Columnist Muriel Stevens: An oasis of deals at Desert Passage

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005 | 8:20 a.m.

Take advantage of back-to-school sales featured through September at most department stores.

Shops in Desert Passage mall at the Aladdin are offering "something for everyone's back-to-school needs from decorating your dorm room to the latest fashion-forward styles for fall," Desert Passage Director of Marketing Wendy Albert said.

Fashionistas can find sizzling hot fashions and cool promotions at bebe. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, bebe will premiere its new fall collection of women's suits, denim and logo separates and offer 10 percent off all store merchandise.

Bebe Sport offers students a cool collection of track suits. A new line of school and gym bags matches the track suits' colors ($60-$69).

Back-to-schoolers will find terrific deals on Gap jeans -- $10 off Gap kids jeans; $5 off Gap Babyjeans; adult jeans for $39.95; and a line of wrinkle- and stain-resistant khakis for boys at $26.50 per pair.

Gap will be offering other back-to-school promotions. Through August, shoppers will receive a free iTune when they try on a pair of Gap jeans. From Sept. 9 to Sept. 17, shoppers will receive a gift CD with a $60 purchase.

Steve Madden's line of cowgirl boots are more than a little bit country. Hipper than a cowpoke at the rodeo are the embossed leather and suede boots in a riot of fall colors ($129-$299). Check out the new knit clogs and slides featuring delicate flower detail. A variety of colors goes for $39.95.

Trendy Betsey Johnson is offering 10 percent off everything in the store, including the so-hot broomstick skirts and V-neck sequined sweaters. Johnson's new fall collection of formals will have you covered for every event.

More Desert Passage: Fossil time is right on time for students. The new Big Tic watch retails for $65 to $85 and features analog and digital settings, a countdown feature, leather and steel band and background images and animation.

For men and women there are messenger or tote bags available in leather or canvas from one of the new fall collections by such lines as Speedster, Brooklyn and Liberty.

Decorate a dorm with accessories from the Discovery Channel Store. The Discovery Sapphire illuminated PC keyboard is sold exclusively at Discovery Channel stores ($59.95). Late-night term paper writers will whiz through each project with Discovery Sapphire. Enjoy 15 percent off everything in the store (except telescopes) Sept. 9 through Oct. 9.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF: In the 55 years since its beginning, Trick or Treat for UNICEF from door-to-door collection on Halloween has evolved into a monthlong nationwide program that has "educated, inspired and empowered children to collect more than $127 million."

Armed with the trademark orange collection boxes and supported by educators and community leaders, American children have become real-life World Heroes by saving the lives of their peers in faraway places.

"This year's World Heroes theme is a reflection of children being recognized as key fundraisers and advocates," said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

For more information about UNICEF or to make a donation, visit unicefusa.org or call 800-4UNICEF.