Cheryl Shops

After the Missoni collection, which was, by all accounts, a galloping disaster, Target announced that MObama favorite Jason Wu is their next designer collaboration. The line hits stores February 5 and will retail for $19.99-$59.99. According to Nitrolicious, who attended the super-top-secret press preview, the collection's muse is a black cat named Milu. Okay.

If February is a bit too far away for you, Target has three accessory collaborations hitting stores before then, October 30th to be exact. The first is a line of 14 hats by Albertus Swanepoel, all for just $19.99. This is particularly noteworthy because Swanepoel is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund recipient, and a similar hat to the one pictured here is on sale at J.Crew for $178, nearly 10 times the price of Target's version! Also in stores that date: Dana Kellin's jewelry ($9.99-$49.99) and Asian-themed lingerie by Josie Natori for $9.99-$34.99.


Finally, if you're excited about the upcoming Versace for H&M line, you can...get more excited with the campaign images, which have been slowly trickling out to the interwebs. Fashionista has 'em; Mert & Marcus shot 'em; and Versace supes Daphne Groeneveld, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Lindsey Wixson, and Sasha Pivovarova feature prominently. The collection hits stores November 17th—think it's worth waiting in line for?

On my recent trip to Greece, I picked up quite a few evil eye bracelets. It's kind of hard not to--nearly every tourist shop sells them in one form or another, and they are quite affordable, especially in Athens. Having some cash to blow on my last day there, I picked up a bunch of delicate silver ones in a veritable rainbow of colors, and I've been wearing them religiously since. Like my tan, they kind of broadcast the fact that I was recently on vacation in Greece, but the good news is that there's no shortage of evil eye bracelets stateside. All the styles below are available for under $50 at the excellent Max & Chloe—a bit more than the 4 Euros each I spent, but definitely a bargain compared to the cost of a flight to Athens!

I am of two minds when it comes to jewelry. One one hand, I like big, dramatic, subversive statement pieces. On the other, I like simple, delicate, classic pieces piled on to excess. Delicate Raymond is great for the latter--they take classic elements like chain links and charms, which look great when you wear them in multiple. Scoring such pieces is now easier than ever at Delicate Raymond's sample sale this week in NYC, but if you can't make it, you can also use NYSS50 for 50% off their already reasonable sale prices online. Remember, the more, the merrier. Through 10/14; 10-6; 470 7th Ave. (35th & 36th Sts.), ste. 402.

As much as I love browsing the handbag department of any store -- perusing, picking them up, trying them on and sauntering in front of the store mirrors -- it's rare that I'll actually buy a purse (crazy, I know)! It's not that I'm thrifty (ha!), it's just that unless I'm on a spree at bargain-friendly accessories giant H&M, bags are a big investment purchase... and I'm sort of a handbag commitment-phobe! As a result, I normally stick to versatile, neutral-colored bags I can use for basically anything and everything, and while my collection is undoubtedly practical, it can be a bit of a snooze-fest. That's why I'm attempting to branch out with this season's biggest color trend, poppy! It's bright and it's festive, but at the same time, it isn't too loud! Think of it as the new neutral -- sure, it doesn't go with everything, but it's easy to coordinate with and pops with a pretty vibrance against a more muted wardrobe! More sophisticated than pink, more flattering than orange, and significantly more autumn-friendly than hot coral, a poppy-hued bag will be your favorite new accessory for transitioning from summer into fall!

Pictured above: Eric Javits Patent Round Wristlet, Cole Haan Jitney Ali Crossbody, Gorjana Hudson Quilted Shoulder Bag, Tory Burch Saffiano Tote, and Foley + Corinna Jet Set Tote.

