Cheryl Shops

Of all the crazy shoes out there nowadays, peep-toe boots take the most-impractical prize. They're too drafty for winter and too hot for summer, leaving you about a three-week window in which to wear them. And yet their utter disregard for proper seasonal dressing is what makes them so desirable--they seem to subtly say, "Fashion knows no weather forecast." There's also the fact that whether you wear them with tucked-in skinny pants or bare legs à la runway, you need long, thin stems to pull them off. These heavily embellished Balenciaga boots take it all a step further, from the open toe to the super-high heel, to the totally impractical mixed-media design. They're very urban warrior and yet with all of the aforementioned factors, they're really best suited for the type of woman who has a driver. Not that we can't aspire to be that woman. I would wear these with everything from skinny cargo pants to little miniskirts, subway stairs be damned. This pair has been popping up in the spring fashion editorials in all the magazines, and while I can't find any pairs online, I'm going to keep my eyes peeled and wait out the summer sales--if I'm lucky, I can score some just in time to wear before the fall chill sets in.

Top 5 NYC
High-end land of kink Kiki de Montparnasse is holding its first-ever sample sale. Scurry on over to Soho for great deals on lingerie, toys, and other goodies. 4/3-4/11; 11-8; 79 Greene St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).

Prive has men's and women's contemporary brands like Walter, Ben Sherman, Lewis Cho, and more for 50%-80% off. 4/1-4/4; 10:30-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Intermix has added new markdowns to its sale section; click here for store locations or shop online.

Head over to Cheryl Shops favorite Foley + Corinna Thursday night for a Spring Fling Photo Party; get a photo taken with any purchase, or spend $500 and get a free makeover. Cocktails too! RSVP to 212-529-2338. 4/1; 5:30-8:30; 114 Stanton St. (Essex & Ludlow Sts.).

Spend $150 at Henri Bendel and get a beach tote filled with makeup samples 3/30-4/12. Click here for store hours & locations.

Top 10 online
Save up to 95% (yes, that's right, 95%) on contemporary brands at Singer22.com's big spring sale.

Save 30%-95% on nearly 6,000 items at Revolveclothing.com, including over 2,000 new markdowns.

Take 15% off orders of $75 or more at Karmaloop.com with code SWEET15 through 4/30.

Shop the Spring Sale at Banana Republic now through 4/7.

Take 20% off all items at Austin's Buy Definition with code springcleaning20 at checkout through 3/31.

Use code APRFF for the 25% Friends & Family discount at Jessica Simpson Collection through 4/12.

Use code JASPRING10 for 20% off at Jodi Arnold's new online store.

Use code FACE20 for 20% off exclusive Bliss skincare regimens at blissworld.com through 3/30.

Take $20 off any order over $75 with code 20DISCD at Delia*s.

Save up to 75% at 80s Purple's online warehouse sale through 3/31.

Katherine Heigl's news of dress malfunction spread across the web faster than you can say Gray's Anatomy. Along with news of the unattached strap is Heigl's news that she will be leaving the show to spend more time with her daughter, Naleigh. With news of this latest fashion mishap the little red dress is in the spotlight again. We love how the bright color looks just right on a sleeveless dress. Whether it is tones of blue-red or a deep coral red we are loving all shades of rouge in cocktail dresses for spring.

Katherine Heigl graciously finishes her acceptance speech for Female Star Of The Year Award at the ShoWest convention after the strap on her red dress breaks. Also striking and red-carpet worthy is the Lotusgrace Pleated Taffeta Cocktail Dress (upper right, $460 at Saks.com). A perfectly pretty party dress featuring a full skirt and taffeta bow belt. This classic dress would be appropriate for a springtime wedding or even the prom! The full skirt has just the right fullness without looking like you're trying too hard. From Oscar de la Renta the Angled-Pocket Dress with black belt (bottom right, $1990 at Bergdorf Goodman) is classic with a Mandarin collar and slit neckline that will look simply marvelous at the office or for the chic-est of dinner parties. I could even imagine this for a first date. It is polished and sexy at the same time showing off just a little bit of leg thru the slit skirt. Very vintage chic with a wide patent leather black belt. For the budget conscious recessonista is a noteworthy deal of the week. The Perfect Pleated Sheen Dress (bottom left, $27.80 at Forever 21) is the most star-worthy of red dresses. Glamourous in it's appeal the pleated bust line and angled front seams combine for a hourglass figure fit. There is flexible boning embedded into the seam to add support and shape to the dress. Be sure to use some Bristol's 6 Stylin' tape to hold this dress up, unless of course you'd like to re-inact Katherine Heigl's dress malfunction! On your toes try some black Burberry platform sandals.

