As we all begin to hyperventilate over the impending holiday gift-buying deadlines, so commences the holiday sales at major stores in the city. Barneys’ week-long Winter Sale starts today with items up to 40% off, and the men's section is especially good. Unlike the chaos and frenzy that comes with Barneys’ Warehouse Sale, this one is entirely online and stress-free. Pick up some stocking-stuffers and feel good about the fact that you didn’t even have to leave your bedroom.

Thursday marks the start of yet another Steven Alan sample sale, one of the larger and more anticipated sales in the city. To add to the excitement, Refinery29 today launched Reserve, a shopping-crazed micro-site offering weekly exclusive deals, and Steven Alan is kicking off the party.

Downtown prepster mainstay Steven Alan is expanding its empire. In addition to the quintessential collared shirt and various other straightforward wardrobe staples, Steven Alan will soon be home to handbags. The retailer, which has outposts in NYC and California, is launching a capsule handbag collection come fall. The totes will be available in six different styles, all of which boast a distinctly equestrian vibe. "Classic shapes, such as hobos, satchels and shoulder bags, all feature bridled leather and brass hardware," says Women's Wear Daily.

Steven Rojas is usually so put together, people assume he's gay. He explained his appeal when he was named one of New York's Mr. Rights "Some girls see guys dressed in Thom Browne or some sort of amazing suit, and they're like, 'Wow, what's that dude's deal? Is he gay?'" Often described as a 'Man About Town," Rojas balances the late nights of a full social calendar with a demanding career as a fashion director at Archetype Showroom, always appearing dapper, fresh and awake. Here is how he does it (it's a surprisingly simple routine).

2010 is apparently the year of the one-piece. According to Google's retail blog, the bikini is on its way out -- at least temporarily. "Search trends indicate that one piece swimsuits and tankinis will be a hit this year despite fashion show standouts including cutouts, plunging necklines & one shoulder designs in various bright colors and graphical prints," says the blog. The trend would definitely fall in line with a move on numerous runways this past season toward more prim, even conservative looks. And one of the most talked-about new swimsuit lines to launch this past year -- a collection called We Are Handsome -- is all about the monokini.

Steven Alan is on a mission. The designer made a name for himself outfitting New York's downtown set in his namesake wears; he has since expanded nationwide as well as internationally through the likes of a recent collaboration with Uniqlo. And now Alan is teaming up with none other than Richard Branson. "Steven Alan is currently Down Under, working on a project with V Australia -- Richard Branson's new airline," says Valet. "Alan's traveling around the country getting the full treatment and gathering inspiration for his idea of the perfect travel bag, which will sell at his NYC and LA stores." In the meantime, Alan's project will be taking on an interactive bend; specifically prospective shoppers can offer feedback on Alan's choice of materials, shape, etc.

Tom Ford's directorial debut, A Single Man, may have just premiered at the Venice Film Festival (where its lead, Colin Firth scored the Volpi Cup award for his performance). But back stateside, quite a few designers showing Spring 2010 collections at New York Fashion Week have been bitten by the film bug. Shipley & Halmos and Tim Hamilton showcased film-centric presentations that forewent a catwalk and models this past weekend. Steven Alan presented an original film, directed by Adam Levite, last night in the Yard at the Soho Grand Hotel in place of a traditional runway show. And, as I mentioned Monday, Gareth Pugh debuted a four-part filmic installation in Milk Studios over the weekend in anticipation of his Paris runway show.

When you walk into Confederacy -- a Los Angeles boutique owned by Ilaria Urbinati, Danny Masterson, and Aly Mawji -- you instantly feel inspired. Whether it’s the quality selection of designer clothing, accessories, and beauty products, the rotating display of artwork and photography, or lively in-store events, the space hosts an endless amount of creativity. The charming Ilaria, a celebrity stylist and former buyer for LA boutiques Satine and Milk, fills me in on her style influences and why every visit to Confederacy is truly a unique experience.

Suze Orman is about as likely to tell you to invest in a v-neck sweater as she is to suggest putting money under a mattress. But these days, a Barbour jacket might be a safer investment than say, 100 shares of Google stock. However, with the public and media's increasingly vocal disapproval of conspicuous consumption, it’s best to lay low and stick with the classics (or at least designs that look like them). So go on -- wrap yourself in the certainty of a time-tested brand with a few New York shopping options.

Gild Hall employees will soon be rocking designer duds, courtesy of Steven Alan, New York downtowner designer. The hotel "uniforms" will consist of wool blazers, button down vests and slacks with reverse seams for the gentlemen and "banker's dresses" for the women, both outfits will be accessorized with skinny black ties. We'll call this haute banker couture.