Tommy Boy

Amazon is running a huge sale on spring items. Here are a couple that appealed to me:

Tommy Hilfiger Women's Snapped Up Medium Hobo, Grass

List Price: $79.00 Price: $19.89 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
You Save: $59.11 (75%)

Normally, I stay away fromTommy Hilfiger's merchandise just because his personality (or what I read about him in the press) does not appeal to me. Also, I don't like the huge logos that usually adorn his clothing and accessories. But this purse seems subtle enough. Oh, and I absolutely love the color.

Tommy Hilfiger Women's Charade Ballet Flat

List Price: $64.95 Now: $27.94
You Save: $37.01 (56%)

I don't wear flats because I think that a woman's leg looks much better in heels, but if I did, I'd scoop these up. Put on some jean bermudas, a white top, these red shoes and this gorgeously green purse over your shoulder. Now you look like one of those bony celebrities. Lindsey, is that you?

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Second time around (or third)

This post is for those ladies who love vintage clothing. Now, we all know that quality vintage does not come cheap. Most stores on the internet advertise vintage pieces that cost far more than contemporary designer items one would find at Nordstrom. But I did do my homework, as always. I have found a couple of places that offer vintage clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. If you long to have a unique style and don't like showing up at a party in the same outfit as the next girl, browsing these sites might be worth your time.



Here are some contenders for purchase from The Culture Vultures:


BROCADE DRESS $12.00
Very Jackie O. I would definitely shorten this one, though. And add a nice thin belt to the finishing touches. Wear with a bead necklace.

VINTAGE HANDBAG OF FLORAL TAPESTRY $25.00

A perfect purse to go with a black coctail dress. Don't forget the stilettos.

King Poodle carries even less expensive (never cheap!) items. Nothing in the store is over $12.

These are some pieces that appealed to me:

1980s Women's Dress $12

Polyester is not for me, but if you like to sweat, the design is cute.

1960s Naturalizer shoes $10

Hey, if you are size 9, these seem to be in good shape (After 40+ years!) And they go with the polyester dress.

You've got a whole outfit for under $25. Can't beat that.

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Get in the spirit of savings!

Esprit is a hip clothing retailer that dominates the market in Europe. Luckily for us, the shop has a great website that ships orders to US households for free (providing your order is over $30). Right now, they are running a promotion -- all sale items are shipped for free (usually they add a shipping surcharge on clearanced merchandise.) I found two sale items that are very much in style right now.

1. Cropped jacket Was $99 Now $29.99

2. Bermuda pant Was $59 Now $29.99

Returns are free, so don't be afraid to order the same item in a couple of different sizes if you are not sure about the fit. From personal experience, European clothing is usually sized smaller than American.

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Blaze of Glory

My favorite clothing item is a blazer. My closet contains a few too many of them. I wear them out with jeans and to work with nice pants. So, if you are looking for a piece of clothing that is versatile, check out the following styles.

Nordstrom's Offerings:

1. ECI Sparkle Sweater Blazer

Was: $148.00 Now: $43.90 70% OFF

2. View Lace Jacket

Was: $128.00 Now: $37.90 70% OFF

3. Halogen Corduroy Blazer

Was: $118 Now: $34.90 70%0ff

Enjoy!

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Pretty Penney

Celebrate the holiday with JC Penney by entering 17MEM to receive free shipping on orders of $49. Here's what to buy:

1. Straw Hat with Shell Trim Was $18.00; Outlet Price $9.99

Choose from 5 colors to match your bathing suit--perfect to protect your face from ultraviolet rays. Put it on and do your best Sophia Loren impersonation.

2. Worthington Hobo Handbag Was $35.00; Outlet Price $19.99

Get this bag in the fashionable natural shade. Roomy and stylish. Love the light and dark contrast.

3. Bow BeltWas $32.00; Outlet Price $9.99

Get one in every color. The bow belts are very much "in" at the moment.

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Wedges Galore!

It's time for another one of Payless' BOGO sales. Shipping is free on orders of $40.
Tip of the day: make sure you have an even number of pairs!

Here's what to buy this time:

Satin Glamour Cork Wedge Price: $19.99

Elegant shoe to wear with a summer dress

Klue Croco Stripe Wedge Price: $24.99

I have these; they are surprisingly comfortable. Received many compliments.

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Memorial Celebration

Do you like clearance? What about an extra 25 % off clearance? If that sounds good, celebrate the Memorial Day by logging on to Macy's. As always, I have put together an outfit for you, girls. Enjoy.

