Skip to content
May 29, 2012
DVF Sample Sale
We are happy to announce that this year's dates have (finally) been released for the Diane von Furstenberg sample Sale. Starting Tuesday, June 5th shoppers will be able to sort through racks of wrap dresses and wonderful prints that are all priced up to 75% off.
Last season the prices were: $80 for pants, skirts, blouses and sweaters, $125 for dresses and jackets, $150 for wrap-dresses, $250 for leather and $275 for gowns/ cocktail dresses and coats. Our favorite section, however, is always the $50 sample rack.
Here's a little insider tip: The DVF sale may officially start on Tuesday but at about noon on Monday friend's and family are invited to shop. By mid-afternoon, the sale is usually open to the general public. Bargain shoppers should wait until mid-week, prices usually drop along the lifespan of the sale.
DVF Sample Sale
Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9
Tues 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 10am to 8pm, Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 3pm
260 5th Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)...
May 29, 2012
Net-a-Porter Summer Sale
Online shoppers get clicking! Net-a-Porter has announced that their summer sale will begin Tuesday, May 29th. First markdown on NaP usually ranges from 30% to 50% off.
We suggest you start browsing tonight and check out quickly because NaP's sale merchandise usually flies off the virtual shelves. Last season, we found a dozen or so Christian Louboutin shoes for 50% off including the Mrs Propre, which was $548 from just under $1000 and YSL Totem wedges were also 50% off and about the same price.
Usually the bag sale isn't as impressive as the shoes or clothing. This year we have our eyes on a sheer Valentino top and this Lanvin one shoulder top. We are just waiting to see if the prices here are better than Barneys.
Sale goes live Tuesday. Let us know what you think!...
May 25, 2012
Retail Therapy: Bethenny Frankel
As temperatures rise even conservative New Yorkers begin to peel back the layers. Finding the fine line between hot and hoochie are always up for debate but we couldn't think of a better person to ask than straight-talking Bethenny Frankel, who just launched her Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear.
During our conversation we got to talk about her famous lingerie, the sexy line, and oh yes, shopping! Let us know what you think:
What were the most important elements when you sat down to design shapewear?
Functionality, fashion, comfortable, sexy and affordability. Is shape wear you actually want people to see, which was really important. It is less than $50 an item and it's comfortable. I think of it as lazy lingerie. You can wear it in the daytime into the night and be sexy afterwards with your husband, boyfriend or date. You are actually wearing a bra, tank top and lingerie.
What's the line between sexy and hoochie?
Showing too many body parts at the same time. Racy colors. It should blend in and shouldn't be shocking. It shouldn't be like, "Oh there are your boobs." It should be subtle.
What are your top shopping tips?
I am an online shopper. I look for deals and buy things that are not of the season. I am not the first person to get it because it is now. If you buy classic it will always be good. I like to buy classic pieces on sale. I'm an online hunter.
What's your prize deal?
A Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity bag, which was $400 on eBay that was originally over $2000....
May 24, 2012
Madison Avenue Markdowns- Round I
By ManhattanMataHari
Memorial Day may not offer the best discounts but some consider it the warm weather equivalent of Black Friday. Pre-sale has started at many Madison Avenue boutiques and most stores will officially begin their markdown next week.
For the uninitiated, pre-sale is when stores allow their top customers to pre-shop the sale collection. Pre-shopping a sale, or “pre-saleing”, usually requires a credit card to hold the merchandise, which is sent or available for pick-up once the sale officially begins. Throughout the coming weeks we will continuously bring you the most up-to-date sale coverage from stores all over Manhattan.
Of course, we must start on Madison Avenue:
Chloé
Chloe’s presale is already underway, however, some stores may require an invite. Stephanie, the store manager at Madison Avenue Chloe, will likely extend the invitation if requested. The sale officially opens to the public on May 28th. A 30% discount will be applied to most spring/summer shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear. The popular scalloped edge ballerina flats are excluded along with select handbag styles. On the plus side, the sale may provide an opportunity to score Chloe’s $2695 Madeleine tote in fun colors for under $2000. Second cut usually starts at the end of June and the discount is often 50%.
Stephanie: 212-717-8220
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce&Gabbana is kicking off their private sale today. The public sale is not scheduled to begin until June 1. Most of the Italian designer’s spring merchandise is 40% off. A nice selection of the popular corset-style dresses are included in the markdown down, although they aren’t likely to last once the sale goes public.
EJ: 212-249-4100
Giuseppe Zanotti
While the Giuseppe Zanotti sale will begin their sale Friday, May 25. Expect to find plenty of spring and summer styles for 30% off. None of Giuseppe’s popular Swarovski crystals platforms are included but some of their crystallized flats should be part of the discounted merchandise. If you are a popular size 37, be sure to call ahead or go early since there is limited stock in the popular sizes.
George: 212-650-0455
Hérve Léger
Max Azria’s iconic bandage dresses are now 40% off. Normally, the basic styles start at about $780 and go up to about $1200. None of the intricate bathing suits are included in the markdown, but our tan-line free abs will probably thank us for that in the long run. More sales merchandise is expected to come the Madison Avenue boutique in the coming week.
Alex: 212-794-7124
Jil Sander
Expect to score minimalist chic ready-to-wear and accessories at a 40% discount starting the first week of June. Pre-saleing could be a bit difficult but we suggest making the attempt if you are worried about a possible sell-out. This collection is the last season of designs by Raf Simons. Jil Sander’s personal designs will again stock retail spaces beginning with the Fall 2012 collection. Raf (yes, we are on a first name basis) has found a new home at Dior.
