Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Shopping, shopping, shopping + a couple things I've learned

Although I have a *lot* of homework to be doing right now, I am taking a break to type up an update! I hope everyone in NYC is reveling in NYFW and all its glory! Over across the pond en France, "soldes" has captured the country. I had no idea that sales in Europe were so tightly regulated! They only happen twice a year, and during those times, the stores become utter mayhem. But not without cause :)

I've ventured to Galleries Lafayette, Printemps, and finally this past weekend, Le Bon Marché. I can't tell you how much I despise shopping at Galleries Lafayette. It's a crush of humanity-- imagine Macy's and make it as full as Macy's + Century 21 on Saturday. I was so exhausted by the time I made it to the escalators!! The only upside: instant VAT rebates. Galleries Lafayette is the only shop in town to do cash rebates, which is great when you don't want to haul your goodies to the customs office in CDG. That could be HUGE if you are planning on making some large LV purchases.

Printemps is probably my favorite. It's a good mix of Saks and Neiman Marcus. The layout is quite nice, the brand portfolio is great, and they have a decent selection from each designer. I managed to get a really classy not-too-funky Kenzo dress for 60% off, which I'm going to wear to a company presentation.

Le Bon Marché to me is overhyped as a department store. True it's the highest end of all, but each designer's section is just so small! (Although I did score a pair of Balenciaga ballet flats for a mere €130.) The real gem is in the basement: Le Grande Épicerie, a huge luxury supermarket which reminds me a lot of City Super in Hong Kong (which I adore!). The fruit and produce display was gorgeous--it made me want to buy everything. The leafy greens are verdant, covered with a rolling misty fog.

Going on now in the US
- Barney's Warehouse Sale is winding down. You better believe I'm going to hit that up when I'm in town!
- YOOX.com's sample sale is going on. I've been ordering stuff like crazy to pick up when I head back. If you have stuff in your Dream Box, try using code "LOVEMYDREAMBOX" for an extra 10% off (ends Feb 19).

Random learning points
- Cosmetics in Europe-- I learned, to my dismay, that many products available in the US are not yet available in France! Even fairly established products like La Mer's powder foundation or even Chantecaille's (which to my knowledge is a French brand) Real Skin foundation. I was told both these items are available in the UK, but not yet in continental Europe. So if you're planning to come over for an extended trip, you better stock up. Overall the cosmetics are slightly-to-much more expensive than in the US (depending on the brand), and La Prairie products are truly incrementally less expensive in the Zurich airport. The big exception to luxury skincare: Sisley Paris is considerably cheaper here.

- Staying warm-- A couple of weekends ago, I went skiing in the gorgeous Zermatt, Switzerland. With a view of the Matterhorn everywhere you go, it's really not difficult to say that skiing here is unlike anywhere else. What's also unlike anywhere else: the bitter, bitter cold! When we were there, it was -20C (-4F) at the top of the mountain during the day and -30C (-22F) at night. I am happy to report that I stayed warm the entire time while my peers were freezing. This is going to sound like a shill, but I have to share this: wear Icebreaker. 3 layers of their 260 bodywear, and I felt nary a chill. My companions wore their high-tech Patagonia and whatnot, but they were complaining whereas me and my friend (who was borrowing my extra clothes) were not.

So apologies for my absence, but my MBA really has me under water. I'll try to post again soon!

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

ShopBop.com 15% off sale

For two glorious days, take 15% off the sale merchandise at ShopBop with code "EXTRA15". Ends Wednesday, Oct 26.

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Friday, October 21, 2011

Sephora friends and family

Super on the D/L this year, Sephora is making you request your own F&F code. 20% off everything, online only, and ends Nov 2. Get your code here. And spread the word to all other beauty lovers!

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

ShopBop.com friends and family

Psst. ShopBop is hosting their F&F event right now. 20% off everything* until 11:59PM Oct 19. Use code "INTHEFAMILY20". Not too many exclusions, so if you're eyeing something in the Designer Boutique, you should prob go for it. Saks F&F is going on right now too (20% off, no beauty, and TONS of exclusions). Barney's Purple Card (giftcard) event is right around the corner too. Shop strategically!

Exclusions: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Maison Martin Margiela, MM6, UGG Australia, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Reem Acra.

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

YOOX.com's sample sale has begun

The sale at YOOX.com has reached 85% off. All sales are FINAL. Free shipping for $200+.

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Friday, October 7, 2011

YOOX.com 15% off fall-winter

In collaboration with Vogue Italia, use code "WEEKENDVOGUE@YOOX" to get 15% off all the fall-winter merchandise until midnight Oct 9. And free shipping for $200+.

