Cheryl Shops

Theory womenswear is up to 65% off. 11/30-12/4; 10-7 W-F, 10-5 S-S; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.
 
J.Crew merch for men, women, and children is up to 60% off, and word is that they're restocking daily! 11/29-12/3; 10-8, 10-6 Sat.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).
 
Derek Lam's fall-winter line is heavily discounted. 11/30-12/1; 10-6; 76 Mercer St. (at Broome St.).

Current-season Be&D bags, shoes, and accessories are up to 80% off. 11/29-12/1; 9-7; 260 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 8th fl.

Stock up on gifts for me (and maybe for you) at Alexis Bittar's sample sale. Cash only. 12/2-12/3; 125 W. 21st St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Cool labels like Veda and Surface to Air are 20-40% off at the Archetype Showroom sample sale. 12/1-3; 10-7; 676 Broadway (at Bond St.), 2nd fl.

Shop Botkier's online sample sale from the comfort of your own home (or office) and save up to 60% on classic styles; like them on Facebook for an extra 10% off. 11/30-12/2; starts at 9 a.m. at  www.botkier.com.

Samples are $40-$180 and overstock is 60% off at Nicholas K's sample sale. 11/30-12/4; 11-7 W, 10:30-8 Th, 11-8 F, 11-9 S, 11-5 Su; 809 Washington St. (Gansevoort & Horatio Sts.).

L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers bags are on sale. Credit cards only! 11/29-12/1; 1-8 T, 10-8 W, 8-6 Th; 347 W. 34th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).


Amanda Uprichard's party-friendly silk dresses are $70 and blouses are $50 at her sample sale. 12/2-12/4; 10-6; 5 Rivington St. (Bowery & Chrystie St.).


Baggu bags make excellent stocking stuffers; stock up this weekend. 12/3-12/4; noon-5; 242 Wythe St. (at N. 3rd St.), #6, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 


Save up to 75% on Lela Rose clothes & accessories. 11/30-12/2; 8-7 W, 9-6 Th, 9-5 F; 224 W. 30th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 14th fl.

Theory menswear is up to 65% off. 11/30-12/3; noon-8 W, 8-8 Th-F, 10-6 S; 139 5th Ave. (20th & 21st Sts.), 2nd fl.

Gift-friendly Autumn Cashmere sweaters & accessories are up to 75% off. Through 12/2; 9-7; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1111.

Fancy Frette linens start at $15 at this sale. Through 12/1; 9-6:30, 9-5 Th.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).



Treat the man in your life to some Gilded Age clothes & accessories for 60%-75% off. 11/30-12/3; 10-7:30, 10-4:30 Sat.; 580 Broadway (at Houston St.), ste 912.

At Shipley & Halmos' first men's sample sale, shirts are $75 and blazers are $175. 12/1-12/3; 8 Greene St. (Canal & Grand Sts.), 2nd fl.

Current- and past-season apparel, accessories & home items are up to 80% off at Lisa Perry. Through 11/30; 976 Madison Ave. (at 76th St.).

Is it me, or has Black Friday gotten a little bit out of control? Traditionally the start of the holiday shopping season—and by association, the day on which retailers historically started to make a profit, hence the name—Black Friday is now about midnight store openings, insane crowds, and, in some unfortunate cases, trampling and riots. Now, I am not one to turn away from a bargain, but is schlepping out to the mall at 2 a.m. to buy your loved ones $40 cashmere sweaters and $199 plasma TVs really in the spirit of the season? The last few years, MW & I have spent Black Friday playing Wii with our nephews, and a few hours of family bonding over Rock Band and Mario Kart are worth more to me than any door-buster. Plus, as The Shophound helpfully points out, you've got a month until Christmas, so why hurry?

One shopping endeavor I can definitely get behind is Small Business Saturday, an American Express–sponsored event that, you guessed it, encourages you to patronize locally owned businesses. Meant as an alternative to the big-box-focused Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, now in its second year, serves to remind us that when we all shop small, it makes a big impact. You can become a fan on Facebook to find participating businesses near you, and if you have an American Express card (seriously, the best credit card ever), you can register to receive a $25 statement credit when you use your card at a small business. Added bonus: You won't have to fight the crowds at the mall, or even go to a mall period.

