Cheryl Shops

Little-broadcasted fact: I am a Lucky magazine Alpha Shopper, which basically means that I get sent free stuff, and sometimes I write about it. Recently, however, Lucky went all out, inviting a select group of the Alphas to a luncheon at Condé Nast headquarters to celebrate the launch of Dior Beauty on Dior.com. We were treated to a presentation, complete with product demonstrations, lunch, and even a makeover, which felt very decadent in the middle of the day. But the point was to show us the updated Dior Beauty site, which is now shoppable. Of course, you can buy Dior makeup and fragrance everywhere from Sephora to Nordstrom, so why shop Dior.com? It's the difference between buying at a hectic, cluttered department store counter versus buying at the Dior boutique--you are getting the entire Dior experience, which is somewhat decadent and definitely glamorous. Not to mention, there's all manner of fun content on the site, my favorite of which is the Miss Dior minisite, which features a cute little diorama (pun intended) with a Brigitte Bardot song playing in the background (très Dior). Appealing to shoppers' practical sides, however, there's the Dior Diva club, which promises members shopping rewards, free shipping offers, special news, and more--it's the web equivalent of having an attentive in-store salesperson.

The most fun part of the luncheon was getting to actually shop the Dior website; I ordered the new Diorshow Brow Styler, which is like my favorite Kevin Aucoin brow pencil but better (it comes with a tiny built-in brow comb); the 5-Coulours Iridescent Eyeshadow in Sunset Café, a collection of flattering but not boring neutrals; and my old standby, Diorshow Backstage Mascara, a mascara that has yet to be outdone in my book. If you're looking for other goodies, they let us test the new J'Adore Dior L'Or, which is a souped-up version of the bestselling fragrance and, if you like florientals as much as I do, smells like heaven. (While we're on the subject of fragrance, I should also note that you can buy the impossible-to-find Dolce Vita on the website!) I was also taken with the Dior Addict Lip Glow, which creates a unique color based on your chemistry, and the Gris Montaigne nail lacquer, which just might give Chanel a run for its nail-color dominance.


When my order arrived, it was like an early Christmas--I opted for the Couture gift wrapping, which means your order comes in a fancy Dior box with ribbon and plissé tissue paper. Let me just say, you don't get this kind of service from Sephora. It's a mere $5 normally, but now through 12/22, you can receive it free with promo code LUCKBLOGS2010. If you're giving the gift of Dior this Christmas (a wise gift for any lady), it makes your recipient feel like a couture customer--which may be the best gift of all.

FTC full disclosure: Perhaps realizing I need all the help I can get when it comes to makeup, Dior.com gifted the aforementioned items to me.

Looking for some eye-catching statement jewelry that's a bit less predictable than your everyday bib necklace or cocktail ring? Swap the sequins, stones, and usual forms of sparkle for fashion-forward mirror-embellished pieces! Slightly Lady GaGa-esque in its ultra-metallic sheen, yet toned down enough to allow for us fashionable mere mortals to pull it off (no runway required), these trinkets reflect the light and create brilliant sparkle, but with a more unique yet understated look than your traditional bling!

If you're a fan of bangles, this stretchy Ben-Amun mirrored cuff gives a funky futuristic look that can be layered with other baubles or bracelets, yet also makes a big pretty statement on its own. I love the asymmetry of this antiqued Zad statement necklace, which adds some serious drama to a plunging neckline, while the mixed stones and mirrored pieces of this long Sandry pendant by Malene Birger is unique yet elegant. These mirror-and-Swarovski earrings by Sandy Hyun have a cool vintage-modern feel, but if you'd rather add a touch of whimsy to your outfit, who needs diamonds when you can have a shiny mirrored 'Zero Carat' pendant from Alex and Chloe?



Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Through 12/21
Armand Diradourian's cashmere for men, women, and the home is at below-wholesale prices. Cash only. 11-5:30 M-F (closed S-S); 19 W. 21st St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 1001.

Through 12/21
Save 30% on Kiki collections and 40% on past season collections at Kiki de Montparnasse. 79 Greene St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Through 12/21
Hart Schaffner Marx, President Obama's suits of choice, plus blazers, trousers, dress shirts, and ties are up to 80% off at this last-minute sale. Credit cards only; leave strollers and children under 12 at home. 9-7 F & M, 9-5 S-S, 9-5 T; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Through 12/23
Ok, this isn't a sale, but one of my favorite shoe designers, Fiorentini + baker, has set up shop in Soho, and designer Deborah Baker will personally sign your shoes, which makes a pretty darn good Christmas present, if you ask me. 10-8 daily; 54 Mercer St. (Broome & Grand Sts.).
Through 12/31
Tamara Pogosian is setting up shop at Hillary Flowers Boutique and taking 50%-80% off her collection. 1-8 daily; 40 Clinton St. (Stanton & Rivington Sts.).

12/21-12/22
Clothingline has Evisu for men ($30-$75), and Milly, Free People, Tocca, and Lewis Cho, among other designers, for women; it appears prices top out around $125 for Tocca coats. 11-7 T, 11-6 W; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

12/21-12/22

As I hope you've gathered from my previous gift guides, I truly enjoy giving gifts--probably more than I enjoy receiving them. However, if Santa decided to open up his big red bag to anything my heart desires, here's what's on my dream wish list.

Clockwise from top left (click on links to go directly to products):

He always expects the Spanish Inquisition, his sports team will hopefully have better luck next year, and, hey, these hamburgers aren't going to grill themselves. Here are gifts for dads who always find the humor in things.

Moms are generally the hardest people to shop for (followed closely by dads). Mine is especially, because, like me, she's very particular (some would say picky, but we prefer particular). But most moms are always in the market for something stylish and beautiful, so hopefully one of these items will fit the bill.

