They’re Here!

Being a child of the 80’s, I cannot begin to explain the obsession over which “Poltergeist” became. In addition to watching the movie thousands of times with my gang of gals, we even made up a “Dont go into the light” game which involved our Slip N Slide.

With all the excitement over Marc Jacobs marriage to Lorenzo Martone in St. Barts, I was so mesmerized by the handsome grooms and their fabulous fashion, that I failed to notice one of Marc’s unique tattoos.

Smack dab in the middle of his back is the famous photo of Carol Ann Freeling, the starring character in “Poltergeist,” an image which still gives me chills.

Jacobs is covered in unique tattoos, but I have to wonder what made Marc get that exact tattoo? Plus, it’s prominently displayed in the center of his back.

Perhaps he played “Poltergeist” games like we did? Or made his parents cut down the huge tree that was planted right outside his bedroom window. Regardless, it’s an interesting choice of body ink that has this 80’s girl rummaging through my DVD’s to find the classic horror movie and watch it tonight.

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone’s hottie holiday in St. Barts has set tongues wagging over their fabulous beach attire and has become the envy of women and men alike.

Lorenzo carries Louis Vuitton, Marc carries Hermes

Frolicking in the sunny surf, the fabulous pair has their hot bods on display in teeny-weeny Speedo trunks, while accessorizing with the most luxurious “beach accessories” ever including multiple Hermes Birkin bags and Louis Vuitton towels. Tres chic!

Soaking up the sun on Saline Beach in St. Bart’s, Marc Jacobs relaxed on a comfy beach chair while reading Dominick Dunne’s new book “Too Much Money.” His choice of beach bag was unique: a 40cm Hermès Birkin Vert Veronese Togo with Palladium hardware. I love it and hate it at the same time.

Marc with a white Hermes Birkin

If I had a Birkin it would be kept behind glass when not in use, but Jacobs must have so many he doesn’t mind if a little suntan oil spills on the luxe-handbag. The following day he was spotted on the beach with a winter white Hermes Birkin in addition to a Louis Vuitton tote, which was used to carry the pair’s Louis Vuitton limited edition towels by Stephen Sprouse.

Today, Guest of a Guest announced that the dynamic duo’s vacation agenda included more than swimming, shopping and working on their tans. Marc and Lorenzo (now known as MarLo) got married in a private ceremony in St. Barts followed by an exclusive dinner hosted by Larry Gagosian.

As you would imagine, the grooms looked absolutely fabulous. Both men donned crisp, white collar shirts, but left the rest reflect their unique style: Marc in a white kilt, Lorenzo in black short, shorts. With their open collars and carefree suspenders, they were the epitome of love and happiness.

The wedding cake topper was as unique as they come, molded to look exactly like the gorgeous couple. It featured a shirtless Marc in his signature kilt standing next to a dashing Lorenzo in a tux surrounded by their puppies.

The couple got engaged in March of 2009, after a year of dating, and nuptial rumors have been swirling around the love struck couple since they started dating.

Natalia Vodianova looks cool and fresh in the Yves Saint Laurent Spring / Summer 2010 ad campaign as she poses on a warm desert night with slicked back hair and super short shorts.

Perched on her arm is what is certain to be the latest installment in “It” bags, paired with a modern twist on the perfect white shirt featuring fluid, puffed sleeves.

Love it!

My New Years resolutions often involves broken commitments, so I rarely bother making them. But taking better care of myself has been on my mind for some time, and ringing in a new decade gave me the swift kick in the ass I needed to commit to some sort of change.

Ushering in 2010, I studied my photo albums and reminisced over the past ten years. When Y2K arrived, I was on a boat off the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the sand and surf. Since then my life has been full of exciting adventures and fabulous times, however looking over the photos it’s clear that my girlish figure is not what it once was. I could stand to loose a few pounds, but my main priority is overall good health. I love yoga, long walks and meditation, and feeling strong is the most important thing to me. Determined to start 2010 on the right foot, I signed up for a 3-day BluePrint Cleanse, which will arrive on my doorstep Tuesday morning. This is where the fun begins.

