Buy it: fancy-schmancy face cream
Usually the first thing I do when I open a magazine is go through and rip out all of the annoying cards and coupons and such. As I was doing so with the gorgeous May issue of Vogue, I came across a sample of La Prairie Cellular Hydrating Serum. Now, normally I don't pay much attention to magazine samples, but I figured this one was worth a try because La Prairie is pretty frickin' expensive. I've been using the sample for the past two days and, let me tell you, my skin feels like silk--and this is a significant achievement, because I suffer from what I tend to call "old lady dry skin syndrome." (Or, as my dermatologist calls it, "eczema." Or as MW says, "What's wrong with your skin?"). I also discovered that La Prairie makes a De-Sensitizing Serum, which might work for me as well, although I'm so happy with the Hydrating Serum, I might just stick with that.

Now, you might be saying, "That shit is $150, bitch!" (Sorry, I've been watching a lot of Chapelle's Show recently.) And I know that magazines always quote dermatologists as saying, "There's no difference between a $10 face cream and a $100 face cream." I beg to differ. Seriously, my skin has never been this well-moisturized. Is it worth $150? Probably not, which is why I'm going to buy it on eBay for $50. Ha! I don't know what's in this cream--or what makes it cost $150--but whatever it is, it's working.
News digest
WWD: Karl Lagerfeld to design (and model) for H&M a la Topshop and La Redoute; and some idiot legislator wants to ban low-rise jeans in Louisiana.

VV: Lynn Yaeger investigates downtown consignment shops.

The Daily: Tracey Ross' new shoe line; and Giorgio Armani's hot bod.

Style.com: Cute little bags; Candy Pratts Price picks the top fall accessories from Paris; and five great hairbrushes.

Elle.com: Spring flowers.

Best Bets Daily: Sometimes I think Rima Suqi and I are psychically connected, as today she praises these $10 Old Navy sandals. At least we'd make good shopping buddies.
Tidbits
Through 5/9 at Neiman Marcus, spend $500 on contemporary jewelry and get a complimentary gift. Also, spend $85 on fragrance and get a straw tote filled with samples. Clearly Neiman Marcus is after my own heart with all of these gift-with-purchase offers.

Through 5/2 at Art.com, get 20% off when you enter code ARTFORMOM at checkout.

I have a feeling there's little left at this sale, as it started at 8 a.m. this morning, but it's worth a try: Super-soft Hanro of Switzerland undergarments are up to 75% off. Through 4/29; 8-6 Wed., 8-4 Thurs.; 40 E. 34th St. (Park & Madison), suite 819.

It's friends & family weekend at Lord & Taylor. Click here to print out a 20% off savings coupon.

Bluefly is having a Prada sale, with items starting at $129.

Get 10% off at Vibetheboutique.com when you enter code 10% at checkout. Clearly.

Support modern art and get 20% off when you shop at the MoMa Store through 5/2. Enter code 4VIP2 at checkout.

Wine.com is clearing out its inventory with a single bottle sale.

Get 15% off all sale items at ShopLAStyle.com when you enter code MAY SALE in the comments box at checkout.

Save 10% when you spend at least $100, 15% when you spend $200, and 20% when you spend $300 at The Company Store through 5/6. Also, check out their annual rug and window sale.

At La Redoute, buy two tops, get one free!

Website of the Week
Lately, for some reason, I've been way into ponchos. I got one for Christmas, then I got another at the Language warehouse sale, and when I finally finish knitting my godforsaken baby blanket for wee Kieran, I'm going to knit my own poncho. (Do you knit? Here's a nifty free pattern.) Luckily for those of you who don't knit, there's Ponchotora, a very specialized website featuring cashmere ponchos. For cashmere, the prices are pretty reasonable: Everything's less than $200, and most are in the mid-$100 range. The ponchos come in stripes, solids, interesting knit patterns, and a variety of lengths. Ponchos are excellent for this transitional weather we've been having, and they'll be great again in the fall. So buy one. Or two. Or...
News digest
NYT: Once again, the Times is a bit slow on the uptake, as this week they discuss the designer denim craze; plus furs for spring and brooches for fall. Also: a tribute to the late Estee Lauder.

WWD: Yet another Meatpacking District newcomer, cool jewelry store Ten Thousand Things is moving to 14th Street; Soho Bloomie's is a success; American Apparel will open a Soho store; more on Estee Lauder; Roberto Menichetti is Celine's new designer; and an interview with Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga.

