Fifth Avenue = Fifth Circle of Hell
Hello everyone! I hope you've missed me. I am back in NYC for a brief 36 hours, then I'm off to Honduras. Since I couldn't shop yesterday (I was traveling), I hit the department stores today. Bloomingdale's was a friggin' zoo--I was there for 10 minutes then called it quits. They did, however, have a rack of Marc by Marc Jacobs that was marked down three times. I'm talking $150 skirts for like $50. Not bad. Bergdorf's has a lot on sale on the 5th floor (usually the only floor I can afford), especially in the way of shoes. Saks has huge racks of sale stuff, particularly on the 5th floor, and also a lot of shoes are on sale (4th and 5th floors). Now, once you're actually in the department stores, it's not so bad, but walking from 59th St. to 50th St. was a virtual nightmare--I walked in the street for most of it. It seems like everyone in the Tristate area was checking out the Christmas windows. So my advice is to walk down Madison in between stores. Yes, it's a block out of your way, but it's worth it.

I'm off to Honduras at 4 a.m. tomorrow, and I'll be gone for a week. Sales are everywhere--keep shopping!
The next two weeks
I'm leaving tomorrow morning for two well-deserved weeks of vacation. I'll still be posting for the next week, however it might be a bit spotty due to the holiday and all. Still, I want to be around to assist with post-holiday sales and shopping and such. Then on the 28th, I'm off to Honduras for a week, and there will definitely be no posts then. So, for now, Happy Hanukkah, everyone!
Oh yeah...
I went to the Tocca/Joie sample sale at Clothingline on my lunch hour. They have one rack of Tocca, and it's mostly pants and sweaters--very few dresses. They do have a buttload of Joie: cargo pants (in all materials, including silk), a ton of skirts (they had two or three of the fall 2003 silk pleated mini-kilts in pink, size 10 left), and leather jackets. There are also vince cashmere sweaters, a few racks of Nanette Lepore, Theory samples (size 6), cute Kooba bags, and a bunch of other random stuff. I'd say if you're a big Joie fan, you should check it out, but otherwise, it wasn't incredibly spectacular. Sadly, I didn't buy anything.
Tidbits
If you're like me and you worship at the altar of Hermes, you'll be pleased to know that you can now purchase the Twilly, perhaps the only item under $100 that Hermes offers, at Hermes.com. Click on "guest star" to view the selection.

Bloomingdales.com has extended its 20% off sale. Enter code FF3PCA at checkout.

Pretty much everything at Highbrowfurniture.com, including furninture by Vitra, Herman Miller, and Modernica (including George Nelson reproductions) is 10% off. Plus--calling all midcentury modern dorks!--get a free Knoll T-shirt with your purchase.

Now through December 23, buy $100 worth of merchandise at Language and get free same-day delivery in Manhattan when you enter code DELIVERY at checkout.

I'm about to go check out the Joie/Tocca sample sale on my lunch hour. I'll let you know how it goes...
Barf
No, that's not what I did yesterday, under hangover duress. It's my reaction to Stuff by Hillary Duff, hitting the shelves at Target this spring.

Also in WWD, Jewcy; and the Golden Globes dress race is on.
Way too much Stoli
Due to a raging hangover, this will most likely be my only post today. I will make up for it tomorrow. I promise.
In the papers
Lynn Yaeger investigates New Year's Eve clothes in the Village Voice.

Ralph Gardner Jr. rants about his favorite products being discontinued (hello, Bliss deodorant and Anna Sui perfume) in this week's Observer.

And, at the Post, everyone's in fishnets.
Back and forth
Style.com looks back fondly upon the year in fashion and looks forward to spring, in which we'll all have a Mariah Carey moment.
I'm the sheriff in this town
E! Fashion Police has added a fun new feature where you can vote on the stars' outfits. Up for deliberation this week: J.Lo tries to balance out her butt with her hair; Eva Mendes looks like a stick of licorice with a scoop of sherbet on top; E! is a bit harsh on Kirsten Dunst (they snapped her running errands, for Pete's sake, not in a ball gown at a movie premiere); Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are prim 'n' proper for the Nobel Prize; Pink seems to be taking a cue from Bjork; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are supercute (and I happen to like Mary-Kate's blue dress and red shoe combo, although E! clearly doesn't); E! is also a bit harsh on Kylie Minogue, giving her a bad rating because she has horsey teeth (what?!); and Jenna Elfman is surprisingly hot.
Sales galore
Because you haven't spent enough money this month, here come the fall sales.

At eLuxury's Pre-Holiday Sale, items are up to 60% off, and new sale merchandise has been added (hint: lots of Seven jeans).

Isabella Fine Lingerie has a ton of cute stuff from Leigh Bantivoglio, Cosabella, Lise Charmel, and more, and most sale items are at least 50% off. Plus, spend $100 and get a free thong or boy-leg.

Thursday through Sunday, Find Outlet is having a 30% off sale on Mint, C.Ronson, Alice+Olivia, Cynthia Steffe, Jungal, Julia, and others. They also got a new shipment of See by Chloe, Nanette Lepore, and more. Hours: noon-7; 361 W. 17th St. and 229 Mott St.

Scoop, seemingly everyone's favorite boutique, is having a sale. I'd recommend hitting the website before you go to the store and subject yourself to snotty Upper East Side 16-year-olds and throbbing techno music.

Today and tomorrow is Saks' famous gift card promotion. Shop in stores or online (enter code MERRY3A at checkout). Here's how it works:
Spend $250-$499, get $50.
Spend $500-$999, get $75.
Spend $1,000-$1,999, get $150.
Spend $2,000-$2,999, get $300.
Spend $3,000 or more, get $450.

It's denim craziness at Language. Buy one pair of jeans, get 20% off (enter DENIM1 at checkout); buy two pairs, get 25% off (DENIM2); buy three or more pairs, get 30% off (DENIM3).

Today and tomorrow, Bergdorf's is hosting a Christian Dior spring trunk show on the 2nd floor from 11-7.
Comments, please
Thanks to a lovely website called Haloscan, I added a "comments" feature to each post, so that you can, um, comment. Yay!
"I have money, I can keep what I'm wearing clean."
So says a trend-watcher about the deeper meaning of the winter-white trend, as reported in today's Times. Also in today's paper: Abercrombie's "new" catalog and Stella's in trouble.
Sheepish
The Post is really coming up with some zingers, headline-wise. I thought they couldn't improve upon last Friday's "Disastro" (about the Yankees' Andy Pettitte leaving for the Houston Astros--get it?), but, lo and behold, today they have "You Goat, Girl" for this story about cashmere for the masses. I was laughing so hard, I almost wet my pants. I wonder if they imploy people just to write these ridiculous heds. But since this is the Post, they have to provide quality service journalism, so we also have a sidebar on just what the heck is cashmere and how to tell the nice stuff from the cheap stuff (hint: Don't buy it at Express). And, believe it or not, you can also get cashmere underwear (I have a pair from Banana Republic, and I can vouch for them--they're divine). Also: New York women wear metallics, the urge to UGG, and the Cargo lip garter.
I think mine was better, but...
...Daily Candy has a gift guide for the man in your life.
The week in shopping
Nine days 'til Christmas! The sample sales are tapering off, but there are still quite a few, plus regular stores are starting to mark down fall merchandise big time. Some selections...

Dolce & Gabbana's fall collection is up to 50% off. Collection is at 825 Madison Ave (at 67th St.); D&G is 434 W. Broadway.

Clothingline has Joie, Tocca, Kooba, Alice & Olivia, Vince, and more. Joie is $20-$250 (most of it is under $100), Tocca is $45-$125 (dresses are $85). From what I can tell, they also have the Kooba clutch I've been lusting after, the sweatshirt-style Vince cashmere sweater, and possibly the silk pleated miniskirt from Joie. I'm there. 12/15-12/24; see website for hours; 261 W. 36th St. (7th and 8th Aves.), 2nd floor.

In case you missed it a few weeks ago, the Ben Sherman and Evisu sample sale is on again, with everything up to 75% off. 12/15-12/17; 11-7; 1466 Broadway (41st and 42nd Sts.), suite 600.

Buddhist Punk, Religion, Rolling Stones, and Ringspun T-shirts and jeans for men and women are $10-$80 (originally $40-$390). Cash only. 12/15-12/19; 10-7; 230 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 12th fl.

