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    Are They BagSnobs or BagBullies?

    Today, a fellow blogger started a Twitter campaign against counterfeit goods called, “Say No to Fakes.” The original tweet was:

    BagSnob: Let’s start each Monday w/ #SayNoToFake campaign! If u see someone with a fake bag, twitpic them. It will take all of us to stop fake bags!
    Although we don’t condone counterfeiting in anyway, these types of campaigns seem to target young ladies and girls and expose them to ridicule and public humiliation. By singling out women who may not be able to afford the most coveted fashion of the moment we run the risk of creating an environment of myopic judgment and prejudice.

    As a matter of fact, a study in 2009 from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, found that 46% of those who bought a counterfeit brand-name purse, went and bought the real thing within two and a half years. The study continued to report that the claims from the industry about the supposed “harm” from counterfeiting wasn’t just overblown, but were blown so far out of proportion as to be ridiculous.

    Although there may be a moral issue associated with stealing another person’s creative design, we believe the cost of personal degradation is much higher. We would advise BagSnob to retract their twitpic campaign and make a more concerted effort to highlight fashionable designer alternatives.

    If you like, be a snob but don’t be a bully.

    Follow-up: BagSnob responded and said that the intention was never to single out individuals but to help consumers identify counterfeit merchandise through photographs.
    At MadisonAvenueSpy. we agree that there is an entire universe of knock-offs, from Moncler coats to synthetic diamonds. It is a tragic situation any time a customer is “taken” by a charlatan. We are glad that this topic is being discussed and look forward to working together in creating an eduction platform.

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    Dannijo Valentine’s Sale

    Dannijo, one of our favorite fashion jewelry brands, is hosting a sale where jewels will start at just $10. Prices usually range from to $200 to $350 for earrings and up to $850 for necklaces and bracelets.

    The sale is just two hours but we expect it to be the perfect opportunity to pick up a fashionable Valentine’s Day gift. And what’s more fashionable than buying yourself exactly what you want?

    Dannijo
    Tuesday, February 1st, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
    423 West 14th Street, #3R
    Buzzer #8

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    Anik Winter Clearance

    Anik, a Madison Avenue boutique that is popular for their inexpensive private label cashmere, is hosting a winter sale, where sweaters are priced from just $79. Anik’s cashmere sweaters normally range in price from $250 to $500.

    The store has two locations one at Madison at 83rd and the other at Third Avenue at 77th. We suggest heading east to the Third Avenue location for a larger selection of sizes and styles.

    Some customers complain about the quality of the cashmere at Anik, but we have always had good luck with the heavier gage winter sweaters. No need to hand wash them, this isn’t the quality of Lauro Piano.

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    Sigerson Morrison Final Markdown

    It’s a smart move to fill your wallet with cash as you make you way down Madison Avenue. The temptation from the fabulous values can be overcoming to even the most rigid of shoppers. Today we investigated the final markdown at Sigerson Morrison.

    The discounts range from 50% to 70% off. Most bags are reduced by half but the fall season boots and shoes are what to buy if you’re looking for a great discount. Black leather high boots are $329 from $1095, black suede boots are $419 from $1395, snakeskin ballet flats are $179 from $595 and black suede flats with sliver studs are $149 from $495. And who says you can’t find a great pair of boots for under a grand?

    The sale is also online, if you can’t make it to the Madison Avenue store. It’s just so much more fun to be in the shoe and art temple than in front of a cold silver box.

    Contact: Erika 212-734-2100

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    Lisa Perry Sample Sale

    Lisa Perry is hosting a sample sale at her Madison Avenue boutique that can brighten the most dreary of days. Prices are up to 80% off and the selection is tremendous.

    Our sale mission was to pick up a little girl’s dress for the deep discount of just $75 and be done but we were drawn in by so much more. Accessories like beach bags, clutches and circle bags were all under $75. We snagged a large pink patent leather circle bag for $50 from $250. Winter dresses normally range from about $900 to $1200 but were all reduced to about $400. Lighter weight dresses, from prior seasons, range from $250 to $300. We spotted an amazing rain coat for just $300 and a bright pink leather skirt for $400.