Considering that I am half Italian and half Greek, it’s obvious that food is a major part of my life. I’ve never been one to turn down a cookie, pasta Bolognese, or steak, and nothing makes me happier than the enjoyment of a good meal with a fine bottle of wine. Part of my family life has been spent in the kitchen, where we’d gather in droves to chat while filling our bellies with Mom’s delicious delights. So the thought of not consuming an ounce of food for the next 72-hours is pure crazy for someone like me.

My friend Amy turned me on to juice cleanses last year after she tried BluePrint Cleanse to jump-start her fitness regimen. As a testament to her happiness with the product, she started her third BluePrint Cleanse on New Years Day (brave girl). I’d read about Blueprint in a number of my favorite magazines (Vogue, US Weekly, People, Star, Time Out NY, and W to name a few) and had always been impressed by their devoted celebrity clientele such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr. Amy’s enthusiasm and positive feedback was all I needed to ease my concerns as I forked over $85 per day to rid my body of toxins.

I selected a Level 1, three day Renovation Cleanse, referred to as “a gateway cleanse,” which is ideal for beginners like myself. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories about cleanses with such severe side effects that friends would be locked in a bathroom for days, but the Renovation Cleanse is supposed to have just enough fat and calories to curb your side effects, while providing you with more energy, stable moods, increased productivity; normalized weight, clearer skin and fewer “detox” symptoms.

The daily menu consists of six juices that must be taken in this order:

1)      Green Juice (Not excited about this)

2)      Pineapple, Apple, Mint (Interesting)

3)      Green Juice (Again?)

4)      Spicy Lemonade (Hmmm)

5)      Carrot, Apple, Lemon, Ginger, Beet (I HATE beets)

6)      Cashew Nut Milk (Yummy)

Blueprint featured in US Weekly

The only suggestion made regarding when to consume the juice is to wait at least one hour between drinks and to finish the last beverage at least two hours before you sleep. Also recommended is a cup of room temperature or lukewarm filtered water, with fresh squeezed lemon to hydrate the body. In addition, I can as drink as much herbal tea and water as I like.

On Monday night I prepared myself for the cleanse, which meant cutting down on the delicious indulgences and phasing out the naughty things I eat daily. Preparation for me meant 2 large cups of coffee instead of my 1 regular cup, a BLT for lunch and a bowl of shredded wheat for dinner. As I savored each bite, it felt like the last supper and I had to keep reminding myself that it’s only three days. Three-long-days…

With my kitchen stocked with healthy food, and anything considered indulgent either hidden or thrown out, I settled into bed with a cup of herbal tea and a bottle of hibiscus juice. Just in case, I’ve cleared my calendar for the week if some type of unforeseen side effects do result, but the weird thing is I am actually excited.

I’ve heard great stories about individuals who complete a juice cleanse with a greater sense of energy, so I am hoping the end results will make it all worth it. I am not looking forward to the beet juice, but I am willing to suck it up in the name of fitness.

Check back everyday as I report on my experience with the BluePrint Cleanse. Be prepared for the good, bad, and ugly.

Casey Johnson, the troubled heiress to the Johnson & Johnson fortune who recently made tabloid headlines with a purported engagement to reality star Tila Tequila as well as a scandalous arrest, has died at age 30.

Her death was announced by Tila Tequila on her Twitter page and confirmed by police. ”Everyone please pray 4 my Wifey Casey Johnson,” Tequila wrote. “She has passed away. Thank u for all ur love and support but I will be offline to be w/ family.”‘ In a statement, her family said, “The Johnson family is mourning its tragic loss, and asks for privacy during this very difficult time.”

Los Angeles police and firefighters were called to a house at 11:51 a.m. on Monday where Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. “It appears to be a natural death,” says police Officer Sara Faden. “There’s no evidence of foul play. A toxicology report from the coroner’s office will proceed next.”

Johnson, who leaves a toddler daughter Ava whom she had adopted, was the great-great granddaughter of the founder of the pharmaceutical giant, and the daughter of New York Jets owner Robert Wood Johnson.

An openly gay socialite, Johnson had a knack for attracting trouble and has had a tumultuous time recently. In November, she was arrested on grand-theft charges after reportedly burglarizing the home of Jasmine Lennard, a former contestant on Britain’s Make Me a Supermodel who claims she had taken the troubled heiress under her wing only to return home one recent night to find that Johnson had helped herself to her jewelry, clothes, and underwear. Adding insult to injury, she claims Johnson left a used vibrator on her bed and a wet towel on the floor.

