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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Hey, America's a Free Country

The Choice is Clear

Found an inexpensive dress that reminded me of Kara Janx's style (Project Runway, season II, for those unfamiliar with the designer). While Janx' kimono dress goes for $210, Wet Seal's retails for $22.50. You choose.

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How to Pack for a Cruise

What to bring:

• Books you have started reading (not the ones you think you might like)
• Magazines (the more the better)
• CD/MP3 player (if traveling with husband, bring one for each person)
• Friend (to hang with when the other halves play poker)
• Playing cards (helpful when chilling on the beach)
• One quarter of the clothes you wanted to pack (trust me, I thought I packed light)
• Gym outfits (burn all those buffet calories!)
• Comfy shoes (flip-flops and sneakers)
• Alcohol ($6 a bottle of beer on the ship), bottle opener
• Bathing suit, SPF (don’t forget your feet!)
• Your tired self

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Frizzy Fridays

If you shop at Amazon, you probably already know that the site offers deep discounts every Friday. The great aspect of the giant seller is, of course, its free shipping over $25 on most items. So, since today happens to be Friday, I thought I would check out the offers.

If you, ladies, desire straight, silky locks, you might want to invest in this iron. Even after the savings, it is still expensive ($112.13), but it is worth the money. After all, at the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, no one is rich enough to buy cheap products. This iron is by a reputable brand (Tourmaline) that dominates the market. Although the reviews are quite mixed, remember, these are just opinions. So, make your own conclusions and let us know.

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Power to the People

If you are a shopaholic who has little time to frequent brick and mortar stores, you will love this site. ShopWiki is the newest search engine that helps those on a budget find the best deal. But how is it different from, say, Froogle? Well, it claims to have more specific searches (you can indicate the price range and distinguish among items in the same category) and to visit a greater number of merchants. Oh, and the best part? YOU are! No, you are! You get to edit the site's content if you wish to contribute. So, check out Wiki if you don't enjoy wasting money or getting scammed. Happy shopping to all.


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Better than Nothing

Won't be able to post for about a week. Busy with bigger and better endeavors. Thought I'd leave you some links to click while you are missing me. So, here they are:

• You Know You Love It
• The Cheap Chica
• Style Bytes
• Style Bubble
• Kiss Me Stace
• Just My Cup of Tea
• I Am Fashion
• Budget Diva
• Closet Therapy
• Everything and Nothing
• Thrifty Chic
• Sharp Lily
• Bunnyshop
• The Stylephile
• Fugly Girls
• She Finds

Peace out.

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Hold the wasabe, please

This coat can stand on its own; it does not need any comments. Oh, and it shall remain nameless to avoid any brand prejudice. Just admire it.

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"Make It Work"--Tim Gunn

Ok, what do you cook when there is practically nothing in your refrigerator except Easter turkey that no one wants? You rev up your creative juices and think fast. I made turkey salad so delicious I decided to share it with you. You are welcome. So, this is what I did:

• Cut up the turkey leftovers into small cubes, place in a large bowl.
• Put the half-eaten apple daughter didn't finish to use (cut up, into bowl).
• Look in the very back of the vegetable bin. Locate celery hearts. Yes, they are there, look again. Cut up a few, into bowl.
• Add raisins, walnut pieces, low-fat mayo, salt. Mix. Voila.
• Enjoy with whole wheat toasted bread. Yum.

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"Star Power"

If you would like to waste three minutes, this post is for you. Have you ever wondered which celebrity image your style most resembles? No? I haven't either. But Glam has. So, if you don't already know whether you prefer sailor pants to leggings, take their test.
Apparently, I am most like Nicole Kidman. I guess I take that as a compliment since she always looks "smashing," but I wouldn't be caught dead in flats, the embroidered ballerina slippers that Kidman supposedly favors.

Now, if one test is not enough for your academic nature, you could always take another. Glam is happy to oblige with a celebrity hair match. If you think that your hair has "star power" (real expression--check the site), sharpen your mice and click away. Turns out that Uma Thurman and I share more than animal magnetism. Like me, she prefers to style her locks in a casual manner. Got to go, Ethan is on the phone.

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The Little Black Dress

Every Monday, JC Penney offers new markdowns. It’s worthwhile to check them out, especially considering the store often ships for free with a $25 order. This week, I found some cute Bisou Bisou dresses on clearance. So, if spaghetti straps are your “thing,” give Lace-Trim Dot Print Dress a try. At $29.99, it seems to be the best of the lot.




Heck, while you are at it, check out the whole sale section. Just remember to ask yourself a couple of questions before you finalize the purchase. The ones the little red devil on my shoulder usually asks me are:

Do you need it?
Do you like it?
Is it a good deal?
Will you wear/use it?

I often ignore the first question and try to answer yes to the rest. If you are having doubts whether the dress is a good deal, remember, it cost $69.99 just a day ago. And don't be cynical, please. Banish "it's not how much you save but how much you spend" mantra from your head and indulge in instant gratification. You can always apply for a loan later.

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Down to the Core

I have a beloved new product. It comes from the Mecca of all things frugal—IKEA. I could devote this entire blog to fabulous finds from the Swedish giant, but I will restrain myself.