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Dear readers, let me share with you my ultimate tale of gift card woe. A few years ago, I somehow won a $1,000 gift card to the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf-Astoria. Yes, you read correctly, a $1,000 gift card. And while that would buy like eight massages at a typical spa, I figured it would translate to a facial, a massage, and a mineral bath at Guerlain, which, at the time, was the most expensive spa in NYC. Pampering of such epic proportions would require a full day off of work (what, you expected me to go on the weekends with the hoi polloi?), so I waited until what I thought was the perfect time to book an appointment: during my post-Christmas staycation last year*. However, a few months earlier, the company that operated the spa went bankrupt and thus the Guerlain Spa closed, rendering my gift card absolutely worthless. That's right, my $1,000 gift card. (Thus the cardinal rule of gift cards: Spend them immediately!) I fired off a strongly worded email to Spa Chakra Inc., which promptly bounced back to me via MAILER-DAEMON; I stomped around my apartment; I was so stressed out, I had to book another massage just to relieve the tension.

Which brings me to my love-hate relationship with gift cards. (Love is probably too strong a word; maybe mild tolerance would be better.) Yes, gift cards are generally quick and convenient, and when you have to get a gift for someone you don't know very well, hey, everyone loves a Starbucks card! But the downsides tend to outweigh the positives: They're impersonal, they often languish in your wallet, they expire, and if the company goes out of business, you're, to put it bluntly, SOL.

Which is why Giftly just might be the perfect solution to the gift card conundrum. A brand-new site, Giftly lets you create your own virtual gift card for whatever you want—stores, restaurants, bars, ahem, spas, etc. You send it to the recipient via email or Facebook, they register with Giftly and then to redeem it, check in at the location (you can pick up to three) on their smartphone. The recipient pays normally, and then Giftly credits the amount to the recipient's credit card, debit card, or Paypal account. This is awesome because it eliminates the hassle of tracking down separate gift cards for multiple businesses, and you can basically create a gift card for companies that don't even offer them! Added bonus: Even if you don't spend the entire Giftly at each location, you still get credited the full amount, so you don't get stuck carrying around, say, a Pottery Barn gift card with $4.08 left on it. You're also covered if you lose the original email or if the merchant goes out of business (take that, Spa Chakra!). But the best part of sending a Giftly is that you get to create a unique, personal experience for your recipient, evoking that whole "tis better to give than receive" ethos and resulting in what Giftly calls double happiness—joy experienced by both the gifter and the giftee.

And because Giftly is super-duper awesome, they are offering Cheryl Shops readers $5 off your first purchase—you can use this link or use promo code GIFTLYCHERYL. (Side note: Creating a Giftly for $20 or under is free, but fees otherwise range from $2 to 5% of the price, if over $120—regardless, a small sacrifice to the gift-card gods.) Double happiness indeed!

POSTSCRIPT: While researching this story, I discovered that the Guerlain Spa has since reopened at the Waldorf-Astoria under new management. Of course, I threw away my—all together now—$1,000 gift card months ago, not that the spa would necessarily still honor it. Which further proves my point that traditional gift cards are purely bogus!

*Coincidentally, I wouldn't have made it to the appointment anyway, since I got stuck in Chicago during the ol' Snowpocalypse of 2010 and ended up driving back to NY, three days late. Fate, I tell you.

When I left for Greece 10 days ago, it still felt like summer, but now I'm back and all of a sudden fall is in full swing. This unpredictable-weather period is my favorite time of year, but it always poses a dressing challenge: tights or bare legs? Sandals with pants? Skirts with boots? As much as it pains me to put my sandals away for the season, I find wearing peep-toe or closed-toe pumps a nice transition before going into full-on boots-and-tights mode. And while there's something so practical about black pumps, these Theyskens' Theory Stil platform pumps are anything but boring. I love how angular they are, from the pointy toe to the blocky platform--the jagged line between it and the arch gives them a slightly dangerous look. There's also the matter of their height--nearly 5 inches, with a 1-3/4-inch platform, which means they're like wearing a (practically) comfortable 3-inch heel, but with an extra 2-inch boost. And the fact that these are black pumps means you can truly wear them with anything—skirts, dresses, trousers (great with the new wide legs), even jeans—although I would capitalize on their leg-lengthening properties and wear them with black opaque tights. If your closet has already reached its black-pumps quota, there's also a boot version, although with their higher shaft, I find them a little less versatile (in other words, I wouldn't wear the boot with a skirt). Two minor drawbacks: They're suede, which is a bit harder to care for than regular leather, and they're $325, which is not horrible in the grand scheme of things, but definitely veering into the investment zone. Then again, how can you go wrong with a pair of black pumps, especially a pair like this that elevates a basic—literally and figuratively?

