Cheryl Shops

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.

I will fully admit to being inspired by what other people wear. (After all, isn't this why we read blogs like Garance Dore, Sea of Shoes, and so on?) Sometimes I see a picture of someone wearing something and I get obsessed—--at times I want to recreate a whole look, but sometimes I just focus on one piece. When I saw this story in Who What Wear Daily, my eyes went straight to Olivia Palermo's shiny silver Oxfords, which, unfortunately, are last year's Sergio Rossi. Fortunately, Oxfords are slowly becoming the new ballet flats, and there are more and more styles hitting the stores. I love the idea of a metallic pair--they're not so overtly masculine, and they add a nice contrast, especially if you're wearing them with neutrals. The good news, too, is that Oxfords were everywhere on the spring runways, so you can continue wearing them all next year.

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Another good thing about oxfords is that I couldn't find a truly expensive pair. Even these Christian Louboutin Fred flats are less than $600 (not exactly a bargain, but as far as Louboutins go, they're definitely on the lower end of the scale). These are a fun choice, obviously, because they're glittery, kind of like a boyish, neutral reinvention of Dorothy's ruby slippers (except there's ruby on the sole).


These sleek Italian Derby lace-ups from Stephane Verdino remind me the most of Olivia's Sergio Rossis. The design is clean and simple and will look especially great with pants.


One of my favorite pairs--in fact, the one I'll probably end up buying--is Pour La Victoire's Charlie Oxford flats, which have a nicely distressed patina and a heavily padded footbed (I inspected them at Bloomingdale's last weekend)--unlike ballet flats, the more substantial Oxfords tend to have great arch support.


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In a similarly distressed vein, Nine West's Ronnie shoes are already quite popular—-they're backordered until the end of December.


Bloch London's jazz flats are more in the jazz-shoe vein, which makes them kind of hipstery and less supportive, but also softer and more feminine than the typical menswear-inspired Oxford.


Mia's Backstage Oxfords have a really cool crackled finish and come in several colors (and are so affordable, you can buy one in each color).

In last year's fall shopping guide, I wrote about motorcycle jackets rendered in fabrics other than leather; it ended up being a nice way to transition into the biker trend, which is still going strong. This season, the new take on the trend is the biker vest, and interpretations range from fitted and cropped to slouchy and midthigh-length. Since it's a vest and not a full-sleeved affair, I think this style is easier to pull off in leather than an entire jacket; you can layer it over everything from a basic T-shirt to a fun strapless party dress. It will also be a great transitional piece for spring, since motorcycle-inspired looks were all over the runways back in September. Because if there's anything worth investing in, it's a piece you can wear all year long.

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Of course, the inspiration for this post was (what else?) an Alexander Wang vest--this one, to be exact. The long, lean shape looks great over black skinny pants or jeans, and this style has great details, from the weathered look of the leather to the knit trim at the armholes.


Elise Overland's long moto vest has a similar shape, but it's a little more rock-and-roll, with quilting at the shoulders and a shimmery metallic finish. It's also more luxurious, strangely enough, due to its supersoft shearling lining.


Grai was recently name-dropped in a New York Times article about designers who have a Rick Owens-inspired aesthetic, and their Alabama leather vest is pretty much representative of this assertion. Still, the exaggerated collar and lightly crinkled texture are ultracool, and the price--while still a splurge--is much less than what a similar Owens style would cost.


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See by Chloe's hooded leather vest is a little more motocross than motorcycle, but I like that it's more sporty than biker. It's also on sale for 50% off, which is a nice surprise.


This Maje Goteborg suede vest is both blue and suede, which give it a softer, more wearable look (you know, if black leather is a bit too biker for you).


William Rast's runway show last spring was a slightly trashy, but very cool affair, complete with fringe, acid wash, and studs. I questioned whether any of the runway looks would actually make it to the stores but, lo and behold, here's a leather biker vest from the very show.


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This moto vest from Wet Seal is a cotton blend, but with its weathered, washed finish, it looks like you wore it while riding through the desert on your Harley.


