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    Cleaning Up the Chaos

    I have friends with 5,000 sq. ft. apartments and 300 sq. ft. apartments. Believe or not both complain about space. Recently, a close friend of mine was groaning that since the birth of her second son, her living room has turned into a giant play room. I gave her the same name I give everyone running into a space crunch, Heather Ouida of Out of The Box Organizing.

    Heather and her assistant were able to transform my friend’s living room in a matter of hours. The best part was that my friend didn’t even need to be home while the elves sorted and reorganized. The cost was just $400, which was much less than finding a new apartment or redecorating. Of course, Heather welcomes clients to join in the process but I personally love fairy tale makeovers.

    Sorting the clutter isn’t the only service available. Heather specializes in pre-moves and post-moves so that all your unwanted junk is gone before you land in your new castle. Moving in with a roommate or taking the plunge with your significant other? You can avoid a significant amount of bickering with a professional organizational mediator.

    Heather’s best advice, “We live in a vertical city. Go up rather than spread out.” So this Valentine’s Day skip the chocolates and opt for a more moving experience with Out of the Box Organizing. It sure beats couples therapy!

    The consultation is complimentary and Madison Avenue Spy readers get 15% off.

    Contact: Heather Ouida 917-270-9006 or outoftheboxorganizing.com

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    Calypso Private Sale

    Upstairs, on the fifth floor of the Calypso store — 68th and Madison– is a private sale. Racked reports, “the sale includes, Boho skirts, dresses, scarves and more (20 boxes of merch!) marked way down.”

    The sale runs from Feb 13th to Feb 16 from 10am until 7pm. The email says the merchandise is from the fall and cruise collections.

    Cruise on sale already? And we thought it was going to be a slow sale month! Yipit, thanks for the tip,

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    Fashion Week: Victoria’s Secret

    Fashion week doesn’t officially start until tomorrow but Victoria’s Secret got a jump start with a model heavy party at the Bowery Hotel.

    The emerging style of the evening? Bowler hats. Yes, you heard right. We counted eight–yes 8– guys wearing bower hats. Some paired their Victorian era  hats with loosely knotted skinny ties while others combined the look with a casual shirt.

    The only thing we regret is not gathering the bowler wearing men all in front of the “step and repeat” on the red carpet. What an image!

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    Say Good-Bye to Winter

    When the weather is nice there’s nothing nicer than taking a stroll along Madison. We weren’t the only ones feeling that way. For the first time in months we saw shoppers actually shopping (buying things) at boutiques all along the Avenue.

    Most of the buzz was about Fashion week and poor economy but that’s not going to stop people from wanting to look great. Here’s a round-up of what’s left of the Fall/Winter collection at your favorite stores and boutiques:

    Bergdorfs: Some stuff left but really don’t bother if you’re looking for anything with style.

    Bloomingdales: There are two racks of leftovers that are 50% off wth another 65% off. The only standout is a black Zac Pozen in size 6.

    Chloe: Everything was reduced to 70% early in the season and has been gone since January. Smart move.
    Contact: Gisella 212-717-8220

    Dolce & Gabbana: Nothing Left.
    Contact: Cono 212-249-4100

    Dior: Everything’s been shipped out. By the way, this store is so much better than 57th Street’s rave ambience.
    Contact: 212 249-2254

    Gucci: Done.
    Contact: Maura 212-717-2619

    Kriza: The store is still heavily stocked with winter clothing and the discount is just 60% off. We’re still waiting for that 70% off sample sale phone call.
    Contact: Julius 212-879-1211

    Prada: All done.
    Contact: Christina 212-327-4200

    Saks: This is where to go for great selection and price.
    Contact: Marie Jose 212-940-2536

    Ungaro: A few stunning dresses and gowns still available but the discount is still just 60% off, which is still too heavy for our change purse.
    Contact: 212-249-4090

    Vera Wang: If you need something chic and pretty take a run over ASAP. The winter collection is 70% off and there are still some great jewels. Plus it’s fun to watch the stressed brides.
    Contact: Maria 212-628-3400

    YSL: Some leftovers but everything is still about $1500-ish at 60% off.
    Contact: Charles 212-988-3821

    Image: Vera Wang

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    Jo Malone Friends and Family

    Great V-day gift Alert:
    Until the end of the day (Wednesday), JoMalone.com is offering 25% off all products. The discount is only available online and not in boutiques or department stores.

