Buy It: Vix Bia bikini

As I mentioned earlier, MW and I are renting a house on Fire Island this summer, and let me tell you, it was money well spent. Fire Island is so much more relaxed than the Hamptons--there are no cars, and few snobs--and within minutes of arriving, I completely mellow out. My wardrobe thus far has been equally laid back: I wear cutoffs with tank tops by day and rompers or maxi dresses by night, all with flat sandals (a true rarity for me). But what I spend the most time wearing is my beloved Vix Bia bikini. Mine is magenta, and I bought it last summer on the spur of the moment, but it turns out it's one of Vix's best-selling styles, and for good reason. The top and bottom both feature these ingenious little gold rectangles, which you can adjust to create a custom fit. The top is otherwise a classic string bikini top, which I had previously thought I couldn't wear, but, as it turns out, Vix sizes its tops on the generous side. The bottoms have a great fold-over waistband, so there's no elastic or strings digging into your hips, but the gold rectangles help to give them some shape. I can also report that after several trips to the beach last summer, a week in Barbados earlier this year, and now a month in Fire Island, the color has yet to fade. While $160 is not totally unreasonable for a bikini in this day and age, it is a significant amount of change, however I feel like the Bia is completely worth it. Especially when you add up the amount I've spent on crappy, flash-in-the-pan suits from H&M or Old Navy over the years. And when you look at it on a cost-per-wear basis, the suit practically pays for itself. After all, I wear it nearly every day I'm out there (which I wish were every day, period). If only getting dressed in the city were as simple as having one great bikini.

Side note: If you're interested in this sort of thing, this style is a celebrity favorite as well. Everyone from Kim Kardashian to Teri Hatcher has been photographed in it--which speaks to its ability to fit a wide range of body types.

The week in shopping

NYC
Calling all hipster fashionistas: Rachel Comey's clothing, accessories, and shoes are 50%-60% off for one day only. 6/30; non-8; 335 W. 35th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 7th fl.

Clothingline is hosting another J.Crew sample sale, this one featuring lots of summer-friendly merch. Men, women, and select kids items available. Through 7/1; 10-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Jeans for men & women are majorly on sale at Diesel's sample sale. 6/29-6/30; 10-6; 220 W. 19th St. (7th & 8th Aves).

Draw out your inner Euro at Fendi's sample sale, featuring women's clothing, accessories, and, yes, fur. 6/29–7/1; 308 T, 8-8 W, 8-3 Th; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Stuart & Wright's summer sale has begun--save 30%-60% on cool designers like Isabel Marant, Band of Outsiders, and Acne. Ongoing; 85 Lafayette Ave. (S. Elliot Pl. & S. Portland Ave.), Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Zara's summer sale has begun! Click here for locations.

Topshop's summer sale has begun. Also online. Ongoing; 10-9, 11-8 Su; 478 Broadway (at Broome St.).

Kirna Zabete has taken new markdowns on summer sale. Also online. Ongoing; 96 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Online
Urban Outfitters' summer sale features items starting at $9.99. Through 7/5.

Shirts and dresses by bra size are 20% off at Rebecca & Drew.

It's final reductions time at Net-a-Porter.com!

Celebrate D&G's one-year online anniversary with 40% off spring-summer styles.

Save up to 40% on clothing, shoes & accessories at Piperlime's lime tag sale.

TheFind Guest Post: Starlight Star Bright


One of the best things about warm summer nights are the millions of stars in the dark sky. To capture this romance in your personal wardrobe, try some eye-catching star-shaped jewelry by some of today's hottest jewelry designers. A glimmering, glamorous detail for any summer ensemble, these little stars are reminiscent of hot nights full of fireflies, fireworks, or lazy walks on long piers.

For a punkier take, try Maison Martin Margiela's Triple Star Ring. Modern but playful, this design features three stars that spread over your knuckles for a little touch of military toughness. An eye-catching ring for any time of year, this piece will also add an edge to ensembles through next Fall and Winter too!

The designer Ben-Amun is fascinated by the star motif, incorporating it into a number of pieces. The Falling Star Bright Necklace offers sparkle and drama in one multi-strand piece in pewter and crystal. The Multicolor Star Bright Necklace features an extra-long length for a more casual look, and a mix of colorful stars in shades of red and pink. The glittering crystals add the perfect finishing touch!

Jules Smith's Megastar Charm necklace is a much simpler choice, but much bolder in scale. The flat star shape is in shiny yellow gold, in a broad, clean silhouette. Definitely an investment piece that can be worn every day of the week.
So when planning your summertime accessories, look to the stars for some timeless glamour - they will always lead you in the right direction!
Save on Star Jewelry at Singer 22 from TheFind.com's coupon site

One of the best things about warm summer nights are the millions of stars in the dark sky. To capture this romance in your personal wardrobe, try some eye-catching star-shaped jewelry by some of today's hottest jewelry designers. A glimmering, glamorous detail for any summer ensemble, these little stars are reminiscent of hot nights full of fireflies, fireworks, or lazy walks on long piers.

