Cheryl Shops

While I joke about fashion people being notoriously slow to adapt to technology, it's kind of the pot calling the kettle black. Yes, this blog has been around since 2003, but at some point, social media kind of passed me by, and I am slowly easing myself into it. I started a Twitter feed last year, yes, but only recently linked my RSS feed to it. And I've been on Facebook for years, but only today did I decide to make a Facebook fan page for Cheryl Shops. I generally use Facebook for personal purposes (my apologies to those of you who've tried to friend me and I've ignored you--it was, well, nothing personal), but I thought it was about time I try something new.

So, why should you become a fan of Cheryl Shops? My RSS feed goes to my Facebook page too, so you can see when I update the blog, without having to check back all the time. Plus, you'll get my real-time updates from Fashion Week and the various other events I attend but don't always post about. I'll also be sharing pictures from said events. Plus, there's something major that I can't talk about yet, but that I'll be sharing with you super-soon. Also, it's just a nice way to show that you care. So, please, become a fan today! (Or if not today, click on the box at the left tomorrow, or the day after...)

In what is definitely the best news I've heard today, I got an email from one of my favorite shoe lines, Sigerson Morrison, announcing that Jane Mayle is designing a capsule collection for their Upper East Side store. Let me reiterate: JANE MAYLE IS BACK! The collection will include over 30 pieces--coats, dresses, handbags, and boots--and will hit their 19 E. 71st Street store on September 22nd. Consider your calendar marked.

Because I'm feeling especially charitable this week, I have three sample sales for your shopping pleasure!

In NYC: Regardless of whether you incorporate their props into your, er, routine, there's no disputing the fact that Kiki de Montparnasse has gorgeous lingerie. Now through Wednesday, you can get it at heavily discounted prices: $35-$65 for bras, $15-$30 for thongs, $20-$45 for other undies, $45-$175 for loungewear, and $20-$75 for, ahem, accessories. Through 9/1; noon-7:30; 79 Greene St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).
UPDATE: The sale has been extended through Monday, September 6th, and everything is now an extra 20% off!

In Montauk: We're sadly nearing the end of the high season in the Hamptons, which means Cynthia Rowley is clearing out merch at her pop-up store at the Memory Motel. Prices are up to 80% off retail. Now through 9/6; 11-9; 696 Montauk Highway, Montauk.

Online: Gorjana makes simple yet incredibly chic jewelry and accessories, and starting Thursday 9/2, they're offering more than 30 styles for up to 65% off. Click on this link to shop.

Funky designer Henry Holland of UK label House of Holland is at it again with a new collection of tights for his revisited collaboration with Pretty Polly! Suspender-inspired, lacy knee patches, chain designs, and cheeky patterns make for a collection that's definitely sexier and more "look at me" than your traditional solid sheer styles. I like the mock suspender look of some of the styles, but they're definitely a little more on the lingerie side to be considered suitable for work! Also, if you were a fan of previous seasons' house patterns, you'll love this season's "Citights," which feature city-inspired patterns like the Statue of Liberty, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower. Personally, argyle, fishnet and striped are about as funky as I get when it comes to my own hosiery preferences, but I can still appreciate the fashion-forward edginess of innovative legwear! Based on her affinity for funky lace leggings and suggestive sheer patterns in lieu of pants, I already foresee Lady GaGa being spotted in one of these new styles in the near future!



Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Fashion people are notoriously slow to adapt to technology; they thought Natalie Massenet was nuts when she began Net-A-Porter, but the company has been purchased by luxury conglomerate Richemont for £350 million and she's laughing all the way to the bank. So I found Cathy Horyn's article about millennials and online shopping interesting yet odd. The article basically questions why Net-A-Porter, Shopbop, and La Garconne are so successful; her conclusion is that Gen Y wants its fashion NOW and looks to these websites for editorial inspiration, and if brands like Chanel want to court this younger customer, they're going to have to get with the program. Obviously, as a blogger (and as an e-commerce copywriter, which is my day job), I agree that the Internet is a major force; what is puzzling to me is why visionaries like Diane von Furstenburg (who Tweets, by the way!) are puzzled as to the success of these companies. There are many different ways to shop, and when it comes to convenience, really, nothing beats the Internet. Gen Y just happens to be the generation that's fully grown up with it. Is that so hard to figure out?

