Designers have been rolling out lower-priced lines left and right in recent seasons as a result of varying factors (competition and the recession for starters). Now comes news that the latest household name within the industry to launch a diffusion line is none other than native New Yorker Zac Posen. He joins a roster of high-fashion designers with shiny new diffusion lines that already includes the likes of Doo-Ri Chung, Thakoon Panichgul, Richard Chai, and even recent Swiss Textile Design Award winner Alexander Wang.

"What makes someone an icon? Is Nelson Mandela an icon? Is Václav Havel an icon? Is the alien from Alien: Resurrection an icon? I don’t know what the requirements are.” Winona Ryder pauses to consider the well-oiled word from the far reaches of the lobby lounge at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood. Her cap is pulled down to hide the face of an Edward Gorey beauty rendered in chalk. She sits on her tiny feet as if to keep them warm.

Crystal Renn shows off skin-deep beauty in ads for Dolce & Gabbana, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue, and in her insightful new book, Hungry, she lets her inner beauty shine. But we wanted the full Crystal Renn experience, so we had to get to the bottom of her on-skin beauty. Luckily, she spilled her beauty bag and let us peek in.

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.

Patron Saint of Style: Scarlett Johansson, with curves that are the epitome of glamor, she is now the official face of poppin’ bottles. Her newest advertising deal with Moët Chandon (pictured) means the mini Marilyn Monroe shall forever be synonymous with the luxe life.

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.

If you can’t afford to give a fashionista this season's much-coveted 5-inch YSL Tribute Platforms (available at Saks Fifth Avenue), do a girl a real favor and give the gift of blister-free feet with Foot Petal’s Stiletto Survival Kit ($50).