For a punkier take, try Maison Martin Margiela's Triple Star Ring. Modern but playful, this design features three stars that spread over your knuckles for a little touch of military toughness. An eye-catching ring for any time of year, this piece will also add an edge to ensembles through next Fall and Winter too!

The designer Ben-Amun is fascinated by the star motif, incorporating it into a number of pieces. The Falling Star Bright Necklace offers sparkle and drama in one multi-strand piece in pewter and crystal. The Multicolor Star Bright Necklace features an extra-long length for a more casual look, and a mix of colorful stars in shades of red and pink. The glittering crystals add the perfect finishing touch!

Jules Smith's Megastar Charm necklace is a much simpler choice, but much bolder in scale. The flat star shape is in shiny yellow gold, in a broad, clean silhouette. Definitely an investment piece that can be worn every day of the week.
So when planning your summertime accessories, look to the stars for some timeless glamour - they will always lead you in the right direction!
Save on Star Jewelry at Singer 22 from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

The week in shopping

NYC
After work on Thursday, you will find me at the rag & bone sample sale, where tees are $45 and under, jeans are $95 and under, dresses are $175 and under, and jackets are $225 and under. Men's stuff too. 6/24–6/27; 11-8 Th-F, noon-6 Sa, noon-5 Su; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Get up to 75% off jeans, tees, and awesome basics from one of my favorite duos, Loomstate and Rogan. Jeans are $60-$110, shirts and dresses are $40. Guys' stuff too! 6/23-6/25; 8-8 W & T, 8-5 F; 91 Franklin St. (Church St. & Broadway).

Clothingline has Tory Burch shoes, bags, accessories, and, yes, clothes. Through 6/25; 11-7, 11-6 F; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Nothing is over $50 at Sunner's sample sale--find silk jumpers, shirt tunics, hooded coats, and more from the NY-based contemporary brand. Through 6/23; 8:30-7; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl west.

Catherine Malandrino's French-infused contemporary collection is on sale. Through 6/23; 8-8; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Nanette Lepore's Oonagh collection is all under $100 at its first-ever sample sale. 6/23-6/24; 9-7; 225 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

Jay Godfrey's starlet-approved dresses are $95 at this sample sale. Through 6/27; 9-7 T-F, 11-7 S-S; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

If you missed her Target collab, treat yourself to a real Eugenia Kim hat at up to 75% off. Through 6/25; 10-7; 347 W. 36th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), ste. 502.

Find Prairie New York for $10-$80 (up to 70% off) at their sample sale. Through 6/25; 11-7, 11-2 F; 306 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Vivienne Westwood's Anglomania, Iodice, and other hard-to-find labels are 60%-80% off at the Scatola showroom sample sale. Through 6/25; 10-8; 544 W. 27th St. (10th & 11th Aves.), 6th fl.

Stock up on gifts at Kiosk's sample sale, where toys, notebooks, tools, and other fun stuff is up to 80% off. Through 6/26; 1-7; 95 Spring St. (Broadway & Mercer Sts.).

Me & Ro's semiprecious and precious jewelry is 50%-70% off at their sample sale. 6/23–6/24; noon-7 W, 10-7 Th, 13 Crosby St. (Howard & Grand Sts.), 2nd fl.

Carlos Falchi bags are up to 40% off. Through 6/23; 10-5; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

Lulu Guinness handbags are now 30% off. Ongoing; 394 Bleecker St. (W. 11th & Perry Sts.) and online.

Oak's 30/40/50 sale has begun; items are currently 30% off, but go to 40% off on Friday and 50% off the following Friday. Ongoing; 28 Bond St. (Bowery & Lafayette Sts.), 208 N. 8th St. (at Driggs Ave.), Williamsburg. Also online.

Stop by a Calypso store near you 6/23 for 20% off and free drinks (6/26 for Hamptons locations).

Online
Lord & Taylor is having an awesome shoe event--save an extra 40% when you buy 3 pairs.

Use code STOCK through 7/7 for 20% off 2 pairs or 30% off 3 pairs of shoes at VinceCamuto.com.

Save up to 40% on select styles at Banana Republic's Celebrate Summer sale through 6/30.

Use code EXTRA30 for 30% off sale items (plus free shipping with $150 purchase) at JCrew.com through 6/23.

Discounts are currently at 48% (but drop to 33% by Sunday) at Isabella Oliver; use code SPREE at checkout and shop sooner rather than later!

Select items are up to 50% off at Tory Burch (in stores too).

Take an additional 33% off for a total of up to 60% off women's contemporary at saks.com.