Trixxi Strapless Polka-Dot Party Dress (a pretty evening dress for under $15!)

Orig. $62.00 Was $20.99 Now $14.99

Nine West Three-Quarter Sleeve Sequined Cardigan (get the black one--more versatile)

Orig. $79.00 Was $22.99 Now $16.99

Enzo Angiolini "Callie" Round-Toe Platform Pump (classic and stylish shoe for a fraction of its price!)

Orig. $89.00 Was $30.99 Now $22.99

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Technology to the resque

Picture this scenario. You are in Best Buy. You found a great MP3 player; it’s on sale; you are tempted. A thought pops into your head. “Is it really the best buy or am I being scammed by deceptive advertising?” You put the MP3 player back and walk away. “I’ll come back after I research the prices on the internet,” you think. When you get home, you check out Pricegrabber and Bizrate only to discover that it really was a good price for that player. Now, you either have to drive back to the store (think about the gas prices) or pay shipping. Hmmm… You decide to postpone buying anything until you find an even better deal and listen to the crappy gym music for the rest of the month.

Enter Nokia 7610 Cell Phone.
Price Range: $270.00 - $371.99

After you add the beta technology to your phone (download at Scanzoom.com for free), it will scan the bar code of an item if you wish to do some comparison shopping.

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Necessary Accessory

I just had to tell you about this purse. It's absolutely gorgeous! Normally, I shy away from any design that is excessively floral or too colorful. I prefer the understated and subtle. However, as soon as I stumbled upon this beautiful accessory, I was in love. What draws me to the bag are the intricately woven handles. And the flowers that decorate it are not cutesy; they actually look sort of funky.
Necessary Objects Women's Marilyn Rattan Handle Satchel, Floral Print
List Price: $58.00 Price: $32.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

To pull off such a bold design, make sure you are wearing a solid color dress. Otherwise, the flowers will become too overwhelming. You can also carry the purse while sporting a pair of jeans. I love combining high and low styles in my outfits--a fancy accessory with a simple everyday piece of clothing. You don't want to look too dressed up or underdressed. This way, you at least have an element of both extremes in your wardrobe.

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She's got legs!

Summer is almost here. What does that mean? Every girl needs to have some pretty dresses, of course!

If you want to look a bit different from the rest, check out Asos, the great UK store I have discovered. It carries a wonderful selection of all things fashionable. And if you click on the American flag in the "Change currency" category, it will show you all the prices in dollars. The shipping is a paltry 5 bucks--pretty low, considering the package is coming from England.

Most important pointer: Do NOT forget to convert sizes:

British size 6-US size 2, B 8-US 4, B 10-US 6, B 12- US 8, B 14-US 10, B 16-US 12

Here are 3 dresses from the sale section (click on the photo) that appealed to me:


1. Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Dress WAS $41.80 NOW $22.80

Asos calls this the Drew Barrymore dress. To me, it channels Marilyn Monroe. Sultry, sexy, tight in all the right places. Buy it for the seductress in you.

2. Swirl Spot Button Dress WAS $47.50 NOW $30.40

This one has a cute geometric pattern in fashionable nautical colors. Very girly and playful.

3. Lipsy Chainmail Dress WAS $66.50 NOW $26.60

This one is my favorite. Love the wrap style, adore the sleeve details and the pencil-skirt look on the bottom. Just the perfect length for a fancy occasion that calls for sophisctication. Now, if I just had somewhere to wear it!

Enjoy and stay away from the bloody Gap! ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Shake it!

Looking for a sexy beach outfit? Check. On sale? Check. How are you going to thank me? Check.

But, seriously. I found a cute bathing suit that would flatter most body types. Oh, and it's under $20! Don't know how much support it would provide if you are above an A-cup, but it looks like you might end up with a bigger bust than the one you had. If that sounds enticing, click here.

AE One PieceWas $39.50 Now $19.95Now, how do you accessorize on the beach? You don't, really. Unless you are a Victoria's Secret model or someone who favors unusual tan lines. What you could do is put on a pair of pretty earrings. Don't have any? No problem.

If you like gold, raise your left hand. If you prefer to buy gold on sale, raise your right eyebrow. If your heart starts beating faster when you hear, "84% off," shake it all around. If you want fashionable gold earrings, click here.

14K Yellow Gold Petite Wave Threader Earrings

Retail Value: $230.00 Our Price: $34.99

Something is missing. Hmm... What might that be? Ah, here it is. If free shipping sounds good, click here.

Happy tanning!

