Buy it: 3.1 Phillip Lim tiered pencil skirt
A friend of mine recently referred to my fashion sense as "feminine," which totally threw me for a loop. I admit I wear skirts and dresses a lot, but I intentionally try not to dress so girly--no flowers, no ruffles, no embroidery, no flounces--because I do have a feminine personality (I mean, I write a shopping blog, for chrissakes). But since ruffles were all over the spring runways and, well, because I tend to succumb to peer pressure, I might have to make an exception, however, for this 3.1 Phillip Lim tiered pencil skirt. The ruffles are subtle, and the slim pencil shape is streamlined, so your figure won't be overwhelmed by volume and fluff. Plus, it's double-knit, so it will be flexible and comfortable. The only downside is the price--nearly $400--which is a bit on the high side, all things considered. But while I'm sure this skirt is going to get knocked off left and right, I don't think anyone will do it nearly as well as Phillip Lim. I will wear it with ankle boots and studded jewelry--just so no one gets the wrong idea.
MasstigeWatch!
God love WWD and their Fashion Scoops column, where I often find the most exciting information buried deep within. The latest delicious tidbit I found:

DARK THOUGHTS: Rick Owens’ denim brand, Dark Shadow, has collaborated with Eastpak for fall. The collection features around 15 bag styles in charcoal, “greige” and black, plus a women’s and men’s raincoat in rubberized cotton.


People often ask me what designers I would wear if I had an unlimited budget, and, hands down, I always say Rick Owens. I don't own anything of his--his lower-priced line, Lilies, is still out of my budget even on clearance--but his gorgeously draped jersey pieces, soft washed leathers and weird, raw Goth aesthetic is the stuff my dreams are made of. Now, if I were to pick a mass-market collaborator for him, Eastpak would not have been my first choice (I, for one, haven't carried an Eastpak since high school). However, I'll take what I can get. Highsnobiety has pictures; I have my eye on the jacket. The collection will reportedly retail for $100-ish and hit stores sometime this fall. I, of course, will keep you updated.
The week in shopping
Lower East Side fashion wonderland Foley + Corinna is taking up to 75% off new and vintage clothing and, yes, the bags. 1/28-2/1; noon-8 Wed.-Sat., noon-7 Sun.; 143 Ludlow St. (Stanton & Rivington Sts.).

It's your last chance to score fall Daryl K and Kerrigan for up to 75% off, plus select resort items from last year. 1/30-2/1; 10-7 Fri., 11-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 21 Bond St. (Bowery & Lafayette Sts.).

Head over to Owl's Lab on Thursday for a Sonia Rykiel trunk show. You'll save 15%, sip champagne, and get a special gift with purchase. 1/29; 5-9 p.m.; 20 E. 12th St. (5th Ave. & University Pl.).

Cheryl Shops fave Ravinstyle is taking 50%-80% off Nili Lotan, Matt Bernson, Secrets of Charm, and other cool-girl labels at this special physical-store sale. 1/29-1/30; 11-7; 466 Washington St. (Canal & Watts Sts.), ste. 1W.

Hit Elizabeth Charles’ annual warehouse sale for up to 90% off Aussie designers (there's a $10 rack too), online and in both the New York and San Francisco stores. 1/29-2/1; 639 1/2 Hudson St. (Horatio & Gansevoort Sts.).

Head over to the West Village for a joint sale from Sophia Eugene and Christopher Deane; winter clothes are 50%-80% off (coats are $150, blazers are $80, dresses are $100). 1/29-2/7; noon-8; 37 Cornelia St. (Bleecker & W. 4th Sts.).

Temperley London's fall-winter line is now 80% off, but keep in mind, most items are still in the mid three figures. 1/30-2/1; 9-7 Fri., 11-7 Sat., noon-7 Sun.; 453 Broome St. (Mercer & Greene Sts.), 2nd fl.