Get 15% off Bliss, Elemis, and Laboratoire Remede products at blissworld.com with promo code JULY10 at checkout through 6/24.

Take an extra 25% off all sale merch at Intermix, in stores too.

TheFind Guest Post: Step Into Summer In Style With A Pair Of Cuffed Sandals



When cuffed sandals first started hitting the fashion scene late last summer, I was one of their biggest skeptics. They looked more like a freakish bootie-sandal hybrid than anything that could be considered breezy summer footwear like my go-to Havaianas. But now that they've hit the mainstream and are being adapted to suit nearly anyone's summer style, the whole cuffed sandal trend comes off a lot less iffy and a lot more... covetable!

Some still maintain their boot-like qualities, like these studded cowboy-inspired Marciano flats, while others are a bit more delicate but still totally eye-catching like the Pour la Victoire Emily sandals. Some even do double-duty as a sandal and an anklet, like these beaded Steve Maddens. Personally I have my eye on these woven-cuff Tahoe sandals by Dolce Vita, which I think would be a great way to blow my next paycheck! With embellishments like buckles, studs, beads, and cut-outs, it's hard not to find a pair (or more than one!) that you'll want to carry you through the season!

Save on Cuffed Sandals for Summer at Endless from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

MasstigeWatch!

Just weeks ago I reported Uniqlo was collaborating with Velvet, and now, as of this morning, that collection has hit the store. Racked reports that everything is very soft and under $20, and that there are still a ton of pieces in stock. It may not be reinventing the wheel, but I'll take a nice pair of jersey harem pants or a cute tank dress any day.

On a slightly more exciting note, Fashionista has pictures from the upcoming Mark Fast for Topshop collection, which lands in stores next Friday, June 25. Prices should be in the $!00-$200 range (unless Topshop decides to jack up the exchange rate), and, um, I will take one of these, please. (Side note: Fashionista has vastly improved after hiring the knowledgeable Lauren Sherman as its editor. If you had given up on it, I suggest giving it another try.)


Not quite masstige but definitely on the more affordable side come two items of good news. One is that Viva Vena, Vena Cava's lower-priced line, has released a lookbook, and Elle has it. Everything will reportedly retail for under $200, and the line is due in stores this fall. In even better news, one of my favorite designers, Yigal Azrouel, is repositioning his Y Yigal line as Cut 25 [subscription required], a broader contemporary collection with more separates and more of a cooler, downtown-girl aesthetic. The line should retail for about a third the cost of Azrouel's main collection, and it will debut exclusively at Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and Intermix in July.

Object of Desire: Givenchy Eden Pepe Sac


Sad but true: I am always on the lookout for a new bag. I can spend months obsessing about and saving my money for an It Bag, and as soon as the thrill of actually buying it has worn off, I am already thinking about my next conquest. I will say, I have been behaving myself: The last purse I bought was last fall, and for summer, I'm using my beloved Botkier James hobo from last year. Having practiced so much restraint, I feel like I'm due for a somewhat spectacular splurge. I've had my eye on this Be & D Genesis satchel--the leather is supersoft yet a bit crinkled, and, more importantly, the shape is on the understated side. The economy may be on the recovery, but we're not out of the woods yet, and thus quiet luxury is still the way to go. I was just about ready to splurge on the Genesis when I got an email from Barneys announcing the arrival of the Givenchy Eden Pepe Sac. Like the Genesis, it combines a crinkled texture with a subtle, briefcase-inspired shape, but it appears to be even larger, and without the pesky spring-loaded front flap. I also like the muddy dark brown color--it's not as obvious as black. It's a bit more of an investment than the Be & D bag, but with a bag this gorgeous, I have a feeling my wandering eye won't be a problem.

The week in shopping

NYC
Vena Cava's silk dresses are $175; samples and one-of-a-kind pieces are a mere $40. 6/17-6/19; 11-7 Th & F, 11-5 S; 457 Broome St. (Greene & Mercer Sts.), ste. 2F.

Linea Pelle is having its first-ever NYC sample sale. Score their buttery-soft bags and accessories for one day only. 6/17; 10-6; 362 5th Ave. (34th & 35h Sts.), ste. 901.

Some of my favorite jewelry, Giles & Brother (designed by the excellent Philip Crangi), is up to 75% off. Cash only. 6/16-6/17; 11-6:30; 147 W. 29th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Shoshanna and Anlo have teamed up for a joint sample sale; bikinis are $65, dresses are $150, and jeans are $90. 6/16-6/17; 10-6:30 W, 10-5:30 Th; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 422.