Another way to stick it to the Man shop consciously is to send a Giftly to everyone on your list. In case you missed my post last month, Giftly is a new site that allows you to create a virtual gift card for up to three locations of your choice, and since you can use it anywhere, it's a great opportunity to support local businesses! The site has a ton of fun gift suggestions, with more to come in the following weeks, but I have a personal predilection for Splurge-Worthy Shopping, which the lovely people at Giftly have created just for me, er, you. Really, it's for my favorite three stores in NYC (those are my "Quip Tips" at left), and while I spend half my time telling you about sample sales, these are the rare places at which I will gladly pay full price for something special—and I think any New Yorker would be happy to do likewise. But speaking of deals, starting tomorrow, every Wednesday is Giftly Wednesday, and when you spend $20 or more, you'll get $20 toward your next purchase. Because if you're anything like me, your real Christmas shopping happens in the middle of the week, at work, on your lunch break. Perfect timing, no?

My friend LC works at a celebrity weekly magazine (the best one, in my opinion) and last weekend was rocking what I thought was a pair of Isabel Marant Forbes boots. Once I wiped up my drool, LC informed me that the boots were, in fact, from Aldo; they were featured in a recent issue and now nearly every woman in the office has a pair. "It's embarrassing," she said. Not really—the Qualheim, aside from being a dead ringer from the Forbes, is nearly perfect in that it has a very manageable 2.75" stacked heel ("So comfy," LC confirmed) and has a downward angle at the ankle and an elongating almond-shaped toe—making them flattering to wear with skirts—with an opening wide enough to tuck your skinny pants into as well. The best part? They're a mere $100 (and yes, they're real suede), which means you can buy both the cognac and black colors for much less than what one pair of the Isabel Marant boots would cost. Magazine editors—they're just like...well, you know.

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

So, yesterday Women's Wear Daily profiled several top fashion bloggers—Bryanboy, Fashion Toast, Style Bubble, The Glamourai, and The Man Repeller—and while the article was probably meant to show how influential these bloggers are (most state monthly page views between 1.5 and 4 million) and give some background color on each, it's spawned several interesting discussions on the subject. Fashionista did some follow-up reporting with most of the subjects, questioning how the bloggers disclose what they received gratis and/or how they are paid for their coverage. (One blogger sends copy to partners for approval, a journalistic no-no, but then again, I'd hardly call personal style bloggers journalists.) Jezebel's Jenna Sauers does an even deeper dive, questioning the validity of the traffic stats in WWD's article and wondering where on the objectivity scale these bloggers fall.

While my traffic is nowhere near that of the bloggers above (inflated numbers or no), and while I don't have top designers plying me with free clothes, I do receive my share of swag, however I always disclose when I'm writing about something I received for free, and like several of the bloggers in Fashionista's article, I don't write about things I don't want to cover. (That means, yes, I have a bunch of unused swag sitting around. Look for a giveaway soon.) That said, my blog is a business, albeit one that, fiscally speaking, pretty much exists to support my shoe habit. And like all businesses, it's about relationships—in my case, with fashion houses, stores, PR reps. (Having worked in magazines for many years, I can tell you, there is definitely not a strict separation of church and state there either.) Unlike many fashion bloggers, I have a journalism degree, and while I definitely don't hold myself to the strict objective code that, say, newspaper reporters adhere to, I don't think that necessarily makes me untrustworthy. Then again, I don't think you're coming here to read an unbiased take fashion—I think (at least I hope) you're here because you like my taste and what I have to say. Fashion bloggers may not be the New York Times, but thinking of us as the op-ed pages may not be a stretch.

Saturday is the big day, folks: Versace for H&M hits stores, and much like last year's Lanvin collaboration, there are rules. Basically, the first 280 people in line at each store will receive a bracelet; braceleted folks will have 15 minutes to shop, after which the merchandise will open to the masses. (Note: This only applies to the women's section—men have free reign.) You are allowed only two of each item (presumably to prevent eBay reselling). There's a list of stores carrying the collection on the H&M website; it looks like all NYC stores except Harlem and the northernmost Soho store will have the goods, and while opening hours aren't available for all locations, the Rockefeller Center store will open at 8 a.m. Good luck, or as Donatella would say, Get ooouuuutt!

