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    DSW Gucci Sale Continues

    It appears as if the DSW Gucci sale is still going strong. We would have imagined that all the Gucci accessories would be gone. Au contraire, mon amie. A Mad-Spy reader writes that there is a generous selection and then gripes that she paid two times the DSW price for her bag that is still current in Gucci stores.

    Went to the Union Square store today just out of curiosity and they still have a lot left over 2 weeks later. I have to admit that I’m a little more than mad that they have about 8 of one style bag that I have and is still full price at Gucci. The off season stuff whatever but something that is selling in Gucci stores at full price should have never been sent to DSW. It’s not fair to all of us who paid well over $1,000 for a bag that others can not buy for $499.

    Besides reminding us to hit DSW, the comment had us thinking: How do you feel when an item you buy gets reduced or appears at a different location for fractions of what you paid.

    Jimmy Choo Sample Sale

    The Metropolitan Pavilion is playing host to a Jimmy Choo sample sale, this Wednesday. The sale details state “there will also be a mix of professional sample sale sellers.” We don’t know what to make of that but the last Jimmy Choo sale had lines that went across 18th Street, up Sixth Avenue and around 19th Street. The wait was longer than any sane person could withstand.

    Check out this video to see how ridiculously long the line was:

    We are told that this week’s sale will be priced up to 70% off. As of July, the boutique discounted shoes 65% off. We suggest skipping the long sample sale wait, hitting the boutique or waiting until H&M launches their collaboration line with Jimmy Choo, in November.

    Details:
    Jimmy Choo Sample Sale
    Mix with professional sample sellers. Click your heels for up to 70% off.
    Aug. 26. Wed., 1-6 p.m.
    Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., at Sixth Ave.

    The Gap Jeans Fit Challenge

    This week, the Gap introduced their 1969 Premium Jeans in one of the most splashy product launches in recent memory. There were full page ads in the paper, large spreads in the glossies and the Internet was in full buzz. We started wondering, could the Gap jeans really deliver?

    The full line features 12 core fits for women and men ranging in hues from the darkest ink to light, distressed finishes and different rises. Oh, and all the styles are under $70. Sure beats the $250 options that fill the shelves at our local denim bar. But will they fit?

    To find out we enlisted four Gap testers and let them take the new jeans for a spin around the dressing room. Click on the image below to read what they had to say:

    We think it’s remarkable that even half our testers ended up taking home a new pair of jeans. This was a tough crowed but the success of the Gap jeans is evident. The skinny jean is just about sold out nation wide and a sales person confided that she has never seen such traffic in the store outside of the holiday season. Not only are customers buying jeans but also picking up tops and tees to go with them.

    Now that it Gap has their jeans on the right track they should consider giving their stores a make-over. The fitting rooms at our local Gap were a bit smelly and the overall store appearance was a bit overcrowded. Customer service is also a key element, which could have lead to a sale in the case of Paige Turner.

    Waiting for the Mad-Spy deal? Ending Thursday, Gap is offering $20 off any style from their Premium Jean line. If you can’t get to a fitting room tomorrow just wait for the next promo. There’s sure to be another discount coming soon.

    Matthew Williamson 80% Off

    Back in April, we wrote about H&M launching a Matthew Williamson line and asked, is a H&M dress really worth almost $350? You knew the answer and so did we. We were both correct.

    This week, Matthew Williamson started a “sample sale” at their downtown store that equates more to an end of season blow out sale. The discount is 80% off and there is still a selection of iconic Matthew Williamson pieces. A pink georgette beaded kimono top was $1100 and is now $220– there’s a size 4 left. Our favorite kaftan of the season with a beaded halter was $2400 and is now $480– size 2 in the colorful print larger sizes in black and white. A pink patterned mini dress was also $2400 and is now $480– size 6 and larger are still available.

    The sale only runs until 11am Wednesday and then the merchandise is being hauled out. To where, we don’t know but don’t be surprised to see a Matthew Williamson sample sale coming to an online site near you. Until then, check out the collection online and call the store. It opens 8am– so set your alarm!

    Contact: Charice 212-255-0965

    Vilbrequin Private Sale

    Vilebrequin, you know– the brand that sells those bright print men’s and boys bathing suits loved equally by old men in Boca and young guys in Palm Beach– is hosting a private sale where men’s and boy’s swim and beachwear will be 50% to 80% off.

    Vilebrequin’s suits are normally priced between $180 and $270 a suit. You can find them discounted regularly on BlueFly for about 20% off. Our local beach store had them on sale for 60% off in July. Just keep that in mind before jumping for a wild print that’s just 50% off.

    The sale runs from Monday, August 17 to Thursday, August 20th. The below post card says that photo ID is required for entry but we imagine that it’s part of building security and not a “is-your-name-on-the-private-sale-list,” type of thing.

    Contact: 160 Varick Street (b/w Charlton & Vandam), 2nd Floor.

    Welcome Crewcuts

    We would like to take a moment to give Crewcuts a warm welcome to Madison Avenue. Yesterday, the J. Crew children’s store opened in the Carnegie Hill section of Madison Avenue.

    Crewcuts is in good company on upper Madison Avenue, which is considered a hub for families, private schools and children stores. Bonpoint, Magic Windows, Greenstones, Naturino, Baby Cottons, Jacadi, Blue Tree, East Side Kids and Kids Supply Company are just a few of child focused stores located on Madison between 86th and 94th streets.

    Despite the abundance of kid’s boutiques in the area, Crewcuts fills the void of moderation when it comes to pricing. Hopefully Crewcuts is the start of a new trend towards more affordable stores along the Avenue.

    The Banana Republic space on Madison and 85th street has recently become vacant and we hope that the new occupant will be equally accessible to those living in the neighborhood– or at least have a bathroom that’s open to customers!

    Next up: Sephora to open in October 30th on 86th street and Lex, next to H&M.

    Contact: Crewcuts 1200 Madison Ave. (at 87th St.)
    212-348-9803,
    Hrs: Mon.-Sat., 10am-7pm and Sun., 12pm-5pm.

    Ted Baker Renovation Sale

    Apparently, Ted Baker is sprucing up their store for fall. In doing so they are mega-reducing merchandise already in stock. T-shirts are $20, tops $30, skirts $40, shirts $50 and trousers are $60.

    The sale runs until Saturday, August 15th. Even with these low prices we expect the crowds to remain thin. Even most die-hard shoppers prefer a day at the beach to a day of shopping.

    Contact: 212-343-8989