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June 22, 2012
The It-it: A Top Knot
This June heatwave has us reconsidering our entire summer beauty regimen. We are throwing out the blowdryer and majorly limiting makeup. Lipgloss is always a necessity but, that's it!
As an alternative, we are opting for this season's most popular hairstyle-- the top knot. The top knot is basically a bun configured at the crown of your head. The northern ballerina hairstyle was popularized by street-blogger stylists and is now making it's way to the beach-shore-lake-mountians near you.
There are basically two different types of top knots. There is the messy top knot, which you would likely find paired with drop crotch pants and the very neat top knot, that's become an icon of Oscar de la Renta.
SepBella has a really quick YouTube tutorial on how to create a messy top knot:
1. High ponytail
2. Tease sections of the pony tail
3. Wrap the teased hair and secure with bobby pins
Simple right?
Than there's the Oscar de la Renta top knot, which is as elegant and understated as the designer's fashion. This look can take a bit more preparation but the payoff is big. We found model Amanda Frank's tutorial to be extremely helpful.
So read up and sweep your hair up as high as the temperatures because you know the top knot is this summer's hottest hairstyle!...
June 21, 2012
Mikimoto Sample Sale Overview
The ultra lux Mikimoto sample sale is heating up once again. The sale started today and those willing to venture into the heat were welcomed with savings from 50% to 70% off retail prices.
Usually on the first day of the sale shoppers can wait for hours in the jewelry brand's showroom hallway. This year, the turnout was much less and by late afternoon the there was no line at all. Prices for Mikimoto branded pearls range from $3000 for smaller items to about $12,000 for a large pearl ring. Pendants range from about $1000 to $4000.
If you're looking to spend much less you should consider the Blue Lagoon collection. Blue Lagoon is normally found in higher volume jewelry retailers like Zales. In this section you can find pearl pendants for under $200 and bracelets for under $1500. Pearl earrings were priced between priced $300 to $400.
Usually we suggest waiting towards the end of the sale to avoid waiting in line but this year we say, go for it. You might consider skipping the sale altogether if you've been before because the merchandise is mainly the same. Always remember, pearls are graded like diamonds and buying a Mikimoto pearl is like buying a Tiffany diamond. You can easily find similar quality for less money at a trusted local jewelry store.
Mikimoto Sample Sale
Thursday, June 21st and Friday, June 22nd
10am to 7pm
680 Fifth Ave. (bet. 53rd & 54th St.), 4th Floor....
June 20, 2012
Marshalls Downtown Shoe MegaShop
By ManhattanMataHari
When most of us hear about downtown shopping we immediately think of pricey boutiques. If you're in the Astor Place area we suggest that you seek out the nearly incognito Marshalls Shoe MegaShop. The two story of discount shoes and accessory emporium is full of shoe options that will please even the most picky shopper.
Although the store is very large it's not as overwhelming as DSW. The majority of the shoe stock is contemporary but that's what local, budget conscience NYU students need, right? With a bit of searching, however, you can find some higher-end brand shoes that can even please a Madison Avenue shopper.
We suggest heading straight to the sales racks where most of the designer shoes land. There you can find Salvatore Ferragamo chain slides and Ralph Lauren Collection wedges for about $100. Brightly colored $150 Kate Spade wedges are very current season and we adored Jean-Michel Cazabat open toed booties that were just $129.
Some of the best deals we found were Sam Edelman sandals for under $40 and popular Louboutin-esque spiked back pumps for a cool $79. The perfect look-for-less item, right?
Marshalls Shoe MegaShopa
740 Broadway (Near Astor Place)
(212) 475-4981...
June 19, 2012
Department Store’s Second Markdown
It's been about a month since department stores started their first markdown and shoppers will be trilled to learn that Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman have cut prices once again. Discounts now range from 40% to 60% off but prices seem to range widely between stores.
The sale at Saks has gone from 30% off shoes and to about 50% off and 40% off designer clothing to about 55% off. The markdowns at Bergdrof are now 50% off shoes and 60% off clothing. Over at Barneys the discount on shoes range from 40% to 60% off but most designer clothing is still discounted just 40%.
It seems as if Bergdof Goodman is your best bet for one-stop shopping but we suggest implementing a price comparison system. Online is always a great place to start. As a matter of fact, it seems as if Barneys has implemented a new website, which hopefully translates into a better inventory tracking system. Maybe this season shoppers won't be hit with out-of-stock email several weeks after placing their order. We're keeping our fingers crossed!...