Save on your purchases at Forever 21 from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

As much as I'd like to think the country is easing itself out of the recession, there are signs every day that the retail industry at least still has a long way to go. Case in point: store closings are still happening.

They'll have the full story tomorrow, but WWD briefly reported today that 5th Avenue's Takashimaya is closing [subscription required]. The New York store was not nearly as big or as designer-heavy as its namesake department stores in Japan, but it was a great destination for unique gifts and especially for flowers. The silver lining in the cloud is that I'm assuming there will be a store-closing sale; as soon as I hear anything, I will of course post it.

Chicago's Jake boutique is also closing [subscription required], either by the end of this month or the beginning of next month. Jake used to be one of my favorite places to shop when I went home to Chicago, and they also had a great website; however as soon as the economy started to tank, the mini-chain had problems paying its bills, and a group of 28 designers, including Phillip Lim and Chris Benz, sued Jake for $516,000 in back receipts. After being sold to a group of silent investors, Jake soldiered on with lower-priced designers, but the magic was gone and the clients never returned. Also, there's something to be said for Karma. Jake's website never rebounded; for my Chicago readers, I'm assuming the remaining store on North Rush is having a closing sale, but I can neither confirm nor deny this.

Finally, after several months of rumors, American Eagle announced earlier this month that its Martin + Osa stores are closing [subscription required]. The chain was aimed at an older, twenty- and thirty-something audience, and while I found it to be great for casual and weekend pieces, it failed to address what young people really need: work clothes. According to WWD, most of the chain's 28 stores are expected to shutter by the end of the second quarter (July, in other words), but the website has already started discounting. Sale items--and there are a lot of them--are currently an extra 20% off, and if you're on Martin + Osa's mailing list, you know they frequently send out promo codes for additional discounts. I, of course, will report more about the sales as they progress. In the meantime, I ordered these skinny cargo pants, which I am really excited about; they're due to arrive tomorrow. Martin + Osa closing will definitely leave a void in the market--MW is especially bummed about the news--but there's always Madewell.

Designing Michelle Obama's inauguration outfit last year gave designer Isabel Toledo a boost, and now American women of all income brackets can afford her wares: she's designing a line for Payless [subscription required]. Toledo's shoes and handbags will retail for less than $40 and will hit stores in September. The critical favorite designer will join Christian Siriano, Alice + Olivia, and Lela Rose in creating inexpensive (and, in many cases, vegan-friendly) shoes for the mass shoe chain.

And this is not quite masstige, but it's welcome news: Remember Paper Denim & Cloth? It was one of the original premium denim brands, but as the market got increasingly crowded with the Sevens, Citizens of Humanity, and J Brands of recent years, it lost traction and faded from stores. Denimology reports the label has relaunched exclusively at National Jean Company and--the best part--every pair retails for a mere $100.

Top 10 NYC
Yep, it's that time again: Hermes bags, accessories, and clothes are up to 60% off (note: still quite expensive). 3/24–3/28; call 212-463-0200 for hours; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Built by Wendy's spring sample sale is worth schlepping out to Williamsburg for: dresses for $80, sandals for $45, and jeans for $50. 3/26–3/28; 10-8, noon-6 Su; 46 N. 6th St. (at Wythe Ave.), Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

ShopTheLook has trendy jewelry (usually seen at major department and specialty stores) for $15 and under. 3/23-3/25; 10-7; 10 W. 33rd St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

It's Friends & Family time at the Shoebox--take 20% off current-season shoes and bags from Sergio Rossi, Casadei, Botkier, and more. 3/25-3/28; click here for locations.

