It’s party season again, and there’s no chance your fuzzy, frizzy, pinned-up beach hair will win points on the social circuit (unless you consider coffee bars and poetry readings social). But if you haven’t mastered the art of the blowout, you’ve still got a hope of looking like a million at least once before the millennium: The following top-end salons have agreed to wash and blow dry “Sales & Bargains” readers’ hair into sleek, finessed style at a special price of $20 (they usually charge anywhere from $45 to $80; the only catch is that you can’t choose your stylist). Book an appointment for any time between now and December 17 (remember to mention “S&B” when you call, or you will not like the bill); bring this page with you; and don’t be a grinch (tip at least $5 if you’re happy). (Note: Bring only the S&B page from the MAGAZINE; print-outs of this web page will NOT be honored.)
Frédéric Fekkai’s expert staff will undoubtedly take very, very good care of your hair. Double-bookers know there’s other great stuff here, particularly the facials and self-tanning treatment. “S&B” blowouts are available Mondays and Tuesdays. 15 E. 57th Street, floor T-1 (212-753-9500).
Oscar Blandi is reopening his plush Plaza salon after renovations end, on November 10 (until then he’s in temporary digs on East 57th Street). Blandi’s haircuts are the tops, but the waxing’s great here, too. The blowout deal’s good any day. Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave., at 59th St., second floor (212-593-7930).
Oribe’s opulent, gilt-trimmed salon is guaranteed to make even the most unkempt feel like a princess. “S&B” blowouts fall to a pair of up-and-coming young stylists you’ll want to watch. They’re on every day. 691 Fifth Ave., near 54th St., tenth floor (212-319-3910).
Pierre Michel feels like a funky downtown salon transported to a huge midtown space. They do everything here – pedicures, facials, makeup. The special blowout offer is valid only Mondays through Wednesdays. 131 E. 57th St. (212-755-9500).
Salon AKS is bright, earth-toned, and all about minimalist luxury. Specialties include highlights and, of course, haircuts. “S&B” blowouts are Monday through Thursday. 694 Madison Ave., near 62nd St. (212-888-0707).
Stephen Knoll’s cozy, velvety salon offers body treatments as well as haircuts (the pedicures and facials are especially great). They’re game for the “S&B” deal whenever you want it. 625 Madison Ave., near 59th St., second floor (212-421-0100).
Picks of the Week
To Boot New York’s warehouse sale has loads of sleek, hip men’s shoes and boots (they sell at stores like Bergdorf’s) at 40 to 80 percent off, $69 to $300. Sizes 7-16. 603 Washington St. (212-463-0437, ext. 5); cash only; Thurs.-Fri. 8:30-6:30, Sat. 10-6, Sun. noon-5; 11/4-11/7.
Design & Comfort’s contemporary modern and postmodern furniture is 30 to 70 percent off: sofas are $999-$2,299, dining tables are $499-$2,599, and bedroom sets are $2,900-$5,900. 464 Park Ave. South, near 31st St. (212-679-9088) and 380 West Broadway (212-334-1000); A.E., M.C., V., checks; Mon.-Fri. 10-7, Thurs. till 8, Sat. till 6, Sun. noon-5; 11/1-11/30.
Vestimenta’s streamlined Italian clothes for men and women are half off at the sample sale: Suits from $400, separates from $350, ties and other accessories from $30. 595 Madison Ave., at 57th St., ninth floor (212-207-8100); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 10-5; 11/1-11/5.
Ligne Roset, the pricey French furniture company, is taking 10 to 50 percent off floor samples. A small aluminum lamp is $50; an armchair is $1,032; a two-piece leather sectional is $3,683. New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Ave., sixth floor (212-685-1099); A.E., M.C., V.; Thurs.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-5; 11/4-11/6.
Judaica Classics by Doina is taking a third off holiday essentials: a sterling dreidel is $60, candlesticks are $80, a menorah is $400. 125 E. 85th St. (212-722-4271); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon. and Wed.-Thurs. 11-5, Tues. till 10, Fri. till 2, Sun. 10-3; 11/2-11/8.