NYP: Tomorrow's style icons and two stars who need help; girls love chiffon; and astrological signs are the new monograms.

Elle: Be afraid, be very afraid: Perms are back.

Style.com: The scoop on last night's Costume Institute Gala (and 60 pictures!).

The Daily: More on the Costume Institute Gala; plus gossip and who wore what.

Lookonline: Yes, even more on the Costume Institute Gala.

Daily Candy: This is so random, I have to mention it: the Petapotty, for people too lazy to walk their dogs.
The scoop on the Soho Bloomingdale's
Due to extreme hangover slowness, I didn't make it down to Bloomie's until 6pm; apparently everyone else decided to go there after work as well, because the line stretched around the block, halfway down Crosby toward Broome (the Bloomie's store is on Brodway between Spring and Broome, closer to Broome). I ended up waiting in line for over an hour, but I didn't mind too much, because it was still nice outside and I had my trusty New Yorker to keep me company. (Although, strangely enough, once I got into the store, it wasn't crowded at all--I didn't even have to wait in line for the fitting rooms.) Once I got inside, I was like a kid in a candy store. Basically, the Bloomindale's Soho is a distilled version of all the hip stuff at the 59th Street store, plus some items that they don't have at all at 59th St. Everything is pretty upscale, but accessible--there's no Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger section, but there's no Armani or Chanel either. My floor-by-floor analysis:

Lower level: Men's. Um, sorry, I didn't have time to check this area out. But from what I can tell, they have Theory, denim, and the like.

First floor: Beauty and accessories. All of the makeup counters are on the trendy (Stila, Paula Dorf, Nars) and/or expensive (Jo Malone, Chanel, Prada) side--there's no Estee Lauder here, folks. There's a small perfume section toward the back, again, with "younger" scents (they seemed to be pushing the already-ubiquitous Angel by Thierry Mugler). The back corner houses a scaled down jewelry department, where pretty much everything is in glass cases, i.e. a lot of semiprecious designer jewelry. There was some costume jewelry by A.V. Max and the like, but certainly no racks of $12 earrings. They also had a section with silk scarves, including much Pucci, which made me very happy.

Second floor: Housewares, bags, and shoes. The housewares section reminded me of Chelsea Passage at Barneys--small, but full of items that would make great gifts. As for bags, there's an ample Coach department, and a rather large section for the unfortunate Juicy Couture bags (uggg-lee!), then the rest of the bags are in small groups by designer. They have some Chloe and (I think) Moschino and Celine bags in glass cases; those were the more expensive offerings. They have Sigerson Morrison, Rafe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Lauren Merkin, and a few up-and-comers; I'd say the majority are $200 and up. The shoe department is genius. I get really annoyed at the 59th St. store because half the shoes I like are on the second floor (Steven, Charles David, etc.) and the other half are on the fourth floor (Sigerson Morrison, Hollywould, Marc by Marc Jacobs). But here they are all together, and I'd say Steven is definitely on the low end of the price range. However, like the 59th St. store, the shoe department was an absolute mob scene, although the salespeople seemed much less surly.

Third floor: Denim and activewear. In denim they had the standbys (Seven, Citizens of Humanity, Diesel, AG) and some intriguing newcomers (Notify, Sacred Blue), in a variety of lengths and styles. There is a huge Juicy Couture section with what looks to be the full spring line. This is also where all of the T-shirts (C&C, Michael Stars, etc.) and activewear (Hard Tail, Puma, etc.) are found. Clearly, if you need a T-shirt, or if you're from L.A., this should be your first stop. I was very impressed by the range of sizes they had in everything; granted, it was their first day of business, but usually at the 59th St. store you have to pray for a T-shirt bigger than a size Small, so I was pretty pleased by the selection.

Fourth floor: This was one of my favorites. They had See by Chloe, Miss Sixty, and Marc by Marc Jacobs mini-boutiques, then a huge Aqua section (this is a Bloomingdale's private label that makes cute, trendy, not-too-expensive stuff). They didn't have quite as much Marc as the 59th St. store, but I'm not complaining. As for Aqua, they had a ton of cute clothes, many of which were knock-offs (say, of the Ella Moss Elmo skirt), but I got a purple bias-cut drapey top with a silk flower attached, and I'm quite pleased with it. There's also a tiny lingerie section with Calvin Klein, Cosabella, and such.