She helps you decide what shoes to buy, she listens to your work drama, she's been around way longer than any of your boyfriends, and, well, she's like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte all rolled into one.

He still actually subscribes to Spin (but reads Pitchfork obsessively too), he reluctantly downloads digital music, and, to him, the height of fashion was Seattle circa 1992. Here's what to get him.

He lives in a sketchy loft with 4 other people in Bushwick, he works for a tech start-up, and, inexplicably, he's quite the catch. Kids these days...

She tweets, she texts, she plays Angry Birds...and you'll pry her iPhone from her cold, dead hands. Here are gifts for your technology-addled little sister (or niece or cousin...)

Through 12/14
Find some holiday bling of the costume-jewelry variety at the Ben-Amun sample sale. Noon-6; 246 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 12A.

Through 12/14
Find coats, dresses, separates & more by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania at wholesale prices. 10-6; 544 W. 27th St. (10th & 11th Aves.), 3rd fl.

Through 12/15
Gar-de and other cool indie labels Rogan, Sophomore, 80%20, and more have gathered for a group sale where prices are up to 85% off retail. 10-7; 135 W. 36th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 14th fl.

Through 12/15
Frette linens for bed, bath, table, and more are up to 80% off retail. Credit cards only; no strollers or children under 12. 9-6:30, 9-5 W; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Through 12/16
Adrienne Landau's fur accessories & outerwear is up to 80% off. Plus Victor Hugo exotic-skin bags and designer cocktail and evening gowns starting at $38 and $99, respectively. 10-6; 519 8th Ave. (35th & 36th Sts.), 21st fl.

Through 12/16
At Chloe & Reese, coats are $200 (originally $500), silk ruffle blouses are $80 to $95 (originally $240), and wool wrap dresses are $160 to $195 (originally $385). 10-6; 209 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1207.

Through 12/17
Get clothes, accessories, and home items for up to 80% off at the Calypso St. Barth sample sale. 10-6:30, 10-2 F; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Through 12/17
Temperley London's gorgeously detailed ready-to-wear is up to 80% off. 11-7; 453 Broome St. (at Mercer St.), 2nd fl.

Through 12/21
Armand Diradourian's cashmere for men, women, and the home is at below-wholesale prices. Cash only. 11-5:30 M-F (closed S-S); 19 W. 21st St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 1001.

Through 12/21
Save 30% on Kiki collections and 40% on past season collections at Kiki de Montparnasse. 79 Greene St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

12/14-12/15
Ted Rossi's jewelry & handbags are up to 60% off. 11-6; 15 E. 30th St. (5th & Madison Aves.), ste. 300.

12/14-12/15
Coats are $75, silk tops & dresses are $35-$50, and cotton tops are $25 at the Sunner sample sale. 8:30-7; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/14-12/15
Gift-friendly sweaters, jackets, and scarves are on sale at the Elizabeth Gillett showroom. 10-5; 242 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/14-12/16
Y-3, SLVR, and Porsche Design samples and stock are up to 80% off. 9-7; 610 Broadway (at Houston St.), 3rd fl.

12/14-12/16
Prices are $70-$1,430 on Proenza Schouler separates, dresses, handbags, and shoes. Both past seasons and Fall 2010 will be available. 9-6; 495 Broadway (at Broome St.), 8th fl.

12/14-12/16
Get $70 jeans (originally $170 to $200) at the Genetic Denim sample sale. 9-6; 275 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/14-12/18
All manner of hats, headbands, and head accessories are up to 75% off at Eugenia Kim. 10-7 T-F, noon-6 Sat.; 347 W. 36th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), ste. 501.

12/15
Past-season clothes, shoes & accessories from indie-gal fave Rachel Comey are up to 60% off (that means most prices hover around $200). noon-8; 335 W. 35th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 11th fl.

12/15-12/17
Men's and weomen's clothing is 75% off at Carlos Campos. 10-7; 248 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/16-12/17
Good news for Nanette Lepore fans: dresses are $145, jackets and coats are $195-$275, skirts, pants, and tops are $95, and Oonagh by Nanette Lepore knits and sweaters are $80-$95 at her second sample sale of the season. 9-7; 225 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

12/16-12/19
Ohhh yes: pre-fall and fall RTW, handbags, shoes, and T for men & women are up to 80% off at the Alexander Wang sample sale. 10-7, 10-2 Sun.; 93 Mercer St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

12/16-12/19
Dresses are $50 and tops are $35 at Yumi Kim's promising-sounding sample sale. 11-7; 226 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

12/16-12/19
Floor samples, overstock, and discontinued items are up to 50% off at Ligne Roset. 10-6, 11-5 Sun.; 250 Park Avenue South (at 20th St.).

12/17-12/21
Hart Schaffner Marx, President Obama's suits of choice, plus blazers, trousers, dress shirts, and ties are up to 80% off at this last-minute sale. Credit cards only; leave strollers and children under 12 at home. 9-7 F & M, 9-5 S-S, 9-5 T; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Finding one perfect winter coat is no easy feat -- especially when you live in an unpredictable climate. And of course, buying multiple coats sounds like a fun idea, but it isn't exactly practical during the already-expensive gift-giving season. On the other hand, finding one coat that can do everything is practically impossible. Or is it? The BCBG Convertible Coat has me thinking that my ideal winter wardrobe staple does actually exist, and can successfully combine fashion and function into one seriously cool all-in-one jacket! With its detachable lower panel, you can brave the harsh weather in a long sleek coat that'll keep you warm in any temperature (not to mention a drawstring waist to keep the long look from looking too bulky!), or detach it for a shorter bomber jacket that's cozy and chic! The hood's got you covered for an unexpected downpour or fall of snow, and with a detachable fur collar, you can choose to keep warm and be on-trend, or tone the look down by snapping it off for a more military-chic look. And finally, cargo pockets keep all your must-haves close at hand! The only downside to this do-it-all coat is the $458 price tag, but if you think of all the other not-so-versatile coats you won't have to buy, it's quite the deal!



Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

I generally spend the first week or two of the official holiday shopping season shopping for myself. (I hope I am not alone in this; otherwise, I am incredibly selfish.) What generally snaps me out of it is when I start shopping for kids. After all, giving kids gifts is really what Christmas is all about. (Ok, and family and togetherness and all that.) So it makes sense that my first installment of my 2010 Holiday Gift Guide is dedicated to kids--more specifically other people's kids. I do not know (or really care) what the hot toys of the season are; if you're interested, I'd advise you to read the thousands of Mommy blogs out there. These gifts are, I'd like to think, more fun and more thoughtful. In some instances, the parents might enjoy them more than the kids, but, hey, they're kind of for them anyway.
Because Mom & Dad do rock, there's a tattoo-inspired Mom & Dad onesie, $27

I fortunately had parents who encouraged my creativity at every turn; do the same for the kids you know with Alex Toys My Very Busy Box Activity Kit, $40

I know from Facebook updates that parents with kids under the age of 3 are almost always lacking in sleep; help them out (kids, not parents--well, not directly) with the soothing Summer Infant Mommies Melodies Gund Bear, $21.49

This Handmade "Villages Airways" Plane from Sri Lanka, $44, supports fair trade and also looks pretty awesome to play with

Start their fashion addiction early with this fierce Lee Military Jacket from Stella McCartney Kids, $145

Sometimes you do whatever you can to get your kids to eat. My mom fed me chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and macaroni & cheese; you can try this supercool Construction Plate & Utensils Set, $14.95 & $17.49

Rain will become that much more fun for them (and adorable for you) with a Western Chief Kids Frog Raincoat, $37

The essential book for a city kid (or for a suburban kid who one day dreams of moving to the city: This Is New York, $18

How incredibly adorable are these Robeez Soft Soles 3D Moose Booties, $39?

I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, which, until I moved to NYC and experienced Connecticut firsthand, I thought was the preppiest place on earth. My high school was all about Abercrombie, J.Crew, plaid, polos, rugbys, khakis, rope bracelets...the whole nine yards. Thinking myself nonconformist as a teenager, I rebelled against the norm--I made my mom drive me downtown to shop at Urban Outfitters, and when Delia*s started up (I was 16), it was a godsend. I continued my anti-preppy tack through college (which was also in the Midwest, and also quite preppy; these were the years of Gap's "everyone in khakis" campaign, after all), working at Contempo Casuals at the mall, and even in my twenties, I tried on every trend I could get my hands on. The funny thing is, in my thirties, I find myself gravitating toward more classic and maybe, yes, more preppy looks. Part of it may be that I'm embracing my heritage; more likely, I'm dressing more for myself. In other words, I'd rather wear clothes that are age-appropriate and make me look good, as opposed to trying to impress other people or take on a persona in more calculated, purposefully rebellious looks. Several years ago, I would have turned up my nose at this corduroy mini skirt from Canvas 1963, Lands' End's newer, younger line. Now, it's exactly the skirt I've been looking for all season. I find pleated skirts can often look schoolgirlish, but this one has just a front inverted pleat and two tiny knife pleats on either side; the effect creates a bit of volume that skims the hips in a flattering way. The corduroy is a wider wale than I was expecting, but I find it comforting, in a hearkening-back-to-grunge kind of way. The length is perfect too--as with any good miniskirt, it's long enough to cover the topic but short enough to be interesting. Oh, and the price: $39.50, which makes this probably the most economical piece I've bought this fall. One word of warning: This skirt runs quite big, so I'd suggest sizing down, even if you're on the larger end of your size.

I ordered this poplin shirt too, in polka dot, because I used to have a similar shirt that I loved in my pre-rebellion middle school days. Together, the pieces are preppy overload; I think I'll wait till spring and wear the shirt with white jeans or a white mini. I wore the skirt yesterday with a leather hoodie, a henley, and ankle boots for a more downtown-preppy look. Which is a preppy I can definitely live with.

FTC full disclosure: I received the skirt and shirt as a gift, and while I receive many items gratis, I only write about the ones I like. In other words, if I don't like it, you won't read about it here.

Through 12/10
Autumn Cashmere is up to 75% off - clothing & accessories for men and women. 10-6; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 924.

Through 12/10
Diane von Furstenberg's always-awesome and always-crowded sample sale features dresses for $150, cardigans for $80, and coats for $350. 9-6:30 T, 10-8 W, 10-7 Th, 9-5 F; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

Through 12/10
Jewelry is just $5 and up at the Pono sale. 9-6; 132 W. 36th St. (Broadway & 7th Ave.), 8th fl.

12/7-12/8
Thread Social's party-friendly frocks are up to 80% off. 9-8; 26 W. 17th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 301.

12/7-12/10
James Jeans are $70-$80 (samples are $20-$50) at their usually solid sale. 9-7:30 T, 9-5:30 W, 10-7:30 Th, 10-2 F; 500 Greenwich St. (Spring & Canal Sts.), #202.

12/7-12/10
Stock and samples from Cynthia Steffe and friends are $20. Um, hello! 10-6; 218 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

12/7-12/10
At the Hive Showroom, items like cashmere, accessories, fur vests, and other gifty items start at just $10 (that's 50%-70% off retail). Cash only. 9-7; 544 W. 27th St. (10th & 11th Aves.), 6th fl.

12/7-12/11
Lauren Merkin's party-friendly bags are up to 70% off: the Tatum is $150, the Paige is $250, the Diana is $95, and small leather goods are $40 and up. 11-7, 11-4 Sat; 231 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 201.

