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    Lila Dishes for the NY Post

    There is no arguing that this is the busiest shopping season on of the year. This year, Monday was the federal Christmas day-off, which meant that more people were free to shop December 26th sales.

    The New York Post (12/26/11) dove reporting on the into what’s officially known as the biggest return day.

    The unusual occurrence of this year’s Sunday Christmas has most families enjoying an extra day off after yesterday’s festivities — and offers a “defining moment” for businesses eager to end the year in the black, said retail-industry expert Lila Delilah.

    “Dec. 26 is way better than Black Friday,” said Delilah, founder of Madison Avenue Spy, a shopping blog. “Dec. 26 is to move merchandise. It’s do-or-die for the merchants . . . They close the books and have to answer to their shareholders.”

    Earlier this week, The New York Post (12/23/11) credited your favorite deal catcher with finding the best of 11th-hour pre-Christmas bargains.

    From Macy’s to Saks to Modell’s, prices are being slashed on every kind of gift that can fit in Santa’s sleigh.

    Deal blogger Lila Delilah at MadisonAvenueSpy.com has been keeping an eye on the best deals — and may have gotten one of the biggest bargains at The Gap, where she got some kids’ gloves for 75 percent off.

    “They had gloves, children’s mittens, for $20 and I got them for $5,” she said.
    High-end stores in the fashionable shopping areas of Midtown and the Upper East Side were also boasting big bargains.

    At Yves Saint Laurent, prices were down 40 percent. At Bloomingdale’s, shoppers were finding prices cut by 25 to 50 percent.

    At Salvatore Ferragamo, $760 men’s dress-leather zip boots were marked down to $494.

    While you were preparing for the big holidays the New York Post (12/18/11) took a closer look at the typical mall stores that have opened on Fifth Avenue.  Forever 21, Uniqlo, Hollister, and H&M have all opened flagships on the avenue that is better known for $2000 blouses than $20 shirts.
    “I thought we got rid of Disney and the NBA Store, and we were going to get some grand, luxury emporium,” sniffs Lila Delilah, the Upper East Side blogger behind shopping site Madison Avenue Spy. “Things were looking up. And all of a sudden, it was Hollister and Uniqlo. It’s mystifying. The walk from Bergdorf to Saks used to be a dazzling window shopping experience, and now I find it a little more like the new 42nd Street.”Most experts believe that Fifth Avenue’s transition to a destination of high-low shopping is a good thing. After all, shoppers are increasingly matching their J.Crew tee with their Armani suits. Do you agree?

    Read more:  Christmas’ Happy Return$, Sales Jingle All the Way and Taking the Fifth.

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    Saks After Holiday Sale

    If we had just one store to shop in on December 26th, we would choose Saks Fifth Avenue. Every year the store hosts an early hour doorbuster/ shopping event where additional discounts bring the total markdown to about 70% off.

    The sale usually only lasts until noon and the crowds can be vicious. We suggest shopping on Friday and Saturday and finding a helpful sales person to pre-sale your items. This is one way to avoid the chaos and enjoy the extra savings.

    P.S. Saks closes at 6pm on Christmas Eve but those last shopping hours are always thrilling and create wonderful holiday memories.

    Happy Holidays!!!
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    Barney’s Scrambling to Fill Custmer Orders

    When we posted about Barney’s second markdown, we also warned  warned online shoppers that orders on popular items are often canceled. Going to the store is virtually the only way to guarantee you get your purchase.

    Even without having a crystal ball we were pretty accurate about the future for online shoppers. According to Racked, the luxury department store emailed customers’ that their orders were canceled and that they would not be receiving their purchases.

    While doing some last minute holiday shopping we spied dozens of “corporate” employees scurrying throughout the store to pull product to fulfill online orders. We questioned a well-intentioned employee who told us that skinny on Barney’s antiquated inventory and fulfilment system.

    There is warehouse that houses all the products you see online, our source explained. However, there is only one inventory system and when the warehouse runs out of an item the product is pulled from the shelves of the Madison Avenue Barneys. The problem is that in-store shoppers often purchase the item before it actually gets pulled for the web order. In these instances the online shopper loses out.

    For now, we overheard that Barneys was offering disappointed online shoppers $100 gift cards and personal shopping assistance to pick alternative holiday gifts. We think that everyone would be much happier if Barneys spent a little less time creating Gaga installations and updated their technology infrastructures to, lets say… 2009!

    Photo: A bag of shoes being pulled from the shelves for online shoppers.

