Madison Avenue Spy

June 25, 2008

Zara Semi-Annual Sale

If every Madison Avenue girl limited her shopping to Madison Avenue she would end up living in some far out place like Brooklyn. (Gasp!) That's where the high/low works itself in. No, I'm not talking about the mullet but rather matching chic low-priced clothing with high-end accessories.

This is where stores like Target, H&M and Zara come into play. What I like to do is buy a simple well cut dress and pair it with a great pair of shoes and a fantastic bag. That's in addition to well appointed jewelry, of course. The key is to be picky. It's very easy to fall into the trap of dressing like a 16-year-old with her mother's shoes. My advice is to keep it simple, try not to pick anything too trendy and remember to have fun.

One of my favorite "off-Madison" stores --Zara --is having their semi-annual sale. Most items are $10 off like, jeans, dresses and skirts. Other items are even reduced further. Tanks and t-shirts were previously $10 and are now $6 or $8. Tops originally $20 are now $6 to $10. For the children's collection - most clothes originally $20 are now reduced to $10.

I find these sales to be a bit "messy." The lines are long and the crowds are thick. The prices at Zara are so reasonable that I suggest that you spend the extra $10 and get first pick at the start of the season....

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June 25, 2008

Bergdorfs Watch

I've heard it from three good authorities that Bergdorfs is taking their second markdown on Wednesday. I have called the store and all the sales people are trying to play coy with lines like, "Maybe after July 4th."

I'm not falling for that July 4th crap and will continue to breeze through without buying a thing until their prices are competitive with other New York department stores (Bloomies and Saks). Neiman Marcus took their second cut weeks ago!

Enough with my ranting... Most Spring/Summer items are currently 30% off but I expect the additional markdown will come to a 50% to 60% total savings. Let's wait and see. Until then we will stay on watch.

Bergdorf Goodman: (212) 753-7300

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June 24, 2008

YSL 2nd Markdown

I had a long conversation with Charles over at YSL today. He said they are taking their second cut starting today. Many bags, shoes and ready-to-wear are now 60% off. Apparently there's still lots of great inventory from Spring/Summer 2008. It might be worth your time to take a stroll by.

This draw-dropping burgundy "Uptown" was $2195 but is under a grand (with tax) at $879.

Conact: Charles 212-988-3821

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June 20, 2008

I Spy: Chanel Rain Boots

Paige Turner picked up these very cool Chanel boots on sale at Bergdorfs. Turns out, Saks and every other store in the universe still has them at full price. You might want to head over to Bergies if you happen to have your eyes set on these chic wellies.

Regular price: $275
Bergdorfs: $192
Splashing in puddles has never been so much fun. Don't wait long though. Paige reports that there are not too many left....

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June 19, 2008

Saks ECG Event 7/24

The next Saks "Spend Some Get Some" event is going to be July 24th. I know it's a ways away but people often want to time their purchases right so they can maybe get some extra spending dough.

I don't know the what the levels will be but the last event in May was very generous and was as follows:

$250 to $499 = $25
$500 to $999 = $75
$1000 to $1999 = $150
$2000 to $2999 = $350
$3000 to $4999 = $600
$5000 or more = $1000

Those who are not familiar with the Spend-Some-Get-Some lingo can think of it like this-- you buy a $3000 Chanel bag and you get a $600 gift card, which makes your Chanel pumps absolutely free....

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June 17, 2008

Mikimoto Private Sale

I have this friend Cynthia who is under the impression that Mikimoto "makes" the best pearls on earth. "Mikimoto has the best pearls," Cynthia asserts. "I can pick out a Mikimoto pearl from across the street."

Just for the record, dear Cynthia, pearls --like diamonds --come from nature. Like diamonds, pearls are graded. Mikimoto happens to just use the highest quality. Either way, you will be excited to know that Mikimoto is having a private sale.

The sale is Thursday, June 19 from 10am to 7pm and Friday, June 20 from 10am and 3pm.

680 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor

(between 53rd and 54th Streets)

Lots of rules. I hope you can remember them all.

Invitation only. Try to snag one from a person leaving or make nice with security. You can always use the "my friend is waiting for me inside" line.
Credit cards only
No exchanges or returns
No holds
No shipping
Admittance will be admitted by capacity. There may be a wait.
All overcoats and large bags will have to be checked

Cynthia, good luck. Your opera length strand may be waiting...

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June 17, 2008

The Same Game 6/17

I really "need" a new beach bag and usually love what Prada puts out for cruise in the Spring. This year I was very on the fence about this woven nylon shopper. It's cute but too small to be a real beach bag. (I like a big towel and big sunglasses!) I figured if the bag got cheap enough I might make the leap.

So lets play the same game.

Originally this Prada Woven Shopper was $1295 (small) and $1650 (large):

NeimanMacus.com: $1088 (small)
Barneys.com: $659 (larger)

Prada: $910 (small) $1155 (large)

Saks: $667 (large--NY is sold out but it's available in Beverly Hills and Boca)

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June 16, 2008

Barney’s 2nd Markdown In Progress

Barney's has put their foot forward and started their second markdown for savings up to 60% off. The sale is also at Barneys.com. All things being equal I still think Saks has better markdowns. Don't forget to shop around before putting down the credit card. We are still waiting for Bergdorfs to join in. I'll let you know as soon as they do.

xoxo,
Lila

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