This faux leather biker vest from New York & Company is pretty classic in terms of its shape, and I am continually surprised by innovations in faux leather--this one looks like the real thing to me. It's also, at $35, a great bargain, especially if the motorcycle look is one that you're not totally sure about trying out.


I'm also amazed by how this Forever 21 vest (also faux leather) got its weathered look; in person, it might be a bit more obvious, but from the photograph, I'm amazed that it's not leather. I like the belt on this one too--it gives it a chic finish.

Get ready for Steven Alan's always-awesome sample sale; expect long lines and lots of skinny hipsters. 11/19-11/22; 8:30-8 Thurs.-Fri.; noon-7 Sat., noon-7 Sun.; 87 Franklin St. (Broadway & Church St.).

Swoon with me at the Yigal Azrouel sample sale, where tops are $125, dresses are $235, knits are $170, and pants are $155 (up to 70% off retail). 11/18–11/19; 9-7; 225 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

I just returned from the not-so-VIP preview of the Rebecca Minkoff sale. It was a zoo, but there were a ton of bags, and staff were restocking. The MAB is $350, the chain-strap clutches and mini MABs are $195, and studded Devottes are $375. 11/18–11/22; 10-8; 17 W. 17th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Seven New York, Oak, and Bblessing are teaming up for what is sure to be the trendiest warehouse sale in NYC. Items are 70%-90% off, and the sale is cash only. 11/21-11/22; noon-8; 150 Spring St. (Wooster & W. Broadway), 3rd fl.

Prepare for long lines but good discounts (up to 80% off) at the Giorgio Armani warehouse sale. 11/19–11/21; 3-8 Thurs., 10-8 Fri., 10-6 Sat.; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th fl.

Current- and past-season handbags are up to 80% off at Kooba. Through 11/19; 10-8 (closed 2-3 p.m.); 141 W. 36th St. (Broadway & 7th Ave.), 19th fl.

Cashmere sweaters are $80 at Cheryl Shops fave Inhabit. 11/18-11/19; 10-6; 1441 Broadway (40th & 41st Sts.), 24th fl.

Shelly & Renee are hosting several simultaneous sales this week, conveniently all in one place: Marlies Dekkers lingerie for 70% off; Nancy Gonzalez handbags for 50% off; MCM handbags for 80% off; and Strenesse womenswear for 89% off. Through 11/19; 10-6; 50 W. 57th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 8th fl.

Scatola showroom has an enticing-sounding selection of Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, Bliss Lau, and Ilaria Nistri for $50-$300 (up to 75% off). Through 11/20; 10-7; 544 W. 27th St. (10th & 11th Aves.), 6th fl.

Dresses, separates, and accessories are up to 75% off at Twinkle by Wenlan; dresses are $114, coats are $165, and knitted accessories are $40. 11/18–11/19; 10-7; 545 8th Ave. (at 37th St.).

Noir's ultra-glam costume jewelry is on sale for roughly $5-$75. 11/18-11/20; 10-7; 350 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves), 5th fl.

Find Tracy Reese's signature label, plus Plenty and Plenty Frock at her sample sale. Prices are roughly 60% off, and the first 150 customers will receive a gift bag filled with full-size beauty products. 11/19–11/20; 9-7; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 5th fl.

Find Cheryl Shops-approved lingerie at Araks' sample sale. 11/19-11/20; 8:30-7:30 Thurs., 9:30-6:30 Fri.; 137 Grand St. (Lafayette & Crosby St.), 5th fl.

Savvy has Sarah Pacini accessories ($39-$89) and fall '09 Mara Hoffman for 70% off. Through 11/22; noon-6 Wed., 10-8 Thurs., 10-7 Fri., 10-6 Sat., noon-5 Sun.; 42 Greene St. (Broome & Grand Sts.), 2nd fl.

