Tidbits
Due to Memorial Day weekend, this will probably be my last post until Tuesday. (I'm going out to Montauk this weekend--yay!) And along those lines, rumor has it that we're getting summer Fridays this year at work, so I most likely won't be posting on Fridays until after Labor Day. But I'll certainly make up for it during the week. So, here are some sales to keep you busy until Tuesday.

Get free shipping and a free lip polish sample at Stila Online through 5/31 when you enter code STILASUMMER at checkout.

Everyone's favorite girly store, Anthropologie, is having a sale on apparel, accessories, and home decor.

Get 20% off at designer discount wonderland (and former Cheryl Shops website of the week) Yoox when you enter code 9DAYS_SAVE@YOOX, through 6/4.

Get 15% off everything at French catalogue La Redoute when you enter code 1651-36985-335, through 6/2.

Find Outlet just received a new shipment, including Myth and Ritual separates for $20-$75, Lemon dresses and separates for $32-$95, Twinkle dresses for $25-$100, and Natty bikinis for $64. 361 W. 17th St. (8th & 9th Aves.) and 229 Mott St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

BCBG is having a sale starting today, with items up to 50% off. 770 Madison and 120 Wooster.

Get free shipping at Madison, Wisconsin's coolest store, Bop, when you enter code MEM04 through 5/31.

At Le Sportsac's sale, select items are up to 50% off. 1065 Madison (80th & 81st Sts.) and 176 Spring St. (at West Broadway).

Starting today, it's the five-day weekend sale at Bloomingdale's--a perfect opportunity to visit the new Soho store if you haven't already.

Bluefly is also having a five-day sale, with a 20% discount on something new every day: Today is swimsuits, tomorrow is denim, Saturday is dresses and suits, Sunday is summer sweaters, and Monday is pants.

Get free shipping on a $150 order from Neiman Marcus when you enter code SHIP504 through 6/1.

Get 25% off everything at Art.com through 5/31 when you enter code MEMORIALSAVINGS.

If you're hitting Woodbury Commons this weekend, pretty much every store is having an enormo sale, including Williams-Sonoma Marketplace.

Advance warning: Clothingline is hosting a Theory sale 6/5-6-11, a Sean John sale 6/16-6/19, and a Tocca, Calypso, Alice + Olivia, Kulson, and Iisli sale 6/22-6/29.
Not so much: wedge espadrilles
Last week, when I was looking for a new denim skirt for my trip to Vegas (for the record, I was too lazy to wash my dirty skirts, so, yes, I went out and bought a new one) at Loehmann's, I happened to spot some wedge espadrilles by Michael Kors. My stomach turned a bit. There's nothing wrong, really, with espadrilles themselves: Worn by peasants in the Basque country in Spain, espadrilles surged in popularity in the states in the 1970s, when the rage was for anything and everything ethnic. My grandmother, who was actually a very stylish woman, wore espadrilles in the summer at our lake house and when she gardened. However, espadrilles, much like girdles, are outdated. You could wear them for irony's sake, or perhaps even on vacation, but they're simply not stylish.

So it kind of disturbs me when people like Michael Kors try to make espadrilles trendy. Case in point: Kors' suede espadrille, sold at everyone's "favorite" boutique, Scoop. An espadrille with a wedge heel is still an espadrille, honey. Perhaps Kors envisioned these on a fashionista who lives on Lafayette Street, or even on a Park Avenue princess (more accurately his clientele, anyway), but I can just as easily see these on a 70-year-old grandmother sitting by her condo pool in Boca Raton. (And before anyone thinks I'm being too hard on Kors, let me just say that while his stuff isn't exactly my style, I appreciate what he does as a designer and how he interprets classic American sportswear that appeals to so many women across the board.) Some things are just better left in their original form--remember Manolo Blahnik's Converse-esque sneaker boot from a few seasons ago? Exactly.

So, wedge espadrilles: not so much.
Website of the week
I am deeply interested in fashion history, and I don't like looking like everyone else, so, clearly, one would assume that I'm way into vintage clothing. This is partly true. I like vintage stores in theory because I'm impatient and don't always have the time to sift through racks upon racks of clothing at, say, a Salvation Army or flea market. In practice, however, I find that vintage stores tend to be wickedly overpriced (this is especially true at stores like Decades and Resurrection--although, yes, I understand that vintage designer pieces are worth more and etc., but still). So I've found that online vintage stores are a good place to look--the prices are way more reasonable (no New York City rent to pay), and you don't have to search forever. One such site is Vintage Cool Things, which has accessories and clothes for men and women, at prices on the more reasonable side of exorbitant--the majority of items hover in the $30-$50 range but can go into four figures. Plus, buy three items and get 10% off your order--not a bad deal at all when you know you'll look totally unique.
News digest
WWD: Blame it on Nipplegate: Lingerie ads go demure (except for La Perla and Agent Provocateur--go Europeans!); vintage enthusiast Keni Valenti to clear out his warehouse 6/14-20; expect a Juicy Couture store to open at Caesar's Palace in Vegas later this summer; and Tocca is 10 years old.

