Cheryl Shops

Spring Shopping Guide: Floral Prints
I will admit, I have trouble with prints. I love stripes, I can handle plaid, but beyond that, I get a little shaky. One of my coworkers likes to say "Prints are personal," which is true--you either love a print or hate it. So, thanks to Balenciaga's highly influential Spring 2008 runway show, we have an array of floral prints to choose from this season. The good news is that if in the past, you've found floral prints too proper and fussy, there are a ton of brightly colored, abstract, adventurous new designs to choose from. The bad news? With so many great prints out there, you might have trouble making a decision.

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Thakoon's particular talent is that he manages to combine whimsical, feminine elements with architectural, technically intriguing designs. This dress has a sweet floral print, but the asymmetrical seams give it a cool draped look that's anything but grandma-like.


His underwear-as-outerwear dresses got all the attention on the runway, but for spring, Marc Jacobs also sent out some crazy (but in a good way) floral prints in technicolor colors. This poppy-print blouse is almost conservative, but the shocking hues keep things interesting.


Stella McCartney also has some great floral prints. My grandma (who was a very stylish lady, and an artist at that) would have loved this blouse--its soft lines remind me of French impressionist paintings.


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I swear by her swimsuits, but Shoshanna makes great-fitting dresses too. This belted dress is so well tailored (and equipped with a well-designed understructure) that it could almost pass for Oscar de la Renta. The print is not what I'd normally go for, but for some reason, I find the colors and Marimekko-inspired print refreshing.


This Lacey Parker dress is so light and airy, it almost begs for some toughening-up. I'd wear it belted over skinny jeans, or layered over a long-sleeved tee and with some clunky riding boots.


The one floral-print dress I do own happens to be made by Anna Sui, and for good reason--Sui designs her own totally unique prints, which she vigorously protects. This one is pretty feminine, but it's balanced out by the simplicity of the cut.


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I like the idea of a floral top, especially one that can be tucked into high-waisted pants, because it's enough to convey the trend without totally overwhelming your body. This top from Anthropologie is a strong contender.


I like this swing tank from Alloy because the pattern is definitely more 1970s than 1950s. The colors are very summery too, and the shape is easygoing.


Then again, you can't go wrong with a classic, like this retro Kerry Dress from Delia's--the floral-print sundress is indisputably a summer staple.

Spring Shopping Guide: Metallic Gladiator Sandals
Every summer, there's one piece that everyone has. Remember the peasant skirt from several years ago? This year, I think gladiator sandals are going to be that one ubiquitous piece. But that's okay, because they're pretty awesome. Yes, gladiators fit in with the whole well-traveled bohemian aesthetic, but in their own way, they can work with a number of styles. There are countless variations on the theme (wedges, platforms, etc.), but I decided to stick with the flat kind, as they look less fashion-victim and more classic. I also like metallics, as they look more current than plain old neutrals.

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I think gladiator sandals look particularly fresh in a metallic--the styling of these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals is pretty basic, but the rose-gold shade makes them look all the more glamorous.


Likewise, the gold tone of these Stella McCartney sandals makes them look fancy, but the braided design looks a little more low key--it's a gladiator sandal without all the fussy buckles and hardware.


One of my absolute favorites, however, is this gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent shoe. It's a streamlined, modernized version of the gladiator, and the shape of it almost reminds me of a Brancusi sculpture. Expect to see these on well-heeled women everywhere.


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This Modern Vintage gladiator sandal takes the look a step further with a metallic snakeskin finish to the leather. It's a more fashiony version of the trend, perfect for edgy downtown girls.


A similar shape but a more subtle design, Matt Bernson's gold gladiator sandals are well-made and iconic--you can't go wrong with these.


Miu Miu's metallic gladiator sandals are more goddess than gladiator, but their lace-up styling is a nice feminine alternative to all those straps and buckles. Also, I am shocked to find a pair of Miu Miu shoes for under $500!


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The overwhelming majority of these sandals tend to be gold, so here's a silver pair from Unisa. They're nothing totally out of the ordinary, but if you're afraid gladiator sandals are going to be a short-lived fad, their price isn't so hard on the wallet.


Nine West has lately been knocking off everyone from Gucci to Prada, and while I can't quite put my finger on the originator of these two-tone Jobilyn sandals, they get points for fashion at a price nonetheless.


Dolce Vita's Carnival sandal is one of my favorite of the bunch. It has the streamlined look of the YSL sandal without the three-figure price tag, and the fact that the vertical strap extends past the ankle will have a lengthening effect on your legs. Which is never a bad thing, if you ask me.

The week in shopping
Random location, delightfully Eurotrashy stock: IT Holding showroom has Galliano, Just Cavalli, and CNC Costume National for up to 80% off. Through 4/27; 11-7, noon-5 Sun.; 17 Battery Place S. (Washington & West Sts.), 5th fl.

Calling all shoe addicts: Clothingline is hosting the Plaza Too sale; footwear from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cynthia Rowley, and other coveted brands is $50 or 2 for $80. Yowza. 4/22-4/24; 10-7 Tue. & Thurs., 10-6 Wed.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Hit Mandarina Duck's first-ever sample sale for sleek Italian handbags and travel bags for 60%-70% off retail. Cash only. Through 4/25; 10-6; 38 W. 21st St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 7th fl.

Treat yourself to a new pair of jeans at The Warehouse Sale--the "world's largest denim sample sale"--featuring 30,000 pieces from J Brand, True Religion, and all your favorites. RSVP at thewarehousesale.com or pay $5 admission at the door. 4/24-4/26; 11-8 Thurs., 11-9 Fri., 11-8 Sat.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th fl.

While you're in the hood, check out the Manhattan Vintage Show, featuring 75 of the country's top vintage dealers. Admission is $20; knock $5 off when you RSVP online at manhattanvintage.com. 4/25-4/26; 1-8 Fri., 11-6 Sat.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

And last but not least for that block is the Billion Dollar Babes sale, with up to 80% off TIBI, Brian Reyes, Iisli, and other contemporary designers. Friday is VIP day; Saturday is open to the public (although you must RSVP at Billiondollarbabes.com. 4/25-4/26; noon-9 Fri., 9-5 Sat.; Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Nicole Farhi for men, women, and the home is up to 80% off. Through 4/25; 10-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.), floor 3R, suite E.

