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    Saks Private Night

    Saks’ “Private Night” is the unofficial start to sale season. The department store’s best customers are invited to shop the discounts before the store officially goes on sale. This year, the private sale will run Thursday, May 6th and Friday, May 7th. The discount ranges from 30% to 40% off.

    We almost went running to pre-sale our favorite Summer looks when our Saks specialist cautioned that most of the sale merchandise are not designer items. We are told, only some Marni, Zac Posen, and YSL will be included in this markdown along with a spattering of cruise collections. Shoe junkies will fare a bit better. There is an assortment of Manolos, Choos and Giuseppes included in this two day sale.

    Pre-sale for Private Night is already under way. You can use this insider sale link to begin shopping online. We are told that the official summer sale will begin in two to three weeks. So it may not hurt to get down to Saks soon and work on putting your favorite items aside.

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    The David Yurman Townhouse

    David Yurman is to jewelry what Ralph Lauren is to fashion: classic, American and elegant. It’s only fitting that in honor of David Yurman’s 30th Anniversary, he has opened a flagship boutique housed on Madison Avenue.

    The five-story townhouse boasts 2,000 square feet of retail space and is filled with the entire range of the David Yurman collection including his signature gold and silver pieces, the men’s fashion line, bridal, and one-of-a-kind pieces.

    When it comes to jewelry, browsing is never enough. We caught up with both David and Evan Yurman and took an in-depth tour of the store and also chatted a bit about jewelry. So how does a jewelry brand differentiate itself from the Van Cleefs, Winstons and Graffs of the world? It’s as simple as staying true to your message and key designs, says David. “We add a few modern designs from time to time but the message is always the same.”

    After discussing race horses, the spike in the price of gold and branding within a department store, we went upstairs to meet Evan Yurman and toured his one-of-a-kind designs and bridal collection.

    It is easy to tell that the family business is a labor of love to the second generation Yurman. To make the perfect ring, Evan spent years sourcing emeralds that match like identical twins and painstakingly designed a necklace consisting of hand-made pieces that can be dismantled to service and clean.

    When Evan is asked about loaning jewelry to celebrities, he admits that he could never say no to Penelope Cruz, but like every passionate designer, his true hope is that his pieces find happy permanent homes.

    As far as permanent homes go, the David Yurman townhouse is a true gem and we suspect that the it will maintain the brand for at least the next 30 years.

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    Perfect Prada Dresses

    Nothing quenches a Summer thirst better than a simple dress. Finding the perfect “simple” dress is not always so easy, as it must be flattering, chic and keep you cool but not expose too much.

    This Summer, Prada has launched a collection of print dresses that fit all our criteria and are quite affordable, well at least for Prada. The dresses are inspired by a 50s vintage style and come in fabrics ranging from cotton to silk. The prints, many of which are vintage icons, vary from geometric hexagons to over sized florals. Prices range from about $750 to $850.

    In addition to the retro shifts, the series includes print ballet flats, print chain handbags and print beach bags. The collection wasn’t due out until mid-May, but the dresses and beach bags (under $1000) are already in stores and selling faster than a designer collaboration for H&M.

    Unlike most of Prada’s clothing, these dresses run generous in size and are more flattering when filled by a curvy silhouette. The look of the dress can easily be changed by swapping a thick belt for one that is thin, substituting a heel for the ballerina flat or replacing the beach bag for the chain bag or a more simple handbag. The possibilities are as endless as a summer day. Now, that’s what we call a perfect but simple dress. That’s one down, nine to go.

    Contact: Ana 212-327-4200 (Madison)
    Kevin 212-334-8888 (SoHo)

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    Sephora Closeouts 75% off

    There’s something about a $5 lipstick that makes our lips pucker. It’s even better when the lipstick doesn’t feel like crumbling wax. Well, we can all pucker up because Sephora is running another round of closeouts where products from Laura Geller, Cargo, and Kevyn Aucoin are all 75% off.

    Kevyn Aucoin lipsticks are $5.80 from $23, Mousse Glace is $8 from $32 and eye pencils are $7 from $24. Cargo’s Eyelighter is $5 from $20 and lip liner is $3.50 from $14. Laura Geller’s Baked Body Frosting is $10 from $40, a kit of mascara and makeup remover is $5 from $20 and tinted moisturiser with sPF 20 is $7.50 from $30.