In less frenzied but arguably more exciting news, British designer Mary Katrantzou has created a 14-piece capsule collection for Topshop, which hits stores in February. Grazia previewed the line and reports that it's full of her signature placed prints and sculptural silhouettes. I am quite pumped for this one—I still have several pieces from the Christopher Kane collaboration on steady rotation in my wardrobe, and like much of what I buy at Topshop, they're very well made considering the price. I will of course post more images and exact dates when I have them!

Finally, Rory Beca's latest collection for Forever 21 is now available, and while the best look appears to be sold out online (the black dress with the side cutouts), I wouldn't mind taking home this beaded T-back tank for a mere $17.80. As for the rest, there's a definite '80s inspiration (I guess that's still happening) but there are some flirty ruffled party dresses and flirty tops, and definitely 'tis the season for those.

This week marks the start of sample sale season, i.e. the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, but pace yourself—Christmas is still five weeks away!

Giuseppe Zanotti shoes—which have the honor of being the footwear I was married in—are up to 80% off. If I were a betting woman, I'd bet this would be an awesome sale. 11/15-11/6; 9:30-6; 381 5th Ave. (35th & 36th Sts.), 2nd fl.

Three hours is really all the public needs to clean out The Row's sample sale. 11/17; 4-7pm; 632 Hudson St. (Horatio & Jane Sts.).

Bring cash to the Thakoon sample sale, where amazing deals abound. 11/17-11/18; 8:30-6:30; 270 Lafayette St. (Prince & Houston Sts.), ste. 1005.

The lovely ladies at Vena Cava and Dannijo are teaming up for a Friends & Family sale. 11/17-11/19; 9-6 Th-F, 11-5 Sa; 457 Broome St. (Greene & Mercer Sts.), #2F.

Shoes, clothes, and accessories are on sale at Loeffler Randall, one of my favorites. 11/17-11/19; 10-8, 10-5 S; 525 Broadway (Broome & Spring Sts.), 4th fl.

I am cursing the fact that the Elizabeth & James sample sale is over the weekend (when I'll be out of town); stock and samples are up to 80% off. 11/19-11/20; 10-6 Sa, 10-4 Su; 1384 Broadway (37th & 38th Sts.), 18th fl.

Fight the hipsters at the always-excellent Steven Alan sample sale; word on the street is that men's button-downs are $78. 11/17-11/20; 8:30-8 Th-F, 11-7 Sa, 11-5 Su; 87 Franklin St. (Broadway & Church St.).

Cashmere sweaters start at $80 and cotton sweaters start at $50 at the Inhabit sample sale (which, sadly, is no longer right across the street from my apartment). 11/16-11/17; 10-6; 320 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 14th fl.

Who doesn't love Rebecca Minkoff? Find her ever-expanding range of bags, shoes, and clothes at steep discounts (which tend to increase as the sale goes on). Through 11/20; 4-9 T, 10-7 W-S, 11-5 Su; 14 W. 14th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

M. Patmos and Leroy & Perry are up to 70% off, with prices starting at $25 for knit sweaters, tops & accessories. 11/17-11/19; 11-7 Th-F, 10-6 S; 425 W. 13th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.), ste. 406.

Twinkle by Wenlan is 40%-60% off. 11/16-11/18; 10-6; 545 8th Ave. (36th & 37th Sts.), 17th fl.

Samples start at $15 at Anna Sui's sample sale; stock is 40%-80% off. Through 11/18; 8-9:30, 11:30-2, 4-6 daily; 250 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 6th fl.

Stock up on undies at Hanky Panky's sample sale: thongs are $11 and boy shorts are $12. Through 11/18; 8:30-8 T-W, 8:30-7 Th, 9-1:30 F; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Downtown-friendly labels like Clu, Cheap Monday, and Common Projects are on sale at The News Showroom. 11/17-11/19; 10-6; 495 Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.), 5th fl.
  Nanette Lepore, a runway favorite of mine, has discounted her girly line. 11/15-11/17; 9-7; 225 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

Otte NY, one of my favorite boutiques in the city, is having a sample sale, with prices up to 85% off (the store carries Phillip Lim, Vanessa Bruno, and Rag & Bone, to give you an idea). 11/16-11/17; 11-6; 37 W. 26th St. (5th Ave. & Broadway), ste. 305.