Stock up on girly wares at the Nanette Lepore sample sale; dresses are $140, skirts are $100, jackets are $190, and tops are $95. 11/18–11/20; 9-7; 225 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

Fun jewelry from Lee Angel is up to 75% off, with a $5 bin. Through 11/20; 11-7 Wed.-Thurs.; 10-5 Fri.; 524 Broadway (at Spring St.), 6th fl.

Clothingline has added Gryphon, Haute Hippie, and more to its selection of sample sale goodness. Through 11/19; 11-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Bulgari jewelry, watches, bags, accessories, and fragrances are on sale for up to 75% off retail. Credit cards only; no strollers or children under 12. 11/21-11/24; 9-6:30; Soffier Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves).

Score Reem Acra samples and stock for up to 90% off. 11/19–11/20; 9-7; 53 W. 36th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

Cute clothes from Ali Ro are 65% off. 11/19–11/20; 8:30-6:30 Thurs., 8:30-5:30 Fri.; 530 7th Ave. (at 39th St.), 14th fl.

Head over to Rubin Chapelle for up to 70% off select items. 11/19–11/21; noon-7 Thurs.-Fri., noon-6 Sat.; 410 W. 14th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.).

Dress the preppy man in your life with wares from Hickey and Original Penguin. Prices are 60%-80% off. 11/19–11/22; 10:30-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Aves.).

Stock up on knives from Wusthof, Shun, and more at Broadway Panhandler's cutlery sale, plus get a free cutting mat with all knife purchases. 11/18–11/22; 11-7, 11-8 Thurs., 11-6 Sun.; 65 E. 8th St. (Broadway & University Pl.).

Practical leather and nylon handbags are $100 at MZ Wallace (that's up to 80% off). 11/19-11/21; 10-8, 10-4 Sat.; 125 Crosby St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Judith Leiber's famed crystal minaudieres, Christofle flatware (and more), and Garrard jewelry are all up to 70% off. Through 11/19; 9:30-6:30 Wed., 9-5 Thurs.; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Send the man in your life to Isaia for suits, shirts, trousers, sport coats, and more for up to 75% off. Through 11/20; 10-7; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

All home accessories are buy one, get one 50% off at BoConcept's Soho store. 11/20–12/24; 10-7 weekdays, noon-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 69 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Donate a used coat to Barbour's coat drive and get 25% off a new jacket. Through 12/26; 10-6, noon-5 Sun.; 1047 Madison Ave. (at 80th St.).

Coats from Andrew Marc, Cole Haan, Guess, Nine West, and more are on sale at G-III Apparel Group; new merch arrives daily. 11/19-12/18; 10-7 weekdays (closed weekends); 241 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves).

Globes, scarves, hats, and other giftable items are on sale at Portolano. 11/19-11/25; 10-6 (closed weekends); 15 W. 37th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Professional haircare products, appliances, and Mattese makeup are 20% off at all Ricky's NYC locations through 11/30. Time to stock up on Kerastase!

Save up to 70% off new markdowns at Shopbop.com

Take 25% off regular-priced Gap merch with code GIFT123 at checkout through 11/22.

Get 15% off $75 or 25% off $100 purchase at oldnavy.com with code ONSAVE15 at checkout through 11/24.

Check out new fall markdowns at Free People.

Score a holiday gift with any $100 purchase with code CELEBRATE at L'Occitane.

Take 15% off regular items or 20% off sale and clearance with code BIG at Lord & Taylor's Big Sale through 11/22.

Use code SITEWIDE20 for 20% off sitewide at National Jean Company.

Use code INSIDER for 20% off your $150 purchase at J.Crew through 11/18.

Use code 78279476 for 20% off at Martin + Osa through 11/18.

Cheryl Shops fave Eryn Brinie has started its fall sale, with prices now 40% off. Shop online at their new website or in-store at 501 Broadway (Spring & Broome Sts.).

W beds (I have one, and it's amazing), sheets, and down are 30% off with code DX4Z8 at WHotelsTheStore.com through 11/20.

Save up to 80% at Alloy's Last Chance Clearance.

