Thongs that don’t require Brazilian waxing – hey, who doesn’t love the idea? We’re talking sandals, of course: The more sophisticated, grown-up sister of the flip-flop, thongs can carry you from the boardwalk to the board meeting. This spring, our favorites are in shades of camel and gold and come at prices that won’t trip you up.
If you want to go au naturel, Bandolino’s tan rattan slides (pictured, $49 at Lord & Taylor) are a shoe-in, as are a pair from Ann Taylor with pieces of real coconut shells sewn on the straps ($98 at Ann Taylor stores), and simple flats ornamented with a matching leather flower (pictured, $98 at French Connection stores). For a more nighttime look, go for the gold with an elegant, understated Liz Claiborne thong (pictured, $49 at Lord & Taylor) or a kitten-heeled Donald J. Pliner (pictured, $135 at Lord & Taylor or Macy’s). Or, if logos are in your budget, take your little piggies to market for some Coach sandals (pictured, $120 at Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and Coach stores) – they’re versatile and quite comfortable.
Picks of the Week
Showroom Seven, supplier of cutting-edge designs like Ghost, Erickson Beaman, and Imitation of Christ to stores like Bendel and Barneys, has spring collections for less than half regular prices. 498 Seventh Ave., at 36th St., twenty-fourth floor (212-643-4810); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Fri. 10-7; 5/15-5/25.
Cyn & Luca’s sexy animal-print and boldly colored swimsuits are 50 to 80 percent off retail; prices are mostly from $20 to $80. Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. (212-255-8678); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon. 10-7; 5/21.
Catherine Malandrino’s feminine, flirty spring-summer collection is 50 to 60 percent off retail. A printed chiffon blouse is $100 (retail, $220); an embroidered dress is $170 (retail, $320). 275 W. 39th St., third floor; A.E., M.C., V. Mon.-Thurs. 9-8; 5/21-5/24.
Anni Kuan’s vivid skirts, silk tweed suits, and Capri pants are all 50 to 80 percent off retail; prices are from $20 to $125. 242 W. 38th St., eleventh floor (212-704-4038); cash only; Thurs. 10-7, Fri. 10-6; 5/17-5/18.
Tuscan Square’s rustic, handcrafted tabletop and dinnerware collections, serving bowls, glassware, candles, and more are 50 to 70 percent off retail. 16 W. 51st St. (212-977-7777); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-9:30, Sun. noon-6; thru 5/31.
Lighthouse International’s annual Posh sale has men’s and women’s Calvin Klein, Burberry, Versace, Armani, and more. A Christian Dior black quilted bag is $200; a pair of Armani sunglasses that retails for $210 is $50. Most new items are 25 to 50 percent off, and gently used are mostly 50 percent off retail. Proceeds support rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired; $25 for a three-day pass or $10 per day. 110 E. 60th St. (212-821-9300); A.E., M.C., V.; Thurs. noon-8, Fri. 10-6, Sat. 11-5; 5/17-5/19.
Denise Williamson Showroom features edgy new creations by Ulla Johnson, Alice Roi, Fake London, and Mint at 50 to 80 percent off retail. 115 Mercer St., second floor (212-226-5507); cash only; Thurs.-Sat. 10-7; 5/17-5/19.
Annabel Ingall’s straw and raffia bags are on sale for 25 to 60 percent off retail; prices are from $36 to $120. Hats (from $32 to $130) and home accessories are also marked down. 80 W. 40th St., seventh floor (212-719-4676); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Fri. 9-6; 5/15-5/18.