REPORT FROM THE FRONT: G-III M&F FROM PETITE TO 5X!

Let's give thanks for Nancy Brenner:
G-III sample sale is for men and women of all sizes, ages, tastes. Lux label seekers staked out the Gucci and Armani sales last week, while savvy New Yorkers stood outside of a red velvet rope line (nice touch) for a host of outerwear brands and jackets starting at $30 for sample pieces - including Cole Haan, Siena Studio leather, Guess!, Sean John, Marvin Richards, Ellen Tracy and many others. This is the biggest range of sizes - from petites to 5X - thatI have ever spotted at a sample sale. Choose a commitment coat that will take you through the worst of winter (if it ever shows) to a one-season-wonder fling. The bottom line is if you're looking for a puffer, a trench, a classic black wool coat, leather jacket, fake fur, fake patent...you can find it here. Biggest problem at this sale - temptation. Pick your color palette - basic black to fuchsia, tan, burgundy, red...grey python, leopard leathers. Come in with a list of what you're looking for - otherwise you'll leave with more than you and your credit card can carry!

Avoid the stampedes at stores on Black Friday - you'll never find better prices than this. A Sean John leather jacket in a size 5X was $160, regularly $550. A fake fur pink party jacket sample for $30. A trench prototype in cobalt blue $30. Jackets that Sean John retailed for $245 - now $70. A light-weight Cole Haan jacket priced at 1 for $50 or 2 for $75. A red Jones wool coat: $100. A purple puffer sample: $50.

Check out the back room with a glass window for party dresses at $25 and coats with fur trim.

Head here before you head home for the holidays - and bring your hostess a jacket instead of a pricey fruit cake!

241 West 37th between 7th-8th Aves. (ground floor)
CLOSED THANKSGIVING, Mon-Fri 10a-7p until December 18th

Daffy's: Baby Gift

OK, so I realized that I can't really talk about what Christmas presents I am buying or the places I am buying them in, or else those who I am buying for will know what they are getting (assuming that they read my blog on the regular)! But what I will talk about, because I'm pretty sure that they don't read this blog and their newborn baby certainly does not (yet), is the fantastically cute and well-priced gift I bought in anticipation of everyone's favorite party: THE BRISS...

I should probably buy the kid a plane ticket so that he can get out of Dodge, but instead I bought him a wee winter coat (that resembles the one pictured above) by miniman at Daffy's on Madison Ave. And I had a 10% off coupon! Rejoice!

Simon Showroom Fall 07 Sample Sale: 11/14-11/16

One of the top showrooms in the city is opening its doors for its annual blowout sample sale.
Find your next cocktail dress from Parisian sensation PAUL & JOE, comfy tees from cotton wear giant C&C CALIFORNIA, and your favorite jeans from CITIZENS OF HUMANITY.

Simon Showroom Fall 07 Sample Sale
***Wholesale prices or less!
Wed Nov 14th-Fri Nov 16th 11AM-7PM
CASH ONLY
Located at Simon Showroom
95 Fifth Ave (at 17th St), 4th Fl

Marc Jacobs Flats - cheap?

Today's Best Bets Daily (New York Magazine) proclaims that $155 is a decent price for rubber flats. Granted, they are Marc Jacobs, and nothing with his name on it is actually affordable, however THEY ARE RUBBER FLATS. And when did flats in general become so expensive? Trends and prices hold hands and rise as one! Let's make a pact: No flats for more than $75 (and that's still too much!).

So Shoe Me

BY KENDALL HERBST

Finally a pair of Marc Jacobs that won't drain your bank account. These jelly ballet flats are the perfect way to transition into spring. Made from rubber, they can handle spontaneous showers—replacing giant wellies—and still look cute with skirts or jeans. Plus you can relive your jelly-wearing childhood while still looking like a grown-up. $155 at Saks.com.

Tahari - RED PATENT LEATHAAAAAH

Red Patent Leather Shoes - an obvious necessity. I needed to replace ye olde red Jones New York shoes of yore.

I've been looking and looking for 'the new' for a looooong time but the good shoe designers of the world had not been making much in the way of RED - maroon, yes; pink, sure...but not red in a "Look at me I'm hot hot hot..." kind of way.

So yesterday I took one of my regular jaunts to DSW in Union Square and found the pictured Tahari pair for - get this - $58. Granted I had $10 off and a credit for almost $12, but it almost made my day...