For the good-hearted folk starting their actual holiday shopping, White + Warren sweaters make great gifts—cashmere basics are $100. 11/15-11/16; 8-7; 80 W. 40th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 3rd fl.

Ali Ro's womenswear is up to 65% off. 11/16-11/18; noon-5:30 W, 9-5:30 Th, 9-3 F; 530 7th Ave. (at 38th St.).

Stock up on statement-making jewelry and accessories for 50%-90% off at Tuleste Market. 11/16-11/17; noon-8:30; 157 Ludlow St. (Rivington & Stanton Sts.).

Cute contemporary sportswear by Charlotte Ronson is 50%-70% off at this usually-promising sale. 11/16-11/18; 10-7; 1071 6th Ave. (at 41st St.), ste. 301.

Classic looks from Max Mara are up to 70% off. 11/15-11/16; 10-5:30; 381 5th Ave. (35th & 36th Sts.), 2nd fl.

Lauren Moffatt is up to 70% off; bring cash if you're spending $250 or less. 11/15-11/16; 8-7 T, 9-7 W; 214 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1503.

Stock up on party dresses—they start at $50—at the Thread Social sample sale. 11/15; 11/16; 9-8; 26 W. 17th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 301.

Find vintage samples and current stock for up to 75% off retail at Vivienne Tam. 11/16-11/18; 9-8 W, 10-7 Th, 10-6 F; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 11th fl.

Get your sexy on at Barbara Bui, where women's clothes by the French designer are up to 90% off. 11/19-11/20; 10-7 Sa, 11-6 Su; 115-117 Wooster St. (Prince & Spring Sts.), lower level.

Jewelry, watches, accessories, and fragrances are discounted at the Bulgari sample sale. 11/19-11/22; 9-6:30; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).
 
Vivienne Westwood's clothing and accessories are hard to find in the U.S....until now! Through 11/20; 9:30-6; 20 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 6th fl.


Soffier Haskin has reduced prices on all of the Giorgio Armani lines at his sample sale. Through 11/16; 9:30-7:30 T, 9:30-5:30 W; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).
 
Exotic bags and accessories are on sale at Beirn. Through 11/18; 10-5:30; 12 W. 57th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 8th fl.

In the freedom of your own home, as tempting and cozy it is to stay wrapped up in a leopard Snuggie all day long this winter, it would only be unfashionable and unquestionably impolite to answer the door wearing the kitschy thing. But you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, or tune into the outdated and overdone panache of the velour jumpsuit (a la reality TV housewife stereotypes) in order to stay both comfortable and courteous when sitting at home as unexpected guests drop by or that cute UPS delivery boy comes knocking on the door for your signature. Gaiam has you covered with not only high quality, casual luxurious sweaters that will keep you warm but that are incredibly chic. The entire new collection is right on time for the Holidays as they’re not just an amazing wardrobe staple to get for yourself but incredibly practical and perfect to gift to the ones that you love. Here are two of our favorites: The Gaiam Pointelle Knit Sweater and the Gaiam Zippered Dolman Sweater.
- Mira Torres

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Confession: Last spring, I went to see a psychic. It was, overall, a pretty awesome experience, and call me gullible, but I really felt like she was communicating with certain people in my life who've passed on. One of the bits of advice they conveyed to me was that I should wear more color, so since then, I've made a concerted effort to expand beyond my usual black-gray-white-camel-navy palette. Thankfully, the runways are on board with this too (does every designer go see a psychic too?), and for fall, the most prevalent color was red. Now, red is a pretty powerful color; for one, it's seductive. I've found it to be pretty empowering, however, so while it seems like an obvious choice for nighttime (and it's still a good one), why not try wearing it for day?

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Winter in New York is long and cold and long, and by the time March rolls around, you're so sick of your winter coat, you can barely stand the sight of it. I can't guarantee you won't tire of this adorable bell-skirted Miu Miu coat, but it's a much better bet than the typical basic black wool number.

There is nothing practical whatsoever about this Matthew Williamson feather skirt, but it's fabulous enough to qualify as a wardrobe secret weapon. (And, yes, unless your name is Serena van der Woodsen, I'd recommend saving this one just for nighttime.)

