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    eLuxury’s Biggest Losers

    This weekend, eLuxury closed up shop and transformed itself into — we still can’t figure it out. Before the store went offline, however, there were tremendous sales. As with any sale there were a few unwanted items even at 70% off. We’ll call them the biggest losers:

    Ready-to-wear: there were 19 items left orphaned three of which were Dolce & Gabbana.

    Shoes: Despite winning the CFDA’s award for accessory designer of the year Proenza Schouler had three out of five styles left.

    Men’s: Opening Ceremony and Acne Jeans tie with two items each out of eight units in the category. Maybe because it was a combination of ugly shoes and dressy slacks-shorts.

    Zara Semi-Annual Sale

    Zara just started their semi-annual sale where the spring/summer collection is up to 50% off. Most items, however, are just 20% off. It’s a good idea to attend this sale early because what does not go early is usually damaged or a hot mess.

    A selection of shoes and dresses are reduced to $39. Blazers that were $70 blazers are now $55. If there was something you wanted it’s a good time to cash in. If not, save your money for a better value.

    Bergdorf Goodman 2nd Markdown

    The Guerrilla Shopper points out that Bergdorf has taken their second markdown. You can now take an extra 25% to 50% off spring/summer merchandise for a total savings up to 70% off. Ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, handbags, and men’s are all included in the sale.

    Before you jump into a cab take a look at the Web site. Most items we were considering are still only 50% off, which is less than most boutiques and other department stores. The best department store deals can still be found at Barneys and Saks.

    Century 21 Clearance Sale

    Century 21 Department Store, today, started their clearance sale. The flier says that the discount is up to 75% off but when you consider the original price the discount is much more. During Christmas time the same clearance sale was accompanied by a 25% off coupon.

    We wonder if the coupon elimination is a sign that retail sales are turning around. Or maybe, shoppers are looking harder for value and finding it at Century.

    Tom Ford Half-Off

    You may think that high-end women’s wear is expensive but the prices of women’s clothing and accessories pail in comparison to our male counterparts. Take a pair of Tom Ford shoes. The price? $1800. Makes a pair of Louboutons seem like entry level luxury, which it’s not.

    Men who get a thrill from the finest tailoring and styling will be glad to know that their pockets can get a bit of a break. The Tom Ford boutique is hosting a sale where the spring/summer collection of ready-to-wear, suits, blazers, shoes and some luggage are all 50% off.

    Most Tom Ford suits are priced about $4500. So the $2250 savings can buy you not one, but two, pair of shoes that are on sale. Socks optional!

    Contact: Mario 212-359-0300

    J. Crew Final Sale

    Even when a store shifts its focus it’s sometimes hard to break old stereotypes. Take J. Crew as an example. The store in no way resembles the old catalogue house from decades ago. However, for some reason it’s hard not to classify the company with other mail order stores like, LL Bean and Eddie Bauer.

    Our first introduction to J. Crew was the store on Madison– a smart corporate move since it’s one of the only retailers on the Avenue that consistently has a steady flow of customers. Our second orientation was though First Lady O, who we admire for not depending on the “status” quo to look great. After, we heard that a Crew Cuts was opening in Carnegie Hill and we were sold.

    Following some very through investigating we found out that the Madison Avenue store does not participate in sales. One associate told us that the company, “rather ship the merchandise to another store than mark it down here.” So off to another store we go. Well, to the web, that is.

    Today J. Crew online started what they call, “Final Sale.” It’s scary – no returns. no exchanges- but the discounts are significant. We found a crystal flower ring that was $50, marked down to $29.99. We really like a pair of Prada-like jeweled flat sandals that were $238 and are now reduced to $110.

    Hmmmm…For $135 more we can just get the real Prada sandals. Well, it’s your call.