Does even the thought of venturing outside in sandals on cold winter days give you the chills? Wear boots to work, and save the trendy gilded slippers for after dark. Pretty party sandals will make your clothes look snappier and your feet feel lighter – and don’t worry, you can’t get frostbitten sprinting from your cab to the door.
Skinny heels are a must (if you can’t master them, sit out the trend). Try slip-ons from Enzo Angiolini ($69 at Bloomingdale’s), metal-mesh ones by Sacha ($38.49 at Macy’s), or a lacy pair from Anne Klein 2 ($50 at Lord & Taylor). For serious sparkle, pick Chinese Laundry’s sequined mules ($59 at Bloomingdale’s) or splurge on Adrienne Vittadini’s beaded ones ($145; to order, call 212-399-3201). Via Spiga’s are pricey but sexy and, since they have an ankle strap, more stable – no small feat ($162 at Via Spiga).
Picks of the Week
Diane Von Furstenberg’s sultry dresses, tops, knits, and shoes are less than half price, from $50 to $125. 389 W. 12th St. (212-741-6607); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Tues. 8:30-6:30; 12/4-12/5.
The News, formerly Staff USA, has men’s and women’s half-priced Margiela, Susan Cianciolo, Costume National, and Clements Ribeiro (mostly $100 to $300). Sizes S and M. 495 Broadway, near Broome St., fifth floor (212-925-9700); A.E., M.C., V.; Thurs.-Sat. 11-7; 12/7-12/9.
Vivienne Westwood’s colorful, tailored British things for men and women are $60 to $750, 60-75 percent off. Sizes S and M. 71 Greene St. (877-677-5200); A.E., M.C., V.; Fri.-Sat. noon-6, Sun. 1-5; 12/8-12/10.
Denise Williamson’s sharp, urban gear for men and women (by Mark Kroeker, Fake London, Mint, etc.) is half off, $50-$200. 115 Mercer St. (212-226-5507); cash only; Thurs.-Fri. 10-7; 12/7-12/8.
Inca’s groovy, girly handbags and belts – think suede, sequins, etc. – are up to 70 percent off, $35-$100. 53 W. 36th St., suite 305 (212-967-5212); A.E., M.C.,V.; Mon.-Fri. 10-6:30; 12/4-12/8.
Area’s chic, neutral linens (also at Conran’s) are more than half off. Sheet sets and duvet covers are $30-$100. 180 Varick St., ninth floor (212-924-7084); checks accepted; Wed.-Thurs. 10-8; Fri. 8-4; 12/6-12/8.
Showroom Seven’s Whistles, Ghost, Alice Roi, and Petro Zillia (at stores like Bendel’s and Barneys) are half price or less, mostly under $300. Sizes 4-10. 498 Seventh Ave., near 36th St., 24th floor (212-643-4810); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-7; 12/5-12/15.
Colette Malouf’s jeweled hair doodads and other trinkets (sold at stores like Jeffrey) are less than half price, $5-$100. 594 Broadway, near Prince St., suite 1216 (212-625-3500); M.C., V.; Wed. 2-7, Thurs.-Fri. 4-7; 12/6-12/8.
Philippe Adec and Equipment basics are half off. Pants are from $75, jackets from $135, skirts and shirts from $55, and coats from $275. 209 W. 38th St., second floor (212-391-8070); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 9-7, Sat. 11-5; 12/4-12/9.
Capital A is taking half off samples of accessories and clothes sold at stores like Steven Alan (Ipa-nima bags, Noodle knits, Shopaholic Tees, and more). $25 to $175. 20 W. 20th St., suite 807 (212-807-9990); cash only; Wed.-Fri. 11-6; 12/6-12/8.
Robert Clergerie shoes, Kieselstein Cord bags, Catherine clothes (plus current stuff from a couple of super-covetable brands we can’t name) are 30 to 70 percent off at a distributor’s overstock sale. 24 W. 40th St., first floor (888-937-9006); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Fri. 10-8, Sat. till 4; 12/5-12/9.
Lulu Guinness’s cute purses (basket-shaped ones and more) and Tibi’s skinny sweaters and slinky dresses are up to 75 percent off at the joint sale. Bags are $25-$100; clothes are $35-$150. 230 W. 39th St., 16th floor (212-302-4564); A.E., M.C., V., checks; Fri. 9-6; 12/8.
MU|H has organza throws, pillows, tree skirts and stockings for up to 80 percent off. Linens are from $10; silk duvet-and-sham sets are $1,000. 121 E. 24th St., suite 4R (212-228-7779); A.E., M.C., V.; Thurs.-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-3; 12/7-12/9.
Roberta Chiarella’s pretty silver and Swarovski crystal jewelry and belts – great for gifts – are at least half off, $10-$75. Plaza 50 Hotel, 155 E. 50th St. (212-535-5639); cash only; Wed.-Thurs. 10-7; 12/6-12/7.
Kooba’s funky, fashion-y handbags (available at stores like Scoop) are 70 percent off. Fur styles and doctor’s bags are $99, cosmetic bags are $25. 611 Broadway, near Houston St., suite 407 (212-777-5113); cash only; Wed.-Fri. 10-7:30; 12/6-12/8.
Elizabeth Gillett has silk, velvet, and fur-trimmed wraps for $40-$375 – half the usual prices. 237 W. 35th St., suite 304 (212-629-7993); M.C., V.; Thurs.-Fri. noon-7; 12/7-12/8.
Erik Stewart’s trendy cotton sweaters – tweeds ($50), plaids ($40), twinsets ($100) – are half off. 1441 Broadway, near 41st St., 34th floor (212-944-9096); M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 9-5; 12/4-12/8.
Check out New York Shops, our guide to the city’s best stores, including a five-month roundup of “Sales & Bargains.” On sale at newsstands now. To order a copy, call 800-496-7833 ($4.99 plus $2 shipping and handling).