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Less is More

Don't you love the fashions of stores, such as H&M? I do. I never shop there, though. Why? Simply don't like the quality of their clothes. They appear as if they might fall apart any minute--flimsy design and thin fabric look great only far away. Since you are not a Monet painting, you might want a piece of clothing with a bit more substance. Those who are unwilling to compromise their sense of style, cheer up. You don't have to live on packaged dry noodles to be able to dress well. Buy summer clothes during winter and vice versa. Scout Target and Smartbargains. Or, better yet, check out LaRedoute.

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to this French shop by my sister-in-law (Thanks, Patrycja). It carries extremely cute clothes that are very reasonably priced. Some famous French designers contribute to the store's offerings. Hip, interesting, colorful and practical, LaRedoute's selection is one of the best out there.

Just take a look at these shoes. They've been calling my name for months now. Fashionable, classy, semi-comfortable. What more do you want from pumps? Well, maybe another $15 off the sale price. But, if you think $45 is not too much to spend on your basic black heels, go for it. You definitely have my seal of approval. If you wear size 7.5 (or 8 since there are no half-sizes), can I borrow them sometimes?


Round-toe Leather Heels SALE $44.99 Was $59.99

If you do decide to try out LaRedoute, use the following coupon. Coupon #1657-01647-368 gives you $10 off $75, $15 off $100 or $25 off $150. Hurry, it expires today!

Don't have time to browse this evening? Use coupon #1651-01704-368 to get a free necklace with any order.

Bon Soir!

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Just Another Monday Shoe Post

So, what can brighten up a rainy Monday? Great-looking summer sandals at an even greater price. Ladies, give yourself a late mother's day gift if you haven't received enough attention yesterday. If you have, buy the shoes anyway.

These open-toe sandals come in black and white; I happen to think that they look better in white. Versatile enough that they could be worn either with a dress or with jeans, these subtle platforms are perfect for showing off your pretty pedicure.

Unisa Women's "Kori" Open Toe Pump with Ankle Wrap
Retail Value: $65.00
Our Price: $29.99
You Save 53%

Unfortunately, the free shipping ended yesterday, but don't despair. Click here to receive free shipping on an order of $75. Don't say I don't do nothin' for you.

If you are looking for items to add to your order, so that it qualifies for free shipping, may I suggest you consider this cute purse:

Magid "Milan" Mini Straw Tote with Bamboo Handles

Retail Value: $24.00
Our Price: $14.99
You Save 37%

Place it on your shelf and admire it like a piece of art. Not. Take it to the beach and dirty it up with sand. Then, clean it and take it out to dinner. With the shoes.

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Bra Magic

If you, ladies, are looking for a bra that looks great under T-shirts and tight dresses, this is the one. It's not lacy or frilly, but you will look much better in your outfit; nothing will show under the material except smooth curves. Save the adornments for Valentine's Day. This bra is so great that it was featured on a number of morning shows. It has been out of stock on most websites since early February, but it is now back! So, to end the suspense, it is called Olga's Perfect Fit and it is ... perfect.

To sweeten the deal is Kohl's Buy Two, Get One Free Sale. Unlike Freshpair , Kohls does not make you wait to receive your free bra after mailing a coupon. You get the free on with the rest of your order. Nice, huh? What's even better is the 10% off coupon: NEW1524. In addition, if you have their charge card, you could also save 15% by typing in: KOHLS15NOW.

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Say, "Cheers!"

Shoes.com is having its famous Saturday sale today. For those who haven't picked out a pair to go along with that outfit you were planning to wear to a wedding, here is your chance. I found really cute sandals that would match any black dress. In fact, they would also look great with a yellow dress (probably more suitable for a wedding) since they have yellow accents. I can vouch for the quality of these genuine leather shoes; Seychelles is one of my favorite brands.


Women's Intoxicate

$18.99 Free Shipping

original price: $64.99




So, show off your ankles and don't drink too much. Cheers to fabulous shoes! ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Happy, Happy! Joy, Joy!

I know this has nothing to do with fashion, but I just couldn't resist. This post is for those ladies who are going to be treated like queens and served breakfast (however inedible it might be) in bed this Sunday. Yes, I am referring to you, mommies. If your bambinos don't have enough toys piled high in their rooms, you'll love what Toys R Us has in store (or online) for you!

I am talking about their Big Toy Blowout, of course. Hundreds of toys are on clearance; prices are slashed so much that my order of 10 toys was exactly the same cost as the estimated shipping, which was FREE!



