Sitting in Antonio Prieto’s beautiful private garden is a lovely way to enjoy those few remaining warm days. Especially when during that time you’re getting a manicure and pedicure (the $15 manicure is free with the $30 pedicure). Inside, the salon’s Dr. Hauschka (a holistic-skin-care line) package costs $100 and includes a facial (usually $70), scalp treatment ($40), and blowout ($40) – a savings of $50. Antonio Prieto, 25 W. 19th St. (255-3741); M.C., V., checks accepted; Mon.-Fri. 11-8, Sat. 10-5; through 10/31.
Sizing Things Up
The brightest of spots in the sample-sale universe, Vera Wang’s annual extravaganza has only one drawback: If she doesn’t have the style you want in your size, you’re out of luck. These are one-of-a-kinds. White silk-satin-faced organza wedding gown with pleated bodice in size 10, retail $3,465, here $1,500; ivory silk-satin wedding gown in size 6, retail $2,890, here $1,200; grape slipper-satin off-the-shoulder bridesmaid’s dress in a size 4, retail $290, here $50. Hotel Pennsylvania, Penntop Ballroom, 401 Seventh Ave., near 32nd St., eighteenth floor. (736-5000); A.E., M.C., V.; Sat. 9-5; 9/26.
Rem Cycle
Rem Garson – the leather-and-suede line that sells at places like Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Saks – is having its fall sample sale (just at the moment when the weather would actually allow for wearing leather). Boot-cut leather jeans, retail, $245-$445, here $118-$220; Italian-suede pea coat with faux-fur-trim sleeves and collar, retail $595, here $260. Rem Garson, 108 W. 39th St., 14th floor (704-2152); A.E., M.C., V.; by appointment only; while supplies last.
Metro Matters
The designers represented by Metropolitan Design Group offer the full gamut of accessories – semiprecious jewelry, scarves, handbags, hair accessories, linens, and the like. At the group sample sale, items include Meg Cohen’s cashmere scarves, retail $190-$340, here $75-$135; leather and velvet gloves by Shaneen Huxham, retail $55-$175, here $25-$75; handbags by Cynthia Rowley, retail $75-$150; here, $35-$65. Metropolitan Design Group, 80 W. 40th St., eighth floor (944-6110); cash only.; Thurs. 8-7; 9/24.
Coffee Break
D’Amico Foods is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary (and the third generation of family business) with a 30 percent sale. Not only are its famous coffees discounted – the Jubilee four-star blend, was $8.89 a pound, now $6.21 – other merch is reduced as well. Parmigiano-Reggiano, was $11.99 a pound, now $8.39; D’Amico’s extra-virgin olive oil, was $9.99, now $6.99. Though we always suggest visiting the spot in person (it epitomizes the Italian nature of Carroll Gardens), all shipping is free on orders of $20 or more. D’Amico Foods, 309 Court St. (718-875-5403); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 8-7; 9/21-10/21.
Take the Cap Off
At Cap Sud on Bond Street, Annick de Lorme has accrued a large stock of great furniture. Most is from France, but we particularly liked an iron gate from Cuba and her Chinese collection. The entire inventory, with the exception of her bistro chairs, is now going on sale: for example, rosewood buffet, was $5,895, now $3,700; handcrafted mesquite-wood Louis XIV table, was $3,300, now $2,640. Cap Sud, 50 Bond St. (260-9114); Tues.-Fri. 11-7, Sat.-Sun. 12-6; M.C., V., checks accepted; 9/21-10/4.
Southern Comfort
The two women behind Helene – Helene Midlarsky and Rhoda Baker – are making their semi-annual pilgrimage to New York from Boca Raton, armed with belts, wallets, diaries, photo frames, shoes, and, of course, their signature handbags. All merchandise will be 50 percent off retail; for example, the bags (they come in all types of leather, including croc and alligator), retail $600-$4,500, now $350-$2,500. The Wales Hotel, 1295 Madison Ave., near 92nd St. (876-6000 or 289-1634); A.E., checks accepted; Thurs.-Fri. 10-5:30 or by appointment; 9/24-9/25.