12/8-12/9
Natori lingerie, sleepwear, and ready-to-wear is all $50 and under. 10-7 W, 10-4 Th; 102 Madison Ave. (29th & 30th Sts.), 3rd fl.

12/8-12/10
AKA New York separates, dresses, and accessories are $20-$100. 246 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1109.

12/8-12/10
Leifsdottir's private sale: not so private anymore! 11-7; 209 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

12/8-12/10
Mai Cashmere has colorful tops, sweaters, and pants, mostly for under $100. noon-7; 49 W. 38th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), ste. 12a.

12/8-12/10
Miguelina's pretty silky things are on sale. 8-8; 336 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), Suite 1080.

12/8-12/10
Gifty jewelry from Lee Angel is 30%-75% off. 11-7 W-Th, 10-5 F; 524 Broadway (at Spring St.), 6th fl.

12/8-12/10
L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers bags, accessories, and more are on sale. 8-8 W, 10-8 Th, 8-6 F; 144 5th Ave. (19th & 20th Sts.), 2nd fl.

12/8-12/15
Gar-de and other cool indie labels Rogan, Sophomore, 80%20, and more have gathered for a group sale where prices are up to 85% off retail. 10-7; 135 W. 36th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 14th fl.

12/9
Silky, sexy, but sophisticated Brulee lingerie is up to 60% off (that's $20-$100) at this exclusive shopping event hosted by Fresh. 6-8 p.m.; 872 Broadway (at 18th St.).

12/9-12/10
Ali Ro's contemporary line is normally found at the likes of Saks; find it here for a lot less. 8:30-5:30 Th, 8:30-5 F; 530 Seventh Ave. (38th & 39th Sts.), Suite 1402.

12/9-12/13
Bust out those elbows: the Tory Burch sample sale is coming to Clothingline. A note to the moms: Children under 12 will not be admitted due to the perilous conditions of this sale. 11-7 (11-4 weekends); 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

12/10-12/11
Made Her Think's unique jewelry and accessories are 20%-60% off. noon-8 F, 11-5 Sat.; 105 Chrystie St. (Rivington & Stanton Sts.), ste. 301-7.

12/11-12/15
Frette linens for bed, bath, table, and more are up to 80% off retail. Credit cards only; no strollers or children under 12. 9-6:30, 9-5 W; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

12/13-12/16
Adrienne Landau's fur accessories & outerwear is up to 80% off. Plus Victor Hugo exotic-skin bags and designer cocktail and evening gowns starting at $38 and $99, respectively. 10-6; 519 8th Ave. (35th & 36th Sts.), 21st fl.

12/14-12/15
Ted Rossi's jewelry & handbags are up to 60% off. 11-6; 15 E. 30th St. (5th & Madison Aves.), ste. 300.

12/14-12/15
Coats are $75, silk tops & dresses are $35-$50, and cotton tops are $25 at the Sunner sample sale. 8:30-7; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/14-12/18
All manner of hats, headbands, and head accessories are up to 75% off at Eugenia Kim. 10-7 T-F, noon-6 Sat.; 347 W. 36th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), ste. 501.

12/15
Past-season clothes, shoes & accessories from indie-gal fave Rachel Comey are up to 60% off (that means most prices hover around $200). noon-8; 335 W. 35th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 11th fl.

I'm always looking for the perfect multi-purpose carry-all bag that can take me from work to the gym, and wherever else the busy day may take me. I need something big enough to store all my day's must-haves, but not too large and cumbersome and clunky that I dread lugging it around to and fro. And of course, if it's going to be my everyday staple, looks definitely matter. Finding something versatile, practical, long-lasting, and cute isn't always the easiest task, and NYC brand Saltbox was determined to fill the void of do-everything bag that's both easy to carry and easy on the eyes!

The Saltbox Duffelette bag is both fun and functional -- made from water-resistant heavy-duty canvas and real leather trim, the duffelette has a bevy of zippered compartments of varying sizes for easy organizing all your loot, whether you're running everyday errands, shopping, or hitting the road to get away for the weekend. With two carrying options, you can wear it as either a shoulder bag or a cross-body for easy toting, and for only $175 you can pretty much call off the search now for your ideal "just right" bag!

Anxious to get your hands on your own Saltbox Duffelette bag? Click over to our giveaway to see how you can enter by December 6th to win a duffelette just in time for the holidays, and get discounts from the Saltbox site!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is always a roller coaster--it's equally stressful (shopping for gifts, dealing with family stuff) and celebratory (eating, drinking, spending quality time with family & friends). To me, the good outweighs the not-as-good, and, really, one of my favorite parts of the season--if not my most favorite--is going to holiday parties. From conference-room gatherings at work to all-night champagne punch bacchanals with friends, I love all kinds of holiday parties. The company is the most important element (followed closely by food and drink), but I will say, I do enjoy getting all gussied up for the holiday season--it's prime time for sequins, tuxedo jackets, velvet, lace, and all manner of fanciness. And no matter how frightful the weather outside, festive footwear is in order. This year, I have my eye on these Roxanne sequined sandals from Kors. Sandals in winter, you say? There's no need to wear them bare legged; I am all for rocking sandals with socks or opaque tights--the effect is much more chic than you'd think. As for the shoes themselves, they are sparkly and sexy, with a just-high-enough heel but without a platform, which gives them a more timeless look. As a bonus, the footbed is padded, which means you can dance all night in them, should the occasion call for it. These will look great with everything from a miniskirt to tuxedo pants, but word to the wise: go easy on sequins in the rest of your outfit. Because while you can never have too much holiday cheer, you can have too many sparkles.

Just when you thought sample sale season was over...

Through 12/3
BE&D shoes, accessories, and, yes, bags are 30%-50% off. 9-7, 9-5 F; 35 W. 36th St., (5th & 6th Aves.).

