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    Retail Therapy: Julie Kalimian

    Some of the best items on the runway aren’t those being highlighted by the marquee fashion designer. Sometimes it is a subtle tanning cream or an unbelievable set of lashes. All these little details add polish to the overall fashion and can be priceless in your everyday life.

    Last season, we were blown away by the SkinnyShirt. Don’t worry, we are not about to bore you with shapeware. The SkinnyShirt is a sleek collared tank top that can easily be worn under a sweater or paired with slacks without the bulge and bulk of a standard button down shirt.

    ShinnyShirt creator, Julie Kalimian is no stranger to high fashion. She moved to Manhattan when she was in her early 20s and snagged a fabulous job at Vanity Fair. As a mother of four (yes, you read correctly), Julie also knows a thing or two about practicality but that doesn’t get in the way of her expressing her fashion personality and her love for fries. Let us know what you think.

    What’s your most prized deal?
    A black persian lamb belted car coat that I bought for a steal. I think it was $2,500 from $10,000. I have had it almost a decade and it looks as good as it did the day I purchased it. It looks just as fabulous with jeans as it does when I wear it with black wool slacks or a even cocktail dress. It is a timeless classic. I have made some similar amazing purchases on furs for great prices. My secret? Buy in January. If you go to the better department stores they often have incredible discounts on their furs in January. I bought the Persian lamb coat at Saks, but I also purchased a mink lined, sable collared rain coat a few years ago at Bloomindale’s at an 80% discount!

    Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
    A Peter Som cocktail dress that was half price. It was emerald green with jet black beads. I still think about that dress almost a year later. It was a fresh take on a classic.

    This season you are looking for…
    Enough room to store all the SkinnyShirts I have for everyone on my list! I love fresh takes on classics. SkinnyShirt let’s women look pulled together (classic) while achieving a smoother and slimmer look at the same time. If you love the look of a button-front collared shirt, but hate the bunchiness and bulk when you wear it under your favorite sweater. You must try SkinnyShirt.

    What’s your number one shopping tip?
    Buy what you love. Do not worry about what you own that matches. If you love it I guarantee there are things in your closet that you are meant to wear it with. I bought an amazing coat at Shanghai Tang. It is in a really luxe silk. The coat is yellow with a hot pink lining and 3/4 length sleeves. I had no idea what it would go with in my closet when I bought it, but I loved it. I wear it with so much. I use it as a topper over a black pencil skirt and a tight black camisole for evening events. I have worn it with white jeans and a white tank in the summer to go to dinner.

    What’s your biggest weakness?
    Evening wear. It is SO hard to find the perfect evening gown or dress. So, when you see it (whether you have an event in mind or not) buy it!I I attend many formal affairs so, whenever I am shopping I always check out the black tie and cocktail selections. If I find the perfect dress — I have to buy it. Oh, and my other big weakness: FRENCH FRIES. Not the typical french fries, but the kind you get from a really great french bistro like Le Charlot or Bilbouquet. They are skinny and crispy and salty. They are perfect with a salad and a crisp glass of white wine. Mmmm.

    Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
    Shoes and bags. If you invest in a few great shoes and handbags it elevates the rest of what you are wearing. You could be wearing ripped jeans a white t-shirt with an amazing pair of shoes and a great hand bag yet you will still look chic. However, if you wear the same outfit with flip flops and a not so nice bag you no longer look chic, but shabby. Likewise, if you are wearing a simple black skirt and sweater the right shoes and bag can really make that outfit stand out.

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    Consolidation Sales: Saks and Neiman Marcus

    It’s that time a year again! Merchandise from all over the country is being transferred to the metropolitan area for final reductions. At last check, the discount at Saks was 70% off and across the bridge, at Riverside Mall, Neiman Marcus is hosting their Last Call with discounts up to 65% off.

    The selections at both stores are quite depleted but we suggest you check back over the next week. We hear that both luxury emporiums are receiving huge shipments from the southern states. That means you can expect to find lots of cashmere Ralph Lauren sweaters and Chanel odds and ends. (Not bags.)

    One department store exec said, “We will have TONS of merch all over the store…Maybe not tomorrow morning, but after the snow.” You know what that means…

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    Prada’s Game Change

    In past seasons, Prada reduced merchandise to as much as 70% off. This year, the sale story is much different. Prada didn’t allow any presales and the discount was just 30% off. Usually, the markdown starts at 40%.

    We stopped by the boutique to take a quick survey of the sale situation. We were surprised to find that the discount had not budged and the inventory to be quite small. How can this be? No sale and no selection!

    According to Reuters News, wealthy shoppers have recovered from the recession more quickly than middle and lower income consumers, and are on a wild shopping spree. In December, sales at Saks rose 11.8%. In addition, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus Group reported strong gains.

    Luxury companies, like LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton SA, Burberry Group Plc and Hermes International SCA are expected to see a 9% increase in revenue this year, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg. This comes on the heels of last year’s 60% increase in the Bloomberg European Fashion Index, which includes LVMH, Richemont and Hermes.

    These financials may be the reason why we didn’t get to enjoy a great Prada sample sale or exciting markdowns this year. But it doesn’t mean that luxury will never see discounts again. Prada might have changed the game a bit this year but that just means that we need to be resourceful. Just remember, all sectors are cyclical. This year luxury is on top, next year… who knows.