Oh, another perk of ordering with Amazon is the added bonus deal. If you buy more than $50 worth of presents for your little torturers, you can add a free toy to your order. Now, if you ask me, it doesn't get any better than this. For your wallet, that is. You will never find such deals in their brick and mortar stores. So, stock up and hide them in your attick among all the unused toys. The more the merrier! ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Speed to Spiegel

Spiegel is another store in the Newport News category. It caters to more conservative women and offers somewhat traditional-looking clothing that is not overly trendy. Similar to Payless (L. Poretzky), Target (I. Mizrahi, Mossimo), JC Penney (N. Miller), H&M (S. McCartney), Spiegel snagged a famous designer to do a line.

Norma Kamali's clothing is not only classic and fashionable, but also figure-flattering and practical. And since we all love not having to iron and looking like a svelte Goddess, the pragmatic nature of the line can only be an advantage.

Have you, girls, checked out the Spiegel website? I much prefer it to the old catalogue. The reason is their fabulous and often-updated clearance section. The best part about it is the user's ability to set a price range and browse all the sale merchandise that falls between the high and the low points. Also, the buyer can distinguish among fashion, accessories and home divisions of the clearance section. Convenient? Yeah.

Here's one item I stumbled across while I was surfing the site:

Misses Belted Shirtdress Now $21.99 (Was $39.00)

While I like the color or, should I say, the absence of color, and the style, I do not think that the pockets on the chest area would be flattering to me (for obvious reasons). Those ladies who have apples rather than oranges would probably look better in a dress of this design.

So, snap up this timeless piece before it's gone. Or, if you are more endowed in other areas (the money department), check out Kamali's clothing. It's more pricey but very versatile.

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It's me, Margaret

Good news for all shoeholics: more designer collaboration with budget stores! Fashion Wire Daily reports that Laura Poretzky, the designer of Abaeté, has signed on with Payless to create a line that will be in stores at the beginning of September. While she is only 28, she claims to know what women are looking for, essentially a trendy and well-made product that is "feminine, sensual and simple". If you are wondering what the shoes actually look like, you will have to wait until fall to catch a limpse, but the article does offer a clue. Apparently, they matched Poretzky's collection enough for her to use them in a show, the theme of which was 1920s France. Intriguing, n'est pas?




What's also interesting to me is the fact that Poretzky is half Russian (a fellow Russki) and a graduate of RISD (a fellow Rhode Islander). Man, we have so much in common (don't forget an interest in fashion) that I could be designing that shoe line. Payless, are you there? ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Dinner with the In-Laws

If there are any conservative women out there who enjoy a splash of color, I've got a deal for you. Ann Taylor designs for a sophisticated lady; the brand's clothing tends to be classy and graceful. And we all know that refinement does not come cheap. Neither does an Ann Taylor outfit. I find that the store is slightly more expensive than its sister shop, Ann Taylor Loft. Yet, one can still find great deals.

I have spotted a couple of items for you, girls, that you cannot help but love. Oh, and the best part? Coupons, bien sur! For 15% off $100 order or 20% off $175 order (free shipping over $100!), use code 42600001. Here's what to buy:

• Banon Tweed Skirt (size 8 only) Very slimming and tasteful.
  ORIGINAL PRICE $108
  Now: $19.99

• Marled Cotton Cardigan The color on the photo is different from the one available. Cropped and fashionable. Can be worn with the skirt above.
  ORIGINAL PRICE $98
  Now: $14.99

And my favorite item by far: For a summery feel, slip these on. Still a bit pricey, but so beautiful! They are somewhat reminiscent of Anthropologie's more expensive footwear.

• Chelsea Vechetta Platform
  ORIGINAL PRICE $98
  Now: $49.99

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Keep on learning

So, Lerner is having a huge sale. I must admit that I generally do not care for the store's selection, but I decided to choose a few pieces. At these prices, it'd be a sin not to. Well, here they are. Click on the photo to go to the site, if you are interested in purchasing.

• The polka dots are really cute. Too bad the sole is not cork or even imitation cork. Now $12.99 (Was $24.99)
• 
  
• This purse reminds me of Pucci's style. And the handle is quite fashionable at the moment. So, if you have a flashy side, this one's for you. Now $14.99 (Was $34.99)

• I love the style of these shoes, but do not care for the color (only the pink are left). Now $14.99 (Was $29.99)

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Trick or treat?

