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November 21, 2011
Brookstone Comes to 86th Street
It looks as if 86th Street is getting a Brookstone. The boy-toy destination is taking over the old Petco on 86th and Lexington. The store opening is part of the 46-year-old gadget emporium's new expansion and growth plan, which also includes several other new Manhattan locations.
Customers can expect to be wooed by hot products such as the OSIM uAstro Zero-Gravity Massage Chair ($3,495), the Tranquil Moments Advanced white-noise maker ($169) and the Parrot AR.Drone Quadricopter ($299), according to the New York Post.
Normally a Brooksone opening wouldn't signify much but we are seeing the entry as another step towards the mallification of 86th Street. (Not that that's a bad thing.) In the past two years, the popular east side cross street and surrounding areas have seen the opening of Sephora, H&M, L'Occitane, Lululemon, Athleta, Urban Oufitters and Brooks Brother's. This in addition to Barnes and Noble's, Victoria's Secret, Children's Place and Gap, which have been in the neighborhood for some time.
Even the food seems a bit food court-esq with Shake Shake and the anticipated opening of Panera. Now, all we need to do is come up with a catchy name for the area. Any suggestions?
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November 18, 2011
More presales: YSL and Dolce & Gabbana
As we've been making our way through boutiques we've noticed that they are very quite but that should all change come next week. This really is the best time to shop because there is no markdown chaos but still lots of savings. Here are two more presales to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Yves Saint Laurent
The YSL presale begin just yesterday and there are some very interesting items included in the markdown. The 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
Dolce & Gabbana
Presale officially begins on Saturday but find a helpful sales person we are quite confident that your requests will be granted. The markdown is 40% and that includes select bags, shoes and clothing from the fall and winter collections. The D&G sale also starts this weekend with the same discount.
Rodney 212-249-4100...
November 18, 2011
Missoni + Target Leftovers
Just when you thought that the end of Missoni had come at Target, a markdown occurs. Yes, there were lots of returns and they items are quietly being resotcked online and some have even been discounted.
During our last Target shopping trip we found a throw, kid's shoes, rain boots, lots of bedding, throw pillows and decore boxes. If you check online now, you will also find some interesting items including the hard to get Missoni Bicycle (still $400), poufs (now $59 from $99), bed sets 30% off, kid's rain boots, iPad case (still $60) and newborn sweater suit ($25).
Prices vary between the stores themselves and online. We even heard about one store manager telling a customer, "I hate this stuff. I can't stand to even look at it any more. Will you take it if i mark it down to clearance price?." The answer as obviously a difinitive, YES!...
November 17, 2011
Presales Begin: Lanvin and Chloe
Thanksgiving is already next week and that means presale season is about to begin. For the uninitiated, presale is the period right before a store's markdown. Usually, the boutique's best customers get called and invited to shop from the discounted merchandise before the general public is alerted to the markdown.
Don't worry if you're not on a first name basis with Betsy, Everest and Stephanie. We've got you covered. The first presales to hit Madison Ave are Lanvin and Chloe. Here's the information you'll need to know.
Chloe
Presale started this week and the sale officially begins on Monday. 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. We are told that presale shopping is mostly by appointment but we are quite confident that all customers will be given equal discount treatment.
Incus 212-717-8220
Lanvin
Presale started today and the official sale kicks off in about two weeks. The markdown is 30% off everything, or so we were told. No appointment is necessary. You can count on another discount before the season is over but the temptation might prove too much.
Anna 646-439-0380...
November 15, 2011
Email My Receipt Please
One of the first lessons of shopping is to always keep your receipt. Even in the instances where you know the items fits, it's a good idea to keep a recorded of your purchase. You never know, the seams can gunravel or the store can markdown the item a day later.
Our problem has always been keeping our receipts in order. Stuffing wads of paper into your bag or delicate wallet is not a great system but one that we continue to partake. You can imagine our enthusiasm when Apple started emailing receipts several years ago. More recently, however, department stores and retail outlets have been implementing similar technology.
A few weeks ago, a Gap associate declared, "We are trying to go paperless. Can we email you the receipt?" Needless to say, we were thrilled to participate. More recently, Barney's implemented quick checkout technology, which allows sales associates to swipe your card on the sales floor in a similar manner as Apple. Give your sales person your email address and voila, your sale transaction is complete and your receipt is neatly folded into your email inbox.