Avez-vous un enfant? Allez-y à Les Petits Chapelais pour vêtements par Appaman, Petit Bateau, et Anne Kurris moins 60-80%. Got that? Bon. Through 4/30; 11-7, 1-6 Sun., noon-7 Mon.; 86 Thompson St. (at Spring St.).

Fancy stationery purveyor Dempsey & Carroll has note sheets (with matching envelopes) on sale for $195 (normally $305) for a box of 100. Through 4/30; 9-6 weekdays only; 136 E. 57th St. (Park & Lex), 4th fl.

Silver and gold jewelry from celeb fave Tracy Matthews Designs is 50%-80% off retail. 4/24-4/26; 4-9 Thurs., 11-7 Fri., 10-4 Sat.; 264 Canal St. (Lafayette & Broadway), loft 6E.

Starting tomorrow, take an extra 20% off sale items at Cheryl Shops fave ShopJake.com; enter code 48HOUR20 at checkout. Offer expires Thursday at midnight.

Spring Shopping Guide: Ikat
Every few summers, the bohemian look comes back, although if you ask me, every summer should be a summer of love. Thankfully, this year there are a lot of great hippie-chic options out there, and one of my favorites is ikat print. Ikat is a type of weaving technique; the threads are kind of tie-dyed before being woven, and this produces a groovy pattern. Many cultures, from Guatemala to Uzbekistan, use the fabric in their traditional garb, and thus it fits in nicely with the whole ethnic bohemian look. And since we don't all have the time or resources to jet to far-off lands in search of authentic ikat pieces, here are some of my favorites from far more accessible places.

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Derek Lam takes some heat from critics for completely changing his point of view and silhouette every season, but he makes clothes that cool young women want to wear, and that's enough to make him one of my favorites. His ikat blouse has a boxy yet flattering shape, and the pullover style is modern.


Everyone loves Oscar de la Renta for a number of reasons; I love him because he can take any inspiration in the world and turn it into something totally appropriate for his customer. When you think of his ladies-who-lunch clientele, you don't think hippie prints, but yet this shift dress looks very Upper East Side. Genius!


Jenni Kayne dresses young Hollywood starlets, and the fact that this dress has a trendy yellow-and-gray color scheme demonstrates this. Still, I think it's a polished look that doesn't veer into the hippie-dippy.


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You know ikat is a big trend when even Carmen Marc Valvo gets in on the trend. This dress will appeal to a wide range of people, with its colorful design and its nearly-universally-flattering cut. This dress would be great for a daytime wedding.


This is my idea of summer: a long, flowy maxi-dress with an exotic print. Slipping into it would make you feel like you should be in a chic poolside bar in Miami, with a mojito in your hand. And shouldn't that be how you always feel?


This Hera dress is great because while it still has an ikat pattern, it's a more subtle one--in other words, it's a more mellow way to wear it.


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Sometimes the best way to try a trend is with an accessory. This ikat scarf is colorful enough to brighten up any outfit, but it's still subtle enough for the pattern-averse.


On the other hand, this Urban Outfitters cami is all hippie. But it's still cool, so to balance it out, I'd wear it with something more punk-rock, like skinny jeans and aviators.


Even with the crapola exchange rate, this Topshop skirt is still only $50. Which is worth it to me, because this was the only ikat skirt I could find, and that makes this a unique choice. I also love the zigzag pattern--it's simple and clean, and I think it would look really cool paired with a patterned top.

Coming Thursday...
...the Cheryl Shops Spring Shopping Guide!

Buy it: American Apparel raglan tee

I first fell in love with this tee when I saw Mary-Kate Olsen wearing it (at right). I figured that due to its lightweight, drapey look, it was probably from her high-end T-Shirt line The Row, and while I do appreciate a good tee, I refuse to pay three figures for one. However, I then saw photos of Rachel Bilson and Miley Cyrus in the same one, which made me think that maybe it wasn't from The Row. Then, lo and behold, a girl sitting at a table next to mine at dinner last weekend was wearing the exact same top. And before I had a chance to ask her where she got it, her dining companion beat me to it. By some act of god, the tee is not a hoity-toity designer one, but a readily available, easily accessible one: the tri-blend raglan pullover from American Apparel. So of course I went out and bought it right away. A super-soft blend of polyester, rayon, and cotton, it has that perfectly broken in, almost-vintage look to it, and the weight is great for layering in transitional temperatures such as these. I recommend sizing up for an extra-comfy, looser fit (the lightness of the jersey ensures that you don't look bulky in it). The best part? It's $34. I bought the gray color, and I love it so much, I'm contemplating the indigo color as well. I know people have strong opinions about American Apparel, but the only opinion I have at the moment is that they make awesome T-shirts.

Gap design editions tomorrow!
Gap's designer collaborations--with 3.1 Phillip Lim, ThreeAsFour, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and Philip Crangi--hit stores and Gap.com tomorrow. I unfortunately have a meeting first thing tomorrow morning, but I will hit the Times Square Gap store on my lunch hour and report back ASAP! In the meantime, Racked reports that Nylon has a mini-preview, featuring the designs modeled by "real women" (a.k.a. Nylon staffers). I call dibs on the pintucked Michael Bastian shirt...

UPDATE: I went to the Gap on my lunch hour, and judging by how ransacked the store was, I probably should've gone earlier. Oh well. Smaller sizes were gone in almost everything but the Michael Bastian shirt, strangely enough. Of course, that was my favorite one (as I had predicted), and since they were out of mediums, I will have to order online. I didn't even see the Band of Outsiders shirt or the Philip Crangi jewelry. The ThreeAsFour stuff was pretty good and fit the best of everything (in other words, it was not huge and shapeless). And while I love me some 3.1 Phillip Lim, his shirts were my least favorite--they just seemed a bit boring to me. Also, it should be noted that everything is see-through. Um, and $78 (the AsFour dress and Band of Outsiders top are $88). I'm probably going to order the Michael Bastian shirt--Gap.com still has everything in stock, except the AsFour camisole, for some reason--but only because I have a coupon. Has anyone else checked it out?