Through 12/10
Jewelry is just $5 and up at the Pono sale. 9-6; 132 W. 36th St. (Broadway & 7th Ave.), 8th fl.

12/1
For one day only, score Melissa Joy Manning accessories for 30%-75% off. 11-8; 594 Broadway (Houston & Prince Sts.), ste. 612.

12/1-12/2
Bags by Joy Gryson and her lower-priced Olivia Harris line are on sale. 11-6:30; 180 Varick St. (Charlton & King Sts.), ste. 916.

12/1-12/3
Bindya makes gorgeous scarves that in turn make great gifts; score them for $35-$60 here. 10-7 W, 10-6 Th-F; 49 W. 38th St. (5th & 6th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/1-12/2
Carlos Falchi and Isabella Fiore are having a moving sale, with prices up to 75% off handbags. 10-6; 80 W. 40th St. (at 6th Ave.), 8th fl.

12/1-12/3
Shop for your man at Simon Spurr's sample sale--the majority of items are are below-wholesale prices. 9-6; 210 11th Ave. (24th & 25th Sts.), ste. 903.

12/1-12/3
Lela Rose's fall/winter 2010 collection is 50%-75% off retail with knitwear starting at $50 and a $25 bin too! 8-7 W, 9-6 Th, 9-5 F; 224 W. 30th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 13th Fl.

12/1-12/5
Current fall/winter merch from Theory is available in all sizes at this must-hit sale for the working gals. 10-7 daily; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

12/1-12/5
Visit Satya jewelry in their new-ish Tribeca location and get their yoga-inspired jewelry for up to 80% off. 10-6, 10-3 Sun; 64 North Moore St. (Greenwich & Hudson Sts.).

12/2
Need a party dress? Hit Vera Wang's one-day-only sample sale for ready-to-wear and cocktail dresses. 9:30-6:30; 225 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

12/2-12/3
One of my favorite jewelry lines ever, Giles & Brother is Philip Crangi's lower-priced line; score it for up to 75% off retail. Cash only. 11-6:30; 147 W. 29th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 5th fl.

12/2-12/3
Who needs Target when you can get real Tucker for 50%-80% off retail? 11-7 Th, 9-7 F, 10-6 S; 413 W. 14th St. (9th & 10th Aves.), Suite 403.

12/2-12/3
Simon Showroom has items by Bailey 44, Iro, Goldsign, Citizens of Humanity and other cool contemprary lines. 10-7; 95 5th Ave. (at 17th St.).

12/2-12/3
Eberjey makes some of my favorite lingerie, and at this sale, you can get it for a very nice 50%-70% off. 8:30-7 Th, 9-5 F; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1102.

12/2-12/3
Qi knitwear and accessories are on sale. 10-6; 260 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

12/2-12/4
Vena Cava's sale promises past collections plus fall '10 for 40%-70% off. 10-7 Th-F, 10-5 S; 457 Broome St. (at Mercer St.), suite 2F.

12/2-12/5
A sale so good, I almost didn't share it: Rag & Bone's fall '10 collection for men and women is on sale; blazers are $250 and jeans are $95. 10:30-8 Th-F, noon-7 Sat, noon-5 Sun; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

12/2-12/5
Christopher Fischer makes very giftable knits; get them up to 80% off here. 10-7, 11-6 Su; 80 Wooster St. (at Spring St.).

12/3-12/5
Botkier's buttery-soft bags and shoes (and a personal favorite of mine--I'm carrying the Howard satchel at the moment) are 50%-70% off. 11-8 F, noon-7 Sat, noon-6 Sun; 421 Broadway (Howard & Canal Sts.).

12/4-12/5
Brooklyn-based companies like Mociun, Baggu, Bodkin, and more have teamed up for a weekend shopping event. noon-5; 242 Wythe Ave. (at N. 3rd St.), #6, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

12/6
Brian Atwood makes incredibly sexy shoes favored by the likes of Rachel Zoe; score them for a song at this one-day-only event. 9-6; 444 W. 17th St. (9th & 10th Aves.).

12/7-12/10
James Jeans are $70-$80 (samples are $20-$50) at their usually solid sale. 9-7:30 T, 9-5:30 W, 10-7:30 Th, 10-2 F; 500 Greenwich St. (Spring & Canal Sts.), #202.

12/7-12/10
At the Hive Showroom, items like cashmere, accessories, fur vests, and other gifty items start at just $10 (that's 50%-70% off retail). Cash only. 9-7; 544 W. 27th St. (10th & 11th Aves.), 6th fl.

12/7-12/11
Lauren Merkin's party-friendly bags are up to 70% off: the Tatum is $150, the Paige is $250, the Diana is $95, and small leather goods are $40 and up. 11-7, 11-4 Sat; 231 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 201.

12/8-12/10
Miguelina's pretty silky things are on sale. 8-8; 336 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), Suite 1080.

12/8-12/10
Gifty jewelry from Lee Angel is 30%-75% off. 11-7 W-Th, 10-5 F; 524 Broadway (at Spring St.), 6th fl.

12/9-12/10
Ali Ro's contemporary line is normally found at the likes of Saks; find it here for a lot less. 8:30-5:30 Th, 8:30-5 F; 530 Seventh Ave. (38th & 39th Sts.), Suite 1402. .