Just this week Saks Fifth Avenue implemented a system that has the ability to email your receipt. (No more stuffing your receipt in your shoe box!) We are also told that Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Nordstrom have paperless receipt options.
As a matter of fact, the New York Times reported that Nordstrom is looking into ways to to make its e-receipts more appealing, perhaps by adding a picture of the item to the receipt so a shopper could post it to a Facebook wall. That's what we call social shopping.
By next holiday season, wouldn't be surprised if e-receipts are the norm rather than the exception. So next time you're shopping, ask to have your receipt emailed. Your wallet will thank you!...
November 15, 2011
Christian Louboutin Sale in Full Swing
By ManhattanMataHari
This weekend, a sign outside the Christian Louboutin showroom stated, “Dear Customers, there is no Christian Louboutin sale happening at this time.” But we knew better!
An informant tells us that throughout Monday and over the weekend, A-list celebrities and VIPs have been scooping up discount Louboutins. We are told that some of the bold name shoppers included cast members of Glee and Blake Lively, who again grabbed dozens of pairs for herself and friends. Our source did say there are still plenty of shoes left for the rest of you lucky enough to get an invite. (We were dropped from the invite list several seasons ago for our sale coverage.)
There are some basics you should know if you have an invite or are thinking of joining an invitee as a plus one. The biggest selections of shoes are tiny, size 35s and 36s. By the time mortals get into the --and that includes the editors of glossies-- most of the 37s to 38.5s are sold out.
You also should be warned that the shoes are discounted but still not free. Don’t expect to pick up any great heels for under $200 as some sites are reporting. They do have some sandals and espadrille wedges for $150 but they aren’t usually very desirable. Lower heels in exotic colors are priced at least $225 and many of the sky-high modern platform pumps and slingbacks are $325 and up. Last spring there was a limited selection of boots around $550, and we did spot a fair amount of bridal shoes.
We expect the lines to be several hours long tomorrow. We suggest heading over in the afternoon if you do have an invite and want to avoid a several hour wait. Good luck ladies and don’t forget to share your Christian Louboutin sample sale stores with us.
Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
Friday, November 11 through Friday, November 18
Daily 9am to 5pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
306 W. 38th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Ave.)...
November 14, 2011
White + Warren Sample Sale
As the days are getting shorter and the weather is cooler, it's just natural to feel the need to snuggle with cashmere. We couldn't think of a better way to stock up on cold-weather warmth than at the White + Warren sample sale.
The sale will run just Tueday and Wednesday and feature cashmere basics for both men and women – likely the cashmere cable crew. We are told tha tbaics will start at $85 and wraps will start at $75. What's even better is that the more you buy the more you save. For instance, if a one sweater is $100, two would be $150. (Shopping hint: come with a friend!)
White + Warren was founded in 1997 with a simple mission--to bring quality cashmere to fashion-savvy women. The collection has expanded to include top-to-toe fashion items. Don't miss White + Warren online if you can't shop the sample sale. We like to think of the site as our winter survival guide.
White + Warren Sample Sale
Tuesday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 16
8am to 7pm
80 West 40th Street, 3rd floor
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November 14, 2011
Ferragamo Warehouse Sale
Please note that this sale has been canceled. See Racked for details.
We love bringing you news about great sales and the Ferragamo warehouse sale is one of the bright spots of the season. The sale includes a huge assortment of shoes, clothing, bags and accessories for men and women.
Last year, we happened upon the sale and were amazed by the selection and prices. During the end-of-sale liquidation we found editorial worthy runway heels for $69, suade knee high boots for $130 and short shearling boots for $130. Exotic skin shoes were $199 and small accessories were uner $100.
Although the sale is in Secaucus, NJ it's worth a Zipcar weekend or a car service to get your shopping done. High-quality products like these usually can't be found at these prices.
Ferragamo Warehouse Sale
Tuesday, November 15th to Sunday, November 20th
Tues, Wed, Thrus 10am to 7pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 3pm
700B Castle Road
Secaucus, NJ 07094...
