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May 2, 2011
Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale
By: TJ Kennedy
The Nancy Gonzalez sample sale is always popular with the uptown crowed. After all, it's the perfect supplement to a birthday lunch at Atlantic Grill.
For the uninitiated, Nancy Gonzalez is best known for her exotic skin handbags and accessories. The current sample sale features a plethora sizes, styles and hues. There is only one bag of each particular style or one of each color but sheer quantity of bags won’t be disappointing.
Prices are still relatively high for a sample sale, but it’s only the first day. Clutches that currently retail from $850 to $1450 at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman are marked at $750. Small bags are $1000, while mediums are $1250 and large are $1450. Whether the bag of your dreams is actually considered a small or a medium size is up to the sample sale organizer's discretion.
The exact large crocodile hobo that is on the Saks website for $3650 is at the sale in a tan color for $1700. A hobo is considered “extra large” and therefore priced higher, but hey, that’s still more than half the price of Saks.
The mixed material bags, those not completely crocodile, are marked down to $800. These styles, however, are not commonly featured in the high-end department stores. All of the imported luxury bags are lined with a durable suede-like material and most have magnetic clasps.
If you’ve yet to add an exotic skin handbag to your collection, now is your chance to score one from the queen of exotic’s herself for a fraction of the price. Next up, a birthday lunch at Atlantic Grill.
Nancy Gonzalez Sale
Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3
Mon 10am to 7pm and Tues 10am to 3pm
Flatotel: 135 West 52nd Street (5th Floor)...
April 29, 2011
Fashion’s Biggest Production
There is no industry like the fashion industry when it comes to throwing a good party. Since we are speaking of good parties, it's hard to not mention one of the best: Life Ball, in Vienna, Austria. It is truly the world's most lavish and extravagant HIV and AIDS benefit.
The event encompasses so many brilliant factors, including an extravagant fashion show, a celebrity master of ceremonies and amazing pre-during-and-after-parties. This year's fashion ball, which will take place on May 21, will be presented by DSquared and Janet Jackson will be officially reigning over event.
Life Ball guests will walk down the red carpet in costume or black tie. After a beautiful presentation, celebrity appearances and performances, guests will be entertained by a fashion show that trumps anything to have ever taken place in Bryant Park (or Lincoln Center.)
Like most fashion events, there are only a limited number tickets available world-wide. But don’t worry, Steele Luxury Travel has your ticket reserved! From May 18 to May 23 Steele Travelers will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Each traveler will enjoy the Steele treatment New York, accommodations at the chic Ring Hotel, tickets to the Life Ball ceremonies, a city tour of Vienna, an exclusive tour of the Demel confectionery house and two unique dining experiences. All this AND a post-Life Ball Sunday brunch starting at just $2,300 a person. Click here to see a list of available packages.
See you in Vienna!
Steele Luxury Travel
info@steeletravel.com
646-688-2274
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April 29, 2011
Prices Cut at Jil Sander Sample Sale
By: TJ Kennedy
The now famous Jil Sander sample sale ends this Saturday and we knew that if we held out long enough we would be able to benefit from even better discounts than before. The early bird may catch the worm but the late shopper usually gets better prices.
Shoppers can now find long sleeves and tees that usually start at $195 for 90% off, up from 80% last week. Similarly, travel-ready cardigans (that even come in a little Jil Sander zip pouch) retail from $995 to $1275 are also now 90% off. Possibly the perfect Mother’s Day gift?
Other basics include cream-colored blazers and jackets that retail for $1,275 and are still 80% off along with a plentiful assortment of jeans and black trousers that have been further reduced to 90% off $895.
All of the dresses left are dark colors, some wool plaid, some deep velvet, and all retailing for upwards of $2,000. There are lots of knee length skirts that retail for $895. The markdown on these items have stayed steady at 80%. (It's never too late -- or early-- to shop for fall.)