If you missed Sunner's sale last week, here's your second chance to grab coats for $50, sweaters for $25, and dresses for $30. 1/29-1/30; 9-7; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 907.

Fashion collector Irene Albright is retiring and cleaning out her stash of Marc Jacobs, Gaultier, and more, for 80%-90% off. 1/28-2/1; 11-7 Thurs. & Fri., noon-7 Sat. & Sun.

If you like super-indie labels like Perks and Mini, Samantha Pleet, and Wowch, head over to I Heart, where samples are $30-$150. 1/28-1/29; noon-8; 262 Mott St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Fur coats, clothing and accessories for women and men by Dennis Basso and couture from Petrou are on sale at Soffier Haskin. 1/31-2/4; 9-6:30; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Sexy spring and fall Luca Luca is on mega sale: pants are $60 and up, tops are $50 and up, and shoes are $75 and up. 1/29-2/1; 8:30-6:30 Thurs. & Fri., 11-5 Sat. & Sun.; 19 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 4th fl.

Dressy dresses from Reem Acra are up to 60% off. 1/30-1/31; 10-7:30; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th fl.

In God We Trust has fashion darlings Rachel Comey, Corpus, Keller, and more for wholesale and below. 1/31-2/1; 11-6; 265 Lafayette St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Industrial-modern furniture from Desiron is up to 75% off (think low four figures). 1/29-2/2; 11-7; 151 Wooster St. (at Prince St.).

Save up to 75% on new items (including resort!) at Scoop stores nationwide.

Gold Label by Tina Tang is having a sample sale, and prices are up to 50% off. View on the website, then call 212-645-3124 or email orders@tinatang.com to order. 1/27-1/29.

It's your last chance to save 80% at Saks Final Sale--it ends 1/29.

Take 15% off everything new at Delia*s with code NEWYR15 through 2/5.

Take 25% off everything at work- and organization-focused online shop See Jane Work with code 25OFF09 through 1/31.

All 3.1 Phillip Lim is 40% off at Cheryl Shops fave shopjake.com through Thursday, 1/29.

Take 15% off your Alloy.com order with code SPRING through 2/5.

Rag & Bone, Jenni Kayne, and a bunch of other coveted designers are up to 60% off at Forward by Revolve.

Use code 25DAY for 25% off most items at CoutureCandy.

Shop new markdowns at eLuxury.com.

Save up to 30% on select styles during the Modern Workwear Event at Banana Republic through 1/28.
migraine.
I am seeing 16 of this post. Hopefully by tomorrow night there will only be one. Please check back for sales then.
MasstigeWatch!
I'm going to cut right to the chase: Nylon has a preview of the McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection (as I reported back in August and November), and it's very, very good. But if I could pick only one piece from the collection, it would be the jumpsuit, which is a very close approximation of this McQ tux jumpsuit, currently on sale for $614 at La Garçonne. It will be mine--oh, yes, it will be mine. The best part? The collection hits stores March 1, just in time for my birthday. If that's not serendipity, I don't know what is.
The week in shopping
Ladies, it's time to face the inevitable: Jane Mayle's fall, holiday, and resort collections are on final sale; prices are up to 60% off at the moment, and discounts will probably climb higher. The store closes at the end of next month. 242 Elizabeth St. (Prince & Houston Sts.).

According to Racked's coverage, it's mostly size 6, so if that's your size, head over to Clothingline for up to 70% off J.Crew and Madewell for men and women. Through 1/25; 10-6 Wed. & Fri., 10-7Thurs., 11-5 Sat. & Sun.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

TG-170, Dolce Vita, and a bunch of other Lower East Side boutiques are banding together for a group sample sale this weekend. 1/24-1/25; 11-8 Sat., 11-7 Sun.; 201 Mulberry St. (Spring & Kenmare Sts.).

