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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
...
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...
November 14, 2011
Matthew Williamson One Day Sale
Matthew Williamson is hosting a one day sale where all pre-fall and fall/winter 2011 merchandise will be 30% off. The promotion will take place Tuesday, November 15 from 6pm to 8pm.
The shopping incentive is centered around promoting the one week pop-up shop of vintage costume jewelry collection, House of Lavande. The company offers some of the most exquisite vintage jewelry from designers like Dior, Chanel and YSL. You can check out some of their baubles online here.
Fabulous clothing, jewelry and a sale... count us in!
Matthew Williamson
415 West 14th Street
Tommy: 212-255-9065...
November 11, 2011
Christian Louboutin Sample Sale
It's that time of year again and the information has already leaked. The Christian Louboutin sample sale is upon us. Blogger Mizhattan says the sale starts Tuesday but we are told that invites for Friday have already been distributed.
Past experience has taught us that the sale runs more than a week but the first few days are strictly limited to VIPs and celebs. (Blake Lively inists on getting first pick.) Editors, wholesale clients and friends and family are usually given shopping slots towards the end of the week. (This is your best opportunity to use your hustle if you don't have an invite.)
Mizhattan writes, "Furthermore, for those expecting a full Mizhattan report, please note that out of respect for Louboutin's privacy, I will not be covering this event." Truth is that the Christian Louboutin PR reps offer bloggers invites only if they promise NOT to cover the sale. We say, keep your invite. We have readers to inform!
Stay tuned. We will be sure to keep you updated all next week. You can click here to get a report from last season's sale
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 11, 2011
AEFFE’s Civilized Sample Sale
By ManhattanMataHari
When so many random sales and promotions call themselves a sample sale, it is a pleasure to actually attend a sale that lives up to the title. The Aeffe sale contains actual samples ranging from sizes 40 to 44, or mediums. We spotted many size 6 separates, although some designer’s samples tend to run small. Just beware, some pieces may not be fully finished and we noticed many dresses without or finished hems.
Moschino lovers will be thrilled to find racks filled with the original Italian label in addition to their Cheap and Chic and Love Moschino lines. The original Moschino items are still priced high with, with most items above $500, even for a plain white button up blouse. They did have some hip leather jackets but they were still $1400 to $2300. The Cheap and Chic racks were slightly more reasonable, with loads of separates around $200 and blazers and outerwear priced $500 to $800.
We suggest that shoppers check out the Cacharel racks on the back wall since their prices were some of the best. Separates were largely $100 to $200 while dresses ranged up to about $300. We found a gorgeous gray wool peacoat for only $400.
The Alberta Ferretti and Philosphy di Alberta Ferretti lines were slightly more expensive, but with luxurious fabrics like alpaca, silks, and woven knits it is worth it. Most separates and dresses were in the $300 to $400 range while a gorgeous burgundy fur lined suede jacket was a price topper at $2005.
Jean Paul Gaultier dominated the right side of the room with lots of woven knits which were unfortunately more dated than chic. You will also find racks of mixed designer cocktail and formal dresses, including long evening gowns ranging from $250 to $1000.
The shoes are plentiful, but only for lucky ladies with sample size 37 feet. There are a few pairs in other sizes, but with prices from $150 to $250 for flats and pumps and $300 to $500 for boots it is not worth the hassle.
While the prices are steep for sample pieces, many items are very well-made and fashion forward takes on classic silhouettes. The ladylike atmosphere also makes this a more pleasant shopping experience. We expect that prices on Saturday will be cut 20% to 30%. We would suggest waiting until then to do the majority of your shopping.
AEFFE Showroom Sample Sale
Wednesday, November 9 to Saturday, November 12
Weds to Fri 10am to 6pm and Sat 11am to 5pm
30 W. 56th St (between 5th and 6th Aves)...
