December sample sales in New York City

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.

TheFind Guest Post: Utility-Inspired Vests For a Versatile Laid-Back Look



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.

Lazy shopping: fall fashion remainders

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?



What I want now


In These Shoes: J.Crew crystal wing ballet flats

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.

TheFind Guest Post: Keep Things Interesting with an Evening Party Look That's Part Girly, Part Rocker-Chic!



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.

Last week for November sample sales in NYC

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. 39th 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.

New shopping news! Boutiques.com

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.

In These Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Jodhpur Boots

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.

MasstigeWatch: Lanvin for H&M in stores Saturday

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?

UPDATE: November Sample Sales in New York City

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.

TheFind Guest Post: Go From Working Hours To Happy Hour With a Sensible Yet Stunning Ensemble!



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.

In These Shoes: Elizabeth & James Scuff Boots


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...

November Sample Sales in New York

Don't say I never do anything for you--here's a list of upcoming sample sales this month in NYC. Now until Christmas is one of the two best times to shop in the city (the other time being May, when the majority of spring sample sales fall), so rest up, stay hydrated, and be kind to your fellow shoppers. I'll update this list if any notable sales should pop up; I'll also post another list in early December.

Through 11/11
Butter, Bettye Muller, Something Bleu, and Tibi shoes are priced as follows: $60 sample shoes, $100 sample boots, $100 stock shoes, $200 stock boots. Cash only. 10-7; 307 7th Ave. (27th & 28th Sts.), ste. 2307.

Through 11/11
MCM handbags, Marlies Dekkers lingerie, and eveningwear from Heidi Wiesel, Marc Bower, Anne Bowen, Lela Rose & more are on sale. 10-6; 265 W. 37th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 16th fl.

Through 11/12
Kathryn Amberleigh's boots and shoes are up to 80% off. Cash only. 3-8 p.m.; 195 Chrystie St. (Stanton & Rivington Sts.), ste. 809g.

11/9-11/11
nOir Jewelry is 50-80% off at their sample sale. 10-7; 350 W. 38th St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 5th fl.

11/9-11/11
Tibi makes my favorite party dresses and great separates too; prices are roughly 50% off, and often get further marked down as the sale continues. 10-6; 409 W. 39th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

11/9-11/11
Rachel Leigh's costume jewelry is up to 80% off. Cash only. 10-5; 252 W. 38th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 902.

11/9-11/12
Nanette Lepore dresses are $145, outerwear is $195-$275, and separates are $95. 9-7, 9-5 F; 225 W. 35th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 4th fl.

11/9-11/12
At the J.Crew holiday sale, find past- and current-collection items for up to 60% off. 10-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

11/10-11/11
Anlo & Shoshanna are once again teaming up for a joint sample sale; Anlo prices are mostly under $100 (sorry, no word on Shoshanna). 10-6:30 W, 10-6 Th; 231 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), ste. 422.

11/10-11/12
Catherine Malandrino fall/winter clothes (including runway looks) are much more affordable at her sample sale: $295 for leather jackets, $155 dresses, $95 blouses, and $65 skirts. RSVP to samplesale@catherinemalandrino.com for an extra 10% off. 8-8; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

11/10-11/14
Sferra linens are up to 70% off retail--think everything from sheets to bathrobes. 10-7, 10-6 Su; Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

11/10-11/14
Tess Giberson's thoughtfully luxe coats, dresses, separates, and accessories are up to 70% off. 3-7 W-F, 1-5 S-S; 97 Crosby St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

11/11-11/12
Find some of my favorite lingerie and excellent ready-to-wear too at Araks' sample sale. 8:30-7:30 Th, 9-6:30 F; 137 Grand St. (Crosby & Lafayette Sts.), 5th fl.

11/12-11/13
Archetype Showroom has Iro knits, LnA basics, Won Hundred shoes, and more good stuff from indie designers. 10-7 F, noon-6 S; 676 Broadway (Bond & Great Jones Sts.), 2nd fl.

11/12-11/13
Waterworks luxury bath fixtures and tiles are up to 80% off--a sale worth hauling to Connecticut for. 10-4 F, 9-4 S; 60 Backus Ave., Danbury, Connecticut.

11/13
Attention, brides-to-be: Vera Wang gowns are up to 75% off--selection includes true samples and overstock. 9-5; 225 W. 39th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 9th fl.

11/14-11/18
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.).

11/14-11/18
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.

