Cheryl Shops

As the holidays loom (and, um, I still have shopping to finish and Christmas cards to write), I'm heading to Chicago for a bit and taking the next two weeks off from blogging. I'll be back in 2010 with more sales and other awesome things for you to spend money on, but in the meantime, you can follow my comings and goings on Twitter. Happy holidays!

Rodarte's Go International collection for Target is probably one of the most anticipated in months, at least in fashion circles, considering that the Mulleavy sisters who design the line are huge critical darlings. Inspired by Harold & Maude, Bonnie & Clyde, and Rosemary's Baby, the collection definitely retains Rodarte's signature deconstructed-glamour aesthetic while totally appealing to a wider audience--in other words, it's a marriage made in masstige heaven. I love the leopard-print dresses and the lace cardigans, and there are also pretty tulle skirts and lingerie-inspired dresses. The collection is perfect for the holidays, and I think you can expect to see several, if not most, of these looks out on the town on New Year's Eve. These are my favorite looks of the collection (I definitely have my eye on the lace cardigan and leopard-print dress ensemble).





Of course, if photos alone don't get you excited about the collection, here's a cute video narrated by Tavi, a.k.a. Style Rookie.



Rodarte for Target hits stores this Sunday, December 20th! I'm considering having my parents drive me straight to Target from the airport (I'm heading home to Chicago), but I suppose I can wait a day, or at least a few hours. Chicagoans might not know who the Mulleavy sisters are yet--they're not quite on the familiarity level of, say, Anna Sui--but after this awesome collection, I think they will.

Snowy days can present a wardrobe challenge if you are not properly prepared. For me a combination of military coat plus waterproof dressage boots and cossack faux fur hat are my standard snowy day uniform. This tailored look works for city streets and a few handpicked snowy mountaintop occasions. It may not work for sub zero temps, but it works for most winter days. A cossack hat covers your ears, keeps your hair in place and you won't need to wear muffs. I own a cossack faux fur hat and I love how it adds a bit of cold weather whimsy and wintertime luxe to my look.

Dressage boots are the real deal, worn by equestrians during their romps in the ring. French bootmaker Aigle's Dressage Rubber boots are sturdy and are made to slosh in the rain and mud. I picked up a pair of Aigle boots from Tal-Y-Tara, a local polo/dressage gear and tea shop here in San Francisco. The Aigle boots pictured here are also available from J.Crew for $195.

A military inspired coat adds a tailored appeal to this wintery 'uniform' and pairs perfectly with the dressage boots for a sleek look. Go long with this Marc by Marc Jacobs Wool-felt military coat ($399 at Net-a-Porter). Or opt for a shorter belted version like this charming Latte by Coffee Shop Double Breasted Military Coat with Belt ($285.60 at Bloomingdales).

Accessorize your winter Doctor Zhivago inspired look with the cossack fur hat and a pair of long lined leather gloves. You'll be glad you dressed up for the snow days ahead, you never know when you'll get caught under the mistletoe!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Note: I will be taking a break from Cheryl Shops for the last two weeks of December, so this week I'm including sales for the next few weeks, if available.

Expect long lines and women of all ages at Tory Burch's sample and stock sale; V-neck cardigans are $85, totes are $195, and boots are $195. 12/16–12/18; 11-7 W-Th, 11-6 F; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

For four hours only, score Rachel Comey's hipster-coveted designs for up to 60% off retail. 12/16; 5-9; 335 W. 35th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 7th fl.

Be&D handbags and shoes are 30%-75% off. 12/17-12/18; 9-7; 35 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 10th floor west.

Mackage coats are up to 50% off (many hovering around the $275-$325 range). Cash only. 12/15–12/17; 11-7; 275 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

Eryn Brinie, Blue Notch denim, plus Kai-aakmann and Kaylee Tankus are teaming up for a group sample sale. All Blue Notch jeans are $40, and Eryn Brinie prices are 70% off retail. 12/17–12/19; 10-8; Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St. (at Kenmare St.).

A sale I've been waiting for: A.P.C.'s always awesome end-of-season sale, where prices are 30%-50% off. 12/17–1/31; 11-7, noon-6 Su; 131 Mercer St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Just in time for holiday parties, Betsey Johnson dresses and separates are up to 75% off retail. 12/15–12/17; 10-8; Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St. (6th Ave. & Broadway), 6th fl.

Showroom Seven's holiday sale features Orla Kiely, Erickson Beamon, Issa London, Tony Cohen, and other hip designers at wholesale prices and below. Through 12/18; 10-7; 263 11th Ave. (27th & 28th Sts.).

One of my favorites, Ben-Amun jewelry, is at wholesale prices and below. 12/15–12/17; noon-7; 246 W. 38th St. (7th & 7th Aves.), ste. 12.

Rebecca & Drew's sample sale promises work-friendly shirts, coats, pants, dresses, and skirts for $100 or less; I highly recommend their shirts, which are sized by bra size. 12/15–12/17; 8-7; 342 W. 13th St. (8th Ave. & Hudson St.).

Find clothes, accessories, home items, candles, fragrances, and more, all with a rich-hippie vibe and up to 80% off, at the Calypso sample sale. 12/15–12/18; 10-7 T-Th, 10-2 F; 260 5th Ave. 928th & 29th Sts.). If you don't make the sample sale, you can take 25% off orders of $200 or more on the Calypso website through 12/18.

Jeffrey Monteiro is having a one-day-only sample sale, where prices are up to 70% off (dresses are $150, jackets $175). 12/21; 11-7; 200 Centre St. (at Howard St.) # 2.

Catherine Malandrino's colorful clothes are up to 80% off retail. Through 12/16; 8-8; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Lee Angel's pretty jewelry is up to 75% off; look for $5 bins too. 12/16–12/18; 11-8 W, 11-7 Th, 10-5 F; 524 Broadway (at Spring St.), 6th fl.

Dress like Sienna Miller at the Twenty8Twelve sample sale, where tops are $40, jeans are $60, dresses are $100, and jackets are $120. Cash only. 12/16–12/19; 10-6; 580 Broadway (at Prince St.), ste. 1200.

Three Dots, Minnie Mortimer, Sophia Eugene, Nellie Partow, and Yosi Samra are teaming up for a group sample sale; shoes start at $30 and dresses start at $50. Cash only. 12/16–12/19; 10-8 Th-F, 11-5 S; 200 Park Ave. South (at 17th St.), ste. 1608.