    This is one of those sales not to be missed, especially if you are a lover of mod fashion. Don’t be surprised if you run into Mrs. Mod herself. Lisa’s office is within the boutique and she often makes her keen style eye available to customers. Now that’s great service and spot on prices that can turn anyone’s day from winter blue to hot pink.

    Contact: Julia 212-431-7467

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    Calypso Extra 50% Off

    We all know that Target’s next collab will be with Calypso St. Barth. Early reviews are that the collection is perfect from summer and priced quite reasonably. If you are looking for great Calypso deals, however, you don’t need to wait for Target or go any further than your desktop.

    Right now, Calypso boutiques and online store are offering an extra 50% off already reduced merchandise for a total savings up to 85% off. To access the extra discount online use the code JANSALE11.

    During a quick browse we found a camel side belt dress for $150 from $495, a chunky knit sweater is $115 from $295, a belted tunic is $35 from $225 and short shearling boots are $150 from $575.

    These prices are great and are most surely a better value than any line from Target. Just be careful with your purchases, unlike Target, discounted merchandise is final sale.

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    Following the Markdowns Final Sales

    At the start of the season we decided to take a look at the most talked about items and watch to see how low the markdowns would go. Click here to see the markdown history for our reader’s most wanted items.

    Some of the items we spotted in September are gone from the racks but below are an assortment of great finds that can still be purchased if you have the fortitude to track them down.

    Chanel Boots

    When we found these boots we knew they would be a consumer looser, which means they are a bank account winner. The price tag started at $1850 and today we spotted these darlings at Bloomies at double markdown. The final price is about $685, which isn’t too far off our $500 target. Now we just have to worry about keeping our toes warm. (Boomies also has a good selection of Chanel clogs that now come out to about $500.)

    Givenchy Nightingale

    Okay, the Nightingale never had a significant markdown. That doesn’t mean that you can’t snag a great deal on a Givenchy bag. Right now, Barneys has reduced the Givenchy Melancholia from $1,315 to $529 and the large Antigona Duffle is marked down to $799 from $2,330. Our favorite is the Neo Carry All, which is about $840 from $1567 on MyTheresa.com.

    Badgley Mischka Dress

    This Badgley Mischka dress was a bridesmaid’s dream at $880. It was quickly reduced to $528 but luck shoppers were able to grab this purchase for under $310.

    Oscar de la Renta Bib Necklace

    This stunner started out at $490 and was reduced 30% after Christmas. The item is currently sold out online but if you can spot one in the store it could be yours for just $196.

    Alexander Wang Darcy

    The Darcy was love at first sight but a moment on the shoulder and we realized that the weight from the gurmmets would just be too much. This season’s “it” bag started off at $850 but could be currently found at Saks for just under $340, if you’re lucky.

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    Hermes Madison Gets a Facelift

    Customers of the flagship Madison Avenue Hermes boutique have been greeted with quite a scare. The widows are covered with butcher paper and the swanky store appears closed to the unsuspecting eye. Fret no more, it’s nothing a Park Avenue plastic surgeon can’t handle. The boutique is open but is simply undergoing a renovation, or a nip and tuck, as we like to say.

    The Hermes emporium is open for business except for the main floor, which traditionally contained scarves, ties, perfume and leather jewelry items. These items have been moved to a temporary boutique a few doors north. (Bags, which were also located on the main floor, have been relocated upstairs at the flagship.)

    We initially thought that smaller boutique is a way to divert lower ticket items from the main store, but the store for rent sign implies that this location is indeed short-term. In the meantime, customers are packing into the temporary space to the point that there are lines to get in. Yes, my friends, lines to have the opportunity to purchase a full price scarf for $375. Online shopping has never been so attractive.

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