Francophiles rejoice: A.P.C.'s semiannual sale starts Thursday, with prices 30%-50% off. 6/17-7/14; 11-7, noon-6 Su; 131 Mercer St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Hit Calypso St. Barth's sample sale for summer bohemian staples at nice prices (silk dresses for $99, Chan Luu scarves for $29). Through 6/18; 10-6:30, 10-2 F; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Go for all-out sophistication and glamour at Carolina Herrera and Rena Lange's joint sale, where women's clothes (including bridal!) are up to 85% off. No strollers or children under 12; credit cards only. Through 6/17; 9-6:30, 9-5 Th; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Rachel Leigh's bohemian-chic costume jewelry is $5-$50. Through 6/16; 10-5:30; 252 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 902.

Yohji Yamamoto shuttered his NYC stores, but his athletic-inspired Y-3 collection is still alive and well. Save up to 90% on past seasons. 6/15-6/17; 10-6; 610 Broadway (at Houston), 3rd fl.

Tucker, Crumley, and Wek1933 by Alek Wek have teamed up for a group sample sale; score clothes and jewelry for up to 50% off. Through 6/15; 9-7; 413 W. 14th St. (9th & 10th Aves), ste. 403.

Natori's chic lingerie is $5-$50. 6/16-6/17; 10-7 W, 10-4 Th; 102 Madison Ave. (29th & 39th Sts.), 3rd fl.

On-trend costume jewelry is at wholesale prices and below at the Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz sale. 6/16-6/17; noon-7; 246 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 12A.

Know someone getting married? Go off-registry with a nice piece of crystal from Riedel at up to 75% off. 6/17-6/20; 10:30-7 Th-S; 10:30-6 Su; 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Celebrate the return of '90s prodigy Christian Francis Roth by scoring one of his colorful dresses for 40%-60% off. 6/17-6/29; 464 Columbus Ave. (82nd & 83rd Sts.).

Fancy arty books are up to 75% off at Taschen's warehouse sale. 6/18-6/20; 11-8, noon-7 Su; 107 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Fancy inens are 40%-90% off at D. Porthault's white sale. 6/14–7/3; 10-6 (closed Sun.); 470 Park Ave. (at 58th St.).

Find bras for $20, undies for $5-$10, and swim separates for $10-$20 at the Panache sale. 6/16–6/17; 11-7; 40 E. 34th St. (Park & Madison aves.), ste. 1103.

Hit Skin, Erica Tanov, and Layla at wholesale prices and below. 6/16–6/17; 9-7; 805 Washington St. (at Horatio St.).

Clothingline has Milly samples, Haute Hippie, Halston, Be&D and more this week. Through 6/16; 11-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Bergdorf's is having its smart beauty event now through 6/27 (online through 6/28): spend $200 on beauty or fragrance and get a chic clutch filled with high-end samples.

Online
Jimmy Choo's summer sale has begun (also in stores).

Select products are up to 50% off at L'Occitane's summer sale.

Spring-summer lines are now 50% off at Colette (yes, that Colette).

Cool designers like Thakoon, Rachel Comey, and Kimberly Ovitz are now 50% off at Satine.

Designers like Yigal Azrouel, Alexander Wang, and Rag & Bone are 30-95% off at Forward by Revolve.

TheFind Guest Post: The Python Trend Gets Wild




The trend for python handbags and accessories is going strong and now the reptile pattern is taking on clothing and other accessories as well. This trend for the snake like texture adds a fresh take on fabrics as well. Look for python printed fabrics on delicate silk blouses, form fitting dresses, and even leggings. We saw this trend in the '90s with and it is back again! This time around the trend is seen in neutral shades of grays, taupes, and ochres. We do see a bright pop of color now and then as in the Juicy Couture python print floral headband shown above. Pair a python print blouse with leather pants or skinny jeans worn with ankle booties for a luxe rocker look. Ted Rossi who is known for his statement jewelry and accessories has a plethora of python cuffs in his current collection. Look for Ted's launch of his new urban military collection this month at Henri Bendel!

Save on Python Clothing and Accessories at Bloomingdales from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

MasstigeWatch!

Score another one for Target: Mulberry for Target bags will hits stores October 10th [subscription required]. No word on whether there will be any Alexa-esque bags from the revered British house, but as soon as I get pictures, I will, of course, post 'em. Like all of Target's collaborations, these are sure to be of the synthetic variety, however, I can't imagine Mulberry designing anything remotely tacky, so I have high hopes for this one.

Next up on Target's roster is Temple St. Clair jewelry on August 29th, followed by a Go International collection from Tucker by Gaby Basora, which hits stores September 12th.

The week in shopping

NYC
DVF's brightly colored dresses are $150, and everything else is up to 75% off at this highly-trafficked sale. Through 6/11; 10-8 W, 10-7 Th, 9-3 F; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Ralph Lauren's womenswear--cruise, spring and summer ready-to-wear--is on sale at Soffier Haskin. Credit cards only; no strollers or children under 12. Through 6/11; 9-6:30, 9-5 F; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Edgy contemporary clothes from Helmut Lang are up to 70% off. 6/11–6/13; 8-8 F, 10-6 S-S; 139 5th Ave. (at 20th St.).