On a lighter note, Lila at Madison Avenue Spy interviewed The Cut's Amy Odell as part of her "retail therapy" series, and while I've always been a big fan of Amy's writing, I love her even more after reading this. She refuses to pay retail for anything--truly, a girl after my own heart.

Also, Garance Doré has officially moved to New York (I'm guessing she moved in with her boyfriend, otherwise known as The Sartorialist), and we now have a series of fish-out-of-water posts to look forward to. Her first was this amusing meditation on the unique vocabulary of NYC nail salons.

Last year, I bought an Astor satchel by MICHAEL Michael Kors. I kept taking it out of its dustbag and inspecting it, then putting it back, and after much debate, I ended up returning it. The size was perfect, the inner pockets were plentiful, and I loved the raised gold-stud hardware. However, I couldn't get over the fact that it was a Michael Kors bag, because in my mind, I am not a Kors girl--I live in Brooklyn, I work in a creative field, I wear A.P.C. and Rag & Bone, etc. I still think about that bag, how maybe I should've kept it, and that, really, I need to get over myself. Two things have recently made me rethink my opinion of Mr. Kors' work (which, by the way, I've always admired--I just thought it wasn't for me): One, this excellent profile by Amy Larocca in last week's New York Magazine fashion issue, which portrays Kors as a humble and hard-working all-American designer who fully embraces his commercialism. Two, I got a Michael Kors catalogue in the mail the other day, and the thing is genius. Like his stores, it features items from all his lines--the bridge MICHAEL, the contemporary KORS, and the designer Michael Kors--all interspersed with each other, which is refreshing (and it's fun to play "guess the price point" before you read the credits!). Even better, it all looks amazing. Carmen Kass, one of Kors' favorite models, is featured prominently, and while she can make a garbage bag look fantastic, she really makes me want to buy, oh, this $5,000 coat and these $1,000 cashmere sweatpants. I mean, hello.

Slightly more within reach, however, are the MICHAEL and KORS items, especially the accessories. I see at least several women a day carrying this handsome Hamilton tote (available in multiple sizes and colors), and the Astor is back in this convertible tote version, which might be even better than my satchel that got away. What really caught my eye, however, was the boots. There's a sturdy-looking cuffed bootie, an updated-classic riding boot, a super-trendy over-the-knee clog boot, and the pair I absolutely must have, the buckled, strappy platform Tatum boot. Really, the last thing I need is another pair of black boots, but, well, there's always room for one more, right? All in the name of supporting great American fashion designers...

The Vena Cava for Aqua collection is now on sale at Bloomingdales.com! The handy landing page gives you an at-a-glance preview of the entire line, and I can say it looks very Vena Cava, which is good news for fans of the label. The day dresses are what really stand out for me; this triangle-print chiffon number is my favorite, I think (although it's hard to pick!). The collection is available now online and in stores starting September 1st.

Nitrolicious reports that the Isabel Toledo for Payless collection is now live; I must say, I'm impressed with how much quirkiness the mass chain let her get away with. Case in point: the totally weird yet awesome High Ghillie booties and the fabulous Belted Poodle boots. My favorite pair, however, is the supersexy Toreador pump--with shoes this hot, who needs leather?

And, finally, in other shoe news, Fashionista reports that the next round of Pierre Hardy for Gap shoes hit stores October 19th and, shockingly, cost only $95. I'll take one of each!

If you see a cool girl wearing a cool outfit in a cool neighborhood in Brooklyn, chances are she got it at one of the borough's several Bird stores, which stock Isabel Marant, Phillip Lim, Maria Cornejo, and other, well, cool designers. This weekend, head over to the mini-chain's Park Slope branch and score the aforementioned designers (plus a bunch of others) for up to 80% off. 8/27-8/29; noon-8 F, noon-7 Sat., noon-6 Sun.; 316 5th Avenue (2nd & 3rd Sts.), Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Designer Aurélie Bidermann offers a quirky and elegant touch of bling with her stunning lace rings in gold, silver, and blackened silver. Individually handcrafted from pieces of vintage lace, these rings are then dipped in the different metals for their final effect. The look is a balance between ladylike delicacy and edgy punk-rock, making these the ideal statement piece for the fall season!