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    Gift Ideas: Last Minute Heat is On

    It’s just days before Christmas and the heat is on high to find the perfect gift for those hard-shop-for loved ones and familial obligations. Don’t worry, we have ideas for your catty sister-in-law and your cheap cousin.

    While shopping the on the first floor of ABC Carpet & Home we came across the most beautiful glass bracelets. When we looked close we couldn’t believe that they were only $2 each. We suggest buying an assortment but even five are nice gift and come in a pretty wrapped box. This should leave a few dollars left over so that you can get one of those color reform rugs hanging in the front of the store.

    We love the irony of fashioning your catty sister-in-law in Norma Kamali cat eye glasses. The cool shades are on sale for $75 from $250. Just imagine yourself laughing every time you see her wearing them. Now, that’s priceless.

    Deborah Lippman sparkle polishes are the perfect gift to get your loved one or family friend a head start on the new year celebrations. The three pack of polish includes Happy Birthday, which is a confetti explosion of sparkle, along with sparkle pink or sparkle black. The pack is $42 at Neiman Marcus.

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    Fifth Avenue and 57th Street

    We’ve already scoured Madison Avenue and the Meatpacking District for great deals. The next logical stop is a virtual tour along Fifth Avenue and across 57th Street. Highlights include a markdown at Dior, which is very much under wraps and the sad news that there will be no future Ferragamo warehouse sales. Shall we take a moment to morn? Ok, done.

    Time to move on to the shopping:

    Dior
    We are told that Dior will start their sale on ready-to-wear on December 26th. Dior sales people usually aren’t very forthcoming about markdowns. So it’s going to be up to you to worq-it!
    Jenny: 212-249-5822

    Ferragamo
    Men’s and women’s shoes, clothing and select bags are 35% off. Ferragamo used to run a second markdown after Christmas but the proliferation of outlet stores has ended that trend. We also hear that the Ferragamo warehouse sale is dunzo. You may recall news of overcrowding and police clearing the sale. Our sources say that the real chaos started when someone bit a guard…
    Sal: 212-759-3822

    Miu Miu
    Leather goods are 30% and clothing and shoes are currently 40%. There is still a decent amount of inventory but size variations are starting to run low. We think that there will be another markdown but cooperate may decide to keep the excess inventory for their outlets.
    Judith 212-249-9660

    Norma Kamali
    Today the boutique started a markdown of various items, which are arranged by price. There’s $50 and under category, which contains an assortment of smaller items like bubble shorts, foil leggings and bikini tops. There’s also the $100 and under sectuib that contains sunglasses and other assorted item. In the $200 and under category you can grab yourself a cool camo coat or gown. And of course, the $500 and “Splurge” areas will buy you some pretty cool Norma Kamali fashions. We are told that more items will likely be added to the sale section after the holidays. So be sure to check back.
    Annie 212-957-9797

    Yves Saint Laurent
    The YSL discount is 40% off across the board. At the start of markdown season we found several pair of Tribute sandals and a few Muse bags in purple, tan and dark brown. Roady bags in gray, brown and tan were on sale too. Many of these iconic items are already gone but there are still plenty of pretty things to make a fashion lover smile. We are expecting a markdown to at least 50% after the weekend.
    Danielle 212-980-2970

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    Health Watch: Skiing Safty Tips

    ‘Tis the season for overeating, gift giving and, oh yes, our favorite, vacation. Before you hit the double black dimaond, however, you might want to consider a few expert tips.

    Dr. Jerry Lubliner, chief of orthopedics and sports medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center suggests, taking it easy when you first arrive at your ski destination, especially if it’s your first time out for the season. “On your second day, cut your skiing down to half a day. It takes 48 hours or more to get acclimated to the thin air and altitude.  The second and third days are when fatigue sets in and many injuries occur.”


    It’s essential that you stretch. When muscles are stiff, injuries happen, so spend at least ten minutes warming up. Pay close attention to stretching the quads and calves, which can be easily stressed on the slopes.


    If you do get hurt or feel pain don’t ignore it, says Dr. Lubliner, who has 27 years of experience in orthopedics. Remember the easy acronym “RICE”– Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, but injuries like a broken bone need to be addressed immediately. 

    If you are diagnosed with a ligament or meniscal tear, don’t feel pressured to have surgery at your the local resort hospital. “Most injuries need time for the body to regain motion before surgery. It’s best to wait 10 to 14 days for swelling to subside before heading to the operating table,” Dr. Lubliner cautions.

    Dr. Lubliner says that he often has patients where ski partners, spouses and friends ski into one another causing injuries that require surgery. So watch where you’re skiing!

