Monday, January 31, 2011

Beat the Winter Blues - For Less

Sorry I have been MIA for a while - but here are the things I want now!


Lace Tops
Very feminine and perfect for Valentine's Day!  A great way to wear lace if you are not in summer shape!  Here is an adorable top from the Nordstrom Rack website:



http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/free-people-lady-victoria-lace-top/3132186?origin=category&resultback=2837


Belts
Accessories are a great way of revamping you wardrobe.  I have seen a lot of cute belts lately with some great details.  While I love anything with a bow detail, this belt from Anthropologie has the cutest flower details.  Wear it with a basic dress or over a sweater.


http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19603687&catId=SHOPSALE-ACCESSORIES&pushId=SHOPSALE-ACCESSORIES&popId=SHOPSALE&navAction=top&navCount=102&color=020&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=E


Anything in a bright vibrant color! 
I don't know about you, but I am pretty sick of all this snow - and what a better way to stand out in all this white than in a bright color!  Wear this bright coral dress with tights until is starts getting warmer (plus only $5.00 shipping at Arden B):



http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=139&subCategoryId=160&productId=42600

And if you want to tone it down, pair it with this great layering jacket from MaxStudio:

http://www.maxstudio.com/p-ZIPPER_JACKET-377.aspx

Hair Accessories
My new obsession with hair accessories is probably a result of the new post-partum bangs I have developed and cant control.  So, because of my new unexpected hairstyle, I need anything that can pin them back until they grow out!  I like to go to Claire's and get some hair bling, but you can also find stuff at Ricky's stores and even some basic hair clips and headbands at Soap.com (and get 20% off your first purchase).  Another idea is to use a brooch you already have as a hair accessory.  Or wear an obnoxious NFL headband for this Sunday's Superbowl:
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Little-Earth-New-York-Giants-FanBand/5219343/product.html

Since we are talking about hair, I am very excited about trying out a sea salt spray for my hair.  I have heard good things about Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Texturizing Spray.  Will let you know how it goes.  Let me know if there is one you are currently using and love!
Bonus:
Here is a great wear-everywhere comfortable sweater at a pretty unbeatable price!!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/splendid-pepper-fleece-wrap-cardigan/3122994?origin=category&resultback=305

Sales:
  • Loft (online): Extra 50% off of sale items.
  • Gap: Extra 30% off online and extra 40% off in store
  • Banana Republic
  • Express: Extra 40% off of clearance items.
  • Lord & Taylor: Extra 20% off of clearance.
  • Lohmanns: Take an extra 50% off of blue stocker clearance.
Make-Up Freebies:
  • Estee Lauder at Neiman Marcus
  • Lorac at LoracCosmetics.com
  • Lancome at Macy's

Monday, January 10, 2011

What I Want Now - For Less

SUSPENDERS:
The first thing I wanted to mention was that I am looking for a great pair of suspenders.  The only pair I found is this pair from Urban Outfitters for under $10.  I would wear them with a great pair of straight leg trousers and a simple long-sleeve t-shirt.  What do you guys think?



http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19309681a&navAction=jump&navCount=45&parentid=SALE_YARDSALE_LASTCHANCE&relatedstyleid=&itemsadded=l19309681a&pushId=SALE_YARDSALE_LASTCHANCE&popId=SALE&prepushId=&&rollOverMessage=1+BDG+Skinny+Elastic+Suspenders+&_requestid=27784

DRESSES/SHIRTS WITH CUT-OUT BACKS:
I also think that dresses/shirts with cut-outs on the back are going to be big this season.  There is a really cute dress with a great back on Bloomingdales.com.  I like the dress because the front is very simple which let's the back of the dress get all the attention.  (Note: New email subscribers to Bloomingdales.com receive an extra 10% off their first online purchase) http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=507372&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-n-_-n-_-n



5 COATS/JACKETS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE IN HER CLOSET:
What I desperately need right now is a new puffy coat.  My girlfriend Jeana was telling me how she got a great bargain on a new jacket, which got me thinking and noticing that this is the best time to buy a new coat/jacket.  Almost all coats and jackets are on sale right now and there is still a lot of cold weather left.  Plus, if you buy a classic style, it is something you can use for seasons to come.  So, I made a list of the five Coats/Jackets every woman should have in her closet.

1. Puffy/Down Coat: I probably use this coat more than any other in the cold months.  It is comfortable and most importantly very warm.  This one from Lord & Taylor is so cute because it nips at the waist, so you don't lose your shape.  Plus, don't forget the extra 20% off (see code below)!