Find Tony Cohen, Andy & Debb, and more of my other favorite Fashion Week designers at Showroom Seven's sample sale. Prices are up to 90% off retail. Through 3/26; 10-7; 263 111th Ave. 27th & 28th Sts.), 3rd fl.

Get a head start on summer with a new swimsuit from Vix or Lisa Curran for $65 and up (cover-ups are $30 and up, flip-flops are $10 and up), at the J Rosen Showroom. Through 3/26; 10-8; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 1101.

In addition to their usual denim assortment The Warehouse Sale is bringing Tarte and BCBG Max Azria to the Metropolitan Pavilion this weekend; prices are up to 80% off retail. You must RSVP here to enter. 3/25-3/27; noon-8; 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 5th fl.

Give your apartment a drastic overhaul with a new rug from the Stark Carpet warehouse sale; prices start at $99 (up to 75% off). Fabrics and linens too! 3/24-3/28; 10-9 weekdays, 10-8 Sa, 10-6 Su; Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Bring in a gently worn pair of shoes to any Kenneth Cole store and get 20% off a new pair. The old ones will be donated to Soles4Souls and transported to Hatians in need. Through 3/31; click here to find a store.

W Magazine is taking over the Meatpacking District this weekend for Shop W Style, a day-long event in celebration of their first-ever shopping issue. The details are here.

Top 5 online
Spend $100 at Beauty.com and get a sample-filled makeup case designed by Chris Benz while supplies last.

Save up to 80% at Alloy.com's end of season clearance.

Get 15% off all bliss, remede and elemis products at blissworld.com with promo code APRIL10 at checkout through 3/25.

Orders over $25 ship for free at Karmaloop.com with code 3LEAF through 3/31.

Purchase two full-size Immortelle products at L'Occitane and get a special free gift through 4/11.

One of this season's hottest trends is utility chic. Think slim cargo pants, fitted work shirts, and leather messenger bags in shades of olive, khaki and gray. On your feet metallic sandals are the perfect complement to a utility chic ensemble. Whether you are a high-heeled girl or prefer to wear pretty flats, there are many options for metallic shoes this spring. We've rounded up our favorite for you to browse. It's time to "forward march" into springtime dressing!

A gladiator is the perfect complement to this season's skinny cargo pant. A flat sandal like Vince Camuto's Bach (upper left, $119.95 - this and all shoes from Shoebuy.com). This fashion forward style has a covered ankle and oval gunmetal grey buckle detail. A statement making sandal, the Jessica Simpson Koolia (upper right, $88.95) features a stacked platform heel with wide gold metallic straps. Up the front is a zip closure with stud detail, peep toe and tapered heel. A gladiator is on this season's must-buy list. The BCBGirls "Peter" (bottom left, $55.45) is an affordable and stylish gold metallic gladiator sandal. It is accented with coins and has an adjustable ankle strap. Another style from Jessica Simpson is the "Scilla" which features a high heel and pewter distressed suede metallic finish (right, $73.95). This ankle strap design includes a tie lace at front and wide banded straps.

Enter to win a $75 gift card from Shoebuy. Go the official TheFind Spring Fling Shoe Giveaway contest page here to ENTER!

SAVE on springs cutest shoes with an exclusive Shoebuy coupon code for fans of TheFind. Coupon expires 3/29/10.

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

I've just returned from a week-long vacation in Barbados, and like any tropical destination, the island has so much color: the turquoise sea, the magenta flowers, the green palm trees. Choosing to bring my Liberty Of London for Target purchases was a good idea*, as the floating, bright floral print dresses I bought were practically made for a vacation. And while returning to 65-degree weather in NYC was both unexpected and welcome, my closet is still in fall-winter mode, which means I've worn a mixture of gray and black the last two days. All of a sudden, my comfortably neutral wardrobe seems drab and dull. I have a short-term fix, however: Tomorrow I'm going to wear my Deborah Marquit boyshorts. I have a pair in fluorescent pink; they were a spur-of-the-moment purchase at Barneys several years ago, and I've found that wearing them instantly cheers me up. (Note: they are truly fluorescent.) The price may give you pause, but the fit is fantastic--full bum coverage, not-too-low rise--and they hold up incredibly well in the washing machine. Plus, they're completely unique--how many pairs of day-glo underwear have you ever come across in your life? If you want to double your pleasure, there's a matching bra too. It's not a new spring wardrobe, but it will tide you over until you can afford one.