Fifth floor: Also known as the girly floor, with D&G, Theory, DKNY, Anna Sui, Rebecca Taylor, Free People, Joie, Sass & Bide, and a dress section. (Actually, the dresses might have been on the fourth floor and the lingerie might be on the 5th; my memory got a bit hazy at this point.) I didn't spend much time here, because at that point I was pretty damn tired, but I plan to revisit it soon. This floor was definitely the most quiet.

My conclusion: I definitely don't need to go to the 59th St. store anytime soon; everything I could possibly want is at this store, and the selection seems way better. While Soho can be obnoxiously crowded on weekends, so can the 59th St. store. So I'll save myself a 30-minute-plus subway ride and instead take a 20-minute walk to Soho. Yay! Now that the opening-weekend excitement has calmed down, definitely check out the new store; whether you're a boutique fiend or a department store lover (in case you haven't guessed by now, I'm the latter), Soho Bloomingdale's will appeal to everyone. Well, everyone with a bit of green to spend.
The week in shopping
Sorry about the lack of postings on Friday; I had a wicked hangover and spent most of the day sleeping on the Love Sac at work, trying not to barf, and bemoaning my cruel, cruel fate. But I did manage to pull myself together and check out the new Soho Bloomindale's (I'll post on that shortly). In the meantime, this week's sales...

Sale of the week: A true sample sale, Aeffe USA has Moschino, Gaultier, Narcisco Rodriguez, Alberta Ferretti , and Pollini for 60% off retail (from $25 for lingerie to $1,000 for evening dresses). They'll have suits, separates, knits, dresses, accessories, and more, but sizes are mostly samples (i.e. 6), with a limited number of larger (or smaller) sizes. 4/28-4/30; 10-6; 30 W. 56th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 1st fl.

Perlina handbags and accessories are up to 70% off retail, for $10-$100, at their annual sample sale. Through 4/30; 9-6; 10 W. 33rd St. (5th & Broadway), suite 210.

The Wrights are a pair of British designers (not the brothers who were the first to fly an airplane), and their laser-cut leather and knits are up to 70% off retail ($25-$290, down from $240-$960). Sizes 2-14 are available. Cash only. 4/28-4/30; 10-7; 110 W. 40th St. (6th & B'way), suite 1004.

Roberto Cavalli's Freedom collection of accessories is 60% off retail. PETA supporters might want to skip this one. Through 5/2; 10-7, noon-7 Sun.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.), ground fl.

Araks' excellent cotton lingerie is up to 90% off ($5-$75). 4/29-4/30; 9:30-7; 121 E. 12th St., suite 6I.

Property has hip home furnishings for 20%-60% off. Through 5/8; 10-6, noon-6 weekends; 14 Wooster St.

Valerio 888 has amber, turquoise, and other semiprecious jewelry for 50% off retail. Through 5/8; 11-7 (weekdays only); 35 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 3rd fl.

If you need some serious bling, check out the M+J Savitt semiprecious and Janis Savitt diamond sale. Jewelry is up to 60% off retail. 4/28-4/30; 8-6; call 212-684-4221 ext. 106 for an appointment and location.

For the preppy man in your life, Hickey Freeman and Bobby Jones are up to 75% off. Through 4/30; 9-6:30, 9-5 Fri.; Parsons School of Design, 560 Seventh Ave. (at 40th St.), 2nd fl.

Whip out the toy poodle and the Birkin: It's Oscar de la Renta trunk show week at Bergdorf's. Featuring ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories, the sale runs through Friday from 11-5 on the 4th floor. Oscar himself will make an appearance tomorrow (Tuesday) from 2-3.

Get 10% off the entire line of Sugar cosmetics at Beauty Cafe when you enter code SUGAR at checkout.

Clothingline has added Free People, Julie Brown, and Susan Natoli to its ongoing sale. 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.
Gifts for Mom
Mother's Day--May 9th--is rapidly approaching, and "Gifts for Mom" e-mails are likewise filling up my inbox. So if your mom is as hard to shop for as mine is, hopefully you'll find my Mother's Day gift guide somewhat helpful.

For the mom who still does your laundry: The Good Home Company laundry kit will make it smell way better than Downy.

For the mom who still cooks for you: Make her life easier with a food processor.