NYT: Indie perfumers give you a unique smell; apparently, the kids these days are wearing zoot suits; and clogs are trendy. Now, between the zoot suits and the clogs, I could've sworn I was reading stories from 10 years ago. We all know the Times is a bit slow on the trends, but I didn't realize they were that slow.

NYP: Summer dresses; citrus colors are the new pink; and a bunch of random information.

The Daily: Gap news: Sarah Jessica Parker is their new spokesmodel and ousted Gucci CEO Domenico De Sole to join Gap's board; Bergdorf's couturier; and new summer makeup and the Chanel lipstick you can't find anywhere.

VV: Lynn Yaeger tells you where to buy anti-Bush clothing. (I'll definitely be purchasing some to wear with my "Lick Bush" thong, which was so kindly sent to me at work.)

Style.com: In honor of the 6/7 CFDA awards, take this American designers quiz (I got all but one question right, in case you were wondering); a regal tank top; and five unisex fragrances.

Lookonline.com: Where to find a great beach bag; more on couture's slow death; and Marilyn Kirschner's spot-on analysis of last week's Harper's Bazaar article from the Times.

Elle.com: Just in time for the beginning of beach season, cover-ups; and cooling products from L'Occtitane.

Hintmag.com: In the new installment of Shop Tart, a bunch of stuff you'll have a hard time finding in this country.

MUG: This year's award-winning cosmetics.
The week in shopping
Due to the approaching holiday weekend, it's slim pickings this week (well, and because the week is nearly half over). But fear not, summer sales should start up next week.

Sale of the week: Starting today, my favorite store in the whole, wide world, Barneys New York is taking 30%-50% off spring merchandise for men, women, kids, and the home.

Hey, it's almost Memorial Day, and if you haven't bought a new bikini yet, check out the J Rosen Showroom, where you can find swimsuits from Vix, Lisa Curran, and Bella Brazil for $35-$85 (formerly $125-$175), plus cover-ups, jewelry, and Havianas flip-flops for a complete beach look. Cash only. Through 5/27; 8-7; 250 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), suite 510.

If your look is more rock'n'roll than Hamptons, try the Buddhist Punk, Religion, Rolling Stones, and Ringspun sale, where you can find tees, pants, and accessories for men and women for $10-$80 (originally up to $400). Cash only. Through 5/28; 10-7; 230 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 12th fl.

East Village boutique Peacock has Lemon, Yanuk, Mint, Diabless, Beautiful People, and more for up to 50% off. 440 E. 9th St.; 12-8.

The lovely NYC General Store (a former Cheryl Shops website of the week) is having a Memorial Day sale: Get 30% off all items in the "stylist" section when you enter code MEMORIAL DAY at checkout.

Spend $500 at Ashford.com and get 10% off (for those of you who are bad at math, that's at least $50), through 5/31.

The Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale has begun online (the in-store sale starts 6/14). Select bras and panties are 25%-50% off; clearance bras are $9.99 and up and clearance panties (sorry, I hate the word panties) are $2.99 and up.

This week at Old Navy, swimsuits are 25% off.

Lord & Taylor's holiday weekend sale starts 5/26 and goes until 5/31; click here for extra savings coupons.

This week, the Shop at Style.com features Hanky Panky, Joe's Jeans, Tory by TRB, Proxima Swimwear, and Edumnd Castillo.

Today through 5/31, Loehmann's is having a Memorial Day clearance; click here for a coupon for an extra 20% off. (Also, if you like Yanuk jeans, they recently got a huge shipment.)

Yay for gift with purchase #1: Spend $50 at Benefit Cosmetics and get a free It Stick concealer when you enter code FGIS (valid through 5/26).

Yay for gift with purchase #2: Spend $35 at Kiehls.com and get a free tube of Lip Balm #1, the best lip balm in existence. Enter code LIPBALM101 at checkout though 5/31.

Yay for gift with purchase #3: Spend $100 at Laura Mercier and get a makeup bag filled with a mini lip color, loose powder, body wash, and body creme (view it here). No need to enter a code; offer expires 6/7.

