Cheryl shops on vacation
I leave for Spain tomorrow for a much-deserved vaction. Cheryl Shops will return the first week of August--please check back then!
Cheryl shops...all over the place
Due to an unexpected little monetary windfall and a summer Friday, I decided to treat myself to a new pair of shoes (or two) and hit Soho on Friday afternoon. My first stop was the Mott Street Sigerson Morrison store, which carries bags and the lower-priced Belle line. In a matter of minutes, I found three pairs that I loved, but I decided to be a good girl and stick with just one pair, a suede thong, for $110. I also hit the regular Sigerson Morrison store on Prince, and was glad to see that even though the shoes were up to 50% off, they still had a lot left, and there was no craziness (expect that to change come Friday's Crazy Sale). I then headed down Elizabeth to the Hollywould sale and encountered a 10-person line to get into the tiny store. Thankfully the girl working the door was nice and not cranky, although I did wait for about 20 minutes, and once I got inside, the store was extremely cramped and, if possible, hotter than outside. And remember when I said not to buy all the size 39's? Yeah, whenever I liked a style, there was no size 39, so, sadly, I left empty-handed. But on the way home, I hit the Soho Bloomingdale's, where I scored a Pucci neckerchief for $17, and the Barneys Co-Op on Wooster, where there was a whole lotta nothing.

But never fear, on Saturday, the lovely MK and I hit Fifth Avenue for some department store clearance sales. We started at Saks, where, right away, I found a Chanel scarf for $60. (Yes, I'm on a scarf kick lately.) They still had a ton of shoes left, although all the clothes were lumped together on long, messy racks, so I didn't look at those too in depth. We hit Henri Bendel next, and although they had some sexy, sexy lingerie for 60% off (we're still talking $120-ish for bra and undies), we found no clothes above the second floor--they have the top floor completely roped off, so they're either preparing for their blowout 80% off sale, or they've already sold everything, which I find hard to believe. Our next stop was Bergdorf's, where the second-floor shoes were quite picked over, but the fifth floor shoe department was hoppin'. We didn't really look around the rest of the fifth floor, however, because it's all under construction and kind of a mess. As is the rest of the store, for the most part. I guess they have to do the major construction while their clientele is out in the Hamptons. Finally, after a hot-dog break in front of the Plaza, we hit Barneys. Again, still a lot of shoes left on the fourth floor (which should now be on their way to the August warehouse sale), but next to zip in the way of designer ready-to-wear. The Co-Op floors were a veritable bonanza--MK got a cute tee and a pair of cropped James jeans, and I hit the Mayle jackpot with a pretty pink cashmere sweater and a gorgeous silvery, burlapy skirt, both of which will take me well into fall. And will last me until September, when, hopefully, the temperature will drop and I'll finally feel ready to start working on my fall wardrobe.
The week(s) in shopping
Note: I'm leaving Thursday for my long-awaited, much-deserved vacation to Spain, so to make up for there not being any posts next week, I'm including sales for next week too in this post. Enjoy!

Score huge bottles (500ml!) of Molton Brown's excellent-smelling bath and body products for $25! If I weren't going on vacation, I'd stock up on the Naran-Ji. Through 7/31; 515 Madison (at 53rd), 1098 3rd Ave (at 64th St.).

Jonathan Adler's quirky-mod home furnishings are on big, big sale--$15 for pillows and $50 for ceramic lamps (normally $400). Cash only. 7/21-7/23; 11-7, 9-5 Sat.; 92 Reade St. (at Church St.).

I'm very sad I'm missing Sigerson Morrison's famed Crazy Sale, but, lucky you, all shoes are $110 and bags are $50-$400. 7/22-7/25; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 28 Prince St. (Mott & Elizabeth Sts.), 242 Mott St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Upper East Side fave G.C. William has Burning Torch, Antik, So Low, and more for 50% off. Through 8/15; 1137 Madison Ave. (at 84th St.), 111 W. 72nd St. (at Amsterdam).

Temperley's lovely, feminine line is on sale, but be warned, it's still quite pricey (think mid- to high three digits). Through 7/31; 10-6, 10-9 Thurs, 11-6 Sat., closed Sun.; 453 Broome St. (at Mercer St.).

