Website of the week
Lately, I haven't been totally jazzed about clothes. I don't know if this is because of the weather, or my gaining and losing the same five pounds over and over again, or the fact that I'm low on funds (or maybe all of those reasons), but I just haven't felt like shopping for clothes much. (Don't worry, kids, I'll bounce back eventually.) But finding a website like the Oregon-based Le Train Bleu is inspiring. Named after the famous Ballets Russe ballet (with sets by Picasso and costumes by Chanel), there's a definite dancer's influence in their very focused selection of merchandise. They carry knitwear (a shrug, a wrap sweater) by dancer favorite K.D. Dids and leotards (the ballerina bodice leotard) by M Stevens, plus more mainstream but still delicate tops from Sweetees (one of my faves), skirts from Charlotte Ronson, and legwarmers from Dotsy (not the brand dancers prefer, but still cute). The site is incredibly easy to navigate: You can shop by category or just look at everything on one page--there's not a ton of stuff anyway. I like this Sweetees Winnie tunic, 'cause it's a little bit 80s, but it's still cute; of course I love anything with a butterfly on it; and these Dimensione Danza pants are super-hot in Italy (very appropriate, considering it's Milan Fashion Week). Items ship via Priority Mail, and as they seem to be clearing out a bunch of spring merchandise, there's a lot on sale. And if there's anything that can get me motivated to shop again, it's a good sale.
Buy it
So, last night MK and I (not Mary-Kate Olsen, dork) hit Bloomingdale's Soho for the "private" sale. Side note: The 59th Street store is usually a madhouse during any kind of sale, even if it's on a weeknight; Soho was not crowded at all, and actually quite serene. Another side note: I got a Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt and a Theory cashmere sweater for $49. Total. I think the salesgirl screwed up the coupons, but still, I was quite pleased with myself. Anyway, as I was waiting for MK, milling around the handbags, this Marc by Marc Jacobs Velvet Top-Knot bag had me at hello. Neiman Marcus shows it in dusty pink and teal (both of which Bloomie's had), but Bloomie's has it in this rich emerald green color, which, sadly, I can't seem to find on the Internet. It's beautiful, but it's $228, which, to me, is kind of a lot for a non-leather bag (especially when you can get this velvet hobo on sale at the Gap for $12). Still, I think I'm going to put it on my mental wish list, and if I happen to get a new job in the next month as my psychic in New Orleans predicted, I might just treat myself.
America's Next Top Model recap
So, last night on America's Next Top Model, there were--gasp!--two eliminations. The first was Magdalena, who I thought was pretty fugly anyway and who was deemed to be dead in front of the camera during the photo shoot in Jamaica. (Side note: The girls were flown from L.A. to NYC, then overnight to Jamaica. I'm guessing this was to show the girls how "hard" it is to be a jet-setting model shuttling around the world from job to job. Call me crazy, but after all that traveling, I think I'd be dead in front of the camera, too.) Ann, the jock, had a breakdown on the flight to Jamaica, then had another one when they got back to NYC because she and Eva weren't rooming together. Now, either this girl is 1) a drama queen, 2) codependent, 3) immature, or 4) all of the above. And considering Ann was almost booted off at the end (it was down to her and Leah, who got booted for having crazy eyes, having bad rhythm, and being too soccer mom-ish), I think she needs to calm the fuck down. As for Kelle, the "white girl with a dark tan," pretty much everyone was hating on her for being stuck-up, and refering to her mouth as a "monkey mouth" didn't do her any favors with the black girls on the show, but I admire Toccara (the plus-size girl) for talking to Kelle directly--Toccara is growing on me. Yaya obviously kicked ass at the photo shoot; she and Norelle are still my two favorites. Next week is the makeover episode, so then we'll see who's really got game. Also, the preview said that next week, one of the contestants will admit to another that she has an eating disorder (and the other contestant, of course, blabs to everyone else). My money's on Ann.
Daily digest
WWD: Reviews of Prada, Burberry Prorsum, Fendi, and Missoni and Bottega Veneta, D&G, Krizia, Anna Molinari, Trend Les Copains, and Bally; a new line of Calvin Klein jeans and Vintage Cool Things' rare Carhartt jeans (2nd item; the excellent Vintage Cool Things is a former Cheryl Shops website of the week); Ferragamo to close their Soho store; new Parisian shops (Paris Fashion Week starts on Monday); new French designers to watch; the Paris Fasihon Week calendar; and shopping at the slightly-hipper-now Ann Taylor.

NYT: The Italian shows so far; and why women love Marni (Marni, by the way, is one of my faves, probably behind Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu).

NYP: Score Sarah Jessica Parker's castoffs at The World's Largest Tag Sale.

NYDN: Fall's new fragrances; sales; and tidbits.

IHT: Raves for Prada, D&G, Burberry, and others; and Spiderweave, an incredibly strong new fabric.

WaPo: Delicate jewelry for fall.

The Daily: Reports from heavy hitters Gucci and Prada.

Plus, check out the Italian runway collections at Elle.com.
Good and bad
The good news is that I have a new computer with a screen large enough to view entire layouts without having to squint to read the text. The bad news is that it took the IT guy close to three hours to install everything, severely cutting into my blogging time. And now I have to run, 'cause I have to be somewhere at 6:30.

So, coming tomorrow: website of the week, ANTM recap, daily digest, and more.
Daily digest
WWD: Milan Fashion week reviews for Giorgio Armani/Emporio Armani, Pucci, and Blumarine and Alberta Ferretti, Marni, La Perla, and Pollini; another Geoffrey Beene obituary; how Fendi will reinvent itself; and the crazy-ass Neiman Marcus holiday catalogue (I'll give a full report on it as soon as I receive it in the mail).

IHT: Suzy Menkes reviews Armani, Pucci, Marni, and Pollini; the scoop on Ruffo Speciale; fashion jet-setters; and Italy's fashion schools.

VV: Lynn Yaeger on this weekend's dueling vintage shows; the NYC moth problem; and an ode to Geoffrey Beene.

The Daily: Runway reports from Armani and Pucci and Missoni, Alberta Ferretti, and Fendi and Prada; yet another ode to Geoffrey Beene; amazing TSE crocodile bags to go with your cashmere sweater; and a pro-voting T-shirt for fashion victims, designed by Patricia Field.

Lookonline.com: More on Geoffrey Beene.

Style.com: The runway's 1930s look, makeup-wise; and Tom Ford in print. Plus: runway shows.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: Built by Wendy is having a fall sample sale, with 50%-80% off previous-season fall merchandise. 9/30-10/2; 11-8 Thurs., 11-7 Fri., 11-6 Sat.; 193 Centre St. (Hester & Canal Sts.), 2nd floor.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store is taking up to 50% off decorative arts, jewelry, stationery, and more. 9/30-10/31; call 800-662-3397 for store locations and hours.