Super-hip knitwear m.r.s, sold at Barneys, Kirna Zabete, and the like, is 50% off retail. Dresses are $90 (were $185), long-sleeve blouses are $100 (were $225), camisoles are $30 (were $65), and skirts are $65 (were $140). All sizes are available. 12/15-12/18; Monday noon-8, Tuesday-Thursday 1-9; 173 Lafayette (at Grand St.), suite 506.

Rumor has it that Gabay's just got a huge shipment of fall 2003 handbags by Hermes, Marc Jacobs, YSL, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo, for up to 75 percent off. Yikes! Monday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-7; 225 First Ave.

Save 20% at Girlshop.com when you enter LUCKY at checkout. (Thanks, Lucky!)

Weekend shopping
It's 13 days till Christmas, kids!

Sold at ritzy places like Language, Alice Temperley's fancy cashmere scarves, sweaters, and such are 20 percent off. 12/12-12/13; 11-6; 453 Broome St., 2nd fl.

Starting tomorrow, one of my favorite boutiques, Dernier Cri, is having a sale of 10%-25% off. They have a funky (but accessible) selection of rock-chick clothes from Daryl K, FrostFrench, and others. The sale goes through Christmas Eve. Hours: noon-8, Sundays 12:30-7:30; 869 Washington St. (13th and 14th Sts.).

While you're in the Meatpacking District for Dernier Cri, check out Rubin Chapelle's sale, with merchandise up to 60% off: Coats are now $350 (from $920), party frocks are $300 (formerly $750), boots are $240 (were $490), and sweaters are $160 (were $400). Friday 11-8, Saturday noon-7; 410 W. 14th Street (9th Ave. and Washington St.), lower level.

I'm not the hugest fan of Balenciaga, but I know a lot of people are. Starting Sunday, the fall line is a whopping 60% off. Hours: 11-7, Sundays noon-5; 542 W. 22nd St. (10th and 11th Aves.).

The Apartment, a very cool housewares/furniture store in Soho, has opened a website, just in time for holiday shopping. Items are organized by room, and shipping is free!

Speaking of free shipping, I realize virtually every website is currently offering it, but I feel compelled to mention Net-a-Porter's deal, since, because it's a British site, shipping to the U.S. is $25-$35. So enter code SANTA at checkout now through Christmas.

Finally, a correction from a helpful reader: The Steve Madden 30% off friends and family discount is available today only. Once again, that code is FMFR1203.
Bon chic, bon genre indeed
You can always count on BCBG to deliver designer-knockoff pantsuits, fun party tops, and, for the most part, consistently stylish clothes. But every once in awhile, they come out with an item that really blows me away. I present the Cardi-wrap, which, from this picture, doesn't look spectacular, but I got a special e-mail showing all the ways it can be worn: open, draped over the shoulder, tied in front, tied in back, backwards and tied in front...the options are endless. It looks like something Rick Owens would design, but better, and, at $146, a hell of a lot cheaper. My only reservations are that it's a silk/cashmere blend (a blend that tends to pill like crazy) and that it comes only in pink. But in the grand scheme of things, I think those are minor objections. BCBG, here I come!
New stores
In the Flatiron area, Utowa, at 17 W. 18th (5th and 6th Aves.) is an experimental mini department store, dedicated to up-and-coming designers. WWD has the scoop.

WWD also reports that Rebecca Taylor is opening a NoLIta store in February at 260 Mott.
"The new Sevens?" I spoke too soon...
Get ready for James.
Tidbits
Gap.com is having a bit of markdown mania. Click here for women's.

On Monday, go to Club Monaco from 7-10 p.m. for cocktails and 20% off, plus a chance to meet Christina Ha, Judy Licht, and Robert Verdi from Full Frontal Fashion. Rsvp to fullfrontal@clubmonaco.com. Click here to view the invite.

The Theory/Kulson sale at Clothingline ends tomorrow. I went there yesterday during lunch, and they still have a ton of stuff, most of which is 60% off. Personally I would've preferred 80% off, but if you're a Theory fanatic (and I know there are a lot of you out there), it's definitely worth checking out. As for the Kulson...not so much.

Language has Yanuk jeans, a.k.a. "the new Sevens." Also, get free shipping on orders of $75 or more when you enter code HAPPY at checkout.

Today at Bergdorf Goodman, get $25 off a $75 purchase on the Level of Beauty (I got an e-mail about it, and you're supposed to print it out and redeem it for a gift card on the Main Level, but maybe you can lie and say it wouldn't print).

Today through December 18, get 20% off at Bloomingdales.com when you enter code FF3PCA.

Starting today, Loehmann's has semiprecious John Hardy jewelry for $57.99 to $1,044.99 (originally $120-$2,000). As of yesterday, they also have designer swimsuits from Rosa Cha, Theory, Versace, Chloe, and more, from $16.99 to $89.99 (originally $32-$225).

SteveMadden.com has extended its friends and family sale until Friday. Get 30% off when you enter code FMFR1203 at checkout.

At VictoriasSecret.com, get $10 off flannel or "cami" pajamas (or "pyjamas," as they strangely spell it) when you enter code PJSAVE10, and get $5 off cap-sleeve pajamas when you enter code PJFIVE.

Anthropologie.com, everyone's favorite girly store, is having a sale.

Downtown avant garde shop Seven has cool jewelry from Raf Simmons with Joy Division/New Order lyrics on it, for your favorite suicidal Goth. They also have a pretty frickin' cool 24K gold-plated pin from Andrew/Andrew that looks like a security tag on clothing. It's $95 and I totally want one.
In other blogs...
Today seems to be gift idea day! The very useful MUG has 19 cool stores for gifts, many of which are in my neighborhood, and thus I can vouch for them being good places to go. Daily Candy has "Visions for Sugarplums," supposedly gift ideas for your chick friends, but more like cool stuff to buy for yourself. Finally, for a bit of fun, Low Cultture has a Guide to Giving, a slightly snarky parody.
You cheap bastard
Well, a gift from Odd Job is better than none at all, right? The Voice's Lynn Yaeger investigates gifts from discount stores.
Gifts for Dad
For the love of Pete, don't get him a tie this year. Some alternatives...

For the dad who has too many freakin' ties: The Container Store's Fast Track Tie Rack has a snappy name, is only $20, and holds up to 36 of the ties you've given him over the years that he never wears.

For the indoor/outdoor dad: Crate and Barrel's Leather Log Tote will prevent nasty spills during the long trip through the house, from the garage to the fireplace.

For the retired dad (like mine): Armand Diradourian cashmere slippers. If he's going to lounge around the house, why not do so in style?

For the dapper dad: Penhaligon's Shoe Cleaning Kit. When my dad cleans his shoes, it's a process. This swanky kit will enhance the mystique.

For the dad who's a kid at heart: Neiman Marcus' factory-sealed baseball packs may contain some treasures (and definitely some gum).

For the dad who's a bit hairy: The Sharper Image's Turbo-Groomer 5.0 sounds all high-tech and manly, which is good, because it's for the unmanly task of clipping stray hairs.

For the old-school dad: Ashford's sterling silver money clip is a little more elegant and innovative than the typical flat clip.

For the dad with a very dry sense of humor: The Complete Far Side is 18 pounds of Gary Larson's bizzarely humorous world.

For the fairly hip dad: Ben Sherman's Beatles Paperback Writer T-shirt is a throwback to his generation, but still considered cool.

For the connoisseur dad: The Rabbit is a contraption that a lot of people make fun of (OK, $85 for a corkscrew is a bit exorbitant), but it does open bottles of wine faster than anything else. Which, to me, is a good thing.

For the traveling dad: Dopp Mariner is the manly version of a toiletry bag.