I think Kate Middleton has been photographed in a shorter, blue version of this Issa dress, but isn't it better in red? Again, probably better for nighttime, due to the plunging neckline and back cutout, but a perfect example of how restraint can be sexy.

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If you don't want to make quite such a statement as with the above pieces, I recommend investing in a layering-friendly red jacket, like the beautifully draped silk Becky jacket from Rebecca Minkoff. You can throw it on over everything from an LBD to jeans and a tee for an instant pick-me-up.

Fashion insiders have been raving about Equipment's silk blouses for several seasons, and having just bought my first, I am now 1) addicted and 2) bent on snatching up as many as I can. Their signature blouse in fiery red looks like a no-brainer to me.

I recently bought a brightly colored maxi skirt; not only did I get a ton of compliments on it, but I felt incredibly elegant and cheerful in it. In fact, I'm convinced I had a good day yesterday because of it. Mine is blue, but I'm considering this Rag & Bone red maxi skirt too—it's airy silk chiffon and a bold dose of color.

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BB Dakota's Richie Jacket is arguably just as cute as the Miu Miu style above (okay, maybe it's a little less refined) and while it might not cut it in February, you can at least wear it now, especially since the last time I checked, we're having September-ish weather in New York.

I have a red skirt that people stop me on the street to ask where I got it (for the record, Zara, last spring). This Allie pleated mini from Alloy is just as fun, and you can get away with wearing it to work, as well as at night.

ASOS has quickly become one of my favorite places to shop online; the vastness of their products means you can pretty much find anything you're looking for. Case in point: they have pages upon pages of inexpensive red dresses, but this Lanvin-esque '40s-inspired dress is my favorite; it is, for lack of a better term, classy. And isn't that how you should feel when wearing red?

It's crowded, dirty, and clogged with tourists, but the Garment District is home to some of the best sample sales in NYC, which is why I'm lucky to work there. Here are 5 sales I recommend hitting this week.

Party season is fast approaching, so hit Tracy Reese for one-of-a-kind samples, $35-$50, and stock in sizes 0-12. 11/9-11/10; 9-7; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 11th fl. 

Another great source for party dresses (and bikinis): Shoshanna's sample sale, where both are up to 75% off. Be prepared to wait in line—this one tends to be popular. 11/9-11/10; 10-6:30 W, 10-6 Th; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 422.

A fabulous party dress is nothing without costume jewelry, so hit the nOir sample sale for costume jewelry at up to 75% off retail. 11/9-11/11; 10-7; 350 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 5th fl.
 
Kara Ross's exotic skin and leather handbags (including party clutches—you need one of those too!) are 50%-80% off. 11/8-11/10; 10-6; 225 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 15th fl. 
And most importantly, you need shoes! Butter, Something Bleu and Bettye Muller samples are $60 and stock is $100 for shoes, $220 for booties, and $260 for boots. Cash only! Through 11/9; 10-7; 307 7th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.), ste. 2307.

The best thing and the worst thing about the holiday season (aside from all the shopping mall chaos, of course) is that practically everyone you know is having a party. That means plenty of festive cocktails (yay), awkward forced conversation with people you'd rather not run into (nay), and the undeniable need for a different festively adorable outfit for each fête (yay and nay). Luckily, Kate Spade's brand-spanking-new Holiday 2011 apparel collection boasts plenty of gorgeous separates that manage to subtly hint at the spirit of the season and look totally cocktail-party-ready without screaming "Christmas!" Mix and match bold silky blouses with satiny swing skirts, short-sleeve sweaters with pretty feminine details like rhinestone bows or ruffles, or wear your party pride loud and proud courtesy of the "Spike the Punch" sweater. Switch up different pieces to create a series of outfits that look totally different without needing a celebrity-size wardrobe budget, or if you're really into self-gifting, splurge on a sweet cocktail dress that you may just love enough to wear all party season long!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

As you may have guessed by now, there's a preppy undercurrent running through this season's Fall Shopping Guide. This is kind of a full-circle situation for me: the suburban Chicago area where I grew up was incredibly preppy, and while I rebelled against it in my youth, I've found myself gravitating toward the classics as I age. Appropriately, preppy influences turned up all over the fall runways, but often in interesting ways. Isabel Marant, for example, took the preppy-classic fisherman sweater and paired it with more fashion-forward elements like tribal-patterned jeans. Marant's version is the primary inspiration for this post, although, as you'll see, there are more fashion-forward versions out there, as well as very similar classics for a lot less.