GeoArt by Cynthia Gale has sterling-silver-and-semiprecious-stone jewelry is on sale for $5 and up. Through 10/1; 10-6; 8 E. 36th St. (5th & Madison), 3rd fl.

Clothingline has French Connection outerwear, sweaters, pants, and more for men and women, for $5-$200. Through 10/1; 8:30-7:30, 8:30-6:30 Fri.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Super-luxe Loro Piana cashmere sweaters for men and women are wholesale and below at this sale. Through 10/1; 9-6:30, 9-5:30 Fri.; Parsons School of Design, 560 7th Ave. (at 40th St.), 2nd fl.

For the dudes, Loftworks is having a suit sale. When you mention, uh, "suit sale," get $50 off a regularly priced men's suit. Through 10/5; 100 Lafayette St.

Shop at the Short Hills Crate and Barrel this week and they'll donate 5% of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Through 10/3; 10-9, 10-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.

At Benefit, get a free Gilded (enter code FGGD) or Mr. Frosty (code FGMF) pencil, each a $16 value, with a $50 purchase through 9/30.

This week, Lord & Taylor is having a "private sale", but since I'm telling you about it now, it's not so private anymore. Click here for coupons. 9/30-10/2.

Loehmann's is having an early fall clearance; click here for an extra 15% off coupon. Also, starting tomorrow, they have new shoe arrivals from Prada, Miu Miu, Casadei, and more, for $59.99-$269.99 (originally $150-$800).

One of the best parts of shopping at Kiehl's is getting all the samples. Now, all online orders will get deluxe samples of Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser and Non-Soap Cleansing Bar, both in "unscented", through 10/1.

Gap is having a fall sale. Get free shipping on a $100 order when you enter code FALLSHIP. If you have a gap card, get 10% off your order and free shipping on a $75 order when you enter code CARDFALL.

Get free monogramming at the Company Store through 11/18.

Daszign.com has limited edition James 5-pocket heavy destroyed jeans, and they ship for free. Yay!

Oriac Design has added more products to their sale/clearance section.

It's last call for the spring/summer sale at Yoox, with up to 80% off Yoox's already discounted prices.

Newport News is having a private shoe sale through 10/4, but, again, it's not private anymore!

Bluefly has a new shipment of Diesel jeans, starting at a piddly $39.99. Hurry!

For the narrow-hipped, Delia*s has twill pants on sale for $29 (that's $10 off), plus get free shipping on a $25 order when you enter code DMFW425 at checkout.

It must be private sale week, because Bloomingdale's is also having one, tomorrow and Thursday only. 9/29-9/30, 10-10.

Get a free deluxe sample duo of Advanced Night Repair for face and eyes with any Estee Lauder purchase when you enter code ANRDUO at checkout through 10/11.

This week at the Shop at Style.com, Club Monaco, Burberry, Rafe bags, Fragments jewelry, and MD Skincare.

At Victoria's Secret, save $5 on a Body by Victoria, Angels, or Very Sexy bra when you enter code BRASAVE. Also, get a free pair of underwear when you enter code FREEPTY, and get free shipping on a $100 order, all through 10/20.

Hey, it's barely fall, but if you're already gunning for spring, click here to shop the Elie Tahari early spring collection at Saks.
Daily digest
WWD: It's now Milan Fashion Week, so, a review of Just Cavalli, Byblos, Mila Schön, and Debora Sinibaldi; luxury is where it's at; Christy Turlington's Nuala to take a different approach to yoga-inspired fashion; Generra is adding denim; and super-luxurious lingerie.

NYT: Innovative designer's designer Geoffrey Beene passed away today; websites for the sharp-dressed man; a Veruschka celebration and the Bergdorf magazine; the new UWS Barneys Co-op, described in a uniquely NYT style; the new Madison Avenue Searle store, which is two blocks away from the existing one at 57th and Mad; the Tyra Banks enigma; the pashmina is back! (did it ever leave?); and stuff to make your hair smell good.

NYP: Tori Spelling takes the $100 challenge; a service-oriented article and part one in a series on how to not look fat; tunic tops are the new belly tops; and sales.

IHT: Suzy Menkes on urban vs. country in London and the new It Brit; and shopping in Milan.

The Daily: Milan runway reports from Marni and Gibo and Emporio Armani and Pollini; cheeky Pop cosmetics; Myla's sexy but classy lingerie; and a hot croc bag.

Elle.com: More runway pics.

Daily Candy: Ladylike Allison Anne Conrad skirts.
Posts coming soon!
I forgot to mention that I'd still be in New Orleans yesterday and, thus, wouldn't be posting anything until today. So...the week in shopping and daily digest will be posted later today. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Weekend shopping
The Tribeca Grand Hotel is hosting a vintage designer sale featuring clothing and accessories from Halston, Gucci, Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, and others. 9/25; 2-6; 2 Sixth Ave. (Church & White Sts.), Sanctum Rm.

For the boozehounds out there, Union Square Wines & Spirits is offering a 26% discount if you buy 12 or more bottles of still wine. Through 9/26; 9-9, noon-6 Sun. (that's right, Sun.); 33 Union Square West.

Superhip furniture store Kartell has designs from Philippe Starck, Piero Lissoni, Ron Arad, and others for 10%-50% off. Through 10/11; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 39 Greene St.

You can also get 10% off all Kartell orders at Retromodern.com through 10/11.

At Victoria's Secret, get $15 off a $100 order, $30 off a $150 order, $75 off a $200 order, or $150 off a $500 order when you enter code ANGEL9 at checkout through 9/26.

Through 9/28 at Prescriptives, get a deluxe sample of Magic Illuminating Liquid Potion with purchase of Liquid Touch Compact Makeup, and get free shipping on all orders when you enter code PxFACE at checkout.

Get a free vase at Not Neutral when you spend $20; enter code "freevase" at checkout.

Get 25% off your order at Art.com when you enter code FramedArt at checkout.

Banana Republic is having a fall sale; plus, spend $125 and get free shipping when you enter code BRSTYLE1 at checkout.

Get an extra 15% off new fall/winter arrivals at Yoox when you enter code SAVEMORE@YOOX at checkout through 9/30.

And best for last, here's a coupon from Club Monaco; get 25% off your purchase 9/25-9/26.
Daily digest
WWD: Sex and the City outcast Kim Cattrall to model for Liz Claiborne (I'm sure my mom will love that).

The Daily: Only Hearts stores will carry Jelessy jeans; Alexander Wang cashmere; and ridiculously rich designers.

Elle.com: Sparkly stuff; kickass fur jackets (calm down, PETA people, some are faux); and Eley Kishimoto for Ellesse.
The Cheryl Shops fall shopping guide
Now that it's well after Labor Day and the temperature is starting to drop, it's time to do some serious fall shopping, if you haven't already. It ain't Lucky, but here is my version of a shopping guide: It's my favorite fall looks, organized by trend, then subcategorized by price (Madison Avenue = ay yi-yi, Soho = reasonable, and 34th Street = bargain). So, without further ado...