Though 6/3 at the Gap, spend $50 and get a "summer passport" that entitles you to the following: $10 off a $50 purchase in June, $15 off a $75 purchase in July, and $20 off a purchase of $100 in August. Confusing? Yes. Good deal? Yes.
Tidbits
I'm leaving tomorrow for yet another wedding--this one's in Vegas, though, and I'm a bridesmaid--so there will be no postings for a few days. But I'll be back on Tuesday, 5/25. Scout's honor.

Jill Platner makes cool jewelry out of silver and Gore-Tex; at this sale, it's up to 50% off. 5/21-5/23; noon-7; 113 Crosby St.

At Sacco, certain styles of their truly comfortable shoes are 20%-30% off (now $75-$155). 5/23-6/8; multiple locations.

Saks is jumping on the fall trunk show bandwagon; click here to preorder fall items from Theory.

The Shop at Style.com is now open; this week they have an impressive array of Sigerson Morrison shoes and bags, Lucy Barnes, Agent Provocateur, and more. They'll have new designers every week--of course, I'll keep you posted as to who they are.

Through 6/1, get 20% off all online orders at Boucher when you enter code SPRING04 at checkout.

Through 5/26, get $10 off a $75 order, $15 off a $100 order, and $20 off a $150 order at La Redoute when you enter code 1651-09376-334.

Get 30% off at Oililly starting 5/20.
News digest
WWD: For fall, brooches are the new chandelier earrings, plus other hot accessories; Charles Nolan to open a Meatpacking District store in August; Tiffany's to open Iridesse, a pearl-focused store; in L.A., store windows are all the rage; and much-overlooked Italian experiment Ruffo Research to return.

NYT: Analysis of Harper's Bazaar, which is up at the newsstand but, in my opinion, a directionless and confusing magazine (although it's gorgeous to look at, thanks to art director Stephen Gan); kicks with rims; and mega-gay neckerchiefs (plus more information that we already know about Bleecker Street).

NYP: A bunch of random tidbits; and sundresses.

VV: Lynn Yaeger checks out the Seaport Antique Market.

NYO: The scoop on CK Bradley.

Style.com: A very '80s high-heel shoe; and pool culture.

Daily Candy: The strange-looking yet compelling cardi-wrap and sample sales I already listed on Monday.

Elle.com: Great summer sandals; and summer skin tips.
Labels I love: Nars
Perhaps brand is a better word than label in this context, but some of my favorite cosmetics are by Nars. Created by makeup artist Francois Nars, the line is adventurous and yet incredibly flattering color-wise, and it introduces products you never thought you needed, but now that you have them, you can't live without them (case in point: J.Lo's secret weapon, body glow, and the multiple). I'm especially a big fan of the palettes, which are great for people like me who prefer to sample before they commit to a full size. Through the palettes, I discovered Copacabana the multiple, Butterfield 8 lip lacquer, the universally flattering Dolce Vita lipstick, sparkly peach Night Star eyeshadow, and my favorite item, Orgasm blush. Best of all, the chic, modern, black-and-white tubes and compacts complement my black-and-white bathroom.
Website of the week
In helping a reader find a sweater she saw on a celebrity, I came across Revolve Clothing, a very L.A. jeans-and-T-shirts operation, but with a bit of a punk, rock 'n' roll edge. Witness T-shirts by Ringspun, worn-in jeans from Sacred Blue, drapey skirts from Sandy G, and cool handbags by SMAK. I especially like this Plenty dress, which reminds me of wallpaper--in a pleasant way. I also want these ultra-flattering Earl Jeans pants, which I haven't seen anywhere else. Also worth checking out: their impressive sale section. But what sets Revolve apart from the competition is its awesome customer service: Shipping and returns are free; they'll match a competitor's price within 30 days; and all items are guaranteed in stock in sizes shown, or you receive a coupon for 25% off your next purchase. I'll take it!
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: One of my favorite sample sales is the Steven Alan showroom sale. Unfortunately I'll be out of town for this one, but you can take advantage of United Bamboo, Mint, and others for 30%-75% off. 5/20-5/22; 8:30-8, noon-7 Sat.; 103 Franklin St.

Frenchie Catherine Malandrino is opening a store at Hudson and 13th; in the meantime, check out her sample/stock sale, where clothes are $49-$399. 5/19-5/21; 9-7; 275 W. 39th St., 6th fl.