    Dr. Jerry Lubliner
    Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
    215 E 73rd St # 1C
    (212) 249-8200


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    Meatpacking Holiday Sales Roundup

    By ManhattanMataHari 

    So hopefully most of your holiday shopping is done, but for procrastinators still searching for that perfect something for their loved ones (or themselves) it is worth your while to check out the Meatpacking district.

    Tory Burch
    For fans of the eponymous line, Tory Burch’s sale starts tomorrow with markdowns of 30% to 50% on Fall/Winter and holiday lines. Unfortunately, no Reva flats are going on sale, but this is the perfect time to snag that pair of boots you have been coveting. Our sources tell us that all the season’s boots will be included in the markdown except for the Selma Riding Boot in tumble leather, and you can shop the sale now online.
     Madeline: (212) 929-0125

    Alexander McQueen
    Stop by the late designer’s Meatpacking store to score 60% savings off the fall/winter line for holiday appropriate avant-garde fashion. Expect to find gift-worthy silk scarves for $239 or cool skull bangles for $204. The hardest part is not keeping it for yourself!
    Max: (212) 645-1797

    Stella McCartney
    Ready-to-wear for fall/winter 2011 has been marked down to 60% off retail while accessories are 40% off. While there are no classic black Falabella totes on sale, you may find luck with a tweed or duffel variety. If you’ve been really good this year, Santa might save the lone brown classic Falabella on sale for you. If you’re on the naughty list we suggest checking the online sales site which has a better selection of handbags; unfortunately none of the figure flattering “Octavia” illusion dresses on sale.
    Liz: (212) 255-1556

    Yigal Azrouel
    While their sales prices at 50% off retail may not be as cheap as their recent sample sale, the shopping experience at their Meatpacking boutique is sure to be more pleasant. Be sure to look for their Fall/Winter line including their fabulous outerwear and sweaters that will surely avoid being re-gifted.
    Jennifer: (212) 929-7525

    Matthew Williamson
    Check in for Fall/Winter 2011 finds at a 40% discount. His new edgy MW diffusion line is currently 30% off. While some stores may have a sparse selection of sizes and styles on markdown, Williamson has a huge selection of ready-to-wear and accessories on sale.
    Lindsey: (212) 255-9881

    Henry Beguelin
    If you are looking to gift quality handmade leather goods with an effortless chic-vibe, it is worth stopping by Henry Beguelin. Their fall items are discounted 30%, and any leftover summer items are 50% off retail.
    Jenna: (212) 647-8415

    Jeffrey
    No shopping excursion to Meatpacking is complete without stopping by boutique department store Jeffrey. All brands (except Alaia) fall and winter collections (including shoes) are now 40% off retail. You should head to the back of the store to shop the sale racks by size. We are still regretting passing up a lovely Chanel anorak during their last designer sale. Don’t make the same mistake!
    Charles: (212) 206-1272

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    Gifts Ideas: For Him, Him and Him

    Shopping for the men in your life–your father, husband, brother, brother’s boyfriend– is never easy. They don’t usually like sparkly high heels and that’s where we usually get stumped. So after some searching we came up with a couple of ideas that fit into a range of budgets and personalities.

    First, we are crazy for the new concept Tasting Room. The site/company allows you to order boxes of wine samplers. For example there’s a Sonoma Zinfandel sampler, a Chef Batali selection and a Tour of Napa Valley sampler. Each box contains six small bottles of wine perfect for a taste or sharing a taste. The samplers range from $20 to $50 and there are lots of promotions and online coupons that bring the price down even further.

    Okay, we all know that Moncler is the urban “it” winter jacket for men, women and children but what do you do if you’re looking for something a little less ubiquitous? We found Duvetica men’s jackets. These high shine, fun style, jackets are made of goose down and are also reversible. We especially love the colored zippers and the ability to reverse to camo. Prices are in the similar vicinity of Moncler ($500 to $1100) but we love the fact that it’s not on every Tom, Dick, Harry, Melissa and Zoe. Duvetica can be found online here and at Barneys.

    Guys like sports, or so I’m told. Those shopping for guys who prefer mountain peaks to ocean crests could consider Black Diamond’s Cayenne gloves ($380). The battery-operated heating system pumps heat through the glove, so your fingers stay warm even in a freezing gondola.

    If all else fails you can by your stallion a stallion. United Arab Emirates-based horse farm, Al Hawajer Stud, sells some of the world’s most beautiful Arabians. What man wouldn’t go wild for a long legged exotic? The best part is that once he gets his prize horse he will learn the real meaning of high-maintenance.

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