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    Soho Markdowns Round I

    Even a hot day like today couldn’t keep us away from scoping out the best markdowns. After exploring the department stores, Madison Avenue and Midtown, we set our sights on Soho. Below is the markdown status at some of the best stores South of Houston.

    Acne
    Acne is moving on June 8th and is holding off on their summer sale until the move is complete. In the meantime, the sizzling hot fashion label is hosting a promotion on their fall and winter overstock. The sale starts on Wednesday and past season merchandise and assorted denim will be 70% off. The sale runs through June 8th and we suggest going getting there fast. Although the stock is plentiful, it will not last long at such a discount.
    212-625-2828

    Acne SS2012


    Alexander Wang
    There is currently no markdown at Alexander Wang boutique but online customers were recently sent a promo discount code for 40% off. You can use this link to access the online sale. For this season, we are especially into the brand’s iconic asymmetrical draped dresses.
    Myra 212-977-9683

    Derek Lam
    Presale has started at Derek Lam and the discount is 40% off spring and summer merchandise. The markdown officially starts Friday, but you can request that merchandise “be sent for approval.” This means that a sales person will messenger you your desired items and charge your card for the ones you keep. What you don’t want can be sent back to the store. Usually this type of customer service is reserved for a boutique’s best clients. If you do take advantage of such a program, we suggest that you’re respectful of the boutique and immediately send back whatever you’re not going to keep. Our personal rule is less than 24-hours
    Leah: 212-966-1616

    IF
    IF has a number of hard-to-find international designers and high-end mainstays like Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme de Garcons and Rick Owens. Presale is already underway and most clothing is 35% off and shoes are 30% off. The sale officially starts Thursday.
    Mizyo 212-334-4964

    Kirna Zabete
    The sale at Kirna Zabete starts Wednesday. Just be forewarned that the chic boutique has already sold out of many hot items. If you make it down to the boutique, take advantage of the store’s stylists. It’s always nice to get a fresh perspective and they are really good!
    Lauren 212-941-9656

    Vera Wang SS2012

    Nannette Lepore
    This designer’s flirty frocks and separates have been marked down 40%. Fun print swimsuits are included in the markdown but the new swim is excluded, along with an array of runway pieces.
    Jenny 212-219-8265

    Vera Wang
    We must say that we desperately miss the Vera Wang markdowns on Madison. Since the brand moved to Soho, sale shopping has not been the same. On the bright side, presale has already started and clothing is 40% off and shoes are discounted 20%. The sale officially starts later this week but select items like sunglasses are not included.
    Marina 212-382-2184

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    Giutzy’s Amazing Summer Shoe Sale

    We’ve been doing a bit of thinking, as we occasionally do. If Black Friday is the unofficial start of the Winter shopping season then why isn’t the Spring equivalent coincide with Memorial Day? It would make sense to celebrate a full day of shopping on “White Monday,” right?

    Well, in honor of the start of the Summer shopping season our favorite online shoe store, Giutzy is hosting a huge sale where almost all spring and summer shoes are 30% and 50% off. Almost the entire collections from Chloe, Rochas, Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, Michael Kors, Nina Ricci are 50% off. That’s a better discount then Saks, Barneys, Bergdorfs or Bloomingdales!


    Giutzy has also marked down contemporary designers brands like, See by Chloe and Veronique Branquinho. While you’re shopping, don’t miss the sale assortment that’s 70% off. You can’t feel bad storing knee high Chloe boots when you grab them for about $400 from an original price of almost $1400.

    Iris, Giutzy’s affiliated Meatpacking District boutique is offering a similar promotion. So, welcome Summer in Spy style and snag great discounts on Giutzy today!

    Sponsored Post
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    Midtown Markdowns Round I

    Temperatures are heating up and so is sale season. Last week we started our series of sales roundups with the department stores and Madison Avenue. Today we are investigating our favorite mid-town boutiques.