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ToryBurch.com friends and family

I don't know why everyone hates Columbus all of a sudden, but it appears F&F is the way to go this year. Take 25% off everything except the shoes you want at ToryBurch.com. Use code "FRIENDS2011".

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TheOutnet.com friends and family

Starting at noon EST, use code "SHARELOVE20" to get 20% off at TheOutnet.com during their F&F event. "Just In" items are excluded, but everything else is fair game! Ends at midnight on Monday, Oct 10.

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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NM LastCall.com online 30% off + 15% off

In celebration of Columbus Day, NM's LastCall.com is doing a compounded discount. On top of their current 30% off promo, they are offering another 15% on top. Pretty enticing w/ their $50+ free shipping combo. *sigh* Life is too hard. Decisions decisions!

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CoutureCandy.com friends and family

Shop now through Sunday, Oct 9 and get $25 off $100+ or $50 off $200+ at CoutureCandy.com. Use code "FRIENDS".

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

TheOutnet.com free shipping this weekend

Update: the free shipping is international too!

Starting tomorrow at noon (that's Sep 30 at 12:00PM EDT), TheOutnet.com is shipping for free. That's like an instant $5 savings (hey, every little bit helps, right?). It will end Monday at noon Use code "FREESHIPSEPT".

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

YOOX.com sale goes to 85%

Speaking of the devil... the YOOX sale has gone down to 85% off, which is the last cut before it's final sale. So if you're on the fence, now's the time to make a move.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

YOOX.com 10% off fall-winter

Through the end of Sep, use code "FASHIONPEOPLE@YOOX" to take 10% off the fall-winter stuff. I also feel like their online clearance section is winding down, so hopefully their "sample sale" will happen in Oct!

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Saks giftcard event - spend $X get $Y

Saks has started their giftcard promotion online. Online: Sept 26 – 29 (use code "SEP2011"). In-stores AND online: Sept 30 – Oct 1
Of course, Saks wouldn't be Saks without a whole huge list of exceptions...
Designer Exclusions: Akris, Alexander McQueen apparel, shoes, and handbags, Ann Demeulemeester, Bottega Veneta handbags, Brian Atwood, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry shoes, Camilla Skovgaard, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, Comme des Garcons apparel, Costume National, David Yurman, Derek Lam apparel and handbags, Dior, Edmundo Castillo, Emilio Pucci apparel, Etro apparel, Fendi, Givenchy shoes, Gucci, Issey Miyake apparel, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo shoes and handbags, Junya Watanabe apparel, MCM handbags, Manolo Blahnik, Mario Schwab apparel, Marni apparel, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci apparel, Oscar de la Renta apparel and shoes, Peter Pilotto apparel, Peter Som apparel, Prada, Prada Sport, Proenza Schouler apparel, Ralph Lauren shoes, men's Ralph Lauren Black Label, Reed Krakoff, Saddler's Union handbags, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Thakoon apparel, Valentino apparel, Zegna

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

Neiman Marcus +25% off sale

If this isn't a call to arms, I don't know what is... Free shipping too!

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Luca Luca sample sale

Luca Luca is having a sample sale in two weeks...

What: Luca Luca sample sale
When: Tuesday, Oct 4 - Wednesday, Oct 5; 9AM-6:30PM
Where: 4th fl @ 19 W 36th St

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NM LastCall.com online F&F discount

Take 30% off your entire order at LastCall.com with code "FRIEND". Online F&F event ends Sunday, Sep 25, and in-store F&F event starts tomorrow and ends Sunday (but print out the email and bring it with you).

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

SpaWeek appointments live

Another reason I hate all you lucky New Yorkers. Go book your treatments. Just don't tell me about them :(

P.S. Carol's Daughter looks like a promising new addition for the mani/pedi girls...
P.P.S. I have a leftover Gilt City certificate for a Brazilian at Completely Bare. Anyone wants it can PayPal me $25 and it's yours. Expires Oct 22, 2011.

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Satya jewelry, natural wood decor sample sale

Going on now, Satya Jewelry and Costa Rica Roots Collection are having a sample sale at Chelsea Market. It's in Prive's typical space. I love Satya's culturally-themed jewelry, and historically their sample sale prices have been quite good.

What: Satya jewelry / Costa Rica Roots Collection sample sale
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave
When: Tuesday, Sep 20 - Sunday, Sep 25; 10AM-7PM

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Bergdorf Goodman beauty event

I don't know the Spend $X Save $Y amounts (max is Spend $1000, Save $200), but make sure you bear in mind BG's beauty event starting Thursday. Almost all brands have a gift-with-purchase.

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