of money.

    No matter how you choose to celebrate your New Year’s, we suggest checking out The Price Hike’s analysis and making the same calculations before you confirm your reservations. Dinner or a new pair of Chanel pumps? Hmmm. We’ll take both!

    Happy New Year!!!

    Image credit: The Price Hike

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    Reed Krakoff Second Markdown

    Reed Krakoff boutique has taken a second markdown on their winter collection. Bags, shoes, clothing and small leather goods are 60% off retail.

    While browsing through the boutique we found the classic boxer tote with a shearling front for $596 from $1490, a perfect-for-New-Years python and chainmail dress for $2796 from $6990 and suede ankle boots for $290 from $725. If you’re still looking for last minute holiday gifts you might want to consider grabbing the RK Ribbon wallet, which is just $116 from $290.

    Although most Reed Krakoff shoppers favor the leather goods we think that the clothing is really underestimated. Pieces like a fine wool wrap skirt are a true value at just $236 (from $590). So the moral of this story is look at the bags but buy the cloths!

    Contact: Manny 212-988-0560

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    Shopping at Woodbury Common

    While some are celebrating 12-days of Christmas, we are still scouting out the best post-season shopping. Since we have already scoured our neighborhood and the vicinity, we thought we would take a little road trip to see what deals can be found at the outlets.

    At the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets the deals are about the same as they have been throughout the month of December. Many sales associates say that the merchandise has been pretty well picked over. And then there are the crowds. If you’re looking for a more sane shopping experience, local experts suggest waiting to at least mid-week to head North. The next big outlet markdown will come during President’s weekend. In the meantime, this is what we found.

    Bottega Veneta
    Select bags an additional 50% off and clothing is an extra 80% off. Sizes on clothing are running low and the bags with the highest discount are not the most desirable styles.
    845-928-4563

    Chloe
    Merchandise is selling very quickly, which means there isn’t a lot to pull at your heart strings about. There is a Sally clutch looking for a good home but there is no additional markdown on current style bags. On older style merchandise you can save an additional 20% off outlet prices. Winter merchandise is now 80% off retail and new spring preview is an additional 20% off outlet prices.
    845-928-6260

    Dior
    There are no additional markdowns in the outlet store but that may be the reason why there is a healthy selection of bags and shoes. Clothing sizes are starting to run low but next month new winter merchandise will arrive.
    845-928-4602

    Dolce & Gabbana
    Right now there is an extra 30% off fall 2010 inventory and 60% off older merchandise. There are still some nice items but sizes are running low and the store is very crowded.
    845-928-5221

    Etro
    The iconic paisley print emporium is now offering customers an extra 50% off outlet prices for a total saving of about 75% off. Men’s merchandise is starting to run low but the women’s selection is still plentiful. Check back over Presidents weekend for additional markdowns.
    845-928-9256

    Ferragamo
    The outlet is offering an extra 50% off their normal discount for a total saving of about 75% off retail. Men’s merchandise is running low but the women’s selection is still stocked. An additional discount will be taken over Presidents weekend.
    845-928-7116

    Giuseppe Zanotti
    As usual, there is a great deal of sample size 7 shoes. In addition, there is a section of shoes that are marked down up to 75% off retail. Sizes of these shoes are most abundant in larger sizes. Overall, the word is that it’s been pretty well shopped over.
    845-928-4828

    Prada
    The Prada outlet has really locked down their discount policy. Right now the markdown is just 30% to 40% off retail prices. We are told that there are only additional discounts in November and June. We suggest skipping this crowded outlet store and keeping an eye on the boutique sale, which is poised for another discount later this month.

    845-928-7415

    YSL
    There are no additional promotions going on right now. All prices are 30% to 50% off retail. The big discount will come during Presidents weekend. For now, the boutiques and department stores are offering better deals. We even spotted a $1500 Roady at Saks for just $550!
    845-928-2169

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