Save up to 50% at BCBG's winter sale.

Find your inner "celebutante" this holiday season. For celebrating the season festive dressing is all about sparkle, shine and glittery glam! I know that Thanksgiving hasn't yet arrived, but it's not too early to prepare for holiday merry making, mischief and mirth! I've rounded up a few accessories to get you in the mood and inspired for fabulous fetes ahead...

A ginormous cocktail ring is essential, the bigger and more sparkly the better. Kenneth Jay Lane is the master of statement making costume jewelry. You can't get more giant or sparkly than these Emerald Cut Cocktail Rings by Kenneth Jay Lane, ($100 each at Vivre.com). Instead of your go-to LBD how a dazzling sequined number like this Marc Jacobs Sequined zebra-stripe dress ($2,800 from Net-a-Porter). On your feet some glistening patent leather strappy sandals, something like these Lanvin Bow-embellished patent sandals ($1,095 also from Net-a-Porter). Under your arm a crystal embellished clutch will do just the trick. I love this brightly hued silk satin PRADA Stones Clutch Pink ($1,295.00 at Barneys.com). On your ears some pave pyramid stud earrings (Juicy Couture, $48).

To add the finishing touch to your prettiest look to Benefit's Celebutante value kit ($34 at ULTA). The kit includes Set includes: High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer, Benetint, Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain, Dallas, the Outdoor glow for the indoor gal face powder, Lip gloss in I'm with the band, Full-finish lipstick in lady's choice, Full-finish lipstick in no competition, Velvet eyeshadow in leggy, Velvet eyeshadow in dandy brandy, Fluff shadow/talent brush & a step-by-step lesson.

To jumpstart your debut as a Celebutante, our friends at ULTA, will award one $50 gift card to a lucky winner of this week's contest from TheFind. The contest begins Wednesday November 11, 11:59 p.m. PST and ends Wednesday November 18th, 2009 11:59 p.m. PST.

To enter:
1. Become a fan of TheFind.com on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/thefind
2. Leave a comment about your fave product from ULTA on TheFind's Facebook giveaway post.
3. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway post to your Facebook profile.

If you are already a fan of TheFind on Facebook, simply:
1. Leave a comment about your favorite ULTA product on the the Facebook post.
2. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway #2 and post to your Facebook profile.

Good luck!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops

This will likely be my final post on Jimmy Choo for H&M--I just realized that November 14th is a Saturday, and in my world, Saturday is the day I sleep in. It's an interesting technique for H&M though--normally their designer collaborations hit stores on weekdays, causing women all over the world to be several hours late to work. Nevertheless, H&M has a preview of the full collection online; you can also find out whether the H&M store near you will be carrying it (in NYC, it's both 34th Street stores, the 5th Avenue flagship, Lexington Avenue, and 86th Street). Here's how things will work on Saturday morning: The first 160 people in line will get a bracelet, entitling them to shop women's shoes, bags, and accessories (women's clothes and the men's collection will not require a bracelet). If you are not one of the first 160 people, you can shop after about 2 hours (that is, if anything is left by then). Also, you can purchase only one of each product; this is to discourage eBay resellers, one would assume. Hopefully this will ensure a much more civilized experience than in years past. Good luck and godspeed, ladies!

I interrupt my fall shopping guide to bring you some excellent news: Refinery 29's beyond-awesome Save Fashion is returning for a limited one-week engagement! Last summer's pop-up shop, at Port Authority, featured a rotating cast of super-hot designers like Acne Jeans, Giles & Brother, Rachel Comey, and Rick Owens; the latest installment includes Vena Cava, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, and Rogan, plus selections from Bird and Urban Outfitters' designer collaborations. Prices start at 50% off retail, with specifics such as Rag & Bone dresses for $55 and Vena Cava tops for $75. The big news is that instead of being at Port Authority, this installment of Save Fashion will be held at the awesome Inven.Tory in Soho. I will be attending the opening-night party tomorrow night, so I will provide a full report when I return (the sale opens to the public at 7 a.m. Friday morning). Save Fashion runs for 10 days only, so don't miss it! 11/13-11/22; 7-9 opening day, 10-9 thereafter, 10-5 closing day; Inven.Tory, 237 Lafayette (Prince & Spring Sts.).

