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December 15, 2011
Roger Vivier Sample Sale Review
Beware, reading this post and going to the Roger Vivier sample sale may cost you $1000 or more. If that statement doesn't scare you, then you will be thrilled to know about the vast assortment of products at Vivier's first ever sample sale.
The Viv sale is well stocked with an incredible assortment of shoes including, classic buckle flats, elaborate heels, sandals and boots. No season was left out and no style or print is omitted. There are even in-season styles, which have the tiny square buckle. In addition, there are lots of bags, including evening clutches and larger shopping totes. There is also a small but nice assortment of small leather goods and jewelry.
The pricing of most shoes are about 50% off retail, which isn't fabulous but still a considerable savings. Most classic buckle styles are about $275. Sandals are a bit less at $220 and boots will set you back $420 to $600. Non-buckly shoes are an additional 20% off. Bags cost between $425 for a long classic clutch to near $800 for lager bags. Near the register, you will find small accessories and jewelry, which make a fine holiday gift. Gloves are $200 and most jewelry pieces are $100. Wallets and cosmetic cases are also $200.
While each item does not seem overly expensive, it's hard not to grab a bag and at least two pair of shoes. By the time you're at the register the damage is over $1000. For others, it was several times that amount.
The sale runs through Sunday and we wouldn't be surprised if further reductions were made. If you can, restrain yourself for later in the sale.
The positive side is that a portion of all the proceeds will go towards New Yorkers For Children. You wouldn't want to deprive the children, right? So, shop it up!
Roger Vivier Sale
Through Sunday, Dec 18
Thurs to Sat 9am- 6:30pm, Sun 9am-5pm
Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St (bet 8th and 9th Ave)...
December 14, 2011
Pics of Saks Chanel Sale
A social media savvy sales person at Saks Fifth Avenue has posted pictures of all the Chanel shoes that have been marked down. The discount is 30% and there are lots of styles from which to choose.
You can click here to view the entire shoe gallary and contact Kristie
by email here.
Which style is your favorite?...
December 13, 2011
Roger Vivier Sample Sale
Roger Vivier is famous for not letting their precious square-toe shoes go at discounted prices. It's not surprising considering that the company is owned by Tod's, which is another brand that doesn't love hosting sales.
Fans of Vivier will be thrilled to learn the the brand is hosting their first sample sale at Soiffer Haskin. Shoes and handbags will be included but we are also hoping to find sunglasses and other accessories. We would love to speculate on the markdown and product assortment but it would just be a shot in the dark. Instead, we'll keep you updated and post our findings.
In the meantime we would love to hear your speculations and findings. What do you think the Vivier brand has in store for us tomorrow?
Roger Vivier Sale
Wednesday, Dec 14 through Sunday, Dec 18
Wed 10-7pm, Thurs to Sat 9am- 6:30pm, Sun 9am-5pm
Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St (bet 8th and 9th Ave)...
December 13, 2011
Christian Louboutin Private Pre-Sale
By ManhattanMataHari
For those of us not lucky enough to get an invite to the Christian Louboutin sample sale, we now have the option of shopping their private pre-sale event. Fans of the iconic red-soled heels can enjoy champagne and macarons as they browse the sales merchandise.
Last year, the discount for shoes was 30% to 40% (right up there with the department store sales) and handbags were a deal at 50% off retail. Unlike the department stores the selection and sizes tend to be limited. If you want to get the best selection or wear a common shoe size be prepared to wait a bit. Avoid the mistake we made last year by going a bit before 5:30pm –- they closed the line 10 minutes after arrival and unfortunately we did not make the cut.
To get in you must RSVP to: Events.MadisonNY@ChristianLouboutin.FR
Insider Tip: Know your Louboutin sizing because it may be hard to grab a sales associate. For new Louboutin fans that means ordering up one full European size.
Christian Louboutin Private Pre-Sale
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
3pm to 6pm...
December 12, 2011
DVF Sample Sale Always Fun
This morning we hit an early preview of the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale. The good news is that prices are the same as previous seasons. The bad news is that the line is already stacking up and items are selling out.
Once inside, dresses were flying, hangers were catching and women were crowding. As usual the sweaters are in the back and the $50 samples are next to the fitting room. Sale newcomers include a great selection of bags, small accessories and winter print scarves. The scarves are a bit pricey at $65 but the bags were a big hit during the press preview. Large bags are $250, small bags are $185 and wallets are $70. The nicer chain bags are already gone, unfortunately.
You're in luck if you are looking for those big fur vests, there are still plenty. In addition, there are lots of "Saks Exclusive" pieces. You may luck out if you're shopping for generic gifts. Laptop cases/ipod cases/zip wallet are $60 and iPhone covers, pencil cases, passport covers for $20. There are also some great belts but are a bit expansive at $70 each.
So here are how the rest of prices break down:
Coats $350
Gowns $275
Leather $250
Wraps and vintage $150
Dresses $125
Jackets $125
Sweaters $80
Blouses $80
Skirts $80
Pants $80
Samples $50
The crowds should continue to thin out as the week progresses. Early afternoon is probably the best time to go. We may try again on Friday when prices are historically slashed. At the end of the last sale dresses were $70, wraps were $80 and skirts were $50. Keep your fingers crossed.
DVF Sample Sale
Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 16
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.)...
December 9, 2011
Ippolita’s Dazzling Sample Sale
Bling a bling a bling...
What woman doesn't deserve some new bling, especially when it's Ippolita? When we heard that Ippolita was hosting it's first ever sample sale, we knew we needed our Madison Avenue mom to come along for the review.
