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    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

    ABC Carpet Private Sale

    ABC Carpet & Home is hosting a private preview sale from Sunday, August 8 to Wednesday, August 12 at their Bronx Warehouse Outlet. The discount is up to 75% off ABC’s original prices on rugs, sofas, carpeting, lighting, linens and more.

    The sale goes public August 13th. Print out the below letter and receive an additional 15% off. A discount like this just makes you want to redecorate, huh?

    DSW Extra Discount

    We are receiving reports that the DSW Gucci sale has had a huge turnout. There are lines to get in and lines around the store to check out. One reader wrote that there was so much inventory it made the double-G brand seem tacky and overplayed.

    Another reader writes:

    That the merchandise bins and shoe racks were so crowded that you couldn’t move – all this for some vinyl hats and belts from several seasons past. Wasn’t a huge G fan to begin with but this just totally turned me off – not a smart move in terms of maintaining brand image.

    That doesn’t mean there aren’t great finds. One happy Gucci/DSW shopper reports:

    I went to NYC store today at noon and got a beautiful real ostrich tote bag for $500… All silk scarfs are $50 each. I got three 35″ square silk scarfs, some of them are definitely $350 originally.

    We hear that Gucci logo totes are priced at $250, wallets $50, belts $50, fanny packs $150 and shoes range from $150 to $250. These prices sound better than China Town fakes. The return policy is grab now, think later. And many people are doing just that.

    For those of you brave enough withstand the crowds and risk being tacky, here’s an additional 15% off

    Saks Summer Consolidation Sale

    The summer season is unofficially coming to an end at Saks. Thursday marks the beginning of consolidation where the leftover summer stock is reduced an additional 25% off. The current markdown hovers somewhere around 60% and the additional 25% discount brings the total savings to about 75% off.

    The best selection is usually found in designer ready-to-wear. However, there are always some lucky sizes shoes and returned handbags that make it to the end-of-season sale. It’s always worth a look around just don’t fall for anything crazy like a well-priced three-armed shirt dress.

    Contact: Marie Jose 212-940-2536 (3rd Floor Premier Designers)