One could argue against the superiority of French cuisine, wine, or fashion, but when it comes to lingerie, truly nobody does it better. French lingerie is almost always sexy, yes, but what really appeals to me is that it celebrates the body more than American lingerie does--for example, bras with seamed cups instead of molded ones. (I, for one, feel sexier in lingerie that makes me look like a woman, not a blow-up doll.) If you feel the same way, and even if you don't, I suggest hitting the Fifi Chachnil private sale at Bond 07; try on one of their balconette bras and you'll forget why you even wore a nude seamless style. No word on pricing, but since this line is incredibly hard to find in the U.S., it's well worth the trip. 10/7-10/8; 11-7; 7 Bond St. (Broadway & Lafayette St.).

You may not have the unstoppable confidence of Sofia Vergara on the red carpet -- or any of her awe-inspiring "assets" for that matter -- but that doesn't mean you can't rock the color trend that took the Emmy Awards by storm: one-shouldered red dresses. Apparently clashing with the red carpet itself is no longer a concern for Hollywood's elite; red gowns made waves back in February at the Oscars, but the updated fall interpretation of crimson show a little extra shoulder a show-stopping sexy effect. You may not have an excuse to go shopping for a full-on gown (unless you have your own benefit, gallery opening, or awards show to attend to!), but you can never have too many chic cocktail dresses, especially considering the holidays will be here before you know it! A red cocktail dress oozes sex appeal and confidence while still looking elegant and glamorous, while the asymmetrical neckline keeps the look interesting and on-trend. Be inspired by Old Hollywood glamour with a 2011-12 update with this ruched Halston Heritage dress, or go for a more relaxed, floaty look courtesy of this Lipsy Chiffon Dress. If you're a fan of constructed details, this BCBGMAXAZRIA draped dress makes a unique statement, while this Tadashi Shoji dress proves that a little texture goes a long way!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

I'm off to Greece for my (slightly delayed) honeymoon! I'll be back the first week of October, so please check back then!

Have you noticed my photos of Fashion Week were 1000% more awesome this time? It's because I got a fancy new camera! And since this is such a novelty for me (I thought I was a bad photographer; it turns out my old camera was just a piece of crap), I published an album of my favorite alternate images on my Facebook page, complete with captions. This includes detailed close-ups, beauty shots (seriously, I was mesmerized by the hair at Emerson), photos of models actually smiling, and celebrity front-row pictures. So become a fan of Cheryl Shops and check 'em out!

Hey, I think it's ok to play favorites—after all, this blog is called Cheryl Shops, not Cheryl Reports Without Bias. So, in no particular order...

Yigal Azrouel
Minimalism, bold color, buttery leather...it's like Mr. Azrouel is reading my mind. These are exactly the clothes I want to be wearing next season.

Chado Ralph Rucci
His show shows up here nearly ever season, and for good reason: no other American designer quite achieves Rucci's level of artistry. His spring show was a study in lightness with an otherworldly bent.


Nanette Lepore
In a season filled with superbright colors, Lepore did it best with wearable, feminine dresses in day-glo hues.

Kaelen
Light and airy looks so easygoing and relaxed, I found myself shopping the run-of-show sheet. One of the most talented new contemporary designers in recent seasons.

Monique Lhuillier
Known for her romantic bridal and red-carpet looks, Lhuillier proves she can do sexy, body-conscious, and bold too.