If you've missed their previous sample sales, you've got one last chance to score Obedient Sons & Daughters samples from spring '09. You must RSVP to press@obedientsons.com to attend. 1/23-1/24; 110 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.), ste. 306.

Everything is $10-$50 at the Sunner sample sale. 1/21-1/22; 8:30-7; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 7th Aves.).

Fall shoes and boots are reportedly up to 75% off at Sigerson Morrison and Belle. Ongoing; 28 Prince St. (Mott & Elizabeth St.), 987 Madison Ave. (76th & 77th Sts.), 242 Mott St. (Prince & Houston Sts.).

Hit Bergdorf Goodman's beauty department and spend $200, and you'll get a makeup case stocked with high-end samples through 1/31 (also available online).

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Judith Ripka's heart-inspired jewelry is 50%-70% off. 1/21-1/24; 10-6 Wed. & Fri., 10-8 Thurs., 10-4 Sat.; Carlton Hotel, 88 Madison Ave. (at 28th St.), Seville room.

Colorful Tokidoki bags are 60%-80% off. 1/22-1/25; noon-7 Thurs., 8-7 Fri., 10-7 Sat. & Sun.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th fl.

Battle the design snobs at the annual Moss warehouse sale, where lighting, storage, seating, and other home items are 75% off. 1/24-1/25; noon-6; 158 Wooster St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Global Fashions has Valentino, M Missoni, Alexander McQueen, and Badgley Mischka for up to 70% off. Through 1/22; 9-7; 49 W. 38th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Formal and bridal dresses are $800 and up, and cocktail dresses are $250 and up (that's 80% off) at Angel Sanchez. 1/22-1/23; 10-7; 148 W. 37th St. (6th Ave. & Broadway).

Select vases, bowls, pitchers, pillows, and picture frames are up to 50% off at Jonathan Adler. Plus, shop the Soho location on Thursday evening for an additional 10% off everything in the store; 15% of proceeds benefit In God's Love We Deliver. 1/22; 6-9 p.m.; 47 Greene St. (Broome & Grand Sts.).

Shop has Inhabit cashmere sweaters for under $100, Earnest Sewn jeans (my favorite) for $79, and 3.1 Phillip Lim for 60% off. Ongoing; 11-7:30; 94 Orchard St. (Delancey & Broome Sts.).

Almost everything is 20%-50% off at Cheryl Shops fave Auto. Through 1/31; noon-7, noon-6 Sun. (closed Mon.); 803-805 Washington St. (Gansevoort & Horatio Sts.).

Select jewelry is up to 60% off at Fragments (think Chan Luu and Miguel Ases). Ongoing; 11-8, noon-7 Sun.; 116 Prince St. (at Greene St.).

Jennifer T cashmere samples and stock are wholesale prices and below. 1/22-1/25; 9:30-7, noon-6 Sun.; Carlton House, 680 Madison (61st & 62nd Sts.).

Fall/Winter clothes are now 60% off at Moschino. Ongoing; 11-7, 12:30-6 Sun.; 401 W. 14th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.).

Head over to Owl's Lab Friday after work for a Current-Elliott trunk show and get 15% off. RSVP to amanada@owlslab.com. 1/23; 5-9 p.m.; 20 E. 12th St. (5th Ave. & University Pl.).

Pretty-Goth runway looks from Morgane Le Fay are up to 70% off. Through 1/30; 10-6, noon-5 Sun.; 746 Madison Ave. (64th & 65th Sts.).

Find super-hip labels like United Bamboo and Thread Social for 30% off at Honey in the Rough. Through 2/1; noon-8, noon-7 Sun.; 161 Rivington St. (Clinton & Suffolk Sts.).

Shoes, handbags, and outerwear are up to 80% off at the promising-sounding Cole Haan sale. 1/24-1/28; 9-6:30, 9-5 Wed.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Veronique's stylish maternity wear is 60% off. Ongoing; 10-7, 10-6 Fri. & Sat., noon-5 Sun.; 1321 Madison Ave. (at 93rd St.).