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Show me a woman who does not love Isabel Marant and I will show you a liar. Okay, maybe not quite, but, really, I don't know anyone who doesn't love her effortless cool-bohemian separates. I say effortless, because you can even wear a head-to-toe look by her and not look like you're trying too hard (or trying at all). Everything that she sends down the runway, I want instantly, hence this post. I probably have not worn a fisherman sweater since I was seven, and yet now I want this one so badly. It's not too bulky or boxy or literal; it's just right.

Joseph Altuzarra is one of the most-watched up-and-coming New York designers; the fact that he took a fisherman sweater—and a turtleneck version at that—and made it undeniably sexy proves he's worthy of the hype.

Brooks Brothers, a preppy staple, seems a pretty obvious place to find a fisherman sweater, but this one by their Thom Browne-designed Black Fleece line takes it to another level with mother-of-pearl buttons and grosgrain trim.

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The Brits tend to call fisherman sweater aran knits; this style from, yes, Burberry's Brit line, is a sleeker, streamlined version, with a hint of cashmere for extra luxe.

Haute Hippie's fisherman sweater refines the classic with feminine pointelle stitching along the sleeves and in merino wool, which will likely be quite a bit softer than the usual lambswool.

Cut25's version makes it a bit more fashion-forward with chic dolman sleeves and leather trim at the neckline. This is a great option for those who don't want to look too traditional; it's younger and more fun.


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J.Crew seems like a pretty obvious place to find a fisherman sweater; ironically, I found this one not on their own site but on Net-A-Porter. Still, it's probably the most similar to the Isabel Marant style above, and at $98, it's a pretty smart buy.

Even more wallet-friendly is Topshop's aran cable sweater, now on sale for just $50. According to the reviews, it has a rather boxy cut, but I'd be more concerned about its nearly all-acrylic fabric content than anything else.

Confession: I love the Land's End Canvas catalogue. When I saw this sweater in the most recent version, I ripped out the page so I wouldn't forget to order it. I love how traditional and boyish it looks, but a word to the wise: this line runs huge, so size down at least once. Still, there is something incredibly comforting about a slouchy, cozy fit.

Before the sample sale craziness truly kicks in next week, I suggest hitting the Chelsea Market for the Prive's Surface to Air sale, where the super-hip French label for men & women can be had for 60%-80% off. Next week: I'll list a whole bunch o' sales, so stay tuned. 11/2-11/3; 10:30-7; 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

The fashion world seems to never tire from updating the classic pump. From chunky platform soles and architectural heels to leather, suede, and sequins in every shade of the rainbow, it's basically impossible to get sick of a style that's constantly getting revamped! And while you may already have a substantial collection of standard go-tos like black and nude, plus a couple fun shades and sparkly pairs to switch things up, this season's pumps are ready to embrace the rough and rugged in the form of spike embellishments! Sure, we've already seen our share of studs and moto-inspired shoes... but spikes are a whole new ballgame. Lady GaGa would certainly approve, but do you have the guts to rock spike-studded pumps? I love the way the girly platform heel and the bad-gal inspired spikes provide the ultimate sexy contrast, but they're certainly not for the demure dresser, or the faint of heart! What do you think - super-chic, or too extreme?

From left to right: Sam Edelman "Roza" Spike Pump, Rachel Roy "Chrissto" Pump, and Ruthie Davis Spikette Deluxe Platform Pump.

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

When I was a child, I always got a new pair of shoes for back to school. These were usually penny loafers—I grew up in a very preppy area—and year after year, I would barely wear them. Eventually my mom wised up and started buying me shoes I'd actually wear (like Keds), but over the years, I've found myself pondering loafers and why they never worked out for me. I think I found my answer: the heels weren't high enough! Thankfully, this season the classic loafer has been updated with a sexier shape and a sky-high heel, complete with platform. It looks like I've finally found the penny loafers I'll want to wear.