*The Target Liberty of London collaboration is one of the best in recent history; fittingly, much of it has sold out online and in stores. However, here is my advice: The women's clothing is mostly polyester, but the girls' clothes are 100% cotton, fully lined, and yet half the price (at least). With the exception of one nightgown, I bought all girls' clothes--two dresses and a top--in size XL (I wear a women's 6 or 8, for reference). I got this dress and this one, both of which are still in stock in many sizes.

...to Barbados! Sorry for the lack of posts this week--it's been a doozy. So MW & I are taking off for a much-deserved vacation. I'll return later next week, so please check back then!

Top 10 NYC
Dolce & Gabbana and D&G separates, dresses, and accessories are on major sale. 3/11–3/14; 9-7, 9-6 Su; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 4th fl.

Fenton/Fallon's fashion-conscious jewelry is at below-wholesale prices. 3/12–3/13; noon-7 F, noon-6 S; 187 Chrystie St. (at Rivington St.).

If you can't wait till Sunday for the official launch of Target's Liberty of London collection, shop the popup store for four days beforehand! 3/10–3/13; 11-8 W, 9-8 Th-Su; 1095 6th Ave. (at 42nd St.).

Find a veritable bonanza--MCM handbags; dresses from Tuleh, Blumarine & more; carol Kauffman jewelry; and Cassin furs--all at Shelly and Renee's multi-designer sample sale. 3/9-3/11; 10-6; 135 W. 52nd St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 5th fl.

Felice Dee's annual eyewear sale boasts frames form Alain Mikli, Mykita, and more for 40%-80% off. 3/11–3/13; 11-7 Th, 10-6 F, 11-6 Sa; 69 E. 71st St. (Madison & Park Aves.).

Kenneth Jay Lane is moving from his Plaza Hotel location, so his iconic costume jewelry is now 40% off. Through 3/31; 11-7, noon-6 weekends; 1 W. 58th St. (at 5th Ave.).

The troubled Escada is taking up to 75% off its dresses, separates, and accessories. No strollers or children under 12. Through 3/10; 10-7, 10-5 W; Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 W. 19th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Find jeans by True Religion, AG, and other coveted brands at the Warehouse Sale. Click here to RSVP (you must, for entry). 3/11-3/13; noon-8; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.), 5th fl.

LF Stores' sale of the season is still going on, and shoes are $48, tops are $32-$38, jeans are $48, and boots are $68. Click here for stores.

Clothingline has kids clothes from Jacadi, Kule, and more. Through 3/10; 10-6; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

Top 5 online
Take $10 off $60 purchase at Beauty.com through this link.

Swimwear is on sale for $19.50 and up at Delia*s .

With your $55 purchase at L'Occitane, receive a free gift with purchase when you enter code ORGANIC at checkout (purchase must include 1 full size olive product).

Earn a gift card of up to $450 during Saks' Spend some, Get some event with code MAR2010 3/9-3/11 (in stores 3/11 only).

Use code MARCHMADNESS for 25% off your purchase at LuvCharlie thorugh 3/31.

To many, this coming Sunday, March 7th, is the Oscars. To me, it's the day Jean Paul Gaultier's Designer Collaboration hits Target. Racked National has a selection of images; some of the complete looks are a bit much, but there are many great pieces, such as this sunshiny yellow sundress.

Equally as exciting, a week later, Target drops its Liberty of London collaboration on Sunday, March 14th. The line is filled with swimsuits, rompers, accessories, and this fantastic maxi dress, all in the British department store's signature floral prints. (Are maxi dresses over? When they're as awesome as this one, who cares?) Check out a very robust preview at Refinery 29.