If you have a deep-pocketed benefactor, send him or her to the Slane & Slane sample sale, where precious and semiprecious jewelry is 50%-70% off retail. 12/16–12/17; 2-8; 48 W. 25th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 11th fl.

Find cashmere dresses, accessories, blankets, and slippers (hello last-minute gifts!) at the Qi sample sale. 12/16–12/18; 11-6; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 200.

Swimwear and cover-ups from such coveted brands as Zimmerman (suits are $75) and Red Carter ($40 bikinis) are at least 50% off at the Salon9 sample sale. 12/17–12/18; noon-7; 241 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 802.

Nanette Lepore is having another sample sale; dresses are $140, skirts are $100, and jackets are $190. 12/17–12/18; 9-7; 225 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

Statement jewelry is on sale at Made Her Think. 12/18–12/19; noon-7 F, noon-8 S; 195 Chrystie St. (at Stanton St.), ste. 301-7.

Go fancy when it comes to last-minute gifts with crystal, porcelain, jewelry, vases, and other gifty items from Lalique, Daum, and Haviland. Thankfully, prices are up to 80% off retail. Credit cards only; leave strollers and children under 12 at home. 12/19-12/22; 9-6:30, 9-5 T; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

If you're not a fan of fur, stay away from Adrienne Landau, where you can score last-minute deals on fur vests, scarves, jackets, hats, and other accessories. Also, evening gowns from Pamela Rolland, Melinda Eng, and more, and exotic skin handbags from Victor Hugo. 12/21–12/23; 10-6; 519 8th Ave. (at 36th St.), 21st fl.

Armand Diradourian has cashmere sweaters, scarves, home items, and other great gift ideas for wholesale and below prices. Men's scarves are $80; blankets are $200. Cash only. Through 12/21; noon-6 (closed Sun.); 19 W. 21st St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

A bridal gown sale the week before Christmas? Why not? Find Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and other coveted designers for up to 75% off at Bergdorf Goodman. Through 12/19; 10-8, 10-7 S; 754 5th Ave. (at 57th St.).

IT USA has Just Cavalli, Galliano, GF Ferre, Malo and C'N'C Costume National for at least 70% off. Through 12/20; 11-7, 11-6 Su; 17 Battery Place South (West Side Highway & Washington St.), 5th fl.

Do some last-minute shopping at Eryn Brinie and get 20% off, plus enjoy Svedka vodka and a performance by Erin McCarley. 12/17; 7-9; 501 Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Balmaniacs, wake up at the crack of dawn on 12/15 (tomorrow!) for theOutnet's Balmain pop-up sale, where prices are up to 85% off retail. Granted, most are still in the mid-to-high four figures, but jeans are only $238!

Use code GIFTFORYOU for 20% off orders of $250 or more at Pink Mascara.

Use code Holiday09 for 60% off everything at Lewis Cho's website 12/15-12/16.

Tuesday is the last day for Friends & Family at Lord & Taylor--take 25% off with code FRIENDS through 12/15.

Ultracool designers like Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang, and Kimberly Ovitz are now 30%-80% off at Forward by Revolve.

Get a free Ultimate Starter Kit and free shipping on orders over $25 at blissworld.com with promo code 129930 now through 12/31.

Shop new sale arrivals at Free People.

Rogan and Loomstate are now up to 50% off.

I had totally grandiose plans for a multi-part gift guide, but, well, that didn't quite happen. So this gift guide, while not thorough, will at least hopefully give you ideas for everyone on your list. In other words, this is not one of those "gift guides" that's really just directed toward you and thus causes you to spend the first two post-Thanksgiving weeks shopping for yourself. Um, not that anything like that happened to me. But if you, like me, suddenly realized that Christmas is two weeks away and you haven't bought any gifts for anyone and you started to panic, well, then this one is for you. (But not really for you--stop shopping for yourself! Wait till the after-Christmas sales!)

For Mom, who has everything
My mom is always the hardest person on my list to shop for, a situation not made easier by the fact that she rarely gives me any gift suggestions. But I think I can beat her at her own game with the DKNY cozy, an ingenious cardigan that can be worn so many ways, it has its own iPhone app to show you how.


For Dad, who loves gadgets
He has a phone, an iPod, a GPS...and sometimes he forgets to charge them. This handy power pack and case features a device that charges nearly everything, perfect for the frequent traveler (or just the technologically challenged).


For the tween girl Twi-hard
Because she likely already has the Edward sheet set, get her these journals, which come in a nice tin box. They're mostly blank, but contain quotes from both the Twilight books and the works of literature that inspired them, so perhaps your tween will feel inspired to write her own epic romance, hopefully one in which the heroine is not passive and caught in an obsessive relationship with an emotionally manipulative 107-year-old. (That said, Team Edward!)


For the tween boy, a future hipster
Toddland makes quirky, colorful vinyl wallets with a definite ironic bent; this "I just want to ride bikes with you" model will give your tween a cool place to stash his allowance.


For the college girl, who is all about conformity
It's ok--when I was in college, I wore a uniform of North Face jackets and black stretchy pants, just like everyone else. For college girls nowadays, it's all about Pink, from Victoria's Secret. While I can't, in good conscience, endorse anything with "Pink" across the butt, I think these convertible gloves are really cute (and practical too, if your recipient is a stealth smoker, like many college girls are).


For the college guy, who's the life of the party
When he throws his umpteenth house party, your college guy can stay (somewhat) out of trouble by playing DJ for the night with this really cool mixer, which holds two iPods (or other MP3 players).


For your sister, who works too hard
Rebecca Minkoff is best known for her chic Morning After bags, but, little known fact: She also makes cute laptop bags, such as the Virginia, so your sister can at least look chic while traipsing to and from the office.


For your brother, who's working on being responsible
He has a cell phone with a clock, yes, but a watch will make him look a little more adult. And if he's traveling all over the country for his new consulting job, the dual-face design lets him keep time in multiple zones.


For your aunt, who's waspy but eco-friendly
Lily Pulitzer's coral necklace is chic enough for the ladies at the country club, but proceeds support SeaWeb's Too Precious To Wear campaign (which discourages designers from using actual coral), so it's the best of both worlds.


For your uncle, who has a wacky side
I have a family member who, every year, hands down, asks for underwear or socks. And while he prefers the basic white variety, I think he'd really like these Paul Smith striped socks, which are just fun enough.


