Skip to content
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.
...
April 25, 2011
David Yurman’s Bridal Collection
By: ManhattanMataHari
Wedding and anniversary season is just around the corner. But really, who needs an excuse to indulge in exquisite jewelry. This month, David Yurman introduced a bridal line that includes engagement rings, wedding bands and other romantic pieces guaranteed to make a gal swoon.
David Yurman’s modern designs are likely to steal market share from traditional bridal institutions like Tiffany’s and Cartier. The collection includes all the traditional elements of any bridal line but all with Yurman’s twist. In addition to the standard bridal designs, the line-up also includes the patented David Yurman Signature Cut Diamond, which is a cushion-cut diamond with 75 facets.
With retail price points comparable to Tiffany’s, each of the 18 rings in the collection are sure to retain top value based on the high quality of GIA certified diamonds. For a truly one-of-a kind experience, the Yurman team is available to assist in custom designs with popular colored diamonds or other design alterations.
Benedicte Mackiewicz: 212-752-4255...
April 21, 2011
Lai Closing Sale
Lai, which is known for their classic leather and exotic skin accessories is closing their off-Madison store in June. All merchandise is currently 40% to 70% off. We expect the discounts to continue as the closing date approaches.
We did a browse through the boutique and found that the merchandise is already beginning to get picked over. We still found a men's Alligator belt for $195, a woman's snake skin hot pink belt is $85, another women's belt in teal alligator is $105, the same style in blue croc is $85 and a huge suede snake skin hot pink bag is $1100 from $2200.
Although we are quite excited about the deals, we are saddened to see this boutique leave the neighborhood. Lai, which stands for Luxury Goods International, was started in 1953 by importing crocodile skins from South America and selling them to makers of shoes, handbags, and other leather goods.
LAI
35 East 65th St.
212-794-3874...
April 21, 2011
Saks Friends & Family Presale
Saks Friends & Family is scheduled to start on Thursday, April 28 and run until May 1. We hear that sales associates will be officially allowed to begin preselling merchandise this Friday.
The very loosely defined friends and family sale will be 20% off clothing and accessories and 10% off cosmetics. Every season this promotion becomes more popular, the discount gets reduced and the brand exclusions get longer. This time around we hear that Chloe and Brian Atwood have been added to the list of non-participating brands. (A full list of lasts season's exclusions are below.)
David Yurman, Chanel, Bugaboo, Fendi, Dior, Gucci, Prada, NorthFace, Hermes, Graff, Cartier, H. Stern, Pomelatto, Buccellati, Garrard, Bvlgari, St. John, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Marni, Loro Piana, Akris, Azzedine Alaia, Bridal Salon, Chado Ralph Rucci, Doo Ri apparel, Dries Van Noten apparel and shoes, Erdem apparel, Giambattista Valli, J Mendel apparel, Piazza Sempione apparel, Brian Reyes apparel, Escada apparel, Etro apparel, Brunello Cucinelli, Ralph Lauren Women's Black Label and Collection, Ralph Lauren Men's Black Label and Purple Label, TSE apparel, Celine shoes, Oscar De La Renta, Commes des Garcons, Jil Sander, Loro Piana, Marchesa Couture, Marc Jacobs apparel, Mario Schwab apparel, Marni, Junya Watanabe, Peter Pilotto apparel, Vionnet apparel, Zegna, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent shoes and handbags, Valentino, Lanvin, Ugg Australia, Sergio Rossi, Moschino, Donna Karan shoes, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang apparel and handbags, McQ, Opening Ceremony, Under.ligne by Doo Ri, Ann Demeulemeester, Derek Lam, Tod's shoes and handbags, Roger Vivier shoes, Camilla Skovgaard shoes, Charvet, Kiton, Maison Martin bags, Roger Vivier, Isaia, Mikimoto on Saks.com only, Marco Bicego on Saks.com only, Jude Frances, Saks.com only, Ippolita on Saks.com only, Charbonnel et Walker, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Peter Shoiket, John Allan Men's Grooming Salon, Louis Vuitton, The Fur Salon, Watch and Jewelry Repair....
April 21, 2011
It’s (Another) Girl!!!
The entire Madison Avenue Spy staff would like to congratulate Lila Delilah the birth of her third daughter.
For the record, Lila promises not to convert this to a mommy blog and that's one thing for which we could all be thankful....
April 18, 2011
Stella Kids Great for Adults Too
By: TJ Kennedy
When it comes to children’s wear, Stella McCartney has got all the spring essentials. The prices on her laid-back chic looks can sometimes be a bit of a shopping deterrent. In past seasons, the famed designer collaborated with Gap to make a children's line that was just as chic as her marquee brand. The best part was that the larger sized kid's clothing could still fit a slender or petite adult.
Stella has since given up her relationship with Gap and has gone solo in the kid's apparel business. As a matter of fact, the center section of her chic Meatpacking boutique is designated to her Kids Stella line. The collection is a rainbow of color amongst the mostly neutral women’s wear.
Pony printed tees and floral tanks for girls up to age 4, all around $38, pair perfectly with the coral colored jeans priced at $82. Mini skirts and denim shorts fit for a pint-sized princess retail for $62. Other spring trends for tots are colored striped dresses and rompers in baby sizes as well as four-year-old sizes. While it’s still a bit chilly out, striped sweaters for boys and girls, from baby sizes to 10 years old, are priced at $88. Blue and red plaid ponchos are $118 and the adorable yellow matching rain boots are only $47.
