Madison Avenue Spy

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...

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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...

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December 7, 2011

Brunello Cucinelli Sample Sale

By ManhattanMataHari

Brunello Cucinelli is well known for their high end luxury designs and fabrics, as well as their lofty prices. At their sample sale you can save up to 60% off Italian fine cashmere. While the prices are still pretty high, you have to remember that the retail prices are significantly higher.

If you head straight into the accessories table you will find belts for as low as $100 after the discount. Keep your calculator handy as you make your way over to the shoes where sample size 37 ladies will fare best. The selection isn’t great are the prices, which are 60% off a range of $595 to $1000.

We suggest skipping the exorbitantly priced handbags and going straight to the bottoms, which are the best deals. Most of the skirts and slack are discounted to about $295, which really isn't bad considering normal Cucinelli prices. Most of the skirt sizes are a sample size 42, but there is a larger variety of sizes for slacks ranging up to size 48. Smaller sized women will have a much tougher time finding sizes.

Moving on to the star of Cucinelli-- cashmere sweaters. We are sad to say that the selection for women is quite small but if might not walk away disappointed if you're shopping for a man. Most of the cashmere are 60% off the normal range of $800 to $2300.

We also found a nice selection of wool and cashmere blend coats but they are still pricey even with the 60% discount. The retail prices in this section seemed to range from $2730 to $4140. See? Still a lot.
If you have your heart set on finding a good deal here. we suggest waiting until the last day of the sale. Further reductions are expected and should range in the 70% to 80% range. And before you leave, don’t forget catch a glimpse of the $15,000 fur vests at the register. At 80% off, one might end up being an early holiday gift to yourself!

Brunello Cucinelli Sample Sale
Until Friday, December 9th
9am to 5pm daily
150 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor, (b/w Lexington & 3rd)...

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December 6, 2011

Fabulous Fur Sale

The Rockettes are kicking and and the Fifth Avenue snowflake is hung, which means winter season is upon us and the cold is here to stay. When it comes to winter there's no better option than fur. Either faux or real you have to look stylish and stay warm.

Starting Wednesday, you can get a jump-start on winter chic and save a bundle at the Cassin, sherry cassin and Jocelyn sample sale. The three-day sample sale will include a variety of luxury furs and outerwear, including rainwear and faux fur at 80% off. Jocelyn fur trim sweaters will be priced at $80 and fur vests will be $275. You can also find a Cassin blue iris woven mink hat for $250 and sherry cassin raccoon vest for $425 from $850. The bride-to-be will be excited to find cover ups in mink, fox, rabbit and feathers starting at $50.

In addition to the anticipated vests and coats, we are also told there will be a great selection of scarves, hats, wraps and ponchos. You can even bedeck your picky older sister with gifts starting at under $100. Lets see her turn up her nose at that!

Cassin/sherry cassin/Jocelyn Sample Sale
Wednesday, December 7 to Friday, December 9
Wed &Thurs. 9:30am to 7:00pm, Fri 9:30am to 6:30pm
150 West 30th Street (@ 7th Ave), 5th Floor
Cash and Credit Cards Only
CassinCollections.com

Sponsored Post

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December 5, 2011

DVF Sample Sale

We can't tell you how many email we have received inquiring about the Diane Von Furstenberg sample sale. There were even rumors that the bi-annual sale was canceled. (The horror!)

We are happy to announce that this year's dates have (finally) been released. Starting Tuesday, December 13 shoppers will be able to sort through racks of wrap dresses and wonderful prints that are all priced up to 75% off. Last year the prices were: $40 for tees, $80 for pants, skirts, blouses and sweaters, $125 for dresses and jackets, $150 for wrap-dresses, $250 for leather and $275 for cocktail gowns/dresses and coats. Our favorite section, however, is 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, 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.)...

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December 5, 2011

Your Guide to Chanel Handbag Prices

The Madison Avenue Spy team is always talking about prices. What's the real value of an item? What's the markdown? What's the retail price?

When it comes to Chanel's Classic bags we even get confused. There are so many different sizes, styles and leather finishes. Even Chanel salespeople get confused. So as you jump into your holiday shopping, we offer you the Madison Avenue Spy price guide to Classic Chanel handbags.

