Black Halo Sample Sale - Los Angeles

The sample sales just keep coming, and in this economy we need them! Black Halo is selling samples and new merchandise this Friday and Saturday at big discounts. This is a perfect sale to hit for holiday tops and dresses. If you're not familiar with Black Halo, check out their styles here: http://blackhalo.com/

Friday December 5th - 12:00 - 5:00
Saturday December 6th - 9:00 - 3:00
588 Mateo Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90013
Cash and Credit

Liberty Window Decorations - London

One of my favorite things about Christmas time in the city is all of the elaborate holiday window displays. Unfortunately, here in L.A. we don't get as much of a show, but New York and London go all out. This year, Liberty's windows bring the snow indoors with dreamy icy homescapes. Liberty's also has a famous Christmas shop with unique ornaments and a vintage looking advent calendars. You can check out the goods at: http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/home_christmas?resetFilters=true

Rachel Pally Fall Sample Sale - Los Angeles

It's sample sale time! Daily Candy has been posting about a plethora of sample sales that won't be letting up until Christmas. Here is one more to add to your list. Rachel Pally is having a sample sale of Fall 2008 merchandise including her cashmere collection:

Thursday December 4th - Sunday December 7th, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2301 E. 7th Street Suite C 100
Los Angeles, CA
Check, Cash, Visa and Mastercard

Go to www.rachelpally.com to view the collection.

Rob Ryan Shop - London

I love London based Rob Ryan's whimsical cut paper illustrations. With their child like innocence, it is only fitting that he is putting his designs on toddler tees.  The above shirt is so sweet: "Why are you so naughty? Because I'm so happy!!

And, I've always thought the above print would be beautiful in a nursery.

You can buy select prints and merchandise on Rob's etsy site, but  he has also opened a store in London which sells tea towels, prints, pillows and the above tee. His prints run around $400. Not cheap, but very reasonable for a work of art. His shop is Ryantown, 126 Columbia Road, E2 7RG, Open Saturday from 1-4 and all day Sunday.

Luzzo's Pizzeria - New York

I have to admit that on my last trip to New York, I cheated on Lombardi's! Whenever I am in New York, I have to get my pizza fix and Lombardi's is usually my pie of choice. On this trip, I decided to take my friend Maya's advice and try Luzzo's in the East Village. I was skeptical, and I won't say it's better than Lombardi's but I have to admit it is just as good. There are a lot of similarities between the two: a perfectly charred crust, and a thin layer of sauce topped with gooey blobs of cheese. The difference in my opinion is Luzzo's sauce is just a little bit sweeter, and the fresh mozzarella a little bit softer (sorry Lombardi's but it's true). They even have secured a coal oven, which is one of the secrets to all the best pizza shop's pizzas. I thought New York only allowed 2 original coal ovens to remain: Lombardi's and Grimaldi's, so I'm not sure how they have pulled it off, but I'm sure glad they did! 

Luzzo's Pizzeria, 211-213 First avenue, New York, NY  

Tel: 212.473.7447

Lyell Boutique - New York

Lyell is a beautiful clothing line and boutique on Elizabeth street in Soho/Little Italy. The thirties and forties inspired fall collection includes feminine silk tops, dresses, and hand knit sweaters embellished with hand detailed beading or lace. The quality of construction and fabric is impeccable, which the prices reflect. Not for every day, but a silk dress would make a great invest piece for a very special occasion. www.lyellnyc.com, 172 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012, Tel: 212.966.8484