Friday Finds: Get ‘Em Before They’re Gone!

October 31st, 2008 by crystal

Mostly sales and discounts this week! Many stores are having 50% off sales.
Check out the new ‘Very Low’ category below!

Old Navy has a big $10 and under sale on select items.

Limited time only: get 30% off select Gap women’s outerwear! Offer ends 11/20
Also, Buy One; Get One 50% off Select Styles of Pants.
Offer ends November 12. Shop Now!

Payless is having a Fall Finale Sale. Get select items for 40% off.
Also, get $10 off orders of $75 or more with coupon code PSS10OFF75.
Plus, Payless Free Standard Ground Shipping with any Order of $60 or More!

Get $20 off purchases of $80 or more at New York & Company

Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off Almost Everything

Buy one pair of pants get one at 75% off!

Get Free Shipping on your orders of $125 or more at Victoria’s Secret. Use coupon code FA814593.

Now, for the Friday Finds…

Very Low

This tank dress from Old Navy is marked down to $9.99. This dress is a blank slate for your favorite accessories. Add a scarf or a belt and make it cold weather ready with a pair of tights and classic heeled boots.

Originally $42.99, this High-Waisted Skirt is now only $9.99. Trendy this Fall and next Spring, this will be a purchase that has some lasting power!

Low

I’ve been eyeing this dress for quite some time. Now, it’s been marked off 50% to $12.50. Combining two Fall and Spring trends, ruffles and one-shoulder, with the classic LBD makes this dress just about perfect. With all of the upcoming holiday cocktail parties, this find can’t come at a better time! Get it before it’s gone!

This Classic Stiletto is selling for $14.99, a pretty good deal for a must-have.

Medium

This basic wrap sweater looks warm, but still stylish. Made of Merino Wool, it’s sure to be soft and cozy, too! Marked down to $34.99, it’s a great buy for your winter layering days.

This suiting dress is sophisticated enough for work, but trendy enough to wear downtown after the work day’s over. It’s been marked down over 50% to $19.99.

High

This sweater jacket is sure to keep you warm while adding a stylish layer to your outfit. Marked down 70%, this Monrow jacket is $62.69.

This Little Black Dress is festive enough for all of those Holiday Parties we have coming up. The straps can be removed to make it strapless. Designed by Theory, this dress has been marked down 70% to $105.59.

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How to Wear Scarves: Fall 2008 Trends

October 30th, 2008 by crystal

Scarves are more than just for keeping you warm! Accessorizing with a scarf can completely change the look of an outfit. I often dress around the scarf I want to wear, donning neutral colors and allowing my scarf to take all the attention.
Neck Scarves Fall 2008

So, what are the trends for this Fall/Winter 2008? Though neck scarves were a big hit at the Dolce & Gabbana show, they’re not a big hit on Main Street. And, they’re more an accessory for your purse than your neck. You’ll be hard pressed to even find neck scarves in the stores this season. Stick with long scarves instead.
The newest trend is the square, cowboy-style scarf. Popular among hipsters and fashionistas alike, the square scarf adds a little variety to our scarf wearing options.
Read more for a complete list of scarf trends, how to wear them and (as always) affordable finds you can snag right now!

Pashmina Scarves

Though originally made of cashmere, pashmina shawls and scarves are now made of cheaper materials as well. This makes them more affordable to wear and makes it easier for us to have a few color options! The term ‘pashmina’ was originally used to refer to the type of fabric…there were a variety of sizes and shapes offered. In the huge craze for pashminas in the 90′s, the term came to be used to describe a scarf that can also double as a wrap.
There are a few ways to wear a pashmina.
Wear as an accessory: Tying the pashmina loosely about halfway down, and letting it drape is a great way to add a little color to your outfit. Or, just loop the pashmina once around your neck.
Wear for warmth: Put both ends of the pashmina together and drape the folded pashmina around your neck. Pull the ends through the loop of the pashmina to create a warm, cozy muffler for your neck.
Wear as a wrap: Pashminas are perfect for cocktail parties or other fancy events where you might need an extra layer. Wear draped over your shoulders and around your elbows for a more casual look. To wrap your pashmina in the traditional manner, drape the pashmina over your shoulders. Take one end to the opposite side and drape it over your shoulder.

Shown: Solid Wrap ($8.99), Solid Wrap Scarf ($19.50), Reversible Wrap ($29.95)

Square Scarves

The new square scarf trend is definitely the funnest this season. Worn cowboy-style, these scarves usually have fringe or tassles hanging from them to add a fun little detail. To achieve the cowboy-style look, fold the scarf into a triangle. Tie the two ends of the triangle together at the back of your neck. Then, muss the scarf to make it full and not so folded. The point of the triangle should be at the front of your chest. If you have a longer square scarf, tie so that it is still around your neck. Pull the ends forward, over your shoulders.
Wear this style with t-shirts or tight tunics, Skinny Jeans and Riding Boots.