11/16-11/19
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.

11/17-11/19
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.).

11/17-11/20
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.).

11/18-11/19
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.

11/18-11/20
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.

TheFind Guest Post: Oxford Pumps Step Up Your Perfect Preppy-Chic Look!



It's hard to imagine that before last year, girlie versions of menswear-inspired oxford flats weren't a wardrobe staple for nearly every in-style fashionista. And while the trend doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, like many much-loved and well-established fashion fixation, it's inevitably going to get its seasonal updates to keep the look fresh (and keep the trend out of "tired fad" territory)! This season the oxford is stepping up its game with schoolgirl-inspired pumps, giving the otherwise casual flat a boost in height, dressiness, and an added dose of feminine flair. These suede oxford heels from Urban Outfitters are a good basic pair to use a reference point, but for something a bit more fun, these Poetic License 'Backlash' pumps look like they stepped straight from a fairy tale (in the most adorable way possible, of course)! The preppy heel isn't exactly new, but this season's modernized versions are a bit more fun and whimsical than the pair you might have been forced to wear with your private school uniform!

Also pictured: Seychelles Spellbound Oxford and J. Crew Langford Oxfords

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Obi Belts

When it comes to accessories, bags and shoes tend to steal all the glory. However, I think belts are just as important. They have the power to totally transform the shape of your outfit, and they can make your look go from lackluster to amazing in mere seconds. I believe good belts are worth investing in--you'll have them for years, and they can really elevate everything else you're wearing. I have belts of all colors and shapes, from basic black and wide to skinny and metallic, and with all manner of embellishment. I tend to throw my accessory conservatism out the window when it comes to belts--I'll wear studs, fringe, crazy colors, etc. The latest style I have my eye on, however, is the somewhat understated obi belt. Based on the belt of a traditional Japanese kimono, obi belts are extra wide, worn at the waist and tied wherever you like. They have an incredibly flattering effect of cinching in and drawing attention to your waist; if you're thick through the middle like I am, they're a godsend. The good news is that you can find obi belts at all price ranges, and there are some great budget options too (some even in real leather!). Let's tie one on, shall we?

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Like many women, I worship at the altar of Isabel Marant, and so I love her show belt. It's a very thick four inches wide, so it's not good for the short-waisted gals out there, but the detail and buttery leather on this style is really to die for.


This Valentino belt is a more ladylike interpretation of the trend--it ties simply in front, and other than the contrast piping, it's really quite simple. But this proves that there are many ways to wear a trend, and it doesn't always have to be literal.


This Karen Zambos belt can be worn several different ways, which I always love. (It's like multiple belts in one--see how I rationalize that?) It also looks a bit more streamlined than some of the other styles, which is useful if your style tends more toward the minimalist.


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I feel like my mom had a belt very similar to this Halston Heritage style back in the '70s; it has a definite disco vibe to it. At 5 inches wide, this one definitely makes a statement, but since it's more sash-like than some of the others here, you can pretty much customize it to create your own fit.


At 1.5 inches, this Sachin + Babi wrap belt seems incredibly narrow compared to some of the other styles featured here, but I think the width makes it more versatile. Plus, you can always wrap it to make it seem wider--at 118 inches long, it should go around your waist several times.


This Isabella Oliver belt has a unique corset-inspired design, which gives it a sexier, more polished look. I think this would be great to add to a sheath dress, taking it from a day at work to a night out.


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This Urban Outfitters belt is from its recycled Urban Renewal project, which means what you get might not look exactly like what's pictured (nor does it seem can they guarantee what the belt is made out of). Still, the price is very reasonable, and the way it tapers at the side looks very vintage-inspired.


This ASOS belt is reportedly leather, which makes its roughly $30 price tag seem almost too good to be true. Even if it's faux, the styling is very classic and versatile--this is a solid obi belt.


I saw a version of this Limited belt at its press preview a few months ago, and I've been thinking about it ever since. This style has topstitched faux leather on one side, which is a nice detail, and it reverses to satin, so you can wear it on dressier occasions too. This is exactly the kind of belt that really makes your outfit stand out. And two belts (in one) for $34.90 is an amazing deal, if you ask me.

MasstigeWatch: Lanvin for H&M!

To most people, today was election day. To fashion people, it was the day in which we got our first look at Lanvin for H&M. The best introduction is the following video, starring everyone from Irina Lazareanu to Carmen dell'Orefice.