Shows attended: 27
Difference from last season: -7
Shows declined: 23
Invites given away to friends, coworkers, and friends of friends: 7
Shows I didn't get into due to overcrowding: 1
Shows I didn't quite make it to: 14
Shows attended that I have yet to write reviews for: 3
Tent shows: 17
Off-site shows: 10
Presentations: 6
Average row seated in: 5
Shows with swag: 3
Percentage decrease in swag from last season: -43%
Official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week press bags received: 0
Seasons since I last received an official press bag: 4
Alcoholic beverages consumed in the tents: 0
Alcoholic beverages consumed off-site: 7
Free Maybelline products received in the tents: 0
Free Tres Semmé products received in the tents: 2
Parties attended: 0
8 p.m. or later shows invited to: 6
8 p.m. or later shows attended: 0
Arizona Iced Tea beverages consumed in the tents: 1/8

Probiotic yogurt beverages consumed in the tents: 0
Pounds gained/lost: -2
Ailments caught: 0

As much as living in New York City can get me down sometimes, twice a year the Hermes sample sale comes along, reminding me that I live in a magical, magical place. Here, you can score the legendary French luxury house's scarves, jewelry, accessories, bags, clothing, and fragrances for up to 70% off. Expect long lines and big crowds, but the venue, Soffier Haskin, is all class (as far as sample sales go).9/22-9/24; 9-8 Th & F, 9-6 S; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Ah, I remember the good old days on the playground when all my friends (and "not-so"-friends) would swap severed halves of a single plastic heart necklace (or, during that weird phase when hippie-inspired symbols were so in, opposite halves of a yin-yang). One extra-popular girl would have five different strands adorning her neck, another girl would have none... and someone would always be the odd gal out in a group of 3 friends. In any case, jealousy inevitably ensued without fail. Let's face it - we made even the cattiest gals on Gossip Girl look like peacemakers. Now that we're past those days (ha!) and have learned to choose our friends wisely, it seems only fitting that we embrace friendship jewelry back into our lives... in a much more stylish fashion! The playground favorite heart necklace gets a much more elegant interpretation courtesy of Dogeared (perfect if your BFF happens to be your sweetheart, too), but if you prefer stackable bracelets, share these delicate bangles by Good Charma with a dear friend. Get a blast from the past, summer camp-style, with a woven trio (ideal for those tricky groups of 3!) of braided bracelets from Kris Nations, or go subtle with an adorable pair of matching lovebird earrings by Gorjana. Here's to hoping your equally fashionable BFF doesn't become a frenemy!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Attending a Chado Ralph Rucci show is an experience like no other during Fashion Week; saying it's akin to having a personal shopper at Bergdorf's versus braving a One Day Sale at Macy's does not quite do it justice. For spring, Rucci returned to the tents after several seasons of showing at his Soho atelier, but there was none of the three-ring circus that surrounds the other shows (although I did have to ask a woman and her teenage daughter to vacate my seat); as always, the audience was stocked with loyal clients, many of whom wore Chado to the show and oohed, aahed, and applauded their favorite looks. And the clothes were definitely deserving of the praise. Rucci stuck to a mostly black, white, and silver color palette with a few pale lavender and blush looks thrown in for good measure, and many of his signature motifs—the spine, re-construction, spirals, topstitching—were present. But there was a new, slightly futuristic undercurrent, with clear plastic insets in jackets and dresses, a latex trench coat, and tiny silver pailettes that looked like mercury in motion. There was a lightness to everything, and also an element of surprise—jackets completely cut open in back, evening gowns slashed to reveal a sequined underskirt. It was all so beautiful and joyful, ending in another Fashion Week anomaly: The audience gave Rucci a standing ovation. Well deserved.