The week in shopping
Stylish clothing on the Upper West Side? Apparently so! At the Boc warehouse sale, find Vivienne Westwood, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and more for up to 70% off. 4/17-4/19; noon-8; 491 Columbus Ave. (83rd & 84th Sts.).

Cheryl Shops fave Auto is having its spring yard sale with up to 50% off clothing, accessories, and home items from John Robshaw, Etro, Marimekko, Missoni, and more. 4/17-4/20; 11-7 Thurs. & Fri., noon-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 803-805 Washington St. (Gansevoort & Horatio Sts.).

If you're in the market for luxury fabrics, hit Brunschwig & Fils for silks, damasks, toiles, and more fancy stuff for up to 70% off. MW and I need new living-room curtains, so I will be making an appearance. Credit cards only. 4/15-4/19; 1-6:30 Tue., 9-6:30 Wed.-Fri., 9-5 Sat.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 W. 19th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Clothingline has Hickey, the younger, trendier version of Hickey Freeman, for up to 75% off. Through 4/17; 10-6 Wed., 10-7 Tue. & Thurs.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Sales for (eco)mpassion is now open 7 days a week; their latest shipment includes Joe's Jeans, Havaianas, Primp, and more, for 50% off. Noon-8 daily; 2 Great Jones St. (Broadway & Lafayette).

Take $50 off any order of $300 or more at IntermixOnline when you enter code INTERMIXSPRING50 at checkout through 5/10.

At shopbop.com, take $25 off a $150 order, $50 off a $250 order, $100 off a $500 order, or $150 off a $750 order when you enter promo code TAXBREAK08 through 4/17.

Buy it: Un Jardin en Méditerinée
In the winter, I tend to stick with heavier floral-oriental scents like Chopard Casmir, but once spring comes around, I want something lighter, greener, even fruitier. For this reason, fig-based scents tend to appeal to me, but I've had a hard time finding the right one. Creed's Millesime Imperial is one of my favorite fragrances in the world, however it lasts an hour on my skin--two if I'm lucky. Acqua di Parma's Fico di Amalfi is also lovely, but its lasting power is even shorter (the candle, on the other hand, is divine). I was told by many people to try Premier Figuier from L'Artisan Parfumeur, and while it did last, it was a bit too figgy for me. Luckily, just in time for the beautiful spring weather today, I tried Un Jardin en Méditerinée, a gorgeously blended perfume created for Hermès by their in-house parfumeur, the incredibly talented Jean Claude Ellena. Meant to evoke a stroll through a Mediterranean garden, it blends orange blossom, bergamot, white oleander, and cedar with, yes, fig. It is gorgeous and sophisticated, and if you close your eyes, you can almost picture yourself sipping a citron pressé in an outdoor café somewhere along la Côte d'Azur. So, naturally, I'm going to buy a bottle--but not from the Hermès store, where it's $125--a quick search turned up a bottle for $60 at FragranceNet. Next on my list? The equally wonderful follow-up, Un Jardin sur le Nil. But since that one is a fruity, grapefruit-and-mango blend, it will have to wait until summer.

Banana Republic's Monogram: What recession?
While the government hasn't acknowledged it yet, I'd say we're in a recession. Retail is usually one of the first industries to get hit, and I don't know if you've noticed or not, but a lot of stores and websites are resorting to 20% coupons and other promotions in order to keep business up. I was even browsing the Barneys Co-Op website the other day and was surprised by the number of items under $100. But while many stores are anticipating much belt-tightening on the part of consumers, Banana Republic is betting that its customers will spend more. Say what?

Enter Monogram Collection, Banana's new limited-edition line, with prices 30%-40% higher than normal. (Apparently it's working for Ann Taylor and J.Crew.) Yes, the fabrics are nicer and the tailoring sharper, but would you really pay that much more for what's basically souped-up Banana Republic clothing? I wouldn't, but then again, I'm probably not the ideal Banana customer--I find BR a bit too conservative for my taste. Granted, the Monogram clothes do look a bit more chic--I like the slouchy pants, and Tory Burch fans should go for this chain link dress.

But if, recession be damned, you want to check everything out in person, lucky for you that BR has transformed its Bleecker Street store into a Monogram emporium. This article from yesterday's WWD [subscription required] has all the details, from the exact shade of gray paint used on the walls to the fact that salespeople are called "stylists." (You can't see me, but I'm rolling my eyes right now.) I haven't been there yet, but in spite of all the faux-upscale posturing, I'll bet Monogram is what it is--which is just a more expensive Banana Republic.

The week in shopping
Hayden-Harnett makes great leather bags that are not outrageously expensive, and at this sale, satchels are $100-$250, hobos are $150-$300, and wallets are $75-$125. 4/8-4/10; 11-7; 16 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 501.

Stuart Weitzman makes shoes that, if somewhat unexciting, are at least comfy and well made. Through 4/10; 10-7, 10-6 Thurs.; 50 W. 57th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Fancy modern furniture store Ligne Roset is taking 10-70% off floor models and overstocks. 4/10-4/13; 10-6, noon-5 Sun.; 250 Park Avenue South (at 20th St.).

Sexy dresses from Brazilian designer Tufi Duek are under $200, tops are $65, shoes are $120, and bags are $240. 4/8-4/10; 9:30-7; 530 Broadway (at Spring St.), 10th fl.

Clothingline has Kooba bags for wholesale and below (the Linda is $275, the Cassandra is $295); they also have Free People samples and stock, plus Calypso leftovers from last week. 4/8-4/11; 10-7 Tue. & Thurs., 10-6 Wed. & Fri.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Frette linens and home accessories are up to 75% off (warning: that means still expensive!). 4/12-4/16; 9-6:30, 9-5 Wed.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier has dresses from Angel Sanchez, Monique Lhuillier, Ulla Maija, and more for up to 80% off. 4/8-4/9; noon-8 Tue., 10-4 Wed.; call 212-319-6778 for an appointment; 110 E. 55th St. (Park & Lex).

Reversible totes are $99, patent leather bags are $95-$115, and satchels are $135 at Perlina's sale. Through 4/15; 9-6 Mon.-Thurs., 9-4 Fri., closed weekends; 10 W. 33rd St. (Broadway & 5th Ave.).