For the vain mom: Save her the embarrassing (and expensive) weekly trips to the dermatologist with an at-home microdermabrasion kit.

For the vegan mom: Lush's Mum Gift contains an array of good-smelling, cruelty-free bath products.

For the mom who likes to tip a few: My favorite wine, King Estate Pinot Gris, is light, crisp, and fruity. Go crazy and buy her a case!

For the classy mom who laments the death of etiquette: Kate Spade's new books Style, Occasions, and Manners will bring a smile to her face.

For the super-chic mom: Two words: Hermes scarf.

For the mom who "was quite a catch, back in the day": Chanel No. 5 will take her down memory lane.

For the mom who cherishes her memories: Get her a high-quality Japanese silk-screen-print photo album from Mom fave Kate's Paperie.

For the high-maintenance mom: This La Mer gift set is the ultimate luxury.

For the still-hip mom: Ponchos are all the rage.

For the mom who likes bling: These diamond hoop earrings are surprisingly affordable.

For the mom who has too much bling: Get her a jewelry box from Hold Everything.

For the avant-garde mom: This modern-looking fruit bowl is aesthetically pleasing.

For the traditional mom: Again, two words: sweater set.

For any mom: Every girl, young and old, loves anything from Tiffany.
News digest
NYT: A review of the Vivienne Westwood exhibit at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.

WWD: Coming this fall: Seven cashmere sweaters.

NYO: An interview with L.A. sundress queen Corey Lynn Calter.

VV: Lynn Yaeger searches for bargains for under $25.

Hint: A new installment of Shop Tart, featuring Martin Margiela's new London store, a $400 Murakami soccer ball at Barneys, and the resurrected house of Capucci.

Style.com: Bridget Foley's favorite fall 2004 shows; Candy Pratts Price picks Milan's best accessories and organic-chic items; colorful Ralph Lauren boxes; and the psychedelic look.
Tidbits
This weekend is the Manhattan Vintage Show, where New York designers go to buy stuff to knock off! (Seriously, I've seen Cynthia Rowley and Donna Karan here before, and Marc Jacobs reportedly sends his assistants--smart guy.) Go to the website and print out the front page for $5 off admission (full price is $20). 4/23-4/24; 1-7 Fri., 10-6 Sat.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

For design lovers on the cheap, it's the Terence Conran Warehouse Sale. Yes, it's in Queens, but you can save up to 70% on samples, display items, and damaged and discontinued merchandise. Definitely try to get there early--the sale officially opens on Saturday, but "preferred customers" (i.e. non-idiots) are welcome on Friday. 4/23-4/25; 10-7:30 Fri., 10-5 Sat., 10-1 Sun.; 25-11 Hunter's Point Ave., Long Island City, Queens.

Shop tomorrow night at Loehmann's from 4:30-8:30 and save 15%; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Diabetes Association, which, seeing as how fat Americans are getting, is going to have its work cut out for it.

Boucher has a new line of banana jade jewelry, at fairly reasonable prices.

A website worth mentioning for its cheeky name alone: Wifebeader. I love it. Get 10% off all online orders. (For the Conde Nasties, Vogue was supposedly hosting a sample sale on the 12th floor, but I'm guessing it's over by now.)

The other day I got a lovely e-mail from Bliss, titled "Six weeks from now, you might have to be seen in a swimsuit." Um, thanks for reminding me. Nevertheless, their Remede Slender Active Amplifier (a fancy way of saying "cellulite gel") is on sale for $45 (regularly $55) through April 26 when you enter code 044850 at checkout.

Apparently I haven't ordered anything from Bluefly in awhile, because they sent me a code for 15% off. Enter MISSEDYOU4299 at checkout through 4/22 (that's tomorrow).

Design Within Reach has added several items to their Sale section; some are up to 50% off.

Finally, I wasted my lunch hour trekking all the way to 34th and Madison for the La Cosa sample sale, which, usually, is very good. This time: Not so much. They had about three tank tops, all of which were size XS, and I saw no Fleur'T or Mary Green. A girl working there said that they didn't have many tank tops to begin with, and that most of them were snatched up right when they opened at 8:30 this morning. She said that they might be getting another shipment but that she couldn't guarantee it. Boo.
Labels I Love: Sigerson Morrison
As we all know, I have a bit of a shoe fixation. (I say "fixation" instead of the more common "fetish", because, well, there's really nothing sexual involved, and I don't want to be misleading.) Now, while I was quoted in this article saying that super-high heels make you look good (well, they do), the truth is that I rarely wear a heel higher than two inches. This is because I'm a New Yorker and I do a lot of walking, but while I am quite vain and feel the need to look good, my shoes must be comfortable.