For your cousin, whom you see once a year at Christmas
When you have to get a present for someone that you don't know terribly well, I feel like you can't go wrong with a candle, especially one from Laduree's new line. It's the next best thing to hopping a plane to Paris and marching yourself straight to Rue Bonaparte for some macaroons.


For little kids, who like to get silly
Their parents are going to kill you (hyper singing, dancing children are always so much fun), but to the lucky recipient of the Yo Gabba Gabba DJ Lance Dance Hat, you are going to be the coolest aunt/uncle ever. Hey, if it's good enough for the Brangelina clan, it's good enough for yours.


For your grandma, who's still elegant
Scarves are making a resurgence for younger folk, but for women of a certain age, they've never gone anywhere. I think Grandma would love to update her look with a lovely new scarf, such as this one from Judy Ross.


For your grandpa, the original Don Draper
Your grandpa was wearing a fedora before it was ironic to do so, and if he's anything like mine, he's probably still wearing a hat that he bought in 1964. So treat him to a new style, like this one from Bailey Barr.


For the grab bag at work
If I had to make one blanket statement about my coworkers, it's that they like to eat. Seriously, whenever anyone brings in food to share, it's gone in about 3 minutes. So encourage your coworkers to create something new to share with this so-gross-you-know-it's-awesome bacon chocolate chip pancake mix from Vosges. Yes, I said bacon chocolate chip.


For your boyfriend, who claims he's not metrosexual
MW likes to blame me for exposing him to the finer things in life, but I think his GQ-reading self always had an underlying appreciation for the good stuff. I might have introduced him to Steven Alan shirts, but I have a feeling he would've eventually discovered them on his own. Needless to say, I do not know one man who does not love these shirts. They are pricey, yes, but they wear incredibly well and they have that effortlessly cool look that guys are always after.


For your girlfriend, when you are a guy
This entry is for my limited number of male readers. Now, you may think that women want jewelry, or perfume, or lingerie, but I can tell you, what women really want are handbags. Specifically cute, somewhat petite ones that we'd never buy for ourselves because they're not really practical. I fell in love with this studded baby ball bag from Olivia Harris, which is Joy Gryson's lower-priced line; I have a feeling your lady will too.


For your best friend, whom you never see enough
Part of the appeal of Sex and the City, for me at least, is that Carrie and her girlfriends are always together for cocktails, brunch, shopping...and when it comes to my friends, sometimes it takes a month of coordinating schedules in order for us to meet for dinner. The real luxury is being able to spend quality time with your friends, so I suggest getting your bestie a gift certificate to Swarovski Crystallized, and then you two can spend an afternoon making sparkly jewelry (ask for Courtney to help you--she's the best), then perhaps retiring to the cafe in the back for a cappuccino. When you're done, you'll have some brand-new bling and, more importantly, the satisfaction of having spent girl time together. And isn't that really what the holidays are all about?

There's a fresh crop of pop-up stores, well, popping up all over Manhattan just in time for the holiday shopping home stretch. Here are the latest arrivals.

Just in time for the party season, Alisha Trimble's flirty frocks and handmade jewelry are on sale at Arrojo Studio on Saturday 12/12 from 10-5, 56 King Street (6th Ave. & Varick St.).

For the athlete on your list, you can find everything from $9.99 socks to $39.99 waffle tees up to super-high-tech jackets for $549.99 at the Under Armour pop-up shop. It's open now through 1/24 from 10-8 (11-7 Sun.) at 3 W. 57th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Find luxe, menswear-inspired gifts like silk and cashmere scarves, cashmere throw blankets, and stuffed animals at the Bryce & Co. pop-up shop. Hours are 11-8 M-Th and 11-9 F-Su at 92 Perry Street (at Bleecker St.).

Mackage makes some of the most flattering, chic, and yet still warm and comfortable coats around. They've moved on from the Meatpacking District and have opened a new pop-up shop in Soho. The new location is open through the end of December from 11-8 (noon-7 Sun.) at 148 Spring St. (W. Broadway & Wooster St.).

Finally, Twinkle by Wenlan is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a pop-up shop this weekend at Cadillac's Castle in the East Village. Expect to find fall clothing and bedding items, plus reissued classic pieces and limited-edition items created just for the pop-up store. 12/10-12/12; noon-6 Thurs., noon-8 Fri. & Sat.; 333 E. 9th St. (1st & 2nd Aves.).

All styles are now an extra 30% off at the Theory sample sale; tees are now $25, dresses are $77, pants are $70, and outerwear tops out at $140. Not bad! Through 12/9; 11-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Past- and current-season Proenza Schouler ranges from $100-$1,450 at this sample sale (note: usually lots of smaller sizes). 12/10–12/11; 8:30-6:30; 495 Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Samples and stock are up to 75% off at Diane von Furstenberg's always bountiful sample sale, and new merch arrives daily. 12/8–12/11; 9-6:30 Tues., 10-8 Wed., 10-7 Thurs., 9-3 Fri.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Some of my favorite sweaters are $150 and under at the Lutz & Patmos sale; cashmere scarves are $50. 12/10–12/11; 11-7; 425 W. 13th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.).

Ohhh yes: men's & women's clothing and accessories are mega-discounted at the Rag & Bone sale: tees are $40 and under, jeans are $80 and under, dresses are $170 and under, blazers are $190 and under, and leather jackets are $450 and under. 12/10–12/13; noon-8 Thurs.-Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 100 Christopher St. (Bleecker & Bedford Sts.).

Ports 1961, which I always drool over during Fashion Week, is having a ridiculously affordable sample sale, with prices starting at 85% off retail: Coats are $75, jackets are $40, tops are $20, and shoes are $75. 12/11; 11-7; 601 W. 26th St. (11th & 12th Aves.), ste. 875.

Hayden-Harnett bags are 40-80% off, plus find other cool accessories from The Collective Showroom at this sure-to-be-awesome sample sale. 12/8-12/10; 11-7; 16 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 501.

James Jeans of all shapes are $80, and samples are $15-$50. 12/8-12/11; 9:30-7:30 Tues.-Thurs., 9:30-2 Fri.; 500 Greenwich St. (Spring & Canal Sts.), ste. 202.

