The holiday hoopla is over, and you’re ready to kick back, relax, and forget about anything that needs dry-cleaning. Feel like a slob? You’re in sync with one of the most peculiar fashion trends we’ve seen: worn-in jeans, tinted to look dirtier than you’d ever get them. Your family may think you’ve lost your mind, but you’ll be in good company – fashion snobs have been running around in filthy-chic Helmut Lang denim since September.
Even the master of clean-cut is messing things up: cK Calvin Klein Jeans offers several styles, including jeans ($78 for women’s or men’s), a jacket ($98), and a skirt ($58), all at Macy’s by January 15. At Express, jeans in a euphemistically named “copper tint” are $48. (Pick from four styles – haute hillbillies will love the $44 waders.) At Old Navy, a winningly sullied boot-cut pair is $29.50. For a splurge (and that fabulous fit), check out Diesel’s “luxury of dirt” line. The store offers men and women a choice of styles in three tinted washes (all hand-sanded in Italy), priced from $99 to $125.
But for the most authentic dirt, no one beats Antique Boutique. You’ll find Levi’s Vintage Clothing line’s pricey, dirty, silicone-treated jeans ($135) plus lots of the real vintage stuff (old 501s are $49). Pick pairs that aren’t too ripped – and try not to think about where they’ve been.
Macy’s Herald Square (212-695-4400); Express, 477 Madison Ave., at 51st St. (212-644-4453); Old Navy, 150 W. 34th St. (212-594-0049); Diesel, 770 Lexington Ave., at 60th St. (212-308-0055); Antique Boutique, 712 Broadway, near W. 4th St. (212-995-5577).
Picks of the Week
Norma Kamali is filling a floor of her shop with fall-and-winter stock and taking 40 to 75 percent off. Jersey separates are $45-$190; taffeta eveningwear is $115-$180; sleeping-bag coats are $245; swimsuits are $50 or less. 11 W. 56th St., third floor (212-957-9797); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-6; 1/3- 1/27.
For Eyes’ opening sale means an extra 20 percent off all eyeglasses frames by local designers (prices are always 40 to 60 percent off retail). Makers include Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and iCB; frames with lenses included are $88-$232. 420 Lexington Ave., near 44th St. (212-697-8888); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Thurs. 9-8, Fri. till 6, Sat. 10-5; 1/3-1/15.
Liz Lange Maternity’s moving sale offers sharp, urban clothes for expectant moms at half price, from $20 for tees to $80 for bootleg pants. Sizes XS-XL. 1020 Lexington Ave., near 73rd St., second floor (212-717-9030); A.E., M.C., V., checks; Mon.-Sat. 10-7, Sun. noon-5; 1/3- 1/16.
Michelle Roth’s sample sale has 250 bridal gowns (from sheaths to puffy beaded styles) at 50 to 85 percent off: Gowns are $250-$2,500; veils are $75-$200. Eveningwear is $350- $1,500. Sizes 6-14. 24 W. 57th St., Suite 203 (212-245-3390); A.E., M.C., V.; Thurs. 10-8, Fri.-Sat. till 6; 1/6-1/8.
Koos is taking half off jewel-toned patchwork eveningwear: Silk bags are from $38, ball skirts are from $225, a color-block coat is $700, and a sable poncho is $1,750. 1283 Madison Ave., near 91st St., second floor (212-722-9855); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon. noon-6, Tues.-Sat. 10:30-6; 1/4-1/29.
RubinChapelle’s hip, futuristic downtown gear (pictured, right; available at Steven Alan and Kirna Zabête) is 50 to 70 percent off at the sample-and-stock sale. Separates, knits, and outerwear are $50-$300. Women’s sizes 2-10. 133 W. 25th St., seventh floor (212-367-8061); A.E., M.C., V.; Fri.-Sat. noon-7:30; 1/7-1/8.