Talk about range: ABC Carpet & Home's summer clearance sale features items for $5-$50,000--regardless, up to 70% off. Through 7/24; 10-8, 10-6:30 Fri., 11-7 Sat., noon-6:30 Sun.; 888 Broadway (at 19th St.).

Brit export Reiss has women's and men's clothes and accessories for up to 50% off. 7/20-8/15; 11-8 Mon.-Wed., 10-8 Thurs-Sat., 11-7 Sun.; 387 W. Broadway (at Spring St.).

Plants are good for you, so get some for 30% off at Chelsea Garden Center. Through 7/30; 9-6, 10-6 Sun.; 455 W. 16th St. (at 9th Ave.), 499 10th Ave. (at 38th St.).

Vanessa Noel's sexy shoes are 20%-50% off. Through 7/31; 10-6; 158 E. 64th St. (Lex & 3rd).

Emerging designers (or their designs, rather) are 30%-70% off at Bio. Through 9/1; noon-8, noon-7 Sun.; 29 Prince St. (at Elizabeth).

Tina Tang's delicate semi-precious jewelry is 30%-70% off (now $25-$130). 7/20; noon-8; 230 Mulberry St. (at Prince St.).

Maya Knitwear is up to 70% off. 7/26-7/29; 11-7; 58 Thomas St. (at Church St.).

Lovely Lela Rose clothes are $35-$250. 7/21-7/22; 10-6 Thurs., 10-5 Fri.; 144 W. 37th St. (Broadway & 7th Ave.), 3rd fl.

Fancy, old-school Lederer de Paris handbags are $79.95 at this sale (normally $159.95 and up). 7/25-7/29; 9:30-6, 10-6 Sat., closed Sun.; 457 Madison Ave. (at 51st St.).

Rachel Reinhardt's sparkly costume jewelry is up to 75% off. 7/26-7/27; 10-7; 37 W. 39th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 903.

This week, Clothingline has Rebecca Taylor and Tory by TRB. Check website for preview and hours. Through 7/21; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

One week of Lord & Taylor coupons.

Type in code SUMMER07@YOOX to get an additional 50% off all spring-summer merchandise at Yoox through 7/25.

Use code SUMMER to save 20% at Mighty Flirt though 7/24.

Get a free Lyin' Eyes concealer with your $50 order at Benefit through 7/23. Enter code FGLE-01 for light, FGLE-02 for medium, and FGLE-03 for dark.

The excellent Ravinstyle's summer sale is now in effect!

Girlshop's Me Spree officially begins 7/25, but until then, use code mespree05 at checkout to get your 20% off before anyone else.
The great rise debate
The good ol' New York Post got everyone talking this week when they published this story about how everyone is sick of low-rise jeans, and finally, for fall, rises are starting to inch up toward eight or nine inches (after hovering between five and seven for the past few years). Then, to add fuel to the fire, Style.com named a super-high-rise jean as its Item of the Week, saying that even JLo is wearing high-rise pants nowadays. This could be because JLo's been looking a little chunky lately, but that's another point altogether.

Low-rise (and boot-cut or flared) pants have been around for about five years now, plunging lower and butt-crackingly lower in recent years. I'm all for raising things a few inches, but I don't know how I feel about above-the-navel pants. Speaking as a short-torsoed lady (seriously, I have a freakishly short torso, but, thankfully, long legs), I love low-rise pants, because they create the illusion that my body is somewhat in proportion. Granted, I think everyone should say no to crack (butt crack, that is), but this can be accomplished by wearing a belt and finding jeans that actually fit you properly. At the same time, a high-waisted pant creates a longer line, making your legs appear longer, so this is a better option for short women, or women with short legs. And it does look kind of fresh and new to me--which I guess is the point. But is the world ready for the high-rise revolution? Two years ago, for example, fashion magazines were touting round-toe shoes, which, so far, have been a bit slow to catch on (and, in fact, while I've bought several round-toe pairs, I'm still wearing the pointy-toes too). And while item-driven trends like ponchos or peasant skirts tend to come and go in a season or two, we're talking silhouettes here, a much more slow-moving aspect of fashion because silhouette affects all elements of your wardrobe. And while the retail industry would probably like you to, few people can afford to replace their entire wardrobe every season or two.