    Bottega Veneta
    While sales associates have been kept largely in the dark about what styles of shoes and ready-to-wear will be included in their June 4th sale, we anticipate it will be mostly seasonal colors from the Spring/Summer or Resort collections. The discount will be a whopping 50%, although the handbag sale is usually by invitation only. You may have some luck finding intreciatto flats or sandals, especially since there is no pre-sale.
    Yuko: 212-371-5511

    Burberry
    The spring and summer sale just started with markdowns ranging from 30% to 50% in all departments. Not many items, however are marked down more than 35%. Since these are all seasonal markdowns, don’t expect to find classic colored trench coats or quilted jackets. Instead, you will find some ultra lightweight nylon trenches in seasonal colors that are now $699 from $995. Select shoes and handbags are also on sale, even some rain boots, although sadly no discounted umbrellas. Be sure to look for classic $125 novacheck trimmed polo shirts reduced to $89 and $99 in seasonal colors.
    Chris: 212-407-7100

    Dior
    We are told that Dior is trying to completely stop marking down merchandise. With nobody buying the Dior we are surprised the brand is so determined. Even the sales person we spoke with said she wished they would do a markdown. Last season, the boutique only hosted a two-day shoe sale but that hasn’t even been planned yet. As we predicted, those bright colored collaboration bags done with Anselem Reyle are still available. We imagine that they will end up at the outlet at some point. You bet that we will be keeping open for those.
    Contact: Jenny 212-249-5822

    Fendi
    The Fendi sale will officially start on June 1. Presales are currently being accepted with the security of a credit card. Clothing and shoes are discounted 40% but there are no bags included in the markdown. Furs and evening wear are also excluded from the seasonal sale.
    Noah 212-759-4646

    Ferragamo
    The Ferragamo sale is scheduled to begin June 15. We are told that it’s still too early to presale but orders will begin to be accepted some time around June 10. As in past sales, clothing will be discounted 40% and select bags and shoes will be discounted 35%.
    Sal: 212-759-3822

    Miu Miu
    While the public sale is set to start on May 31st, a private sale invitation was sent to select Miu Miu customers. Select bags and accessories are 30% off, clothing is 40% off and shoes are 50% off. Do not expect to find any classic handbags on sale from the Matelasse collection or the popular Coffer line. Rather point your interest at bags and shoes that were part of the runway collection.
    Alex: 212-641-2980



    Yves Saint Laurent
    While their Private Sale started last Friday and will last one week and you can definitely still score some of YSL’s popular handbags, shoes and ready-to-wear for 30% to 40% off. There will be a few discontinued classics marked down, like the Muse II in patent leather or with color blocking, the Roady and the Easy bags in seasonal bright colors. Classic Muse handbags in white, light brown or with textured and unique materials will also be discounted. Expect to find a good selection of popular Tribute and Tribtoo pumps and sandals in seasonal colors.
    Eli: 212-980-2970

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    DVF Sample Sale

    We are happy to announce that this year’s dates have (finally) been released for the Diane von Furstenberg sample Sale. Starting Tuesday, June 5th shoppers will be able to sort through racks of wrap dresses and wonderful prints that are all priced up to 75% off.

    Last season the prices were: $80 for pants, skirts, blouses and sweaters, $125 for dresses and jackets, $150 for wrap-dresses, $250 for leather and $275 for gowns/ cocktail dresses and coats. Our favorite section, however, is always the $50 sample rack.

    Here’s a little insider tip: The DVF sale may officially start on Tuesday but at about noon on Monday friend’s and family are invited to shop. By mid-afternoon, the sale is usually open to the general public. Bargain shoppers should wait until mid-week, prices usually drop along the lifespan of the sale.

    DVF Sample Sale
    Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9
    Tues 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 10am to 8pm, Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 3pm
    260 5th Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)

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    Net-a-Porter Summer Sale

    Online shoppers get clicking! Net-a-Porter has announced that their summer sale will begin Tuesday, May 29th. First markdown on NaP usually ranges from 30% to 50% off.