All men's and women's denim is 25% off at a Scoop near you through 1/25.

Check out new markdowns of 30-70% off (on resort!) at shopbop.com.

Select fall items are up to 70% off at Built by Wendy.

Use coupon code newyear09 for additional 10% off any purchase at Accessorybug.com through 3/31.

Take 30% off everything at Austin's BuyDefinition.com this week with code OBAMA.

Use code SWAY10 for 10% off your order at SwayandCake.com through 1/23.

Take $10 off a $60 order at Beauty.com through 3/31.

Use code extra10 for an additional 10% off and free shipping on everything at Cheryl Shops fave shopjake.com through 1/25.

Wednesday is the last day for Hayden-Harnett's inauguration sale; use code PRESIDENT for 50% off everything on the site through 1/21.

Take 15% off your entire order at Karmaloop.com with code ALEX15 at checkout through 1/31.

Take 35% off sitewide at WHotelstheStore.com with code R5GC6 through 1/31.

Take an extra 30% off regular and sale items at Tobi.com with code INAUG30 through 1/22.

Take an extra 15% off sale items at Queen Bee Girls fashion with code qbextra15 through 1/25.

Take an extra 20% off handbags and accessories at eLuxury.com through 2/2.
Sales coming Tuesday
Please check back tomorrow!
Silver linings in the recession cloud
The news has not been so great lately for the fashion industry, from layoffs (Saks cut 1,000 jobs today [subscription required]), to bankruptcies (Searle, among many other stores), to a thinner Fashion Week calendar (only 52 designers are confirmed for the tents in February, compared to more than 80 back in September). And then, of course, there was this article in today's Times Style section, about how the French are beside themselves with worry about the death of luxury. Never one to be at a loss for words, Karl Lagerfeld presents the following bon mots:

“This whole crisis is like a big spring housecleaning — both moral and physical,” Karl Lagerfeld, the designer for Chanel, said in an interview. “There is no creative evolution if you don’t have dramatic moments like this. Bling is over. Red carpety covered with rhinestones is out. I call it ‘the new modesty.’ ”


Of course, he's quick to point out that Chanel is doing just fine, thank you, in spite of the fact that they laid off 200 employees last month.

So, before I get too depressed, I will point out two relevant, well, points. The first is that these dire economic conditions are going to force retailers to lower their prices. This is not so good for the stores and designers, obviously, but the age of $2,000 handbags is coming to an end, and I don't know about you, but I'm pretty happy about that. The second is that while there will always be a "recession-proof" customer who can afford luxury prices, those of us who qualify as "aspirational" are also being taken care of. Case in point: Rock & Republic is launching a mini-line of "recession special" jeans (two styles for women, two for men), which will retail for $128-$138. True, those aren't Levi's prices, but considering that most R&R jeans retail between $200 and $350, that seems like a pretty good deal to me.

But what really makes me excited is that, as I reported back in August, current fashionista darling Alexander Wang is launching a lower-priced line of knit pieces, called T by Alexander Wang, and, according to The Cut, it hits stores in two weeks. Dresses are $85, tees and tanks are $74-$78, and you can find it at Barneys, Kirna Zabete, and Saks, where you can preorder it (which is what I'll be doing as soon as I finish writing this post, I kid you not). Preview the collection at Alexander Wang's website, where you can see the lovely Karlie Kloss modeling it (does she not make this look like the best gray T-shirt ever or what?). Yes, $74 for a tank top is not, at first glance, the best deal in the world. But Wang's clothes are cut well and he seems to have this intrinsic knowledge of exactly what cool girls want to wear--in this case, beautifully draped jersey pieces that have a broken-in (but not broken-down) look. I, for one, plan on making them a central part of my spring/summer wardrobe.
MasstigeWatch!
H&M might get the big names and Target is all about frequency, but when it comes to designer–mass market collaborations, Uniqlo gets the coolest designers. Case in point: The Fashion Informer, in this interview with Steven Alan himself, casually let drop that Alan is launching a collaboration with Uniqlo in spring 2009. (Note: This is not to be confused with Lark & Wolff, Alan's somewhat underwhelming line for Urban Outfitters.) Racked investigated, and according to the Uniqlo rep, who could neither confirm nor deny that Alan is on board, the designers will be announced at the end of January. In the meantime, Refinery 29 reports that Opening Ceremony will be another one of the designers. Now all we need is for Oak to get in on the action for a perfect uber-hip downtown boutique trifecta.
The week in shopping
Yumi Kim's supercute printed tops and dresses are 50%-80% off. Through 1/19; noon-7; 105 Stanton St. (at Ludlow St.).