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Opening Ceremony's Laetitia penny loafers take the standard penny loafer shape and elements like pinked edges and two-tone coloration, subtly upgrading the look with a stacked heel and a sturdy lug sole. It's a classic, modernized just enough to be irresistible.

Nicholas Kirkwood is currently the object of my shoe lust, and when you look at the dangerously sexy beauty of these tasseled platform loafers, it seems pretty obvious to me. They look like something a librarian who's secretly a dominatrix would wear (a rich librarian-dominatrix, that is), and isn't that reason enough?

Yves Saint Laurent's Tribute pumps are a classic in their own right; here, they've been married with a tasseled loafer for this quirky yet smart take on the trend. I love the contrast between the spindly heel and the fusty fringe; they're like a grandpa with a hot young wife.

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There are so many awesome styles at this price point, it was hard to choose three favorites, but every time I look at Frye's Naiya Kiiltie loafers, I can't help but smile. They're kind of nerdy-cool, and I especially love that they come in navy (as well as three other colors)—a good pair of navy shoes is hard to find.

It's almost hard to believe these Quinn platform loafers are from Banana Republic, but then again, they fit in with the chain's classic, work-friendly vibe. With the hidden platform, they're kind of a platform entree for people who think they're not platform people.

As I've noted many times before, I'm a huge fan of Pour La Victoire shoes, so their Larkin is sure to be a winner. Their shoes are always comfortable and well constructed, and while I'd probably go for the black or brown leather, I love that these come in red patent too.

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Speaking of styles that come in an array of colors, Nine West's Abalene is available even in faux exotics, although I prefer the faux croc (pictured here) to the faux snakeskin (kind of cheap looking). With a 4.25" heel and a 1" platform, these are also one of the most sturdy styles pictured here.

For those of you reading this story and thinking platform loafers aren't edgy enough for you (and can't afford the Nicholas Kirkwoods above), meet Buffy from Charles David. It's obviously still a loafer, but studs along the sole add a downtown finish.

With traditional pinked edges, a sturdy heel, and a lug sole, Mia's Nolen loafers are a pretty solid choice for their price ($59), so long as you don't mind the fact that they're synthetic.

There may be a more high-profile sample sale happening this week, but my top pick is one that's more of a sure thing: Adrienne Landau's sample sale features fur vests, coats, and accessories for up to 75% off retail. I say it's a sure thing because fur is now pretty much a fall-winter staple, and now that the temperatures are finally dropping, it's the perfect time to stock up. A word to my animal-loving readers: Yes, I'm talking about real fur; if this puts you off, please steer clear of this sale. 10/25-10/27; 10-6; 519 8th Ave. (35th & 36th Sts.), 21st fl.

The bad news is: the summer of sexy sky-high wedge sandals is officially over as we embrace chilly fall. The good news is: you don't have to give up your favorite trend just because the weather forecast (and everything you know about seasonal fashion fare) says so! Clunky, chunky, funky wedges are getting a fall update with dark tones, closed toes, and even structural heels that you can rock with your favorite fall trousers, cords, or (if you're daring) even tights! For example, these Robert Clergerie "Olympy" sandals from Barneys have trendy color-blocking and criss-crossing straps for a bad-ass fall look. These Sergio Zelcer "Cata" Wedge Sandals are extra high (and extra fierce!) with a shiny patent finish and cool cut-out details for plenty of visual interest. And don't forget these T-Strap "Maggie" Sandals with a staircase-inspired structural heel, which puts a new spin on the super-high wedge!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Normally fall is the time of year when I wholeheartedly embrace black, gray, and navy, and while those non-colors will still play a prominent part in my wardrobe this season, I'll be pairing them with bright colors. Back in February, the runways were bursting with color—a pretty novel concept for fall, all things considered—and while the obvious, and easy, thing to do would be add a colored top or two to the mix, the freshest way to wear bright color is with a pair of pants. Now, colored jeans were one of summer's biggest trends, so instead I'm focusing on trousers, which are more work-friendly and, if you ask me, generally more flattering. The best part is that you can basically pick your silhouette, from cropped and skinny to super-wide-leg, and choose any color you want, although reds, purples, and blues tend to be the most common.


