Kalima – who possesses an amazing eye for detail and materials – creates her various designs in a West 12th Street apartment which she opens up periodically for sales. Her whimsical wedding and evening gowns include: silk-shantung floor-length wedding gown, was $1,200, now $725 (short version, was $800, now $425); short silk-chiffon evening dress, was $800, now $375; hand-embroidered silk-shantung evening dress in an orchid color, was $750, here $375; long lace and chiffon evening gown, was $1200, now $750. Kalima (call 691-9520 for appointment); checks accepted; 3/30-4/10.
Courtney’s Lovelies
A few years ago, when faced with the difficulty of finding anything that their teenagers would actually wear, two mothers created their own label (named after one of their daughters) based on sketches the girls drew. The idea has created really simple, pretty designs for the 11-to-16-year-old set, and the label has garnered a loyal following. And since they sell only direct to clients, their prices are very reasonable (dresses, $150; skirts, $85; and jackets, $190). At their show, your daughter can bring a dress sketch that will be judged by a panel of teenage girls; the winner receives a dress of her choice and her design in the fall collection with her name attached. Allow four weeks for delivery. Courtney Vaughan, Hotel Wales, 1295 Madison Ave., near 92nd St. (831-0268); Fri. 2-8, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 10-3; checks accepted; 4/3-4/5 or by appointment.
A Good Time to Bag
To get your hands on a voguish bag for spring, check out IFO’s sample sale. Its various pieces (in Chinese silks, nylons, laminated tortoise, and other materials), usually retailing for $110-$165, are here $40-$85. IFO, 215 W. 40th St., sixth floor (382-3330); cash only; Thurs.-Fri. and Mon.-Tues. 8:30-7; 4/2-4/3, 4/6-4/7.
Fabled Cuts
A happy type of pandemonium reigned at the Tortoise & the Hare on a recent weekday morning. A little girl with pigtails bounced up and down in front of a Barney video; a boy played a car-racing Sega game as his hair was cut; and a toddler watched a hand-puppet show throughout his first trim. That’s the whole concept: Keep kids entertained in this cartoonish environment, and their haircuts will be a breeze. At its toy-and-haircut sale: 30-piece “Zoob” modeling kits, were $14.50, now $13; Finnish jigsaw puzzles, were $44, now $36; children’s haircut, was $20, now $18; woman’s haircut, was $35, now $30. The Tortoise & the Hare, 1470 York Ave., near 78th St. (472-3399); M.C., V.; Tues.-Fri. 10-5:30 (Tues. till 7 with appointment), Sat. 9-5:30; 4/1-4/15.
The Doctor Is In
Dr. Margolin’s Wellness Spa – which does indeed make you feel well (in all senses of the word) – is celebrating its first anniversary with a sale on all of its services. For example, massage, was $80, now $64; nutritional consultation, was $125, now $100; facial, was $70, now $56; body scrub, was $40, now $32. Dr. Margolin’s Wellness Spa, 166 Fifth Ave., near 21st St. (675-9355); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Thurs. 10-8, Fri. noon-8, Sat. 10-6, Sun. by appointment; 4/1-4/15.
Down to Your Wares
Orva – the bargain oasis for great lingerie – is having a sale. For example, Calvin Klein underwear in cotton, sheer, and floral styles, was $10-$16, now $7.50-$12; matching bras, were $18- $27, now $13.50-$20.25. Orva, 155 E. 86th St. (369-3448); A.E., M.C., V., checks; Mon.-Sat. 10-9, Sun. till 8; through 4/11.
Cowgirl Country
Tracy Watts has always had a great knack for making a hat au courant – which explains why her headgear moves off the shelves of Barneys and TG170 so quickly. Her latest model, the brightly colored cowboy hat for girls, is no exception, and at this sale you can get it at its wholesale price (retail $150, here $65). All of her well-crafted wares, retail $50-$300, now $10-$125. Tracy Watts, 305 W. 20th St., lower level (727-7349); Wed.-Sun. 11-7; M.C., V.; 4/1-4/5.
Full-Body Maintenance
A neighborhood beacon on the Upper West Side, the friendly staff at Capelli Punto takes care of everything from damaged tresses to aching backs. Their two spa specials: makeover with haircut and color with makeup application, was $230-$300, now $128 (first-time clients only; Tuesday through Friday from 11-3, Sundays 11-5); full-body massage and facial, was $175, now $99 (available for all clients). Capelli Punto, 404 Columbus Ave., near 79th St. (362-2823); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 11-8, Wed. 11-6, Sat. 9:30-6, Sun. 11-5; 4/1-4/26.
Bring in the New
Bevin Dillon’s eager to design some new styles. Which means that it’s time to move the lovely older samples out of her showroom. Bridal gowns that retail for $2,000-$4,000 are here for $500-$1,500. Bevin Dillon, 740 West End Ave., near 96th St. (865-1667); checks accepted.; Sat.-Mon. 11-6; 4/4-4/6.
Tibetan Carpet Ride
Odegard, the maker of fine Tibetan rugs, is opening for its once-a-year sale (it usually sells just to the trade). For example, nine-by-twelve-foot traditional and contemporary rugs, were $7,000- $14,000, now $1,500-$2,100; six-by-nine-foot rugs, were $3,200-$6,700, now $750-$1,100. Odegard, 200 Lexington Ave., near 32nd St. (545-0069); checks accepted; Fri.-Sat. 10-5:30; 4/3-4/4.
Lazo Savings
We’ve had a dearth of sales for men of late, but the Italian company Lazo has come to the rescue with a spring sample sale. Offerings include: dress shirts, retail $110-$160, now $45; ties, retail $50-$70, here $20; knitwear, retail $60-$490, now $25-$75. Lazo, 38 W. 56th St., second floor (956-1425); A.E., M.C., V.; Sun.-Fri. 10-7; 3/30-4/3, 4/5-4/9.