Tomorrow is the last day for Clothingline's blowout sale, featuring Gustto, Repetto, Free People, Milly, and a bunch of other designers at ridiculously low prices. Through 1/13; 10-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Starting Sunday, Tracy Reese is taking an extra 10% off all sale items in her store (prices are already 40%-60% off). 1/18-1/31; 11-7, 11-8 Thurs., noon-6 Sun.; 641 Hudson St. (Gansevoort & Horatio Sts.).

It's your last chance to get Marithé + François Girbaud for 70%-90% off--the store closes on Thursday. Through 1/15; 11-7; 47 Wooster St. (at Broome St.).

Saks' bridal salon is getting in on the blowout-sale action: gowns from Reem Acra, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, and other ritzy designers are up to 50% off. Through 1/20; 10-8 weekdays, 10-7 Sat., noon-7 Sun.; 611 5th Ave. (49th & 50th Sts.).

Or score a gown at Birnbaum & Bullock for $700-$3,000 (normally $2,500-$7,000), in sizes 4-16. 1/17-1/19; call 212-242-2914 for an appointment; 151 W. 25th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), ste. 2A.

Outfit your home with Armani Casa's luxe minimalism for up to 60% off. Through 2/8; 11-7, noon-6 Sun., closed Mon.; 97 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Korean fast-fashion chain Eryn Brinié is taking 50% off everything (except belts and jewelry). Ongoing; 501 Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Fan-cee French linens from D. Porthault are 30%-80% off (note: still expensive). Through 1/31; 10-6 (closed Sun.); 470 Park Ave. (at 58th St.).

Shelly Steffee's fall collection is up to 65% off. Ongoing; 34 Gansevoort St. (at 9th Ave.).

Get all personalized with a set of 100 custom notecards for $195 (normally $350) at Dempsey & Carroll. Through 1/31; 10-6 Mon.-Wed., 10-8 Thurs., 10-6 Fri., 11-5 Sat., closed Sun.; 1049 Lexington Ave. (at 74th St.).

For my Boston readers, everything is 60% off at the famed Louis Boston for five days only. 1/13-1/17; 11-6 Tues. & Wed., 11-7 Thurs.-Sat.; 234 Berkley St. (at Newbury St.), Boston.

Use code HC08 for 30% off everything at Owl's Lab through 1/15.

Take an extra 20% off all sale items at Net-A-Porter.com with promo code WINTERUSA through 1/18.

Best of winter items are 30% off, plus get free shipping on orders over $25 with code AKAAFF through 2/5 at Alloy.

Use code 25DAY for 25% off most items at CoutureCandy.

Take 15% off your order at Delia's with code WINTER through 1/22.
MasstigeWatch!
It seems Target has plugged up its leak, because without any previous rumors, they announced that Tracy Feith will be the next Go International designer [subscription required]! Feith's colorful printed dresses are popular among young Upper East Side socialites (he closed his Nolita store last year, but his Madison Avenue location remains open), and I am still kicking myself for passing up one of his dresses at an Intermix sample sale like 8 years ago. The 60-piece (!) collection will include summery, surf-inspired swimwear and clothing in original prints and Feith's signature super-bright colors, and prices range from $14.99 to $44.99, with a cropped leather jacket for $139.99. Just in time for warm weather, the collection hits Target stores May 17th.
Even more online sample sales!
Bricks-and-mortar stores are closing left and right, but online sample-sale sites are multiplying like, well, rabbits. Here are the latest sites to pop up since I last wrote about this phenomenon back in June.