Shown: Plaid Scarf ($16.95), Metallic Square Scarf ($14.99), Floral Paisley Scarf ($8.99)

Long Scarves

The long scarf is a classic accessory that’s made trendy by the fabrics and patterns its made with. For this season, chose long scarves that are colorful, patterned and textured. Zig zag patterns and tribal prints with fringe tasseled ends are what we’re seeing the most of this season. These scarves aren’t usually meant to add warmth to your wardrobe. Wear long scarves around your neck, looped once around your neck or looped a couple of times and then tied so the fringe falls at chest level.
If you’re looking for a scarf to double as an accessory and extra layer, find one that’s fairly wide.
Long scarves also make great headbands!

Shown: Plaid Scarf ($14.99), Zig Zag Striped Scarf ($14.99), Ikat Wrap ($14.99)

Your Thoughts?

Which is your favorite style of scarf? How do you wear your scarves? Which stores have the best scarves this season?
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How to Wear Tall Boots

October 29th, 2008 by crystal

We know boots are going to be in each Fall/Winter. The questions are: what types of boots are trendy this season and what should I wear with them?

This season, more than just tall boots are in. Read this post for a comprehensive list of Boot Trends for Fall 2009.

For this post, though, I’ll focus on how to wear tall boots, the classic Fall/Winter boot style.

Classic Heeled Boots

The Quintessential

The tall heeled boot is a classic must have for any Fall/Winter season. Characterized by pointy toes and stiletto heels, this boot goes well with pretty much everything.

Celebrity Sightings

how to wear boots
Nicole Richie’s boots fit the bill. They hit right below the knee, are plain black leather, have pointy toes and stiletto heels. Notice she’s wearing with skinnies and a full top.

How to Wear

As I said before, you can wear this boot with pretty much anything. First, find a boot that’s comfortable for you. Make sure the calf is not too tight, but not too loose either. Also, make sure the heel is at a comfortable height for you.
With Skinny Jeans and Full Top: Take some inspiration from Nicole Richie and wear your boots with Skinny Jeans and a Full Top. If you don’t have Skinny Jeans, try a Straight Leg Jean. That will work just as well. You shouldn’t have to fold or pleat your jeans to fit them into the boot. This makes a huge lump and unwanted bagginess at the top of your boot. Your jeans should fit right in. Pair with a full top to contrast the streamlined silhouette. If you want something a little more tight fitting, try a T-Shirt style tunic and a long cardigan.
With a Dress and Tights: Wear these feminine boots with a dress and tights to dress things up a bit. Try a contrasting color or pattern for the tights to draw attention to your boots and avoid looking like it’s all one piece. Definitely opt for a full or flowy skirt. Wearing a pencil skirt or bandage dress with this style can easily make you look like a hooker.

Affordable Finds

Shown: rsvp Paki Boots ($56.00), Knee High Boots ($44.99)

Over the Knee Boots

The Quintessential

This is definitely my favorite boot style this season. The Over the Knee boot is characterized as being tall enough to go over your knee. Some have fold down flaps that allow you to wear the boot as an Over the Knee boot or a Knee-High boot. This boot is not quite as versatile as the Classic Heeled Boot, but it is a lot more fun.

Celebrity Sightings

how to wear over the knee boots
Kate Moss is the queen of Over the Knee Boots. She must own like 20 different pair! The biggest thing I notice about her style is that she always wears the boots the same way: with Skinnies.

How to Wear

If we learn from the pro, we know that pretty much the only way to wear these boots and not get propositioned on a street corner is to wear them with Skinny Jeans. So, what about tops?
Layer, layer, layer! You can wear a tight fitting T-shirt or fitted button up, but wear another, longer layer over that. A blazer, a cardigan, a sweater, etc.

Affordable Finds

Shown: Patent Over the Knee Boots ($44.99), Diba Wink ($100.00)

Riding Boot

The Quintessential

The Riding Boot is a new trend for this season. Sure, the style’s been around for awhile, but it’s never been quite so popular as it is this season. And, it’s being worn with pretty much anything. Riding boots are flat, have wider leg openings and often have buckles or tabs to make them look a bit more rustic.

Celebrity Sightings

how to wear boots
If you’re walking long distances or trying to stay warm in the city, riding boots are your best bet. Kirsten Dunst pairs her boots with Skinny Jeans and warm layers on top.