12/10-12/13
Bust out those elbows: the Tory Burch sample sale is coming to Clothingline. 10-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

While the increasingly chilly weather may start lending itself to the need for warmer, heavy-duty outerwear, vests continue to be a fashion staple in this season's trend report. The military look thrives on in the form of utility vests -- think tomboy-chic, fisherman-inspired (without the swamp sludge and worms, of course -- gross!), and pockets galore (whether you intend to use them or not). Since the look can be a bit, err, woodsy, keep it trendy and chic by pairing with more feminine pieces like a skirt and tights or over-the-knee boots, or opt for takes on the trend that are bit more sultry, like this cargo lace vest by Barlow, or this cropped leather version from Aussie designer Shakuhachi. This J. Crew shearling-lined vest adds a bit of military-inspired roughness to your everyday ensemble, while this one by Blue & Cream takes versatility to a whole new level with its detachable and reversible leather and shearling layer for three vests in one! For something a bit more polished, Tory Burch's version still gives off the military vibe with a bit more feminine flair, thanks to the belted waist and gold hardware!

- Alex Gambardella

Need help for your holiday shopping? Download TheFind Mobile app for finding the best prices and selection for in-store shopping on the go. TheFind mobile app makes you a smarter shopper.

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

This post is both an experiment and a hodgepodge. I had intended on doing several more Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping guide posts, but all of a sudden it's the end of November and the holidays will be here before we know it, which means we should stop thinking about shopping for ourselves and start thinking about shopping for others. Also, I've got holiday gift guides and party-dressing posts on the way. So here are some of my favorite items from the trends that I didn't quite get around to. I created this with Polyvore, which I recently rediscovered (I know, I'm late to the party, but to my credit, I wrote about it over two years ago). So, anyway, I ended up having fun creating this, so if you like it, I'll keep doing more posts like this--after all, sometimes I have a bunch of random stuff I want to write about, and this is an easy (and, okay, maybe a little lazy) way to put it all together.

As for the below, the three trends I didn't get to talk about were camel coats, digital prints, and high-heeled lace-up boots (a.k.a. grown-up combat boots--I have a similar style by the same brand shown below). To create a cohesive look, I supplemented with a watch similar to my Timex chronograph (which is sadly no longer available), my favorite Wolford Satin de Luxe tights (although I really prefer the Mat Opaque 80), and the Adrienne Landau cropped fur vest I've been lusting after. All together, it's my favorite wear-now look. What do you think?

While thus far in this series I've featured exclusively high-heeled shoes, believe it or not, I do wear flats. One major time of the year I do this is at Thanksgiving, when I go to Boston to visit MW's family. Flats are pretty much a necessity in Boston due to the cobblestone streets--how anyone wears heels in that city is beyond me. Boston is also home to umpteen universities, so there are always a lot of students walking around in appropriately preppy fashion. So it's fitting that the new J.Crew holiday catalog recently arrived in my mailbox, because Boston is a J.Crew kind of town. True, under the creative direction of Jenna Lyons, the chain has become a little more feminine and fashiony, but at its heart lies sweaters, khakis...and ballet flats. Even for a platform-loving gal like me, J.Crew's flats always make me do a double-take, and these crystal wing ballet flats are no exception. True, they are softer, prettier, and slightly more conservative than what I normally wear, but what J.Crew does so well in its catalogs is sell the J.Crew lifestyle--slip into these and you, too, can spend your holidays drinking hot toddies and exchanging chicly wrapped presents in some grand old estate in New England. More literally, I like the combination of suede and satin, as well as the fancy crystal embellishment, which makes them look vintage, but better. They're elegant, but they look comfortable too, and they might just help me blend in this weekend. As they say, when in Boston...

Use code TURKEY for 25% off your $150 purchase (which covers these beauties) at JCrew.com through midnight on 11/28. Consider it my Thanksgiving treat for you.

While I'm certainly not complaining about the recent influx of holiday party invitations and celebratory seasonal shindigs, being a guest at other people's Christmas fêtes often makes me ponder how I'd do things if I was the one calling the shots and it was my festivity. So what's my ideal party? I love soirees that boast a feel-good balance -- a friendly mix of old friends and new acquaintances, high-energy dancing yet plenty of room to kick back and lounge, and great music that's not too loud to hinder conversation. And of course, tasty cocktails!

This desire for a balance that's part laid-back and part "party-till-you-drop" is also reflected in my ideal party outfit -- a selection of pieces and accessories that show off my love for all that's glitzy and girly and my rebel side as well, for a complete look that's romantic yet edgy! The foundation of my perfect party look is a sweet yet sexy cocktail dress with sparkly details -- like this Rebecca Taylor strapless silk dress that mixes a girly, flouncy skirt with the more sleek structure of a bustier top. To balance such a high hemline, I'd likely keep things a bit more modest with a boyfriend-inspired jacket that looks sleek without verging on too-buttoned-up. Add a pair of sexy strappy shoes from Jimmy Choo that have a bit of sparkly sheen, a rocker-chic studded clutch, and finally, a glitzy pair of earrings, and I've got the perfect party look for a long night of dancing and mingling in great company!

- Alex Gambardella

To nab your own perfect party look just in time for the holiday season, enter our NET-A-PORTER $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway by December 10th for a chance to shop all these great looks!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Through 11/23
Bulgari jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, and fragrances are up to 75% off retail at Soffier Haskin. Credit cards only; leave the strollers and children under 12 at home. 9-6:30; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Through 11/23
Celebrity favorite Jay Godfrey has fall and holiday pieces for up to 85% off. 10-6; 333 W. 39^th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), ste.402.

11/23-11/24
Women's & men's Mackage outerwear is 30%-50% off. Cash only. Noon-7 T, noon-6 W; 275 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

Google dominates how we search on the Internet (and, for many of us, how we email, advertise, blog, share video and photos, and do a bunch of other stuff), and while it's had a shopping search engine for awhile, it hasn't been the sophisticated shopping experience that, say, TheFind or ShopStyle is. Until now, that is. Yesterday, Google officially debuted Boutiques.com, which incorporates elements of the aforementioned sites, tied in with editorial content, social media, and Google's famous algorithms. It's interesting and new; I'm not sure how well it works yet, but I'm fascinated enough by it that I'm willing to keep experimenting with it. For example, 90% of the items in my boutique are black and gray, which, okay, I wear a lot, and it has many of my favorite designers (Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone), but so far there's not enough variety; it almost feels like shopping in my own closet, not my ideal closet. Still, I'm confident that the more information I give it, the better products it will give me--that's how it works, right?