Pay tribute to Charlton Heston with hunting-inspired clothing for men and women from Beretta; prices are up to 70% off. 4/8-4/10; 9-6:30 Tue. & Wed., 9-5 Thurs.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Schlepp out to Jersey and save 30%-70% at the BoConcept warehouse sale. 4/12; 10-3; 180 Pulaski St., Bayonne, New Jersey.

While you're in Jersey, why not head over to Secaucus for the AX Armani Exchange blowout sale; pretty much everything is under $30, with tees, skirts, and shorts for just $5. Cash only. Some items are damaged. Leave the strollers at home. 4/12; 9:30-3; 125 Enterprise Ave. South, Secaucus, New Jersey.

Boutique 57 has Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Blumarine, Valentino, Pucci, Chloe, and lots of other designer clothes and accessories for up to 70% off. Shoes are $125, but prices escalate from there. 4/10-4/11; 10-7; Regency Hotel, 540 Park Ave. (at 61st St.), penthouse suite.

Christopher Totman's sweater, dresses, and coats are up to 75% off; jewelry is 20% off. Through 4/30; noon-7, noon-6 Sun.; 262 Mott St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Spruce up your home with accessories from Clio; sale prices are 10%-50% off. 4/10-4/30; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 92 Thompson St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

For the doll collectors out there, Madame Alexander dolls and figurines are upt to 80% off. 4/11-4/12; 9-6 Fri., 9-4 Sat.; 615 W. 131st St. (at Broadway).

Cobble Hill kids boutique Arts*Cetera is having its Green Onion spring blowout sale; clothing and accessories for newborns to 10-year-olds are 60% off. 4/13; noon-5; 212 Smith St. (Butler & Baltic Sts.), Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Jeans are 25% off at eLuxury's Denim Event, plus get free shipping when you spend $150.

C'mon, like you thought a guy was going to win?
Congratulations to Holly, winner of Bravo's Make Me a Supermodel! Even though I wouldn't kick Ben the prison guard out of bed, her win was well deserved and proves that women are superior at modeling. (I know, it's not like being better at astrophysics, but modeling is one of the few industries in which women earn far more than their male counterparts, and we should at least be proud of that.) Plus, she didn't even have to put up with the eye-rolling manipulations of Tyra Banks. Which means she might actually have a career! Yay Holly!

MasstigeWatch!
The big news today is that Comme des Garcons' Rei Kawakubo will design a line for H&M. Talk about a complete 180 from last year's designer collaboration, with the ultra-flashy Roberto Cavalli. I'm sure fashionistas all around the world are wetting their pants over this one, but I am both puzzled and intrigued by the choice--how well Kawakubo will translate her super-avant-garde (and super-expensive) creations for the masses remains to be seen. Regardless, I have a feeling suburban girls from Jersey won't be camping out at H&M stores overnight. The line will debut in the new H&M store in Tokyo in early November; it hits H&M stores worldwide a few days later. And of course I will post photos as soon as they're available.

Lest H&M steal all the Masstige thunder, Target announced their next designer jewelry collaboration, with Dean Harris. Who? Exactly. But in other Tar-zhay news, Gryson is now available online. I'm totally going to order the little pouch--for $19.99, you can't go wrong, right?

Recession specials
I think it's pretty much a given that the United States is in a recession, but if there was any doubt, Elle has confirmed it. Fashion magazines tend to peddle extravagantly expensive items, in part because they perpetuate an air of fantasy, and in part to please the magazine's luxury advertisers. Of course, even in a recession, magazines continue to do this (hey, gotta pay the bills!), but they also try to snag the more practical newstand-buying reader with fashion-under stories--99 dresses under $100, 500 accessories under $500, and so on. So today I noticed on Elle.com a story about 20 office essentials under $200, and this is a noteworthy story not only for the fact that a lot of the items pictured are really cute but that in itself, it acknowledges the fact that its readers actually work! Sacre bleu!

As you know, I always have an eye out for bargains, but in uncertain times such as these, even I have to curb my spending. Thus, here are my five tips for shopping during a recession.

1. Buy vintage. Scour vintage stores and websites for the original versions of what designers are currently knocking off. (Most of them will be of better quality anyway.) Vintage stores are also great for satisfying your designer fix--dropping $100 on a '70s Gucci bag is much better for your wallet than spending ten times that much on a comparable new bag.

2. Swap with your friends. My dear friend MM hosts semiannual "bitch swaps" wherein a bunch of girls bring their unwanted clothes (in good condition, of course) and trade with each other. I've gotten rid of ill-fitting and ill-suited clothes in exchange for everything from cashmere scarves to a vintage Valentino jacket. Best part? It's free, and if you're the host, you can take a tax deduction for donating all the unwanted stuff to charity.

3. Stay away from fast fashion. It seems counter-intuitive, but today's trendy clothes from H&M and Forever 21 are next year's (or even next month's) cleaning rags. You might think you're making a savvy buy, but for the $200 you spend on an assortment of polyester-blend bar tops and work dresses, you could buy one nice pair of pants or a dress that you'll have for years. The poly-blends, on the other hand, will either fall apart in your washing machine or fall out of fashion--whichever comes first.

4. Get cash back. If you shop online a lot, sign up for eBates or Lucky Rewards. Click through the links to shop your favorite sites (on eBates, this even includes car rentals, hotels, and airplane tickets), and get cash back, anywhere from 1%-20% of your total purchase (or in some cases, a flat fee). If you shop online a lot, it really adds up. If I were Suze Orman, I'd tell you to put the extra money in a savings account, but since I'm me, I'll tell you that you can go shopping with it instead!

5. Keep reading Cheryl Shops. Sorry, I had to throw that one in there. Of course I will keep listing sales every week, as well as other noteworthy deals, so please keep coming back!

The week in shopping
If you like Abaete's shoes for Payless, here's your chance to stock up on the real thing--dresses and swimsuits--for up to 80% off. 4/3-4/5; 11-7, noon-6 Sat.; 560 Broadway (at Prince St.), ste. 509.