Velvet jackets
Madison Avenue: Yes, it's $1,600, but this Chloe velvet blazer is worth the investment. I also like this Moschino Cheap & Chic velvet jacket; it's a less practical color (dark pink), but the price is a bit more palatable.
Soho: An unexpected color (lilac) lightens up this Marc by Marc Jacobs velvet shrunken blazer. If pastels are too springy for you, there's Theory's dark purple blazer.
34th Street: Surprisingly, Nordstrom's essential blazer is, at $98, quite affordable. Of course, Old Navy's velvet blazer is, at $39.50, an even better bargain.

Denim trousers
Madison Avenue: Notify's Arum Trouser jean is the perfect marriage between jeans and trousers. I like the stripe around the waist of the Capital Tailors signature denim trouser.
Soho: The California-based Revolve Clothing has, as one would assume, several options, including the Yanuk Air Trouser, Paper Denim & Cloth's X-Low Slash Pocket trouser (my favorite), Blue Cult's Lindsay trouser, and Chip & Pepper's Uncle Jesse jeans.
34th Street: God bless Old Navy, which has five styles, all under $25: the angle-pocket jeans, flare trousers, flared ultra low-rise trousers, wide-waist trouser jeans, and just plain trouser jeans fit the bill.

Pencil skirts
Madison Avenue: No one does pencil skirts like Narcisco Rodriguez. But this DSquared2 skirt is a bit more rock'n'roll.
Soho: Miss Sixty's Eva skirt has a low-waisted cut that prevents the pencil skirt from being too stuffy. I also like the detailing on their Eva Rob skirt, in denim.
34th Street: Gap's stretch twill pencil skirt is basic and affordable. But Isaac Mizrahi's stretch tech skirt is the best bargain of all.

Fur
Madison Avenue: I love this faux fur Rebecca Taylor jacket. And this Juicy Couture jacket is a bit silly, but it's fun.
Soho: BCBG's fur shrug is affordable...and real. I also like their poncho.
34th Street: Newport News has one of the best-looking faux fur jackets I've seen in awhile. Another luxurious-looking option is this fur-trimmed suede cape, also from Newport News.

Leopard print
Madison Avenue: I am in love with this rabbit fur Andrew Marc jacket--the belt prevents the shape from being too bulky, and the real rabbit fur ensures you'll be warm at all times. And from Tom Ford's last collection for Yves Saint Laurent, these leopard wedge sandals will be a collector's item someday.
Soho: This D&G dress is ocelot (not leopard) and ridiculously sexy. Likewise, Lulu Guinness' fur capelet is PETA-friendly faux fur.
34th Street: This Harveys leopard skirt combines two trends in one (leopard and pencil skirt, duh). Faux and $13, Target's slip-through scarf is just a touch of leopard. Newport News is a leopard-print bonanza: check out this coat, this mini-hobo, and these boots.

Beaded sweaters
Madison Avenue: It's not really a sweater and it costs more than I make in a month, but, hey, rules are meant to be broken, especially when it comes to this out-of-this-world Marc Jacobs sequin top. A slightly more affordable, yet still attention-getting item, this Armand Diradourian sweater from Vivre is beaded to mimic the pattern of a crocodile. Wow.
Soho: This Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan looks vintage--3/4 sleeves and cropped fit--and modern at the same time. This Tibi cardigan is more on the traditional, and cute, side.
34th Street: Victoria's Secret's jeweled cardigan is great for day; its sequined cardigan is even better for night.

Round-toe pumps
Madison Avenue: I'm in love with their shoe line to begin with, but the Paul & Joe Sally shoe, Acier takes the cake. Of course, no one does round-toe shoes like Marc Jacobs.
Soho: Stuart Weitzman's tweed pump kills two trends--round toe and tweed--with one shoe. I also like his silk print version.
34th Street: Urban Outfitters' ICB Cherry Blossom pumps are unapologetically girly. Ever on trend, Victoria's Secret has all manner of round-toe pumps, from these slingbacks to these very Marc Jacobs contrast pumps.

Equestrian boots
Madison Avenue: These Francoise Hardy boots are more motorcycle than equestrian, but they're amazing nonetheless. Again, not exactly by-the-book equestrian boots, but I can only imagine the sheer bliss that comes from slipping your feet into these Malo shearling boots from Vivre.
Soho: The Sudini Anna riding boot is the perfect riding boot--and even comes in narrow and wide widths. I like the buckle and the practical-looking sole on these Banana Republic Urban ankle-buckle boots.
34th Street: Slightly more hippie than equestrian, Urban Outfitters' Liza boot is nonetheless a bargain, at $88. La Redoute's riding boots are authentic-looking and a great deal.

Brooches
Madison Avenue: The crazy colors in this strawberry brooch mean you can wear it with almost anything! Ditto for this sexy Kenneth Jay Lane serpent pin from Vivre.
Soho: I wouldn't have expected to find this $50 Adriana Orsini pave bow brooch at Saks, and I'm pleasantly surprised. Yochi's stem burst brooch is also a great option.
34th Street: Two of my favorite things, Banana Republic jewelry and butterflies, combine to make this supercute butterfly brooch. Urban Outfitters' flower and butterfly brooch is enameled, for a nice break from the ritzy rhinestones.

Tweed bags
Madison Avenue: This Celine bag combines leather and tweed for a totally classic look.
Soho: Leave it to Lulu Guinness to make this prim and proper tweed bag available in purple and green. I think every bag Lauren Merkin makes is destined to become a classic; this Darling bag is no exception.
34th Street: I think we can safely say that Gap has cornered the market on tweed bags. And this one's houndstooth, not tweed, but close enough: Anthropologie's houndstooth handbag.
America's Next Top Model recap
So, as you know, last night was the premiere of America's Next Top Model, and instead of jumping right into the competition, they went all American Idol on us and showed the 32 girls chosen to go to L.A., who were then narrowed down to 20 semifinalists, then to 14 finalists (who will actually compete on the show). Of course, there was a lot of craziness going down: a bar fight; Eve (a 19-year-old finalist from L.A.) hating on pretty much everyone, including an obviously anorexic contestant (who got cut); Amanda, one of the finalists, admitting she's legally blind and will be totally so in five years; lots of crying; and on and on. Now, while there's no clear Shandi (who was my favorite last year from the first episode on), there are definitely girls with potential. So, here's my super-OCD girl-by-girl analysis.

Amanda: She has totally goregous eyes...but she can't see out of them so well (she's the blind one). I also have a feeling her age (25) and the fact that she has a two-year-old son will work against her. Which is too bad, because she seems like she has her shit together.

Ann: An all-American athlete, she seems pretty good-natured and relaxed, and she kind of reminds me of Adrienne, the winner of the first ANTM. I don't know whether that's a good or bad thing (so far, Adrienne doesn't have much of a career).