Haute Hippie's summer and fall items are up to 60% off. Through 6/9; 11-6; 336 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Score Tracy Reese and Frock! for at least 50% off at her sample sale. Through 6/9; 9-7; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th aves.).

Handbags from L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers are up to 70% off. Through 6/11; 10-8, 10-6 F; 307 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Charlotte Ronson's coveted womenswear is up to 70% off; think mostly under $100. 6/9–6/11; 10-7; 1071 6th Ave. (40th & 41st Sts.), ste. 301.

Lauren Moffatt's girly dresses and separates are mostly under $100. Cash only for purchases under $250. Through 6/9; 9-7; 214 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1503. Sample Sale

Lee Angel's bohemian jewelry is up to 75% off, and look for $5 bins! Through 6/10; 11-7, 10-5 F; 524 Broadway (at Spring St.), 6th fl.

Kitchen gadgets are up to 70% off at Broadway Panhandler's summer cookware sale. 6/9–6/13; 11-7, 11-8 Th, 11-6 Su; 65 E. 8th St. (Broadway & University Pl.).

by francine And Elizabeth Gillett have teamed up for a joint sample sale; the former's spring/summer collection is up to 50% off wholesale, and the latter's scarves are about $20 each. Through 6/11; 10-7, 10-5 F; 242 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

Online
New summer markdowns have begun at shopbop.com. Save up to 70% on designers like Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, and more.

Save up to 70% at blissworld.com's Summer Blowout Sale now through 6/13.

Sadly, Lutz & Patmos is closing shop. Lucky for you, everything on their website is 50%-75% off.

Brands like Botkier, Splendid, J Brand, and more are now up to 90% off at Revolve Clothing's summer sale.

The designer sale has begun: Take up to 40% off at saks.com.

Take 25% off all regular-priced items plus free shipping on orders of $100 or more with code NEWINJUNE at BananaRepublic.com through 6/11.

Take up to 60% off at The Body Shop through 7/5.

Designer collections are up to 40% off (that's on already discounted items) at yoox.com.

Take 25% off regular, sale, and clearance items at Lord & Taylor's Friends & Family sale with code FRIENDS through 6/13.

Take an extra 20% off summer sale and get free shipping with a $150 purchase at J.Crew with code EXTRA20 through 6/9.

Save 30%-50% on designers like Chloe, Yigal Azrouel, and Missoni at Cheryl Shops West Coast fave Madison L.A.

Designers from A.P.C. to Zero Maria Cornejo are now on sale at La Garconne's end-of-season sale.

Use code SUMMER10 at checkout to earn up to a $400 gift card at Intermix.

Rebecca Minkoff's online sale begins Thursday, 6/10.

Sales coming tomorrow

Please check back then. (Note: I'm on my summer schedule, which means I'm out on Fire Island on the weekends, and I often don't get home until Monday night. More often than not, I'll be posting sales on Tuesday nights as a result.)

Buy it: the perfect summer dress

Last summer, for the first time ever, I went to Fire Island, twice. The first time, I went with MW and two other couples. We stayed in a quiet, peaceful, nearly beachfront house where we grilled, drank, conversed, and had an awesomely mellow weekend. The second time, I went with a bunch of girlfriends for a bachelorette weekend, and we stayed in Ocean Beach, which is one of the more raucous, party-friendly towns on the island. And the great thing about Ocean Beach, if you are single, is that there are men everywhere. I can't remember the last time I was anywhere where men so outnumbered women. And we were hit on, bought drinks, and generally made to feel desired all weekend, which, for a bunch of old married and engaged ladies like us, was very flattering. Granted, there were a few single gals among the group, and they didn't do too poorly either. Maybe it was the beautiful weather, maybe it was the island setting, maybe it was the pink mystery shots we all took, but there was definitely something magical about that weekend.

Fire Island is the kind of place where people walk around barefoot with open beer bottles, which, if you ask me, just adds to its charm. And while many of its residents stick to cutoffs and T-shirts, I think there's something liberating about wearing a simple jersey dress with cute sandals (flat, of course--this is Fire Island we're talking about). One of the women on the bachelorette had just the perfect such dress, and, as it turns out, she designed it herself. That dress is the cheekily named Obi One from Play by Sarah Reilly. Sarah's line features soft, organic fabrics, and everything is made here in the U.S.A. Plus, Sarah knows from a good beach dress--she grew up in Southampton, after all.

MW and I have a Fire Island house secured for this summer (we're sharing it with our friends), we'll have plenty to eat and drink, and based on the weather thus far, I think we're in for a gorgeous season. All that was missing, until now, was the perfect thing to wear.