Billion Dollar Babes, everyone's favorite sample sales for people who don't know how to shop sample sales, has recently entered the online game. So far, they've hosted AG Jeans, Taryn Rose shoes, Charriol jewelry, and, currently, Hayden-Harnett bags, which was the first sale I was able to view. So far, nothing is sold out, which is a nice change from the otherwise-excellent Rue La La and Gilt Groupe. However, prices are kind of all over the place--the Ibiza tote is a reasonable $75, but the Jinhee tote, which is $170 here, can be had for $142 on Hayden-Harnett's website. The good thing about BDB is that you don't need a referral to join the site; the flip-side is that you don't get referral credits when your friends join. Also, like Ideeli, you can pay $100 to be a platinum member, which gets you free shipping and two hours of early access to all sales. But you all know how I feel about paying for the privilege to shop.

Secret Style is based on the West Coast and thus fills the void left by the demise of Regent's Secret and also picks up some of Hautelook's slack. They don't have any sales live at the moment, but past sales have includes Reiss, People's Liberation, and Rock & Republic, and upcoming sales are William Rast, Raw7, and Gold Hawk. You don't need a referral to join, but if you do get a $10 credit if your friends join, so if you'd be so kind as to enter my address, cherylshopsblog [at] yahoo [dot] com, well, thanks.

The most exciting development, however, is the announcement of The OutNet, the outlet site from net-a-porter founder Natalie Massenet. Fashionistas are currently salivating over the possibilities, assuming the site will offer high-end designers at super-discounted prices, hopefully with a strong roster of British labels (granted, this is all just speculation). The OutNet isn't live yet--it's launching sometime in the spring--but you can sign up for membership (as of now, it's free--no referrals necessary) and presumably be notified when the site goes live. My credit cards are shivering with anticipation.
The week in shopping
Free People dresses, separates, jackets, lingerie, accessories, and more are on sale at Clothingline. 1/6-1/10; 1-7 Tues., 10-6 Wed. & Fri., 10-7 Thurs., 11-5 Sat.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

The 13th Annual Shoe-Inn has everything from Steve Madden to Marc Jacobs; shoes are a mere $20-$75 and boots are $35-$100. Through 1/7; 9-7; 1356 Broadway (at 36th St.).

Yumi Kim's pretty print dresses and separates are 50%-80% off. Through 1/19; noon-7; 105 Stanton St. (at Ludlow).

If fur is your thing, Pologeorgis has mink, sable, and other critters for 40%-60% of. Through 1/9; call 212-563-2250 for an appointment; 143 W. 29th St. (6th Ave. & Broadway), 8th fl.

Select furniture and home accessories are up to 75% off at the Conran Shop. Through 1/19; 11-7 weekdays, 10-7 Sat., 11-6 Sun.; 407 E. 59th St. (at 1st Ave.).

The winter sale is now up to 70% off at Banana Republic through 1/11.

Take 15% off any bra at Cheryl Shops fave Gigi's Closet with code GIGIBRA15 through 1/31.

eLuxury has extended its offer to take an extra 30% off all sale apparel, plus get free shipping through 1/12.

Fall merch is now up to 80% off--and new markdowns are 40% off--at Cheryl Shops fave shopjake.com.

Select shoes and handbags are up to 50% off at Piperlime's lime tag sale.

Clothing, accessories, and, yes, bags are 30%-80% off at Hayden-Hartnett.

Select fall items are 40%, 50% or 60% off at Cheryl Shops fave Oak.