For pretty much any dad: The Godfather Collection DVD. Who doesn't love The Godfather?
Inclement weather and the avant garde
Style.com has trenchcoats for spring (there's already a huge waiting list for the tweed-trimmed Chanel coat pictured here), Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealist influence, a cool new Lambertson Truex bag, beauty trends for spring, and a holiday shop.
Is that a crime?
In this week's E! Fashion Police, I know everyone thinks she's a big bitch, but I must confess, I love Gwyneth Paltrow and I think she's so incredibly stylish--the Grace Kelly of our generation. So, here, she looks incredibly foxy and glowing, and I'm so happy for her and that Coldplay guy. I hope they have the most stylish, talented little baby. OK, enough gushing. Next, we have our little Frodo, Elijah Woods, doing the retro thing (and I'd say he pulls it off); Tom Cruise looking like a fag and Penelope Cruz looking like his hag (ack! Don't sue me, Tom! I said looking like); Liv Tyler blowing all of the little waifs out of the water in a hot Alexander McQueen frock; Beyonce making yet another jumpsuit misstep (maybe a little less Versace would do the trick, girl); Colin Farrell smoking a fag, and I'm beginning to understand why women fawn over him so much; smiling Shannon Elizabeth, who is starting to look a bit old and drawn to me; and Nicky Hilton way-outclassing big sis Paris in a sexy (but demure) white dress (MW thinks she's hotter anyway).
Coming soon
Gift ideas! What to buy for your dad, little kids, siblings, and more. Stay tuned...
Didja Know?
Bergdorf Goodman, perhaps the most pleasant place to shop in the city, now has a website. You can't buy anything on it, but you can at least preview the goods, then go to the store and experience their renowned customer service. (Jesus, do I sound like a press release or what?!) Seriously, they have great salespeople. I bought a purse there earlier this year and several days later received a thank-you note in the mail from my saleswoman. Of course, if I got a thank-you note from every saleswoman that helped me, my mailbox would be overflowing, but still, it's a nice touch. Much like antique furniture, they don't make department stores like they used to.
Sex! Sex! Sex!
Did I get your attention? Good! The Times ponders sexism in the fashion industry and, specifically, why no women are shortlisted for Tom Ford's job. Also in the Times, an interesting piece on store mannequins.
Department store challenge
The Post really outdid themselves with this assessment of holiday shopping at New York department stores. The winner? Bergdorf Goodman. The loser? Macy's and Filene's Basement. (I agree on all accounts.) They also assess department store restaurants if you need to refuel while shopping. Also: Wear white boots; TiffanyAlana skirts (hint: Buy the knockoffs at Urban Outfitters; monogramming is hot (no, really?!); and dressing up in cold weather.
The week in shopping
Oh, how I love shipping week at work. Sorry, for the erratic postings. Anyway, the pre-holiday sample sale barrage continues this week with such heavy hitters as Theory, Lulu Guinness, Nanette Lepore, Helmut Lang, and Diane von Furstenberg. Since I'm lazy and don't want to type everything out, check out New York Magazine, Daily Candy, and Lucky.

Also, virtually every website known to man has free shipping. So get out there (or stay in front of your computer in your underwear--whatever) and buy some presents. (And, not to gloat or anything, but I'm all done with my Christmas shopping.)
Weekend shopping
Today and tomorrow are pretty much shot with all this snow, but Sunday should be nice, so go shopping!

Hit the Girlshop.com sample sale today until 8 and Saturday from noon-6, at 154 W. 14th St. (6th and 7th Aves.), 9th floor.

It's the annual two-day, 10% off Herman Miller sale, beginning Saturday! Take advantage at Retromodern.com, Design Within Reach, or Highbrowfurniture.com.

Get 20% off at Art.com through Sunday when you enter code C200999427020 at checkout.

Starting today, Loehmann's has Calvin Klein Collection (the fancy stuff) for $70-$700 (originally $265-$2,685).

Clothingline has Theory and Kulson; they're open today until 6 and Saturday from 10-4. 261 W. 36th (7th and 8th Aves.), 2nd floor.

Today through Sunday, enter code FMFR1103 at SteveMadden.com and get 30% off. Woo-hoo!

Last year I got a kickass four-ply cashmere sweater at Lutz & Patmos (their sweaters are sold at Barneys for the mid- to high-three figures; here prices are $75-$600). Their sample sale is open today until 8 and Saturday from noon-6. 425 W. 13th St. (9th and Washington), suite 406.

Today through Sunday, get 25% off at Banana Republic when you enter code BRFRIEND (should work at the store too).

More tidbits

eLuxury has more stuff on sale, including 7 for All Mankind cords, Michael Kors perfume, and the Celine Giraffe-Print Boogie Bag.

IGM has Burberry scarves at the best price I've ever heard: 2 for $99.

I'm stealing this from New York Magazine's Best Bets, but I couldn't resist: Fuck Yoga T-shirts are great for New Age skeptics.

Save 15% on your order of $75 or more at Wine.com when you enter code DECEVM15 at checkout (through 12/11/03).

Find Outlet (261 W. 17th and 229 Mott) has a new shipment of Julia samples, Nigel Hamill, Trina Turk, Charlotte Ronson, Essendi, and others, plus...my favorite MIA designer, Katayone Adeli.

At the new Stila website, registered users (click here to register) get a free makeup bag with every $75 purchase now through 12/14. Plus, get free shipping on a $50 order when you enter code HOLIDAY03 at checkout.

Today through Sunday, get 20% off at MoMA Design Store when you enter code 3VIP2 at checkout.

Today through Sunday, get 20% off at Gap when you enter code 9MHD8FG85M (should also work at the store).
More gift ideas
In this week's Village Voice, Lynn Yaeger, God bless her, lists peaceful gifts.
Tidbits
And here's where my troubles begin: Saks' Act One Sale starts today, with items up to 40% off (shoes are 30% off). Also, this Friday and Saturday, editorial fave makeup artist Pat McGrath will be giving makeovers with Giorgio Armani cosmetics. Go here to register.

Gloss.com has four special holiday offers (you get to pick one, and you can't combine them, unfortunately):
* A free holiday sample set with a $50 purchase; enter code CYRGLS at checkout.
* A free full-size Stila lip glaze in Brown Sugar with a $50 purchase: enter CYRSTL at checkout.
* Free standard shipping with any order; enter CYRSHP.
* Free gift wrap with any order; enter CYRPCK.

Dior's Fall 2003 collection is 50% off at eLuxury.com.

Kirna Zabete has such heavy-hitters as Balenciaga, Chloe, and Gaultier on sale for 30%-75% off. 96 Greene St. (Prince and Spring Sts.).

Breakin' the law
In this week's E! Fashion Police, Natalie Portman gets my vote for the 21st-century Audrey Hepburn; someone should've told Nicole Kidman that you're not supposed to wear flowers in your hair and on your wrist; Nichole Richie must've been cooked when she got dressed; and Jessica Alba is a stone fox (although I think I liked her darker hair better).
Stuff for Mom
Thankfully, my mom is easy to shop for, but I know a lot who aren't. Thus, gift ideas for The Woman Who Gave Birth to You.

For the independent mom: The Barbara K! 30-piece tool kit was designed for women, by women, and comes with a booklet on how to fix stuff around the house.

For the mom who has everything: A Hermes scarf is too obvious--try a bracelet instead.

For the "I was hip back in my day" mom: a vase from the Andy Warhol Museum in Philadelphia.

For pretty much any mom: You can't go wrong with this Ashiana wool wrap.

For a mom who goes crazy with the holiday decorating: The Company Store's Pepperberry wreath and garland come in a variety of sizes and smell darn good too.

For the Waspy mom: Crate & Barrel's Stainless bar set has everything she needs to make countless cocktails.

For a mom who's also a grandma: A photo album filled with pictures of you and your kids will tug at her heartstrings.

For the mom who cooks: A Nordic Ware Sunflower Pan helps her bake some snazzy-looking cakes.

For the mom who needs to chill out: Apothia's Spa Chez Moi basket encourages relaxation.

For the mom who needs to break away from the robin's-egg-blue box: Boucher's Watermelon Quartz set is more colorful (isn't Mom always telling you to wear more color?) and hip.

For the mom who wanders around the house in her skivvies: Cover her up with a new robe.

For pretty much any mom, part II: Show me a mom who doesn't like Barbra Streisand and I'll show you a liar.

In the papers
In today's WWD, fashion insiders speculate about Tom Ford's future. (Is this story ever going to get old?)

In the Times, holiday dressing (hint: wear a fur shrug) and Louis Verdad, an L.A. designer who makes more than jeans and T-shirts.

In yesterday's Post, a sensationalistic article on parents who buy their kids designer clothes (um, hello, spend the money on clothes for yourself!); teddy bear-wise, kids prefer synthetic Duane Reade to cashmere Ralph Lauren; and ridiculous but amusing shopping tips from Ally and Jaime, stars of MTV's Rich Girls.
The week in shopping
There are so many sample sales this week, I don't have the patience to list them all. Thankfully, today's Daily Candy and this week's New York Magazine seem to have most of them covered.

In other news, you have until midnight tonight to get an extra 10% off at Design Within Reach's Thanksgiving Sale.

