If bedding down under the very best sheets in town is your goal, look no further than Pratesi. The Italian company takes thread count and softness to a level unknown to most mere mortals. Though the prices are ungodly, the annual sale brings them somewhat back to earth: Floral “Fiandra” king-size jacquard sets, were $2,180, now $980; queen-size classic white basket-weave jacquard sets, were $1,670, now $1,169; terry robes, were $350, now $90-$150. Pratesi, 829 Madison Ave., at 69th St. (288-2315); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-6; 8/3-8/22.
Worldly Goods
Denise Williamson represents designers from London, Milan, and our hometown – clothes retailed at upscale purveyors like Saks, Barneys, Steven Alan, and Big Drop. Now she’s having a showroom sale: for example, Fake London’s new- and recycled-cashmere (vintage cashmere remade into new items) sweaters, retail $350-$750, here $150 and up; Mimsie Carlysle skirts and dresses, retail $250- $400, here $100-$150. Other designers include Pixie Yates, People Used to Dream About the Future, and Mark Kroeker. Denise Williamson Showroom, 115 Mercer St. (226-5507); cash only; Thurs.-Sat. 11-7; 8/6-8/8.
The New Generation
Rothmans has changed a great deal since Ken Giddon’s grandfather ran it as a lower-end discount store; now it’s full of designer labels like Joseph Abboud, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, and Ted Baker. At the warehouse sale, items include: Joseph Abboud suit, was $550, now $319; Hickey-Freeman suit, was $950, now $499; Ted Baker microfiber shirts, were $125, now $69. Rothmans, 200 Park Avenue So., at 17th St. (777-7400); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon-Fri. 10-7, Thurs. till 8, Sat. 9:30-6; 8/4-8/15.
By Georgette!
Georgette Klinger’s august sale offers services and products at 20 to 35 percent off. If you buy packages of six, twelve, or even eighteen treatments, you can save up to $433. Choices include: six nine-step facials, were $456, now $335; twelve massages, were $900, now $650. Georgette Klinger, 501 Madison Ave., near 52nd St (838-3200); 978 Madison Ave., near 76th St (744-6900); A.E., M.C., V.; call for hours and appointment; through 8/31.
Hands-Down Winner
Sam Cagnina’s massage can’t be overtouted – in our annual “Best of New York” issue, it was rated Best Therapeutic Massage, and we have personally felt its merits. Problem is, he’s so popular that it’s virtually impossible to get an appointment. Dr. Margolin’s Wellness Spa has remedied the situation by training new therapists in Cagnina’s technique. To welcome its latest trained-in-his-secrets masseur, the center is having a sale: hour-and-a-half session, was $120, now $90; one hour, was $80, now $60; half-hour, was $45, now $30. Dr. Margolin’s Wellness Spa, 166 Fifth Ave., at 21st St. (675-9355); A.E., M.C., V.; call for hours and appointment; 8/3-8/16.
Taking Refuge
Le Refuge restaurant is particularly noteworthy for both its French food and its comfy country décor. If you go between five and six (the pretheater hour), you’ll receive soup or salad, an entrée, and a dessert all for the price of the entrée. Entrées include striped bass with sweet garlic juice and braised fennel; bouillabaisse; and duck and fresh fruit. Le Refuge, 166 E. 82nd St., (861-4505); call for reservations; A.E, checks.
Under Priced
Roberta – the lingerie store on the Upper East Side – is having a sale. For example, 30 to 50 percent off selected new bras by Aubade, Lise Charmel, La Perla, and Lou, were $80-$168, now $39-$75; 20 to 50 percent off nightgowns by Christian Dior, Eileen West, Fernando Sanchez, Priamo and Hanro, were $80- $150, now $50-$79. Thirty to 50 percent off swimwear and cover-ups by Gottex, La Perla, Calvin Klein and Anne Cole, too. Roberta, 1252 Madison Ave., at 90th St. (860-8366); checks accepted; Mon-Sat. 10-6; while supplies last.
Greene Pastures
Mark down this date early: Anna Sui’s spring clearance starts August 14. Items that were $195 will now be $60. And all of her spring clothes will be marked 40 to 70 percent off, while shoes and handbags will be 40 percent off. The early bird … Anna Sui, 113 Greene St. (941-8406); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon-Sat. 11:30-7, Sun. 12-6; while supplies last.