So how do these budget friendly and stylish items translate to a full grown body? Unfortunately, the dresses and pants will not work. Instead try your luck with the floral tanks, lightweight cardigans and ponchos in size 10. The cardigans were only $63 and came in neutral grey tones while the floral tanks came in red and blue. The Stella kid's collection also has a great military inspired jacket that comes in a size 12, which is just $189. Pair the jacket with jeans and some imaginative accessories and the potential is limitless.
As far as clothes for boys go, the selection is much more limited. Some of the pieces are fit for both genders, but let’s face it, little girl clothes are just more fun! Now if only the big girl clothes at Stella had the same low prices....
April 15, 2011
Consigning: Out With the Old, In With the New
By: ManhattanMataHari
As the city blooms into spring and we begin to retire our down jackets and boots it's hard not to contemplate storage issues with the changing over of the closet. After all, this is New York. Each season we face the dilemma of either paying for storage or parting with clothes that have gone unloved for the past year (or more). Luckily, Manhattan is a hotspot for designer and couture consignment with numerous establishments along Madison Avenue.
Strolling up Madison Avenue in the 80s, there is one of the greatest concentrations of consignment stores in the city. Nearly every store follows a 50/50 split for items, meaning the final sale price will be split equally between the consignor and the store.
Before you load up all your unwanted fashion valuables, it's best to make an appointment with your desired destination. Most stores will not review merchandise unless prior arrangements are made. most require appointments to assess the value of your goods. Currently, most stores are only accepting spring and summer merchandise. So all those unwanted jackets and seaters will not be accepted until the end of summer.
Some stores are known for specializing in certain items and brands – earlier this month Madison Avenue Spy reported on how Fisch For the Hip, in Chelsea, has the best selection of Hermes Birken bags in the city.
Below is a guide of local consignment stores that all have a consistent track records for excellent merchandise and great reputations. In grand Madison Avenue Spy style, we surveyed the stores and are bringing you the highlights. We just ask that you don't blame any temptation on us!
Michael’s The Consignment Shop for Women
1041 Madison Avenue (between 79th and 80)
Michael’s consistently has a great selection of various designer handbags and shoes that may tempt you during your consignment appointment. While there was a lone olive Chanel Reissue flap and no Birkens to speak of, their online sale site has a YSL white leather Muse for $595, and a black patent classic Chanel for $1500. In store, there is a great selection of rare Hermes Collier de Chien belts. Black and Brown crocodile versions are $2500 each and the regular chestnut leather version is $1500 (the black leather version is available online). Since 30% markdowns begin after merchandise has been there for 30 days, savvy shoppers may want to wait until the beginning of May to score any of these gorgeous belts. While shopping, we couldn't resist a brand new pair of Balmain suede studded gladiator sandals for $125 that retailed for over $1000 new.
La Boutique Resale
1045 Madison Avenue (near 80th)
A few steps away from Michaels, La Boutique’s main store boasts lots of racks of designer clothing, with jackets and boots currently marked down 20%. Some items that caught our attention were a lovely Chanel metallic reissue medium flap bag for $2500, a Stella McCartney pastel plum colored Falabella tote for $575, and classic Hermes H belts for $400 to$450. Lots of Jimmy Choos currently dominate their modest shoe section.
Encore Resale
1132 Madison Avenue (between 84/85th)
For a wider selection of clothing, Encore should definitely be on your re-sale shopping list, especially since their claim to fame as the first consignment store in the US. Encore has a good selection of high end couture and designer items, like a fabulous vintage Lanvin pink and black polka dot dress for $200 and a sheer silk Prada geometric dress for $180.
A Second Chance Designer Resale
1109 Lexington Avenue (between 77-78th)
A stone’s throw away from Madison Avenue is one of the best places to find vintage and contemporary Chanel handbags and accessories in the city. A gently used patent black 226 classic flap will set you back $2700, while a lovely chestnut leather Hermes Evelyn bag is $999. They also have a great selection of Louis Vuitton handbags, and even a number of large red Goyard travel pieces (at about $2999). They do not have a lot of retail space for clothing, so if you are looking to unload a significant amount of your closet, other stores may be a better bet.
Ina
208 East 73rd St (between 2nd and 3rd)
A bit further off the beaten path you can find the Upper East Side outpost of Ina. (They have four other stores downtown). While their Prince Street location is renowned for high end couture, the plethora of designer shoes for smaller footed (6-7.5) fashionistas was remarkable. Gently used Blahniks, Choos, and Louboutins don’t break the bank at just around $150....
April 14, 2011
Baccarat Sample Sale
Sipping Dom Perignon on a festive occasion maybe nice but there is only one way to make that yummy bubbly taste a bit better. The flavor enhancer we have in mind isn't in the beverage but in the accessories, of course. There is something about a red Baccarat Vega Flutissimo champagne flute that escalates champagne flavor and the festivities.
At $160 a glass, or almost $2000 for 12, it might make more sense to buy another case of champagne. After all, who has a party with just 12 people? It's always our philosophy to not make budget choices unless it's absolutely necessary and a good sale is always a fantastic workaround.
For two days, Baccarat will be discounting their delectable items up to 80% off. The only catch is that you have to drive to the brand's warehouse in New Jersey. But think of how many glasses you could buy if they ere just $32 a pop! TIn addition to barware, the sale will include vases, jewelry crystal decor and French China. We think discounts like that are reason enough to throw a party!
Baccarat Sample Sale
Friday, April 15 to Saturday, April 16
Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 3pm
36 Mayfield Ave. Edison, NJ 08837
(800-845-1928)...