Even with the simplest top and jeans, these rings give an avant garde lift to your ensemble. Hauntingly reminiscent of memento morii and other Victorian oddities, these little bits of lace are a lovely bit of ethereal design that is meant to be noticed! Plus, their luxurious craftsmanship make them a piece of art that you can wear every day.

Subtle, feminine, and shimmering, these rings are a detailed bit of artisanal luxury that goes right on your finger!

- Annie Wilson

Save on Aurelie Bidermann Jewelry at Vivre from TheFind's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

If you like to drink for free, ogle fashionable people, and not spend any money, good news: Fashion's Night Out is back! The official website is live with event listings, which means from now until September 10th, I will be inundated with pitches. Here's what's new and exciting: FNO is on a Friday night, which means you can drink all the champagne you want and not have to show up hung over at work the next day, and it's not just for New Yorkers anymore--this "global initiative" is now happening in countries around the world and in states all across this fine country of ours. To save you from wading through the rather extensive event listings, The Cut has helpfully compiled the most promising events of the evening. I'm getting drunk* just thinking about it.

For those of you who've always wanted to attend a runway show, I say start a fashion blog! Well, or you can purchase tickets to the Fashion's Night Out Fashion Show taking place at Lincoln Center on September 7th. The American Express presale is already sold out, but general public tickets go on sale Thursday, 8/19 for $25-$400. Unlike real fashion shows, I suspect this one will start on time and that people will actually sit in their assigned seats.

It's more crowded than the F train, most of the merch is dirty and/or old, and until the markdowns start, the prices are no lower than the final round of sales in store. And yet, every season, I traipse off to the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale in search of fashion valhalla. Sometimes I am lucky (Lanvin flats for under $100!), sometimes I am not. Still, it's worth it: Prices start at 50-75% off and can go up to 95% off by the final weekend. Ladies, take a small purse (otherwise you'll have to check it) and please wear modest undergarments, because everyone in the store is going to see them if you try anything on. Good luck and godspeed. It starts Thursday 8/19, with hours 8 a.m.-9 p.m. the first two days; 10-9 weekdays and 10-7 weekends thereafter. 8/19-9/6; 255 W. 17th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

And online this Friday, 8/20, Gilt Groupe is partnering with Target for a first-ever preview of their upcoming masstige collections from Mulberry, Tucker by Gaby Basora, and John Derian. This is awesome, because those collections hit stores October 10th, September 12th, and September 5th, respectively. If you are not yet a member of Gilt Groupe (to which I say, really?), click here to join.

For the last three days, Tommy Ton has been posting gratuitous shots of Celine clothes, shoes, and bags at his Jak & Jil blog, each post filled with more drool-worthy items than the last. He kicked off with a two-paragraph analysis from T's Sally Singer, and I fully agree with her assessment: Phoebe Philo's designs combine luxury and utilitarianism into a new minimalism that looks more modern than anything else out there at the moment. Philo, as you may know, started under Stella McCartney at Chloé, then took over the house when McCartne left and remained there until early 2006, when she left to spend more time with her family. Philo joined Celine nearly two years ago, and has since transformed the brand from a stale old French house to one of the most directional and influential around.

Celine can currently be found at Barneys and Bergdorf's in NYC and at the Celine store in Bal Harbor, Florida; sadly, it's not sold online, however a handful of the bags and shoes recently turned up on Bluefly for about 20% off retail (not bad!). I, however, am holding out for this hobo--quite possibly one of the most perfectly luxurious and chic bags I've ever seen.

One look at any summer or fall runway or lookbook and it's easy to see that the current fad in high-fashion footwear is clunky and funky. When it comes to wedges, the higher (and harder to walk in) the better, and while they're not exactly "pretty," these sky-high shoes exude a fashion-forward coolness in the fact that they aren't dainty and have the ability to instantly "rough up" an otherwise predictable outfit. While the look is undoubtedly haute for the runway, the whole "hoofed" look can be a bit difficult to translate in real life in a way that's still flattering and somewhat practical, without taking away from the style's edge factor. As a result, I've compiled a small collection of some summer-friendly wooden wedges -- the fashionista's alternative to the fresh-off-the-runway cloppy creations. I don't know if it's just the nature of the material, but there's something about wooden wedges that makes ridiculously high heels immediately more day-appropriate when you'd otherwise look more "streetwalker" than chic. Edge up your girliest sundress with a pair of platform buckled sandals like these from Dolce Vita, or make your average jeans-and-tee combo much more interesting with a pair of wooden metallic sandals like these Steve Maddens. Sure, they may not be the easiest to walk in, but hey -- being chic sometimes takes practice!