I always look forward to Nanette Lepore's show for several reasons: One, she usually has a random selection of celebrities in the front row, many of whom are her personal friends (this year, Stanley Tucci, Kelly Rutherford, Aida Turturro, Arianna Huffington, actress Carol Kane, Austin Scarlett from Project Runway, and SNL's Vanessa Bayer). Two, she often has live entertainment; in this case, Sam Bisbee, whose CD everyone received as a gift. Finally, not only are her clothes very wearable, but they make it to the stores in almost exact runway form, which means that you can basically shop the runway—a dangerous proposition, but an appealing one as well. And in spite of all this, there's something distinctly mellow about her shows (or maybe that's because it's the second-to-last day of Fashion Week and we're all dragging). What was not mellow was Lepore's use of color, which, in a season of mega-bright citrus shades, outshone everyone else. With a seemingly go-big-or-go-home ethos, Lepore went with full-on day-glo for nearly every look, but when teamed with her sweet cutout sundresses, work-friendly suits, and retro ruched swimsuits, the color was totally wearable—irresistible, even. I've already made my shopping list for next spring.

The spring runways in New York have been filled with a kaleidoscope of color and crazy prints, and while it's certainly been refreshing—in uncertain economic times such as these, designers tend to play it safe with a lot of neutrals—after seven days, it gets a little jarring. I was steeling my nerves for an all-out assault from Tibi, which is known for its prints, but was totally surprised to see Amy Smilovic stick to a pretty minimal, yet still colorful aesthetic. It was refined and toned down, and very smart, considering the almost aggressive use of color by nearly every other New York designer. Smilovic used just one print in the entire show, and a fairly simple colorblocked one at that, which showed up in just four looks toward the end. Once I got over my initial surprise, I really enjoyed the collection for what it was—soft-looking yet well-tailored jackets with narrow lapels, fluid palazzo pants, and streamlined tank dresses, all of which prove that Smilovic is more than the sum of her prints. (Pun intended.)

The hair was high and the vibe was super-feminine at Badgley Mischka, whom I suspect have been reading The Help—their very coquettish collection was heavy on flirty flounces, ruffles, and peplums, with syrupy-sweet doses of pink, yellow, turquoise, and red, in shades varying from soft pastels to blaring neons. Mixing their namesake line with their contemporary Mark + James outing as they have in seasons past, the collections interspersed the duo's signature heavily embellished red-carpet looks with more trend-conscious pieces like corset tops, palazzo pants, and high-waisted shorts; the only disconnect was that some looks seemed intended for the mother, and some for her daughter. But judging by many of the attendees and their attire for a 10 a.m. show, age-appropriate dressing is the least of their concerns. Regardless, it was a lovely collection, especially if springtime has you yearning to dress like a southern belle. Look for the diaphanous chiffon gowns on the red carpet soon.

British designer Jenny Packham is known foremost for her romantic wedding gowns and, more recently, for dressing Kate Middleton. And so Packham ventured back into more sweet territory after her sexy foray for fall, all the better to appeal to the Duchess of Cambridge's less outré tastes. The show begain with creamy, dreamy lime silk chiffon gowns and progressed through turquoise and coral before ending with a series of breathtaking crimson numbers while the Rolling Stone's "She's a Rainbow" played on (coincidentally, the processional for my wedding back in June). Interspersed throughout were heavily beaded frocks and even a flirty romper or two; Swarovski was a sponsor, and Packham knows what she's doing when it comes to sparkly beads. Packham makes eveningwear that's sweet and demure but just sexy enough to be interesting; one can see why Ms. Middleton is a fan.

Whereas Packham's version of sexy is romantic and proper and British, Carlos Miele's is all exposed limbs and sheer fabrics and Brazilian glamour. It's a caipirinha versus a white wine; both are equally refreshing in their own way. Opening with a series of three sheer swirl-print chiffon caftans, Miele's cocktail of choice this season was, like many other designers, bright color: vivid orange and green in solids and prints, mixed with gold and white; one can only imagine all the fabulous places Miele's customer will wear these things. Adding to the glamour was the relative simplicity of the shapes— clothes that don't overpower the wearer let her sexuality truly shine through.