Casey Johnson & Jasmine Lennard

After posting bail, Casey denied to Page Six that she ransacked and robbed Lennard’s Hollywood home. “Everything she has said is 100 percent fabrication. It’s not true. I’ve had a rough time. I’ve just got out of jail.” She added she was meeting last night with powerhouse lawyer Robert Shapiro and a crisis manager. Johnson added, “It is a very serious thing she is charging me with, so I am not going to mess it up by telling my side — as much as I’d love to. But the truth is far different that what Jasmine Lennard has said.”

Casey Johnson & Tila Tequila

Johnson gained a lot of attention for her relationship with reality star Tila Tequila and in December the pair announced they were engaged. “Tonight, my beautiful girlfriend has just asked me to marry her and check out this rock,” the lingerie-wearing Tequila said in an Internet video. “Bam! That is a 17-carat diamond ring from my baby.”

Most recently, she had been trying to regain custody of her daughter Ava from her mother, Sale Johnson. Casey recently flew to New York to try to reclaim her daughter and bring the toddler back to LA.

Nicole Richie, Bijou Phillips, Johnson, Nikki Hilton

Casey adopted the girl from Kazakhstan two years ago over the objections of her aunt, Libet Johnson, who built an orphanage in Cambodia. The girl was taken away from Casey Johnson when the heiress was found to be living in squalor.

In 2006, a then 26-year-old Casey accused her aunt, the famously private socialite Libet Johnson, 56, of stealing her 38-year-old boyfriend. The scandal caused public embarrassment to Casey’s aunt and Woody’s sister, the heiress and socialite Elizabeth Ross “Libet” Johnson and resulted in an epic clash of generations.

Recently, Johnson’s father, New York Jet owner Woody Johnson, and the rest of the family cut off Casey’s trust fund when she refused to get help for drug abuse, loved ones have said. Johnson has a history of drug problems and has failed at rehab several times.

Jennifer Lopez has gotten everyone talking about her sexy, skin-tight outfit which she wore during her New Year’s Eve performance in Times Square. Lopez made Ryan Seacrest’s night, and probably a lot of other people’s too, in a skin tight (and very sheer) shimmering body suit for her appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Known for her curvy body and ample derriere, Jennifer Lopez put the goods on display for 750,000 revelers who braved the cold and rain to watch her perform in addition to the millions who tuned in on television. ‘You didn’t think I could do that in the rain did you?’ she said after risking a major wardrobe malfunction with a hugely energetic routine.

The 40-year-old Bronx-born singer performed her 1999 hits ‘Waiting For Tonight’ and ‘Let’s Get Loud’ in addition to new single ‘Louboutins’ in Times Square in New York City to ring in 2010.

To close out the decade, the Bronx-born star started her set for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in a horrendous shaggy black coat that looked like it was made from stringy human hair. Luckily, she quickly shed to the shaggy cover-up only to reveal a skin-tight, crystal-studded catsuit, made by costumer designer Paula Bradley.

Leaving little to the imagination, J-Lo paired the unfortunate unitard – which was see-through under the stage lights – with a pair of matching diamanté studded Christian Louboutin ankle boots.

After her performance, she told host Ryan Seacrest: ‘This is my first time ever coming down here. It’s just so much good, hopeful, amazing, loving energy. I feel like a little girl!’ Seacrest, who was presenting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, couldn’t hide his admiration for J.Lo’s costume. He grinned: ‘That outfit has made my year!’

A diva in a catsuit is nothing new and thanks to fashion forward singers such as Madonna and Lady Gaga, looking near naked isn’t much of a surprise.

You’d never know Lopez recently had twins based on her appearance and she showed off an apparently flawless physique in a catsuit that clung to every curve. But with all the fabulous fashion out there, why on earth would she choose such a trashy ensemble for such an electrifying performance?

I am usually impressed by what Lopez wears, however this was just plain ridiculous. Let’s not forget it was 10 years ago that Lopez made eyes pop when she wore that infamous navel-plunging Versace to the 2000 Grammys.

Luckily, she covered up with a glamorous and warm fur coat to usher in 2010 with hubby Marc Anthony by her side as the ball dropped.

Out with the 00’s, in the with 10’s

After a gluttonous holiday season, I planned to start 2010 fresh. My agenda included healthy eating, taking better care of my hair, investing in anti-aging treatments for skin, and reading more books.