About five years ago, I discovered a chic little store on Mott Street called Sigerson Morrison, where most heels were under two inches, but even their four-inch heels were miraculously comfortable. Of course, shoes that stylish and comfortable couldn't remain undiscovered for long, so, buoyed by fashionista endorsements and a loyal following, Sigerson Morrison grew, moved around the corner to Prince Street (and started selling handbags in their old location), and raised their prices--whereas most of their shoes used to retail in the $200s, they're now in the mid-$300 to low $400 range (boots run about $750). Even the prices at their famous end-of-the-season "crazy sale" went up, from $69 to $99, and now you're lucky if there's even a pair left in your size by the time the prices get that low.

Thankfully, they've created Belle, a lower-priced line of classic styles: metallic strappy sandals, slingbacks, and sandals with oversized buckle details. The prices are not totally great (most are in the $200 range), but, hey, it's better than $400 for a pair of flats. There's also, of course, their $85 rubber kitten-heel flip-flop, which, now a year later, is being knocked off by everyone from Victoria's Secret to Old Navy.

Still, there's nothing like a pair of traditional Sigerson Morrisons. I troll eBay for old (but not worn) styles and usually buy a pair or two every year at Bergdorf's, which tends to have phenominal shoe sales in December and June. I have my eyes on the metallic silver cut-out heels shown here, and I'm waiting patiently...
News digest
NYT: More on the Soho Bloomingdale's (expect a full report from yours truly on Friday afternoon); and the mall-ification of Soho (uh, once again, NYT is a bit behind on the news).

NYP: New, young designers to watch; stylish diaper bags; New York girls are wearing '50s looks for spring (gee, I haven't heard anything about this trend); and Britney's costumes are tack-ay!

WWD: It's rather "Odd Couple," but P.Diddy and Zac Posen are partnering up; Isaac Mizrahi to host a fashion show at Cipriani on June 14, showcasing both his line for Target and his made-to-order couture; Gap and Banana's big makeover; and Olive & Bette's to open a store on Bleecker--and every day now I have fewer reasons to go above 14th Street.

The Daily: Yet more on Bloomindgale's Soho store.

Gizmodo: After shelling out $400 for an iPod, why not spend another $195 on a Gucci iPod case?
Website of the Week
I was in Boston this past weekend with MW (yes, I know, I'm quite the jet-setter), and, strangely enough, whenever MW and I take a trip together, we end up shopping. So after brunch in Chinatown and a walk through the Common, we headed to Newbury Street, where we came across Bliss Home. MW said, "This is a Cheryl store," and it is: modern furniture and home accessories. The website is organized by category, then by brand, so you kind of have to know your stuff; still, you can find a lot of cool--and affordable--stuff by browsing. For example, this $32 green vase from Japan, or these Dash pillows, by Modern Basics. You can also shop just by brand; they carry everything from Alessi to Waterford. Even better, all orders over $100 ship for free.
The week in shopping
I am back, well rested and somewhat tan, and ready to deliver the sales, of which there are a lot this week. So without further ado...

Sale of the week: La Cosa's superfine cotton tanks and undies are on sale at wholesale prices (the $45 tanks are going for $15) at one of my favorite sample sales. They also have lingerie by Fleur'T, Mary Green, and others. 4/21-4/23; 8:30-5:30; 180 Madison Ave. (33rd & 34th Sts.), suite 1400.

Find Outlet's Chelsea store is hosting a Joie sample sale, with denim, skirts, and tops for 50%-80% off. 4/22-4/25; noon-7; 361 W. 17th St. 8th & 9th Aves.).

Rubin Chapelle (not to be confused with Dave Chapelle) has drapey, elegant clothes for 60%-80% off ( now $45-$254). 4/22-4/24; 11:30-8, noon-7 Sat.; 410 W. 14th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.).

If you're a design snob, you probably salivate over Knoll’s classic mid-century modern furniture. Luckily for you, their annual sale is this week. 4/23-4/24; noon-7 Fri., 11-5 Sat.; 105 Wooster St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

This week, Clothingline has Kooba bags for $50-$125 (regularly $165-$380), plus Walter, White + Warren, Milly, Deesh, and more. 10-6, 10-7 Tue. & Thurs.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Roberta Chiarella’s crystal jewelry is $75 and under. 4/21; 10-7; Plaza Fifty Hotel, 155 E. 50th St.