For the head-to-toe girly girls, Rebecca Taylor and Leigh Bantivoglio are holding a joint sample sale, where their clothes and lingerie, respectively, are up to 80% off, from $25-$90. 5/19-5/20; 10-7; 336 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 11th fl.

Girly girls also might want to check out the Lulu Guinness sale, where her whimsical clothes and accessories are up to 80% off. 5/20-5/21; 10-5; 230 W. 39th St.

The French are born, seemingly, with an innate sense of style; buy some Paul & Joe for 50% off at Find Outlet and fake it. 5/20-5/23; noon-7; 361 W. 17th St.

Hey, remember in the season finale of America's Next Top Model when Yoanna and Mercedes modeled in the DSquared2 "show"? Score some DSquared2 (and DieselStyleLab and Martin Margiela) at the Staff International sale. They have jackets ($150-$500), knitwear ($60-$150), skirts ($50-$100), and more, for men and women. 5/20-5/21; 10-6; 495 Broadway (near Broome St.), 8th fl.

Le Corset by Selima has fancy-pants designer lingerie from Roberto Cavalli, Chloé, Alberta Ferretti, and others, for 20%-75% off. Through 5/23; 80 Thompson St.

Yigal Azrouel has a memorable name, and memorable clothes for up to 65% off. 5/18-5/20; 9-7, 6-6 Th.; 225 W. 39th St., 7th fl.

Sales like this make you wonder why you bother buying retail: Vivienne Tam's spring collection is up to 75% off, with prices starting at $30. 5/19-5/21; 10-7, 10-6 Th.; 550 7th Ave. (at 39th St.), 20th fl.

This week, Clothingline has Betsey Johnson, Miss Sixty, Killah, Energie, and Sixty for men and women, for 50% off and up. Through 5/22; 261 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Disco king Carlos Falchi's handbags are $75-$1,500 (originally $225-$3,500) at this sale. 5/19-5/20; 9-6; 260 W. 39th St., 16th fl.

You can pay big bucks for designer versions of the ballet look, or you can hit the Capezio sale, where dance gear starts at $5. 5/19-5/21; 10-6; 1137 Madison Ave. (at 84th St.).

Another girly sale: Beth Bowley and Tabitha are up to 75 percent off; silk jersey dresses are $80 (from $225-$275). 5/19-5/21; 10-6, 10-4 Fri.; 23 W. 39th St., 5th fl.

Yet another girly sale: Tibi’s spring collection is $20-$125. 5/20-5/21; 10-5; 230 W. 39th St., 16th fl.

Bramasole’s flattering swimsuits are under $50. 5/19-5/22; 10-7; 195 Chrystie St., 4th fl.

Preppy Samantha Root handbags from past and present are 50%-75% off (starting at $73.50). 5/19-5/20; 10-6; 1133 Broadway (at 25th St.), ste. 708.

Apparently they didn't sell all of their merchandise last time: Rubin Chapelle’s womenswear is up to 70% off. 5/20-5/22; 11:30-8, noon-7 Sat.; 410 W. 14th St.

It's sometimes a bit mom-ish, but R.J. Graziano’s trendy jewelry is 50%-75% off. Through 5/20; 11-5:30; 389 5th Ave. (at 36th St.), ste. 310.

Promising up-and-comer Lila’s clothes are $40-$110. 5/18-5/21;9-6, 9-3 Fri.; 231 W. 39th St., 5th fl.

If you're fan-cee, check out the Carmen Marc Valvo sale, where gowns, cocktail dresses, and separates are 75% off. 5/18-5/19; 10-5; 530 7th Ave. (38th & 39th St.), 23rd fl.

Vizcaya Home’s decorative home accessories are 60%-90% off. Through 5/23; 11-6, noon-5 weekends; 227 W. 29th St., 9th fl.

Anbar Shoes' semi-annual clearance sale has Stuart Weitzman, Walter Steiger, BCBG, Via Spiga, Sacha London, D. Pliner, and others for $24-$84 (usually up to $350), and all sizes are available. Through 5/31; 60 Reade St.(Broadway and Church Sts.).

It's trunk show bonanza this week at Bergdorf's: Valentino, Marc Jacobs handbags, Verdura, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Gucci, Halston, and J. Mendel are all having trunk shows; Karan makes a personal appearance tomorrow 5/18 from 2-4, and Halston's Bradley Bayou will make a personal appearance 5/19 and 5/20. Visit the website for details, as I'm too lazy to write all of them out.