On Sunday night, I tucked into bed early with Vogue magazine after having just applied an argan oil hair mask which promises shinier, healthier locks. Dreams of the fabulous fashion 2010 has in store for us filled my greasy hair, when I was suddenly jolted awake by a loud beep. Is it the alarm already?

My bedroom starts to come into focus when I see the clock: 4:45am. WTF? As soon as I realize the beeping sound is not my husband’s cell phone, I wearily scan the bedroom and office to locate the loud beep and silence it. Realizing the piercing noise is NOT coming from the 2nd floor, I bolt downstairs and my worst nightmare comes true: smoke on the first floor!

The piercing beeping sound is actually the fire alarm leading to my basement and as I opened the door (rule #1, feel the door for heat – something I failed to do) smoke engulfs my dining room as I screech: FIRE!

I wish I could hear my 911 call, but it sounded something like this: “Holy Shit! There is a fire in my basement. HURRY!”

As Sean comes charging downstairs, I knock into him as I run upstairs. “Where the hell are you going?” My mind was hazy but my focus my clear: If I was about to loose my house, I’ll be damned if this fire would take my engagement ring and new Yves Saint Laurent Muse bag. No joke.

In the end, the firetruck rolled onto my street, firemen poured into my house and it was nothing more than a freak oil burner problem that escalated. No flames ablaze, I sat on my steps in the freezing cold when reality hit me: If this had been a real fire, I could have lost everything.

Years of amassing a to-die-for collection of handbags and shoes, clothes, hats, my trusty laptop, momento’s from exotic travels. And lets not forget about photos, my collection of cameras, jewelry, my wedding dress.

Sitting in my now cold house – all heat has been disabled until they can fix the oil burner, which they are working on now – I realize that while New Years resolutions do offer a clean slate, I really don’t need to resolve anything in the new decade. I am healthy, my husband adores me, I am surrounded by loving friends and family. And that makes me the luckiest person in the world.

In 2010, take time for yourself and the one’s around you. Be thankful for what you have. And live every day as if it was your last.

Wishing you all the best in 2010

Gazing at the newly released images from the Gucci Spring / Summer 2010 campaign, my mind drifts to the sandy beaches of Mexico and makes me desperately miss the warm days of summer even more than I already do.

Gucci’s ultra-glam campaign feature models Natasha Poly and Ryan Kennedy lounging poolside on a balmy day and posing seductively without a care in the world. The mood is contagious because I want to be where they are right now shedding my winter coat and swan diving into the pool. In fact, the Gucci campaign could be an advertisement for a luxury resort in the Maldives where poolside relaxation is the only thing on your agenda.

Shot in Palm Beach by photographers Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, the models appear flawless in their Gucci finery as they bask in the glow of the warm sun.

I as thrilled to see the ad features my absolute favorite look from the Gucci runway show: a gray deep plunging v-neck dress with silver metal detailing paired with spectacular strappy stiletto’s embellished with jewels, rope, and silver hardware.

Designer Frida Giannini opened the Gucci RTW Spring / Summer 2010 fashion show during Milan Fashion Week with a sea of white before moving into to darker shades of gray and black, which is what Gucci does best.

High wattage glamour is always expected for Gucci and so many investment-worthy pieces hit the runway that I am certain they will have multiple “It” pieces on their hands when the items arrive in stores.

The collection was chock full Gucci sensationalism filled with modern cuts, edgy tailoring, embroiderer, crystal beading and of course, skin.

The shoes were drop dead gorgeous!  My jaw dropped when I saw the black leather gladiator-style stilettos with ankle straps tied by rope that zigzagged up the shoe. An absolute must have for Spring, these shoes have silver hardware and a back zipper so you don’t have to lace up the intricate footwear.

An let’s not neglect the handbags, prominently featured in two of the five photos.

Both images feature a structured top flap bag, available in luxe-leather and croc versions, with a bamboo handle and closure. The classic bag is updated with two detachable straps, one leather and one chain, in addition to bamboo trimmed fringe key chains. Once again, Gucci injected an electrifying twist into their sumptuous handbags.

I am counting the days till Spring…

You’ve got sale!