The week in shopping

NYC
Theory for ladies is up to 70% off: Dresses are $109, jackets are $159, pants are $99. Sizes 00-12 will be available, and merch will be restocked daily. 6/2–6/9; 10-7 W-F, 11-5 S-S, 11-7 M-W; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Bras, undies, sleepwear, and more is up to 80% off at the La Perla sale. 6/6–6/9; 1-5 Su, 10-6 M-W; 4 W. 58th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 4th fl.

Coveted designers from Current Elliot and Rag and Bone on up to Thakoon and Lanvin are up to 80% off at Aloha Rag's end-of-season sale. Ongoing; 11-7; 505 Greenwich St. (at Spring St.).

Summer-weight sweaters are up to 75% off at Autumn Cashmere, with cotton cardigans at $59 and lightweight cashmere wraps at $75. Through 6/4; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 924.

Men's clothing & accessories are up to 40% off at John Varvatos. Through 6/11; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 315 Bowery (at Bleecker St.), 122 Spring St. (at Greene St.).

Dress like a femme fatale at the Luca Luca sample sale, where spring/summer dresses and sportswear at up to 75% off. 6/2–6/3; 9-6; 19 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Theory for men is up to 60% off--suits are $349, outerwear is $199, and pants are $89. 6/3–6/7; 8-8 Th, 8-6 F, 10-6 S-M; 139 5th Ave. (at 21st St.), 5th fl.

Kirna Zabete's spring-summer sale has begun. Save 30% on coveted designers like Rick Owens and Alexander Wang. Ongoing; 96 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.). Online too.

Online
Take 20% off regular, sale, and clearance prices at Lord & Taylor with code SALE through 6/6.

Take 20% off bridal shoes with code WEDDING at Piperlime.com through 6/5.

Net-a-Porter's end-of-season sale has begun!

Gucci's spring-summer sale is now happening online and in stores.

Select items are up to 40% off at D&G's exclusive sale.

3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., and more of my favorite designers are now on sale at La Garconne.

Take up to 30% off select clothes and 50% off select accessories at Rogan NYC (also in stores).

Select spring items are up to 35% off at Brooklyn's Bird online and in stores.

Nordstrom's half-yearly sale is now happening online and in stores.

TheFind Guest Post: New Fashion Basic: Little White Dress





Everyone knows that the little black dress is a staple in anyone's closet. After all, the godmother of fashion Coco Chanel is attributed to the creation and popularity of the little black dress in the 1920s! The LBD can be extremely versatile from work to play. Since we've got that covered (in my case, with multiple LBDs) it's time to invest in a little white dress. Spring and summer is the perfect time to shop for a white dress you can wear to a picnic date at the park or brunch with your family.



If you're looking for something that's charming enough to wear to meet your boyfriend's parents or even just running errands around town, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Eyelet Embroidered Dress is almost saccharine sweet. And I'm always a sucker for dresses with pockets. For something a little more edgy you can always count on designer Alexander Wang to deliver. His Cutout Ponte Dress has all the right combination of sexy cutouts and pintucks in a skintight jersey dress. Sigh.


Save on white dresses at Shopbop with coupon codes from TheFind's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

MasstigeWatch!


Hot off the heels of their collaboration with Costello Tagliapietra (which is still in stores now), Uniqlo is teaming up with Velvet [subscription required] for a line of knits. Called Uniqlo + Velvet, it features 14 jersey pieces retailing for a very nice $15.90 to $19.90 and hits all 950 Uniqlo stores worldwide on June 17. Expect a casual, Southern California vibe. The collaboration also includes a line of six cashmere pieces that will hit stores in September and retail for $99.90 to $129.90.

Ever since he got unceremoniously dumped from Nina Ricci, the fashion flock has been speculating as to where Olivier Theyskens would end up next. It's not Ungaro, and not Hermes but...Theory. Theyskens is designing a capsule collection for Theory [subscription required], set to hit stores for spring/summer 2011. No further details are available at this time, but as soon as I have some, I will of course share them.

Finally, Pierre Hardy's summer Design Editions shoe collection has hit Gap.com. The four styles range from $65 for the denim espadrilles to $110 for the lace-up wedge sandals, which I have my eye on. Now all Gap needs to do is send me a coupon code, and they will be mine.