The shoe selection is still pretty decent, although most of the styles left are bold, to say the least. Classic pumps and ballet flats are the most picked over. There are a few pairs of purple pony hair ankle boots along with some navy sequin peep toes with all sizes but 38 & 39 left. Some of the less popular styles of pumps and wedges have more sizes to offer and at 80% off, it’s worth a look.
The bag inventory is a bit disappointing. While there are plenty of them left, they are all the same style of cut out leather in navy and cream. The same holds true with the bathing suit selection. Unfortunately there are only a handful of bathing suits left, in orange and blue, and mostly in size large.
As far as menswear goes, there are a few pairs of loafers and man-dals, along with an assortment of jackets. The pants are lacking and there is only one blue and with pinstripe style dress shirt left, although in every size.
It’s worth stopping by for great deals on luxury basics, but don’t expect to be blown away. You have to admit though, any selection of Jil Sander at 90% off is many times better than Uniqlo.
Jil Sander Sample Sale
Through Saturday, April 30
10am to 6pm
8 Crosby St (btwn Howard and Grand Sts), 4th fl...
April 28, 2011
White + Warren Pop-Up Shop & Sample Sale
One of our favorite cashmere and fashion brands, White + Warren will be holding a pop-up shop and sample sale for ONE DAY ONLY. We are told that their showroom’s third floor pop-up shop is fully stocked with spring 2011 merchandise, including loads of luxury cashmere for $100 to $150 from original prices of $250 and up.
Even sweeter deals can be found at the company’s sixth floor sample sale. We’re talking tees and jackets, cashmere wraps, skirts, scarves and beach sweaters. It's comfort and style at its very best.
The company was founded in 1997 with a simple mission—to bring quality cashmere to fashion-savvy women everywhere. The collection has expanded to include top-to-toe fashion items; and now, it boasts a men's line as well.
White + Warren Pop-Up Shop
Thursday, April 28 from 8am to 8pm
80 West 40TH Street, 3rd Floor
Credit cards accepted/ Final Sale
White + Warren Samples Only Sale
Thursday, April 28 from 8am to 7pm
80 West 40TH Street, 6rd Floor
Cash Only/ Final Sale
www.whiteandwarren.com
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April 28, 2011
Tag Heuer Online Friends & Family
Every year Tag Heuer hosts an online friends and family sale. This season they are cooking up some great deals on watches and jewelry. You can use this link to access the private sale along with the friends and family password: springff2011
Once inside the restricted site, you will find various style watches and fine jewelry all discounted 40% to 60% off. A stainless steal Formula 1 chronograph with an orange face is $599 from $1350, a Grand Carrera chronometer in stainless steal and gold is $2499 from $5800 and a Move 1 yellow gold women's watch is $5950 from $1800.
The sale also includes a few pieces of gold, silver and diamond jewelry. A bold gold ring is $650 from $1430, white gold and diamond hanging earrings are $2800 from $5000 and a pave diamond star shaped pin is $550 from $1300.
We suggest that you don't take too long contemplating your purchases, even though all sales are final. The inventory seems to be going quickly and that sale only started yesterday. The promotional site enshuts down on May 3rd but all purchases are guaranteed to be delivered by Mother's Day.
Tag Heuer Friends & Family
Passcode: springff2011...
April 27, 2011
Century 21: Fashion Worth Fighting For?
By ManhattanMataHari
Century 21 is known for their name brand designer deals. It's a city landmark filled with epic stories about unearthed treasures and luxury deals. As with every store, however, the merchandise and prices seem to range widely from season to season. We thought it was about time to start our spring shopping and find out if Century 21 is truly serving up: "Fashion worth fighting (tourists) for!"
We started our review in the accessories department. Right away we found an exemplary selection of silk scarves, including Pucci ($59.97 to 79.97), Versace ($99.97) and Missoni ($79.97) neatly organized in trays in glass cases.
