Cheryl Shops

While being stuck inside for 48+ hours was probably not what I would have chosen to do last weekend if given the option, MW & I made lemons out of lemonade and got a bunch of stuff done around the apartment. I was a bit miffed to be missing the Bird warehouse sale, but, lo and behold, they've extended it through Wednesday to make up for lost time. Expect clothing for men & women from Bird's ever-hip roster of designers (think Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey, Alexander Wang, and the like) for up to 80% off. Through 8/31; noon-8; 316 5th Ave. (2nd & 3rd Sts.), Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Given the surplus of ridiculously cheap jewelry I've collected from Forever 21 and Old Navy (hey, it doesn't look as cheap as it is - at least not until the 10th wear, and by then it's practically bought itself!), I have a hard time justifying splurging on bangles and baubles. I mean, why spend so much money on a single piece of fine jewelry for myself when I can get a whole handful of faux trinkets for a fraction of the price? Of course, there are always exceptions... namely when a genius collaboration of designers births an accessories line so chic, I can't bear to pass it up, even if it goes against all my more practical budgeting plans. And the long-anticipated Lulu Frost for J. Crew collection is definitely one of those lines that's worth pushing frugality to the wayside. Incorporating all sorts of on-trend styles like chunky bangles, multi-colored enamel jazzed up with sparkling crystal accents, and bold geometric shapes, these updated Art Deco inspired pieces are the perfect contrast to the upcoming season's oversized sweaters, muted hues, and chunky knits! Plus, ranging in price from around $45 to $135, you can still indulge without feeling too impractical... plus, these pieces won't fall apart by the 12th time you wear them!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Fashion Week starts exactly two weeks from today, which means it's time to start planning my outfits! The challenge, as always, is finding footwear that strikes a balance between style and comfort; while I'd love for you to think I strut in 5-inch Louboutins from fashion shows to a private car, it's more like I hoof it by bus, subway, and foot from Lincoln Center to Chelsea and back. It's a glamorous life, I tell you. Anyway, I rely heavily on platforms and wedges during Fashion Week, and so I'm always on the lookout for a new pair. I'm not shy about my love of Jeffrey Campbell, and since he does those two categories quite well, I think these Fortuna platform sandals look quite promising. They combine a three-inch wedge heel with a 1.5-inch platform, which puts them just out of the flatform category--there's enough of a slope to be flattering, and what's essentially a 1.5-inch heel should be easy to walk in, especially with the slight upward angle at the front of the shoe. Another key to wearing a chunky wedge like this is having a light-colored sole--a darker color looks like cement blocks on your feet (thus making your legs look thicker), while something closer to one's skin tone color extends the leg visually. But a shoe's support doesn't come from the sole alone, and this one has lots of straps and a sturdy ankle that actually zips up the back. That said, the Fortuna is pretty stylish and, worn with the right outfit, will still hopefully get me snapped by the Japanese street fashion photographers (god only knows where those photos end up). And considering they're on sale for $99.95, I'd call this perfect marriage of style and comfort a Fashion Week–worthy bargain.

The Barneys Warehouse Sale is starting a bit late this year, and instead of running two-plus weeks, it's clocking in at a sleek twelve days, starting Thursday and ending Labor Day. Prices start at 50%-75% off, but no word yet on when additional discounts kick in; I'd advise checking Racked for the most updated information I'll probably head over midweek next week--follow me on Twitter for the latest. Of course,  please feel free to share your discoveries in the comments section below! 8/25-9/5; visit the above website for hours (they vary); 255 W. 17th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

Ever since updated takes on the revived fad of 90s-tastic motorcycle jackets emerged on the scene, moto-inspired styles (even in the form of bags and jewelry) have proved to be quite the long-standing fashion force to be reckoned with. But despite the tough-girl coolness that automatically seems to come with a leather jacket, new updates on the style seek to show the softer side of the moto trend (literally and figuratively) with cozy-cool jersey versions of the hottest biker-gal trend. For starters, cozy up in this autumn-ready fleece moto from the Gap, or this denim-look french terry moto jacket from C&C California, which is perfect for pairing over leggings or even a casual dress to complete your effortlessly cool weekend look. On the flip side, balance your edgy-gal look by rocking your over-the-knee leather boots with a moto jacket that doesn't turn your ensemble into leather overkill; this Burberry London Jersey Jacket with leather trim has just the right amount of biker inspiration while still giving a new, more flexible spin on the style!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

If you've been in an NYC taxi anytime recently, you've likely seen snippets of Talk Stoop, an NBC talk show hosted by Cat Greenleaf and filmed on the front stoop of her brownstone, which happens to be on the same block on which I live. (Often when I come home from work, MW tells me who he's seen filming with our neighbor; recent guests have included Joss Stone and Danny Aiello.) A few doors down from Talk Stoop headquarters is the excellent Spangle Jewelry, which in recent months has begun selling T-shirts that say "Look up. Stop texting," which MW and I have adopted as shorthand for when we see a jerk walking down the street, eyes glued to his or her smartphone. It turns out the tees are the brainchild of Greenleaf herself, who's designing them under the handle Lustbklyn. Her mission is simple: Put down your phone, and start living in the now. Look Up Stop Texting = LUST. Get it? (Which, okay, as someone totally addicted to her iPhone, I should.) Prices range from $20 for kids' tees, women's tanks, and phone covers to $30 for men's tees, and you can even go analog and get a notepad for $6. But when it comes to reminding yourself to stop texting and start enjoying life, I think that's a totally reasonable price to pay, don't you?