I'm interested to see what's going to happen with rises and if they, um, rise considerably, whether that affects cut (like, if we go back to straight leg or--god forbid--tapered leg for a full-on '80s revival). So, high-rise trousers: Discuss.
Website of the week
Now that there are two Whole Foods stores within 15 minutes of my apartment, I find myself shopping there quite a bit--I love the organic produce, the free-range meats, the super-fresh fish, and so on. The Chelsea Whole Foods has this nice separate "body" store with vitamins, skincare products, and so forth, which got me thinking, if I'm so particular about eating organic food, why aren't I particular about using organic beauty products? I haven't tried any yet, but I discovered Saffron Rouge, an organic skincare site that stocks the familiar Dr. Hauschka and Jurlique lines, as well as health-store staple Weleda and two lines I've never heard of, Lavera and Primavera. You can shop by brand, or by category (face, body & bath, cosmetics, etc.). The site packages entire skincare routines together, so you can try an entire new line at a slight discount--like Primavera's Natural Balance daily routine (Saffron Rouge is the exclusive North American distributor of this line, normally available only in Europe). Of course, there are smaller kits if you want to try everything out first before dropping close to $200--say, this Natural Balance kit or this Dr. Hauschka kit, both of which are $20-ish. This Sun Shimmer lotion is like an organic version of Nars' body oil, and I'm intrigued by this Birch Cellulite Oil, a bargain at $20. Also on my list: This Eros body wash sounds like it smells amazing, plus it has an aphrodisiac effect! This Dr. Hauschka Inner Cosmetic sounds intriguing to me--I'll gladly take a vitamin to improve my skin. And if I were going to splurge, I'd treat myself to this Jurlique Home Spa Pack. Not convinced about making the switch to organic? Read Saffron Rouge's FAQ about the benefits of organic living, Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons you should shop at Saffron Rouge. That's pretty persuasive, but healthy living--inside and out--sounds pretty good to me.
ANTM Watch
I think I speak for many people when I say the second season of America's Next Top Model was the best. While my favorite contestant from that season, Shandi, was robbed of winning (and has since been spotted working at the Empire State Building Walgreen's), I was glad fellow fashion lover Yoanna House won, even though, at 24, she's a bit over the hill for a model. I was a bit worried about her career (god forbid she should turn up on "The Surreal Life" like season one's winner Adrianne Curry), but I was pleasantly surprised recently when I discovered Yoanna's taken over Elizabeth Hasselbeck's hosting duties on the Style Network's The Look for Less. Her first episode was a bit uncomfortable--stuttering, wodden delivery--but four episodes into the job, Yoanna's owning it. She always looks super-stylish and well-accessorized (I'm guessing she's wearing her own clothes), she's a pro at the witty banter, and she even serves as a kind of fashion fairy godmother, helping out with the shopping when the stylist gets into a pickle (for those who haven't watched the show, they get $150 and an hour to help a lucky lady pick out an outfit for a big event). So I'm glad to see Yoanna has found a good job. It may not be walking the catwalk for Chanel, but it's way better than making out with Greg Brady on cable TV.
The week in shopping
Because the ladies at Find Outlet are closet cheese-eating surrender monkeys, they're holding a Bastille Day Sale, where you can save up to 80% on Paul & Joe, Generra, and Cynthia Steffee. Plus, free veggie burgers and sangria! 7/14-7/17; noon-7; 361 W. 17th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

A good reason to schlep out to Brooklyn: Diane T has Marc by Marc Jacobs, Catherine Malandrino, Sigerson Morrison, and others for up to 70% off. 7/15-8/15; 11-7:30, 11-6:30 Sat., 1-5 Sun., closed Mon.; 174 Court St. (at Bergen St.), Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

For the Hollywould lovers among us, it's time for the Insane sale. Take 60% off on 7/14, 70% off on 7/15, and 80% 7/16-7/17. There's also a $25 bin, containing vintage Hollywould styles and samples (worn by celebs). Take the size 39's and die, bitches! 198 Elizabeth St. (at Prince St.).