It seems that skirts of Little House on the Prairie are hitting the cool radar as fashionable bloggers and street wear icons are rocking vintage and vintage-inspired frocks that hit right below the knee. Your grade school teacher will be jealous, because this once geeky style has instantly become a most-have style option in practically every single style-forward state, from New York to San Francisco. What’s the best way to wear it? A form fitting top and a belt! A waist hugging blouse and belt will ensure that you don’t get lost in all that fabric and look well-dressed instead of frumpy. My favorite thing to pair with below-the-knee skirts are almost skin tight, ruffle button downs and tank tops. You can layer it with a blazer or a sweet cardigan for whatever the weather entails! Avoid looking like a hippie or hobo and swap in your big bags with a cute clutches and slip on a pair of those wooden platforms with gorgeous, out of the ordinary, street credibility. Take a gander at these shin skimming lovelies: Ella Moss Best Friend Pleated Skirt, Twelfth St by Cynthia Vincent Below The Knee Skirt, and Camay Floral Silk Dress.

- Mira Torres

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

I wish all fashion shows were like Libertine: guests were given free drinks, everyone had an unassigned front-row seat, and the models got to totally camp it up on the runway—they smiled, they danced, they pretended to drink and smoke. It was the most fun I'd had at a show in awhile (and will likely be the most fun I have all week). As for the clothes, whereas last season designer Johnson Hartig embraced all manner of wacky color, this season he went for a primarily black-and-white palette, though still with a madcap mishmash of prints. Like the models, he seems to be having a great time, and such enthusiasm is contagious.

I was really excited to be invited to Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. for the first time—until, that is, I saw the line to get in (one guest likened it to 'Nam). And considering Stefani wasn't present (she was reportedly in California, recording), I'm not sure what all the fuss was about. The collection read like Gwen's greatest hits: cargo jumpsuits, ikat-print maxi dresses, stripes, menswear-inspired shorts. The shoes and bags, however—bright, strappy platforms for the former, colorblocked totes and clutches for the latter—looked, as Stefani would say, hella good.


Callula Lillibelle is a line that's been around for a few seasons, but, to me, hasn't had a very strong identity until now. Originally launched as a work-friendly line, designer William Calvert seems to be having much more fun now, perhaps targeting a more fashion-friendly customer. The spring line carried a slight 1950s Elizabeth Taylor vibe, with innocent polka-dots mingling with slim-fitting sheath dresses, sexy lace tops, and brocade separates. It was put together in a fresh way, with modern neon accents and a refreshing mix of prints. It was all very wearable (in fact, even moreso than before), proving that it's not enough to give women what they need—you have to give them what they want as well.

Walter Baker presented his spring collection on the rooftop of the Empire Hotel, which, if you watch Gossip Girl, is where Chuck Bass resides and presides. I really like Walter—I find it just edgy enough to still be widely appealing, but I felt sad for the clothes, which seemed like a total afterthought to the utter chaos (earpiece-wielding doormen, open bar, reality TV cameras, party crashers) surrounding them. My favorite pieces were a series of sheer dresses and tops, some layered with snug jackets in leather or tweed. Then again, I'm not sure I even saw the whole collection—the crowd had swallowed all the run-of-show sheets by the time I arrived, and I wasn't about to fight for one. Sometimes, as the song goes, you got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run. And run I did.

I woke up Sunday morning eager to get to the tents, if only to escape all the September 11th coverage on TV, on the Internet, on Facebook, and so on. It turns out I wasn't the only one—Lela Rose's show was so packed, I ended up wedged into a back corner of the standing section (hence the less than stellar quality of my photos)—and Mandy Moore, Susan Sarandon, and her daughter, Eva Amurri, all showed up too. Rose began with a tasteful homage, playing John Lennon's "Imagine" in darkness, then got down to business with a characteristically ladylike show inspired by, uncharacteristically for her client base, trips to Vegas and Coney Island. Set to the music of one of my favorite new bands, Cults, the result was a perfect balance of whimsy and polish, with slightly off-kilter casual looks bursting with mixed prints and colorblocking, and more refined evening dresses finished with lace. Rose's clothes are decidedly uptown, but you get the feeling their wearers must be fabulously fun party guests.