Finally, downtown designer paradise Kirna Zabete is hosting a trunk show with champagne! RSVP to rsvp@kirnazabete.com. 5/19; 6-9; 96 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).
Weekend shopping
Too bad they're a week or two late, but my mom loves Salvatore Ferragamo, although the brand is trying to become a bit more hip. At this sale, expect to find shoes, bags, scarves, clothes, and more, for men and women. 5/16-5/20; noon-6:30 Sun., 9-6:30 weekdays; 560 7th Ave. (at 40th St.), 2nd fl.

Because there apparently aren't enough people in Soho on the weekends, tomorrow is the Soho Stroll, featuring discounts, giveaways, and cocktails from select stores. Go to Sohonyc.org for details.

Sharpen your claws, Bridezillas: It's the Vera Wang sample sale, where her superior bridal gowns are up to 75% off. 5/15; 8-5; Penn Plaza Pavilion, 401 7th Ave. (at 35th St.).

Satya's "yoga-inspired" jewelry is up to 80% off, with prices starting at $10. Through 5/16; 10-7; 330 Bleecker.

For a limited time, get $50 off your order of $300 at Dazsign.com (there's no code).

It's the first round of summer sales at Neiman Marcus! Yay! Also, get a free tote bag with a $200 swimwear purchase. And, get a free velvet bag when you preorder $200 worth of fall Marc by Marc Jacobs clothes. (Personally, I think it might be a bit early for fall, but that's just me.)

Bloomingdale's is having a sale, as well as an in-store and online home sale through 5/23.

Century 21 is having a sale, with women's European collections up to 80% off.

West Elm's sale items are now up to 60% off. (The bath mat I have is now a piddly $7.99!)

eLuxury is having a sale, with up to 65% off Marc by Marc Jacobs, C&C California, James Perse, and more.

I'm a sucker for gift with purchase, part I: Get a free lip polish sample with every order at Stila's website.

As much as I think Scoop is kind of annoying, I will admit they have cool jewelry. So visit their website--avoid the pounding music and snotty Upper East Side teens!--and check out the jewelry sale.

I'm a sucker for gift with purchase, part II: At Sephora.com, get a free Stila .5 oz. Tinted Moisturizer with any order when you enter code BEACHSKIN at checkout.

Have a good weekend, everyone!
News digest
WWD: Marc Jacobs re-ups with LVMH and hopes to make his namesake label a "global fashion force"; Beyonce is a bona-fide designer; the dreadful Scoop to set up shop in Vegas; the death of couture?; coming to a mall near you: Urban Outfitters becomes Suburban Outfitters; and more info on the West Village Intermix.

NYT: Rock stars and their clothing lines; glamour at Belmont; for fall, groomed is the new grunge; and shocking! the return of full-price.

NYP: A girl and her Gucci It Bag; an extravagant Karl Lagerfeld iPod case; a writer road-tests sex-kitten hair; and what to wear on a first date.

NYDN: Intermix and more; and some musts.

VV: Lynn Yaeger provides some tongue-in-cheek makeover tips.

The Daily: The tunic is back; bronzers and hair straightening; The L Word: the next SATC?

Style.com: Sunglasses for summer; purty earrings; and beauty buys.
Apolgies and a rant
And the shitty blogger of the week award goes to...me! Sorry I've been semi-M.I.A. this week. I was in Hilton Head for a wedding last weekend, then I came back to this horrible close at work. Needless to say, I've been swamped. Hopefully the situation will improve starting tomorrow. If not, maybe I'll quit. Yeah, right.

Onto the rant. As I just mentioned, I was in Hilton Head for a wedding last weekend, and on Sunday, we had to kill time before our flight back to New York, so we decided to check out a nearby "Outlet Center." The selection of stores wasn't great to begin with, but at least there was a Gap outlet and a Banana Republic outlet...However, neither of these "outlets" were actually outlets. They weren't selling overstock from the stores; they were selling clothes with special "factory store" labels, and the prices were not much less than what you'd find in the normal stores. What the hell is this? Gap is making a special line of clothes to sell at these so-called "outlet stores" for about 25% less than regular price? Not that Gap's clothes are the most well made in the first place (their idea of a "long" inseam is to add another two inches to the hem, instead of realizing that us tall people are actually built differently, not that we just have longer legs), but my friend N tried on a pair of her beloved Long & Lean jeans and found they were completely different--i.e. much more poorly made--than the ones at the regular Gap.