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I have a pair of bright pink pants similar to these from Preen (okay, mine are from Zara), and not only does the color draw appreciative looks, it totally brightens your outlook on life.

I also have a pair of bright red pants, similar to these from Versace, and after getting over my initial Santa Claus phobia, I found them to be very empowering. The cropped length on these is good for wearing with boots.

These 3.1 Phillip Lim trousers have a draped look that's a bit more casual and relaxed, and perfect for those of you who are still somewhat into harem pants.

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Alice + Olivia is killing it this season with their pants—name the silhouette, they're doing it well—but the high-waist, wide-leg cut of these trousers looks the freshest to me and works well with the season's strong '70s undercurrent.

Similarly, these What Goes Around Comes Around pants were one of my favorites from the line's very '70s runway show last season; as pictured here, I advise going with a fairly simple top, so as not to look costumey.

J.Crew's cafe capris are already a hit on the personal-style blogs, and considering they come in a veritable rainbow of colors, for a very reasonable $118, you can see why. One of my favorite pairs here, the bright dahlia color is somewhere between pink and purple and is thus totally irresistible.

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These slim cropped pants from ASOS also come in a bunch of bright colors, the fit is almost universally flattering, and the price ($66) is right. What's not to like?

After all these years, Zara remains one of my absolute favorite places to shop for on-trend items, and now that you can shop online, it means I can feature beauties like these palazzo pants here. So pretty and fluid, I like how clean and polished these look.

Finally, if you're still on the fence about this trend but want to try it anyway, I present Old Navy's cuffed capris, which, at a mere $15, are like disposable clothing. I only wish they came in more colors, because I'd buy one of each!

In this recurring feature, I tend to write about sky-high platforms and the other fashion-forward styles that often tickle my fancy. And while my closet is full of these sorts of shoes, they're not exactly versatile. Or—cue the dirty word—practical, especially for a place like New York where, let's face it, the weather is kind of horrible half the year. And while I've been known to teeter through the rain in wooden platform clogs (my theory being they keep me high enough above the puddles), they're a recipe for disaster in hurricane conditions. Which is why it's important to have a few—here's another one—sensible pairs in your shoe wardrobe. Finding fashionable sensible shoes, however, is a challenge. Thankfully Timberland saved me the trouble by sending me a pair of its Rudston boots, which are part of the eco-friendly Earthkeepers collection. The Rudston has a very clean, classic pull-on look, stylish enough to consider even without its special properties. But what makes these boots really amazing is that they're waterproof. Yes, totally waterproof! I wore them in rain ranging from misty to full-on downpour, and I can report my feet stayed fully warm and dry, and the lug sole provided a sturdy grip in slippery conditions. Having worn rubber boots in the rain for years, wearing a suede pair seemed downright indulgent. But what's really cool about these boots is the lining is made from 100% recycled materials (the rubber sole is 15% recycled), and they're manufactured in an eco-friendly facility, which is important, because leather tanning can be notoriously tough on the environment, especially when done on an industrial level. It should also be noted that the Rudston has a 2.5-inch heel, a height that's—here's another dirty word—comfortable. I wore them during Fashion's Night Out, and even after traipsing all over the Meatpacking District, my feet were comfy and well supported, which is more than I can say for the rest of the shoes I wore during Fashion Week. The Rudston is $220 on Timberland's website, which is currently running an extra 20% off offer, making them a very reasonable investment. After all, considering the weather we've been having, you'll probably end up wearing them more than any other pair in your closet.




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FTC disclosure: Timberland sent me these boots for review purposes via Glam.com, a Cheryl Shops sponsor, although all opinions disclosed here—yes, including raving about footwear that is both practical and comfortable—are solely my own.

From what I can tell from my site metrics, I have readers who work for banks, law firms, architecture firms, and various other white-collar endeavors, which means a lot of you need to dress professionally for work. So this one's for the office workers out there: Elie Tahari's polished lines for men & women are up to 70% off. For the ladies, dresses are $99-$129, blouses are $59, and shoes are $79-$129; for guys, button-downs are $49, cashmere-wool sportcoats are $199, and ties are $29. You go, working girl (or guy)! 10/18-10/22; 8:30-7:30, 10-5 S; 501 5th Ave. (at 42nd St.), 2nd fl.