As I predicted last week, Target has released lookbook images from the upcoming Missoni collection in stores September 13,  and all I have to say is, holy Missoni! There are clothes and accessories for men, women, and children, beauty accessories, linens, vases, dishes, office supplies, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and, yes, that bicycle. There is so much awesomeness, I can't show it to you all, lest I crash my site (Nitrolicious, on the other hand, who clearly has either an intern or a lot of spare time or both, has uploaded most of the lookbook.) But here are some of my most anticipated items from the collection.

Pretty much everything here is for sale, from the awesome $16 space-dyed tights to the iconic $39.99 miniskirt. 
 For the color-averse there are some more neutral pieces (there are even all black-and-white ones); the pumps here are $39.99, the dress ($54.99) is the most expensive part, and the cardigan is a downright bargain at $49.99.

More great pieces in shades of blue, from $16 for the tights to $69.99 for the puffer jacket.
 Think these silk scarves are a total bargain at $19.99 each!
 
There are all manner of makeup and weekend bags, from $9.99-$29.99.
Absolutely must have this $29.99 laptop sleeve!
For the home, these serving trays will spruce up your living or dining room for $19.99-$24.99.

A totally luxe duvet set (complete with shams!) for $99.99.

I'm perhaps most excited about the towels, just $10.99-$12.99 each! (The shower curtain, also noteworthy, is $34.99.)

And for the pimped-out roofdeck, an ultra-sleek outdoor furniture set for $599.99.
The items will be available, while supplies last, September 13 through October 22, although a handful of online-only items will be sold through the holiday season. I must say, I haven't been this excited about a Target collaboration in awhile!

If you want to satisfy your masstige fix now, Giles Deacon for Nine West is now available. As I predicted back in May, the shoes—particularly the Polly wedge and the Layla boot, pictured here—look the best. If sweet is more your style, however, it should be noted that this spring's Sophie Theallet collection is now 60% off; I'm thinking of ordering the Tinna espadrille in brown.

Finally, Catwalk Queen reports that Mark Fast is designing a footwear collection for Aldo. Fast, who created a line for Topshop last year, is no stranger to collaborations, and Aldo, which featured a line by Julian Louie earlier this year, it just dipping its toes (pun intended) into the masstige waters. No word yet on when the collection hits stores, but, as always, check back here for more masstige news.

Bo Concept is a favorite furniture resource of mine--the chic sleeper sofa in MW's office is from there, and I think of their wares as what you graduate to when you're too old to put together your own IKEA furniture. But at their sale on Wednesday, you can score floor samples for 60% off, which is almost like IKEA prices, plus 20% off select sofas, dining tables, chairs, and sideboards. Even better, they've invited all manner of indie designer friends over, so you can also score clothing and accessories by Stella & Dot, Torn by Ronny Kobo, SBNY, and more, too. And did I mention they'll also be serving snacks and drinks? Do you need any other reason to go? I think not! 8/17; 3-8 p.m.; 105 Madison Ave. (at 30th St.).

If you've been a fan of the casual-yet-chic desert boot trend -- more western and slightly edgier than the oxford styles, but with that same boyish charm -- or even if you weren't quite sold by the flat takes on the style, you may find a new obsession in this season's heeled versions! Without sacrificing the desert boot's laid-back feel that makes it so popular, these takes on the trend give the style a sophisticated update, while the added height makes the original low-key look significantly more strut-worthy while still keeping its comfort. Additionally, the suede finish makes the look a little more luxe, and somehow just manages to automatically scream 'Fall!' If you're not afraid of height or a nice chunky wedge, take a look at Tory Burch's 'Denise' wedge , but if you want the height without the blocky look, consider these Steve Madden lace-up Taara boots! For a more classic desert style, try Madewell's Suede Sandstorm Boot in a fall-festive shade like "Flint" or play it safe and stick with black like these 'Kallin' boots from Aldo for a pair that will carry you through the winter!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

At this time of year, when everything is on clearance, there's really no reason for you to pay full price for a pair of shoes. (Or for anything else, for that matter.) And yet, a coworker of mine had on the most chic, low-key, perfect summer sandals, which she gladly divulged were from Madewell and are apparently so coveted, they don't have to be marked down. They are the Whistlestop sandal, and with a totally manageable 1-1/2" heel, chic buckled design, and soft Italian calfskin straps, I'd venture they're worth the $128 price tag. My coworker claims they're incredibly comfortable, and she ended up wearing them all over Italy, home to some of the most fabulous footwear on the planet. These are the kind of sandals that become instant favorites in one's shoe wardrobe; had I found these two months ago, I would have totally given up on my other summer shoes by now. It may be August, but you can still get a good month's worth of wear from these, and I'd venture that their understated look will stick around for seasons to come. Which means there's a good reason this style isn't on sale: It doesn't have to be.