Avant garde wonderland Seven is having a fall sale; most fall items are 35%-50% off.

Today through Sunday, get 20% off when you enter code 68FDCBNSBG at Old Navy (I'm told this works at the store as well).

I'm back!
I survived the below-freezing temperatures of Chicago, my cold is 95% better, and I am ready to help shape your holiday shopping experience. I'd estimate that I'm 2/3 done with my holiday shopping, and I hope to be completely finished by the weekend. I realize that might be a bit unrealistic, but, hey, it's good to set goals for yourself.

I spent Shopping Day on Michigan Avenue in Chicago (It's roughly equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York), and aside from the PETA protesters outside Nordstrom, it was pretty uneventful and not terribly crowded. Then again, after living in New York for so long, everything in Chicago seems luxuriously spacious to me. I also hit Target while at home (the Isaac Mizrahi clothes are nothing special, but the accessories are to die for--and cheap!), and I went to my favorite craft store ever, Hobby Lobby, which is so uniquely Midwestern, I can't even begin to tell you.

But, it's good to be home. Onto the fun stuff...
Shopping for your boyfriend
MW complains that I only have stuff for chicks on my blog. Um, with the exception of MW, I'm guessing most of my readers are ladies anyway, but if you want more stuff for dudes, e-mail me, and I'll start including it. In the interest of service journalism, however, here are some gift ideas for your boyfriend.

For the metrosexual: Seven jeans. Like the ladies' version, they do wonders for your butt. (Also available online at eLuxury.)

For the Justin Timberlake wannabe: James Perse Eagle Beanie, which, I think, is actually a cool hat.

For the gadget freak: Neiman Marcus has a whole section of high-tech and sports-related gifts, including this teeny digital camera.

For the traveling guy: Jack Spade laptop bag--not that I'm endorsing Kate Spade products after the debacle of Sunday afternoon, but you can't go wrong with a classic yet funky bag like this one.

For the hipster: Urban Outfitters has a mind-boggling selection of ironic T-shirts (I can't link to them directly, sorry).

For the reluctant metrosexual: Brave Soldier Jet Set. Brave Soldier? Can we get more manly?

For the connoisseur: California Party Wine pack, and maybe he'll let you drink it with him.

For the rock star: Boss Hugo Boss Dragon Crewneck (a portion of the proceeds benefit Vh1's Save the Music Foundation).

For the guy whose wallet is bulging all over the place (pretty much any guy, really): Roadster wallet--stylish, affordable, and genuine leather.

For the kid at heart: motorized scooter. Why the hell not?

For the Mod guy: Ben Sherman Wakeman Print shirt, or any other Ben Sherman shirt, for that matter.

For the handy guy: Hummer Multi-Tool, and now he'll have no excuse not to fix stuff around your apartment.

For the Wall-Streeter (who you love a lot): Tiffany Bull and Bear Cufflinks, and pray for a bull market.

For the guy you've been dating for a month, so you're not really sure whether or not you should get him a Christmas present: Loop refrigerator magnets in hip-hop, low rider, or mod, are a very non-committal $13.




Tidbits
LVMH wonderland eLuxury is having a sale of 30%-40% off. My beloved Marc Jacobs fleece-lined lace-up boots are included, however they don't have them in brown. Oh well. Christmas is coming and I probably shouldn't be buying myself $400 boots anyway. Also, spend $100 and get free shipping when you enter the code SLED at checkout.

Language's Thanksgiving sale is still going on. Enter code THANKSGIVING at checkout for an extra 10% off.

Tomorrow is sale preview day at Loehmann's. Take 25%, plus an extra 10% off sale merchandise. This weekend, they're having three-hour specials from 8-11 a.m. Friday and 9 a.m-noon on Saturday, when you can take an extra 20% off everything in the store.

If you're still into logomania, check out City Moda for Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and others, at a discount. Enter code MODAF3D at checkout and get upgraded to UPS three-day shipping.

Starting Friday (aka, Shopping Day), BCBG stores have items for up to 50% off.

Arden B has free ground shipping until January 4.

Get a free 4.5 oz. deluxe sample of Philosophy Pumpkin Pie when you enter code PUMPKIN at checkout at Sephora.com.
In the papers
Probably not as entertaining as Pat Kiernan's daily version on NY1, but...

The style reporters at the Post have been writing some really interesting stories lately. Yesterday, they had expert staffers from Madame Paulette's examine a variety of little black dresses and estimate the price based on the quality of the garment. Most of their guesses were within $10 of the actual price, but the big surprise? They thought a $30 H&M dress cost $250, proving that H&M uses the best overseas sweatshops. Also in the Post: My favorite swimsuit and party dress designer, Shoshanna, takes a spin at Shopaholic; colorful stripes are fun!; a lot of wraps (but no pictures); and luxury is selling this year.

Even though the Post did an article on sample sales last week, the Times has one in today's paper, although the spin is more about the psychological and economical ramifications of sample sale-ing. The Times, God bless 'em, also has a list of sales, including a Dolce & Gabbana sale tomorow! Woo-hoo! Also, the new Bluefly store (second item).
A rant
Before I go, I thought I'd complain for a bit. Yesterday I decided to check out the Kate Spade sample sale. I thought, "Oh, it's a Sunday, it won't be crowded." Wrong! I waited in line for almost two and a half hours to get in, which is probably why I'm so sick today. I will say there was still a ton of merchandise, however, the line to check out wound around the entire perimeter of the Metropolitan Pavillion (which must be at least 5,000 square feet), and I figured it would take at least another two and a half hours to get out. So I left, and the security guards seemed to think I was crazy for not buying anything. Maybe I was, but I decided to cut my losses at three hours instead of five or six.

My advice? Go to this sale only if you're a tried and true Kate Spade devotee. Or if you have five hours to kill.
Limited posting this week
1) There are zippo sales this week (well, at least until the Shopping Day--i.e., the day after Thanksgiving--sales kick in on Friday).
2) Today I am at home, sick. Hopefully it's just a cold and I'll be back to work tomorrow. Still, today I think I'd rather sleep and watch dumb TV than sit in front of my computer all day--no offense to you, my dear readers.
3) Wednesday I leave for my mini-Thanksgiving vacation. I will be at my parents' house (complete with super-speedy DSL line), so, again, my postings will be limited.

But,

4) If I'm feeling better tomorrow, I'll post some shopping ideas for the guy in your life. I'll also work on moms, dads, siblings, etc. So stay tuned!
Weekend shopping

Get out your claws, brides-to-be--it's the Vera Wang Bridal Collection sale. Get there early and bring a whistle like Monica does in that one episode of Friends when she takes Rachel and Phoebe to the bridal sale and fights over a dress with that mean lady. Expect to tussle over dresses, headpieces, veils, and shoes at 75% off. Yikes, that almost makes me want to get married! (Don't worry, MW.) 11/22; 8-5; Penn Plaza Pavilion, 401 7th Avenue (32nd and 33rd Sts.).

Yeah, Kate Spade is kind of boring in a Waspy sort of way, but she's also very classic and, at times, kitschy. Get her bags, paper, pajamas, luggage, and Jack Spade collection (for the fellas) at wholesale. 11/23-11/25; Sunday 2-6, Monday 9-7, Tuesday 9-6; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th (6th and 7th Aves.), ground floor.

Don't forget, the Steven Allen, Kieselstein-Cord, and Alice Roi sales are still going through tomorrow. Also, a girl in my design class said that Bloomingdale's is having a good sale. Since the lovely Jenny sent me a Friends & Family 20%-off coupon (thanks, Jenny!), I'll be checking it out.

Have a good weekend, everyone!
Three is a magic number
There are three excellent store openings tomorrow. What did I do to deserve such bountiful gifts?

The Container Store is finally coming to Manhattan, with a huge store across the street from Bed Bath & Beyond, on Sixth Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets. They'll be giving away prizes every hour, including $1,000 Elfa dream-closet makeovers and hotel stays at the W Union Square and the Giraffe Hotel. Plus, 10% of opening-weekend sales will be donated to DIFFA.

Designer bargain wonderland Bluefly is opening a physical, brick-and-mortar store at 43 W. 24th St. (5th and 6th Aves.). Hooray! The merchandise will be similar to what's offered on the website. Hours are 11-8 Tuesday through Friday and noon-6 Saturday and Sunday. Half-price Prada, here I come!

