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January 11, 2012
Saks Consolidation Sale
It’s that time of year again! All of the designer leftovers from Saks Fifth Avenue stores on the east coast are making their way to the 9th floor of the Fifth Avenue flagship. The discount is set to replicate the after Christmas sale, which was 70% off.
The consolidation sale officially starts on Friday, January 13th but we took a sneak peak into the set-up. We spotted lots of Stella McCartney, Temperly, Moschino, Yigal Azrouel, TSE and Donna Karen. Head directly to the designer boutiques if you're looking for reduced Chanel and Dior, which has price cuts of 60%.
During the summer consolidation sale we found an Oscar dress for $337, a McQueen dress for $418 and a Dolce & Gabbana tweed pencil skirt for just $188. In addition, we found lots of exquisite evening wear including, a tailored black Valentino cocktail dress that is now $777 and a unique embellished Monique Lhuillier number for $641.
Although the sale doesn't officially start until Friday, we are told that the black curtains will open sooner. We suggest hitting the sale on Thursday if you want to get first dibs. Internet shoppers can usually find similar deals online but there usually isn't the same variety of high-end designer merchandise....
January 10, 2012
Michael Kors Takes Steuben
This fall we posted about Steuben shutting down its factory and its flagship store on Madison Avenue. New Years marked the end of that crystal dynasty but that real estate will not stay vacant for long.
Michael Kors will be taking over the space that the century-old brand formerly occupied at 667 Madison, across from Barney's. Kors already has an existing store at Madison and 60th but we imagine that location close once the new build-out is complete. A rep from Michael Kors did not answer specific questions but it appears as if the Steuben location is considerably larger.
In addition to the Kors expansion, there seems to be a growing trend for brands to have two uptown locations. Many luxury icons seem to enjoy a flagship on or close to Fifth Avenue that attracts tourists from all around the world in addition to the neighborhood clientele that's found on Madison.
Most recently, Bottega Veneta opened a Madison Avenue location in addition to their Fifth Avenue flagship. Armani, Cavalli, Chanel, Cartier, Prada, Gucci and, yes, Juicy Couture all have mid-town and Madison Ave locations.
Perhaps that's a luxury that the luxury brands can afford....
January 9, 2012
Crazy Gaga Workshop Sale
We have to admit that the Barney's Lady Gaga Workshop was a genius concept. It was imaginative and unique. We also have to admit that the prices of the novelty items included in the collaboration were also imaginative and unique.
Well, all that has changed. Barney's has slashed the prices of their Gaga Christmas workshop. The discount ranges from 40% to 70% off. The best deal is the candy. For example, candy finger rings which were insanely $28 and are now $9. You might want to bypass the stale candy and opt for the popular Deborah Lippman 3D Holographic nail polish. The duo set of polish is now $29 from $40.
Another good bet is the Gaga Workshop x Barney's tote, which is $14 from $38. (Be careful, not to confuse this tote with the Barney's x Gaga tote, which is still $26 from $38.) The flame press-on nails are a personal favorite, but are still a frivolous $157 from $225 and you're cousin from Pittsberg won't get it. Instead, send her a bite of the big apple by way of the deep V-neck Gaga tee $33 from $75.
Although the discounts are attractive, we bet that many of these items will show up for even less money at Barney's outlets across the country. Anyone want to send me a note when they find those crazy nails for $2.25?...
January 6, 2012
The It-it: The Weightless Tote
We can't say it was unexpected. There was bound to be a backlash against the bigger and heavier bags that have been dominating the streets of Via Fashionable. A 35cm Birkin weights almost three pounds and that's before it's loaded with your wallet, phone, lipstick, keys and other junk.
Handbag designers are increasingly adding fashionable lightweight bags to their collections. The styles, colors and quality go beyond the Goyard tote or the LV Neverfull. These bags are are wonderfully basic. There's no lux lining, zipper or hardware but the leather is supple and the lines are classic. Best of all, they weigh next to nothing, which means you can feel free to pile on the junk.
Celine's version comes in a variety of colors and is priced at about $1600. At Bergdorf Goodman we found a YSL tote that has girly contrasting tassels that retails for $1500. Balenciaga's Papier tote is $1350 and Givenchy offers another option with their Antigona for $1280.