Cheryl Shops Spring Shopping Guide: Chain Trim Bags

When the recession hit almost two years ago and the fashion cognoscenti heralded the death of the It Bag, chastised fashionistas not-so-discreetly started carrying classic Chanel bags--vintage for the thrifty, new for the well-heeled, the idea being only close scrutiny would yield the difference. Of course, this major shift in handbag trend ensured that countless designers now make a Chanel-inspired look, from full-on homage (I'm looking at you, Marc Jacobs), to more subtle elements, such as quilting or chain straps (nearly everyone else). And while the look is iconic, those chain straps can get mighty heavy, and the chunkier styles are hard to keep on the shoulder. Not to mention, there's something a bit fussy about the style. Thankfully, the trend has evolved into a cooler, more rocker-y place, with chains now serving a more decorative, rather than functional, role.

$$$
Arguably the most luxurious of the pack, Stella McCartney's Fabella bag was a front-runner in the chain-trim trend. The generous size is great for everyday, and the chain trim is neither too subtle nor too over-the-top. Whether it's worth $1100 for a faux suede bag is up to you, however.


CC Skye's Janey bag has chain fringe trim along the sides, making it the perfect marriage of rocker and bohemian.


If the rocker-bohemian cross trend makes you think of Kate Moss, you're not in the wrong. In fact, Ms. Moss has been photographed carrying a Genevieve Jones bag all over London. Here's another bag by Jones, the Grace fringe bag, and while smaller than Moss's usual choice, I can definitely picture her taking this one for a night out.


$$
This J.J. Winters chain fringe bag is a bit more glamorous and Hollywood, with its rows of gold fringe and braided strap. This one is on sale, but here's a more subtle gray version (sadly, full-price, but not unreasonable as far as bags go).


This chain tote from MICHAEL Michael Kors is also a little glitzy, but the drawstring shape is very current, and the chain detail is more updated-classic than fashion-victim. I'd just recommend removing the unnecessary MK logo charm.


I was at the DKNY store a few weeks ago and fell head over heels for this leather crossbody bag--in fact, this is the bag that inspired this post. They actually have several variations on this theme (here's a similar style), but I like this one particularly, because in true convertible fashion, you can wear it folded as a crossbody, or you can carry it as a tote via the two thin chains along the top. Because, really, there's nothing I love more than getting two (or more) looks in one.


$
For those who find BCBG not quite trendy or young enough, there's BCBGeneration, which does really fashiony items at fast-fashion prices. PVC fabrication aside, I really like their Edie hobo, which has subtle chain trim along the bottom and an easy, slouchy shape.


Apparently Mischa Barton has a line of handbags in the UK, and unlike many celebrities-turned-designers, she might actually have some talent. I think her Stella style is a really cute bag, and even considering the exchange rate, the price is not bad. Marisa Cooper might have staying power after all!


Sometimes a bag comes along, and it's everything you've been looking for. This Melie Bianco bag is almost it. The shape is versatile, and I love that you can carry it on your arm, on your shoulder, or across your body. The chain trim is subtle and well-integrated, and the size is great for big-bag addicts such myself. My only quibbles: It doesn't come in black, and it's not leather. But for $99, you might as well even try a fun color, like the blue--at these prices, you can afford to take a risk.

The week in shopping

NYC
Be&D's signature studded rocker-chic bags, footwear, and accessories are 30%-75% off. Wristlets are $50, Garbo bags are $275. 5/25–5/27; 9-7; 32 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 10th fl.

All stock jeans are $80 (or 2 for $150), plus find samples for $15-$50 at the James Jeans sample sale. 5/25–5/27; 9-7:30 T & Th, 10-5:30 W, 10-2 F; 500 Greenwich St. (at Spring St.).

Ali Ro's feminine separates and dresses are at least 65% off. 5/26–5/27; 8:30-6; 530 7th Ave. (at 39th St.), ste. 1402.

Spring '10 and fall '09 coats, jackets, and leathers are on sale at Mackage. Cash only. Through 5/25; noon-7; 275 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

Kieselstein-Cord women's & men's jewelry and accessories are up to 70% off (now $150-$1500).5/25-5/27; 9-5; 119 W. 40th St. (Broadway & 6th Ave.), 18th fl.

Le'Bulga handbags are 40%-65% off--think $250 for a Borsa, $375 for a Le'Fleur. 5/26–5/28; 9-7; 214 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

Score Jill Stuart's spring 2010 collection for 30% off (note, still in the mid three figures). 5/27–6/14; 11-7, noon-6 Su; 100 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

R.J. Graziano's costume jewelry is at wholesale-and-below prices. Through 5/26; 11-5:30; 389 5th Ave. (36th & 37th Sts.).

Select merch is up to 70% off at Cynthia Rowley's Memorial Day Weekend Sale. 5/28-5/31; 376 Bleecker Street (Perry & Charles Sts.).

Barneys New York
's private sale starts Tuesday, 5/24, with select items 40% off throughout the store.

Online
Get a free gift bag filled with summer goodies (a $103 value!) with a purchase of $75 or more at blissworld.com with promo code SUMMER at checkout 5/25-6/1.

Use code MAY25 for 25% off the newly relaunched GerenFord.com through 6/4.

Save up to 30% on select styles (plus free shipping!) at Piperlime's Sweet Deal Event through 5/30.