2. Trench Coat.  Nothing tops a Burberry trench coat - but they are pretty pricey.  I got lucky and found a great one at a great price a few years ago around this time in Bloomingdale's.  I have also heard that the Woodbury Commons outlet will have some great deals sometimes.  If the Burberry trench coat is out of your price range I would recommend getting one in a classic color, but with an interesting lining if you can find it.    http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.aol_refer.false.tpl.detail.msn_refer.false.item.A198839.ref.GBA?cm_ven=GOOGLEBASE&cm_cat=Fashion&cm_pla=Outerwear&cm_ite=A198839
This DKNY trench is a very classic and simple cut and a very good price. 


http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/DKNY-Womens-Belted-Rain-Trench-Coat/4379723/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&mr:trackingCode=FB747235-52C1-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

3. Blazer.  A blazer is a wardrobe staple.  There are so many to chose from.  I would buy one as a part of a suit that you can also wear with jeans.  If you aren't in the market for a suit, this one from Madewell is pretty basic and will go with everything.  Plus, you get an extra 20% off until January 11 (Code: MWCUG7GNB)
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/JACKETSCOATS/PRDOVR~30277/99102107389/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294967287~15~~~~~~~/30277.jsp
J.Crew also has some great basic blazers.  Plus, the extra 30% off of sale items is finally here (see code below)!
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR~29928/99102113563/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294967088~90~~~~~~~/29928.jsp



4. Jean Jacket.  There is so much to say about a jean jacket.  It is a spring/fall/summer time basic.  And you can even wear it in the winter, under your winter coat, as part of your outfit.  You can even do a denim blazer and kill two birds with one stone.  This one from Banana Republic is an extra 25% off (see code below).

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=791799002&tid=brfr1r
 
5. Leather Jacket.  When the weather starts getting better you will be surprised at how much you will wear your leather jacket.  I have worn mine to so many different occasions, I have worn it with Jeans and a T-Shirt and even over a formal dress at a wedding.  Some of my top picks include these classic, well-made jackets from AllSaints that are half-off.


http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/leathers/kadian-jacket/taupe/wlh010-75














http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/leathers/kadian-jacket/taupe/wlh010-75


















Another cheaper option is this Laundry jacket from LastCall.com.  It is a great website by Nieman Marcus.
The jacket is on sale, with an extra 40% off and then another 25% off (plus free shipping - see code below).



 Bonus Coat:  If you have room in your closet for one more coat, I would go with something a little trendier and dressier.  This one from French Connection is absolutely adorable and looks even better on and is at a great price.  It is like an updated trendier pea coat (and nautical is always in!)!!!

 http://usa.frenchconnection.com/product/woman+Collections+coats+and+jackets/70AI4/WINTER+SUN+WOOL+COAT.htm



SALES:

Friday, January 7, 2011

Friday, January 7, 2011 Update

I love after-holiday shopping deals!

One of my new favorite brands, AllSaints (based in Europe) has some great bargains right now!  Their look is a very Distressed Trendy-Grunge.  You can shop on their website (free shipping), their store in Soho and they also carry the line in Bloomingdale's.  The deals are all the same, up to 70% off!
http://www.us.allsaints.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=allsaints&utm_campaign=Brand_Exact

One of my favorites is this Adonis Cardigan for $42:



Worthwhile sales going on today:
  • Ann Taylor (online and in stores) - Buy one full-priced item, get the second half off (code: PRIVATE)
  • Intermix (online and in stores) - Extra 50% off of sale items
  • UrbanOutfitters.com has sale items starting at 9.99!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=80&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=19704568&parentid=SALE_YARDSALE_14&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=45&navAction=jump&color=&pushId=SALE_YARDSALE_14&popId=SALE&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=

Outlet Shopping
  • Coach Factory Stores - extra 20% off your purchase
  • Kate Spade Outlet - Extra 30% to 50% off selected collections and an extra 30% off of jewelery
  • BCBG Outlet - extra 50% off almost all apparel until January 9th (I bought some great tops, dresses, pants and even a wear-anywhere with anything denim blazer for under $20 each piece)  Some of the best deals you will find!  Check out the $39 and $19 racks that are an additional 50% off!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011 Update

New Year's Resolution - NEVER PAY RETAIL IN 2011!