Alice + Olivia has party dresses for $179, pants for $99, and tops for $89 (up to 75% off retail). 12/8–12/11; 8-8; 80 W. 40th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Moody-chic minimalist pieces are up to 60% off at Helmut Lang; jeans are $95 and tees are $65. 12/9–12/13; 11-8; 819 Washington St. (at Gansevoort St.).

Everything is $50 or less at the Rachel Leigh sale, featuring colorful costume jewelry for 50%-80% off. Through 12/9; 9:30-6; 252 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves).

Tops are $20 and coats are $50 at the Julie Haus sale. 12/9-12/11; 10-8; 39 W. 38th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Score all manner of giftable knits and sweaters at the Autumn Cashmere sale; prices are up to 75% off. Through 12/11; 9-6; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 924.

Carolina Herrera and Rena Lange are up to 85% off retail. Credit cards only. 12/12-12/16; 9-6:30, 9-5 Wed.; 317 W. 33rd. St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Erica Weiner and TG-170 are joining forces for a holiday sale. Prices start at just $10 for vintage jewelry, and there will be free wine while it lasts. 12/8; 6-9 p.m.; 170 Ludlow St. (Houston & Stanton Sts.).

Hats and accessories for men and women are 60%-80% off at Eugenia Kim. 12/8–12/12; 10-7, noon-6 Sat.; 347 W. 36th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Olive & Bette's always-awesome one-day sale has Splendid, Velvet, Theory, and other contemporary designers for up to 75% off. 12/10; 8-7; 384 Bleecker St. (Perry & Charles Sts.).

Fall, winter, and holiday clothes are up to 80% off at Mara Hoffman. 12/10-12/12; 10-7, 11-6 Sat.; 120 W. 28th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), #4B.

Handbags and accessories are up to 70% off at Lauren Merkin; the Ava is $125, the Tatum is $130, and the Stella is $295. 12/8–12/12; 11-7, 11-4 Sat.; 231 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 201.

Pretty silky things are $25-$300 at Miguelina; accessories are $10-$50. 12/9–12/11; 8-8; 20 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Prices are up to 75% off at the Vera Wang sample sale. 12/13-12/17; 10-6; 225 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

Furla's Italian leather bags are up to 80% off retail. 12/9-12/11; 8-8 Wed., 10-7 Thurs., 10-7 Fri.; 307 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Prairie New York's sample sale has been extended; dresses are $60, tops are $40, and skirts are $40 (up to 75% off retail). Cash only. Through 12/11; 11-7; 306 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Gifty accessories like scarves, gloves, and handbags from Echo Design are on sale. 12/9–12/12; noon-8 Wed., 7:30-8 Thurs. & Fri., 9-4 Sat.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

The Sak, Elliott Lucca, and sakroots bags are just $5-$60. 12/10; 9-7; 339 5th Ave. (at 33rd St.), 2nd fl.

4 Stroke jeans are $25 and up. 12/8-12/10; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

Affordable handbags from Bill Blass, Hype, Rampage, and London Fog are even more so, with prices $25-$80. 12/8-12/9; 8:30-7 Tues., 8:30-6:30 Wed.; 320 5th Ave. (32nd & 33rd Sts.), 9th fl.

Handbags of all shapes, sizes, and colors are on sale at Maxx New York's annual holiday sample sale. Through 12/19; 10-6 Mon.-Thurs., 10-5 Fri., 10-5 Sat., closed Sun; 385 5th Ave. (at 36th St.), 10th fl.

Hit Rogan on Tuesday night for a special Ladies' Shopping night, featuring "one night stand prices," makeovers, drinks, gift bags, and more. RSVP to rsvp@rogannyc.com to attend. 12/8; 5-9; 330 Bowery (at Bond St.).

Hit Henri Bendel for a VIP shopping night with Swarovski Crystallized. Make a purchase and get a free gift bag; take 25% off purchases over $150 and get a Henri Bendel candle when you spend $250. 12/9; 5-9; 712 5th Ave. (at 56th St.).

Send your man shopping at Lord & Taylor and Details Magazine's Guys' Night Out. Most purchases are 25% off throughout the men's store, and there are various other promotions, plus beer from local breweries and blackjack tables. 12/10; 6-9; 5th Ave. at 39th St.

Get 20% off stocking stuffers at Blissworld.com with promo code 129901 through 12/9.

Take 20% off orders over $75 with code ONBLAST at Karmaloop.com through 12/31.

Take 15% off any order at Alloy.com with code DISC15A through 12/17.

It's time for another gift card event at Saks.com; use code DECEMBER9 and receive a gift card of up to $2,000 12/8-12/10.

Take an extra 25% off sale merch at Intermix with code SALE25.

Use code BRHOL20 for 20% off a $100 purchase at Banana Republic through 12/13.

The fall-winter sale has begun at Elizabeth Charles; prices on cool designers like Rachel Comey and Elise Overland are 30%-50% off.

At New York & Company, take $90 off a $200 order (code 4708), $60 off a $150 order (code 4707), or $25 off a $75 order (code 4706) 12/8-12/13.

Take 15% off orders of $400 or more with code SAVE, and an additional 15% off an $1150 purchase with code SAVEMORE, both at Searle.

Get a holiday gift with any $100 purchase at L'Occitane when you enter code CELEBRATE.

Use code 50OFF200 for $50 off every $200 you spend at Tobi.com through 12/9.

Grey is on trend for this winter's most stylish palette. That is why TheFind is excited to giveaway this classic and luxe Jacqueline Suede Tote from our friends at Vivre.com. The Jacqueline Tote is the ideal classic handbag for your everyday essentials and would make an amazing holiday gift for yourself or a friend. This classic gray suede tote is both functional and fabulous is named after Vivre.com founder Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's mother. The Jacqueline tote is made of a refined suede and features brushed gold hardware, double straps, a magnetic button closure and a detachable zip pochette. It measures 17 1/2" x 6" and is available in gray.

Enter for a chance to win this luxurious Jacqueline Suede Tote valued at $725.00

1. Fan TheFind on Facebook AND leave a comment on TheFind Blog telling us why you want to win the Jacqueline Suede Tote.

2. Earn extra points for your chance to win:


+1 point: Post about the TheFind Giveaway: Vivre Jacqueline Handbag on your blog and include a link to the contest.

+1 point: Share this contest on your Facebook profile

(Be sure to let us know in comments below that you have completed either or both of these tasks for extra points)

The contest begins Tuesday November 30th 12:01am and ends Wednesday Dec 21st, 2009 11:59 p.m. PST.