Racked NY was at Uniqlo this morning to cover the latest J+ arrivals; you can read their report here. As for Uniqlo's other designer collections, my friend The Shophound reports that this year's collaborations will be all Japanese designers, although whether they'll actually hit the Soho store remains to be seen. Then again, when you have Jil Sander, do you need anyone else?

Finally, if you haven't checked it out already, there's still plenty of inventory left in Narcisco Rodriguez's collection for eBay. Prices are a bit higher than the average masstige effort, however, this is Narcisco we're talking about, and, really, can you find a hotter dress than this for $250?

I'm sure you've noticed that the days are getting longer, which means spring is not far away. Most of us are ready for sunny spring days to arrive after a long, cold winter. If warm weather has not yet graced your part of the country - at least you can daydream. Think above the knee short sleeve shirtdresses for spring and summer. I am particularly loving Jason Wu's pink silk belted shirtdress. Just toss it on a shirt dress make dress, wrap a belt around your waist (or not!) and slip on some strappy criss-cross wedge sandals. Et voila, you are ready to welcome spring!

A youthful flouncy look can be yours with this Free People Striped Shirtdress (top left, $108 at Shopbop.com). Button up the 6-button closure and you'll be all tied up with a canvas waist tie and cute cuffed elbow-length sleeves. Perfect for a Sunday brunch or weekday office wear, the Ann Taylor Loft Petite Tie Neck Shirtdress (top middle, $79.50 at Ann Taylor Loft) is made of cotton with a touch of sheen. You'll be pretty in 'hot' pink in this shirtdress adorned with a ruffle tie collar and smocking at sleeves. For an edgier, downtown take on the shirt dress is Rogan's Innes shirtdress (top right, $288.00 at Shopbop), made of twill and buttoned up with a slouchy loose fitting silhouette, self-belt and shirttail hem. Jason Wu's Silk Shirtdress (bottom left, $995 at Neiman Marcus) is a luxe version of the classic '50s inspired belted shirtdress is re-interpreted by Wu into a decadent pink multi-color abstract print. Gorgeous waves of silk adorn this notched collar and button front belted dress featuring an A-line skirt.

Step into a pair of criss cross wedge sandals to accessorize your springtime shirtdress. My faves include wood-soled Belle by Sigerson Morrison Crisscross Wedge Sandals (top, $240 at Saks.com). Love the contrast of pebbled leather, wood and stud detailing. You'll be wearing these all through the summer! From Diane von Furstenberg is the Opal Wedge Platform Sandal (bottom, $295 at Saks). A streamlined modernist take on the wedge sandal, definitely a statement shoe with a sculpted wooden wedge and back zip closure.

Save on your purchases at Shopbop from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

The lovely ladies at AOL's Lemondrop blog asked me to come up with a list of 10 fashion & beauty things I can't live without, and you can see what they are here. (You can also see a photo of me, in case you ever wondered what I look like. Eep!) All but two items are under $100, and most are items I've never written about here. Read, enjoy, then go shopping!

The story of my life, basically, is that I have champagne taste on a beer budget. Of course, this has forced me to become a better shopper, and "never pay retail" are words I've come to live by. There are exceptions to this, however, and here's where we come to my kryptonite: perfume. Like most beauty products, it almost never goes on sale, and when it does (discontinued, gray market), you probably don't want it. I find everything about perfume seductive: the back-lit shelves, the scent strips, the pretty bottles, the way the scent interacts with your own chemistry, the fact that you can look like an absolute wreck, but the second you envelop yourself in a cloud of scent, you feel as glamorous as you want to be. All of these qualities are magnified with niche scents, and one of my favorite lines is Bond No. 9, whose MO is to name their rapidly expanding roster of fragrances after NYC neighborhoods and streets. Bond No. 9 tends to draw the most attention for its bottles, but, thankfully, they chose a more subdued (yet still totally glam) design for their new Bond No. 9 Signature perfume. I say thankfully, because the perfume is so fantastic, I'd hate for it to be overshadowed by the bottle. The star of Bond No. 9 Signature is the trendy oud, plus notes of rose, tonka bean, and musk; it sounds simple, but the result is incredibly rich, warm and creamy. The lasting power is fantastic--I sprayed it on my arm in the early afternoon, and by the time I went to bed that night, it was still in full effect, not to mention the coat I was wearing that day still carries a faint trace of the scent. (It reminds one of a line about women and their perfume from a Sondheim song: "Even when they leave, they still are there.") Ingredients that smell so divine and last so long do not come cheap, however, and at $330 for 3.3 oz., Signature is Bond No. 9's most expensive scent (save for those that come in Swarovski-crystal-encrusted bottles). Still, that much perfume will last a long time (especially when it's so potent), and the cost is a fraction of what, say, a designer handbag would cost. And while it might not be on sale, it's currently Beauty Week at Saks, meaning you'll at least get a sample-filled tote bag with your purchase--which, in the beauty world, is almost as good as a sale.