Cassie: A 19-year-old Oklahoman who's stripping to pay for her education, she doesn't seem very stripper-y (i.e., no ginormous fake boobs). But I have a feeling her occupation is going to work against her at some point. Then again, Anna Nicole Smith started out as a stripper...

Eva: Definitely a feisty one, she looks like Jenascia from last season and, like Jenascia, is also Kate Moss short: 5' 7". While she's pretty, I think her looks, her attitude, or both are going to get in the way.

Jennipher: Dumb spelling aside, Jennipher is pretty, but she didn't make much of an impression on me--which isn't a good sign. Also, I bet Janice Dickinson is going to be on her ass to lose some weight (hey, don't shoot the messenger--models need to fit into sample sizes).

Julie: Obviously, this season, Tyra is trying to make the show more multicultural, and Julie is the show's first contestant of Indian descent. I think she's really beautiful though, and the fact that she names Spaceballs as one of her favorite movies is pretty fucking awesome.

Kelle: The "white black girl", Kelle has a great body and beautiful skin. But so far, not much personality.

Kristi: Ah, yes, the Republican. If she doesn't totally annoy everyone first, I have a feeling she'll get the boot for looking "too commercial."

Leah: This Catholic girl from Oklahoma said she had no problem with nudity ("Nude me up!"), but she's 24, which is definitely middle-aged in the modeling world.

Magdalena: She photographs okay, but I'm not too impressed. The French would call her jolie-laide; I'd call her kind of fugly.

Nicole: This "former punk" North Dakotan basically admitted to the judges that she's bisexual, especially under the influence of alcohol. Interesting. The fact that she lists Maxim as one of her favorite magazines makes me a bit suspicious, however.

Norelle: This girl is my favorite thus far. She's young (20) and definitely has the body for modeling. She has braces, too, but they're coming off "soon." And she said that she loves Paris Hilton...well, like I said, she's young.

Toccara: A.k.a., the plus-size girl. There's always one per show, but, hey, let's face it, she's not going to win. In fact, I don't think it's even fair to make one plus-size girl compete with 13 "regular" models (granted, "America's Next Top Plus-Size Model" doesn't quite have the same ring, does it?)--we all know that as soon as Toccara tries to stuff her "200 in the trunk, what?" badonk-a-donk into a couture gown, she's outta there.

Yaya: I think Yaya is awesome and everyone is going to love her, because she seems really sweet (a la Mercedes from last season) and she's frickin' smart (goes to Brown, speaks three languages). Her skin is a bit on the broken-out side, but that's nothing a little chemical peel can't fix. Also, she's gorgeous.

So I'm gunning Norelle and Yaya. Of course, after next week's episode, when they actually start modeling, this all could change. But those are my early favorites. Also, feel free to discuss in the "comments" section at the bottom of this post.
Daily digest
WWD: London Fashion Week reviews of Giles Deacon, Julien Macdonald, Eley Kishimoto, Pringle, Preen, Boudicca, Jonathan Saunders, Miki Fukai, and Emma Cook; a Victoria's Secret TV special to air on T&A-friendly VH1; the death of the juniors department; the new Barneys Co-op West Siiiiide; and Monique Lhuillier, designer of Britney's wedding/not-really-a-wedding gown.

IHT: Suzy Menkes on London Fashion Week.

NYP: For true fashion vicitms, Bag Borrow or Steal, a designer handbag rental service.

NYDN: "Masstige" shoes; Victoria's Secret has created brooch-adorned thongs (2nd item); and sales.

The Daily: London Fashion Week reports from Julien Macdonald, Eley Kishimoto, Preen, and Ashish and Temperley, Jonathan Saunders, Emma Cook, and Gardem; Sacco is 25; even though Rich Girls sent Ali Hilfiger to rehab, dad Tommy Hilfiger to debut his own reality show; and Hollywould frocks.

And, of course, more runway reports at Elle.com.
Administrative notes
(1 I'm shivering with anticipation over tonight's America's Next Top Model premiere, at 8 on UPN. Expect a full report tomorrow.

2) I'm hard at work on the long-delayed Cheryl Shops fall preview. Hopefully I'll post it sometime tomorrow.

3) In the meantime, here's another not-entirely-fashion-related article on Gwyneth Paltrow, whom I love and admire, but whom a lot of people, well, don't. The story praises her acting, not necessarily her style (the real reason I like her, of course), but I think it's quite well-written, so I'm posting it. Enjoy.
Daily digest
WWD: London fashion emporium Browns gets a makeover; spring knits; and cult knitwear line Inhabit will cut its prices to broaden its appeal.

NYO: Imitation of Christ's mobile "store" (can this label get any more ridiculous?); and Simon Doonan pushes the Macrobiotic diet. Unrelated-to-fashion bonus: Noelle Hancock's hilarious article on the death of the fuck buddy (by the way, I know Noelle, and whoever her former FB is, he's an idiot--she's hot).

VV: Lynn Yaeger laments the "Republican" looks from the spring runways.

The Daily: Nicole Miller launches a lower-priced line.

Style.com: Emmys fashion; what's cool in London, in honor of London Fashion Week; and for idiots like me who forget to charge their phone, the Cellboost.

Hintmag.com: In Shoptart, Dior Homme watches, A. Cheng fashion, Comme des Garcons (again), and more.
Website of the week
I love buying gifts for people (I like shopping in general, not just for myself), but some people are downright impossible to shop for (my dad, for one). Thankfully, when you're at a loss, there are gift shops, or their modern-day equivalent, gift websites. So if Red Envelope is your mom, Wishingfish.com is your best friend. Everything is bright, colorful, and funky, with a sense of humor. And while there is not a ton of merchandise (organized by self-explanatory categories like "office" and "bath & body"), it's all carefully selected and appealing. Some items are pretty kitschy, like this monogrammed toilet paper or the hilarious festival of carbs magnets; other items are slightly more classy, like the ginko tree kit, the yoga bag, and the Dewey Howard mini-journals (a bargain at $8 each). And, of course, there are things you'll, well, want to buy for yourself: the personal library kit; the hip yoga mat; the smores maker; and the garden kits. Hey, no one said you have to give gifts only to other people!
Daily digest
WWD: From London Fashion Week, reviews of Paul Smith, Eley Kishimoto Ellesse, Nicole Farhi, Clements Ribeiro, and Temperley; an Emmy fashion report; and the next generation of TV style icons.

NYT: Cathy Horyn's roundup: designers played it safe; and subtle designers (who knew there was such a thing?).

NYP: What Joan Rivers would've said at the Emmys.

The Daily: Yet another runway report; crazy spring hats on the runway; pictures from London Fashion Week; and a "statement" shoe.

