Secrets of Savings: Luxury Shopping with Lila Delilah, the ‘Madison Avenue Spy’

We step into the world of deals and hidden treasures with our exclusive interview featuring the ‘Madison Avenue Spy‘, Lila Delilah. As the founder of a coveted online platform, Lila shares the closely guarded secrets of luxury shopping sales.

What inspired you to begin Madison Avenue Spy?

I was shopping from a selection of merchandise from the “private sale” at Gucci, following a phone call with a sales associate. I noticed that a woman next to me was buying the same item but she wasn’t aware of the discount. I was trying to find a way to alert her because it pained me to see someone pay full price when there was an available discount. I realized that there was no centralized place for shoppers to find this information. There was only one thing to do: Put it on the web!
.

How do you come across all the secret deals/launch dates/ etc? 

At first it was through my connections as an excessive shopper. Today most of the deals I find are communicated by the retailer or brand. There are still some private sales that require undercover investigation.

You founded the plug-in Haute Pursuit! Can you share more around that?

Yes. For 15 years I have been serving the great finds I see online. It’s a daily toil, where I am usually guessing or anticipating what items are on shoppers’ wish lists. My partner, who was originally a fan of Madison Avenue Spy, suggested that we create this browser extension as a way for shoppers to always have the best price delivered to them automatically.

How do you believe social media has changed the shopping industry? 

People often forget that I’m not a story. My true industry is publishing and as a publisher, social media has been incredible. There are so many avenues to connect. My philosophy is that we will deliver information to you anyway you want to get it. We currently disseminate information on the blog, email newsletter, facebook, Instagram, twitter, telegram, and pinterest, and more.

Has social media assisted buyers in finding the secret sales?

I think social media has been great for the shopper. We’ve really created a community where like minded fashion lovers can exchange information on shopping.

What is your favorite item you have bought for yourself?

My last purchase is always my favorite. It’s funny, I buy a new item and I use it like I don’t have any alternatives. I’ll use a new bag for weeks or months straight until I realize that it’s showing wear and realize that I should probably rotate it out of circulation a bit and “give it rest.” Same thing happens with coats or a new dress. I will wear my most recent purchase as often as possible.

How should shoppers navigate these sales and then avoid buyer’s remorse?

I think it’s really important to tap into what you really love. We all get caught up with what’s “in style” or what’s trending. Everyone wants to look cool and feel fashionably relevant. I think the hype makes it hard to really lock into if YOU really love an item, I think shoppers will have a lot less regret if they really take the time to evaluate their likes more mindfully.

What fall items should we splurge on that will stand the test of time? 

I think loafers and a wool or cashmere coat are both great timeless fall items. Regardless of what you’re wearing, a nice coat will make you look pulled together. (I have even worn gym clothing, with loafers and a coat– not kidding).

Let’s discuss consumer spending and some new retail trends. What is your insight into this and how are people spending their money on fashion?

I think there has been a real change in view of fast fashion. I think just five years ago, you would see numerous people buying full wardrobe hauls from Zara, H&M or Amazon. Today, I think fashionable women are really trying to build wardrobes more thoughtfully, even if that means just adding one new fine sweater a season instead of 4 dresses from Zara.

What are your favourite apps that you use on the daily to keep your business(s) running smoothly? 

When it comes to the daily scroll of finding the best deals, I’ve really come to lean on Haute Pursuit. It’s like having a shopping version of spell check. I’ll think I’ve found the best deal on an item and then poof— it corrects me by serving up an even less expensive option.

What is your best shopping advice?

Nobody has everything. Social media often makes people feel like they don’t have enough, or they need more. I think it’s important to remember that there isn’t anyone on earth who has everything. We all make compromises and need to choose what to buy.