Then I remembered two years ago when I was in Napa Valley for a wedding and found the same thing at a Barneys New York "outlet"--lots of private-label stuff made especially for the store and no super-marked-down merchandise from the real store. So what gives? Do people not care about the quality of the clothes they're buying? I thought the point of outlet stores is that you get a high-quality item for a super-cheap price: Stores get rid of overstock and shoppers get a bargain. And yet this merchandise is neither from the store nor cheap. To me, it just seems like a way to hoodwink consumers who don't know the difference. Or maybe capitalize on people's cheapness or need for conspicuous consumption (i.e. "This shirt says 'Barneys New York,'" but it's a piece o' crap). Or maybe manufacturers, distributors, and stores have become so efficient that they don't have that much merchandise to sell while the demand for "outlet stores" is high. (I got a B- in economics in college; I'm sure it's showing.) Nevertheless, I hope this isn't a trend that spreads to all outlet malls, especially my dear favorite, Woodbury Commons.
Website of the week
Whenever I'm in London, my first stop is Topshop, but my second stop is always Lush. Lush is a bath and body store in the vein of The Body Shop, except all of their products are vegetarian (most are vegan) and fresh: Soaps are sold by the pound, and many products need to stay refrigerated. But Lush is most famous for its bath bombs, Alka Seltzer-like balls that fizz and dissolve in the bathtub (my personal favorite is the Softly, which smells like ylang-ylang and lavender and leaves rose petals when it dissolves). I'm also a big fan of the Buffy the Backside Slayer body-buffing bar, the Dream Cream, and the Extra Virgin Olive soap (it doesn't really make you smell like salad).

When I was in San Francisco a year ago, I was beyond delighted to find a Lush store near Union Square; a few weekends ago when I was in Boston, I found a Lush on Newbury Street. Finally at that store, I asked the salesgirl when they were going to open a store in New York. "Um," she said, "there's a store at 34th and Broadway." Of course I felt like an idiot; apparently the store has been open for a few months now. However 34th and Broadway is one of my least favorite intersections in the city, and the store is in that weird mini-mall with a Daffy's and a Payless. So I have yet to actually visit the store, but I will stop complaining about how there aren't any Lushes in New York. So if you're brave, visit the store; if not, definitely check out the website.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: This almost sounds too good to be true: Seven, Yanuk, and Lucky Jeans for 50%-80% off. Seven jeans and miniskirts are available in "A" pocket, Hefner, and Dojo styles; Yanuk jeans, jackets, and skirts in six-pocket, worker, and penpal styles are here too, as well as tops by Joe's Jeans, Arden B., Von Dutch, and Betsy Johnson. Hopefully I'll get a chance to check this out sometime this week, but if not, please post a comment and let us know what the sale is like. There is one catch: It's cash only. Through 5/13; 11-6; 232 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

Dolce & Gabbana's supersexy clothes (for men and women) are up to 70% off. 5/14-5/16; 9-6 Fri., 10-6 Sat., 11-5 Sun.; 85 Spring St.

My fellow Chicago native Cynthia Rowley makes fun, girly clothes; pretty much everything in her store is 40%-80% off, with prices starting at just $15. Through 5/31; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 112 Wooster St.

If you're a hipster with money to blow, you'll like Showroom Seven, featuring Erickson Beamon, Orla Kiely, Martine Sitbon, and others for at least 60% off. Through 5/21; 10-7 (closed Sun.); 498 7th Ave. (near 36th St.), 24th fl.

After shoes, my second-favorite thing to shop for is lingerie. Luckily, there are some good lingerie sales this week. The first features Chantelle, Simone Perele, and Huit; bras are $25 and bottoms are $15. 5/12-5/14; 10-6 Wed., 10-8 Thurs., 10-4 Fri.; 40 E. 34th St. (Park & Madison Aves.), suites 707,710, and 1107.

More lingerie: Azaleas has lingerie from Aubade, Love Tanjane, and more for 30%-70% off. Through 5/30; noon-8 (closed Mon.); 223 E. 10th St.

Some say milnery is a dying art. Luckily, Lola is prolonging the art with her funky hats, now 60% off at this sale (denim newsboys are $50). 5/12-5/14; 10-7; (10am-7pm). 535 8th Ave. (at 36th St.), 20th fl.

Philippe Adec's chic French womenswear is 50% off; prices start at $34 for tees. 5/13-5/15; 9-7, 11-5 Sat.; 209 W. 38th St., 2nd fl.

Manuel Canovas' sexy beachwear (including bikinis) is up to 60% off. 5/12-5/14; 10-6; 530 7th Ave. (at 38th St.), ste. 2800.