Just in time for spring break (if you haven't taken yours yet, that is), it's Calypso's warehouse sale. Boho-chic wares are as low as $10 for shorts and $40 for dresses. 4/2-4/6; 10-7, 10-6 Fri.; 11-5 Sat. & Sun.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Work-friendly (but feminine) looks from Cynthia Steffe are a mere $20-$100; 10-5 Thurs., 10-3 Fri.; 550 7th Ave. (at 39th St.), 10th fl.

My coworker KR is going to be so psyched about the Elie Tahari sale; stock up on work clothes for 70%-80% off. 4/1-4/5; 8:30-7:30 weekdays, 10-5 Sat.; 510 5th Ave. (at 43rd St.).

LES boutiques Honey in the Rough & Narnia Vintage are teaming up for a one-day warehouse sale. Narnia's vintage stock is $10-$40 and Honey's indie wares are at sample-sale prices. 4/5; 11-8; 174 Ludlow St. (Houston & Stanton Sts.).

Hollywood hippies love Me & Ro's semiprecious sanskrit-inspired jewelry, which is now up to 75% off. 4/3-4/4; noon-7 Thurs., 10-7 Fri.; 13 Crosby (at Howard St.), 2nd fl.

I feel like Catherine Angiel is always having a sale, but her jewelry is feminine and well made, so I don't mind. Now, select items are 50% off. Through 4/14; noon-7; 43 Greenwich Ave. (Charles & Perry Sts.).

Kwigy-bo's doggie collars, sweaters, and bags are a mere $5-$40 at this cash-only sale. 4/3-4/4; 9:30-6; 501 7th Ave. (37th & 38th Sts.), ste. 506/508.

Robert Lee Morris's iconic jewelry is up to 60% off; RLM studio line is $14-$95, but gold, silver, and semiprecious jewelry can go up to $700-ish. 4/3-4/6; 11-6; 400 W. Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Ted Rossi's sample sale has leather and Swarovski jewelry, handbags, and hair accessories for up to 75% off. 4/2-4/4; 11-7; 15 E. 30th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 600.

Object of Desire: Golden Goose boots
I have been looking for the perfect pair of brown riding boots for what seems like forever. The shade needs to be not too dark; the toe not too pointy nor too rounded; the sole not too chunky; and the hardware not too ostentatious. I hate any kind of boots with zippers, so it needs to be a pull-on style. And while I realize that some breaking-in will be necessary, I'd prefer a softer leather that will age better. So when I got an email a few days ago about Golden Goose's boots at shopbop.com, I thought I had found my perfect pair. Witness the Charlye: perfectly broken-in, the perfect shade of brown, the perfect shape, and so on. Not so perfect? The price. $1,050, to be exact. That's two pairs of Louboutins, to put things in perspective. I'm even more incredulous that they're almost sold out. Regardless, I'm somewhat relieved that my size is no longer available--it wasn't meant to be. In the meantime, my search for the perfect riding boots continues...

Sponsor shout-out (and sales!)
Once in a blue moon, I update all the links and ads on my sidebar; this is one of those times. I've got brand-new ads for you to click on (please, please click on them!), plus I've added a bunch of new blogs to my blogroll. Feel free to check them out (and if you want to be added, email me).

In other sponsor news, L'OCCITANE  has a nice gift with purchase--spend $85 and receive a "Tenderness" sample set when you enter COMFORT at checkout, while supplies last. Plus, receive free shipping on a $40 order through 3/31. I highly recommend the Immortelle line, the Amande line, and the Angelica shampoo & conditioner.

Also, the oft-overlooked Pink Mascara has redesigned its website (and the result is a vast improvement, if you ask me). To celebrate this occasion, you can enter to win a $3,000 shopping spree.

Finally, if you still want to sign up for Gilt Groupe and don't want to wait for me to send the invite (sorry, sometimes I get a little backed up with my email!), you can click on this link. Then type in my personal address, which is gudy402 [at] yahoo [dot] com. Then you should be ready to start shopping! You're welcome!

MasstigeWatch!
Is it me, or have I been doing a ridiculous amount of MasstigeWatches lately? Regardless, we can now add Express to the list of mass-market stores hopping on the designer-collaboration bandwagon: The L.A. Times reports that Celia Birtwell will design a collection for the store. I have a feeling that the majority of Express customers have no idea who Birtwell is (for the record, she is a London-based designer whose heyday was in the late '60s; she's most famous for the prints she designed for her husband Ossie Clark's line). Regardless, I think the feminine pieces will be a welcome arrival at Express, which, I'm assuming, is attempting to shake the polyester/spandex shackles of its former owner, Limited Brands. The line hits stores April 7th.

The week in shopping
Dress like a starlet with a gown from Marchesa--this sale features both the couture and Notte by Marchesa lines for 40%-80% off. 3/26-3/29; noon-7 Wed., 10-8 Thurs., 10-7 Fri., 10-3 Sat.; Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 2nd fl.

City Opera Thrift Shop always has great finds, but Thursday is their semiannual mega sale, featuring YSL, Chanel, and other coveted designer finds. 3/27; 5-8 p.m.; 222 E. 23rd St. (2nd & 3rd Aves.).

Ananas handbags and GirlCat are teaming up for a joint sample sale; prices are up to 80% off. 3/28-3/29; 10-8; 167 Elizabeth St. (at Spring St.).

Hit Hart Schaffner Marx's first-ever sample sale, featuring menswear for up to 70% off (suits are $399). 3/30-4/3; 10-6 Sun, 9-7 Mon.-Wed.; 9-5 Thurs.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

As the owner of a cheap-ass West Elm rug that sheds all over the place, I can tell you that if you're going to splurge on something for your home, invest in a good rug. Antique rugs are 20%-75% off at ABC Carpet & Home; that means they're still pretty pricey, but worth it. 3/27-4/13; 10-8 weekdays, 10-7 Sat., 11-6:30 Sun.; 888 Broadway (at 19th St.).

Past-season hipster staples from Built by Wendy are up to 75% off. 3/28-3/29; 11-8; 46 N. 6th St. (at Kent St.), Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 3

DDC Lab has dressed-up basics for men and women, mostly for under $100. 3/26-3/30; 10-7, 11-6 Sun.; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Take 15% off a $100 order at BananaRepublic.com when you enter promo code BRSPRING15 at checkout. Online only, from 3/25-3/30.