Elle.com: More runway coverage.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: Baby, it's cold outside (or at least it is in my office), so hit Cashmere 5th Ave and stock up on half-price cashmere sweaters and accessories (check out the website for a preview--they're really cute!). 9/21-9/23; 10-7; 242 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 10th fl.

Another good option for cashmere is White + Warren, whose colorful knits are 60% off (cashmere sweaters are now $85-$225). 9/22-9/23; 8-6; 80 W. 40th St., 3rd fl.

Girly girls rejoice: Calypso's warehouse sale features their signature flirty clothing and accessories for up to 80% off. 9/23-9/26; 10-7, noon-6 Sun; 407 Broome St.

Find Outlet has a bunch of fall merchandise from Lemon, Walter, Alice + Olivia, and others for 50% off. 9/23-9/26; noon-8; 361 W. 17th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Tourneau's new and pre-owned watches, jewelry, eyewear, and pens are up to 70% off. Through 9/23; 9-6:30; Parsons School of Design, 560 7th Ave. (at 40th St.), 2nd fl.

Han Feng's Eastern-inspired womenswear is up to 95% off at this clearance sale. Through 9/24; 9-7, 9-5 Thurs. and Fri.; 333 W. 39th St.(8th & 9th Aves.), 12th fl.

Valerio888's amber jewelry set in sterling silver is up to 60% off. Through 9/25; 11-7; 35 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 3rd fl.

At former Cheryl Shops website of the week Lush.com, spend $80 and get free shipping and a free Honey Bee Bomb; spend $65 and get a free Honey I Washed the Kids soap when you enter code FREEHONEY at checkout.

If you haven't figured it out by now, Lord & Taylor pretty much has a sale every week. Click here for coupons.

Thursday is the beauty event at Bergdorf's. Get a gift certificate for $25 off a $100 purchase, plus there will be a DJ, cocktails, and free makeovers. 9/23; 10-9; 5th Ave. at 57th St.

This week at the Shop at Style.com, Bebe clothes, Kooba bags, Dr. Hauschka skincare, Earl Jeans, and J. Maskrey jewelry.

Spend $150 and get free shipping at eLuxury.com through 9/27 when you enter code SEPT at checkout.

Clothingline has kicked off their first fall sale with Milly, Velvet, Vakko leathers, and more. 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.
Daily digest
WWD: Celebs' Fashion Week faves; DSquared2 undies; and Vertigo returns. (Slow news day, kids.)

NYT: TV critic Virginia Heffernan on Emmys fashion and the absence of Joan Rivers; and Richard Chai, this season's hyped new designer.

NYP: September is challenging fashion-wise... so, the Post offers tips for transitional dressing; in case you've been living under a rock, cropped pants are in for fall, as is the preppy look; plus, sales and more on Karl Lagerfeld's H&M collection. Bonus for the guys: five top barbershops.

The Daily: One last runway report; tiny waists and bolero jackets are big trends for spring; Merle Ginsburg on Emmys fashion; and an interesting Donna Karan bag, that, finally, she didn't rip off of someone else (2nd item).

Lookonline.com: Marilyn Kirschner reflects upon the best and worst of Fashion Week.

Saks.com: Saks has a convenient trend roundup from the New York shows.

Elle.com: Apparently, only Elle cares about the London collections, which started showing today. Also, Emmys fashion (by the way, whoever got Jennifer Aniston into that gorgeous, non-black Chanel Couture gown gets my praise).
Weekend shopping
I bet you woke up this morning and thought, "Gee, I'd really like to buy some new upholstered furniture this weekend." If so, you're in luck, because The Conran Shop's upholstery sale starts tomorrow, with savings of 20% on its most popular sofas and armchairs. Yay! 9/18-10/3; 11-8, 10-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 407 E. 59th St. (at 1st Ave.).

If you feel like getting out of the city this weekend, head up to White Plains for the Vintage Clothing, Estate Jewelry, and Textile Show, featuring more than 100 exhibitors, plus a cash prize on Sunday for the person wearing "the most vintage attire" (hey, it's $250 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third). Admission is $8. If you take the Metro North to White Plains, it's a six-minute walk. 9/18-9/19; 10-5 Sat., 10-4 Sun.; Westchester County Center, Rte 100 Tarrytown Road, White Plains, NY.

If you'd rather stay in the city, head to the Metropolitan Pavilion for their Fall Antiques & Decorative Arts Show, which features jewelry, art, objets d'art, and knickknacky stuff. Admission is $10. 9/18-9/19; 11-6; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

In celebration of their new Cryste Marine cream, get free ground shipping on a $30 order at Kiehls.com when you enter code MARINE through 9/20.

At Stila, receive a free lip color sample pack featuring shades Luce, Natalie, and Pixie, with every order through 10/3.

At Laura Mercier get a free Mimosa Luxury soap (it smells sooo good) with your purchase of any two bath and body products through 9/30.

Get an extra 10% off any Dior item at Metroluxury.net when you enter code MLSC.

Gabay's has a new shipment of designer handbags and shoes by Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and more, for 50%-60% off.

Beauty.com, a website after my own heart, has a special gift-with-purchase page for suckers like me.

Select lines are now up to 70% off at the Agent Provocateur online sale. Sadly, no bras in my size...

To celebrate the arrival of fancy-schmancy Jo Malone, Gloss.com is offering either free shipping on a $50 order (enter code JMSHIP) or a sample of Amber & Lavender cologne (enter code JMALS) or a sample of Honeysuckle & Jasmine cologne (enter code JMHJS), all through 9/22. Plus, all orders get a free sample of Clarins mini waterproof eye pencil in violet through 9/20.

At Design Within Reach, save 10% on any six dining chairs (for the design rebels out there, no, they don't have to match) through 9/24. Sorry, no Herman Miller, Kartell, or previously marked-down chairs.

At Beautyhabit.com, get a free "Feel Good--Vote" soap with a $50 order through 10/15 when you enter code VOTE at checkout.

Get an extra 25% off clearance items and tagged new arrivals in the Back Room at Loehmann's. (I was there recently, and they have a lot of new fall merchandise, including a lot of my fave Marc by Marc Jacobs--shoes as well as clothes.) And if you have insider points, now's the time to bust out your coupons.

Buy two pair of regular-priced jeans at Bloomingdale's this weekend and get 15% off your purchase.

And, not to be outdone by the Conran Shop, Crate & Barrel is also having an upholstery sale, with 20% off pre-made items on the website and 25% of in-store custom jobs.
Daily digest
WWD: A report on Fashion Week accessories showings; a few more reviews of the stragglers; what retailers think about the collections; and details on Karl Lagerfeld's H&M line (it hits select stores November 12).

The Daily: Catch-up reports on Behnaz Sarafpour, Narciso Rodriguez, Monique Lhuillier, Andrew Harmon, and Cloak; and Catherine Malandrino, Roland Mouret, Camilla Staerk, Liz Lange, and BCBG.