UPDATE: I just got home from the Save Fashion opening night party, which was packed to the rafters with hipsters drinking Amstel Light, but I managed to squeeze around all of the unwashed hair and ironic eyeglasses to case the joint. I saw Slab by Rick Owens jackets for $69 (!), Steven Alan plaid shirts for $58, current-season silk Mara Hoffman maxi dresses for $178, supersoft Rag & Bone tanks for $32 and dresses for $55, and Vena Cava silk separates and dresses for $100-$250 (leather leggings were $325). There's also a lot of Flippa K, Thuy, Bruce II, some Rogan, Kimberly Ovitz, Wren, Sophomore, Sunshine & Shadow, Shelly Steffee, and a selection of designer collaborations from Urban Outfitters, which benefit Charity:Water. For guys, I spotted Gilded Age and more Rogan. Most items are about 50%-60% off retail, and while there aren't any fitting rooms, there are mirrors scattered throughout. It benefits a great cause, and it's definitely worth checking out, plus stock will reportedly be replenished on a daily basis, meaning frequent trips are definitely in order!

Statement necklaces have replaced statement rings as the go-to piece of jewelry, at least for the time being. This is the third season in a row that I've featured necklaces, and while spring was a baroque, Lanvin-inspired look and fall was a chunky, geometric stone cluster, this season I'm looking for multiple chains, the chunkier the better, and adorned with charms whenever possible. The big news in necklaces is that after several seasons of longer, navel-grazing lengths, the latest styles are moving much closer to the neck, resting on the collarbone--the better to draw attention to your face, of course.

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This Janis Savitt necklace is pretty much what I'm looking for--lots of chains, in various sizes and textures, with some rhinestone strands thrown in for good measure. The length is just right too. My only quibble is that it looks a bit too perfect, and not quite messy enough for what I'm going for.


This Martin Grant necklace is closer--the snake chains are uniform in size and shape, but they have an interesting texture, and my inner Rachel Zoe loves its '70s disco queen vibe.


I find the chaotic look of this Jo Jo Designs necklace very intriguing--it looks like you had a bunch of necklaces get tangled in your jewelry box, but instead of trying to sort out the mess, you just threw the whole thing on. Definitely a statement-maker.


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This Tory Burch necklace is leather, not chains, but I remember seeing it several months ago at her blogger breakfast, and it's been stuck in my mind ever since. This necklace is a more groovy, bohemian take on the trend, with charms featuring talismans from around the world.


Fallon is quickly becoming one of my favorite jewelry lines, because their aesthetic is just so badass. This Slater mixed choker has a similar tangled-necklace-cluster effect to the Jo Jo Designs style above, but with an edgier, downtown vibe.


The necklace that actually inspired this post, however was one by Assad Mounser. His are the best examples of what I'm looking for--his designs seem random but are perfectly balanced in their own way. Of his many out there (Kirna Zabete has a ton), the Forget Me Not collar is one of the most versatile.


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Bebe is one of those stores that I find completely overwhelming in person, but do much better with online. Their Moto rhinestone necklace is, like the Janis Savitt look above, not exactly reinventing the wheel, but it's a respectable take on the trend. (And who would've ever thought I'd use the word "respectable" in reference to Bebe?)


Very similar, but a slight improvement due to the mix of materials, is French Connection's multi chain necklace.


Slightly more of a splurge--but worth it, if you ask me--is Landver's entangled necklace, a chunky, textured affair that manages to look both elegant and cool.

Find Amy Smilovic's famously colorful dresses for up to 75% off at Tibi. 11/11-11/13; 1-7 Wed., 9-6 Thurs., 9-5 Fri.; 409 W. 39th St. (9th & 10th Aves.).