One for the boys
A few weeks ago, MW and I went out to dinner with two of his best friends, CK and DG and their significant others, and MW was the only dude at the table without a beard. Perhaps feeling a bit insecure about his manliness--or the fact that he's the only beardless hipster in Brooklyn--MW decided to grow one. (A beard, that is.) Two-plus weeks in, his beard is about a quarter of an inch long, surprisingly multicolored, and itchy. And while MW is somewhat metrosexual in terms of his shaving products and hair styling aids, he has not yet ventured into the world of moisturizers. So we went searching for a beard-specific lotion and came across the excellent men's grooming website Grooming Lounge. God knows we women have enough products at our disposal, but I was surprised to see all of the cool grooming aids available here--it's enough to turn any man's man into a product junkie. Some of them are surprisingly specialized too. For example, who would've thought that there would be a special moisturizer for bald men's heads? For the perennial Adjuster in your life, there's Balla Powder, which is pretty self-explanatory. Got a Harry Goldenblatt situation? I present The Mangroomer, an electric back-hair shaver that extends to 135 degrees. Of course, Grooming Lounge carries the more mundane products--after-shave, deodorant, body wash--but it's more fun to talk about the quirky stuff. Speaking of which, the copy on the website is hilarious, in a Maxim-lite way; I guess making pimple cream and foot spray humorous is the least one can do. As for MW, he's temporarily moisturizing his beard with a T. Anthony sample I found in my drawer, but we're going to order him some Bluebeards Original Beard Saver. That is, until he caves and shaves it all off.

Cheryl Shops...Old Navy
You have to admire Old Navy--under new creative director Todd Oldham, they're desperately trying to shed the frumpy-campy image of yore in favor of a more fashion-driven focus, along the lines of Forever 21 and H&M. They're not quite there yet, but they're trying. I stopped by the Atlantic Center store today on my way home just to check things out, and their current campaign, "pattern play," definitely has a colorful, Palm Beachy vibe, just in time for spring break. I have a strapless maxi dress that I bought last year at Old Navy and this green style definitely caught my eye; unfortunately, it must've caught other people's eyes too, since it was sold out at the store and is nearly gone online, however it is available in a pink and a black print.


I didn't see a lot in the store, but online, there are a lot of great peasant tops and dresses, which I love to wear out at night when in tropical locales. This embroidered tunic will look great with a simple pair of sandals (like these) and a tan, and the embroidery is far more luxe than you'd expect from, well, Old Navy.


But some of my favorite pieces were the jewelry, many of which looked like Kenneth Jay Lane knockoffs. The enameled snake bracelet and free-form ring are awesome, but my favorite is the bamboo bangle--at $7.50 each, you can buy a bunch and stack 'em on your wrist like a glamazon.


Thankfully, my high school girlfriends and I are planning a little warm-weather getaway--and it's never too early to start shopping for a vacation, right?

MasstigeWatch!
WWD reports that Gap's Design Editions will be back this year [subscription required], featuring a drool-worthy lineup that includes 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, Philip Crangi and Threeasfour. The line hits stores--and not just select locations!--April 15th. Because I love me some 3.1 Phillip Lim, I will be there bright and early. As for the designs themselves, sorry, this is the biggest photo I can find!

Want more good news? Monica Botkier is doing a line for Target! [Again, subscription required.] Word on the street is that it hits July 14th. I will, of course, post more info as soon as I have it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy it: Delia*s Honey Bee Shoes
I don't know about you, but I think I suffer from a mild form of Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). It gets really bad this time of year--at this point I've had enough cold weather and clouds and precipitation (normally snow, but in this year's case, rain). If my recent sinus problems are any indication, however, spring is on its way, but in my opinion, it can't come quickly enough. Which is why I like these super-cute Honey Bee shoes from Delia*s. The floral print (which gives a nod to Gucci's signature botanical motif) is so bright and cheerful, but the covered-toe slingback style is still appropriate for spring's unpredictable weather. Wearing them might not make the conditions outside improve any faster, but at $39, they're way cheaper than one of those UV lamps doctors suggest buying if you do suffer from SAD. Plus, they'll keep you smiling all the way to summer.

Fashion news roundup
Nominees for the CFDA awards have been announced; Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, and Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein are vying for the womenswear prize. Winners will be announced June 2nd. If beauty is more your thing, Fashionista has the full list of nominees for the CEW awards, which will be announced May 2nd.

In high fashion news, Paulo Melim Andersson is out at Chloe; he'll be replaced by Hannah MacGibbon, who worked at the label under the sorely missed Phoebe Philo. Word on the street seems to be that Andersson's collections were fairly well received by the press, but not so much by Chloe's loyal clientele. Personally, Andersson's designs were a bit too Marni for me, and while I love me some Marni, well, I'd rather go straight to the source. Let's hope MacGibbon brings the label back to its feminine roots.

Finally, for the MasstigeWatchers out there, Glamour's Slaves to Fashion blog was the first to confirm that Richard Chai is Target's next Go International designer! (I posted about the rumor back in January.) Word is that the Rogan Gregory collection is all swimsuits, so I'm guessing this one will be for late summer or early fall. I am very excited--Richard Chai is one of my favorite up-and-coming designers!

The week in shopping
Donna Karan is clearing out her personal clutter to benefit the Urban Zen Initiative; everything from vintage clothing and antiques to personal jewelry and couture is on sale for $20-$2,000. 3/14-3/15; 10-7; 711 Greenwich St. (10th & Charles Sts.).

Olive & Bette's West Village store is hosting a one-day sale with TIBI, Nanette Lepore, Splendid, and other great labels for up to 75% off. 3/13; 8-7; 384 Bleecker St. (at Perry St.).

The Paul Smith sale has moved to Soho, and prices are now up to 85% off. 3/13-3/15; 11-7, 11-3 Sat.; 76 Greene St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Mick Margo is taking 50%-70% off fall and winter collections from some of the most coveted designers around, like Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang, and VPL. Through 3/15; noon-7; 19 Commerce St. (7th Ave. & Bedford St.).