Good luck everyone!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

My laptop bag is so hideously ugly, it tends to inspire either gasps of horror or fits of giggles. It's purple faux croc--yes, it's as bad as it sounds--and most people are incredulous that I can carry something so unsightly. My response is usually that, really, there are no attractive laptop bags out there. And, also, I figure potential thieves will be so put off by my cheap-looking bag, they won't even imagine there's a $2,000 laptop inside. That said, my laptop bag is damn ugly. And after seeing the beauties that Mulberry has designed for Apple laptops, I'm thinking it might be time for an upgrade. The real showstopper is the Bayswater bag, which, at $1,200, costs more than the basic Macbook that goes inside it. The more masculine Brynmore holds a 15-inch Macbook Pro; a series of chic but not entirely practical Daria and Bayswater sleeves are $550; my favorite, however, is the elegantly understated Seth, for $895. Of course, if I carry my computer in this bag, it might make it a magnet for theft. But considering how classic and chic it is, that's a risk I'm willing to take.

I am always getting emails about pop-up shops and new websites, and I tend not to write about them because I never know where to put them. But sometimes the news is too exciting not to pass along, so I'm starting a new feature, called New Shopping News! (yes, the redundancy is intended), wherein I will mention anything new and noteworthy in the realm of shopping, whether it's a new store, a new line, a new website...you get the picture.

So that Upper East Side girls don't have to trek down to 40th Street to score their sparkly party frocks, Alice + Olivia has opened a pop-up shop in the Scoop at 1275 3rd Avenue (at 73rd St.). Hours are 11-8 weekdays, 11-7 Sat., and noon-6 Sun., now through 1/1. But even more exciting is the fact that Alice + Olivia has launched an online shop, so not only do you not have to leave your own neighborhood--you don't even have to leave your apartment.

Also joining in on the e-commerce fun is Vince Camuto, who makes trendy but unique shoes at very wallet-friendly prices. All orders ship for free through 12/6, and starting next week, you'll be entered to win up to $1,000 in shoes when you sign up for emails. I have my eye on the Desmond wedges, pictured here.

Finally, the quintessentially Parisian line Paul and Joe has delved into its archives to create a special line for one of my new favorite websites, The Outnet. Sort of a Paul and Joe's greatest hits, the collection includes slim plaid shirts, sleek tuxedo jackets, and some great-looking military coats. The best part? This being the Outnet, the prices are way below what Paul and Joe normally retails for--from $125 for plaid blouses to $300 for coats. Do I really need a new coat? No. Am I tempted to buy this slightly metallic Peter Pan-collar princess style? Yes.

Lots of exciting news today in the world of masstige! First and foremost, Zac Posen is doing a Go International line for Target [subscription required]. The collection hits stores April 25th and will be available through the end of May (I'll have more details in a few months). This comes on the tail of the announcement that Posen will launch an exclusive line for Saks, called Z Spoke [subscription required], also in the spring. While I was at first concerned that Posen was courting the edgy contemporary customer (in the WWD article, he notes an "urban hipster quality" and the desire to reach new women), Z Spoke will live on the 4th floor at Saks (home to Tory Burch, Tahari, M Missoni, and the like), and the accompanying photos give me hope that Posen won't forsake his retro-feminine vibe in order to chase the cool girls.

In other Target news, Rodarte officially hits stores December 21st, but Racked reports that select items will be available at the Target To-Go pop-up shop, which will be open December 11-13th, from 10-8, at Washington & Gansevoort Streets, right next to the High Line entrance. The To-Go shop will feature 50 pre-wrapped gifts, making your holiday shopping simple--and saving you a trip to the dreaded Atlantic Terminal Target.

We might have Victoria's Secret, but France has Sonia Rykiel, and so perhaps to compete with the former, the latter staged a lingerie fashion show today to promote her collaboration with H&M, which hits stores Saturday. As of now, you can watch the video here; in a few hours, full collection photos should be posted. While the models don't seem to be having nearly as good of a time as the Victoria's Secret Angels, this lingerie is actually wearable. The 70-piece collection hits 1,500 H&M stores worldwide on 12/5, and retails for $12-$114.50.

Anthropologie continues to impress me with their thoughtfully under-the-radar masstige collaborations; their latest is Lawan, a secondary line from knitwear designer Koi Suwannagate [subscription required]. The four-piece capsule collection retails for $228-$298 and includes two cardigans (one of which is pictured), a gown, and a sleeveless top, and three of the pieces are available now at Anthropologie.com. The collection is small, yes, but it looks very Koi, and yet very Antropologie at the same time (in other words, it's a perfect fit).

Finally, this isn't exactly Masstige per se, but it's certainly mass, and, so, well, I'm including it here: MNG by Mango is partnering with JCPenney. 75 stores will carry the brand as of fall 2010 (expanding to 600 stores by the following year), and JCPenney is planning on making Mango the centerpiece of its contemporary fashion department, which also includes Charlotte Ronson's I Heart Ronson and the Olsens' Olsenboye line (and, soon, Liz Claiborne, of which JCPenney will soon be the exclusive retailer). While Mango is a somewhat unexpected choice, I think it's a welcome one--Mango gets to expand rapidly across the U.S., and JCPenney greatly ups its fashion game. I have always been a big fan of Mango, and I hope it catches on in the rest of the country. Well played, JCP!

It's time to get serious, ladies!

Expect long lines but major efficiency at the Hanky Panky sale, where my thongs of choicse are $10 (buy 12, get 1 free). 12/1-12/4; 8:30-8 Tues. & Wed., 8:30-7 Thurs., 9-1 Fri.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Coats are $500, pants are $195, blouses are $150, and cashmere cardigans are $350 at Derek Lam's sample sale. 12/3–12/4; 10-6; 601 W. 26th St. (at 11th Ave.), ste. 1730.

Giles & Brother, one of my favorite jewelry lines, designed by the excellent Philip Crangi, is up to 80% off. Cash only. 12/3-12/4; 11-7; 147 W. 29th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers handbags are up to 70% off. 12/1-12/3; 8-8 Tues., 10-7 Wed. & Thurs.; 42 Greene St. (Grand & Broome Sts.), 2nd fl.

