FLAT-OUT FLASHY
Patricia Field, the stylist and costume designer who made “Sex and the City” a fashion phenomenon, isn’t a big believer in quiet glamour. From floppy fedoras and massive fabric flowers to oversized brooches and skintight breeches, Field festooned the fab four of the HBO series and newly released film with a steady stream of statement pieces -- including cheap ‘n chic finds from New York’s eclectic street vendors.
Now the stylist has brought her penchant for frugal flash to her second capsule collection for discount shoe seller Payless ShoeSource, which hit stores last week, just in time for the movie’s opening. The five-piece line includes the vinyl metallic Socialite clutch in gold or pewter, $25, and four pairs of metallic shoes, $30 to $35.
There’s the Empress gladiator in metallic turquoise or silver (which would have been more stylish sans the plastic rhinestones); the basic Princess flat in a glittery fabric that makes it look slightly little-girl-church-shoe; the Tsarina, a disco inferno of a stiletto slide with a gold heel and a patchwork metallic faux-leather top, $35; and the sky-high Heiress pump in gold or metallic turquoise, $35 -- a perfect party shoe for any Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte or Carrie.
Sales
The Colleagues Saturday: This 50-year-old nonprofit operates a boutique filled with stylish goodies from yesteryear. All proceeds from the donated selection of wares by Armani, Gucci and Valentino benefit the Children’s Institute, which specializes in the prevention of child abuse. Evening gowns start at $10 and top out at a single Benjamin. Shoes, furs, gloves, bags, suits and jackets are among the resale items. 3312 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 828-1619. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www .thecolleagues.com
On Sunset Through June: Blumarine and Barbara Bui pieces at 80% off could drive anyone to push a friend down an elevator shaft or steal a husband -- especially soap star Lauralee Bell, who starred on the “Young and the Restless” for more than two decades before going into retail. Now, she’s marking a selection of mostly European pieces 50% to 80% off, including a blue, white and gold cocktail dress by Jean Paul Gaultier ($665, down from $1,655) and a Girbaud tuxedo jacket ($710, from $1,415). 8711 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 289-8711. 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. www.onsunset.net
Ron Herman through June 22: The contemporary clothing king is marking down Herve Leger dresses, Stella McCartney tops and Pucci home accessories. The 50% off bonanza also includes Proenza Schouler shoes, J. Brand jeans and Missoni knits. But here’s a tip: Wait this one out -- rumor has it that goods could be two-thirds off by as early as next week. 325 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 550-0910. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 207-0927. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3900 Cross Creek Road, Malibu. (310) 317-6705. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.ronherman.com
Silver Lake Sample Sale Today: Stroll this annual event to find too-good-to-be-true deals on pieces from Trina Turk, Mike & Chris and C&C; California, priced between $5 and $40. There are clothes for baby too. As a bonus, bring a package of diapers for the charity baby2baby, and the $3 admission fee will be waived. Silver Lake Jewish Independent Community Center, 1110 Bates Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 663-2255. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.sijcc.net
Openings
California Vintage Online: American Apparel’s previously worn division has opened up a virtual shop of rock-bottom-priced goods for his and her hipsters, including a 1970s-era tiger-print tunic, an orchid print pleated mini dress and a slouchy 1980s-era Lakers tank top. Most pieces start at $9.99. store.americanapparel .net/caliselect.html
Events and Promotions
Havaianas at Saks through June 21 or while supplies last: Makeup goddesses Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy and Bobbi Brown took a break from their day jobs to design limited-edition Havaianas to benefit charity:water, an organization that helps bring safe drinking water to areas in Africa, India and South America. The flip-flops come in three whimsical prints and cost $15 with any two Saks beauty purchases. McEvoy’s come in a pastel seashell design, Mercier’s are stamped with pouty lips, and Bobbi Brown’s pronounce “Life’s a Beach.” We say, all the more reason to wear cute shoes. 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 275-4211. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.saksfifth avenue.com
Address Boutique through June 15: This Santa Monica resale shop is bringing new meaning to mileage reimbursement. Spend $200 on pieces such as chiffon skirts by Dior, crystal-studded evening bags by Judith Leiber and paisley dresses by Etro and get a $25 gas card. Buying $500 worth of gently worn, celebrity-donated goods gets you $50 worth of liquid gold, and a $1,000 purchase gets you $100 at the pump. A minimally flawed leather Balenciaga bag is on sale for a mere $98.95 -- or nearly a full tank of unleaded. 1116 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 394-1406. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.theaddressboutique.com
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