For one day only, all full-size body butters are 3 for $30 at The Body Shop on May 25th.

Take 25% off all regular-priced items at Tobi.com with code SUNNY20 through 5/25.

Take up to 70% off denim and tees at NationalJeanCompany.com.

TheFind Guest Post: Neutral Fedoras – Try to Top Them!

May is the perfect time to lighten up: accessories, shoes, and clothes all take on a breezy lightness that’s in tune with the sunshine and warmer weather. For a saucy finishing touch, borrow from menswear with a jaunty fedora in a neutral shade. In fabric or straw, plain or embellished, the shape adds a playful bit of retro to your look.



Women’s fedoras are dashing and dainty in one, offering a short brim and a high crown for optimum angles. This one simple element adds polish to any outfit, but can also be dressed-down for more casual looks. Go head-to-toe menswear by wearing with a vest, striped shirt and jeans, or mix with a delicate summer dress for a dose of fun Cuban-inspired cool on a hot hot day.







The Wendolyn Fedora by Goorin Bros features silvery feather filigree embroidery that sprouts from a retro polka-dot band in pale blue. Be sure to bend the crown up in the back to see the silky blue fabric too!







Eugenia Kim’s woven straw fedora for Target features a stem of flowers appliquéd to the front, for a touch of texture.







Meanwhile, the Beach Detective fedora from Anthropologie offers a crisp natural straw weave and a simple grosgrain ribbon. But be sure to notice the trompe l’oeil scarab printed on the band to bring you good luck!



When donning your topper, always remember The Chairman, Frank Sinatra: “Cock your hat; angles are attitudes.”



Save on your women's fedora purchase at Target from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Cheryl Shops Spring Shopping Guide: Army Jackets

With all the recent rain and chilly temperatures, the last two weeks have reminded us that as far as spring is concerned, we're still not out of the gate. (And, in fact, summer doesn't officially start until June 21st.) So now is a great time to invest in an army jacket, which is still the jacket of the season, and which you can wear through the summer, especially if, like me, you work in an office where the air-conditioning is cranked to a rather frigid level. Call it a cargo, utility, anorak, parka, or army jacket, but, basically, it's a fatigue-inspired look, preferably in army green, with lots of pockets and a well-worn look. Bonus points for a cinchable elastic waist, but in many cases, a belt will do. The look is probably best suited to casual days but also works in unexpected ways, with, say, a floral-print dress for a masculine-meets-feminine look. Here are my favorite styles.

$$$
DSquared2's Polly jacket is a pretty literal interpretation of the army jacket, yet tailored with a sharp fit and finished with cool details, like the front buckle and the double-flap pockets. One would also assume that the cotton is a bit more luxe than normal.


Burberry's nylon parka is actually quite utilitarian, with a zip-out hood and lots of straps and flaps. You can almost picture Kate Moss wearing this as she dashes around her country estate in the Cotswolds. It's also lightweight, making it perfect for this time of year.


My absolute favorite, however, is Rag & Bone's Ohara jacket. It has the cinched waist I'm looking for, plus all the flaps and pockets, and it's a soft yet durable cotton-nylon blend. Plus, its low-hip length is perfect for layering. This just goes to prove that either Rag & Bone's designers can read my mind, or otherwise they instinctively know exactly what women want. (In case you want a longer style, I also like their Wikfield parka.)


$$
DKNY's long-sleeve anorak is a sportier, more minimalist take on the trend, with two simple zip pockets and elastic at the hem instead of the waist. This is a great option for balancing out your figure, as the jacket skims rather than hugs. Plus, Donna Karan is a master of the anorak--it's one of her signature seven easy pieces.


The bleach-splattered army jacket from Charlotte Ronson looks like something your boyfriend had for years, having spilled some bleach on it along the way, and then one day he lends it to you, but you love it so much, you have no intention of giving it back. Not that I've ever done such a thing.


Rugby's cargo jacket has a snap-off hood, a drawstring waist and a snap hem, so you can kind of customize your look with it. This is a great option for petite women, since it has a slightly boxy, cropped fit.


$
This cinched anorak from BDG has a streamlined fit that reminds me of '90s-era Jil Sander or Helmut Lang. It's nylon, and presumably waterproof, which would've made it perfect for the recent humid-rainy weather we've been having.


This utility jacket from Victoria's Secret is linen, which means it will be light enough to wear all summer long. Of course, it's a bit more polished (and it comes with a belt, instead of a drawstring or elastic), but that makes it more accessible--and work-friendly--too.


Second only to the Rag & Bone style above, however, is this military jacket from Banana Republic. (And, yes, I'm as surprised as you are.) It has everything I'm after--pockets, drawstring, length--and the very light green shade, while not exactly authentic, softens it and gives it a lived-in feel. The price is right too, which helps.