Always one of my must-hit sample sales, The News has Clu, Boy by Band of Outsiders, Cheap Monday, Vena Cava, Wayne, and other hot designers at below-wholesale prices. 12/3-12/5; 10-6; 495 Broadway (Broome & Spring Sts.), 5th fl.

Alexis Bittar makes some of my favorite jewelry, and you can score it for 50%-70% off at his sample sale. 12/3–12/5; 9-6:30; 30 W. 21st St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Handbags, shoes, and wallets are 50%-75% off at Botkier's sample sale; if you come to the sale with a Botkier bag (or shoes), take an extra 10% off your purchase. 12/3–12/6; 11-7 Thurs. & Fri., 11-6 Sat., noon-5 Sun.; 195 Lafayette St. (at Broome St.).

Tocca clothing for women and children, plus beauty items, are 60%-85% off. 12/2–12/4; 11:30-7:30; 542 W. 22nd St. (10th & 11th Aves.).

Stock up on cashmere for men and women at Cullen and Whim's joint holiday sale. Prices are $10-$125. Through 12/4; 9-7; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1016.

Kidrobot's unique toys and clothes are available at sample sale prices. 12/4-12/6; 10-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Advance warning for the TSE Cashmere sale: prices are $50-$300 for sweaters (below wholesale). 12/5-12/10; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 421 W. Broadway (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Gussy up your tresses with baubles from Colette Malouf; prices are at least 50% off retail. 12/2–12/3; 9-7; 594 Broadway (Houston & Prince Sts.).

At the Warehouse Sale, find jeans by Rock & Republic, William Rast, and othere coveted brands for up to 80% off. Register here for entry. 12/4–12/5; 10-8; Metropolitan Pavilion, 124 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Project Runway alum Kara Janx is still at it, and her colorful dresses are now 50%-80% off. 12/2–12/3; 11-6:30; 242 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 8th fl.

Luxe Italian linens and home accessories are up to 80% off at Frette's warehouse sale. 12/6–12/10; 9-6:30 Sun.-Wed., 9-5 Thurs.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Fancy dresses are an impressive 90%-95% off at Pamella Roland's sample sale; expect mostly sample sizes (4 and 5). 12/2–12/4; 10-6; 501 7th Ave. (at 37th St.), ste. 300.

Cashmere scarves are $60-$150, hats are $45, and gloves are $35 at Meg Cohen Design. 12/1-12/5; 11-7; 920 Broadway (20th & 21st Sts.), ste. 905.

Select handbags are 40%-75% off at Sang A's sample sale. 12/3–12/4; 11-7; 524 Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Shalini's evening-friendly, well, eveningwear is $100 and up (that's up to 85% off) at their sample sale. 12/3–12/4; 11-8; 363B. W. 18th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Save up to 80% at Christopher Fischer's sample sale; men's & women's sweaters are $40-$150, accessories are $30-$95, and home accessories are $50-$95. 12/3–12/6; 10-7, 11-5 Sun.; 200 W. 39th St. (at 7th Ave.).

Clothing and accessories for men & women are up to 35% off at Burberry. 12/3–1/31, in stores and online.

Select merch is 40% off at Balenciaga (including shoes). 12/3–1/31; 11-7; 542 W. 22nd St. (10th & 11th Aves.).

Penfield has tees for $10, outerwear for $60, and accessories for $5 (that's up to 70% off). 12/4–12/6; 1-7 Fri., noon-7 Sat. & Sun.; Reed Annex, 151 Orchard St. (Stanton & Rivington Sts.).

Select fall items are 30% off at Built By Wendy. Through 12/30; noon-7, noon-6 Sun.; 7 Centre Market Pl. (Broome & Grand Sts.) and 46 N. 6th St. (at Kent St.), Wiliamsburg.

R. J. Graziano jewelry is available for way-below-retail prices. Through 12/2; 11-5:30; 389 5th Ave. (36th & 37th Sts.).

Miguel Ases jewelry is 70% off (and an extra 10% off if you pay cash). 12/2-12/4; 9-6; 150 W. 25th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), ste. 601.

One wouldn't think now is the best time to buy a bridal gown, but Paula Varsalona is having a blowout sale, with prices up to 75% off retail. Through 12/5; 10-6, 10-3 Sat.; 1375 Broadway (at 37th St.), 5th fl.

Earthy-luxe PONO jewelry is at sample sale prices. 12/1-12/11; 9-6 weekdays (closed weekends); 132 W 36th St. (Broadway & 7th Ave.), 8th fl.

If you can't make GenArt's SHOP NYC on Wednesday, use code GENART for 25% off at Graey until 12/31.

Until Lutz & Patmos' sample sale happens, save 50% on their fall collection online. Through 12/8.

Cyber Monday goes until Wednesday at Le Train Bleu, where the code CYBERMONDAY will get you an extra 30% off through 12/2.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Designer Sale begins Tuesday, with up to 40% off for men, women, and children.

Cool designers like Yigal Azrouel and Zero Maria Cornejo are 25%-40% off at Cheryl Shops fave Bird.

The fall/winter sale has begun at Kirna Zabete; save 40% on Balmain, Lanvin, Rick Owens, and other coveted designers.

Use code FF2009 for 30% off during Lierac's Friends & Family sale now through 12/6.

Spend $200 at WHotelstheStore.com and get a free gift through 12/2: Use code REDFOX for a faux fur throw, PILLOWS for 2 cloud pillows, or ROBE99 for a robe.

Now through 12/24, use code 25for25 for 25% off the entire site at LuvCharlie.com.

Net-A-Porter's end of season sale has begun! Find designers like Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, and more.

Shop Satya Jewelry's online sample sale through 12/1.

Select merch is up to 60% off at Cheryl Shops fave Eryn Brinie.

If you missed Steven Alan's sample sale a few weeks ago, you can now shop the fall sale on his website and score many of the same cool labels for 30%-60% off.

Mulberry bags and accessories are now on sale (in stores too).

Get prettied up for all of the holiday parties on your agenda this season. Embellished hair accessories can transform your evening look from ordinary to fabulous. Wear your favorite LBD with a dramatic hair ornament for an instant dash of glam. The hair accessories featured here can work with most hairstyles from shorter bobs to shoulder length layered styles or even the longest locks. Everything from crystal headbands to feathers and vintage findings embellish the loveliest hair accessories of the season. Coordinate the accents of color to your jewelry, handbags and other accessories for a pulled together holiday ensemble.

