Fashion Front: March 2006

Adidas by Stella McCartney

Game, Set, and Match for adidas by Stella McCartney

Sports and fashion? They didn’t always go together.
In fact, the ’70s and ’80s were dominated by grouchy, fluffy-haired guys in short-shorts and sweaty headbands. Luckily, things have changed dramatically since then. And now, two brilliant entities have united the two disciplines in a perfect harmony of performance and style: Stella McCartney and adidas.
Now in its third season, the alliance has come out with its best collection yet — and introduces a line of tenniswear worthy of both labels.
Created for women who take both sport and style seriously, adidas by Stella McCartney’s new spring offering features groundbreaking styles in running, gym, and swim.
And the tennis line? Wait till you get into these looks and out on the court. Featuring footwear, apparel, and accessories, the collection provides a head-to-toe look for the style-conscious grand-slammer. Just ask hot Russian newcomer Maria Kirilenko: The 19-year-old rising star is the face of the new line, and she’ll be wearing it in all of her upcoming tournaments.
With these kinds of alternatives to the old dreary tennis whites of yore, players should find little to be grouchy about.
Shop for the adidas by Stella McCartney styles at select Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Equinox fitness clubs; online at shopadidas.com.

Sample SALES!!!!!!!!!!

March 13, 2006

Ample Samples

A few ways to put a little spring in your step …

What: Lauren MerkinWhen: Mar. 14-16; Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.Where: 231 West 29th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, suite 201 (212-239-2459).Why: Must-have clutches, were $180, now $90; totes, were $395, now $240; studded bags, were $275, now $110.

What: Adam + EveWhen: Mar. 23-25; Thurs. & Fri., 4-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Where: 450 West 15th Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, fourth floor (212-675-2022).Why: Men’s and women’s tees, cardigans, sweaters, and other whatnots in cashmere and cotton are up to 70 percent off. Deals on spring and summer collections, too.

What: Multidesigner Sample SaleWhen: Mar. 13-17; Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.Where: 250 West 39th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, suite 510 (212-221-2349).Why: Swimwear, cover-ups, and beachy accessories from Vix, Lisa Curran, Bella Brazil, Havaianas, and others are 40 to 60 percent off.

What: Alice + OliviaWhen: Mar. 16-18; Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Where: 80 West 40th Street, at Sixth Avenue, second floor (212-840-1155).Why: Trendy blouses, pants, sweaters, and other threads at 50 to 70 percent off retail.

What: White + WarrenWhen: Mar. 29-30; Wed. & Thurs., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Where: 80 West 40th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, third floor (212-398-3295).Why: Cashmere cardigans, were $220, now $85; cotton sweaters, were $110, now $50; polos, were $45, now $25.

What: PratesiWhen: Mar. 13 & 14; Mon.-Tues., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, fourth floor (718-747-1656).Why: Plush Italian bedding, bath accessories, and table linens are up to 75 percent off retail. Classico king sheet sets, were $1,330, now $665; cashmere loungewear, was $1,360-$590, now $390-$175.

What: Mika Inatome Custom Bridal StudioWhen: Mar. 13-17; Mon.-Fri., by appointment only.Where: 93 Reade Street, between Church and West Broadway, second floor (212-966-7777).Why: Wedding belles! Exquisite gowns are reduced up to 90 percent.