Though there is a line to get in (Ippolita provides free water bottles), shopping at this sample sale is as civilized as shopping in a boutique, especially since each customer has their very own sales person. With prices at 65% to 70% off retail, there are plenty of great deals on Ippolita's beautiful, easy to wear jewelry.
The fashion jewelry is the least expensive with resin bangles at $50 per piece (normally $275) and resin rings at $30 a piece. There is also a case of specially priced gold worth checking out. We found an elegant and soft gold long necklace with gem stones for $1200.
There is a huge selection of sterling silver. There are current sterling silver rings with gemstones, which retail for $300 and up and are 65% to 70% off at the sale. These sterling silver bangles retail for $295 each and at 65% off you can buy them for $103.25 each. They also have the same bangles in 18k gold which retail for $1795 and are $628.25 at the sale. We considered the silver, but couldn't resist the shiny 18k gold and we walked out with four of them dancing.
Designer jewelry at these prices? Go treat yourself - you deserve it.
PS Mom is still there!
Ippolita Sample Sale
Lighthouse International, 111 E. 59th St., nr. Park Ave.;
F (10–6), S (10–8), Su (noon–5)....
December 9, 2011
The It-it: Maria Grachvogel
Although Maria Grachvogel is not a new designer, it is likely this is the first time you're hearing her name. My first introduction to the British fashion designer was while sorting through the racks of a designer dresses at a consignment sale. Stuck between dozens of Chanel and Valentino gowns I came upon a Grachvogel cocktail dress marked "sample."
The cut was immaculate and the colors were unapologetic. The winning combination reminded me of greats like McQueen and Matthew Williamson. Searching for more of the same, I headed to Bergodorf Goodman. Unfortunately, the trip was fruitless as nobody had heard of the London-based designer.
I immediately hit the web and have continued to be dazzled by Maria's designs, which also count Emma Thompson, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, and Victoria Beckham as her fans.
Although Maria Grachovogal has a large following London, her designs can only be found on ShopBop in the States.
If you are in love with her prints as much as I am, the boutique will ship internationally. We promise you won't be disapointed!
Did we mention the winter colleciton is on sale?
Maria Grachvogel
Contact: Stephanie +44 (0) 20 7245 9331
Prices range from about $600 for a top to $5000 for a gown...
December 8, 2011
Madison Avenue Sales Update: Chanel, Valentino & More
We are still canvasing the neighborhood looking for the best markdowns and the most wonderful selection. As the height of the holiday shopping approaches, here is what you can expect to find on our favorite avenue. New items are highlighted in bold.
Chanel
We are told that the "private sale" will begin Tuesday. If you have a good relationship with a sales person you might be able to put together a "wish list." The discount, in past seasons, has been 40% off shoes, clothing and jewelry. You're out of luck if you're looking for a leather bag. If any bags do go on sale they are usually tweed or a canvas tote. You get the idea...
Nicole, Soho 212-334-0055
Chloe
Clothing, shoes and some handbags are now 40% off. Most of the handbags shown on the runway are on sale but the classics are not. The sale has been going for some time. We suggest making your pre-holiday purchases soon. After Christmas, the discount may go to 40%.
Incus 212-717-8220
Dolce & Gabbana
The markdown is 40% and that includes select bags, shoes and clothing from the fall and winter collections. This is the final season of D&G and you we will be keeping an eye out for blowout discounts.
Rodney 212-249-4100
Gucci
The discounts on handbags are 30%, men's and women's clothing and shoes are 50% and the kids collection is 30%. The sale started last week and can be accessed online as well as boutiques.
Jil Sander
Clothing, shoes and bags are 40% off at Jil Sander. We are in love with this bright yellow dress ($1390 from $2780) and this tunic ($923 from $1845) is absolute.
Kendra: 212-925-2345
Lanvin
The markdown is 30% off everything, or so we were told. You can count on another discount before the season is over but the temptation might prove too much. Usually prices go to 60% off.
Anna 646-439-0380
Marni
Clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry are now 30% off. The boutique merchandise is also available online. We love this pink deco clutch ($1082 from $1545) and this window pane jacket ($1236 from $1765).
Dana: 212-257-6907
Milly
The markdown ranges from 30% to 50% off, depending on the item. While browsing, we found a peacoat with fur trim for $696 from $995, a delicate pink merino cardigan is $206 from $295 and an enamel cuff is $110 from $225.
Kat 212-395-9100
Missoni
The Missoni discounts range from 30% to 40% off and some merchandise is marked down 50%. The python coats collection is all 50% off but most other items are 40% off.
Paige 212-517-9339
Prada
The discount on shoes and clothing is 40%. Those iconic bi-color Mary-Jane boots are included in the markdown along with more traditional boots and booties.
Betty 212-327-4200
Valentino
The Valentino markdown is 40% off cloths, shoes and bags. If you won't be disappointed if you like the Rockstar series. There are not many basic black bags included in the sale but burgundy is a great second choice.
Hito 212-772-6969
Yves Saint Laurent
The YSL discount is 40% off across the board. There are several pair of Tribute sandals that are included in the markdown. We were also shown a few Muse bags in purple, tan and dark brown that are part of the presale. Roady bags in gray, brown and tan are on sale too. Upstairs there is a wide collection of ready-to-wear that's ripe for the picking. If you're on the fence about an item, you can wait until after Christmas. second markdown is usually 50%.
Danielle 212-980-2970...
