Cheryl Shops

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

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


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

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

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

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



Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

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

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

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

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

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

12/21-12/22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

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