Although these tote bags are light, they are not cheap. A good shopping tote will get kicked around and faithfully used and may show their wear quickly. Less expensive options are also abundant. We just suggest bolting for an interesting color and making sure your tote is weightless.
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January 5, 2012
Marc Jacobs 70% Letdown
By ManhattanMataHari
When we first caught wind the Marc Jacobs collection would be a hefty 70% off We couldn’t help but get excited when we caught wind of the Marc Jacobs collection discount. The markdown is hefty at 70% off but upon arrival at the store we were sorely disappointed.
The sale consists only of two small racks of fall and winter 2011 merchandise. There is also a small assortment of booties and pumps below that have been marked down. The racks of clothing were sparse at best, with our best find being a boucle wool $1800 peacoat marked down to $540. It is truly hit or miss because the styles and sizing is extremely limited. A sales associate hinted there “might” be some extra sizes out back but it seemed unlikely.
We also spotted a few $7900 retail sheared fox cropped jackets on the markdown rack. Even with the discount there are better fur investments for your money. Looking down at the sale shoes, it was easy to see why these stragglers were still on the sales floor – not the most desirable styles. Sadly, no tall boots were to be found.
Bottom line: if you had your heart set on getting a discounted Stam handbag or other accessories, don’t bother. We suggest calling ahead if you had your heart set on a specific item.
Johann: 212-343-1490
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January 4, 2012
Scoop Sale
Scoop just added another 30% markdown to their already reduced merchandise. The overall markdown is under 50% and some items are discounted up to 75% off.
The store is stocked with a reasonable amount of Zac Posen, Missoni, Michael Kors and 3.1 Philip Lim. We found a $725 sweater dress marked down to $289. With the additional 30% discount the final price is just $200. A Kimberly Ovitz dress is $310 from $565 and $1000 Alejandro Ingelmo heels are just $310.
Even the Scoop sales woman admitted this was a very good discount. Next stop is the Scoop warehouse sale but we think this markdown is both civilized and worthy of two thumbs up. You know, if did such a thing....
January 3, 2012
Manolo Blahnik First Markdown
The new year means many things to different people. To us, the new year is the start to Manolo season. Every year, the Manolo Blahnik boutique takes their first markdown following the big ball drop.
Currently, shoes and boots from the winter collection are now discounted to 33% off. This markdown should not cause too much excitement considering that department stores are running sales where Manolos are 60% off.
In three weeks you can expect the discount to drop to 50% off and by early February the discount climbs to 75% off. You know, that's when we come running. You can click here to see our Manolo closeout coverage from last year were we found lots of ornate and iconic styles for just $250!
Manolo Blahnik
31 West 54th Street (b/w 5th and 6th)
Monday to Friday 10:30 to 6:00
Saturday 10:30 to 3:300
Contact: Abby 212-582-3007...
December 29, 2011
Your New Year’s Eve Plans
It's quite easy to find the perfect party outfit now that sales are dropping faster than the Swarovski ball. Sequins at 70% off are more abundant than confetti in Times Square. Making the perfect end-of-year celebratory plans may not be so simple. Actually, celebrating the end of 2011 may cost you more than a pair of Chanel heels-- and that would be at full price.
The Price Hike, a blog that monitors the prices at high-end restaurant, recently posted about the real cost of dining on New Year's Eve. The "real cost" is calculated by adding the price of tax and a 20% tip to the cost of a tasting menu. Would you believe that the real cost of dinner for two at Eleven Madison Park on New Year's is $1482. That's $1160 more than the price a couple would pay on any other night throughout the year.
Yes, Eleven Madison Park, is offering an amazing menu. According to the expert blogger there will be one course of white truffles, two courses of black truffles, foie gras, lobster, black sturgeon caviar, and many more freebies. Still it's a whole lot of money.
No matter how you choose to celebrate your New Year's, we suggest checking out The Price Hike's analysis and making the same calculations before you confirm your reservations. Dinner or a new pair of Chanel pumps? Hmmm. We'll take both!
Happy New Year!!!
Image credit: The Price Hike...