Clockwise from top left: Mango Cuna Ankle Strapped Wooden Wedge, Chloe Peep-toe leather sandals, , Jeffrey Campbell Snick Wedge, and Diane von Furstenberg Opal Wedge.

- Alex Gambardella


Save on Wooden Wedge Sandals at Shopbop from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

The lucky ladies at Fashionista got to model the new Vena Cava for Aqua collection, which will be available at Bloomingdale's and Bloomingdales.com this fall. (I love the sexy lace inset on this tee, pictured at right. It's very Vena Cava.) I also spotted a wispy faux fur vest in the Bloomingdale's Girls Night Out catalog that came over the weekend. Speaking of Vena Cava, Style.com has photos of their lower-priced Viva Vena line, which according to them, is in stores now.

And while I always cover Target's clothing and accessory masstige collections, I often glaze over its home collaborations. Until now, that is--Nitrolicious has photos of the upcoming John Derian for Target line; the 100-piece collection is priced entirely under $25 and hits stores September 5. (And for the John Derian fans out there, this is actually his second project with Target--the first happened two years ago). Lucky for me, I will be in Michigan, land of suburban sprawl, when these products hit shelves, so look out, Michigan Targets. I'm coming!

Few designers make a clutch more perfect than Lauren Merkin's--they're structured yet feminine and come in all kinds of colors and textures, perfect for coordinating with and/or emphasizing your evening-out look. Of course, she makes regular handbags too, and at her sample sale this week, you can find bags, accessories, and more for up to 70% off. 8/10-8/14; 11-7, 11-4 Sat.; 231 W. 29th St, (7th & 8th Aves.), suite 201.

At most press events I go to, I say hello to the PR girls (or guys), grab a glass of wine, take a stroll around to look at the clothes, then go on my merry way, a process that usually takes 20 minutes max. However, the other night I attended a launch for Tory Burch's new denim line at her Meatpacking District store, and I must say, it was the most fun I've ever had at one of these things. (Then again, Tory knows how to be a good hostess.) Yes, there was food and drink to be had, but the main event was that all of the online editors and bloggers in attendance were asked to style a look incorporating a pair of jeans. We had free reign over everything in the store--shoes, bags, jewelry, and did I mention shoes? It was far more challenging than one would expect, but instead of trying to create something funky or super-individualistic or "editorial," I just picked things that I would wear. So here's my outfit at right--the model is wearing the Frankie jacket, denim leggings (here's a similar style), Ginevra booties, the Danielle and Karen cuffs, an Afrikan bracelet, and what I'm pretty sure are these oversized sunglasses. The top I used was a sleeveless silk tunic-length style with scalloped tiers, and the scarf is actually a fine-gauge metallic-stripe sweater that I tied around the model's neck--both are currently unavailable on the website. I forgot to add a bag (zoinks!), but the model was so fabulous, you almost don't miss it.

Now, here's the fun part. If you go to THE LATEST tab on Tory's Facebook page, you can see all the looks from the event (mine is the third) and vote for your favorite by typing the name of the blog. (Subliminal message: Vote for meeee!) In the interest of full disclosure, whoever gets the most votes wins their entire look. Then again, regardless of whether I win, I am definitely buying those clog boots!

As for the denim, it's good stuff. I tried on a few pairs--jeggings, tomboy, and skinny--and can report that the pockets are well-placed (key for giving your bum a good shape), the feel is supersoft, and the fits are flattering and true to size. I settled on a skinny jean with a carpenter loop--it's not available on the website at the moment, but there are a few pairs left at the Meatpacking and Nolita stores. (I should also note, again in the interest of full disclosure, that I, and all attendees, received a free pair, which was an incredibly generous gift.) The price points hover around the $200 mark, putting them on par with Paige, J Brand, and Current Elliott, but like most of Tory's clothing, there's a certain accessibility to it--it's stylish but not scary. Go ahead and try a pair--ToryBurch.com is currently offering free shipping (and returns) on all jeans.