The gadget I had to share with the world is Strila Corer. I know, the store has these weird-sounding names for all of their merchandise. Get a clue, marketing department! I wonder if they are just die-hard nationalists or dolts who don’t realize they would sell more if people could remember what the products are called. Anyways, back to the issue at hand. This corer is perfect for taking out the hearts of apples and onions in a nanosecond. When you have limited time to cook or pacify small children, it definitely comes in handy. The best $1.99 I have ever spent! ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Guilty As Charged

Few of us will admit to this guilty pleasure, but let me be the first one. I sometimes read mindless celebrity magazines that consist of mostly candid photos and silly captions. I don’t even know why I waste my time on learning about the mundane minutiae of TomKat or Brangelina. I guess the appeal is just that—it’s sometimes nice not to think and just look at beautiful people being aggravated by paparazzi. So, if you allow your brain to relax, check out the best celebrity blog.





With Pink is the New Blog, you get the scoop just hours after the celebrities live it. You don’t even have to wait for People to arrive in your mailbox. And, best of all, it’s absolutely FREE! So, cancel your subscriptions and give PINK a chance. ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Nothing better than a couple of hours with a good book

If you take pleasure in recognizing the book’s characters as you read, like offbeat protagonists and refrain from moralistic drivel in which the hero’s fate is resolved by the end of the tale, Come Up and See Me Sometime is for you.

Why is this book included in the blog? Well, you definitely get your money’s worth with Erika Krouse’s short story collection. I haven’t enjoyed a work of fiction so much since I rediscovered Chekhov in high school. (If you want to purchase a copy, make sure not to get the Constance Garnett translation. Unless you prefer to read Constance Garnett, not Chekhov).

Krouse suffers from the same affliction as he did. No, I don’t mean tuberculosis. She also loves to paint sad pictures that make us smile.

Now, if we all could take a hint and learn to see the comic aspects of everyday tragedies… Didn’t mean to sound preachy here. Just read the book. Amen.

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You win with Aveeno

You read about celebrities using expensive skincare products and you wonder. The one that keeps reappearing in the press is LaMer lotion. A 3.4 oz. bottle of the heavenly cream goes for $265.00. Now, I realize that rich people are baffled about what to do with their money and have no qualms about spending an average person’s weekly paycheck on a few applications. But, come on! As the ‘90s exercise guru, Susan Powter would say, “Stop the Insanity!” Have they ever tried Aveeno? I have. It’s the only lotion that is non-greasy and long lasting. As someone with extremely dry skin who lives in New England, I panic when I run out of Aveeno lotion. I dare to make a bet that it works at least as well as the more (much more) expensive CREAM. Oh, and you can find an 8 oz. bottle for about $6. Put the lotion in the basket!

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Quick Dinner

If you are hungry, don’t have much in the refrigerator and are craving a nutritious meal, raid your freezer and pantry to prepare Ira’s Improvised Inexpensive Chili. Find a large pan and add the following contents: a 15 oz. can of Great Northern White Beans, a 15 oz. can of red beans, a 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, a couple of cups of vegetable broth. Cover and do the following while waiting for the contents to reduce. Sauté a large onion with a pound of lean ground turkey and a couple of cloves of garlic. Add some chili powder and cumin, cook on low under a lid until turkey is browned and ready to eat. Add the contents to those in the large pan. Simmer for about a half an hour. End result: great tasting chili. Don’t forget to serve with Near East brown rice and sour cream. The leftovers taste even better!


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Splurge

Even though this blog is about saving money, it will contain an occasional extravagance. Excess in moderation, so to speak. This time, the splurge is a $4.00 bottle of beer. I must add that this is THE ONLY beer that I like. It's thirst-quenching, light and absolutely not bitter. What gives it a unique flavor is added strawberry juice (there are also apricot and cherry versions, but strawberry is my favorite).





It smells like a meadow on a sunny day and goes down much better than sweet iced tea. So, if you are craving something alcoholic that tastes like summer, this is your drink. Pick up a bottle of Melbourn Bros' Strawberry Beer and kick back. Cheers! ♦DiggIt! ♦Add to del.icio.us ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Don't part "with" money

How does one look "with-it" without spending a fortune on the current trends?

• Update jewelry and accessories

• Check out trendy teen stores (the same accessories, lower prices)

1. Forever 21
2. H&M
3. Target
4. $15 Store
5. Alloy

• Avoid Gap and Old Navy (I have nothing against cookie-cutter deserts, though)
• Patronize JCPenney's Nicole Miller section and Bisou Bisou (Yes, that's JC Penney)
• Shop at Wrentham Village Outlets (if you live in the N. East)
• Be discriminating at Classic Closeouts (free shipping over $40 and frequent $10 off $50 coupons)
• Visit DealCoupon to save on your online purchases
• Check out Zappos' shoes sale section (free shipping rules!)
• Pay attention to Nordstrom's 70% off sale
• Rummage through Sephora's sale stock to find great make-up, perfume and skincare deals (Soon, soming to a JC Penney near you; thank you, Budget Fashionista)
• Explore SmartBargains and Overstock to find designer clothes at a fraction of their original prices (both offer flat-rate shipping and periodic coupons)
• Do not shop on an empty stomach

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Yogurt Cake

Whenever my children deserve some homemade desert or when I need to bring some cake to a party, I consult my trusty authority on the subject, Clotilde.



This woman is a culinary genius and I adore her blog, http://chocolateandzucchini.com. At 26, she knows more about cooking than most of us will at 76, providing we will live that long.
So, the cake I usually make is Gâteau au Yaourt.





This is Clotilde's version of a French staple that never fails to collect compliments. Since everyone is always asking me for the recipe, I decided to share this delicious site. Enjoy and Bon Appetit.

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