Neiman Marcus is running a promotion through Nov. 6 — sign up for the luxury retailer’s e-newsletter and you’re registered to win a $3,000 Manolo Blahnik shopping spree at neimanmarcus.com.

Glass-half-empty Sam: “That’s what? Four pairs of shoes? Or three really good ones?”
Glass-half-full Sam: “That’s still three more pairs than you had before.”

And be glad you don’t live in Canada (to any Canadian readers, I apologize, but): Up there, before you can win, you have to correctly answer a skill-testing question! (And by “skill-testing” they mean “math.”) Here it is, amid the other rules and regulations: (224×18) + (9672/12) - 1119 = ??? Sure, anyone with a calculator could pull it out — it’s not like they require you to do it on the spot, with only pencil and paper — but still, doesn’t it seem kind of odd?

Here in AMERICA, Sammit readers have the chance to win a slightly less glamorous prize — but there’s no math involved. All you have to do is answer: Is that shoe up top — the Something Blue satin pump by (given the theme of the Neiman Marcus contest) Manolo Blahnik, of course.

I have to say: I think they are a pretty color, but the crystal brooch isn’t particularly thrilling — come on, this is the best you could do, Shoe Glamour Shot Photographer? And they’re also $945, which I think is pretty extreme considering they’re satin and you could buy this pair of leather boots for the exact same price and several other pairs of Blahniks that I find much more “wow!” than the blue ones.

But what do YOU think? Click on the choice you agree with, or create your own opinion as an option.

ammit

ammit

Plus, post your comment below, under “Leave a Reply,” to be entered to win a prize. This week’s winner will receive a satin-lined canvas clutch designed by Matt Murphy for MAC and filled with MAC products — a Lip pencil in Spice; Eye Kohl pencil in Teddy; eye shadows in Shroom and Satin Taupe; Lustreglass gloss in Wonderstruck; Lipglass in Oh Baby and Prrr; Lip Conditioner; and bronzing powder in Matte Bronze. I’ll pick one winner from the entries received by Friday, Oct. 10. Good luck!

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/22/08
The shirt: Lightweight cotton long-sleeved button-down by J Crew
The pants: Zaf jeans by Diesel (Last Chance)
The shoes: Sneakers by Skechers (Last Chance)
The scent: Odeur 53 by Comme des Garçons
Listening to: “The Theme From Frank” by Fannypack

sammit

In 1992 Evelyn Lauder vowed to create a ribbon across the country that would raise awareness for breast cancer, and the pink ribbon initiative followed shortly thereafter.

This year the senior corporate vice president of The Estée Lauder Cos. – and founder and chairwoman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation – has marshaled her company’s troops into creating limited-editions products whose sale in October will benefit breast cancer research.

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The finger pointing has come to an end!

The third-person references, the Madonna lyrics — and relatively insipid, OLD lyrics, at that. … No, I will not miss Suede.

And yet: Those pants.

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I think “Top Model” should cut a girl EVERY half-hour!

Maybe it was the two-for special, but this episode of “America’s Next Top Model” fairly flew by. My only complaint: I prefer my hissy-fit tantrums from girls, JEREMY SCOTT.

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What if soap not only cleaned, pampered and scented your body, but also helped to wipe away breast cancer?

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I should point out that this week’s Shoe Hot or Not contender is kind of a fait accompli: My friend Amy already has purchased them to wear at her wedding.

And, I believe, she bought the “Organdy” pumps by Michael Kors in this color.

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Great celebrity appeal, lousy fashion appeal.

I’m guessing the theme of the challenge will be: Crotchless leggings.  Or, maybe, it’s just “please make some clothes for Lindsay Lohan. Except for ‘Ugly Betty,’ she hasn’t worked in a while.”

And it could always be worse: The judge could be Dina. Or Alli.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/23/08
The shirt: Long-sleeved button-down by Faconnable (Last Chance)
The pants: Italian velvet corduroys by Riviera (Last Chance)
The shoes: Loafers by Rockport (Piperlime.com)
The scent: Marc Jacobs Men
Listening to: “Right Here (Departed)” by Brandy

sammit

Junky Trunk boutique and Habit Salon will team up for a special event 5-8 p.m. Sept. 25 at the store, 3458 E. Southern Ave., Mesa (the northwest corner of Southern and Val Vista).

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I came back from my first trip to San Francisco a couple of months ago all giddy — people were wearing layers and sweaters! In July!  It was the one city I’ve visited that made me consider what life would be somewhere … less sunny.  Could I deal with a straight month of rain?  Still not sure about that.

Because I had packed only a carry-on, I had to be cautious about what I bought: Clothing was easy, since all that had to be considered was size.  But when my friend Michael and I hit the Fresh store, I found something that I liked so much I had it shipped home.  The story is below ….

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Most people associate the smell of fresh cedar only with closets or saunas. But as a personal fragrance? The first time I tried it, I heeded a magazine suggestion to combine cedar oil and cucumber essence (I prefer the one by Kiehl’s) to create a fall scent. I still love it, and it never fails to get remarks and compliments.

So I was keen to try Sweet Lime & Cedar by Jo Malone, the company founded by the British perfumer known for her inventive combinations of fresh accords. The cologne ($55-$100 at Neiman Marcus or jomalone.com) was released this month.

Fans of citrusy scents will be in olfactory heaven, but don’t get the wrong impression from the name: This is no two-dimensional blend. The herbal notes (sage, lavender), exotic spices (cardamom, coriander) and tender florals (ylang ylang, jasmine), combine to create a blossomy scent with some sharp peppery edges.

Want to win a bottle of your own? Click on this link to send me an e-mail with your name and mailing address, and the subject line SWEET LIME & CEDAR. I’ll choose one winner from the messages received by Friday, Sept. 26. Good luck!

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/20/08
The shirt: Baseball jersey-style T-shirt (Neiman Marcus)
The shorts: Cargo shorts by Abercrombie & Fitch (Buffalo Exchange)
The shoes: Sandals by Teva (That’s right: I am wearing Tevas. I fit right in on my trip to Home Depot today.)
Listening to: “Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs

sammit