Always a must-hit on my list, Lewis Cho's sample sale features his signature jersey and silk pieces for $20-$95 (that's up to 80% off). 11/11-11/13; 11-8 Wed. & Thurs., 11-7 Fri.; 225 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 702.

Get some early Christmas shopping done at White + Warren, where cashmere sweaters are $50-$125. 11/10-11/12; 8-7 Tues. & Wed., 8-3 Thurs.; 80 W. 40th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 3rd fl.

Staff USA has Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf, and Dsquared2 for men and women; jackets are $200-$800, separates are $100-$300. 11/12-11/14; 10-7 Thurs. & Fri., 10-5 Sat.; 220 W. 19th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 11th fl.

Shoshanna dresses are $150 and bikinis are $65, plus Anlo jeans are $75. 11/11-11/12; 10-6:30 Wed., 10-5:30 Thurs.; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 422.

Great knits are on sale at the Susana Monaco fall sample sale. 11/11–11/12; 9-7; 263 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 15th fl.

Score Elie Tahari for men and women for up to 75% off. 11/11–11/15; 10-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Get your boyfriend a new suit for $400 at the Hugo Boss sale (and maybe one for yourself too). 11/10-11/14; 9-7 weekdays, 9-5 Sat.; Soffier Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Hit Lauren Moffatt for feminine dresses for $120, plus separates too. 11/10–11/12; 9-7; 214 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1503.

The super-hip Surface to Air has clothes and accessories for 50%-60% off. 11/13–11/15; noon-7; 5 Crosby St. (Grand & Howard Sts.), ste. 6D.

Kathleen Cook swimsuits are $30 and up and Orlando Carreras button-downs are $50 and up. 11/12-11/13; 10-8 Thurs., 10-7 Fri.; 147 W. 35th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), ste. 1003.

Bulga handbags and Sarah Pacini womenswear are up to 65% off. 11/12–11/14; 10-8 Thurs. & Fri., 10-7 Sat.; 42 Greene St. (at Grand St.), 2nd fl.

Work-friendly clothes from Lafayette 148 New York start at 75% off retail (mostly $25-$60, with leather $90-$100). Petite and plus sizes too! 11/11-11/13; 9-8; 148 Lafayette St. (Howard & Grand Sts.).

Stock up on minimalist dinnerware at Armani Casa--it's 30% off for a limited time. 11/6–11/15; 11-7, noon-6 Sun.; 97 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Lacoste bags and leather goods are available at mega-discounted prices at this cash-only sale. 11/12-11/13; noon-7 Thurs., 8:30-1 Fri.; 551 Madison Ave. (at 55th St.).

Gifty trinkets from Jay Strongwater are at wholesale prices and below (that's $20-$750). 11/10-11/12; 9-7 Tues. & Thurs., 9-6 Wed.; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Head over to the Kathlin Argiro Studio for a shopping event, featuring treats, manicures, giveaways, and, of course, party-friendly dresses on sale. RSVP here. 11/11; 6-9; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 703. Wednesday, November 11th

Clothingline has a bunch of kids' brands this week, including Jacadi, Crewcuts, and Rachel Riley. Strollers not allowed inside. 11/10-11/12; 10-6; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Make a $5 donation at Lord & Taylor's Benefit Bash and receive 15% on your purchases all day, including makeup & fragrance, plus a single-use 20% off coupon. 11/10; 9-11; 424 5th Ave. (38th & 39th Sts.).

Elle's Kate Lanphear and A|X Armani Exchange are hosting a party in honor of their new holiday collection, featuring champagne and snacks. Spend $100 and you can customize your own pima T-shirt with the help of a stylist. 11/10; 6-8; 125 5th Ave. (at 10th St.).

Shop the Barneys beauty floor through 11/14 and get a gift card for 10% of your purchase (up to $25) when you spend at least $100.

If you can make it out to Long Island, Artemide is hosting a warehouse sale, featuring the company's modern Italian light fixtures for up to 80% off. 11/13-11/15; 1980 New Highway, Farmingdale.