The New York Vintage and Antique Textile Show and Sale isn't as good as the show at the Metropolitan Pavillion, but it's still worth checking out. Admission is $20; go to the website for a $5 off coupon. 5/14-5/15; 11-7:30 Fri., 11-6 Sat.; the New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. (at 34th St.).

Feeling charitable? Lighthouse International is hosting a sale featuring new and gently used designer clothes (Chanel, Celine, Armani, etc.). Admission is $10, but proceeds benefit Lighthouse programs for the visually impaired. 5/13-5/16; 11-7; 110 E. 60th St.

For the pregnant ladies, Liz Lange's chic maternity wear is up to 75% off. 5/12-5/13; 8-6:30; 47 W. 36th St., 7th fl.

Preppy? Ralph Lauren Footwear for men and women is $10-$250 at this sale. Through 5/14; 10-4; 120 E. 56th St. (Park & Lex), 2nd floor.

Capucine & Capucin and La Loop's spring shoes and jewelry are 50%-70% off. 5/14-5/15; noon-6; 33 Little W.12th St., ste. 203A.

M.A.D Women knitwear is 60% off (now $10-$50). Through 5/14; 11-7:30; 58 Thomas St.

Anni Kuan womenswear is 60% off (now $40-$75). 5/13-5/14; 10-6; (10am-6pm). 242 W. 38th St., 11th fl.

Neal Decker's handbags and totes are up to 75% off (were $150-$295, now $40-$65) that's up to 75 percent off. 5/12-5/14; 11-6; 153 W. 27th St., ste. 700.

Through 5/18, it's Gloss.com's Best in Beauty event, which basically means a lot of free samples, or my personal favorite, gift with purchase! Check out the website for details.

Because it's never too early to start thinking about next season, preview Chanel's fall collection (including accessories and shoes) tomorrow and Thursday from 11-4 at Bergdorf's. Also happening this week: A Douglas Hannant trunk show today and tomorrow on the fourth floor; a Calvin Klein trunk show today on the third floor; yet another Oscar de la Renta trunk show on the fourth floor Wednesday through Friday; and a Marc Jacobs trunk show on the third floor Wednesday through Friday.

Clothingline has added merchandise from Olive & Bette's, plus C. Ronson and Jheri Richards, starting today. 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

For the Upper East Siders, Design Within Reach has opened a new store at 62nd and Madison.

Get 15% off the online collection at La Redoute when you enter code 1651-36985-285 at checkout.

Order your fall Proenza Schouler selections through 5/17 on the 5th floor at Barneys!
I will return on Monday!
Sorry about the lack of postings--things are a bit hectic at my real job, and I'm leaving in T-minus 25 minutes for a wedding this weekend. But I will post again on Monday!
Not so much: Juicy Couture bags
I'm introducing a new feature here at Cheryl Shops: Not so much. It's a complicated way of saying "no", and thus "Not so much" is a label I'm giving things that I think are ugly, gross, unfashionable, etc. For example, several weeks ago I mentioned that Scoop is selling Camp Beverly Hills T-shirt--those would definitely warrant a "Not so much".

So as for the first official Not so much, today I got an e-mail from Daszign.com announcing the arrival of Juicy Couture bags. Now, I will admit to owning quite a few Juicy tracksuits, as obnoxious as they may be. But the bags are, in a word, tacky. This clutch is a blatant Gucci rip-off; the leather satchel--a whopping $475!--looks like the poor woman's Birkin; and the jelly bag is logomania at its worst. Gross.

So, Juicy Couture bags: Not so much.
Website of the week
With my e-mail address out on the Internet like it is, I end up getting a lot of junk mail, like some deposed African king asking for my bank account number and some quack offering me Darvocet for half price. Thankfully, for every 10 or so of those e-mails, I end up on a mailing list for something cool, like NYC General Store. While mostly a collective of smaller, hard-to-find designers--check out Gilda's Peruvian silver earrings and Lisa Toland's fairy-princess handbags--the website also will hook you up with a chef, an interior designer, a vintage shopper, a financial adviser, and more. So, basically, it's one-stop shopping. Which I like.
News digest
NYT: Ginia Bellafante investigates the theory behind Theory; and Le Tigre is back (the brand, not the Zoolander look).

NYP: The little black dress, blah, blah, blah; ballet flats and Bleecker Street; vintage rock T-shirts; and last-minute slim-down spa treatments (I want to try the thing with the electrodes!).

The Daily: Suddenly, starlets love Coach; a few words with Nicolas Ghesquiere; Bartacks, the new Sevens; and a DIY Birkin (second item).

Lookonline.com: An amusing It Bag alternative.