Furniture, fabrics, home accessories, and more from Ralph Lauren Home are on sale. Credit cards only, and leave the strollers at home. 3/11-3/14; noon-7 Tue., 9-7 Wed. & Thurs., 9-5 Fri.; Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Clothingline has Agnes B., Inca, Iisli, designer shoes, and children's clothing from last week; see website for details. 3/11-3/14; 10-7 Tue. & Thurs., 10-6 Wed. & Fri.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Underground NYC has Bill Blass dresses, coats, and ready-to-wear for up to 90% off. 3/13-3/17; noon-7; 440 Broadway (Grand & Canal Sts.).

Elijah's fall and holiday women's lines are 70% off. 3/12-3/14; 10-8; 252 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1502.

Home accessories for francophiles are up to 50% off at Le Cafetiere. Through 3/15; 10-7, 10-6:30 Sat.; 160 9th Ave. (at 19th St.).

Nancy & Co. has Robert Rodriguez, Rozae Nichols, and a host of other designer pieces for up to 90% off. Through 3/30; 10-7; 1242 Madison Ave. (89th & 90th Sts.).

Echo Of The Dreamer's semiprecious jewelry is $15-$320 at their first sample sale of the year. 3/11-3/15; 10-6, 11-4 Sat.; 242 W. 30th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 14th fl.

The imaginatively named Denim & Knits has, well, denim and knits by Joe's, J Brand, True Religion, and others, for $89-$129. Through 3/17; 10-8, 11-6 Sun.; 2 Cortlandt St. (Broadway & Church St.), 2nd fl.

New York Dog's pet carriers, clothing, collars and leashes, and toys are up to 80% off. Carriers are buy one, get the second for 50% off; sweaters are $10 and up; beds are $25 and up; and totes are $20 and up. 3/11-3/14; 9-8; 133 W. 25th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), ste. 9 East.

Former Cheryl Shops website of the week and online shoe oasis Barefoot Tess has revamped their website--check it out!

Reality TV roundup
Christian won Project Runway! After seeing the photos from the show, I had a feeling (as I gloated to MW last night) that he'd be victorious--he has a flair for runway drama, sure, but I also think that Christian was the most talented of the three. Rami is technically skilled, but his clothes seem to be more about showing off his tricks rather than, as he said, celebrating the female form. I will say that Jillian's was definitely the most wearable, and I really hope she finds financial backing, because if she produces a line, I will buy it. But it was sportswear, and Christian's was high fashion (which leads back to the eternal visionary male designers vs. practical female designers argument). Also, Christian, with his asymmetrical haircut and witty quips, is just made for reality stardom, and the fact that Victoria Beckham was a guest judge definitely didn't hurt. So far, the Project Runway winners have all seem to have had a little difficulty getting their businesses off the ground; hopefully Christian's drive and energy will ensure that his clothes actually make it into stores.

I am still watching America's Next Top Model, and I feel like whenever the show takes a step forward, it then manages to take a step back. Or vice versa. I thought most of the makeovers were so hideous (as was the super-annoying "Tyra TV" commentary), but then the photo shoot was fairly normal (lingerie, no crazy makeup) and mega-supermodel(!) Elle Macpherson was there, lending an air of legitimacy. (Side note: I like her lingerie line, and I recommend checking it out.) And then there was the product placement: I'm used to Cover Girl by now, but what was up with the random Apple Bottoms delivery? If you're going to whore out to a brand, at least turn it into a challenge or a photo shoot! I am glad Allison got kicked off, because she was clearly brat-tastic (and somewhat racist at that, thanks to her "black girls take it in the butt" comment). Although I will say, I know Fatima has had a hard life and is missing a clitoris and all, but girlfriend is a big ol' bitch, and next week she appears to tussle with both Whitney and Miss J. Uh-oh...

MasstigeWatch!
Now that the Jovovich-Hawk Go International is available at Target, customer reviews have started to trickle in, and as I feared, the collection appears to be ill-fitting and made of mostly synthetic fabrics. The earlier collections, like Paul & Joe and Proenza Schouler, had mostly silk and stretch cotton, but the more recent lines have been heavy on the polyester and rayon. The tops and pants seem to be getting better ratings, however, so perhaps those are worth a try.

I am not a huge fan of synthetic fabrics, but I will gladly wear costume jewelry, so I'm happy to report that Target's next designer collaboration will be with Justin Giunta of Subversive jewelry. Featuring the line's signature clumpy-chic look, the collection will retail for $14.99 to $59.99 (the groovy earrings pictured here are $14.99) and hits stores March 23rd. (What's left of the Dominique Cohen jewelry collection is on major markdown.) Joy Gryson's bags hit stores April 6th, with prices from $19.99 to $49.99 (check out this awesome bag, for $49.99). As for Go International, the next designer confirmed after Jovovich-Hawk is Rogan Gregory, although there's no date yet. So many designer collaborations at Target, so little time...

...which is why Wal-Mart is getting in on the Masstige bandwagon (WWD subscription required). They announced last week that '80s icon Norma Kamali will design a fashion and home line for them, a la Vera Wang for Kohl's. It sounds like a strange pairing, and it is: Kamali is an advocate of the arts and a believer in holistic wellness; Wal-Mart is known for underselling its vendors and refusing to pay benefits to its workers. If you're still intrigued but refuse, as I do, to even set foot in Wal-Mart, the collection will also be available in Kamali's NYC store at 11 W. 56th St. (although it should be noted that there is no Wal-Mart store within the five boroughs of New York City). The line will debut this fall.

Thankfully we do have a Uniqlo in NYC, so we can partake of their upcoming designer collaborations (WWD subscription required): Brazilian Juliana Jabour created six looks that will hit stores later this month (this is one of her dresses--cute, no?); for the guys, Tim Hamilton will also be in stores in a few weeks. Then, in May, downtown girls will be lining up for Alexander Wang and guys can score Loden Dager. I love me some Wang (pun intended), so I will of course keep you updated on the details.