Nicer than IKEA, Swedish furniture maker BoConcept has modern stuff for 20%-60% off. Through 7/31; 10-7 weekdays, noon-6 weekends; 105 Madison (at 30th St.), 144 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Are you going blind like I am? Score eyewear from Dior, Fendi, Gucci, and more for up to 85% off at James Leonard Opticians. 7/13-7/30; 10-7, 10-6 Sat., closed Sun.; 1010 2nd Ave. (at 53rd St.).

Very embellished skirts, tunics, and sandals are 30%-80-% off (now $35-$150) at this sale. 7/13-7/15; 10-7; 214 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 805.

Fancy-schmancy jewelry by Catherine Angiel is up to 50% off. Througho 7/25; noon-7, noon-6 Sun.; 43 Greenwich Ave. (at 6th Ave.).

Select vintage and contemporary home furnishings are 40%-60% off at Aero. Through 7/30; 11-6 (closed Sun.); 419 Broom St. (at Crosby St.).

One of the best-kept secrets in New York (well, among the dying breed of fur lovers) is Ritz Furs, which has new, pre-owned, and vintage furs from Fendi, J. Mendel, Lagerfeld, and more for up to 75% off. Rich lady's attack of conscience = good deal for you! Through 7/30; 9-6 (closed Sun.), 107 W. 57th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Get very au courant boho jewelry for $50 and up (regularly $300 and up--that's 85% off!) at Echo of the Dreamer's sample sale. 7/12-7/15; 10-7; 242 W. 30th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 14th fl.

Who needs Target? Save up to 80% on Liz Lange's super-chic maternity wear. 7/13-7/14; 8-6:30; 345 W. 36th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Drop $125 and get free shipping at J.Crew's summer sale when you enter code FS-711 through 7/12 at midnight.

This week, Clothingline's adding Yigal Azourel, Miguelina, Vivienne Westwood, and other designer goods to its sale. Visit website for preview and store hours. 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

It's not the Week in Shopping without Lord & Taylor coupons.

Nordstrom's famed anniversary sale starts 7/15. (For the adventurous, there's a store at Garden State Plaza.)

Take 20% off all orders at ShopLAStyle.com when you enter code SUNSHINE at checkout through 7/14.

Save 25%-60% on supercute clothes and accessories at PinkMascara.com.