Elle.com: Limited-edition Olympics-inspired Camper sandals and a beautiful necklace you can afford.
Buy it: Girl, Boy Etc.
If you read my blog but don't happen to know me personally, you might wonder who MW is. To let the cat out of the bag, MW is my significant other, and he has written an excellent book of short stories, Girl, Boy Etc., most of which, as you might imagine, deal with male-female relationships. So while this is not a literary blog, and I am by no means a literary critic, I'm suggesting that you buy his book anyway. It's light enough for summer, but you won't feel trashy afterward.

Anyway, the illustrious Chuck Klosterman has organized an Amazon drive tomorrow, May 4, at 2 p.m. EST. (The logic behind this is that if a lot of people buy the book at the same time, it causes the ranking to surge, which in turn gets Amazon's attention, and thus they'll give the book more attention and order more copies.) To buy it, click here. MW thanks you.
Coming soon
In taking walks around my neighborhood, I've noticed two very exciting developments:

1) There's a West Elm store under construction on 18th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues, and the sign says it's opening this fall. Much closer than DUMBO--yay!

2) While making a late-night Magnolia Bakery run, I noticed there's an Intermix coming to Bleecker Street, a.k.a. "the new Soho," at Charles Street. Hey, I'm not complaining.
The week in shopping
Sale of the week: We all know I love shoes, so this week's best bet is the Nancy Geist, NancyNancy, and Cynthia Rowley sale, where shoes are $70 and boots are $120. Through 5/7; noon-7; 307 7th Ave. (at 28th St.), 23rd fl.

MaxMara’s Italian accessories, knits, eveningwear, and more are 60% off. Through 5/6; 9-6:30, 9-5 Thurs.; Parsons School of Design, 560 7th Ave. (at 40th St.), 2nd fl.

I'm so bummed I'm going to be out of town for this one (hmm, unless I go before work on Thursday...): Denise Williamson Showroom has FrostFrench, Sass & Bide, Ulla Johnson, and others for peanuts; tops are $35-$65. 5/6-5/8; 9-8, 11-6 Sat.; 119 Mercer St., #2S.

In honor of their new store at 62nd and 3rd, Searle is offering 15% off at all of their stores through 5/16. Click here for the coupon.

Marilyn Monroe wore Delman shoes; at this sale, they're half price ($30-$150). 5/5-5/12 (closed Sat. & Sun.); 10-7; 730 5th Ave. (at 56th St.), 8th fl.

Tote Le Monde’s durable, um, totes are up to 60% off: $20-$130 (regularly $50-$250). Cash only! 5/6-5/8; 11-7, 11-4 Sat.; 251 W. 30th St., #11FW.

Area’s neutral linens are at least 60% off. 5/5-5/6; 10-8; 180 Varick St., Ste. 936.

Socialites love Kieselstein-Cord’s jewelry and handbags. At this sale, prices range from $50 for sterling-silver cuffs to $900 for an alligator handbag. 5/7-5/8; 10-8 Fri., 10-6 Sat.; Peninsula Hotel, 700 5th Ave.(at 55th St.), 3rd fl.

Speaking of socialites, Armand Diradourian’s cozy cashmeres are 40% off (they're normally sold on Vivre). 5/6-5/15; noon-6; 160 5th Ave. (at 20th St.), #901.

Or, if you prefer, Meg Cohen has cashmere scarves, throws, and blankets starting at $45. 5/6-5/7; 11-7; 920 Broadway (20th & 21st Sts.), suite 905.

If you're a lazy-ass and haven't bought your Mother's Day present yet, check out Meryl Waitz’s sale, which has mom-friendly sterling-silver jewelry, photo frames, and bath items for $6-$75. 5/6-5/7; 10-7; 264 Canal St., ste. 6E.

Or, if you're loaded, buy Mom some Bill Blass at Bergdorf's trunk show this week, all week, on the 4th floor.

For the guys, To Boot New York men’s shoes are 40%-80% off. 5/7-5/9; 8:30-6:30 Fri., 10-6 Sat., noon-5 Sun. 603 Washington St. (Morton and Leroy Sts.).

In honor of owner Lisa's birthday, Beauty Cafe is taking 15% off all orders of $75 or more through 5/10. Enter code Birthday at checkout.

If you're skinny and need a cheap swimsuit, check out Delia*s, where swimsuits are 15% off. Plus, get free shipping when you spend $100 (that's, like, four swimsuits!).

Good news for people getting married: You can now access wedding registries from the Barneys New York website. Whoopee!

Save up to 50% at the Pottery Barn online sale.