Considering Missoni for Target hits stores in just about a month (September 13, to be exact), it's time for a first look at the campaign images! Because I'm Addicted has 'em, and let me just say, that Missoni bike was no pipe dream! And the rugs, the vases, the linens...it all looks awesome! I can only hope they have sheets and towels--I've been lusting after the real deal for years now (adding to my list of things I should have registered for...).

I'm expecting full collection images any day now and will post lookbook shots as soon as I have them!

In parsing the name of the contemporary label Haute Hippie, I'd say the line is definitely more haute than hippie, with dresses running to the mid-to-high three figures. At their sample sale this week, prices will hopefully be more hippie-esque; the weeklong event boasts archive pieces, original samples, and current-season merch in a variety of sizes. Through 8/12; 11-6; 336 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

It's funny how the act of putting a designer's name in front of a "so-so" concept can make the idea or trend suddenly sound vastly more glamorous. For example, a backpack - not that exciting, right? In fact, it sounds rather unappealing.... unless you're really into backpacking in the wilderness or are one of those crazy people who can't wait for school to start up again. Leather backpack - slightly more luxe, but still not all that tempting. I mean, I'd still rather stick to my trusty satchel. But an Alexander Wang leather backpack? Suddenly a highly-covetable must-have. To be fair, even without the boy wonder's high-profile name and design prowess behind it, the bag itself is quite awesome. Smooth, ultra-soft leather, very on-trend drawstring closure, plenty of pockets, convertible straps (so you don't have to use it as a backpack), a hint of rocker-chic flair with exposed zippers and silver hardware, plus it comes in three versatile colors: black, gray, and a cool muted teal. The only problem is that it also comes with a hefty $850 price tag... but hey, that aforementioned designer name doesn't come cheap!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Sometimes when I write about certain products here on Cheryl Shops, I wonder if any of you, dear readers, will buy them. I wonder about this, because I totally buy things I see on other blogs! This happens especially with personal style blogs (you know, the ones with gratuitous photos of bloggers wearing supercool, sometimes overstyled outfits); all it takes is a beautiful shot of something and I'm typing in my credit card number faster than you can say blogspot. (Which brings me to the inevitable question, should I be taking photos of myself? This makes me nervous for a number of reasons, but as time goes on, I have a feeling it might be unavoidable.) Case in point: the photo at right of Bee from Atlantic-Pacific sent me straight to DVF.com, where, unfortunately, her Ethyl wrap maxi dress is sold out. (If you like the print, however, I suggest the equally delicious Maximos, coincidentally on sale.) Here's the Ethyl in a different print--it's more dreamy rather than graphic, and I think it perfectly captures that '70s-bohemian-in-Laurel-Canyon moment that's happening in fashion right now. At full price, DVF dresses require a bit of an investment, but think of the robust market for vintage DVF--her designs are so timeless, they never go out of style. Which is more than you can say for much of what personal style bloggers wear (Jeffrey Campbell Lita, I'm looking at you).

Yes, there are a few other sample sales this week, but there's only one that matters: Alexander Wang. His 2011 resort and spring/summer collections for men and women will be up to 70% off, although prices tend to get marked down as the sale progresses, and I've been very successful with the sample rack in the past. Expect long lines, big crowds, and some major, major finds. Credit cards accepted only on purchases over $200 (not a problem, if you ask me). 8/3-8/7; 3-8 W, 10-7 Th-Sat, 10-4 Sun; 97 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Living in a very un-summer like place like San Francisco, where you’re layering your outfit more than your sun block, having the right thing to wear can be a hard feat to fix. From June to August, San Francisco fashionistas are still wrapped up in trench coats and boots while the rest of the world is enjoying strappy sandals and sunbathing. There are three summer staples to have handy, that will stay evergreen and chic, no matter how many sunless summers in San Fran pass by. Cold-weather acclimated people can feel confident in investing in these timeless finds, knowing that their favorite yachting and island-hopping clothing is at the ready, and available at the back of the closet, when the sunniest days in the windy city finally come out. Modcloth.com has the hookup with these customary silhouetted styles:
The Floaty Dress: Perfect for those carefree days with the significant other, which requires more than casual style.

The Baby Doll Tank: For extra fun in the sun and a high head-turning ratio.

The Embroidered Tunic: For the last minute getaway and when the weather is sunny enough but with a cool breeze. Great for summer nights, too.

- Mira Torres

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Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.