Some new sales I have become aware of today:

  • Banana Republic (in store) has an extra 40% to 50% off of sale items
  • Gap (in store) has an extra 40% off of sale items
  • Loft (in store and online) has an extra 40% off of sale items
  • Loehmann's (one of my favorite stores) has an extra 50% off of blue sticker clearance
  • Bath & Body Works (online only) has limited time offer: Free Trial Size MMPi-20 with any Wexler Purchase

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

What I Want for 2011 - For Less

I hope you all had a very happy and healthy Holiday and New Year! Hopefully, many of you received some money or gift certificates for some splurging in 2011. If you did, now is the best time to use them. Many stores are trying to get rid of overstock and are having some amazing deals.

Stock Ups:Stock up on some PJ's, underwear and bras from Victoria Secrets. I am currently in love with the following three-piece pajama set because I can always use the tank or cardi as part of my every-day outfits.


Furthermore, if you are looking for an even better deal than the semi-annual VS sale, I would hit up one of their outlets (Riverhead or Jersey Gardens). They have weekly specials and this past week they had all panties for $2.00! And if you are not a fan of VS, many department stores have some great lingerie departments and are having huge sales. One of my favorites is Bloomingdales! Look at this adorable Betsy Johnson Robe from Bloomies:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=501207&CategoryID=2910&LinkType=PDPZ1

Another favorite to stock up on around this time is splash, shower gel and body lotion from Bath & Body Works. They have signature body collection classics for $3!! And even better, use the following coupon to take $10 off a $40 purchase!

http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/r/regf2?aid=528207786&a=0&n=72&cm_mmc=CH-_-20101226RDM-_-10009015-_-mainPrintCoupon&cm_lm=

The last thing you need to stock up on right now is cashmere sweaters! We just missed the extra JCrew sale but the prices are still amazing. The JCrew cashmere sweaters are amazing quality Italian cashmere sweaters. This is one of my favorites and is a classic - more than worth the $100!











http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~31937/99102145165/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~0~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~cashmere+womens/31937.jsp

Obsessions:Another big obsession right now, and necessity in this cold weather, is hats! A hat can dress up any outfit and can keep you warm in this horrible weather. This one from Lord & Taylor is adorable and an extra 20% off with the code TAKE2.
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/JewelryAccessories-Accessories-Hats-Classic_Greek_Hat-lordandtaylor/153485

A more elegant, night-time option is this great jewel-rimmed hat from Kate Spade. Both color options are great (but beware of make-up rubbing off on a light-colored hat!) The hat is on sale for $66 with an extra 25% off and free shipping! I am definitely ordering it, considering I have been eyeing it since before Christmas!
http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4419952&clickid=cart
Maybe I am inspired to wear a beret to honor the great Prince (I only wish it came in Raspberry)!

My two current shoe obsessions (finally moving away from the boot obsession) are wedges and clogs. These Coach wedges at Lord and Taylor are absolutely adorable, comfortable and an amazing deal!
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/coach-shoes-wedges-LANEY_WEDGE-lordandtaylor/149549

The following UGG clogs are very simple and not too high and hopefully as comfortable as the UGG boots (and not a bad price for under $65)!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3025894?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=shoes:women:clog&cm_ite=ugg(r)_australia_'abbie'_clog:258465&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=AAED2C6A-1968-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA

If you are looking for something with a higher heel (and a touch of faux fur) the following option fro Piperlime.com (free shipping and returns) is great:
http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&vid=1&pid=814632&scid=814632002


2011 New Year's Tip:Also, don't be afraid to get some of your gifts price checked. If you received a gift from someone who likes to pay retail (like my husband) and that item has gone on sale now after the holidays (very likely) most often a store will credit you back the difference on a gift card. This often happens to me with all of my husband's gifts so after I get the price adjustment I have more money to spend (on me)!

Great Sales Worth Mentioning:*Express - 70% percent off select styles and an extra 20% off clearance (remember, sign up for emails and get an additional 15% off your first purchase)
*Arden B. - Additional 50% off clearance
*Gap.com - 25% off your purchase (Code: GAPNEWYEAR)
*BananaRepublic.com - 20% off your purchase (Code: BRJAN20)
*Macys.com - Get $10 to $50 off your purchase
*KennethCole.com - $25 off purchase of $125

Make-up - Free Gifts w/Purchase:
For those of you that enjoy an extra goody bag with your make-up purchase:
*Estee Lauder at Lord & Taylor
*Borghese at Beauty.com
*Guerlain at Saks.com
*Elizabeth Arden at Macys
*Save up to 70% off Benefit Cosmetics (plus more offers on website) http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/buhbuys/b/2357872011/?ext_id=E11_Saleabration_010611&et_cid=930938&et_rid=91812226&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.benefitcosmetics.com%2fbuhbuys%2fb%2f2357872011%2f%3fext_id%3dE11_Saleabration_010611