Finally, the Pierre Hardy for Gap shoes are now in stores, but it's not like you'd know, because they're doing so little to publicize it. Besides for blog mentions here and there, the only press I saw was an article in this month's Elle. Also, in the stores and on the website, there is no mention whatsoever of Pierre Hardy's name anywhere--it's lumped in with the European Collection. Now I know most people who shop at the Gap have no idea who Hardy is (for the record, he's a French designer who has a namesake line and also makes all the shoes for Balenciaga and Christian Dior). But think of all the attention that, say H&M and Target get for their Masstige collections--all the press, and all of the foot traffic and curiosity-seekers that they draw. We all know the Gap is in major financial trouble, so don't you think they could benefit from some media attention? Maybe they can't afford to pay a marketing department anymore. Nevertheless, the Times Square Gap by my office had the same shoes that are currently available online; I have my eye on the blue-and-white striped wedge, so I might try the store on 5th Avenue, which, according to Racked, has the entire line in a special popup shop. In the meantime, my other favorite style is the wooden platform sandal pictured here, but keep in mind that only whole European sizes are available, up to 41 (which is a 10)--sorry, big-footed gals.

Cheryl Shops...San Francisco
I love New York and have no plans to leave anytime soon, but if I had to live anywhere else in the country, San Francisco would be at the top of my list. The city has an excellent public transportation system, the weather is ideal, the people are friendly but not vapid (unlike, you know, maybe some other big cities in California), the food is fresh and tasty, and, perhaps best of all, there's excellent shopping. In other words, San Francisco is like New York with nicer people and better weather. Like NYC, there's a little bit of something for everyone, from big department stores clustered around Union Square to smaller, curated boutiques in yuppie-ish neighborhoods like Cow Hollow and the Marina. My favorite part about shopping on the West Coast, however, is the vintage boutiques. I love vintage shopping but find it incredibly frustrating in NYC--with the exception of the cavernous Beacon's Closet, you can expect to shell out $125 for a nondescript '70s sundress at any random boutique to thousands of dollars for, say, a vintage YSL dress from a store like Resurrection. I don't know why vintage shopping in California is so much better, but I'm certainly not going to complain about it.

The best place for vintage in San Francisco is, of course, Haight-Ashbury, birthplace of the hippie movement. La Rosa is the most New Yorky of the stores on Haight Street, because it has both the highest prices and the most curated (and dry-cleaned) selection. There's a messy Goodwill and a Buffalo Exchange--I know many people who find amazing things at this store, but whenever I go in, all I see is past-season H&M and Urban Outfitters merchandise in varying combinations of synthetic fabrics. Aardvarks, which also has locations in L.A., is kind of hit or miss; at first glance all I saw a bunch of gross polyester dresses, but upon further digging, I found some awesome old Gunne Sax dresses from the '70s at very reasonable prices. I feel like Aardvarks has better stuff for guys--Western shirts, cool leather jackets and such. Held Over is quite possibly one of the best vintage stores I've ever been to--every item in the store is precisely categorized, so if you're searching for, say, peasant tops and dirndl skirts, you can go straight to the source without digging through the racks. There were sexy '70s disco dresses, mod '60s minis, delicate super-old vintage dresses and everything in between. Sadly, I didn't find anything I truly wanted to buy, but this will be one of my first stops the next time I'm in town. My favorite vintage store, however, was The Wasteland, where I also had success in L.A. I love Wasteland because they're obviously picky about what they accept on consignment; a good portion of the merchandise is designer, but--get this--it's actually affordable. Sure, more recent items from labels like Prada and Chloe were in the $100-$200 range, but I saw a Sonia Rykiel sweater for $18, a Missoni skirt for $65, and a wonderfully tacky '80s Versace jacket for an insanely low $22 (I noticed the newer items tended to be more expensive; I don't know if Wasteland's buyers have become more savvy about pricing or if things get marked down the longer they're on the racks). I lucked out with a very Mod patent-trim jacket/dress, a yellow '60s Joseph Magnin babydoll dress that fits me perfectly, and, my favorite, a huge Chanel tote for a mere $45. That's right, a Chanel bag for $45. See why I love vintage on the West Coast?

MW's favorite store was Amoeba Records, which may or may not be the largest music store in the country. He spent $150 and an hour and a half there, and I practically had to drag him out. And then he went back two days later. I buy clothes; MW buys media.

My other favorite shopping area was Hayes Street, which kind of felt like the Smith Street of San Francisco. There's a store that sells only sake, a bunch of funky galleries, and small but well-curated boutiques. I didn't buy anything due to time constraints, but there's always next time...

The week in shopping
Contemporary wonderland Wink is having a warehouse sale featuring Alice + Olivia, Madison Marcus, and other trendy labels for up to 80% off. 3/6-3/8; 11-7, 11-8 Sat.; 188 Columbus Ave. (68th & 69th Sts.).

Socialite fave Rachel Roy's collection (normally found at Bergdorf's) is up to 70% off. 3/5-3/7; noon-7; 148 W. 37th St. (6th Ave. & Broadway), 2nd fl.

Johnson's sale may be cash only, but you can score both winter and spring clothes with that certain downtown-girl je ne sais quoi for up to 80% off. 3/8-3/9; noon-6; 179 Orchard St. (Houston & Stanton Sts.).

Clothingline has Chaiken maternity and childrenswear from JAcadi, Rachel Riley, Kule, and more. Through 3/7; 10-6, 10-7 Thurs.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Pratesi linens are up to 75% off, which puts sheet sets in the mid to high three figures, but robes are a mere $95! Leave children under 12 at home. 3/9-3/11; 9-6:30; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

For the dapper dressers, men's and women's Paul Stuart clothing and accessories are up to 75% off. Through 3/7; 9-6:30, 9-5 Fri.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Toys, art, and apparel are 50% off at this special Kidrobot sale. Through 3/9; 11-8; 70 Greene St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Shelly & Renee's latest sale features Tuleh, Marc Bouwer, and Pamela Dennis--plus Carlos Falchi handbags--for up to 80% off; a portion of proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 3/9-3/11; 10-6, 10-4 Tue.; 36 Central Park South (5th & 6th Aves).

Stylish loungewear from E.vil, C&C, and Juicy Couture is on sale at Schvitz NYC. Through 3/15; 11-8; 128 Thompson St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Get free shipping on any order at net-a-porter.com when you enter code FREESHIP through 3/10.