If you have a cute dog, you might as well have cute dog accessories: Kwigy-bo and Ella Dish’s luxe dog accoutrements (sold at fancy pet stores throughout the city) are now $10-$75. 4/21-4/22; noon-7; 501 7th Ave. (at 37th St.).

Semiprecious jewelry by Cousin Claudine is up to 80% off ( now $2 to $80). Through 4/23; 8-6; 228 E. 45th St., 2nd fl.

As a firm believer in high-quality linens, I suggest checking out the Nancy Koltes sale; her luxurious sheets are now $36 to $1,364. Through 4/21; 9-6:30, 9-5 Wed.; Parsons School of Design, 560 7th Ave. (at 40th St.), 2nd fl.

Sadly, ethnic jewelry store Craft Caravan is closing its doors. The good news is that they're taking 20%-80% off all traditional African, Central Asian, and Native American art and handcrafts; prices start at $12 for Afghan necklaces. Through 4/30; 10:30-6:30; 63 Greene St.

If you're an Upper East Side chintz lover, check out Devereux-Ferguson, where you can find decorative throw pillows from Clarence House, Brunschwig & Fils, Donghia, and more, for up to 70% off. 4/23-4/24; 10-8 Fri, 9-6 Sat.; 304 W. 90th St., #1F.

If you're in need of some Eurotrash eyewear, check out Union Square Optical, where specs from Matsuda, Christian Roth, Dolce & Gabbana, and more are $99-$250. Through 4/30; 10-7, 1-6 Sun.; 9 W. 14th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Linda Richards has coats (including trenchcoats galore), sweaters, trousers, and suits on sale for $20-$300. Though 4/30; 9-6 weekdays; 256 W. 38th St., 8th fl.

Alexia Crawford's spring semiprecious jewelry collection is 80% off retail, for $2-$45. Not bad! Through 5/1; 11-7 (closed Sun.); 35 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 6th fl.

This mystery sale sounds too good to be true: handbags by Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and Fendi for 60%-90% off; plus ready-to-wear from Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, and more, starting at $99, with all sizes (2-14) available. 4/20-21; noon-7 Tue, 9-3 Wed.; 124 E. 58th (Park & Lex), ground fl.

This week at Bergdorf's: A Badgley-Mischka trunk show, 4/20-4/22, from 11-4 on the fourth floor, including a personal appearance by the two designers on 4/21 from 1-3; and a Peter Som trunk show, 3/21-3/23, from 11-6 on the third floor, including a personal appearance by the designer on 4/22 from noon-4.

Susana Monaco's flattering stretchy knitwear is below wholesale at this sample sale. 4/22-4/23; 9-7; 263 W. 38th St., (7th & 8th Aves.), 17th fl.

Finally, it's a big week for Bloomingdale's: Thursday is Girls Night Out at the 59th Street store, and Saturday is the official opening of the brand new Soho store (although, lucky me, I get to attend the VIP opening on Friday). For more on the new Soho Bloomingdale's, check out this article in WWD.
(Long) Weekend shopping
Kids, I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a much-deserved vacation to Florida. But never fear, I shall be back on the 14th. But in the meantime, some sales...

Loehmann's is having three-hour sales tomorrow and Saturday from 9-noon in honor of Easter weekend. Get an extra 10% off, and click here for coupons good for an extra 15% off clearance items. Also, Loehmann's has designer shoe new arrivals from Alexandra Neel, Versace, CJ Bis, and more, for $59.99-$199.99 (originally $145-$500).

I neglected to mention Phoebe Philo's personal appearance today at Bergdorf's (sorry!), but the Chloe trunk show is still going on tomorrow from 11-6 on the third floor. On Saturday, the featured designer on the 5th floor with be DKNY; expect cocktails, a DJ, and more from 2-5.

The Gap is having a sale, with lots of cute spring items. Get free shipping on orders of $100 or more when you enter code SPRING100 at checkout.

Have a good weekend, everyone, and happy Easter!
Cool stuff from other blogs
Style.com: This Tracy Reese coat reminds me of Prince & the Revolution, circa 1984, but seeing as how there's a big Prince revival happening nowadays, I think it's very appropriate.