After you've bought your organizational supplies and designer clothes, head out to Dumbo for the West Elm store opening at 75 Front St. (at Main). Act like a diva and with a dramatic flourish, say, "I'll take it all!"
Tidbits

Loehmann's has Robert Lee Morris 14K gold and sterling silver jewelry, originally $995-$11,111, for $172-$1,879.

Crazy dutch company Oilily is having a fall sale of 30%-50% off, starting today. I used to get my party dresses here when I was a kid, and while they now have women's clothes, the kids' stuff is still the cutest. You can't shop online, but you can preview the collection, then go to their store at 820 Madison Ave.

Polo.com is having a sale of up to 50% off, plus free shipping when you spend $125 or more.

Bluefly misses me, apparently. Do they miss you? Enter MISSEDYOU987 at checkout and get 15% off through 11/29.
In other undergarment news
The Daily News has a 1400-word story on thong backlash. I don't think this is "news," really, since there have always been girls who find thongs uncomfortable, gross, etc. Although one-sided (the reporter appears not to have interviewed any pro-thong sources) the story does make several good points, which I shall interpret:

1) Unless you're trying to seduce Bill Clinton, do not let your thong peek out of your pants.

2) Do not wear a thong if you have butt cellulite that will be visible (e.g., if you're wearing a tight, light-colored bottom). In this case, visible panty lines are preferred.

3) If you hate thongs, shut the fuck up and buy some boyshorts. Or go commando.
Heaven must be missing an angel...
...because God knows there were way too many of them on the runway (and in the air) at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Yes, I watched it. My comments:

*Enough with the angels. Remember when Victoria's Secret had the faux-British theme? That was so much classier, and wittier, considering the allusion to Queen Victoria, who was even more of a prude than Queen Elizabeth. I digress. Sending models down the runway with eight-foot feathered wings extending behind them does not make them look like sexy angels; it makes them look like Vegas showgirls.

*What was up with the Batman theme song running throughout?

*My favorite part of the show: Sting "dressing" Giselle and grabbing her ass. Good thing Giselle is such a good sport.

*Also, did anyone notice Sting was wearing a muumuu-like dress? Is this a Tantric thing? Still, he doesn't hold a candle to Vin Diesel in a skirt.

*I also loved the gay Eurotrash dressers backstage.

*God bless Naomi Cambpell, the only Supermodel who still does runway on a fairly regular basis. Just seeing her makes my face light up.

*Ah, the models. What do you need to wear a bra? Breasts! So, we have Giselle, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks (more on her in a minute), even Liya Kebede. Great. But Jacquetta Wheeler? And Carmen Kass? I had bigger boobs than theirs when I was eight. Were they there for fashion-industry cred? Were they the butt girls? Now, before all the A-cups out there knock me (with all due respect, I would die to go one day without a bra), let's look at the big picture: How are you going to sell a bra if there are no boobs in it? Look at the catalogue--it's all busty chicks. You're an average B-cup; you see Giselle in the Dream Angels demi-cup whatever with cleavage up to her neck; you think, "maybe i can have cleavage up to my neck, too;" and you shell out $40. So, again, you're an average B-cup; you see 105-pounder Jacquetta strutting down the runway with zippo boobage. Do you buy the bra she's wearing? Hell, no! See?

*More on breasts: Wondering how some of those models got implant-like globes? Toupee tape and what stylists refer to as "chicken cutlets," otherwise known as huge silicone boobs that you stick in your bra (and, yes, they bear an uncanny resemblance to chicken cutlets). Check them out here.

*Poor Tyra Banks, the model whose body is probably the closest to the average American woman's (although, again, she's still a model and she's like six feet tall and gorgeous). They gave Tyra all of the "big butt" outfits--there was always a skirt or wrap of some sort disguising her derriere.

*All in all, I'd estimate that there was only about 15 minutes of actual runway time, much like a real fashion show. Did we really need the awful Sting/Mary J. Blige duet and the "backstage cam" that, incredibly, didn't show the models smoking and swilling champagne?

*Still, all of this bitching and you can bet your bippy I'll watch it again next year.
Anything you wear can and will be used against you
In this week's E! Fashion Police (sorry, I'm a day late): Why don't I have a body like Halle Berry's? She looks good even in orange. I can't say the same for Britney Spears: Hey, Britney, lose the hats. Sarah Jessica Parker, however, is fabulous as usual; it looks like Penelope Cruz is wearing some sort of back harness (does she have scoliosis?); Sandra Bullock channels ancient Egypt, to semi-disastrous results; and Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis go for a matching '20s gangster-and-moll look, which, although E! knocks, I think works for them.
Oh no you dih-n't
In a "Ding-dong, the witch is dead" reverie, The Village Voice's Lynn Yaeger hits Chinatown to scope the Gucci knockoffs, then Century 21 for the real thing, discounted. I love Lynn Yaeger and think she's refreshingly outspoken, but her main criticism of Tom Ford seems to be that his clothes are made for skinny women in stillettos. Um, almost all designer clothing is made for skinny women, or at least is designed with a skinny woman in mind. (The sad fact you're taught in design school is that clothing looks best hanging off of a six-foot, 110-pound model.) So if you're gonna criticize one, you gotta criticize them all, Lynn.
Camp for beginners
In this week's Observer, the ever-cheeky Simon Doonan tells us how to achieve Gracious Living. Think Joan Crawford.
Tits and ass will change your life
Get ready for some jigglin': The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is on CBS tonight at 10 p.m. Beforehand, watch 60 Minutes II at 8 p.m. They're doing a story on my boss, Felix Dennis, and I might be on TV! (Well, I at least had the camera up my nose on several occasions while I was blabbering away at a staff meeting.)
In other blogs...
Daily Candy has an '80s trend that I can actually stomach: Bianca White's metallic tote, reportedly carried by the likes of Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz. They're available at Intuition, an L.A. boutique.

New York Magazine's Best Bets Daily has neon-colored, mod votive candle holders (they're great if your home is more more Kartell than Anthropologie), from Garnett Hill. Price: an amazingly cheap $24 for a set of four.

Hint's Shop Tart column has Adidas cleats (great for traction in slippery weather), mysterious new store Nom de Guerre (640 Broadway), and more.

Style.com has editors' spring accessories picks: more clutches (die, clutches, die!) and the return of the clunky heel. My reaction? A big, resounding yuck (with the exception of the Prada bag, the Louis Vuitton bag, and the Viktor & Rolf shoe). Clutches are not practical, and clunky heels make for clunky legs, especially if you have chunky legs to begin with. Continuing with the ugly theme, Candy Pratts Price picks gold shoes for the holidays. Since when did Christian Louboutin start making platforms that rival Steve Madden's?

Yesterday's MUG has umbrellas: ShedRain and GustBuster are city-wind-and-rain-resistant, and for presumably the city's best umbrella selection, check out Rain or Shine, 18 W. 55th (5th and 6th Aves.). An umbrella store? As Cindy Adams would say: Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
Assorted holiday shopping tidbits
I'm starting to get tired of holiday shopping e-mails and it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. Still, here's what's out there:

Can you fit anything in this Marc Jacobs key pouch? Probably not. But it's $95 and it's damn cute.

If you're not a big fan of clutches but still feel the need to carry one since everyone else is doing it, check out this Ferragamo clutch, a veritable bargain at $110.

For a truly indlugent purchase, the Prada Lip Tint Set is $65, which is a lot, considering you're getting basically six samples and a pouch that you can't really do anything with.

The above gifts can be purchased at Saks.com. If you spend $100 or more, get free shipping by entering the code FREESHIP3 at checkout.

I can't link to specific items on the Barneys website, but if you go to "Holiday Catalog," then "Other Fun Stuff," there are some great cashmere pillows that say "Lucky," "Snob," or "Chic" for $125 (although why is "Chic" brown and orange? Hello, Cleveland Browns!). For the Chosen People, there's a modern $98 menorah with crazy $28 candles. And that's about all that's affordable at Barneys.

Crate and Barrel has a Holiday page with links for Christmas, Hanukah, and Thanksgiving. I like the red-striped bowls, the twist double old-fashioned (with generous capacity), and the sequins placemats. My mom would probably like the snow deer dessert plate. In fact, if your mom is semi-cheesy like mine, this is probably a great place to look for Christmas gifts for her.