The ideal headband with a delicate look for blonde tresses is the Juicy Couture Crystal Heart Headband (upper left, $45.00 at Neiman Marcus). It features two crystal detailed golden puffed hearts set on a silvertone metal headband. Bottega Veneta's embellished hair comb (upper right, $560 at Net-a-Porter) is made of black acetate with burnished silver-tone faceted stud embellishments. The whimsical Marc by Marc Jacobs Velvet bow headband (middle right, $120 Net-a-Porter) is a variation of the ginormous head bows seen on the runway. The adorable violet twill and plum velvet headband is accented with a stamped gold tone button. Jennifer Ouellette's Velvet birdcage headband (Bottom right, $80 at Net-a-Porter) features a mushroom velvet medium-width headband with navy birdcage overlay along with a blue feather and bead embellishment, and a gray grosgrain ribbon lining. Adorable and petite, these Embellished Bobbies, (bottom left, $ 59.95 for a set of 8, at Victorian Trading Co) will adorn your locks with pretty handset crystals in a palette of colors on vintage findings. An Embellished Hair Comb, (middle left, $9.80 Forever21) will add a dash of holiday cheer with this a plastic comb embellished with plumes and entwined jute.

Save at Forever 21 with coupons from TheFind.com's coupon site.

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

My head is starting to spin from all the Black Friday emails I've been receiving so far this week--I'm starting to have Fashion's Night Out flashbacks. Now, I will be in Boston for the weekend (where, yes, I'll be doing some shopping), but here are some promising-sounding sales both online and in stores. Most are Black Friday-focused, but some Cyber Monday (I hate that name) deals are sprinkled throughout. Happy shopping, kids!

At DKNY stores and DKNY.com, take 30% off all sale items (excluding resort) 11/23-11/27; plus get free shipping with $150 order at DKNY.com. DKNY outlet stores feature 40% off everything, 50% off midnight madness from midnight to 8 a.m. on Black Friday, and the first 50 customers will receive a 15% off doorbuster. On Cyber Monday, take 20% off your purchase at DKNY.com.

H&M stores open at 6 a.m. (some locations at 5 a.m.), with 25% off any item until 10 a.m. Throughout the day, select items start at $5, and select outerwear is 50% off.

The newly launched HankyPanky.com is offering free shipping on all orders through the end of the year, and 20% off a $100 purchase with code LAUNCH09 through 12/3.

Take up to 60% off at Saks Fifth Avenue's Thanksgiving Sale 11/26-11/28.

At Martin + Osa, all denim and cashmere is $59 (normally $89.50-$170) all weekend long (starting 11/26 online and 11/27 in stores).

On Black Friday only, Rachel Zoe's picks (i.e. the best stuff on the site) are 20% off at Piperlime.

Use code BF2009 now through midnight Friday for 10% off at Shrimpton Couture; they'll send you another code for 10% off a future purchase.

Deals at The Body Shop include buy 1, get 1 free on holiday bath & body, all gifts, and holiday home fragrance oils now through Sunday; on Black Friday only, there's $2 flat rate shipping on all orders, plus Hemp Hand Protector for $9 (that's 50% off).

Alexander McQueen has a GWP: get a "9:00am" candle with your purchase when you enter code GIFTME at checkout through 12/15.

Save up to 50% sitewide at blissworld.com 11/27-12/1. On Cyber Monday, get a full size super slough scrub (a $32 value) with every purchase!

All tops are buy one, get one 50% off at Hollister, in-store only.

At Victoria's Secret, bras are buy one, get one 50% off. PINK hoodies and fleece pants are $25 all weekend. Plus, get a "runway bag" with $60 lingerie or beauty purchase.

Use code TOTE09 at Sephora for a tote bag designed by Miami Ink's Kat Von D starting 11/27.

On 11/27, use code BLACKFRIDAY25 for 25% off at LeSportsac.

It's "Pink Friday" at Lily Pulitzer, with gifts with purchase (at $500, $750, and $1,000), extended store hours, and free gift wrapping.

Old Navy is holding a three-day event called "Gobblepalooza" with 50% off outerwear, $15 sweaters for the family, and buy 2 T-shirts, get one free. There are also doorbuster prizes related to Rock Band (the video game). Hours are noon-7 Thanksgiving Day and 3 a.m. - midnight Friday & Saturday.

Spend $25 or more at a Godiva boutique nationwide on Black Friday and receive a complimentary chocolate-dipped strawberry. Hey, it's the little things.

Free People is offering free shipping.

Get 20% off all full-priced merch from 10 a.m. - noon at Cynthia Rowley, plus take up to 70% off select items and enter to win a gold-plated wishbone necklace all weekend. 10-9 Fri. & Sat., 11-9 Sun.; 376 Bleecker St. (Perry & Charles Sts.).

U.S. customers can take 10% off at MyTights.com.

If you missed Rebecca Minkoff's sample sale last weekend, you can shop her Black Friday sale online here. Plus free domestic shipping.

Take 20% off everything before 10 a.m. at participating French Connection stores.

Take 15% off with code THANKS at Lord & Taylor.

At an Oilily near you, buy 3 items and get 30% off, buy 4 items and get 40% off, or buy 5 items and get 50% off.

Make a purchase at Scoop 11/27-11/29 and receive a coupon for 25% your next purchase 12/1-12/24.

Starting 11/25 online and 11/27 in stores, get 50% off absolutely everything at New York & Company, plus get free shipping on $100 orders with code 4303.

At Charlotte Russe, all clothing and accessories are 25% off, plus get a snakeskin-print wallet with $40 or more purchase in stores. Saturday and Sunday, select items are buy one, get one 50% off. On Cyber Monday, take 25% off your purchase and receive free shipping with a $60 order online.

Now through Monday, take $25 off a $100 purchase with code 029066 at H2O Plus.

At L'Occitane, the Dreamy Hands Set is $8 on Friday, select holiday gifts are up to 30% off, and stocking stuffers are buy 2, get 1 free. On Cyber Monday, all orders of $25 or more ship for free.

I'll do a special Black Friday post later this week. In the meantime...

Christian Lacroix's ready-to-wear is 75% off--get it while you can (in case he doesn't find a buyer for his company). Through 11/27; 10-7 Mon-Thurs., 10-2:30 Fri.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Clothingline has Triple Five Soul clothing and accessories for men and women, plus Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole women's shoes. Through 11/25; 11-7 Tues., 11-6 Wed.; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Snowboarding-related gear is on sale this weekend at Chelsea Market (as I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to snowboards, visit ThePrive.com for more details). 11/27-11/30; 10:30-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Barneys is having a private sale, with prices up to 40% off, through 11/25.