Elegant, ethereal, and the epitome of glamour, a chic headband composed of stars is every girl's dream come true. The perfect accoutrement for the fall and holiday party season, a glittering headband, like this one created by Giant Dwarf on Etsy, will make you the belle of every ball! Pair with only the simplest of outfits for full impact; a slender column of silk charmeuse, a trim jersey top with skinny jeans, or just a well-tailored blazer will be all you need. There's something of another time about a headband like this, as though it was the accessory of choice of the flapper girls of the 1920s - it certainly has that type of glamour!

For a more versatile bit of stars, look for stars on simple bobby pins that you can add to a chignon or party-going up-do. Either way, the look will be showstopping!

- Annie Wilson



Save on Glitter Headbands at Gap from TheFind.com's coupon site

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Although I don't live in it, Fort Greene is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Brooklyn. MW and I took a stroll over there last Saturday; we had brunch outdoors at the excellent Ici, and then we decided to check out the Brooklyn Flea. Much has been written about the awesomeness that is the Flea, and while I don't know that I can contribute anything that hasn't already been said, I will say that it's a great place for two of my favorite things: vintage clothing and handmade jewelry. (And also lobster rolls, but that's an entirely different story for a different blog.) While there is no shortage of the former (in varying degrees of price and quality, of course), a unique jewelry vendor is a great find, which is why I was so psyched to discover Species by the Thousands. I like a little Goth in my jewels, and Species by the Thousands' weird forest-creature aesthetic is totally up my alley. They have wolf rings, cleaver pendants, and oh-so-current extended twig rings. I bought a monocle pendant that's no longer available on the site, and, at $25, it was the bargain of the day. (They were also selling pendants made from vintage spoon handles; I'm kicking myself for not buying one, and I'm contemplating going back this weekend to see if they have any more.) Species by the Thousands also sells clothing of a similar eco-woodsman yarn; I like this vaguely pagan moon sweater. It should also be noted that Urban Outfitters, which in the past has knocked off cool indie designers but has since begun to champion them, now carries the line. However, I will continue to shop for it at the Flea because, as Species' website notes, "How do crazy people go through the forest? They take the psychopath." And I'll take the psychopath any day.

Poor Alicia Keys. Normally her wedding to Swizz Beatz* would be big news, but even with Bono, Deepak Chopra, and Queen Latifah in attendance, she got overshadowed by the former first daughter, who walked the aisle in $20k worth of Vera Wang silk tulle on the very same day. The funny thing is, Vera Wang dressed Keys too, and I must say, I like her gown a whole lot better than Chelsea's. (Apparently I agree with Cathy Horyn, who, between this article and her recent Snooki profile, is doing little to disguise her contempt for such reporting.) Which is not to say that Chelsea didn't look beautiful--she did, and, as Women's Wear Daily reports [subscription required], she toned her frame with months of intensive SoulCycle and Core Fusion classes (funny, I never see Chelsea at Exhale Soho--I bet she's an uptown girl). Contrast that with Alicia Keys and her wedding-day baby bump, cleverly concealed by that big bouquet of lilies. Still, Alicia looks relaxed and vibrant and bien dans son peau, as the French say. Chelsea's dress is overall indicative of the current vogue for brides--strapless, accented waist, full ballgown skirt--it's gorgeous and tasteful, but it's not necessarily Fashion. I might just be extrapolating my own desires for a wedding dress, but I'll gladly take looking like a goddess in an asymmetrically draped column over looking like a cake topper trussed up in tulle.

*Do you think Alicia Keys will take her husband's name? Will she be Alicia Beatz? Or Alicia Keys Beatz?

Alexander Wang didn't hold a sample sale in NYC last fall--Gilt Groupe had the honor of hosting it, online only. But for those of you who love battling the fashion cognoscenti for shredded tops, boxy boyfriend blazers, and skintight skinny pants, it's your chance to make up for lost time: Wang is back on the sample sale circuit with 2010 resort and spring collections up to 80% off--clothes and, yes, handbags. Credit cards will be accepted on purchases of $200 or more. The sale runs 8/5-8/8; 2-7 Th, 10-7 F & S, 10-4 Su; 93 Mercer St. (Spring & Broome Sts.).