Madison Avenue Spy

June 11, 2010

Hot Activewear Sale

Summer is upon us and getting in shape is a crucial factor in looking good in all your new swimsuits. But running the reservoir or hitting your local gym definitely isn’t as motivating as another trip to Crumbs. Perhaps a new outfit can put you in the right mood.

Our usual workout motivation is Lululemon but at some point you have to question the validity of $100 workout pants. Isn’t the money better used on a trainer? That’s why we were so glad to meet HiEnergy's Stella, who sells some of the best activewear brands at near wholesale prices.

Ever hear of Bluefish and Bia Brazil? Tiffany, your LA doppelganger with the six-pack swears by them. Worried about shrinking or fading? (We’re talking about the cloths not your waistline.) Stella guarantees every item she sells.

For one day, Stella is setting up shop in the Empire State Building and selling activewear at near wholesale prices. So suit up and set a goal and even if you don’t get Tiffany’s six-pack you can be thankful for your New York brains, which will save you a bundle.

HiEnergy Sale
Tuesday, June 15
8:30am to 6:30pm
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Ave, Suite 5005
917-378-0611
Stellad1229@aol.com
No Credit Cards

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June 11, 2010

Roger Vivier Private Sale

Customers of the Madison Avenue Roger Vivier have been alerted to a private sale via postcard. In order to have received this treasured piece of intelligence you must have shopped at the store. By shopped, we mean actually making a purchase.

Well, this "private" sale runs until Sunday and awards shoppers 30% to 40% off on summer styles. The famous pilgrim flat is included in the markdown but just in seasonal flavors like salmon, royal blue, pink, aqua, green and some metallics.

RV is not known for having markdowns, so we are sure that popular sizes, styles and colors will go quickly.

Contact: Mike 212-861-5371
750 Madison Ave. @ 65th Street...

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June 10, 2010

Versace Markdown

Versace has started their summer sale. Shoes, bags and clothing are 30% off. The runway collection, unfortunately, is not included in the markdown. We especially loved the Versace bags this season but will wait for the next markdown, which will be 40%.

Contact: Joseph 212-317-0224....

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June 10, 2010

Erin’s Sole Searching

Our Summer intern and all-round hot stuff stylist, Erin Jeen did the rounds of all the important shoe departments and here is her report:

Berfdorf Goodman
Bergdorf began their 30% off shoe sale this week and the 2nd floor was madness. There are tons of glitter Louboutins, (retail $795) and glitter Miu Miu's. There was a plentiful amount of Balmain shoes. And oddly, there were a bunch of Chanel sandals and flats. They will further increase the discount soon, but I would check it out if you want to get your hands on the discounted Chanels.

Saks Fifth Avenue:
Saks had some classic Louboutins on sale, and even more Chanel sandals and sneakers than Bergdorfs. They had a few good odd ball brands thrown in the mix--Givenchy sandals, YSL Tributes-- and if you are lucky enough to be the size of the shoe, you have won the prize.

Barneys:
About 3/4 of the shoes I own were purchased at Barneys. I value their sale selection every season. Right now the discount is 40%, but soon they will take another 33% off. They have tons of Miu Miu clogs and mary janes. On the second sale day they had YSL Tribtoos, now there is only size 40.5. There are also a few Ann Demeulemeester sandals. Chanels were also abundant. There are lots of Lanvin flats and heels. I am holding off for the further reduction of 33%, but I would check it out!...

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June 9, 2010

Summer Roundup Part 2

Summer shoppers are being presented a with a similar dilemma: Is it better to hit a department store or shop at the boutique. We already established that most Madison Avenue boutiques have reduced prices 40% but now it's time to do a price comparison with our local department stores.

Barneys
Shoes and most ready-to-wear is 40% off. As far as we know, Barneys is the only store that marked down YSL's Tribute heels. There is also a great selection of Louboutins. The pre-sale started May 25th but there is still a good selection of merchandise.

Bergdorf Goodman
Bags and shoes are 30% off. Most ready-to-wear is 40% off. For the first time, we have heard that Bergdorf customers have been offered price matches and adjustments on prior purchases. This is a departure from their usual irreverent pricing philosophy.

Bloomingdales
Clothing, bags and shoes are 30% off. If you are looking for Chanel sandals, this is the place to shop. Plenty of styles have been marked down. Of course, that excludes the gummies. Be on the look out for additional discounts. During the Memorial weekend all sale merchandise was an extra 20% off. Bloomies can be tricky like that.

