BlackBook

Fashion Week has descended upon New York City, anointing new and yet-to-be-opened venues with its holy presence. Fashion houses and fashionable rags have shouldered their way into seen-and-be-seen restaurants and night spots, and have sold off their first born in order to offer their party guests a first look at some unopened places, like The Mondrian and the Darby's buzzy basement. The perennial question: Whether to elect tried-and-true spots (or, in the case of Alexander Wang, gas stations and bounce houses) over what could be just a flash-in-the-pan hotspot. Herewith, a rumor-mongering and totally useless look at where all the week's parties shall take place.

Surely I’m not the only one to feel a twinge of nostalgia (and/or jealousy) when I see little kids wearing shoes that light up. Thankfully, shoe designer Edmundo Castillo has created the adult-version: a light-up strappy wedge heel. Teaming up with the firm responsible for the costumes in the newest TRON film, Castillo’s design pays homage to the blockbuster. Castillo claims the shoe is "completely functional"; recharging the shoe is as easy as plugging in an adapter to the heel of the shoe, and the shoe can be switched to a blinking mode if desired.

There are few things in life that satisfy me more than a significantly well-structured shoe. Designers like Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, and more recently Nicholas Kirkwood have the art of footwear construction down to a science and are painstakingly detailed in their designs. And while these well-known designers have paved the way for emerging footwear architects, there are also a few veteran international designers out there who are just starting to make real waves in America. Enter Camilla Skovgaard. The Danish-born designer started her career at the age of 20 when a French-owned company brought her to Dubai to design for the wives and daughter of sheikhs. After doing that for seven years, she moved to London to study shoe-making and quickly developed a distinct avant-garde approach to design. While still a student, Skovgaard received a prestigious nod from Saks Fifth Avenue in the U.S. when they decided to buy her first footwear collection, further paving the way for what would become a thriving career in the industry.

Post-hiatus, the actress' explosive return

The Spot: Avenue (Chelsea) - New lounge from Marquee mandarins and soon, your Friday night excuse to get dolled up in your most painful pumps and be seen.

There's nothing I love more than discovering when my holy grail beauty products have reached what the insiders call "cult status." Not only is the product's efficacy validated, but possessing that "told ya so" factor instantly makes you an authority on the topic. So you can imagine my delight when one morning, freshly slathered in Smoothing Marine Cream -- one serious indulgence from the Clark's Botanicals skincare line -- I notice a window display furnished with this year's cult products. Starring in the middle was none other than the bold green packaging of Clark's Botanicals.

It's a good thing that metal is perceptible by radar, because we sure wouldn't want any of these alchemic gems to go unnoticed. The perfect addition to the rest of the conceptual Dior Homme collection, these pieces add a sleek touch to every lifestyle. Smokers can eloquently channel Sean Connery or James Bond -- whichever you like -- while extracting a Dunhill from the cigarette case. Ambitious trust-fund babies can keep their business cards safe and sound in the flip-top business card holder, and recession tycoons can act rich by flipping singles from the shiny money clip. A little Dior for everyone. Available in late February at Dior Homme boutiques and select Saks, so you've got time to save your dimes.

● Lauren Merkin Holiday Sample Sale. Downright naughty prices on bags, clutches, and cosmetics cases -- nice! Tuesday, December 9 to Thursday, December 11, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 231 West 29th Street (7th and 8th avenue), Suite 201. (212) 239-2459. Accepting Cash, AmEx, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. See also Bergdorf Goodman or Lauren Merkin. ● Alexander Wang. Stay hot while staying warm in $80 oversized cashmere sweaters and $240 velvet dresses. Pre-Fall and Fall '08 samples up to 80% off. Thursday, December 11, 3 to 7p.m.; Friday, December 12 to Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 386 Broadway (Walker and White streets), 6th Floor. Credit cards accepted for purchases over $200. See also Barneys or Alexander Wang. ● Mike & Chris Sample Sale (take 2). Elusive up-and-comers finally reschedule their first sample sale. Good things come to those who wait. Thursday, December 11 to Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. 80 West 40th Street, Suite 53. See also Mike & Chris.

BlackBook's Holiday Gift Guide will present two gift picks per day from now until December 19. One comes from our very own YOOX.com store; the other from the world at large. Suggestions? Let us know.