Enter code TCJULYSAVESU to save 10% at Target.com through 7/13.
Website of the week
Because I want to look like an Olsen twin (uh, just kidding), I've recently become obsessed with Dita's Supa Dupa sunglasses, which themselves were the recent subject of a New York Times article. So while looking for them on the web, I came across 80s Purple, a Los Angeles-based site devoted to up-and-coming accessories (and clothes). The site is very L.A., but in a Westlake-inhabiting hipster way. And, as it's necessary to life in L.A., they carry a well-chosen selection of huge avaiator and plastic-frame sunglasses fit for a starlet. You can shop by category, then by brand, or by my favorite feature, shop by star. Bag-wise, they've got under-the-radar brands like Jana Feifer, Orla Kiely, and Triple Five Soul; they have jewelry from everyone from Tarnia Tarantino to Adnia; and a huge selection of sunglasses from heavy hitters like Dior, Gucci, and Oliver Peoples, but if you're on a budget, check out the Zero line of knockoffs, most of which are under $25. They've also got an extensive selection of iPod covers, from inCase's line of leather covers to this blinged out crystal case. For my guy readers (of which, I'm discovering, I have quite a few), they've got hats and cool accessories for you, plus this hilarious Vote for Pedro T-shirt (which, conicidentally, I saw a little kid wearing last weekend at the chess tournament--so meta, I don't want to get into the irony of it all). So in addition to my Dita Supa Dupas, I have my eye on this Bling Ring kit so I can Paris Hilton-ize my cell phone; this Ron Dotson razor necklace is quite provocative; my inner ghetto-fabulous woman loves this croc hobo; and I like this cheapie (but cute) bag charm, which is kind of useless but cute nonetheless. Of course, you can't wear all of this stuff at once for fear of looking like a total fashion victim (or Paris Hilton), but accessories are a such fun way to be a slave to the trends.
Cheryl shops...King of Prussia
For the Fourth of July weekend, I agreed to accompany MW to Philadelpha, where he was covering a chess tournament for his upcoming book. I was looking forward to it at first because I'd never been to Philadelphia before, but my excitement waned when I discovered that 1) Philly is not really a shopping hotspot and 2) the Live 8 concert was taking place approximately four blocks from our hotel. So while MW was doing much interviewing and note-taking and Beyonce was singing her lungs out, I decided to take the bus to the King of Prussia Mall. Now, even though I grew up in Chicago, I was actually raised on outdoor malls, but in the summer heat (and the winter cold), I do enjoy an indoor mall. And what a mall King of Prussia is--over 400 stores and restaurants, and two actual malls. And, as one might expect, there's something for everyone, from Hot Topic to Hermes. I started at the Plaza (the bigger, figure-eight-shaped mall), and my first stop was Nordstrom, a store that I really, really wish we had in NYC, primarily because the service there is incredible. I had a lovely salesgirl helping me find all the Marc by Marc Jacobs stuff on the sale rack, and then she put me in a dressing room that was about half the size of my apartment (for the record, I got a cute top for about 70% off). I also had a friendly salesgirl at Bebe, which I think was a first for me. Neiman Marcus was disappointing, sale-wise, as was Arden B, which I've decided is just way too trashy for me. I was very successful at the Rampage store, which always has way cuter stuff than what they sell in department stores (they had some great Joystick knockoff tees and tanks, very current accessories, and tiered skirts galore), and Diesel had a great sale. Also, I'm happy to report that Forever 21 was just as messy at the Union Square store, and that Wet Seal, my former employer, is still alive and even trashier than I remember. The trashiest girls, however, were at Old Navy, where I saw a store employee and a customer almost throw down (the employee accused the customer of shoving someone, which, if she worked at Wet Seal, would definitely be in violation of the 10-point customer service plan). But overall, I was kind of stunned at how friendly all the mall workers were, from Hermes, where I scored a free catalogue, to Abercrombie, where I was called "ma'am."

The Court, the other mall, is anchored by Macy's and Bloomingdale's (both owned by my now-parent company), neither of which was anything to write home about. Nor, for that matter, was the rest of the Court. There's a huge, spacious, clean Urban Outfitters, a nice Coach, and a ho-hum H&M, but that was about it. Unless, that is, you're my mom, in which case you'd be thrilled by the Talbots, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill and Chico's, all in a row (plus Talbots Accessories, Talbots Petites, Talbots Woman, and Talbots Mens--no, I am not kidding). So, yeah, unless you're a 50-year-old woman, not so much for the Court.

Mall fix satiated and all shopped out, I hopped back on the bus and arrived back in Philly just as Live 8 was finishing up. And while, okay, there is some shopping in the city (Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square and Third Street in the Old City), King of Prussia is definitely your most concentrated option. And probably the most entertaining.
The week in shopping
Ultra-girly Shop has clothes and accessories by Ella Moss, Christopher Dean, and other hip labels for up to 75% off. Through 7/31; noon-7; 105 Stanton St. (at Ludlow St.).

Unique jewelry at Push is up to 75% off. Through 7/15; noon-7, 1-6 Sun.; 240 Mulberry St. (at Prince St.).

Save 30%-50% on Juicy Couture, Miss Sixty, Seven, and more at Bop's summer sale.

If you like mayhem, then by all means, head to Century 21's summer clearance sale, where their designer wares are on sale beyond the regular 40%-70% off. Check website for store locations and hours.

Check here for Beautyhabit's July specials. Plus, get a kickass sample bag with your $150 order when you enter code MODELCO through 7/10.

Enter code TCTENJULYSAV to save 10% at Target.com through 7/6.

Click here for Forzieri's July splash sale.

Clothingline is back in its regular location with Joie, Tocca, Shin Choi, and more. Check website for hours. 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Hooray for Lord & Taylor coupons.

The exchange rate is still working against you, but Brit fashion wonderland Net-A-Porter is having a sale; clothes and accessories are up to 60% off.