Net-a-Porter has a nifty new "Tell Santa" feature. Click on the item you want, such as this Rick Owens wrap cardigan, then click on "Tell Santa", and you can e-mail the link to Santa, your boyfriend, your sugar daddy, or whomever else you think will shell out $1100 for it. By the way, does anyone happen to have Santa's e-mail address?

Click here to preview Bluefly's holiday gift guide (it goes public on November 19). It's a lot of gloves and scarves, with some nice Italian leather accessories thrown in.

Coming next week: Gifts for boys.
Stuff and nonsense indeed
In today's Times, David Brooks discovers Lucky and makes some strange comparisons to de Toqueville and democracy that I don't quite understand. In the fashion department, where you don't have to think so hard, Guy Trebay examines the relationship between fashion and social consciousness.
Even more sample sales
This sounds too good to be true, but the so-called Multidesigner Sample Sale has clothing, shoes, and accessories from YaYa, Three Dots, Michelle Mason, Frou, Hardtail, Seven, Frankie B., and others, below wholesale. 11/18-11/21; 10-7; 230 W. 39th St. (7th and 8th Aves.), 7th floor.

Barry Kieselstein-Cord's handbags, jewelry, and accessories--all coveted by ladies who lunch--are $80 to $900. 11/20-11/22; weekdays 10-6:30, Saturday 10-4; 20 W. 57th St. (5th and 6th Aves.), 6th floor.

For the boys: Hugo Boss suits, sport coats, trousers, sportswear, and golf gear are wholesale and below. 11/17-11/21; Monday-Thursday 9-6:30, Friday 9-5; 560 7th Ave. (40th and 41st Sts.), 2nd floor.

Aubade, maker of girly French lingerie, has bras for $20 (were $79-$99) and panties for $15 (were $55-$85). Cash and checks only. 11/19-11/21; Wednesday and Thursday 11-8, Friday 11-6; 40 E. 34th St. (Park and Madison Aves.), suite 607.

While you're in the same building, check out the ultra-fancy Simone Perele sale. Bras are $25; panties are $15 (cash only, yet again). 11/19-11/21; 10-5; 40 E. 34th St. (Park and Madison Aves.), suite 1107.

The Wrights has leather skirts and jackets for $200-$300 (were $600-$850) and knits for $60-$120 (were $220-$350). Cash only. 11/19-11/21; 10-7; 110 W. 40th St. (Broadway and 6th Ave.), suite 1002.

Satya's "yoga-inspired" jewelry, found at Anthropologie, J. Jill, and other stores, is up to 70% off, starting at $10. Cash only. 11/21-11/22, 11-8; 330 Bleecker St. (at Christopher St.).

Another for the guys: Britain's Ben Sherman and Japan's Evisu Genes are having a joint sale. Ben Sherman items are $10-$100; Evisu items are $45-$100. All sizes are available. 11/20-11/26; Thursday and Tuesday 10-7, Monday and Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4, closed Sunday; 261 W.36th St., (7th and 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Believe it or not, there are even more sales starting this weekend. Check back Friday for details.
It's never too early...
...to think about spring shopping! According to WWD, the top accessories trends for spring will be:

* Lots of color, especially pink and orange.

* Jeweled embellishments on handbags, hair accessories, and scarves.

* Handbags made of rubber, PVC, or plastic coating.

* Bold and graphic silver jewelry, sometimes paired with leather or suede.

* Zodiac motifs.

* Pearls, especially oversized ones.

* Cargo bags.

Many of these sound like holdovers from last spring (pink, cargo bags), although, thankfully, there is no mention of the clutch purse, which, if you ask me, is a dead donkey. As for the rubber handbags, Jelly Kelly, here I come!
Shopping for a cause
Not to be confused with shopping with a cause, this is a way to be charitable while doing something you do anyway, i.e., buying stuff online. So, courtesy of the lovely Brie, here's how your reckless consumerism can benefit EngenderHealth, a women's global healthcare nonprofit:

1. Click here.
2. Hit the purple Join Now link and fill in relevant info.
3. Shop at your regular haunts, like eBay, L.L. Bean, Barnes and Noble, Target.com, Cheap Tickets, NetFlix, Travelocity, and more.

How does this work? Most of these places give 2%-6% to EngenderHealth if you access from IGive. Best of all, this is totally free--the donation is made by the company, not by you. So shop to your heart's content and help out the ladies in the rest of the world.

Sample sale bloodbath
This story has been done before, but the Post's take on shopping as extreme sport is pretty entertaining. Um, if anyone knows how to get invited to the Prada, Chanel, Chloe, etc. sample sales mentioned in the article, please e-mail me. Also in today's Post. current and upcoming sample sales, the miniskirt will not go away, and shopaholic.
The week in shopping
Kids, it's a bonanza this week.

Staff International is usually a great sale, especially if you're into the Euro look. This time they have 2003 fall/winter clothes and accessories for men and women by DieselStyleLab, Dsquared2, Martin Margiela, and NewYorkIndustrie. Jackets wholesaling for $600-$1000, are now $300-$500, and skirts and shirts originally $200-$400, are now $80-$150, and all sizes are available. 11/20-11/21; 10-6; 495 Broadway (Broome and Spring Sts.), 8th floor.

Frenchie Philippe Adec has jackets starting from $180, pants from $85, skirts from $70, shirts from $70, and knits from $45. All sizes are available, but the sale is cash only. 11/20-11/22; 9-7 weekdays, 11-5 Saturday; 209 W. 38th St. (7th and 8th Aves.), 2nd floor (use freight entrance).

Jeanine Payer and Pure Accessories has accessories from the following: bags by Paint the Lily and Serpui Marie; scarves by Bindya; and jewelry by Jeanine Payer, Lapis Lois, Mimi Golzer, and Oscar & Nancy. Jewelry is $40-$75; bags are $75. Cash only. 11/19-11/21; 10-7; 389 5th Ave. (at 36th St.), suite 508.

Joe's Jeans, Follies, Left of Center, and Da-Nang are featured at this true sample sale, i.e., sizes are 4-8 and small. Items for men and women are $20 and up, cash only (a big trend this week, it seems). 11/17-11/21; 9-6 (9-7 Tues. and Wed.); 231 W. 39th St. (7th and 8th Aves.), suite 200.

MZ Wallace handbags are all $40 at this annual sample sale. Of course, great bags for cheap means one thing: You guessed it, cash only. 11/20-11/21; 10-8; 93 Crosby St. (Prince and Spring Sts.), 2nd floor.

I love shoes. I especially love Italian shoes. Therfore, I am excited to say that boots, shoes, and sandals from Hogan, Bruno Magli, and others, in all sizes, are $59 and up. 11/17-11/22; 8-7 weekdays, 10-5 Saturday; 141 W. 36th St. (B'way and 7th Aves.).

Beth Bowley has girly clothes for up to 75 percent off (dresses are $60 to $80). 11/19-11/20; 10-7; 611 Broadway (near Bleecker St.), no. 907.

Circle by Mara Hoffman has sexy women's clothes for 40 percent off: Dresses are$140 to $225 (regularly $300 to $500), short frill skirts are now $80 (were $165), and hand-dyed velvet dresses, skirts, and tops are $75 to $250. Cash only (aiiieee). 11/21-11/22; 11-7; 195 Chrystie St. (Stanton and Rivington), ste. 602A.

Vivienne Tam's asian-inspired clothing and accessories are up to 75 percent off, starting at $30. 11/19-11/21; 10-7 Wednesday and Thursday, 10-6 Friday; 550 Seventh Ave. (at 39th St.), 20th fl.

Araks' excellent cotton lingerie is up to 75 percent off, starting at $5. Checks accepted (I guess that means no credit cards). 11/19-11/21; 9:30-7; 121 E. 12th St. (3rd and 4th Aves.), no. 6I.

Steven Alan's sale is always great, especially if you're a hip downtown gal. This one features Mint, United Bamboo, Twinkle, and others for 30 to 75 percent off. 11/20-11/22, 8:30-8 weekdays, 10-7 Saturday; 103 Franklin St. (just west of Church, I believe).

Alice Roi's sale is fun because sometimes the designer herself shows up to shill her own schmattes. The clothes are half off; checks accepted.
11/19-11/22; 9-7 Wednesday, 10-6 Thursday and Friday, noon-5 Saturday; The Inn at Irving Place, 56 Irving Pl.

