By ManhattanMataHari
As we head into the end of July it seems like a good time to check out the last markdowns at our favorite department stores- Bergdorfs, Barneys and Saks. The best selection of discounted shoes can be found at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman is the ideal destination for high end ready-to-wear. If you’re looking for basics or evening gowns suggest hitting up the Saks consolidation sale.
Barneys
You have until the 30th before the sales merchandise heads out of Barneys Madison and to the outlets and their warehouse sale website. Most ready-to-wear is now 75% off retail. The exception is Celine and some leather pieces, which are 60% off. We found the selection of Jil Sander, Givenchy and Celine to be plentiful and well organized but the mixed designer sales racks will take a lot more time to sort through. We found a nice Balenciaga LBD for $389 from $980, a fun mod Lisa Perry number for $399 from $995 and a silky Chloe dress for $509 from $1275. Noticeably absent? The discounted Proenza and Marni seem to have been snapped up already.
While the shoes are now 60% off, the selection has been very picked over. Women who wear smaller sizes will fare best. Don’t expect to find any “it” shoes and there are hardly any worthy accessories marked down.
Kareem (shoes): (212) 833-2141
Lena (3rd floor): (212) 833-2198
Bergdorf Goodman
If you seek discounted purses and belts we suggest making a stop at Bergdorf Goodman where you will be able to scope out lots of merchandise that’s been marked half off. Most items are still quite expensive, but we spotted a unique black Bottega Veneta clutch for $779. A red and black patterned Proenza Schouler PS1 and a pink suede version are priced at 50% off and are available. Near closing we spotted a black Tom Ford Jennifer bag for just over $1200 and a beige Alexander Wang Rocco was irresistible when priced at just $450. The selection of classic high-end shoes (think Alaia, Chanel, Valentino) in more wearable colors and styles will help offset the relatively lackluster 50% discount. We found beige Valentino Rockstud wedges for $398, Christian Louboutin flats for $345 and snakeskin Alaia ballet flats for $945. Larger feet will walk away with the best selection. There is a minuscule selection of sizes between 37.5 and 38.5.
Hands down Bergdorf has the best selection of high designer clothing. We found the Tom Ford boutique to be stocked with 75% off and the Chanel boutique has some boucle wool jackets, including some cropped versions at a 60% cut. There is a tiny rack of Dior in a mostly red palette marked down 60% and Fendi dresses are 75% off. We suggest trying your luck sifting through the “Grand Finale Sale” racks on the 3rd floor where there is a good mix of designers all 75% off. We found some nice Stella McCartney floral blazers for $419 from $1695, a hot pink Alexander McQueen laser cutout dress for $349 from $1395 and our favorite Altuzarra black peplum dress for a steal at $319.
Antonio (shoes): (212) 872-8940
Hande (accessories): (212) 872-2601
Temy (Tom Ford): (212) 872-8817
Saks Fifth Avenue
Shoe addicts will want to focus their shopping at 10022-SHOE. Here you will find the best selection of discounted Chanel and Dior shoes for 60% off. We were seriously tempted by the loads of Chanel glitter camellia pumps now $380 from $950. There aren’t tons of Louboutins left, but there are lots of Brian Atwood maniac pumps in bright colors, crystallized Giuseppe Zanotti heels and even some Yves Saint Laurent Tribute and Tribtoo pumps. The overall selection of shoes is bright, statement makers, with plenty of bling and adornment. For 70% off retail you can find some more basic Jimmy Choos, Prada croc loafers for $188 (originally $470), Valentino booties and Gucci sandals.
As far as clothing, the consolidation sale is now in full progress and marked down 70%. It will still take some time for the nation’s best designer overstock to make it’s way to Saks’ ninth floor. There is currently plenty of Ralph Lauren Black Label, Akris, Piazza Sempione and Saint John but the more avant-garde (think McQueen, Peter Pilotto) and classic designers (like Missoni, Pucci) are noticeably absent. We did spot some nice racks with Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Giambattista Valli, Moschino, Etro and Burberry, but none of the selections really blew us away. We were smitten with a Ralph Lauren moto jacket for $1198 from $2995 and a Stella McCartney floral pattern illusion dress for $800 from $2000.
With some searching we were able to find a Jason Wu silk colorblock frock for $300 from $750, a Yigal Azroeul eyelet skirt for $260 and a lacy Valentino dress for $1476 from $3690. Bottom line? We would wait a few more weeks before taking the time to sort through the Saks Consolidation sale. In the meantime there is always Bergdorf Goodman.
Craig (shoes): (212) 753-4000