NYM's Best Bets: Since I'm in the Daily News today extolling the virtues of very high heels, I'll now pull a 180 and endorse these gladiator sandals, perfect for summer.

Juli B: I can't link directly to it, but today's Juli B. e-mail featured this lovely Lalique Cabochon ring. Just don't drop it.
Home bits
If you're a devoted Trading Spaces watcher, you'll remember that Genevieve recently used self-adhesive carpet tiles, which I thought were pretty damn cool. They're now available online at Design Within Reach, for $8-$11 per tile. They come in all colors, patterns, and materials, and, best of all for the transient New Yorker, they can be peeled up and moved along with you to your next apartment.

West Elm has added new items and reduced prices in their sale section. Also I went to their store in Dumbo last weekend with MW and I wanted to buy everything there--it's definitely worth checking out.

One of the things I dream about having in my, um, dream apartment is monogrammed towels and sheets. Luckily, the Company Store is offering the service for $2 on all items in the Discounted Monogramming department.

While we're on the topic of my dream apartment, one of its essentials in the kitchen is a KitchenAid stand mixer. While I'm saving this revered appliance for my bridal registry (waaaaay in the future, MW, don't freak out), if you want to buy one now, Chef's has a special deal: Get a free attachment with a six-quart mixer (choose from slicer, grinder, or juicer), or get a $20 rebate with a five-quart mixer.

Spring not only means putting the sweaters in storage and dusting off the strappy sandals; it's also the ideal time to give the ol' apartment a good cleaning. Luckily the Container Store is having a Spring Organization Sale with all the cleaning and storage tools you could ever need.

April specials at Retromodern.com include 10% off any clock, a free egg cup with a $250 Alessi purchase, and a free Philippe Starck toothbrush with a $100 Philippe Starck purchase.

Finally, check out more April specials at Unicahome.com.
The number one reason the '80s revival needs to end now
I've always found Scoop slightly obnoxious, and this latest announcement only confirms my suspicions: Scoop is selling Camp Beverly Hills T-shirts. I will admit to wearing neon, leggings, huge T-shirts with shoulder pads, and side ponytails in the '80s, but even then, I would not stoop so low as to wear any of those tacky Camp Beverly Hills shirts. The Daily quoted a Vogue editor saying that the shirts can be worn ironically; sadly, I think they're beyond irony. Dumb in 1987 = dumb in 2004. Enough said.
Yes, I used the word "boobs"
I'm quoted in today's Daily News story about painful shoes. Hooray!
Buy it: C&C California
I will admit I was a bit skeptical about the $50 T-shirt phenomenon that is C&C California. But, armed with $20-off coupons at Bloomingdale's last week, I bought a lavender bell-sleeve T-shirt and a bright yellow tank top, both of which I am wearing today and, incidentally, probably making my mother happy. ("Cheryl, you wear so much black. Why don't you try some color? It will make you look less pale.") These shirts are so soft and are cut so well that they make you want to wear two of them at a time, in crazy color combinations, such as my very color-wheel-friendly lavender and yellow--which, by the way, I've received many compliments on today. So I'd highly suggest trying one or two--C&C T-shirts are so so great, it almost makes one want to move to L.A. Almost.
News digest
NYT: Cathy Horyn says clunky heels go with ultrafeminine clothes; and Marc Jacobs gets a mixed reaction to his Hilary Clinton T-shirts (third item). Plus: the return of American sportswear.

WWD: DVF jewelry to be sold at H.Stern; the new Rebecca Taylor store opens in Nolita; Pamela Dennis will return in 2005; coming soon: a Judith Leiber flagship store at 61st and Madison; and Style.com will become an e-tailer with its online shop.

NYP: The intrepid Post fashion department shows some B&T how to dress properly for A-list Manhattan nightclubs.

The Daily: More info on the new Rebecca Taylor store; and a day in the life of Yoanna House, who seems to be getting a lot of work--go, Yoanna!