Nicole Farhi has men's and women's fall samples for up to 80 percent off. Coats start at $200; knits start at $25. 11/18-11/20; 10-7; 14 E. 60th St. (5th and 6th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Yigal Azrouel's sleek dresses ($90), jackets ($200), shirts ($105), and more are at least 65 percent off. 11/18-11/20; 8:30-7 Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30-5 Thursday; 225 W. 39th St., 7th fl.

Like the bling-bling but don't like to pay P.Diddy prices? Kenneth Jay Lane's flashy baubles are at least half off. 11/17-11/20; 10-3 Monday through Wednesday, 10-5 Thursday; 20 W. 37th St. (5th and 6th Aves.), 9th fl.
Weekend shopping
I have been lusting after a pair of ultra-comfy Sacco boots. For the rest of the month, their shoes and boots are 25 to 50 percent off. 11/14-11/30; Mon.-Fri. 11-8, Sat., 11-7, Sun. noon-7; various locations (see webpage for details).

Oliver Peoples' fancy glasses are 60 percent off this weekend (yeah, I know, there has to be a catch somewhere). 11/14-11/16, 755 Madison (at 65th St.), or 366 W. Broadway (at Grand St.).

The highly underrated A.P.C. has sophisticated yet hip, well-cut men's and women's clothes and accessories for $25 to $200. 11/14-11/16; noon-7pm; 33 Grand St. in Williamsburg.

Billion Dollar Babes has James Perse, Joe's Jeans, Ella Moss, Oliver Peoples, Anya Hindmarch, Blue Cult, Miss Sixty, and more (for guys and girls) at up to 80 percent off. You have to RSVP here in order to get in. Yeah, it's exclusive and it's dumb. What else would you expect from an L.A. company? 11/15; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; The Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th and 7th Aves.).
Men in skirts
Inspired by the Met's new "Bravehearts: Men in Skirts" exhibit, The Village Voice's Lynn Yager tells you where to buy a kilt.
Tidbits
Language is having a pre-Thanksgiving sale, and when you enter THANKSGIVING at checkout, you get an additional 10% off, now through November 30.

Now through November 27, shop the Saks gift guide and get free shipping (on orders of $100) when you enter code FREESHIP3.

Target and Marshall Field's have so many offers going on, it's hard to keep them straight. For the next three days, save 10% when you spend $50 or more by entering the code TDDEALS4FALL. Then get free shipping on select gifts at Target, and free shipping when you spend $75 at Marshall Field's. Whew!

Save $15 on any order of $75 or more at Art.com when you enter code C117400321107 at checkout.

Get 20% off tonight from 6:30-8:30 at the Club Monaco at 5th Ave. and 21st St. Click here to view the invite.
Needless Markup? Nope, make that markdown
My inbox is being flooded with sale e-mails. The best one so far? The Neiman Marcus First Call sale. And here's where my troubles begin. I like this Anna Sui ensemble (especially the sequin top), this Marc by Marc Jacobs outfit (although maybe not together), these terribly girly Kate Spade shoes, and this charm bracelet with--what else?--shoes!
Interesting read
Also in today's WWD, an assessment of the most successful independent retailers (including Fred Segal, Scoop, and Jeffrey). This story has more of a business angle, but I still thought it was pretty interesting.
And in March, Cheryl will go broke
Just in time for my birthday, La Perla is opening a new store in March at 425 W. 14th St., right in between Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, Women's Wear Daily reports. Considering this is less than five minutes away from my apartment, I am going to be in big, big trouble.
How to have a cool apartment
Last night I visited my friends Mina and Deighn in their new apartment in The Solaire, and, let me tell you, it is the most stylishly decorated studio apartment I've ever seen in real life. If you want to attempt to get their look (good luck!), purchase the following:

The geometric storage unit and the graphic-pattern rug from West Elm, mentioned in this post. Also, get West Elm's platform bed, long low table, and modular wall shelves.

Two Jackson Occasional chairs from Crate and Barrel.

A big purple couch from Jennifer Convertibles.

Lots of cool lighting, including a paper floor lamp like this one from Design Within Reach.

They also have the coolest bar stools I've ever seen. They're metal and saddle-like, and they're similar to this model, also from Design Within Reach.

(I hope you guys don't kill me for sharing your design secrets. Your apartment is just so damn cool.)
More L.A. Fashion Week post-mortem
Style.com reports on L.A. Fashion Week. Notice how there is very little focus on the actual clothes. This is most likely because there's nothing to say but "It was a lot of jeans and T-shirts."
I'm not supposed to be shopping for myself, but...
New at Girlshop:

This Blue J buckle cuff looks very similar to the Marc Jacobs version and is about a fifth of the price. (It's also vegan-friendly!)

Suddenly, Free People, formerly found at Urban Outfitters, has gone totally classy. Everything in this mini-boutique is supercute--and ladylike.

I loooove Lulu Guinness, and this purse is so typical of her girly style.

Yochi has some great chandelier earrings (I like these, in pink pearl).

This coat, by Dosty, is very Matrix, but a little sexier, and a little less goth.

Finally, it's $133 and you could probably knit one yourself without too much difficulty, but Anna Kula's helmet hat is just the cutest thing.

Odds and ends
If you like fancy French dinnerware, Apilco and Pillivuyt are on sale for 20% off at Williams-Sonoma through November 30.

Today through November 20, Bloomingdale's is having a sale. Enter code SALE23 at checkout for 20% off.

Get a free "Choose Juicy" T-shirt when you buy $200 worth of Juicy Couture at NeimanMarcus.com. I like the tuxedo velour tracksuit, the cropped flare jeans, and the green smocked dress.

Daily Candy tells us the hot new T-shirt is by Park Vogel. Lightweight, stretchy, and made of cotton crepe, they're available at Steven Allen, 60 Wooster St. (Broome and Spring Sts.).
Aren't you going to frisk me?
In this week's E! Fashion Police, Vin Diesel looks inexplicably hot in a leather kilt; Christina Aguilera cleans up in Versace; Andre 3000 of Outkast reminds me of that Simon character that Mike Myers did on Saturday Night Live (you know, "Hello, my name is Simon, and I like to do drawrings"); Beyonce looks like a cross between Emma Peel in The Avengers and Joan Rivers in Dynasty, circa 1986; Paris and Nicky Hilton...I'm going to cut them some sex-tape-scandal slack and just not comment; and Meg White makes a cute '60s homage, but Jack scarily resembles Michael Jackson (someone get that guy to Mystic Tan!).
J.Lo from head to toe
WWD reports that Warnaco will produce a line of J.Lo Intimates. Her love don't cost a thing, but her undies are expected to run a very non-Versace-like $24-$35. Expect the line to be in stores next fall.
Candy perfume girl
First, take a test to see which Chanel fragrance is right for you (I can't vouch for the test's accuracy, however--it told me I should wear Chanel N. 5, which is way too grandmotherly for me). Then enter to win a free gift set of the perfume of your choice.

Speaking of Chanel, their website is offering an inside look at Chanel's "secret places". These "secret places" include 31 rue Cambon (Chanel HQ), with tours by actresses Jeanne Moreau and Virginie Ledoyen, Carine Roitfeld (Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue), and Jacques Polge, the Chanel "nose". You can also watch Lady Amanda Harlech at the Ritz hotel and view the Fine Jewelry Salon at 18 Place Vendôme with Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Mouglalis, "actress and Chanel Ambassadress." Then pretend you're Elsa Schiaparelli and call Coco "the little bourgeoisie!"
Everybody goes to Hollywood (Tom Ford included)
Hey, look, it's Madonna day at Cheryl Shops! Anyway, the Times' Ginia Bellafante speculates on the prospect of Tom Ford becoming a director. She interviewed several Hollywood execs who were quite snarky ("There are plenty of people who pal around with top stars who can't convince them to be in their movies") but, of course, asked that their names not be used, for fear of offending a potential future player. Typical.

