Elie Tahari, the man who used to design Theory, creates similarly understated clothes for his eponymous line. It's the perfect label for finding office clothes that won't bore you to death. The men's line seemed especially fashion-forward, while the women's line had some very classic pieces that wouldn't look out of place at a nice cocktail party.

'Twas the night before Fashion Week, and all through the tents ... ok, I don't have time to create a complete storybook for your amusement. Just know that tomorrow the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week madness begins.

A.P.C. Surplus

Urban Rustic

Oh Williamsburg, the gods of fortune have smiled upon you. First, the much-anticipated A.P.C. Surplus store opened to great fanfare. I've been a couple of times myself, and I can vouch for what a great store it is. Everything is 60 percent off the amount on the price tag, and there is a good split of men's and women's clothing. The collections are from seasons past, but A.P.C.'s style is so understated and timeless that nobody will ever know that the new top you bought is from two seasons ago.

Plus the space is just beautiful: high, wood plank ceilings, incredibly detailed window moldings, exposed brick walls. It feels much closer to a Soho boutique than a discount store. I will definitely be checking in often to see what new merchandise the store has.

Another fantastic addition to the 'hood is Urban Rustic. Those who have read Michael Pollan's books or seen the documentary "King Corn" know about the adverse effects of American industrial agriculture. "King Corn's" director Aaron Woolf decided to take his mission one step further by actually opening an organic grocery store full of meat and produce from local, sustainable farms within 100 miles.

Grass-fed beef, organic produce, paper towels made from recycled materials--it's all there. What makes Urban Rustic special is the cafe, serving sandwiches, breakfast plates and more in a charming elevated dining area in the back of the store.

Check out these and other new NYC shops in our "New and Notable" feature.

Karen Walker moves into Den in the East Village. [Racked]

Mission rather difficult: Stylish puffer coats. [I Am Fashion]

Models aren't just pretty; sometimes they do stuff! [My Fashion Life]

Wear your appreciation of Jackson Pollock. [Fashion Addict Diary]

John Stamos: Manly or crazy looking? YOU make the call. [Go Fug Yourself]

The best-dressed celebs at the SAG awards. [WhoWhatWearDaily]

Video from the Sartorialist's street style exhibition at Danziger Projects in Chelsea. [Chic Inspector]

So everyone knows that Fashion Week starts this weekend, but did you know that there is also an event called the ... um... Super Bowl? I'll be rooting for the Giants in between fashion shows, and I'll also be rooting against the Patriots for a very specific reason--and it's not Spygate.

Back in the Vince Lombardi days, coaches dressed like professionals. Look at ol' Vince: sharp coat, snappy hat, serious glasses. He looks like a man who studies his football, who spends hours upon hours preparing for games. He looks like a man who could draw up a brilliant play and then answer a question about tax returns.

Now look at Belichick. The only thing he looks like he's prepared to do is watch a "Law & Order" marathon on TNT. I mean, it's not like NFL coaches today are going grace the cover of "Vogue" anytime soon, but most at least wear an athletic jacket and some slacks. Belichick's standard uniform of rumpled sweats makes him look like he's about to crack open a bag of Doritos instead of be the first coach to have a perfect season since Don Shula.

Granted, he is one of the most succesful coaches in NFL history, so I guess he can do whatever he wants. It still wouldn't hurt him to visit some of New York's fine men's shops.

Mrs. John L. Strong Stationery Sale
Through Jan. 31
at the brand's Madison Avenue studio and Barneys New York

Sure, Mrs. John L. Strong is a weird name, but don't let that throw you off. Their stationery is handcrafted, quite inventive (check out this great Valentine's Day card), and rarely on sale. Until now. Find the brand's stationery, diaries and candles at up to 50 percent off. Check out all the details on the Mrs. John L. Strong sale here, and don't forget to take a look at all of Citysearch's other great sample sales.

Who says the Upper West Side isn't dangerous? Neighborhood boutiques, including Bazaar La Paz, Aerosoles and four others, have been robbed by an "older man with an accent" who looks "like a professor." Apparently he walks in when the store is nearly empty, pulls a gun, robs the place, and walks out very calmly while wearing "no mask, no nothing."

A brazen, armed gentleman robber? Next time you're shopping on the Upper West Side and see a man with an accent and a sweater vest, be afraid, be very afraid. [NYT]

Editorial note: Fashion Geek is no way implying that Mr. Belvedere is responsible for the recent robberies.

So right now I'm just getting my Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule all worked out, but here are just a few of the shows you can look forward to hearing about:

Cynthia Rowley at Gotham Hall

FORM at the New Musuem on Bowery

John Varvatos at 7 World Trade Center

Nanette Lepore at Bryant Park

Tracy Reese at Bryant Park

More invites arriving daily; stay tuned!

So, Ricky finally stopped bawling long enough to design something attractive. So attractive, in fact, that the dress sold out in less than a day on Levi's website. Sure, the $168 denim dress might be hard to pull off if you're over 18 years old, but I think he deserved the win (although Sweet P's design was pretty cute).

Think you can do better? Create your own design out of a pair of 501 jeans and a trucker jacket (find 'em at the Levi's store) and submit it to the Levi's website by Feb. 6th. If you win, Levi's will sell your creation online. Some advice to would-be designers: Play Tim Gunn saying "Make it work" on an endless loop.

BTW, did you notice how hideous Jillian's design was? I'm one of her biggest fans, but she really dropped the ball this episode. Ugh.

Elizabeth Charles Warehouse Sale
Now through Jan. 27
at Elizabeth Charles

This Saturday is Australia Day, the time when Aussies celebrate the founding of a penal colony at Port Jackson by Captain Arthur Phillip. Yay! Elizabeth Charles is celebrating this special day by discounting everything in the store 50-90 percent. This boutique carries the best Kiwi and Aussie designers out there, so this is definitely a must-visit event. Besides the Elizabeth Charles Warehouse Sale, check out our other New York sample sales.