You start by choosing between a series of images; this defines your style as one of six styles: boho, casual chic (which is what I got), classic, edgy, romantic, or street. Then you pick colors, silhouettes, and brands you love and/or hate, and Boutiques.com generates a long list of products for you. You can like or hate these products based on several criteria; you can save any item you see to your favorites. This being Google, there's also a search component, and I must say, the facets (options by which you can search) are some of the best out there. What's getting the most attention, however, are the "boutiques," which are shoppable pages with items chosen by everyone from bloggers like Rumi Neely of Fashiontoast and Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes to celebrities like the Olsen twins, Carey Mulligan, and Rashida Jones. There are designers--Tory Burch, Christian Siriano--and independent retailers like Les Nouvelles and Mick Margo. You can follow your favorites, hence the social networking aspect of it. Here's my boutique if you want to follow me; like I said, it's not too exciting yet, but give it time. I don't know if Boutiques.com will be my new go-to search engine, but it's a fun new way to shop and, if anything, a great diversion.

Ever since I saw them in Seattle last year, I've wanted a pair of Swedish Hasbeens boots. I flirted for awhile with No. 6's clog boots, and Jeffrey Campbell even debuted a knockoff style this fall, but Hasbeens just seemed more sturdy and well-made. So last week I finally bit the bullet and ordered the high heeled jodhpur boots, and after I got over the panic of paying that much for a pair of shoes, I must say, I'm incredibly happy with them. The wooden sole takes a little getting used to (it's inflexible, so you kind of have to march in them) and the leather needs to be broken in a little, but the sole is incredibly comfortable--I wore them all day today while running from meeting to meeting in Midtown--the heel is totally manageable, and the boots are incredibly well-constructed, with hidden elastic gussets and a layer of rubber on the sole so that they're not slippery. These are the kind of boots that are going to get even better with age, and they truly enforce the idea that you get what you pay for. Consider them money well spent.

Ever since it was announced back in September, I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lanvin for H&M--to me, it's the most exciting designer collaboration H&M has done in years. It's arriving in U.S. stores this Saturday, November 20th, and Racked has all the info on what stores to hit and how the line will work. Important points include:

• New York stores carrying the line: Herald Square, 86th St., Penn Station, 59th & Lex, the Fifth Avenue flagship @ 51st and the Soho shop between Spring & Broome.
• The first 320 shoppers will be broken up into 16 groups of 20, with each group receiving a different colored wristband and geting 15 minutes to shop the collection before everyone else.
• Shoppers can buy no more than two of each item.
• No bracelets required for men.

So, who's getting up extra-early on Saturday morning, and what store are you going to?

New additions this week: Elizabeth & James, Erin Fetherston, The Row, Acne Jeans & more!

Through 11/29
Women's & children's Petit Bateau clothes are 50%-60% off retail. Spend $200 or more and they'll reimburse your cab fare (with recepit). 8:30-6:30; 105 Chambers St. (at Church St.), 2nd fl.

Through 11/18
Joseph Abboud tailored clothing for men features suits, sportcoats, trousers at promising prices. 9-6 S, 9-7 M-W, 9-5 Th; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Through 11/18
La Perla lingerie, sleepwear, swimwear, and ready-to-wear is up to 80% off. noon-5 Su, 9:30-6 M-W, 9:30-7 Th; 225 5th Ave. (26th & 27th Sts.).

11/16-11/17
Girly women love Lauren Moffatt, where you can score dresses, silky things, and outerwear for up to 70% off. 9-7; 214 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1503.

11/16-11/18
Sadly, Lutz & Patmos are closing shop, so expect awesome discounts at this sale. 11-7; 425 W. 13th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.), ste. 401.

11/16-11/18
Clothingline has an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink assortment from Ali Ro, Adam, Gryphon, Rebecca Taylor footwear, Les Halles, AKA, Whit, Be & D, and more. 11-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

11/16-11/19
Get ready for the annual Hanky Panky sample sale! It's business as usual; avoid the last day, when lines are long. 8:30-8 T-W, 8:30-7 Th, 9-1:30 F; 260 5th Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.).

11/17-11/18
Prices are up to 50% off wholesale at Cheryl Shops fave Twinkle by Wenlan. (There's a friends, family & press preview on 11/16 from noon-6.) 10-7; 545 8th Ave. (37th & 38th Sts.), 17th fl.

11/17-11/18
Always one of my favorite sales (and not just because it's right across the street from my office), Inhabit has men's and women's cashmere sweaters for $80 and cotton ones for $50. 10-6; 1441 Broadway (40th & 41st Sts.), 28th fl.

11/17-11/18
Give your hair some razzle-dazzle with Colette Malouf hair accessories. 10-8 W, 10-6 Th, 594 Broadway (Houston & Prince Sts.), ste. 1216.

11/17-11/18
Erin Fetherston's namesake line is on sale (note: not her Juicy Couture line). Noon-7; 252 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 18th fl.

11/17-11/18
Swedish trio Acne, Filippa K, and Nudie Jeans are on sale. 11-8; 15 Mercer St. (Grand & Howard Sts.). Friends & Family preview 11/16 from 11-8.

11/17-11/19
Yigal Azrouel is taking up to 70% off current- and past-season items from both his namesake and lower-priced Cut25 lines. Dresses are $270, jackets are $395, Cut25 outerwear is $120, and Cut25 separates start at $50. 9-7; 225 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), suite 7F.