June 18, 2012
Shoshanna Sample Sale
Now that we are knee deep in summer weather it's the prefect time to freshen the flirty dress section of your closet. Those in agreement will want to take advantage of the Shoshanna sample sale.
The sale will take place on Wednesday and Thrusday at the Shoshanna showroom, which a good indication of this sale's worthy status. At the last sale, dresses and universally well-fitting bathing suits were all be priced at $100 and under.
Shoshanna Sample Sale
Wednesday, June 20th and Thursday, June 21st
Wed 10am to 6:30pm and Thurs. 10am to 6pm
231 West 39th Street, Suite 422 (btwn 7th and 8th Ave)
212-719-3601...
June 15, 2012
Madison Ave Father’s Day Sales
By ManhattanMataHari
In honor of Father's Day we thought we would deliver the best places on Madison Avenue to grab a last minute gift for dad. If you don't find the perfect gift at any of the below locations you can always deliver the man of the hour a day of rest. Priceless!
Barbour
While the famous English brand’s classic quilted jackets hardly ever go on sale, they are having a 30% markdown on their $159 lightweight version of the quilted jacket in seasonal colors like blue and charcoal that will take your dad from Summer to Fall in stylish comfort.
Amanda: 212-570-2600
Bottega Veneta Men
The men’s store off Madison Avenue is having a 50% sale for spring and summer items, including ready-to-wear. Select shoe styles are 50% off, although most staple gift items like ties or leather goods are not included.
Jessie: 212-879-5782
David Cenci
Get dad some impeccably tailored shirts, handmade ties and jackets for a cool 20% to 40% off retail. You can't go wrong with a classic collared shirt.
David: 212-628-5910
Etro
For dads who appreciate color and prints, Etro may be right up their alley. Men’s ties and summer clothing are 30% off retail. Scarves, luggage and swimwear are excluded.
Ray: 212-317-9096
J Crew Men
While the J Crew Collection men’s store doesn’t normally have sales they are having a couple of great low-cost promotions for Father’s Day. Polo shirts are $29.50 each, while boxer sets of two are now $40. If your dad is a J. Crew man we suggest heading to the Rock Ct. location, which is filled with discounted merchandise.
Trevor: 212-453-2677
Porsche Designs
Porsche Designs sports a host of incredibly designed items that extend way beyond the automobile or sunglasses. You can grab your design loving dad a host of well-thought items for 50% off retail prices.
Jay: 212-308-1786
Tom Ford
While we reported on the women’s sale recently it seems a lot of the men’s sale stock is dwindling. No ties on sale but the boutique still has a selection of men’s shirts and jackets, as well as some great loafers for a 50% cut. Small leather goods are going quickly, but are also 50% off.
Melissa: 212-359-0300...
June 14, 2012
Louboutin Spring Sale
Most retailers of Christian Louboutin will start their red soled shoe sale on Thursday. Coinciding with the markdown, the Louboutin boutique host a private sale night where VIP customers will be the first to shop from the assortment of discounted shoes.
Last season, the discount for shoes was 30% to 40% and handbags were a deal at 50% off retail. Unlike the department stores the boutique's selection and sizes tend to be limited. To attend the Louboutin boutique sale you must RSVP by email.
Those looking for a more sane sale environment may want to head over to a local department store. We find that Saks Fifth Avenue is the best of the bunch when it comes to presale shopping. Above is a select assortment of Louboutin's included in the Saks markdown.
Christian Louboutin Private Sale
Thursday, June 14
3pm to 6pm
RSVP: Events.MadisonNY@ChristianLouboutin.FR
Saks: Yelena 212-940-0131...
June 13, 2012
Chanel Private Sale Details
Chanel's private sale officially started this week but getting hold of sale merchandise--which includes a limited number of bag styles-- can be difficult. The official Chanel sale kicks off on Thursday and the discount is 30% off shoes, bags, jewelry and clothing.
Many Chanel specialists deny that bags ever go on sale but proof that Chanel does indeed mark down a select assortment of leather and non-leather bags. Below are an assortment of items that are included in the markdown. Many stores have saved these items for established customers but with a little determination they can be tracked down. (Hint: Bloomingdales seems to have the most customer friendly sale service.)
Happy Sale-ing!
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