Style.com: Candy Pratts Price picks hip downtown boutiques; and a crazy bath treatment.

Daily Candy: Slow and Steady Wins the Race bags (that's my favorite cliche, by the way); Afghani Tarsian & Blinkley tops; and amazing Henry Beguelin riding boots.
Labels I love
Once upon a time, in the late '80s and early '90s, when Linda, Christy, Naomi, and Cindy ruled the runways, there was a highly regarded fashion designer named Isaac Mizrahi. But after a few poor-selling collections, his backer, Chanel, pulled the plug, and Isaac was forced to close his business. He then dabbled in Off-Broadway theatre, costume design, writing comic books, and hosting a TV show on Oxygen. But, finally, last year he returned to fashion with a high-end made-to-order couture business and a low-priced line for Target, hitting both ends of the fashion spectrum. Target, of course, deserves praise for their democratization of design--bringing well-regarded architect Michael Graves, makeup artist Sonia Kashuk, and Swell doyennes Cynthia Rowley and Illene Rosenzweig to design home accessories, makeup, and linens, respectively, for the chain. But I think their collaboration with Isaac is by far their best to date. While the Mossimo for Target collection tends to be trendy, Isaac's is more classic but not at all frumpy. The basic Stretch Tech collection is great for the working girl, with its mix-and-match elements. The hunting jacket looks basic at first glance, but has suede elbow patches--a detail that makes the jacket feel a little more luxurious. The trench coat is very classic, but the fact that it comes in violet is unexpected and unique. The accessories are amazing as well: I have the Essie black flats, which are very Mischa Barton and go with everything, and I recently bought these Nikki brown croc pumps, which are neither croc nor croc-stamped leather (they're PVC), but they're quite comfortable and, at $27, an incredible bargain. The North/South tote actually is leather and looks a lot more expensive than its $30 price tag. And speaking of prices, most items in the line are under $30, a price that's great for trendy stuff you won't be wearing a year from now, but even better for such classic pieces. With such great style and attention to detail, I can only imagine how decadent Isaac's couture line must be.
Website of the week
Since I am now wearing the proper bra size, I have this overwhelming urge to buy a ton of new bras. So, lucky for me, I came across Figleaves.com, a monster of a website that carries over 170 brands and ships to 66 countries. You can search by size, brand, keyword, or product, and you can narrow down your results by color, occasion, price, style, and whether there are matching items (say, coordinating underwear). Shipping is free with a $30 purchase (not at all difficult to achieve), and first-time customers get a coupon for $5 off a $35 purchase (again, not difficult). While they have the old standbys (Warners, Olga, Maidenform) and department store mainstays (Aubade, Chantelle, La Perla), they carry an incredible selection of hard-to-find European brands like Bas Bleu, Gossard, Princesse Tam-Tam, and Rigby & Peller. For the busty gals, there's a full-figure department, and a lot of the bras are beautiful--not like the harness-like contraptions you find in the department stores--and some come in sizes up to a JJ cup. I also saw a lot of nursing bras, sports bras, and adhesive braas (for backless/strapless dresses and such). And in addition to bras and underwear, they also carry hosiery, swimwear, sleepwear, and men's undergarments. I like this Mary Green chemise, which is sexy but not over the top, and quite affordable; Malizia's Elegance line, made by La Perla, is cute and on sale; Princesse Tam-Tam's Carte du Tendre line is very French--chic and feminine; of course, I like anything with butterflies, such as these Pink Piranha butterfly pants; and I think every girl could use some Dolce & Gabbana leopard print to spice up her life. And, of course, before you go crazy, heed my lesson and check out their tips for selecting the right size.
Fashion Week catch-up II
WWD: Reviews for Chado Ralph Rucci, Carmen Marc Valvo, Peter Som, Nanette Lepore, and Wunderkind; big names Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Narciso Rodriguez; Ghost, Alex Grant, and Shelley Steffee; a bunch of designers you've probably never heard of; Betsey Johnson, Ellen Tracy, BCBG Max Azria, Halston, Rebecca Taylor, and Douglas Hannant; experimentalists Vivienne Tam, Reem Acra, United Bamboo, Kulson, Twinkle by Wenlan, Y & Kei, and Nom*D; an interesting juxtaposition of Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, and Michael Kors; another bunch of designers you've never heard of; more heavy hitters Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui, and Tuleh; J. Mendel, Catherine Malandrino, Menichetti, Luca Luca, Roland Mouret, and VPL; girly designers Jill Stuart, Dana Buchman, Derek Lam, Jennifer Nicholson, Milly, and Norman Norell; and a bunch of smaller, focused designers. Whew! Plus, a textile report.

NYT: Huge raves for Calvin Klein; another Marc Jacobs/Donna Karan/Michael Kors review; De La Renta et al.; crafts in fashion; and raves for J. Mendel.

NYP: A trend roundup.

NYO: Brief reviews.

The Daily: Reports from Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, Jill Stuart, Pamella Roland, and Milly; Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, and J. Mendel; Ralph Lauren; Calvin Klein; DVF; Carlos Miele and Luca Luca; Jennifer Nicholson; Tuleh; Derek Lam and Menchetti; and Oscar de la Renta as reviewed by Tina Knowles (Beyonce's mom). Plus: an interview with Michael Kors, sportswear god.

Lookonline.com: Reviews of Oscar, Marc, and J. Mendel; Michael Kors and Narcisco Rodriguez; and raves for Chado Ralph Rucci and Ralph Lauren.

Plus, check Elle.com and Style.com for more detailed reports.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: Supercool sister stores Auto and Move Lab have Meatpacking district-worthy home and fashion accessories from Lola, Dwell, and Virginia Johnson, plus overstock and samples from others, for 30%-80% off. 9/16-9/19; 11-7, noon-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 805 Washington St.

From my days as a fashion intern, I remember RM Designs/Reva Mivasagar had incredibly nice PR people--a rarity. So check out the designer’s soft, romantic sheaths, bias cuts, and A-line bridal gowns for up to 80% off. 9/16-9/26; noon-6, closed Sun.; 10 W. 18th St., 4th fl., by appointment only (call 212-372-2804).

For the dog who's dressed better than you, Kwigy-Bo and Ella Dish’s fancy doggywear and accessories start at $10. 9/15-9/16; noon-7:30 Wed., noon-7 Thurs.; 501 7th Ave. (at 37th St.), ste. 508.

Chelsea Wine Vault has incredibly nice salespeople, and now all of their still wines are 15% off. 9/16-9/18; 10-9, 10-8 Sat.; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (at 15th St.).

It's autumn sale time at Property, where their contemporary home furnishings are 20% off. Through 9/19; 10-6, noon-6 weekends; 14 Wooster St.

At Push, select platinum, gold, and silver designs with precious and semi-precious stones are 30%-60% off. Through 9/30; 12-7, 1-6 Sun.; 240 Mulberry St.