We picked three of the most popular styles-- the Classic Flap, the Reissue and the Tote -- and priced out many of the variations. Just for fun, we also dug up prices from 2009. Although we can't fully vouch for the complete accuracy of the vintage information, we thought it would be an informative reference.

You can access a PDF version of our price guide here or click on the image above and expand the copy so that's legible. We hope you find this guide useful and we plan to bring you more. Please let us know if you have any suggestions.

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December 2, 2011

Your Designer Sale Shoe Guide

By ManhattanMataHari

It is our favorite time of year again – shoe sale season! At this point, almost every department store has started their first markdown. Many stores started just yesterday, which means the inventory is still plentiful. Just one note, Christian Louboutin and Chanel have not been discounted anywhere. That markdown usually comes in a couple of weeks. So start putting your presale list together now!

Below is a full blown tour of all the best shoe departments and markdowns in town:

Barneys
As always, we like to start our shopping at Barney’s since their first cut is 40% (unlike 30% everywhere else). Unfortunately, the better bargain has its drawbacks – namely a smaller selection of shoes and fewer size options than Saks or Bergdorf’s. You will be a very happy shopper if you are a fan of Lanvin, Manolo Blahnik, Casadei, Fendi, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta. We were thrilled to find $389 Manolo Mary Janes alongside, $479 YSL Tribtoo slingbacks and $759 python Lanvin flats. There is also a good selection of boots, with the best bargain being buttery soft Bottega Veneta’s signature woven high boots for $589.
Leticia 212-833-2141

Bergdorf Goodman
For the best selection of sizes and styles, head a few blocks over to Bergdorf Goodman. While their shoe sale area is always chaotic, you will find plenty of glittery Miu Miu pumps and Jimmy Choos to complete your festive seasonal looks. This was the only store where we found discount Brian Atwood Maniac pumps. Fans of Alexander McQueen, Nicholas, Kirkwood, Tods, Dior, and Valentino should head here first. Noticeably absent this year were the walls of boots. There are currently no tall boots on sale despite one sales associate saying they were mixed in the racks.

A second markdown will take place the day after Christmas and should be 60% off.

Insider tip: avoid wearing black shoes since the shoe salon’s new carpeting sheds everywhere.
Jose: 212-872-894 Jose_olaso@bergdorfgoodmanstore.com

Saks Fith Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is having their 10022 shoe sale starting with a 30% discount. This is hands down the best place to go for “it” shoes by Yves Saint Laurent. You can find their Tribute (pumps and sandals), Tribtoo and Palais pumps in a variety of materials and colors with plenty of different sizes available. If Jimmy Choos are more your thing, then Saks should be at the top of your list. Unlike Bergdorf’s there is a good selection of boots on sale too.

Insider tip: On December 26th, ALL sale merchandise including 10022-SHOE will be an additional 20% to 50% off the sale price. Plan on arriving early and dealing with queues and utter chaos – last year they had to shut the line down around 2pm due to the insanity.
Alfonso: 212-940-2401

Jeffery
Downtown divas may want to stop by Jeffrey in the Meatpacking district. While their selection and sizes are more limited than the larger department stores, the service and atmosphere are much better.
Lemar: 212-206-1272

Photos: #1 Bergdorf #2 Saks...

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December 2, 2011

Versace at H&M Returns

The Versace collaboration with H&M was quite successfully by all accounts. On launch day there were lines around the block and every item available was sold. Though you can really see the carnage of a design collaboration from the returns bin.

Over at the 86th Street H&M we were surprised to see there was more than a small bin of returns. As a matter of fact, the returns have their own section within the women's department.

So what items did Versace fanatics decide to do without? To start there are lots of little pink bags and lots and lots of shoes. In the clothing section there are several of pink skirts with tassels, purple dresses and sequined print dresses. We found only one pair of printed leggings in a size two and a single bustier top. The pièce de résistance, however, was a men's overcoat with a leather lapel and leather sleeves. Both the quality and the styling of this item was head over heals better than anything else we saw.

The aforementioned coat is posted on ebay for about $700! From the looks of the ebay sales, we bet a lot more inventory will be coming back to H&M. You bet we'll be keeping our eyes open for markdowns....

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