11/17-11/19
Seriously, my favorite linens in the world are by John Robshaw Textiles, and so I will be at this sale, hopefully scoring bedding, pillows, robes, and more for up to 75% off. And because Robshaw is classy, he's serving cocktails from 6-7 on opening night. 10-7; 245 W. 29th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

11/17-11/19
Elizabeth & James makes some of my favorite clothes at the moment, and at their sample sale, you can always find some amazing deals. 11/17-11/19; 10-6 W & F, 10-7 Th; 1384 Broadway (at 38th St.), 18th fl. (Note: friends & family preview on 11/16 from 10-7.)

11/17-11/20
Melissa Shoes makes the coolest vegan-friendly plastic shoes in existence, and at this sale, they start at just $40. noon-8; 520 W. 27th St. (10th & 11th Aves.), ste. 403.

11/17-11/20
Rebecca Minkoff's handbags inspire a fanatical level of devotion, and here you can get them for a healthy discount: Morning After clutch for $162, Main Squeeze bag for $272, and a tote for $85. There's a VIP night on 11/16 from 4-9; they tend not to check names at the door, although the event is quite chaotic. 10-7 W-Sa, 11-5 Su; 93 Mercer St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

11/18
Possibly even better than the aforementioned Elizabeth & James sale is The Row's three-hours-only sale. 4-7; 72 Gansevoort St. (Washington & Greenwich Sts.).

11/18-11/19
eM Productions has Gar-de, Something Else, and other great indie designers for 30%-50% below wholesale. Cash only. 10-8 Th, 10-7 F; 636 Broadway (Houston & Bleecker Sts.), ste. 720.

11/18-11/19
Find costume and fine jewelry from Kenneth Jay Lane, Erickson Beamon, Kara Ross, Azaara, Ben Amun, Gerard Yosca, Bex Rox and many more for up to 80% off at Thomas Laine's holiday jewelry trunk show. 11-8; 1133 Broadway (at 26th St.), ste. 908.

11/18-11/20
Always one of my must-hit sales, The News Inc. has cool designers like Boy by Band of Outsiders, Cheap Monday, and Clu for cheapity cheap. 10-6; 495 Broadway (at Broome St.).

11/18-11/21
At Steven Alan's legendary sale, get men's and women's clothes from the house label and other downtowny designers for up to 75% off. 8:30-8 Th-F, 11-7 Sa, 11-5 Su; 87 Franklin St. (Broadway & Church St.). For those not in NY, the sample sale will be online 11/9-11/11.

11/20-11/23
Bulgari jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, and fragrances are up to 75% off retail at Soffier Haskin. Credit cards only; leave the strollers and children under 12 at home. 9-6:30; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

11/23-11/24
Women's & men's Mackage outerwear is 30%-50% off. Cash only. Noon-7 T, noon-6 W; 275 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 7th fl.

While deciding what to wear in the morning often turns out to be one of the most time-consuming decisions I make all day, it doesn't always take me a long time to build an outfit. I often find that when I have post-work plans to look forward to, it tends to complicate my office wardrobe. I'm suddenly faced with the feat to plan an outfit that can take me from work to cocktail hour, while keeping things suitable for the office, but without looking like a total snooze when it's time to finally unwind.

The solution? I find that a fashion-forward blazer (by Smythe) and the perfect pair of skinny slacks are often the key ingredients to a versatile work-to-play wardrobe -- and from there you can choose more statement-making pieces to complete a look that wows while still staying professional. Downplay a shimmery sequin tee while letting it just peek from under your tailored blazer during the day, then shed your outer layer later for maximum shimmer when it's time to hit your favorite happy hour spot. Opt for a pair of Reva flats during the day (so your feet aren't killing you by the time you're ready to hit the town!). Then step out for the evening in a pair of statement making Louboutin Fifi 100 satin and lace pumps! And for that last eye-catching piece, ditch the briefcase and bring along a festive Lanvin Mini Pop bag to make that final transition from day to night!

Step Into the Party Season with Style! Enter the NET-A-PORTER $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway by November 30th! In addition to the shopping spree of your dreams, the winner will also receive the support of a dedicated fashion advisor, and shop from the most coveted luxury brands in the world, including Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Contradictory as it may seem, I prefer warm weather but I love cold-weather clothes. There's something so cozy and comforting about all of fall and winter's many layers: cashmere sweaters, thick scarves, fur vests, opaque tights, wool trousers, and, of course, boots. As you might have gathered from my "In These Shoes" posts so far, I have a special weakness for boots; I'd wear them year-round if they didn't make my feet swelter in summer. I can't quite pinpoint why I like boots so much, but I think part of it is because they're sexy for what they cover up, rather than what they expose. In other words, boots are an evening gown while sandals are a minidress. Plus, if you have slightly thicker legs, a good knee-high boot can do wonders for a girl's gams. I happen to like my legs, but I've been on the hunt for a good pair of cuffed boots. I'm fascinated by this sub-genre of knee-high boots, because they kind of make you look like you have pants or legwarmers on over your shoes--it's a weird concept and yet it works. These
Scuff suede platform boots by Elizabeth & James are just what I'm looking for (they come in black leather too). I've sung Elizabeth & James' praises before, but I will say their shoes are just as awesome, if not more so, than their clothes--I have a pair of the East West wedges from last summer, and I practically lived in them until a few weeks ago. These have height-boosting 5-inch heel, but the 1.25" platform and wedge heel make them totally walkable. This pair has nice details, too, that really make them stand out: the cuff is slightly longer in back (just like real pants!), and the toe has a nice rounded-pointy shape. The color--a taupey gray-brown--is different too, which would be a nice change of pace from all the black boots I own. The only thing that's stopping me from buying them right away is the price--at $495, they could be worse, but they're not exactly a bargain. Here's hoping they make Shopbop's first round of holiday markdowns...