Also in today's Times, a Jersey resale shop for teens (second item).
You must be my Lucky star
Yes, it's once again time for my critique of this month's Lucky. Without further ado...
Cover: Model Josie Maran, who prompted MW to say, "She's pretty hot." Indeed.
p.29: Five lingerie websites, and I'd only heard of one. Well done!
p.39: I am a sucker for anything that sparkles. Here's a whole page of shiny party attire.
p.53: On a page about tiered chiffon, they have the most adorable Marc by Marc Jacobs dress that's perfect for the spring's "return of the dress." It has a multicolored clover print...and is $358. Aiiieee. Is it me or are his clothes getting more expensive? Here's hoping for a sale...
p.56: Three alternatives to Uggs: more expensive and still ugly.
p.62: Black dresses and strappy heels, all under $100, and all very ctue.
p.68: Veering slightly into Mafia wife territory with two pages of jeweled heels. Add some gold lame and shoulder pads and you have Michelle Pfeiffer in Married to the Mob.
p.89: My mom says only hookers wear dark red nail polish, but I still like it. My favorite color (not pictured here) is Hard Candy's Porno.
p.112: Eight bath products with evergreen scents, just in case you want to smell like a pine forest.
p.139: Gift guide, a.k.a. 20 pages of stuff to buy for yourself. Still, it has a lot of pretty cool items, and they're all affordable (unlike the gift guide of a certain magazine where I work, in which a lot of the "gifts" are in the four figures). Categories here include floral, brown & turquoise, animal prints, old-fashioned, $25 and under (this is where some of the best stuff is found), bound gifts, mod, and shiny.
p.164: A feature on party clothes...if you're going to an ugg-lee party!
p.180: A jewelry story featuring cuff bracelets, little rings, chandelier earrings (which, thankfully, don't seem to be going away anytime soon), and estate-style necklaces. I would wear pretty much anything pictured in these pages--it's all classy and simple.
p.188:"How to Look Good Bundled Up" (not to be confused with "I want to look good naked," from American Beauty) is, in theory, a good idea, but half of the models in this story are way too exposed to qualify as being "bundled up." Oh well, they probably shot the story in August.
p.212: WWKD? (What would Kate (Moss) do?) In summary, she'd wear an army jacket, a denim miniskirt, diamond earrings, aviators, the designer-bag-of-the-moment, and ballet flats.
p.218: A guide to shopping on the other Fifth Avenue...in Park Slope.
In today's Post...
...Sally Hershberger's $600 haircuts versus 10 cuts under $100, which, thankfully, doesn't mention my wonderful Paul or his place of employment (if it did, I'd never be able to get a haircut there again without a month's notice). The Post also joins Simon Doonan in arguing in favor of visible pany lines (yuck!). Also: Elie Tahari has yet another new line, Helen Wang goes Shopaholic, and pink is the new pink.
The week in shopping
Without further ado, this week's sample sales, events, etc.

Aeffe USA has Moschino, Gaultier, Narciso Rodriguez, Alberta Ferretti, and Pollini. Items are 60% below retail (starting at $25) and include Italian-made suits, ready to wear, sportswear, knits, eveningwear, dresses, leather, lingerie, and accessories. Unfortunately, this is a true sample sale, so only sizes 6-8 and medium will be available. 11/11-11/13, 10-6, 30 W. 56th St. (5th and 6th Aves.).

Marilyn Monroe wore Delman shoes, and that's good enough for me. They're having a sample sale featuring Delman shoes and boots, including their famous ballet slippers, for $85-$150 (formerly $175-$350); Nina styles are $30-$60 (formerly $69-$85); and samples (size 6-7M) are $30-$50. 11/12-11/19, 10-7 (closed Saturday and Sunday), 730 5th Ave. (56 and 57 Sts.), 8th floor.

Ladies shell out big bucks for Judith Leiber's evening bags, but at this sale they start at $100. 11/13-11/14, 8:30-3 Thursday and 8:30-4 Friday, 20 W. 33rd St. (5th and 6th Aves.), 2nd floor.

Wanna dress like Elizabeth Hurley? Go to the Versace sample sale Wednesday through Saturday. The sale includes men's, women's, and children's clothing from Versace, Versus, Versace Jeans, Couture, Versace Classic, and Versace Sport, marked down 60 percent or more, with prices starting at $30. Get out! 11/12-11/15, noon-7 weekdays, 10-5 Saturday, Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th and 7th Aves.), gallery on the 4th Floor.

Hey, pregnant chicks! You can buy a cheaper version of her line at Target, but if you like the luxe stuff, check out the Liz Lange Maternity Warehouse Sale. Items are up to 80% off and start at $20. 11/12-11/13, 8-6:30, 315 W. 36th St. (8th and 9th Aves.), 5th floor.

Vanessa Noel has some sexy, sexy shoes on sale for up to 75% off every day this week. Shoes are new and samples, and include pumps, boots, slingbacks, mules, sandals, and bridal shoes. Daily, 9-5, 158 E. 64th St. (Lexington and 3rd Aves.).

Who loves cashmere? I do, I do! Central Park West Cashmere is on sale for up to 50% off. All sizes and colors of turtlenecks, V-necks, scarves, basics, cashmere hoodies, and sweatpants, in chunky, basic, and tissue-weight knits, are available. 11/12-11/14, 9-6 Wednesday and Thursday and 9-4 Friday, 230 W. 39th St. (7th and 8th Aves.), 8th floor.

SoHo fashion palace Kirna Zabete is holding a spring 2004 preview (hey, it's never too early!) for designer Luisa Beccaria, with a cocktail reception Tuesday from 5-8. 11/10-11/11, 11-7, 96 Greene St. (Prince and Spring Sts.).

Spend $100 and get free shipping at Old Navy when you enter the code NOVFS100.

Buy a pair of shoes at SteveMadden.com and get $20 off a second pair.






For eBay lovers
My cranky operations manager, of all people, sent me this link. It's hilarious, especially if you're an eBay freak: Collection of 26 Beanie Babies from Ex-Wife
Weekend shopping
Yikes, kids, I've been ridiculously busy today! What is it about Fridays? Anyway, without further ado, some shopping ideas for the weekend...

Bloomingdales is having a home sale Saturday only. Check out a preview here (at your own risk--the website is a clunker), or go to the store (highly recommended).

Banana Republic is having a 30% off sale. I like these pants, this sweater (good for the gals who are lacking in the boob department), and these cute ballet shoes, which are quite trendy right now.

Loehmann's has a new shipment of designer goodies: Clothes from Dolce & Gabbana, Vivienne Westwood, Moschino, Valentino, and more Italians; and accessories from Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, Via Spiga, and others. Clearance merchandise is an extra 20% off, but unless you have three hours to kill, I'd recommend skipping those racks.

For the peeps in Queens: Today Sephora is opening a new store at 71-30 Austin Street in Forest Hills.

If you spend $50 at Lancome.com, enter code HOLIDAYTREATS at checkout and get the following gift with purchase (hooray for gift with purchase!): Sample-size Definicils mascara in Black, Rouge Absolu Creme lipstick in Port Glace (a brownish red color), Maquiriche Quad (um, that would be eyeshadow) in Honeymoon, Coquille, Noix, and Rustique (all neutral brownish shades), and a pot of Resolution D-Contraxol (i.e., fancy wrinkle cream).

Need some posters? Enter code C209133682416 at Art.com for 20% off.

My friend Kate is in town this weekend, so I get to take her shopping. Woo-hoo! Expect a full report on Monday.
Times bonus
Because one day of fashion per week simply isn't enough, the Times has graced us with some bonus fashion business stories. At Galleries Lafayette in Paris: Buy a thong, get a lesson from a "striptease artist" (apparently even strippers are artistes in France). Cathy Horyn weighs in on the Gucci "situation". Plus, what the Gucci "situation" will mean for Louis Vuitton.

Kind of not really related to shopping, but sort of, the Times also published a story on cupcakes. Yes, really. They use Magnolia Bakery in the lede, and since Magnolia is on the strip of Bleecker with the three Marc Jacobs stores, Lulu Guinness, Fresh, the new Ralph Lauren store, the Otter, etc., I think it's legitimate to mention it, because it's a good mid-shopping snack-break spot. So stop there (it's on Bleecker and 11th) and have a cupcake after you blow your paycheck at the Marc store across the street. There's nothing like a little sugar to soothe the soul.
Tidbits
Find Outlet (361 W. 17th btw. 8th and 9th; 229 Mott btw. Prince and Spring) has a new shipment of Nancy, Mon Petit Oiseau, Cynthia Steffe, and Julia.

Design Within Reach has opened yet another New York store at 76 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. Go here for more details.

Clothingline has booked a Joie sample sale for the week of December 15. (Don't forget Theory and Kulson starting December 6th.)

I got the invite for the November 15 Billion Dollar Babes sale. Should I go? E-mail me and tell me what you think. If you want to go, click here to RSVP.

Perfect 10
Lynn Yaeger hits East 10th Street and finds some eclectic stuff in this week's Village Voice.