The New York Post compiled an extensive list of the best post-holiday sales going on right now. And With discounts like this, you can afford to treat yourself to a fabulous gift to ring in the New Year.

Happy Shopping!

SALES ONGOING
• Select merchandise is on sale at Topshop and on Topshop.com. The flirt sequin dress is $60 (originally $135), the leather jersey mix jacket is $120 (originally $260), and the Kate Moss satin pencil skirt is $50 (originally $100). 478 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-966-9455); M–F (10–9), S–Su (10–8).

• Select clothes, handbags, and shoes are up to 40 percent off at Eryn Brinié as part of its year-end sale. 501 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-308-6134); M–S (10–9), Su (11–7).

• Select men’s and women’s clothing is 30 percent off at Rogan, including outerwear. The women’s silk dress is $209 (originally $296), the women’s bomber jacket is $319 (originally $456), and the men’s peacoat is $409 (originally $595). Through 12/31. 330 Bowery St., at Bond St. (646-827-7567); M–S (noon–8), Su (noon–7).

• Select fall 2009 womenswear, menswear, jewelry, shoes, and accessories are 25 to 40 percent off at Bird. The Alexander Wang viscose Goddess dress is $379 (originally $625), the Thakoon floral twist-front dress is $499 (originally $845), and the Zero + Maria Cornejo Marla dress is $359 (originally $598). Through 12/31.

• Balenciaga is offering 40 percent off select merchandise. Short-sleeve silk cowl-back dresses are $469 (originally $795), gray cloque jackets are $1,189 (originally $1,995), and the black leather woven platform booties are $679 (originally $1,145). Through 1/1. 542 W. 22nd St., nr. Tenth Ave. (212-206-0872); daily (11–7).

• Pre-fall and fall/winter 2009 merchandise is up to 50 percent off at Zero + Maria Cornejo. The Alana wool Funnel coat is $667 (originally $1,111), the leather Duo jacket in crackled leather is $995 (originally $1,990), and the silk charmeuse Nella dress is $199 (originally $499). Through 1/5. 33 Bleecker St., nr. Lafayette St. (212-925-3849) and 807 Greenwich St., at Jane St. (212-620-0460); M–S (12–7), Su (12–6).

• Select merchandise is up to 75 percent off at ABC Carpet & Home, including jewelry, lighting, furniture, rugs, and tabletop accessories. There are also special discounts on products by Tom Dixon, Gus Modern, Geography, and Zollanvari. Through 1/24.

BOUTIQUES

Jeffrey
449 W. 14th St., between Ninth and 10th avenues; 212-206-1272.
Sale: All women’s and men’s fall 2009 merchandise will be marked down 40 percent. Sale ends Jan. 31.

Kirna Zabete
96 Greene St., between Prince and Spring streets; 212-941-9656.
Sale: Up to 60 percent discounts on fall 2009 apparel, shoes and accessories from designers Balenciaga, Lanvin, Stella McCartney and more. Check out kirnazabete.com for more discounts.

Intermix
1003 Madison Ave., between 77th and 78th streets; 212-249-7858.
Sale: Take an additional 40 percent off items already on sale.

Alice + Olivia
80 W. 40th St., at Sixth Avenue; 212-840-0887.
Sale: Select holiday sales will be marked down 40 percent starting Jan. 15 in store and online at aliceandolivia.com. Holiday hours: Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Anna Sui
113 Greene St., between Prince and Spring streets; 212-941-8406.
Sale: All fall and winter merchandise including accessories marked down by up to 50 percent. Closed Fri.

Rag and Bone
100 Christopher St., between Bleecker and Bedford streets; 212-727-2999.
Sale: Entire winter collection will be discounted up to 50 percent. Sale as long as discounted items last into January. Holiday hours: Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wink
155 Spring St., between West Broadway and Wooster Street; 212-334-3646.
Sale: Select apparel, accessories and footwear marked down by 40 to 80 percent. Sale will continue until all merchandise is sold. Holiday hours: Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Acne

7 For All Mankind
73 Fifth Ave., between 15th and 16th streets; 212-924-4146.
Sale: Denim, sportswear and accessories for men and women marked down by up to 50 percent. Sale ends Jan. 31.

John Varvatos
315 Bowery, between First and Second streets; 212-358-0315.
Sale: Fall 2009 collection will be marked down between 30 and 50 percent. Sale extends through end of January. Closed Friday.