Luxury linen retailer Poggesi is moving, so their merchandise--including 400 thread-count sheets, duvets, and blankets--is up to 90% off.Through 9/20; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 156 Wooster St.

Alexia Crawford's excellent semiprecious jewelry, bags, and scarves are $5-$20 at this sample sale (that's up to 70% off wholesale). Through 9/25; 11-7, noon-6 Sat., closed Sun.; 35 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 6th fl.

It may be past Labor day, but Clothingline is continuing their Summer Blowout Sale for two more days, and prices start at just $5. 9/14-9/15; 10-7 Tue., 10-6 Wed.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Oriac Design is having a sale, with up to 50% off their modern furniture and home accessories.

At Beauty Cafe, get a free Ganache for Lips lip balm with your $80 order when you enter code Ganache at checkout (add the Ganache to your cart first).

It's time for the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus: Spend $85 on makeup, skincare, and fragrance and get a free tote filled with 14 samples when you enter code BEAUTY09.

This month at Rock Paper Scissors, get 25 free personalized Crane's notes when you order at least 50 (Crane's is high-quality paper), and for those of you who like to plan ahead, get 10% off all holiday (read: Christmas) cards.

This week at the Shop at Style.com, Fernanda Niven bags, A by Andrea Barna jewelry, Tracie Martyn skincare (gooood stuff), Georgina Goodman shoes, Adam + Eve tees, Lucky jeans, and Piaffe beauty.

Lord & Taylor's shoe sale starts 9/15; click here for coupons.
Fashion Week catch-up
WWD: Reviews for Matthew Williamson, Zang Toi, Christopher Deane, Zaldy, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Benjamin Cho, and Thakoon; Gen Art's youngsters; Custo Barcelona, Richard Chai, Atil Kutoglu, Tess Giberson, and Charles Alexander; big names DKNY, Behnaz Sarafpour, Zac Posen, Baby Phat, and Cynthia Rowley; and the crazies Miguel Adrover, Stephen Burrows, Jeremy Scott, As Four, Luella, and Lilly Pulitzer. And from last week: Big names Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Cynthia Steffe, Heatherette, Lacoste, and Jeffrey Chow; designers with followings Tracy Reese, Alvin Valley, Matthew Earnest, Gottex, Sass & Bide, and Sebastian Pons; opening-day raves Perry Ellis, Kenneth Cole, Costello Tagliapietra, Project Alabama, Doo.Ri, and Tocca; and Imitation of Christ, Ruffian, and Sari Gueron.

NYT: Cathy Horyn on spotlight-stealing young designers; for spring, lots of designers are ripping off Prada; Cathy Horyn raves for Zac Posen and Alice Roi; another big trend is ethnic; more raves for Carolina Herrera; models are back (did they ever leave?); and a first-day roundup.

NYP: The Post, as you'd imagine, seems to care more about behind-the-scenes gossip than the clothes themselves; for the poop, read their style section.

NYDN: Ladylike looks.

The Daily: Runway reports from Proenza Schouler, Jeffrey Chow, Carolina Herrera, Esteban Cortazar, Tommy Hilfiger, and Bill Blass and Alvin Valley, Sass & Bide, Tracy Reese, Duckie Brown, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, and Heatherette; gold is in; plus, more runway reports in the news section.

Lookonline.com: Prints are huge for spring; a Norman Norell revival; more on Prada knock-offers; more raves for Zac Posen; romance at Alice Roi; and Yeohlee's hot subway show.

Plus, find detailed runway reviews and pictures at Style.com and Elle.com.



Sorry!
My sincerest apologies for the lack of posts yesterday and today--I had to play nurse yesterday, then today I was subjected to sweatshop-like working conditions. Slight warning: Posts next week might be spotty as well.
Daily digest
WWD: Hey, did you know it's Fashion Week? Here's the full schedule. Plus, Beyonce finally names her clothing line and thankfully, it's not "A Touch of Couture"; I cannot wait to buy everything in the Stella for Adidas line (look at the pictures! Wow!); designers' crazy-ass inspirations; and more on the inexplicable Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit shoes.

NYT: The friggin' sweet Manhattan Home Depot opens on Friday.

NYDN: Yet another boutique in the Meatpacking District: Puma to open shop on 14th Street.

NYO: An incredibly barfy proflile of Scoop owner Stefani Greenfield.

The Daily: Fashion Week preview.

Style.com: A Fashion Week preview; the history of the trench coat; new beauty treats; makeup artists' top 10 essentials; and crazy-colored jeans.

Elle.com: Zac Posen handbags.
Website of the week
Last week Defamer linked to the most hilarious blog I've ever read--I was laughing so hard, I had tears streaming down my face and snot coming out of my nose, and I think I scared our new interns. The blog is Go Fug Yourself, and it's written by two bitches (I mean that in the nicest way possible) named Heather and Jessica, who critique celebrities' awful, awful outfits and atrocious facial features (hence "fugly" or "fug" for short, a combination of "fucking ugly" for those of you who are out of the slang loop). While the titles of the posts themselves are hilarious (Blowin' Me Up With His Fug for JC Chasez, So Fug Today for Hillary Duff), the write-ups are just priceless. Are You Gonna Fug My Way had me and my boss rolling on the floor ("Unless you are an angel, a bird, or a maxi-pad, you should not have wings"), and I thoroughly enjoyed Before Fugrise, I'm a Slave for Fug, and Fuglias. Ah, if only the Us Weekly Fashion Police were this funny...
Cheryl shops...Woodbury Commons
Much like eating a Jacques Torres chocolate then having a Hershey's Kiss, once you shop at Woodbury Commons, you can't go back to regular outlet malls. Seeing as how it had been a year and a half (!) since I'd last been there, I persuaded MW to stop there on the way back from Pennsylvania on Monday (granted, it was an hour out of the way and I made MW wake up at 8 so we could fit in a full day of shopping, but whatever). I remembered shopping there a few years ago on Labor day and not thinking it was too crowded...so, of course, when we arrived, there were state troopers directing traffic, and we ended up parking closer to the highway than to the mall itself. And, yes, it was crowded beyond belief, but for some reason, most of the people seemed to be outside, not actually in the stores.

So, as for the stores themselves, most of them were completely ransacked--Neiman Marcus Last Call, where I usually go to town, had stuff that interested me at first (an Alexander McQueen sweater, a Chloe blouse, a Marni top, a Marc Jacobs dress), then turned out to be a disaster (pills on the sweaters, black marks, runs, etc.). Gucci, as usual, was a mess, as was the Burberry outlet, where MW and I took a step in, then, upon seeing the piles of clothes and general mayhem, immediately stepped out. Same with the Gap and Banana Republic outlets. La Perla, which normally has incredibly good deals, marked most of their merchandise down only 50% (call me cheap, but at an outlet mall, I don't want to pay $250 for a bra and underwear, no matter how gorgeous they are). Barneys was also quite disappointing: The majority of their merchandise is now private label stuff, which eliminates the thrill of finding a pair of Miu Miu shoes for $49, as I did once. Space (the Prada/Miu Miu store) was overpriced as always and, except for shoes and some bags, had no Miu Miu merchandise. The Chanel store had a total of, like, 14 items for sale. And Wolford sucked as usual (unless you're an extra-small, in which case it's a bonanza). I also noticed that the Club Monaco outlet no longer exists, and that the Studio 7 outlet (which had Celine, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, and Christian Lacroix) is now just a Celine outlet.