Saks
Shoes are a straight 30% off. Clothing and many handbag styles are 40% off. Presale started May 27th and we expect that another markdown is coming soon....

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June 8, 2010

DVF Summer Sample Sale

Few sales are more fun than the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale. That is, unless you show up at the wrong time. Today we hit the sale later than usual and were welcomed by a double line of shoppers waiting to get in.

Once inside, dresses were flying, hangers were catching and women were crowding. It was not the ideal shopping situation. The line for the dressing room was over an hour. Insufferable. At least the prices were the same as last season's sale:

Coats $350
Wraps and Vintage $250
Dresses $225
Cover Ups $100
Skirts $80
Blouses $80
Samples $50
Swim Suits: $50
Scarves $40

The samples, which can be found at the back left corner of the room, are always the best deal. It especially works if you fit into a DVF size 4.

The crowds should continue to thin out as the week progresses. Early afternoon is probably the best time to go. We may try again on Friday when prices are historically slashed. At the end of the last sale dresses were $70, wraps were $80 and skirts were $50. Keep your fingers crossed.

DVF Sample Sale
Tuesday, June 7 to Friday, June 11
Tues: 9am to 6:30, Wed: 10am to 8pm, Thurs. 10am to 7pm, Fri. 9am to 3pm
260 Fifth Avenue (b/w 28th and 29th)...

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June 7, 2010

Madison Avenue Round-Up Part 1

For the past month we have been on undercover shopping missions and reporting on the most secret and classified sales along Madison. As of now, all the private sales and pre-sales are done. Madison Avenue is officially on sale. For your convenience, we are summarizing all the markdown information we've uncovered and adding a few more pieces of intelligence.

Almost every boutique took their first markdown at 40%. We are wondering if this is an innocent trend or if there is some type of sordid CFDA price-fixing afoot. What do you think?

Chanel
Ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories are 40% off. The sale went public June 2.
Betsy 212-535-5505

Chloe
Ready-to-wear, shoes and some bag styles are 40% off. Of course, everything we wanted is either sold out or not marked down. We'll give it more time.
Gisella 212-717-8220

Christian Louboutin
The summer collection is 40% off. There is a great range of styes and there is still a good variety of sizes left.
Erich 212-396-1884

Dolce & Gabbana
Ready-to-wear, shoes and most bags are 40% off. There are three full floors of merchandise from which to choose.
Rodney 212-249-4100

Giuseppe Zanotti
Most summer styles are 30% off. Giuseppe now has a US e-boutique with sale merchandise but selection is much smaller than the store.
George 212-650-0455

Gucci
Shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear are all 40% off. The sale went public online and in boutiques on June 1.
Contact: Tim 212-717-2619

Lisa Perry
There hasn't been a markdown on the current season's merchandise but downstairs in the "Vault", fall and winter clothing and accessories are 50% off. Don't miss Lisa Perry's personal garage sale where she is selling amazing vintage Pucci, Courrèges and Pierre Cardin for about $1000 a piece.
Lisa Perry 212-431-7467

Michael Kors
Shoes, bags and clothing are 50% off. We love the soft palate of lavender, gray and blue Michael used this season. The discount often goes to 70%.
Tony 212-452-4685

Missoni
The spring and summer collection ranges from 40% to 50% off. The sale started mid-May and the merchandise is starting to run thin.
Connie 212-517-9339

Prada
Ready-to-wear, shoes and select bags are 40% off. There are lots of great cloths to choose from but the shoe selection seems uninspiring. The sale officially began June 3rd.
Ana 212-327-4200

Oscar de la Renta
Ready-to-wear (including dresses and gowns), accessories, shoes and handbags are 40% off. Do you think Oscar hopefuls ever shop Oscar's sale for their gowns?

Sonia Rykiel
Bags, shoes and clothing is 40% off. The sale started about two weeks ago and the inventory is already running low.

YSL
Select shoes and bags are 30% off. Clothing is 40% off. Unfortunately, the most popular shoe styles, like Tributes, are not on sale.
Charles 212-980-2970 (YSL, 57th Street)

...

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June 4, 2010

Dolce & Gabbana Summer Sale

Dolce & Gabbana has officially reduced their summer merchandise by 40% today. Ready-to-wear, shoes and most bags are included in the sale.

The selection is still plentiful but it's still hard to digest the high ticket prices when the Nordstrom Rack, on Union Square, has current season Dolce merchandise for over 70% off. We expect the Madison Avenue discount to go to at least 60% by August.

Contact: Rodney 212-249-4100...

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