Tracy Reese
641 Hudson St., between Gansevoort and Horatio streets; 212-807-0505.
Sale: Regularly priced merchandise marked down 20 percent. Take an additional 10 percent off already reduced merchandise. Sale ends Dec. 31. Holiday hours: Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Fri.

Betsey Johnson
1060 Madison Ave., between 80th and 81st streets; 212-734-1257.
Sale: Already reduced apparel marked down an additional 50 percent, and full-price clothing is marked down 25 percent. Sale ends Jan. 4. Holiday hours: Thurs., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Fri.

Big Drop
174 Spring St., between Thompson Street and West Broadway; 212-966-4299.
Sale: Select merchandise, including outerwear, marked down 50 percent. Holiday hours: Store opens at 1 p.m. on Fri.

Opening Ceremony
35 Howard St., between Broadway and Crosby streets; 212-219-2688.
Sale: Up to 50 percent markdowns on select apparel including items from designers Chloe Sevigny, Patrik Ervell and Katy Rodriguez. Holiday hours: Thurs., 11 a.m-6 p.m.

Brooklyn Industries
162 Bedford Ave., at N. Eighth St., Brooklyn; 718-486-6464.
Sale: All fall and winter sweaters and outerwear and select apparel will be marked down by up to 70 percent. Sale through Jan. 3. Holiday hours: Thurs., closes at 6 p.m.

Aloha Rag
505 Greenwich St., between Canal and Spring streets; 212-925-0882.
Sale: Up to 70 percent off Alexander Wang, Elizabeth & James and more. Sale through Thurs. Closed Fri.

Bird
220 Smith St., at Butler Street, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn; 718-797-3774.
Sale: All fall merchandise is marked down by 25 to 50 percent. Don’t miss APC boots and jeans at huge discounts. Through mid-January. Closed Fri.

CHAINS

French Connection
435 West Broadway, between Prince and Spring streets; 212-219-1197.
Sale: Fall men’s and women’s apparel and accessories are marked down 25 to 50 percent. Select holiday merchandise also 25 percent off. Sale through Jan. 4. Holiday hours: Thurs. and Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Diesel
1 Union Square West; 646-336-8552.
Sale: Select denim is marked down 30 percent, select men’s and women’s apparel and footwear will be marked down 50 percent and accessories are marked down 30 percent. Sale starts Jan. 1. Holiday hours: Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Fri., open 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

Express
477 Madison Ave., between 51st and 52nd streets; 212-644-4453.
Sale: Up to 50 percent off storewide, including sequin leggings, which were $98, now $49.

Anthropologie
50 Rockefeller Center, between Fifth and Sixth avenues; 212-246-0386.
Sale: Women’s apparel and home items marked down up to 40 percent. Closed Fri.

JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES

Me & Ro
241 Elizabeth St., between East Houston and Prince streets; 917-237-9215.
Sale: select silver, 10K and 18K jewelry marked down 30 percent. Sale ends Thurs. Closed Fri.

Lulu Guinness
394 Bleecker St., between Perry and W. 11th streets; 212-302-4564.
Sale: Ongoing, select fall and winter accessories marked down 30 percent. Closed Fri.

Satya
449 West Broadway, at Prince Street; 212-254-2562.
Sale: Spend $100 and get the gold lotus pendant necklace (reg. price $68) at 50 percent off. Closed Fri.

Alexis Bittar
465 Broome St., between Mercer and Greene streets; 718-422-7580.
Sale: Fall 2009 jewelry is marked down 25 percent. Sale lasts through the end of January or until all merchandise is sold. Holiday hours: Thurs., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Fri.

DEPARTMENT STORE

Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Ave., at 56th St.; 212-247-1100.
Sale: 30 to 50 percent markdowns on select jewelry, luxe candles, gloves, scarves and more. Holiday hours: Closed Thurs. Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Barneys New York
660 Madison Ave., at 61st Street; 212-826-8900.
Sale: 60 percent markdowns storewide on select merchandise. Holiday hours: Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Macy’s
151 W. 34th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues; 212-695-4400.
Sale: All holiday and cold weather products will have deep discounts. Holiday hours: Closes Thurs. at 6 p.m.