It was a bit disappointing not to see any of Missoni’s iconic woven scarves in the accessories department, but a quick foray into the shoe department proved a plethora of Missoni shoes ($249.7to $399.97). There was also wide assortment of Marc Jacobs and Givenchy high heel sandals. Both brands were priced at $199.97, while Derek Lam espadrilles will set you back $219.97. We also found a decent selection of Badgley Mischka formal shoes priced nicely at $79.97 to $89.97. (After all, it is bridesmaid season.)
Moving upstairs, we went straight to the European Designer section but were sad to see so many ill-sorted dresses already damaged. Some of the better (and easy to spot) finds were $775 Missoni dresses selling for $199. On the bright side, there was a wide assortment of discounted Stella McCartney but the prices still seemed a bit too lofty. A fabulous $2460 pearl embellished silk tank was $849.97 and other embellished silk tanks and tees were still $349.97 to $499.97.
Not far from Stella’s loot, we found Lanvin sequin embellished blazers for $1899.97 from $5875. A Chanel-inspired Lanvin wool blazer was $1799.97 from $5425. Also in the mix were Jil Sanders and Derek Lam apparel. The real deal seemed to be the selection of Dolce & Gabbana bustier corset style tops ($229.97 to $349.97) and filmy satin and lace camisoles ($149.97 to $179.97).
Racks of Marc Jacobs apparel dominated one whole area, and there was a large selection of their classic black trench coats for $329.97 from $628. For a more unique spin on the classic trench there were some nice Gyphon khaki studded collar versions for $259.97 from $690.
Overall, we were a bit disappointed by the amount of damaged inventory. Shoppers mus review their purchases carefully prior to checking out. That in combination with the overwhelming lack of organization, clueless tourists and overall high prices, makes us think that shopping boutique and department store sales may be a better option. Bottom line: Fashion not so worth fighting for....
April 26, 2011
Montblanc Friends & Family Sale
Montblanc's "private" friends and family sale is always a great place to pick up sophisticated gifts without breaking the bank. This sale is usually a reader favorite. You can always count on legitimately good deals, like $600 fountain pens selling for $150 or $1,000 leather bags marked down to $250.
The sale is only two days and starts Thursday, April 28. Last time we attended the sale on the second day and the inventory was a bit depleted. This season, that shouldn't be a problem because purchases are being limited. Each shopper can only buy two watches, five writing instruments, five pieces of jewelry and five pieces of leather. That should be more than enough for shoppers like you and me but enough limits to keep the reselling hoarders at bay.
Montblanc "Private" Friends & Family
Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29
Thurs. 8:30am am to 5:30pm, Fri. 8:30am to 4:30pm
Palace Hotel
455 Madison Avenue (4th Floor) Madison & 50th Street
CREDIT CARDS ONLY. NO CASH....
April 25, 2011
A Totally Great Louis Vuitton Deal
There is a reason why Louis Vuitton named one of their most versatile handbags, the "Totally." It's totally versatile and totally usable. The medium size is perfect for toting your 15" MacBook Pro to work or handling a towel and sunglasses at the beach. Either way, it's totally indestructible and totally timeless.
Um, but then there's the price, of course. With a pricetag that tops $1000, the Totally may have some competition. That is, if you had to spend $1000. Every day the innovative penny auction site, Scorluxe.com auctions off an assortment of luxury merchandise for a fraction of their retail value. Just last week a pair of Louboutin heels sold for $3.90 and a $150 Neiman Marcus gift card was won for just $1.17. Would you believe the last LV Totally that ScoreLuxe.com auctioned off sold for $36.33?
Penny auctions like Scoreluxe.com allow registered users to to purchase bids and score great luxury items for a fraction of their retail price. What’s even better, is that all the items on the site are purchased directly from the retailer and are guaranteed authentic and brand new. As an extra bonus, Madison Avenue Spy readers can get 10% off their first purchase of bids by using the code MADISONAVE.
Be sure to check out ScoreLuxe.com to find a never-ending line-up of wonderful items at even better deals. In addition to the Totally, ScoreLuxe.com is offering great prizes like $100 gift cards to Saks Fifth Avenue and Burberry.
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