D&G is having a private sale on fall-winter merch, now through 11/25. 434 W. Broadway (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Stop by greenfinds' eco holiday marketplace for environmentally-friendly gifts (plus giveaways and free samples) through 12/23; Thursdays through Sundays noon-7; 2 Great Jones St. (Broadway & Lafayette St.).

Take 20% off at Cheryl Shops fave IsabellaOliver.com with code TREAT09 at checkout 11/25-12/1.

Lots of exciting deals this week at blissworld.com: Get 30% off create your own gift sets with code GIFT30 through 12/1; and get 30% off select gift sets with code SETS30 11/24-12/1; get free gifts with every purchase of $40 or more 11/25-12/1.

Take $50 off a $250 order, $100 off a $500 order, or $250 off a $1,000 order at Tobi.com with code THANKYOU at checkout through 11/25.

Use code GAPSALE25 for an extra 25% off all sale items at Gap.com through 11/24.

Take 15% off everything at Buy Definition's Secret Sale with code SHHH.

Through 11/24, take $35 off a $75 purchase (code 4343) or $75 off a $150 purchase (code 4345) at New York & Company.

Take your pick of deals at Karmaloop.com: free shipping on any order with code GODEEP or 20% off orders over $75 with code GEMS, both through 11/30.

Fall-winter collections are now 30% off at Loomstate and Rogan.

What is more becoming at a holiday party than a pair of decadent strappy sandals paired with your favorite little black dress? The shoes can make or break your look. Yes your ballet flats may be more comfy than your sky-high pumps, but it's time to celebrate - why not break out your most daring look and allow your feet to suffer for a few hours. The looks you get will be worth your pain and suffering! Remember moleskin, more moleskin and Band Aid Blister Block!

First up is the sweetly sexy rose embellished Rene Caovilla Rose Sandal (upper left, $1,095.00 at Neiman Marcus) in black satin. This high-heeled tower of a shoe is delicately crafted in Italy of satin with an ankle strap and rose detail on the t-strap and toe. This 5-inch high heel has silver hardware. Pair these beauties with your favorite LBD and accent with a sparkly sequin silver clutch and over the top crystal earrings. You'll be the belle of the ball with this can't miss Spotlight Sequined Pump (upper right, $795 at Bergdorf Goodman). The sequin embellished pump will add a sparkle to your step; they are adorned with Grigio sequins and a pretty bouquet of pearls on the vamp. These peep toe sequined pumps have a hidden platform and a 4 3/4" covered heel. Tory Burch's Iona Pump with Stones (bottom right, $450 at Tory Burch) is a dramatic way to add a fun and fearless look to your holiday dressing. The black satin caged sandal is embellished with chunky stones and closes with a Tory Burch logo zipper up the back. Lanvin's fabulous Metallic leather sandal, (bottom left, $1,040 at Net-a-Porter) is the perfect finishing touch to your fiercest holiday look. The 1-inch platform touts a dramatic shape and gold gilded cutout detailing, black piping, a sling back and a silver tone angled heel.

Save at Neiman Marcus with coupons from TheFind.com's coupon site.

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

I was really excited about boyfriend jeans last fall--I bought a pair at Levi's, and I wear them a lot, but they're so baggy that they almost feel a little sloppy, and thus I end up wearing them on the weekend only. I love how liberating they feel, but at the same time, there's something so chic about skinny jeans, and judging by what people are wearing, skinny is still the dominant silhouette at the moment. However, there's a new alternative to the ultraskintight look, and that's the slouchy skinny jean. It's basically the perfect hybrid of the skinny jean and the boyfriend jean (in fact, they're sometimes called "skinny boyfriend jeans"): the hips and thighs are roomier, but not so much as to make your hips look wider (a frequent unintentional side effect of boyfriend jeans), while the legs are still slim from the knee down. Basically, they're the best of both worlds--slim enough to be stylish, but roomy enough to be able to wear for hours.

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The brand that's been mastering all iterations of the boyfriend look is Current/Elliott, and their super slouchy skinny jeans are just about perfect. I have a pair of these, and they're currently my favorite jeans at the moment--they're so soft, they almost feel like pajama pants. Also, Current/Elliott tends to run a little big (I had to size down, and mine are still nice and roomy), so if you're into vanity sizing, that's a nice little bonus.


One of the holdouts in the premium denim market is R13, a relatively new line of Made-in-Italy jeans which, of course, you can find at Barneys. Their loose skinny slouchy jeans are ankle-length, which is good for tucking into boots and/or if you don't like that bunchy-ankle look that tends to happen a lot with skinnies.


For a more high-fashion look, J Brand collaborated with the avant garde designer Hussein Chalayan to create these Circut jeans, a more extreme take on the trend with a baggy thigh/fitted calf silhouette that reminds me of jodhpurs.


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The Josefina slouchy distressed jeans from 7 For All Mankind looks best cuffed (although can be worn longer), the better for showing off your favorite ankle boots. Plus, 7's jeans have a pretty much universally flattering fit, so you know they'll be neither too slouchy nor too skinny.


Rich & Skinny's skinny boyfriend jeans are just that--skinny and rich-looking, with a nice deep blue wash that's perfectly broken in but not too dark. I also like the subtle tapered effect at the ankle, which helps to contain the volume.


More on the skinny side are Genetic Denim's Davis slouchy cigarette jeans, which are basically skinny jeans with a bit of breathing room—it may be just a fraction of an inch, but it's enough to make a noticeable difference. I like the distressed finish too.


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These Indigo Saints slouchy stretch skinny jeans have that distressed, patched look for a fraction of the price of the above jeans. The fit looks a bit more snug, however, so I'd suggest going a size up just in case. Bonus points: For the tall gals, these come in up to a 37-inch inseam!


These Madewell slim slouch jeans have a truly boyish-looking fit, and I like that they look as good cuffed as they do down.


Victoria's Secret can sometimes have deceptive styling--their clothes can sometimes look either sexier and/or more stylish than they actually are. However, I'm willing to give their slouchy skinny jeans the benefit of the doubt, especially considering their very reasonable price.