Found another great place to purchase jewelry without breaking your bank. Linda Lin's site, Walnut Woods, has extremely cute pieces that are even more affordable than those in Target. One necklace that caught my eye (in the sale section, of course) has the links
that are gracing the pages of every fashion magazine this season. The warm lucite colors (looks like burnt sienna and reddish brown) complement the golden metal links that hold the necklace together. If you ask me, it looks even better than the expensive version. Plus, you also get a pair of earrings that are included in the price. So, unless you like spending $500 dollars on your neck wear, check out the Coco necklace. It'll set you back $8. Hmm... A large latte with a danish or a piece of jewelry? You decide. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Any monkeys out there?

One of my absolute favorite stores is Banana Republic. I know, it's somewhat safe and borderline boring, but I can't help it--so am I. I find their designs to be trendy yet timeless. The clothes are clean-cut, flattering and, most importantly, unique. When looking at a Banana Republic piece, one can tell right away that it is well-made. The brand projects an expensive aura, even though its prices are a fraction of designer clothes' tags. Still, being a cheapskate, I find Banana's items to be rarely affordable.

There are occasions on which I succumb to temptation and pull out the plastic. In this store, though, the sale has to be at least 50% off. Today, it is. How lucky for all of us! Just checked their site and noticed that some of Banana's accessories are on major clearance. In a few cases, the prices are slashed as much as 75%.

My favorite necklace is made out of wooden and crochet beads; it's perfect "natural" jewelry for spring.

So, head over to Banana and pick up some elegance.

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Dancing Babies

Found these really cool jeans in the style I have been wanting. They are from one of my all-time favorite sites, Overstock. I have been buying from this place since the internet shopping craze began. Now that everyone knows about their great deals, many coveted items sell out pretty fast.

Such is the story with these jeans. The only size left is twenty-four. Now, if I could just starve myself for a couple of weeks, maybe I could fit my leg into them. But if any of you are friends with Calista, these babies are up for grabs.

FRX Twiggy Low Rise Skinny Leg Jean
List Price:
$110.00
Today's Price:
38.99
You Save:
71.01 (64%)

In the meanwhile, if you happen to know where I could get myself some relatively inexpensive Levi's 571, that'd be great. Size 28 Regular, please. No sugar. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Cute cows are smiling somewhere

You better hurry up because today is the last day of Payless famous BOGO sale (buy one get one 1/2 off).

--Payless?!!!!!!!!!!
--That's right.

Those of you who haven't stepped foot into the store since Junior High, I am talking to you. Have you seen how cute their selections are? No? Well, then.

I love the looks on people's faces when I tell them that my shoes are from Payless. They almost want to take their compliments back. The incredulous stares alone are worth the twenty or so bucks you will spend on a pair of shoes. They probably won't be made out of leather, but they'll look trendy. I guess the vegans should dig that. So, for the sake of saving both, cute cows and diminishing dough, give Payless a chance.

Oh, did I mention that shipping is free over $40? What more do you need, people?!

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Keep Digging

newport news

There are stores that cater to a specific group of people. For instance, Urban Outfitters carries hip, edgy apparel that appeals mostly to the college crowd. Then, there are those that have, for a lack of a better word, more matronly merchandise. Chadwick’s and Lerner come to mind. No offense to those who shop there. And then there is Newport-News.

I find that I dislike most of their selections, but often find “gems in the rough” on their site. Many of their clothes and accessories are geared towards ladies attending their twenty-fifth high school reunions. However, some dresses and accessories are really wearable and cute. And don’t forget about the bathing suits! Very affordable and slimming.

Those who need further convincing that Newport News could be cool and inexpensive, I have put together an outfit for under $50. Of course, all items are on sale. Did you think I would advocate paying retail?!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Dress: $20, Purse: $20, Shoes: $9

happy news to you!

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Do the Groove Thang

Don't you hate when your hairdresser gets carried away and cuts off too much hair? You'd say something, but you don't notice until a day goes by. You wash your hair, blow-dry it and realize that it didn't appear shorter because of the way he styled it; it is shorter. By that point, you can't do much except thank God he isn't a mohel. Oh, and buy yourself a chic headband.

Speaking of headbands... They are a great alternative to the tired ponytail. And if you are more adventurous than I am (I settled for the $4 black Goody version), then check out Tara Jarmon's interpretation of funky headgear. Those who don't have the time to read about every international designer with a stint at Target (you must pronounce it Tarzhee to get the full effect), Jarmon follows Luella Bartley's footsteps. Unfortunately, I can't see much difference betwen the past British designer (her collection is now on clearance) and the new French one. Both lines seem to flatter skinny teenagers rather than curvy women. But, at least you can own a designer headband (for under 8 bucks!). So, do the groove thang and get the sixties-looking accessory. The pattern goes with the hairstyle.

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