    We especially love Pomegranate Noir for winter and Honeysuckle Jasmine for spring/summer. A 30ml bottle is $55 and 100ml is $100. We suggest going with the smaller size because it’s so much fun to switch scents and who wants to be stuck with an aging big bottle when you can get something new?

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    Fekkai Gets Green and Lean

    The hairstyling guru, Frederic Fekkai, recently launched a “green” line of hair products. Fekkai Au Naturel is a plant-based collection that is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrences. In addition, the tube is made with 40% recycled materials!

    The shampoo, conditioner and gel all retail for $23 but unlike most natural hair products this stuff smells fantastic.

    Yeah, we know you’re waiting for “the deal.” This is Madison Avenue Spy not beautyhype.com. Well, the standout product in the Au Naturel line is perfect for those trying to stretch their blowouts. The Powder Clean Dry Shampoo (also $23) is like a talc, made of natural cotton fibers, corn and rice starch.

    The jist is that you save water by not washing your hair but to us it’s about the money saved between blowouts. (That’s where we get the green and lean.) All you have to do is “lightly shake on the root area, massage with your finger tips and brush through.

    All of us beauty bloggers were treated to blowouts and manicures at the salon today. And you better believe that we’re trying to keep this great out-of-the-salon bounce for as long as possible. Even if that means skipping the gym. So check back with me on Wednesday if you’re truly curious about my Powder Clean Dry Shampoo expermint.

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    Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

    Knock-Knock.
    Who’s There?
    Valentine’s Day.
    Valentine’s Day Who?
    Betch’ya didn’t know it’s Saturday!

    Okay. It’s getting close but don’t say we haven’t been warning you. Everyone is looking for an inexpensive say, I didn’t forget. Willing to throw out some coin but don’t want to be cliche? Here are a few ideas that will go far beyond this silly $450 Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Heart Coin Purse.

    For Him:
    Show you care by replacing your man’s underwear draw. For some reason guys never know when enough is enough. We say 12 months tops. We’ve been told Hanro ($58 each) is the way to go. Hugo Boss is a less expensive but equally worthy option for a fraction of the price ($20 each). Both at Saks Fifth Avenue.

    Nothing looks more polished than a perfectly tailored suit with a french cuff shirt. One way your man can show off his personality (or yours) is with a great pair of cuff links. Missing Link (40 West 25th Street Shop LL108) carries more than 10,000 styles, from deco enamels to twenties diamond-and-platinum ones. Everything in the store is top quality and style but you’re going to pay with prices ranging from about $100 to $2500.

    Another option is to hit eBay. We are particularly fond of these vintage art deco snap cuff links , which are just $45 and can be delivered to you by Feb. 11 giving you enough time to make a manicure appointment.

    For Her:
    We know she’s difficult because she already buys herself everything she wants. No! Do not try to guess her bra size and we know you’re not the sample sale type. It’s time to shop the clearance rack at your gals favorite online store.

    What women doesn’t need another bag? This Fendi net shopper will be great going into beach season and is reduced from $580 to $319. What’s better is that it will come beautifully wrapped.

    It’s almost mandatory to give something red for V-day. How about something that’s red with soul? A Christian Louboutin shoe, perhaps. Not willing to spill a grand? Check out Barneys, which still has fair selection at about 60% off. Sizes are spotty but you should be able to find at least something that will fit your Cinderella.

    Flowers? Let’s face it you’re not going to find any flower deals for Valentine’s Day. If you’re downtown we suggest Ariston, which astonishingly has a 20% off coupon on their site. For you’re uptown girl go with L’Olivier. One suggestion: Don’t get roses. Because of the high holiday volume they are harvested early and usually won’t last as long as a one night stand.

    If you are totally strapped this season, pick up some cheesy V-Day crap at Duane Reade. We promise, she won’t care. You love her and that’s all she needs to know.

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