    So go, knock yourself out and see how many products you can get for under $30.

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    ALT Takes the Shoe

    Today was the infamous Manolo sample sale and Cinderallas from all over the the city/state/country/world lined up at the Warwick hotel to capture a small piece of luxury for the price of a prix fix dinner for one.

    Although the $100 shoes are what brought everyone together, it was the master of ceremonies, Vogue editor, André Leon Talley who stole the show. As the unofficial Prince Charming, he shared his wisdom.

    When Sally Holmes, a reporter for TheCut, questioned the hight of a particular heel, ALT pronounced:

    “No, that’s okay, that’s okay! You go to the party, get out of the car, step into the party, leave.”
    The man is a sage.
    Photo Credit: Sally Holmes
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    Manolo Sample Sale Survival Guide

    We were the first publication to bring you word of the ALT-Manolo Blahnik sample sale and now it’s just hours away. We know you’re just dying to be the first to get your shoe in the door– or out of the door in this case– but navigating the lines, crowds and stock is not for the faint of heart.

    Our axiom is to skip the sample sale and find a great retail deal, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to navigate all types of sales. To better facilitate our readers, we have compiled The Manolo Blahnik Sample Sale Survival Guide, which contains all the Manolo Blahnik rules (to the best of our knowledge) and a few handy tips. Enjoy and feel free to pass along real time information in our comment section or via Twitter @LilaDelilah.

    Manolo Blahnik Rules

  • Cash only. So hit the ATM before you get in line.
  • Press and VIP’s have been given invitations to attend the sale from 9am to 11am.
  • The general public is able to join the fun from 11am to 3pm.

    • Words of Wisdom

  • The diehards start queuing up from 5:00am. If you’re not that dedicated– don’t be embarrassed — we suggest arriving after the first rush but before lunch.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and one of our favorite pieces of advice from FashionProspectress is not to wear Manolos, “Chances are while you’re trying on a gorgeous pair of slippers, someone else will try to buy yours.”
  • Go with a friend or make friends online. At some point someone is going to need to make a coffee run or save your spot when a bathroom needs to be found
  • Travel light and keep your arms free. Leave everything you don’t need at home and we suggest using a messenger bag so both hands are always free.
  • If you’re not having fun, dump the sale and head over to The Modern for their three course pre-fixe lunch ($58). But keep reading Madison Avenue Spy because you know we’ll find you Manolos for a great price without the hassle.

    • Manolo Sale Details
    Thursday, April 29, 2010
    The Warwick Hotel
    54th Street and 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor
    Press access: 9am to 11am
    Public shopping: 11am to 3pm
    Cash only.

    Next up… Christian Louboutin sample sale. Stay tuned.

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    Stella McCartney x Gap 40% Off

    Stella McCartney and GapKids go together like bubble gum in a toddler’s hair. Her line isn’t particularly cutsie but has just enough edge to stay appropriately hip. What’s even better is that this season some items were offered in an XXL. Guess who that fits? Ah-ha!

    The Spring collaboration launched on March 30 and who would have guessed that it would already be reduced in stores by 40% . Only select items are discounted 20% online. So if you want to get the best deals, you’re going to have to pack it up to your local GapKids.

    Adorable pajama sets that are packaged in coordinating pouches were $38 and are now $22, the iconic fish print sundress was $58 and is now $32, and a crochet butterfly sweater (perfect in XXL) was $58 and now is $32.

    Last season, the discount topped out at 60% off, but we suggest buying what you like now because you can always take advantage of Gap’s funky price adjustment policy.

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    DVF 70% Off

    Diane von Furstenberg is hosting an online private sample sale where an assortment of merchandise is discounted up to 70% off. The sale only runs until Wednesday, April 28 but there are plenty of sizes and styles to choose from. Shipping is also free if you enter the code shipsale at checkout.

    We found a one shoulder black dress for $103 from $345, a Missoni-like patterned top for $60 from $108 and a signature black-and-white print wrap dress for $128 from $425.

    Please note that all sales are final but DVF is usually pretty consistent with her sizing. For those who crave a more tactile approach to shopping, the Spring sample sale should is usually in late-May/ early-June.

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