The week in shopping
Get there early and bring your credit cards: It's time for the storied Hermes sale. Expect long, long lines. 3/19-3/22; 10-6, 10-8 Thurs.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th floor.

On the more affordable side, Lauren Merkin's cute handbags are up to 70% off. 3/18-3/20; 11-7; 231 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 201.

Just in time for spring break, the J Rosen Showroom has swimsuits, flip-flops, jewelry and more from Vix, Lisa Curran, and other designers. Prices are mostly under $100; cash only. Through 3/21; 9-8; 250 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 510.

La Petite Coquette's lingerie from Araks, Cosabella, Only Hearts, and other fancy brands are 30%-80% off at this semiannual sale. Through 3/23; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 51 University Pl. (11th & 10th Sts.).

Sadly, Gramercy Park's Stardust Antiques & Jewelry is closing after 15 years in business. Select items are now 50% off; discounts will increase as the weeks pass. Through 6/30; noon-7 weekdays, noon-6 Sat. (closed Sun.); 38 Gramercy Park (at 21st St.).

Samples for (eco)mpasson is now open permanently, with a different sale each week from Thursday through Sunday. This week, look for Linda Loudermilk, Joe's Jeans, People's Liberation, and a selection of items from Big Drop. Five percent of all sales go to charity. 3/20-3/23; noon-8; 2 Great Jones St. (Broadway & Lafayette).

Buy next year's coat now at Searle - they've got Mackage and private label coats for ridiculously low prices. Through 3/31; 10-8 weekdays, 10-7 Sat., noon-6:30 Sun.; 156 5th Ave. (20th & 21st Sts.).

Misorena has men's and women's accessories from Ro, Mayle, and John Richmond for a mere $29.99. Through 3/23; 10-7 weekdays, 11-6 weekends; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

All 18th Amendment and Karen Walker denim is 40% off at Elizabeth Charles, in stores and on the website. Through 3/31; see www.elizabeth-charles.com for locations.

For the well-dressed pooch, Wagwear has dog clothes and accessories for up to 70% off. Through 3/31; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 48 E. 11th St. (Broadway & University).

Head over to eDressMe's Penthouse for all manner of dresses at rock-bottom prices. Through 3/20; 10-6; 325 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

In preparation for warmer spring weather--if it ever gets here--silk sweaters are 25% off at Henri Bendel. 10-8, 11-7 Sun.; 712 5th Ave. (56th & 57th Sts.).

Boutique 57 has Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, YSL, and other ritzy designers for up to 70% off. Sizes 2-10 will be available, as well as bags, jewelry, and other accessories. 3/18-3/19; 10-7; Regency Hotel, 540 Park Avenue (at 61st St.), penthouse suite.

Through 3/31, Beauty.com has an awesome Jenni Kayne makeup bag filled with beauty samples, yours with a $75 purchase (mine is already on the way).