NYM: Fall's must-have item is the pencil skirt.
Website of the Week
I love Century 21, but sometimes--due to the long lines, extreme crowds, and disorganization--it's too much for me to handle. Luckily, there's YOOX, the virtual equivalent. Carrying every designer from Alexander McQueen to Yves Saint Laurent, YOOX is a fashionista's wonderland--so long as you don't mind that, much like at Century 21, you're shopping for last year's fashions. At YOOX, you can search by item of clothing, designer, or size (or any combination of the three), and you can sort by ascending or descending price. Speaking of price, the site is European and tends to be a bit more expensive (i.e., you're not going to find a Costume National skirt on clearance for $20), but considering the way it's organized--and the lack of grabby, snippy fellow shoppers--it's worth it.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: Dwell's groovy sheets, pillows, duvets, and more are reduced by 50%-60%. 4/8-4/11; 11-7; 399 W. Broadway.

Makins hats, worn by the likes of Madonna and Queen Latifah, are wholesale and below at their sample sale, featuring men's and women's hats from the spring/summer 2004 collection. Cash only. Through 5/5; 10-4 Mon.-Fri.; 212 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 12th fl.

The Calypso outlet store is now open, with prices up to 70% off. 11-7, noon-7 Sun.; 405 Broome St. (Centre & Lafayette Sts.).

Yes, Language is still open. Hmm, my guess is that it's because their spring collection was only marked down by 60%--and they had a lot of it left to sell. Anyway, they're going to be open until 4/24, and they claim everything is now 80% off. 238 Mulberry (Prince & Spring Sts.).

In honor of their 10th anniversary, Agent Provocateur is offering 10% off your order on the 10th day of each month, now until November. The catch? You have to give the secret password, which is, "Sexy Suki swears by silk soap." This month, also get 10% off the Agent Baby and Agent Peonie lines.

Starting tomorrow, Loehmann's has new accessories arrivals (that's bags, jewelry, sunglasses, etc.) from Chloe, BCBG, Ferragamo, Christian Dior, and more. 7th Ave. at 16th St.

Lord & Taylor's Easter weekend sale starts...tomorrow. Click here for extra 15% off coupons.
Weekend shopping
It's kind of slim pickings this weekend, kids. The Girlshop sale is still happening through tomorrow, as is Tahari, and, let's not forget, Billion Dollar Babes. In the meantime...

Fred Flare is taking up to 50% off funky earrings, Patch NYC bags, stationery, and other accessories. Plus, get a free canvas tote bag with every purchase. 4/3; 11-5; 175 N. 10th St., no. 3, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Tidbits
Everything is 20% off at Art.com through 4/7. Enter code BLUERIBBON at checkout.

This week at Bergdorf's: Tonight from 5-8 on the 5th floor, a Marc by Marc Jacobs "event" (which, sadly, I'll have to miss); Saturday on the 5th floor from 2-5, a personal appearance by Milly designer Michelle Smith; and today and tomorrow from 3-5 on the 3rd floor, a trunk show and personal appearance by Tuleh designer Bryan Bradley.

At JeanPaulGaultier.com, send your little fool a Poisson d'Avril ("April Fool" or, literally, "April Fish") e-card. (Slight warning: The website is en francais.)

Hermes.com has a new twilly for spring: black (or turquoise) with little fishes! At $110, the twilly is a veritable bargain.

It's Old Navy's 10th birthday, so get free shipping on orders of $85 or more when you enter code FS10BDAY at checkout. Also, stop by your local store on 4/3 and 4/4 for birthday giveaways, $10 specials, and other exciting goings-on.

Today through Sunday is a "Private Sale" at Lord & Taylor. Click here to print out $25 off and $15 off coupons. Plus, you earn a $10 coupon for every $50 you spend. Not bad!

Pottery Barn has a big ol' bunch of specially priced items, like beds, slipcovers, tables, and more--up to $200 off regular prices.

Okay, I stole this from Lucky, but it was too good to pass up: Get 20% off a jewelry order at Pinkmascara.com when you enter code LUCKY1 at checkout. (Through 4/4.)

Gap is having a spring sale, plus get free shipping on orders of $100 or more when you enter code SPRINGFS at checkout.
Fashion police
In this week's E! Fashion Police, they're a bit tough on Gwyneth Paltrow (she's pregnant, for Christ's sake); Tyra Banks looks like a dominatrix in a sausage factory; Nicole Kidman covers up; Daryl Hannah ditches the hippy-dippy look (finally); Cynthia Nixon is the odd woman out with trendy tweedies Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker; Kid rock has traded one floozy for another; Keith and Theodora Richards put Mick and Elizabeth Jagger to shame; and Kiefer Sutherland is casual, albeit a bit bronzed.