Now that that's taken care of, Nitrolicious has the ad campaign images, and The Cut has the entire lookbook, with prices. Basically, dresses range from $149-$249, shoes are $99, coats are $149-$349, and accessories are $20-$50. There are pieces for men too, including an awesome-looking $299 tuxedo. The items pieces on my must-have list are this one-shoulder deep purple dress ($199) and the leopard shoes ($99), both pictured here. Everything is very iconic Lanvin, and I must say, this is H&M's best-looking designer collaboration in years. It all hits U.S. H&M stores on November 20 and the rest of the world on November 23. Stay tuned for exact stores and opening times, although do note that the 20th is a Saturday. Think it's worth getting up early for?

In These Shoes: Jessica Simpson Dany


There is talk that, for spring, shoes are getting lower. On the table: everything from sturdy flats to kitten heels, ladylike pointed toes and sensibly streamlined shapes. This makes me depressed. True, there is a time and a place for flats, and I've been known to wear a dainty shoe when the occasion calls for it. However, with platforms being all the rage the last few seasons, I've become hopelessly addicted to them. I'm five foot seven in bare feet, and a good pair of platforms pushes me close to, if not above, a commanding six feet. Not to mention that all that extra height elongates the legs (key, considering the skinny jeans and other leg-focused silhouettes that have been in fashion the last few seasons) and shaves off pounds. So until platforms are hopelessly out of style and you can no longer find them in stores, I'm going to continue to buy them. In other words, you can pry my platform shoes out of my cold, dead hands. One style that's been on my radar for awhile is, believe it or not, Jessica Simpson's Dany sandals. They are, to be honest, slightly ridiculous. And yet the 5.8-inch heel beckons. That's right--these give you nearly 6 inches of added height. Thanks to the 3-inch platform, they are reportedly quite comfortable and walkable. (Okay, they're not like a pair of Birkenstocks or anything, but you get the point.) The Dany is thankfully back in stock on the Jessica Simpson website; in addition to the standard black and tan, it's now available in a crackled metallic silver and a superhot stamped snakeskin pattern, which I've pictured here. The best part about the Dany, however, is the price: a mere $98, which makes them an affordable treat. I plan on wearing mine all winter with tights--the platform will, at least, keep me high above the snowdrifts.

Sample Sale of the Week: Privé Fall Sample Sale

There are a bunch of companies in this city that run sample sales on a fairly regular basis. There's Clothingline, on 36th Street; there's the place on 5th Avenue and 29th Street that hosts the DVF and Hanky Panky sales, among others; there's Soffier-Haskin; there's Shelley & Renee; and then there's The Privé, which is fairly new to the game. Operating out of a space in the Chelsea Market, the Privé hosted the last Rag & Bone sale and the last few Adam sales, which were apparently epic. Word on the street is that their multi-designer sales are pretty good, with a cool mix of contemporary labels. The lineup won't be revealed until the last minute, but past designers have included Lewis Cho and Isli. Take a chance this weekend. 11/4-11/7; 10:30-7:00 (10:30-6 Sun.); Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (15th & 16th Sts.).

For a crack at similar contemporary labels, but in a slightly more serene environment, hit Revolve Clothing, where you can find over 4,000 items from designers like Ella Moss and J Brand for up to 90% off, all from the comfort of your home (or work) computer.

TheFind Guest Post: Kimono Dresses Inject a Little Romance into Your Fall Wardrobe



It may be officially past the time for you to pack up your filmy sundresses and linen skirts, but there's no reason you can't show off your gams in more fall-friendly dress styles! I'm loving kimono dresses for the season ahead, because they're easy to wear and surprisingly comfortable, while still giving a vibe of instant romance and a floaty ethereal quality. While Asian-inspired prints can often make the look appear slightly too kitschy (after all, the kimono inspiration is already plenty apparent in the silhouette), modern takes on the trend make the look versatile for day or night! The Alice + Olivia Kingsley Kimono Dress has been spotted on trendsetters like The Bachelorette's Ali Fedotowsky and Tinsley Mortimer, and is the perfect laidback look that still looks flirty and put-together. For something that's a bit more glamorous, this Michael Kors tweed print kimono dress is sophisticated for the office, but can also be taken out for post-work cocktails, much like this beaded Akiko dress, which is ready to hit the town! And for those of you who like to show a little more skin, this Issa kimono dress boasts a daring plunging neckline to balance out the more voluminous coverage in the sleeves!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.