    We suggest you start browsing tonight and check out quickly because NaP’s sale merchandise usually flies off the virtual shelves. Last season, we found a dozen or so Christian Louboutin shoes for 50% off including the Mrs Propre, which was $548 from just under $1000 and YSL Totem wedges were also 50% off and about the same price.

    Usually the bag sale isn’t as impressive as the shoes or clothing. This year we have our eyes on a sheer Valentino top and this Lanvin one shoulder top. We are just waiting to see if the prices here are better than Barneys.

    Sale goes live Tuesday. Let us know what you think!

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    Retail Therapy: Bethenny Frankel

    As temperatures rise even conservative New Yorkers begin to peel back the layers. Finding the fine line between hot and hoochie are always up for debate but we couldn’t think of a better person to ask than straight-talking Bethenny Frankel, who just launched her Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear.

    During our conversation we got to talk about her famous lingerie, the sexy line, and oh yes, shopping! Let us know what you think:

    What were the most important elements when you sat down to design shapewear?
    Functionality, fashion, comfortable, sexy and affordability. Is shape wear you actually want people to see, which was really important. It is less than $50 an item and it’s comfortable. I think of it as lazy lingerie. You can wear it in the daytime into the night and be sexy afterwards with your husband, boyfriend or date. You are actually wearing a bra, tank top and lingerie.

    What’s the line between sexy and hoochie?
    Showing too many body parts at the same time. Racy colors. It should blend in and shouldn’t be shocking. It shouldn’t be like, “Oh there are your boobs.” It should be subtle.

    What are your top shopping tips?
    I am an online shopper. I look for deals and buy things that are not of the season. I am not the first person to get it because it is now. If you buy classic it will always be good. I like to buy classic pieces on sale. I’m an online hunter.

    What’s your prize deal?
    A Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity bag, which was $400 on eBay that was originally over $2000.

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    Madison Avenue Markdowns- Round I

    By ManhattanMataHari

    Memorial Day may not offer the best discounts but some consider it the warm weather equivalent of Black Friday. Pre-sale has started at many Madison Avenue boutiques and most stores will officially begin their markdown next week.

    For the uninitiated, pre-sale is when stores allow their top customers to pre-shop the sale collection. Pre-shopping a sale, or “pre-saleing”, usually requires a credit card to hold the merchandise, which is sent or available for pick-up once the sale officially begins. Throughout the coming weeks we will continuously bring you the most up-to-date sale coverage from stores all over Manhattan.

    Of course, we must start on Madison Avenue:

    Chloé
    Chloe’s presale is already underway, however, some stores may require an invite. Stephanie, the store manager at Madison Avenue Chloe, will likely extend the invitation if requested. The sale officially opens to the public on May 28th. A 30% discount will be applied to most spring/summer shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear. The popular scalloped edge ballerina flats are excluded along with select handbag styles. On the plus side, the sale may provide an opportunity to score Chloe’s $2695 Madeleine tote in fun colors for under $2000. Second cut usually starts at the end of June and the discount is often 50%.
    Stephanie: 212-717-8220

    Dolce & Gabbana
    Dolce&Gabbana is kicking off their private sale today. The public sale is not scheduled to begin until June 1. Most of the Italian designer’s spring merchandise is 40% off. A nice selection of the popular corset-style dresses are included in the markdown down, although they aren’t likely to last once the sale goes public.
    EJ: 212-249-4100

    Giuseppe Zanotti
    While the Giuseppe Zanotti sale will begin their sale Friday, May 25. Expect to find plenty of spring and summer styles for 30% off. None of Giuseppe’s popular Swarovski crystals platforms are included but some of their crystallized flats should be part of the discounted merchandise. If you are a popular size 37, be sure to call ahead or go early since there is limited stock in the popular sizes.
    George: 212-650-0455

    Hérve Léger
    Max Azria’s iconic bandage dresses are now 40% off. Normally, the basic styles start at about $780 and go up to about $1200. None of the intricate bathing suits are included in the markdown, but our tan-line free abs will probably thank us for that in the long run. More sales merchandise is expected to come the Madison Avenue boutique in the coming week.
    Alex: 212-794-7124

