London - November 23, 2005

Christmas Wrap

The Best Winter Sales

Dear Father Christmas,

In my stocking this year I’d really like a killer party outfit. I know you’re busy, but there’s a plethora of sales over the next few weeks, so if you and Rudolph could nip in to those, I’m sure you’ll find one in no time. You could even get a snazzy little number for yourself. And I’ll pay you back with a Harvey Nichols hamper on the 24th.

Love,
Me

What: Cockpit Arts Open Studios
When: Thurs., 24 Nov., 6-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 25-27 Nov., noon-7 p.m.
Where: Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, WC1 (020 7419 1959).
Why: Jewellery/fashion/interiors by more than 100 up-and-coming designers (for men, women, children).
How much: £5, for Cockpit Arts charity.

What: A Jewellery Affair
When: Fri., 25 Nov., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: The Music Rooms, South Molton Lane, W1 (020 7419 9177).
Why: Shaun Leane, Samantha Salmons, Tina Engell, Ruby Red.
How much: Free.

What: Boudicca Sample Sale
When: Fri., 25 Nov., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 26 Nov., noon-8 p.m.
Where: Very Up & Co, 67B Queens Gardens, W2 (020 8510 9868).
Why: Boudicca past season stock (women).
How much: Free.

What: Designer Fashion Sale
When: Fri. & Sat., 25 & 26 Nov., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 27 Nov., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Hampstead Town Hall, Haverstock Hill, NW3 (020 7794 1636).
Why: Polar Furs, The Cross, Marosa, Betty Jackson, Ghost, D&G (women) 80 percent off.
How much: £3.

What: Vogue’s Fashion Sale for Pakistan 
When: Tues., 29 Nov., noon-8 p.m.
Where: Covent Garden Studios, 10 Mercer Street, WC2 (020 7608 9100).
Why: Bargain donations from YSL, Matthew Williamson, Giles, Alexander McQueen (women).
How much: £10 to shelters in Pakistan (Vogue Pakistan Fund).

What: Designer Warehouse Sale
When: Womenswear — Fri., 2 Dec., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 3 Dec., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 4 Dec., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Menswear — Fri., 9 Dec., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 Dec., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 Dec., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 45 Balfe Street, N1 (020 7837 3322).
Why: Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Hugo Boss, Gucci, all 80 percent off.
How much: £2.

What: Designer Clothing Sale
When: Fri., 2 Dec., 10 a.m.-7 p.m .; Sat., 3 Dec., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 4 Dec., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Covent Garden Studios, 10 Mercer Street, WC2 (020 7608 9100).
Why: Evisu, Fake London, Red Dot, Stone Island, Tretorn, Oki-Ni (women and men) at 75 percent off.
How much: Free.

What: Temperley Winter Sale
When: Wed. & Thurs., 7 & 8 Dec., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Twentieth Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11 (020 7229 4179).
Why: Temperley samples and reduced past seasons’ stock (women and children).
How much: £3 goes to the Olive Branch charity for cancer treatment.

What: Secret Sample Sale
When: Thurs.-Sun., 8-11 Dec., noon-7 p.m.
Where: The Well Gallery, Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 (020 8348 1987 or e-mail joinlist@secretsamplesale.co.uk).
Why: Jens Laugesen, Robert Carey-Williams, Esther Franklin (women) at 80 percent off. (Freestyle art exhibition in adjoining gallery).
How much: £1.

P.S. The hamper will be crammed, I promise.