Top 10 NYC
My favorite jeans are $70 at the Earnest Sewn sample sale; dresses and tops are $50, and jackets are $70. Men's clothes too! 3/4–3/7; 10-8, 10-7 Su; 94 Orchard St. (Delancey & Broome Sts.).

At Wink's warehouse sale, find clothes and accessories from Dolce Vita, Free People, and other popular brands. 3/4-3/6; 11-7; 188 Columbus Ave. (68th & 69th Sts.).

Dress like a lady who lunches at prices to suit working girls: coats, jackets, gowns, andmore by Oscar de la Renta are up to 80% off at his warehouse sale. 3/3–3/4; 10-6; 224 W. 30th St. (7th & 8th Aves), ste. 1101.

Head up to ABC Carpet & Home's Bronx warehouse for a sale of epic proportions (and up to 75% off). 3/4–3/7; 10-7, 11-6 Su; 1055 Bronx River Ave. (at Watson Ave.), Bronx.

Prive won't release names yet, but they have more than 25 brands from contemporary designers at 60%-80% off retail, for men and women. 3/3-3/7; 10:30-7; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

Before it gets liquidated, score separates, gowns, accessories, and more for up to 75% off at the Escada sample sale. Leave the strollers and children under 12 at home. 3/7-3/10; Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 W. 19th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

Find Etro, Dolce & Gabbana, and other top designers for up to 75% off at Boutique on 57. 3/4-3/5; 10-7; 12 W. 57th St. (5th & 6th Aves.).

For the knitters out there, Purl is moving to a bigger new space in April, but until then, select yarn and other merch is up to 40% off. Through 3/31; 137 Sullivan St. (Houston & Prince Sts.).

Meet Rebecca Minkoff at Henri Bendel this Thursday, plus sip champagne, enter to win bags, and receive a free gift with your purchase. 3/4; 5-7 p.m.; 712 5th Ave. (56th & 57th Sts.).

Shop Aqua’s spring collection at Bloomingdale’s and receive a free striped tote bag with any purchase of $150 or more; you can also get it monogrammed on the spot. 3/6; 10–8:30; 1000 3rd Ave. (59th & 60th Sts.), 2nd fl.

Top 10 online
Avelle, aka Bag Borrow or Steal, has launched a private site, BBOSPrivateSale.com, where you can save up to 70% on new and previously owned bags and accessories during private sales every weekday. Plus, you can take an additional 10% off now through 3/31 with code SPRING10 at checkout.

Take 20% off all tops at Isabella Oliver with code TOPS20 through 3/7.

Take 15% off orders over $75 at Karmaloop.com with code MADNESS through 3/31.

Take $5 off a $50 offer (code fiveoff), $10 off a $75 order (tenoff), $15 off a $100 order (fifteen), or $20 off a $100 order (big20off), all at BigelowChemists.com through 3/31.

Use code MARCHON for 25% off any regular-priced items at HableConstruction.com now through 3/12.

Get a free Bliss gift bag with a $50 purchase at blissworld.com with promo code WANTIT at checkout through 4/30.

This week, get 5 free samples with your order at Kiehls.com.

Get a 7-piece natural and organic beauty sampler with your $60 order when you enter code NATURALBH at Cheryl Shops fave BeautyHabit.com through 3/5.

Take 10% off your order at FragranceNet.com with code 32SLE through 3/2.