Bloomingdale’s
1000 Third Ave., between 59th and 60th streets; 212-705-2000.
Sale: Select regular, sale and clearance items are marked down an extra 20 to 50 percent. Select already reduced handbags are marked down 50 percent; select designer handbags are marked down 30 to 40 percent. Holiday hours: Today through Wed., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sale ends Dec. 31.

Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Ave., between 57th and 58th streets; 212-753-7300.
Sale: Tons of fifth floor women’s contemporary apparel marked down by up to 60 percent. Grab a Nanette Lepore dress, perfect for a New Year’s Eve party, for only $194 (reg. $298). Holiday hours: Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave., at 50th street; 212-753-4000.
Sale: Ongoing, designer labels up to 70 percent off. Holiday hours: Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Lord & Taylor
424 Fifth Ave., between 38th and 39th streets; 212-391-3344.
Sale: All private label cashmere sweaters marked down to $60 (reg. $134). Sale through Jan. 3. Holiday hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Fri.

DISCOUNT

Century 21
22 Cortland St., between Church Street and Broadway; 212-227-9092.
Sale: All fall apparel and footwear marked down by up to 75 percent. The sale continues until all the merchandise sells out. Holiday hours: Thurs., 7:45 a.m.-7 p.m., and Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

DSW
40 E. 14th St., at Broadway; 212-674-2146
Sale: ongoing, plus a special clearance on handbags by a legendary designer. New prices range from $199.95 to $399.95; rewards membership is required. Holiday hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m./ Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Loehmann’s
101 Seventh Ave., between 16th and 17th streets; 212-352-0856
Sale: ongoing. After Holiday Savings event, runs through Jan. 3. Get an extra 30 percent off every yellow, purple and blue sticker clearance item. Holiday hours: Mon.-Sat., 8.a.m.-11 p.m./ Sun., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

SHOES AND BAGS

Kate Spade
454 Broome St., between Mercer and Greene streets; 212-274-1991.
Sale: Take an additional 25 percent off already marked-down sale items. Holiday hours: Thurs. and Fri., closes at 5 p.m.

Chuckies
1073 Third Ave., at 63rd Street; 212-593-9898.
Sale: Starting today, select fall and winter designer shoes are marked down by up to 50 percent. Closed Friday.

Aldo
139 E. 42nd St., between Lexington and Third avenues; 212-594-6255.
Sale: Up to 70 percent markdowns on select footwear styles; select already reduced accessories are two for one and select handbags are marked down 30 percent. Holiday hours: Fri., closes at 6 p.m.

Dolce Vita
149 Ludlow St., between Stanton and Rivington streets; 212-529-2111.
Sale: Ongoing, shoes up to 30 percent off. Closed Fri.

When Hard Candy first launched in 1994, the rocker-chic makeup brand electrified nail color, quickly growing to a $12 million brand sold in hip, upscale stores. So imagine my surprise when I hit my local Walmart last week and spotted a huge selection of Hard Candy cosmetics.

In an attempt to jumpstart Wal-Mart’s mass beauty business abuzz, Hard Candy has been re-created for Wal-Mart by NuWorld Beauty, complete with a bold display and edgy products the brand is known for such as glitter liner and baked eye shadows.

Skeptical of mass-market cosmetics (I prefer Trish McEvoy and Chanel over Maybelline) I purchased Hard Candy Plumping Serum in Up Town Girl (a perfect peach shade) and All American Girl (nude with a hint of color) and instantly was hooked. Priced at a mere $5.00 each, these glosses pack a punch of mega-watt shine and sheer color with a creamy formula feels rich, not cheap. And my lips had a sexy bee stung look that had my husband convinced I’d had collagen injections. No joke!

The cosmetics range in price from $5 to $10, or $6.40 on average, and are designed to appeal to 18- to 35-year-old women who are looking to have fun with their makeup. The new line consists of 261 items ranging from shimmer lip glosses (Plexi Gloss, Lip Tattoo), baked eye shadow duos (Kal-eye-descope), glitter liquid eyeliner (Walk the Line), volume mascara (Ginormous Lash) and eyeliner pencils that double as hair sticks (Take Me Out Eyeliner).

Back are the cute packaging and playful color palette, gone are the hefty price tags. When Hard Candy launched in 1996, bottles of blue polish retailed for $18 a pop. Now, you can get your cheap thrill at Walmart for $6 each.