Kendra 212-925-2345
Lanvin
Head to the Lanvin store to shop presale from the spring and summer collection. The markdown on clothing, shoes, bags and kidswear is 30% off. Some classic bag and shoe styles are not included in the seasonal discount. Lanvin usually takes their markdown to 50% off in late-June. You can never go wrong grabbing a piece of playful statement jewelry.
Christopher: 646-439-0380
Milly
Pre-spring clothing is currently 30% off, with an additional 10% off until Thursday. While this sale started last week, you can expect to find a good amount of heavier fabric dresses, fitted blazers,and cropped lightweight peacoats.
Kat: 212-395-9100
Missoni
Missoni usually doesn’t play pre-sale games and starts their sale a bit earlier than most stores. Today marked the beginning of their first markdown. Nearly everything seasonal is 40% off, including patterned bathing suits. Certain accessories like, head bands, scarves and the Missoni x Converse collection are excluded.
Brian: 212-517-9339
Prada
Prada has eliminated their presale practices, however, some habits cannot be completely stopped. While sales people are unable to complete a transaction until next week, a good sales person can keep a watchful eye. Most clothing, shoes and seasonal bags will be discounted 30% to 40% off. Prada used to take another price cut at the end of June and host a friends & family blow out at the end of the season. This tradition too has gone the way of the phone booth.
Joanna: 212-327-4200
Valentino
Valentino’s presale is already underway. The spring and summer collection is discounted 40% off. The sale officially begins next week. Seasonal Rock Stud colors are included in the markdown but you can forget about snagging basic black. Fancy jelly’s are also being excluded from the markdown, however, department stores are more likely to discount the seasonal sensation.
Sonia: 212-772-6969...
May 23, 2012
Pre-Sale: Barneys, Bergdorf, Saks
As you're finalizing your Memorial Day plans, retailers are beginning to start their seasonal clearance. As always, we will be starting our markdown roundups. First up, are the department stores.
Department stores are often the first sign of sale season. It's generally taboo for a brand-owned store to begin a sale before the department stores. After all, a department store has to buy their inventory for a wholesale markup while a brand-owned boutique keeps the extra profit from a straight-to-retail model.
Chanel and Louboutin will not be marked down at any department store or boutique until the beginning of June. Nonetheless, it's never too early to plot your purchases and share your acquisition wishes with a good sales person. Second markdown usually begins at the end of June and discounts usually range from 50% to 70% off.
For now, we have a roundup of first markdowns at our favorite department stores.
Barneys
Pre-sale at Barneys started today. Most designer collections and shoes are discounted 35% off. The official sale starts May 30th. We are especially drawn to the peplum blouses that seem to be abundant throughout the store. Our favorites include a crisp white Celine cotton blouse and a bright silk Thakoon print.
Contact: Kyri 212-833-2088
Bergdorf Goodman
Wednesday will be the first day of pre-sale at Bergdorf. The discount is 30% off shoes and 40% off clothing. Purchases will be shipped or available in the store on Sunday, May 27. We always crush for Balmain leather-antyhing but it might take us an additional discount before we jump on this season's biker jacket.
Contact: Allison: 212-872-8732
Saks Fifth Avenue
Pre-sale orders will begin Wednesday and merchandise will be available to be picked up or shipped on May 31. Shoes will start at a 30% discount while clothing will be discounted 40%. Most designer merchandise is included. We always appreciate the Vionnet collation at Saks, although we believe it could be a bit larger.
Contact: Fifth Avenue Club (Eric) 212-753-4000
...
May 23, 2012
Untitled Post
Parisian label Maje is having their first markdown of the season. Starting Thursday, almost the entire Spring 2012 collection will be reduced by 20%, 30% and 50%! For example, a cobalt blue leather jacket will be $511 from $730. Not to be missed at www.us.maje.com, 417 Bleecker Street, 10 Prince Street, 145 Spring Street and select Bloomingdale's.
...
May 22, 2012
Gucci Pre-Sale Online and in Stores
Gucci has stated their spring and summer presale, or private sale--as they like to say. The markdown is about 50% on clothing and shoes. Bags are reduced about 30%. The sale officially starts on June 1. Here is the private online sale link.
While browsing, we found a dress that showcases this season's color blocking trend for $1000 from $2000, a gold triangle bikini is $229 from $450 and classic riding boots for $639 from $1250.
Fashion insiders seem to love Frida Giannini but we haven't seen a lust-worty Gucci collection since Tom Ford left in 2004. What do you think?
Contact: Nora 212-717-2619...
May 21, 2012
Cash in Your Sample Sale Overstock
High sample sale season is officially upon us and even us veteran shoppers can get swept up in the discount mania. You know as well as we do that you didn’t need eight pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. That’s even if they were $350 each.
Have no fear--we know exactly what to do with your personal over stock. The RealReal, an online luxury designer consignment store, offers sellers a huge percentage from their well-curated flash sales.
Unlike most neighborhood consignment stores, which only give sellers a 50% cut, The RealReal offers much more. From now until June 15, The RealReal will give you a straight 70% cut when you consign your opps-I-over-did-it merchandise.
So round up those extra Louboutins, Manolos, Lanvin beaded dresses and Thakoon prints and make room in your wallet and closet for the remainder of sample sale season. After all, retail sale season hasn’t even started.
Click here to sign up with The RealReal.
...