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    Mikimoto Sample Sale

    The ultra lux Mikimoto sample sale is here again. In past seasons, we found most jewelry was reduced up to 70% off retail prices.

    Shoppers can expect to find prices ranging from $120 for smaller items to about $4000 for a large pearl ring. Attendees reported lines during the initial hours of the sale and complained about overcrowding. The most satisfied customers said they went to the sale at about 1pm and received platinum service.

    The Mikimoto sale is accompanied by a laundry list of rules. Please be careful to read them all thoroughly. Hours, location and rules are below.

    Mikimoto Sample Sale
    Thursday, January 20 from 12pm to7pm
    Friday, January 21 from 10am to 7
    Saturday, January 22 from 10am to 5pm
    Sunday, January 23 from 10am to 3pm

    680 Fifth Avenue, 4th floor (53rd & 54th Street)
    Info line: 212-457-4500

  • We accept credit cards only – no cash or checks please.
  • Final sale. no returns or exchanges
  • No holds.
  • No gift boxes or wrapping available. no shipping
  • Admittance will be determined by capacity. there may be a wait.
  • All coats and large bags must be checked.
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    • Score an iPad and Rare LV iPad Case Now

    Everyone knows the most essential part of looking great is finding the right accessories. These days, accessories aren’t only limited to shoes and bags but also the right electronics.

    Could you imagine sitting in an airport and passing the time with a Motorola Razr phone? What you really need is an iPad and the impossible to find Louis Vitton iPad case. The only thing is that unlike Louboutin and Manolo there are no sample sales or markdowns at Apple stores.

    We suggest you check out ScoreLuxe.com if you really want to score great items, including the iPad and Vuitton case, for a great price. ScoreLuxe.com is an innovative auction site, which allows shoppers to purchase bids and score their dream splurge for fractions of their retail price. We are talking about $500 Chanel gift cards for 24-cents and black platform Louboutins for under $5.

    You never have to worry about bidding for items on ScoreLuxe.com because they are purchased directly from the retailer, are guaranteed authentic, brand new and are ready to ship. Bids are just 99-cents each and think about how much fun you will have bragging to your friends about your amazing scores.

    Right now a brand new 64MG iPad with WiFi+3G is up for auction along with the impossible to get Louis Vuitton iPad case. Talk about traveling in style. With these accessories you might even get away with wearing sweats and sneakers to the airport. Well, maybe not.


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    Century 21 Clearance Sale Bombs

    We recently got an email from Century 21 department stores about their end-of-season markdowns. Usually, this sale is amazing. In past seasons, we spent some time mining through unorganized racks but coming out with some genuine gems.

    Unfortunately, our most recent shopping trip was not so fruitful. It wasn’t a surprise that the sale department was a disorganized mess but we were surprised with the vast amount of damaged goods. We found it hard to keep track of the numerous torn, stained and ripped clothing. The worst part of the entire trip, was that it was hard to locate our favorite brands.

    Just before we became disillusioned and left, we happened upon one rack near the cashier. We found a powder pink Pucci coat with jeweled embellishments reduced to $425 from $849. The suggested retail value was over $2500. A Jil Sander capulet jacket is $300 from $599, the suggested retail was $1560. A fully sequined Plain Sud sweater just $80 from $230, the suggested retail price was $625. All the above mentioned pieces are great deals but most of the clothing looked like it had seen better days.

    The most tragic find was a Lanvin jacket, hiver 2009, for $1300. Not exactly cheap but a reasonable deal if the jacket didn’t look like it was caught in one of those fashion wars that are often the subject of Century 21 advertising campaigns. We suggest that Century 21 stop igniting those fashion fights and start spending time respecting the fashion.

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    Intermix Extra 50% Off

    On an off day it’s always nice to know you can find a bit of solace on Madison Avenue. This is especially true at the height of sale season. If you are going to hit any store along Madison, we suggest you take a spin through Intermix.

    The discount is currently an additional 50% off the second markdown. We found several Matthew Williamson dresses discounted to $200 from almost $900. A $900 Stella McCartney top is now about $250. A buttery leather jacket is reduced to under $5,000. Before you ask, it’s Balmain and was originally $16,000. As a matter of fact, there are several Balmain pieces on the reduced rack. You can safely assume anything over $1k is Balmain. In addition, there are several nice Zac Pozen dresses and Helmut Lange pieces on the extra markdown rack.

    We suggest bypassing the website, which doesn’t hold a candle to the boutique’s inventory. If all fails, a great cappuccino at Sant Ambroeus is waiting for you just across the street.

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    Norma Kamali End Of Season Sale

    It would be hard to beat Norma Kamali’s Black Friday sale or her Christmas markdown but right now there’s a larger assortment of discounted merchandise than ever before. Most items from the fall and winter season are now 50% off or more.

    During a quick tour de Kimali we found a $285 stripped dress reduced to $95, a terry side snap jacket was $198 from $385, a parachute skirt for $500 and tiny short modal skirts for just $45. The most exciting find, however, was a powder pink cloud ball length skirt marked down to $150. After further investigation we found this striking piece is one-of-a-kind and was made specifically for last year’s window display. Does it get any better?

    If you’re not in the area, we suggest browsing online and calling the store. Prices don’t always match up and Kamali’s over-the-phone sales associates are absolutely top notch.

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