Versace has started their summer sale. Shoes, bags and clothing are 30% off. The runway collection, unfortunately, is not included in the markdown. We especially loved the Versace bags this season but will wait for the next markdown, which will be 40%.
Contact: Joseph 212-317-0224.
Our Summer intern and all-round hot stuff stylist, Erin Jeen did the rounds of all the important shoe departments and here is her report:
Berfdorf Goodman
Bergdorf began their 30% off shoe sale this week and the 2nd floor was madness. There are tons of glitter Louboutins, (retail $795) and glitter Miu Miu’s. There was a plentiful amount of Balmain shoes. And oddly, there were a bunch of Chanel sandals and flats. They will further increase the discount soon, but I would check it out if you want to get your hands on the discounted Chanels.
Saks Fifth Avenue:
Saks had some classic Louboutins on sale, and even more Chanel sandals and sneakers than Bergdorfs. They had a few good odd ball brands thrown in the mix–Givenchy sandals, YSL Tributes– and if you are lucky enough to be the size of the shoe, you have won the prize.
Barneys:
About 3/4 of the shoes I own were purchased at Barneys. I value their sale selection every season. Right now the discount is 40%, but soon they will take another 33% off. They have tons of Miu Miu clogs and mary janes. On the second sale day they had YSL Tribtoos, now there is only size 40.5. There are also a few Ann Demeulemeester sandals. Chanels were also abundant. There are lots of Lanvin flats and heels. I am holding off for the further reduction of 33%, but I would check it out!
Summer shoppers are being presented a with a similar dilemma: Is it better to hit a department store or shop at the boutique. We already established that most Madison Avenue boutiques have reduced prices 40% but now it’s time to do a price comparison with our local department stores.
Barneys
Shoes and most ready-to-wear is 40% off. As far as we know, Barneys is the only store that marked down YSL’s Tribute heels. There is also a great selection of Louboutins. The pre-sale started May 25th but there is still a good selection of merchandise.
Bergdorf Goodman
Bags and shoes are 30% off. Most ready-to-wear is 40% off. For the first time, we have heard that Bergdorf customers have been offered price matches and adjustments on prior purchases. This is a departure from their usual irreverent pricing philosophy.
Bloomingdales
Clothing, bags and shoes are 30% off. If you are looking for Chanel sandals, this is the place to shop. Plenty of styles have been marked down. Of course, that excludes the gummies. Be on the look out for additional discounts. During the Memorial weekend all sale merchandise was an extra 20% off. Bloomies can be tricky like that.
Saks
Shoes are a straight 30% off. Clothing and many handbag styles are 40% off. Presale started May 27th and we expect that another markdown is coming soon.
Few sales are more fun than the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale. That is, unless you show up at the wrong time. Today we hit the sale later than usual and were welcomed by a double line of shoppers waiting to get in.
Once inside, dresses were flying, hangers were catching and women were crowding. It was not the ideal shopping situation. The line for the dressing room was over an hour. Insufferable. At least the prices were the same as last season’s sale:
Coats $350
Wraps and Vintage $250
Dresses $225
Cover Ups $100
Skirts $80
Blouses $80
Samples $50
Swim Suits: $50
Scarves $40
The samples, which can be found at the back left corner of the room, are always the best deal. It especially works if you fit into a DVF size 4.
The crowds should continue to thin out as the week progresses. Early afternoon is probably the best time to go. We may try again on Friday when prices are historically slashed. At the end of the last sale dresses were $70, wraps were $80 and skirts were $50. Keep your fingers crossed.
DVF Sample Sale
Tuesday, June 7 to Friday, June 11
Tues: 9am to 6:30, Wed: 10am to 8pm, Thurs. 10am to 7pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
260 Fifth Avenue (b/w 28th and 29th)
For the past month we have been on undercover shopping missions and reporting on the most secret and classified sales along Madison. As of now, all the private sales and pre-sales are done. Madison Avenue is officially on sale. For your convenience, we are summarizing all the markdown information we’ve uncovered and adding a few more pieces of intelligence.
Almost every boutique took their first markdown at 40%. We are wondering if this is an innocent trend or if there is some type of sordid CFDA price-fixing afoot. What do you think?
Chanel
Ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories are 40% off. The sale went public June 2.
Betsy 212-535-5505
Dolce & Gabbana
Ready-to-wear, shoes and most bags are 40% off. There are three full floors of merchandise from which to choose.
Rodney 212-249-4100
Dolce & Gabbana has officially reduced their summer merchandise by 40% today. Ready-to-wear, shoes and most bags are included in the sale.
The selection is still plentiful but it’s still hard to digest the high ticket prices when the Nordstrom Rack, on Union Square, has current season Dolce merchandise for over 70% off. We expect the Madison Avenue discount to go to at least 60% by August.
Contact: Rodney 212-249-4100
Chloe officially took their first markdown and ready-to-wear, shoes and some bag styles are 40% off. There is still a great assortment of merchandise. Be aware that the merchandise varies between Chloe boutiques.
In past seasons, the discount has started off at 50%. Will there be another markdown? Our guess is affermative.
Contact: Gisella 212-717-8220
We hear that Alexander Wang is looking to open a retail store in NYC. We imagine that he isn’t shopping Madison but where ever he lands it will be a popular draw. Until then you can shop his online store where the discount is 40% off for bags, shoes, clothing and underwear for both men and woman.
A black draped shift dress is $67 from $112, a mesh shopper is $435 from $725 and clogs are $285 from $475. There is still a great selection of merchandise and sizes. We just wonder if there might be another markdown to come.
