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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)...
November 10, 2011
Bloomingdales Friends and Family
Bloomingdales friends & family sale started today and runs through Sunday, November 13. The markdown is 20% and includes regular and sale priced merchandise. Last week, Bloomies started an extensive first markdown, which was about 40% off. Once you tally the friends and family discount you can save a grand total of about 50%.
You can use this link or the code FREESHIP11 to shop online. The only women's clothing brands that are excluded from the sale are: Agent Provocateur, Moncler, Chanel, Ralph Lauren Collection and Marc Jacobs Collection. The bag and shoe restrictions are much more extensive and include all the usual suspects ranging from Chanel to Prada....
November 9, 2011
Chanel Pricing: Up, Down or Unchanged
We have heard several rumors and fielded many email about a November Chanel price hike. We called around to the department stores and got the usual mixed messages. (Pushy sales people always like pushing a sale based on a foreboding price hike.)
This time we reached out to the big guns for official comment because even a 10% price hike can be several hundred dollars. So the official word is ...drum roll please...
"Chanel has no plans to increase prices for the time being, even if we regularly adjust our prices in line with changes in styles, production costs, materials and volatile exchange rates, similarly to other top luxury brands."
After breathing a sigh of relief we have to float a question to our readers: What do you think is meant by adjusting prices similarly to other top luxury brands? We have our theories but would love to hear what you have to say....
November 8, 2011
Housing Works Fashion for Action
Readers always ask us to post about vintage finds but the nature of the business is that there is never enough inventory of the good stuff. By the time a post would go live the item it could be gone --most likely by us. The Housing Works Fashion for Action event is an exception.
Housing Works, which has a mission to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS, hosts this annual event where dozens of high end brands donate their overstock inventory for a major, all-out discount, shopping event. This year, Thom Browne and Co-Chairs Patricia Clarkson, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, and Rachel Roy will be kicking off the fundraiser with a VIP shopping preview and cocktail party at the Altman Building in Chelsea.
Guests can shop from over 150 brands, which will all be discounted 50% to 70% off retail. We got a sneak peak of what's in store and know that your mouth will be salivating as much as ours. The Christian Dior Panarea Bag, which retails for $1450 will be priced at just $695, a $528 Marc Jacobs Sweater coat will be priced at $250 and $1900 Brooks Brother's suit will be $800.
Of course you can wait until November 17th to shop the pubic sale for free but the VIP tickets will assure you get to take home the more popular items. Cocktails, shopping and a good cause? That's what we call a trifecta!
Fashion for Action 2011 Opening Night Reception
Date: Wednesday, November 16 2011
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm; VIPs arrive at 5:30 pm for preview shopping
Place: The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues)
Price: Tickets start at $150 click here to purchase.
Fashion for Action 2011 Three-Day Designer Sale
Date: November 17 through November 19, 2011
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Place: The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues)
Price: Sale is FREE and open to the public...
November 7, 2011
Saks Private Night
Saks Fifth Avenue's "Private Night" is the unofficial start to sale season. The department store's best customers are invited to shop the discounts before the store officially goes on sale. Unlike friends and family and other prior promotions, this sale includes priemier brands. (We're talking many thrid floor designers.) This year, the private sale will occur on Wednesday, November 9th and discount will be 40% off.
Pre-sale for Private Night is already under way. We are told that the official winter markdown will begin in a few weeks. (Can you believe it's already that time of year?) We expect that the sale for shoes will start a bit later but it may not hurt to get down to Saks and work on putting your favorite items aside.
Contact: Marie Jose 212-940-2536 (3rd Floor Premier Designers)
Photo: Jil Sander sweater $1475...
November 4, 2011
The IT-it: Deborah Lippman Sparkle
If we had to pick one stand out trend for this season it would have to be sparkle. It's impossible to avoid but so much fun to love. There are an abundance of sparkles to choose: shoes, dresses, tops, jackets and our favorite-- sparkle polish.
Picking the way that you're going to shine is a personal option but the sparkle in Deborah Lippman's Happy Birthday polish makes us giddy.
We paired our Happy Birthday sparkle over a hot pink cream polish and it was a show stopper. One friend remarked, "What's going on on your nails?" No response was necessary after closer observation. It was obvious that it was a party.
If Happy Birthday is too wild of a party we would suggest Lady Sings the Blues, which is blue polish with blue glitter or Bad Romance, which is purple with purple glitter. Both are a little less flashy.
Two manicure suggestions, if you will: A good base coat makes you manicure last significantly longer . and quick dry is a must. We swear by Debroah Lippman's because we haven't had a smudged nail since we started using it months ago.
Deborah Lippman Happy Birthday ($18)...
November 4, 2011
D&G One Day Sale
This weekend D&G is hosting a one day sale where all fall and winter merchandise will be 40% off. The sale is only taking place at the five D&G boutiques in Saturday, so we suggest planning your trip to Soho.
We suggest stocking up on Dolce basics, since this will be the brand's last winter collection. For example, this black negligee-type dress is a brand basic. Or check out 3/4 length red stretch satin skirt. And don't even get us started with the kid's collection. Mini is always too hard to resist.
D&G One Day Sale
40% Off
434 West Broadway
212-965-8000...
November 3, 2011
Rag & Bone Friends and Family
New York's favorite upscale hipster brand, Rag & Bone, is hosting an online friends and family sale on select times. The discount is 30% off and the sale runs through Friday. You can use the code RGBNFF30 at checkout to activate the discount.
We quickly browsed through the selection and fell in love with the bright color zipper jeans ($198 pre-discount) and this cobalt blue cap sleeve dress is a real eye catcher ($395 pre-discount).
Just be careful, add to the bag gets addictive.
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