But I did have some success. Off Fifth (the Saks outlet) had an incredible selection of Sigerson Morrison shoes; I had four pair in my hands, but MW convinced me to downsize to one pair (metallic periwinkle flats for $120, from $365). I managed to find a bra for $25 at La Perla (after much digging). And the Theory outlet is now officially one of my favorites: I got a tank top and a pair of Max C pants for $60 (for some reason, Theory pants never fit me well, but I am now a convert). I'd never seen the Diesel outlet before; their jeans were still pricey but 50% off--an excellent deal considering they rarely go on sale. MW got a cool pair of sneakers at the Puma store (a mob scene as well), and North Face had a lot of winter parkas at very affordable prices, although most of them were powder blue or black. There was also a lot of cute stuff at the Earl Jeans store (which was also new to me) at reasonable prices.

All in all, it was a pretty successful trip, although I doubt I'll ever go back on Labor Day weekend. The problem with outlets is that they're rarely consistently good; I guess the point is that you have to keep going back...and spending money on things you don't really need, like metallic periwinkle flats.
Guest shopper
Michelle went to Jersey Gardens (the Jersey outlet mall) over the weekend. Here's her report:

I took a trip to Jersey Gardens on Saturday. The mall is huge and depressing, but there are deals to be had. The Off Fifth and Neiman's Last Call has pretty good sales going on (Theory stuff is dirt cheap). But the coup of the day had to be Filene's Basement, of all places! They have racks of Barneys New York stuff for as little as $29.99 (a men's cashmere sweater was originally $400 plus, not $99 to $110). They also have Barneys shoes and boots for $39.99 and up. I was pretty surprised.

While the Filene's in the city tend to be pretty crappy, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the stuff and the prices in Jersey: Paper Denim and Blue Cult jeans for about $25 (in pretty small sizes, 24-28), and tons of other stuff at 60% off clearance price. I'm still wiping the drool.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: It's time for Showroom Seven's twice-yearly sample sale, where you'll find Luella (the Gisele bag is $429), Erickson Beamon, Petro Zillia, and others for at least 60% off. Through 9/17; 10-7; 498 7th Ave. (at 36th St.), 24th fl.

Meet shoe goddess Nancy Geist, quaff some champagne, and get a 10%-15% discount. 9/9; 4-8; 107 Spring St.

If you think shoe sales are crazy, they're nothing compared to Paragon Sports' annual sale, where all sports gear is 50%-80% off. Beware 'roid rage. 9/9-9/13; 24 E. 18th St. (at Broadway).

For the investment banker or corporate lawyer in your life, Crouch & Fitzgerald has a selection of conservative yet well made leather briefcases on sale for $99 (normally up to $350). 9/10-9/30; 9-7, 9-6 Sat., closed Sun.; 400 Madison Ave. (at 47th St.).

Bark is, despite its misleading name, a store for people, not for dogs. And they're moving, so they're having a sale, featuring Paul Smith men's shirts, bedding, and more. Through 9/26; noon-7, noon-6 Sun., closed Mon.-Tues.; 369 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Nancy Cohen's handcrafted semiprecious jewelry is up to 75% off (normally $110-$550) at this sale. 9/10-9/11; 11-7 Fri., 10-2 Sat.; W New York, 541 Lexington Ave. (at 50th St.), Waterfall Room.

Go ahead, laugh, but Omnia’s entire line of fancy-schmancy hardware (we're talking $200 doorknobs, here) is 40% off at Gracious Home. 9/9-10/8; 1220 3rd Ave. (at 70th St.), 1992 Broadway (at 67th St.).

Get up to 70% off at the Victoria's Secret online sale.

Save up to 50% on sexy, sexy lingerie at Agent Provocateur's annual online sale.

Gloss.com has all manner of limited-edition Bobbi Brown products; also, get a free .24 oz BB Vitamin Enriched Face Base sample with your BB order when you enter code BBVITA at checkout.

If you haven't experienced Bergdorf Goodman's online shop, take a look, and get free shipping through 9/9 when you enter code FREESHIP.

Check out the Beautyhabit.com specials for September (Beautyhabit.com is a former Cheryl Shops website of the week).

Save up to 60% at West Elm's end of summer sale.

Loftworks has new arrivals from Nicole Miller, French Connection, Joie, Blue Cult, and more for up to 60% off retail.

Chefscatalog.com has a selection All-Clad merchandise on sale for $99.99. And when you spend $300 on All-Clad merchandise, get a free seven-inch frying pan and one-quart saucepan (a $144 value)!

Get a free Manolo Blahnik-illustrated makeup bag when you drop $600 on the best shoes ever at Neiman Marcus through 9/11.

Former Cheryl Shops website of the week Vintage Cool Things just obtained several pristine pairs of vintage round-toe pumps from the 30s and 40s in normal sizes (i.e. not 6AAA).

All shelving (including Elfa) is 25% off at the Container Store's annual shelving sale.

This week at the Shop at Style.com, Stila, Scoop, Earl Jean, Me & Ro jewelry, MZ Wallace bags, Georgina Goodman footwear, and Lutz & Patmos cashmere (the best cashmere ever).
Daily digest
Fashion Week starts tomorrow, kids! As I work across the street from Bryant Park, I'll now be encountering numerous fashionistas teetering around on five-inch heels and looking rather hungry. I'll be providing daily fashion show updates, and seeing as how it's now after Labor Day, I'm back to posting daily. Yippee! Onto the news...

WWD: Socialites' fall shopping lists; as Fashion Week starts tomorrow, designers are in a pre-show panic; DVF's new Paris store; and highly underrated designer Alessandro Dell'Acqua opens up shop on Madison Avenue.

NYT: Buyers have already seen most of the runway fashions; Paper Magazine is 20; and, suddenly, tennis outfits are stylish.

NYP: Beauty-wise, what's in and out for fall. (Note to all beauty media: Stop saying perms are "in." For the 80% of us who had bad perms in the '80s, we're not going there again, even if there's "new, improved technology.")

The Daily: The next $300 sneaker collaboration: Stella McCartney to design for Adidas; and Latin Grammys fashion (check out the Cavalli dress on Roselyn Sanchez--to die for).

Elle.com: For fall, the style alphabet.

Daily Candy: Arika Chan jewelry.

MUG: Elsewheres, for non-cheesy gifts.