    Jil Sander
    Expect to score minimalist chic ready-to-wear and accessories at a 40% discount starting the first week of June. Pre-saleing could be a bit difficult but we suggest making the attempt if you are worried about a possible sell-out. This collection is the last season of designs by Raf Simons. Jil Sander’s personal designs will again stock retail spaces beginning with the Fall 2012 collection. Raf (yes, we are on a first name basis) has found a new home at Dior.
    Kendra 212-925-2345

    Lanvin
    Head to the Lanvin store to shop presale from the spring and summer collection. The markdown on clothing, shoes, bags and kidswear is 30% off. Some classic bag and shoe styles are not included in the seasonal discount. Lanvin usually takes their markdown  to 50% off  in late-June. You can never go wrong grabbing a piece of playful statement jewelry.
    Christopher: 646-439-0380

    Milly
    Pre-spring clothing is currently 30% off, with an additional 10% off until Thursday. While this sale started last week, you can expect to find a good amount of heavier fabric dresses, fitted blazers,and cropped lightweight peacoats.
    Kat: 212-395-9100

    Missoni
    Missoni usually doesn’t play pre-sale games and starts their sale a bit earlier than most stores. Today marked the beginning of their first markdown. Nearly everything seasonal is 40% off, including patterned bathing suits. Certain accessories like, head bands, scarves and the Missoni x Converse collection are excluded.
    Brian: 212-517-9339

    Prada
    Prada has eliminated their presale practices, however, some habits cannot be completely stopped. While sales people are unable to complete a transaction until next week, a good sales person can keep a watchful eye. Most clothing, shoes and seasonal bags will be discounted 30% to 40% off. Prada used to take another price cut at the end of June and host a friends & family blow out at the end of the season. This tradition too has gone the way of the phone booth.
    Joanna: 212-327-4200

    Valentino
    Valentino’s presale is already underway. The spring and summer collection is discounted 40% off. The sale officially begins next week. Seasonal Rock Stud colors are included in the markdown but you can forget about snagging basic black. Fancy jelly’s are also being excluded from the markdown, however, department stores are more likely to discount the seasonal sensation.
    Sonia: 212-772-6969

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    Pre-Sale: Barneys, Bergdorf, Saks

    As you’re finalizing your Memorial Day plans, retailers are beginning to start their seasonal clearance. As always, we will be starting our markdown roundups. First up, are the department stores.

    Department stores are often the first sign of sale season.  It’s generally taboo for a brand-owned store to begin a sale before the department stores. After all, a department store has to buy their inventory for a wholesale markup while a brand-owned boutique keeps the extra profit from a straight-to-retail model.

    Chanel and Louboutin will not be marked down at any department store or boutique until the beginning of June. Nonetheless, it’s never too early to plot your purchases and share your acquisition wishes with a good sales person. Second markdown usually begins at the end of June and discounts usually range from 50% to 70% off.

    For now, we have a roundup of first markdowns at our favorite department stores.

    Barneys
    Pre-sale at Barneys started today. Most designer collections and shoes are discounted 35% off. The official sale starts May 30th. We are especially drawn to the peplum blouses that seem to be abundant throughout the store. Our favorites include a crisp white Celine cotton blouse and a bright silk Thakoon print.
    Contact: Kyri 212-833-2088

    Bergdorf Goodman
    Wednesday will be the first day of pre-sale at Bergdorf. The discount is 30% off shoes and 40% off clothing. Purchases will be shipped or available in the store on Sunday, May 27. We always crush for Balmain leather-antyhing but it might take us an additional discount before we jump on this season’s biker jacket.
    Contact: Allison: 212-872-8732

    Saks Fifth Avenue
    Pre-sale orders will begin Wednesday and merchandise will be available to be picked up or shipped on May 31. Shoes will start at a 30% discount while clothing will be discounted 40%. Most designer merchandise is included. We always appreciate the Vionnet collation at Saks, although we believe it could be a bit larger.
    Contact: Fifth Avenue Club (Eric) 212-753-4000

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