Make Design Within Reach's furniture actually within your reach at their Annex Warehouse Sale this weekend. It's in Seacaucus, but if you don't have a car, never fear: There's a free shuttle from Soho (see details here). 11/14-11/15; 10-6; 55 Hartz Way, Seacaucus, NJ.

Donate 5 nonperishable items to CB2 and get 15% off your purchase through 11/25.

Select coats are up to 50% off at Old Navy through 11/12.

Receive a Kain Label grey tank top with any $200 contemporary women's denim purchase at saks.com with code DENIM3 while supplies last.

Take $20 off when you spend $50 with code 20DEL50 at Delia*s through 11/12.

Get $30 off $90, $20 off $60, or $10 off $30 Now through 9/11 with promo code 4360 at Express.com.

Use code CELEBRATE for a free holiday gift with $100 purchase at L'Occitane.

Take 15% off any order with code A15FALL at Alloy.com through 11/12.

Spend $500 and up and get a gift certificate for $50-$500 at Intermix with code SAVENOV through 11/15.

Mention the word KEY for 25% off Digby & Iona's crown key necklace.

Check out new markdowns of 30%-70% off at National Jean Company.

Finally, haven't joined Rue La La yet? Click here to become a member.

Leather pants--the skinnier, the better--were all over the fall runways. And while I am all for leather pants (or even the more budget-friendly faux leather ones), I don't have a lot to say about them, other than they're awesome. In other words, if you've seen one pair of leather pants, you've kind of seen them all. The trouble, too, with leather pants, especially of the tight and skinny variety, is that they're not exactly work-friendly (well, unless you're a rock star). But there are many ways to wear leather, and I've found that skirts are a great alternative. It's not as difficult to find the perfect fit in a skirt, and as you'll see with the styles below, designers have found interesting ways to embellish them, from studs and zippers to pleats and tiers. Plus, with some careful layering and accessorizing, you can totally get away with wearing one to work.

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Seeing this Joseph petal skirt on Shopbop's excellent blog was what actually inspired me to write this post. For those who think leather skirts are too hard and edgy, I urge you to take a closer look at the soft, asymmetrical tiers of this one--looks pretty feminine to me!


Another unexpected source for a leather skirt is Oscar de La Renta, whose banded suede and leather skirt manages to be both elegant and edgy at the same time--the length is proper, but the texture definitely keeps things interesting.


In the more traditional leather-skirt vein, the zippers in this Elise Overland skirt are not at all excessive, but they're just enough to give it a punk-rock feel. The asymmetricality and the off-side seams give it an ultra-flattering fit too.


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The asymmetrical zippers in this Rebecca Minkoff skirt remind me of the Elise Overland look above, but with the more overt early-'90s edge that Rebecca has been pursuing lately with her clothing line.


I was pleasantly surprised to discover the amusingly-named I'm No Angel skirt from Nanette Lepore, a designer not exactly known for edgy designs, proving perhaps that even girly girls can pull off a leather skirt. Again, this one has an exposed front zipper, but the metal belt buckles really give it a standout look.


Helmut Lang purists tend to turn up their noses at what Nicole and Michael Colovos design for the line, but with a bandage skirt this hot, you won't hear me complaining. The great thing about this one is that it's leather and jersey, so aside from being very formfitting, it also lets you breathe a bit.


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You probably won't be doing much breathing in this Arden B skirt, since it's pleather, but with a pretty tiered look reminiscent of the Joseph look above--and a price tag of $40--I think you can stand the heat. An added bonus: I've found pleather to be quite warm (in a good way) in the winter.


Thankfully, this ByCorpus faux leather skirt is short enough to let the air circulate. With the exception of the exposed back zipper, the design is pretty simplistic, but that also makes this skirt a good basic.


This studded pleather skirt is just fun, as is the price: a mere $22.50. It might not be fun peeling it from your sweaty body at the end of the night, but at this rate, you can almost afford to cut it off, then go buy yourself a new one.