How to Wear

Riding Boots can be worn with a variety of outfits. Dress them up or down, depending on your mood.
With Skinny Jeans: Follow Kirsten’s example and pair your boots with Skinnies and lots of layers on top. You can also go for a tighter top and accessorize with a long scarf.
With a Girly Dress: Pairing Riding Boots with a feminine dress may seem like a contradiction, but it’s actually a nice look. It makes your dress seem more casual and wearable for everyday.

Affordable Finds

Shown: Suede Zipper Boots ($44.99), Suede Flat Boots ($39.99)

What do you think?

What is the best way to wear tall boots? What type of tall boot will you be wearing this Fall/Winter?

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Top 10 Ways to Be a Recessionista

October 27th, 2008 by crystal

Have you heard this new term? As the economy has declined, this term has emerged. It’s basically the new breed of Fashionista. A Recessionista is one who is very knowledgeable of fashion trends and designers, but can’t or won’t spend excessive amounts of money on clothing and accessories. Instead, the Recessionista seeks discount finds and knockoffs. To use another term, the Recessionista looks for ‘Recession Chic’.
So, what’s new, you ask? It’s true, there have always been those of us who have appreciated trendy fashion at discount prices. Before, though, there wasn’t a term for us other than ‘cheap’ or ‘thrifty’. Being a Recessionista is now desirable. I suspect some will even begin to use it as a badge of honor. Spending $2,000 on a purse in these difficult times makes one seem out of touch and insensitive. But finding a lower end purse made by the same designer and priced at $30 at Target makes one seem wise. And, it definitely sounds more glamorous than calling yourself ‘cheap’.
How do you become a Recessionista? If you’ve been reading this site for affordable options and discount finds, I’m sure you already are one! Here are 10 tips for How to Be a Recessionista.

1. Find Designer Lines at Discount Stores

Many designers have more affordable lines at discount stores such as Target, Payless and Kohl’s. As the economy suffers, even more are signing on. Though the quality is very different, the clothing and accessories are still very fashion forward and, most importantly, are much more affordable. Read this post about Botkier bags for Target to see how the designer handbags are similar to the discount versions being sold at Target. Other designers who have discount lines are: Anya Hindmarch (Target), Isaac Mizrahi (Target), Vera Wang (Kohl’s), Abaete (Payless), Alice + Olivia (Payless), Lela Rose (Payless), Elle Collection (Kohl’s), Norma Kamali (Wal-Mart), Sigerson Morrison (Target), Dean Harris (Target) and Jonathan Saunders (Target). If you know of others, leave them in the comments!

2. Shop at Consignment, Vintage and Thrift Stores

You can often find great deals on designer clothing by shopping at Consignment Stores in the nicer areas of your city. It helps to know your designers and what the clothing usually sells for. Don’t buy something just because it’s a great deal, though. Make sure it’s something you really like and that it fits you well.
You can also sometimes find great deals on designer clothing at Vintage Stores. The prices on vintage designer clothing are often pretty steep. So, if you find a good deal here, you’re lucky. Instead of label shopping, you’re better off just looking for classic pieces that fit your personal style.
Thrift Stores are great places to find accessories, jeans and layering pieces. Shop in the men’s section to find a great pair of boyfriend jeans that actually fit you.

3. Know When To Splurge

Assuming you can afford it, it’s definitely okay to splurge every once in a while. Just be choosy about your splurges. Spend more on classic pieces that you know you will wear for more than just one season. Spending $200 on an amazing cashmere sweater is fine because you know you’ll wear that sweater for the next 10 winters at least.

4. Shop at Chic Discount Stores

Recessionista Fashion
For the latest trends, shop at stores like CharlotteRusse and Forever 21. These stores always have very affordable prices and carry the latest trends. If you’re in love with a trend, but are pretty sure it doesn’t have lasting power (i.e. Leg Warmers), it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on it. Both of these stores have pretty amazing prices anyway, but hitting their sales is so much sweeter. Both have 50% off sales pretty often. Check out their websites for the latest deals. Their trendiest items are often sold out in stores, but can still be found online.

5. Shop at the Back of Stores

When you shop at your favorite stores, make a beeline toward the back of the store first. That’s usually where all of the sales racks are. You can still own items from your favorite stores by finding the great deals hidden at the back. I always do this at Banana Republic, Anthropologie and JCrew.

6. Stay Ahead of the Times

Be familiar with the styles seen on the runways for the next season. The runway shows for next Spring were held in September. This gives you plenty of time to look ahead, know what the trends are and be able to spot great deals on Spring trends.
If you know what’s coming next while you’re out shopping for Fall/Winter clothes and you come across a perfect Little White Dress marked down to $10, you can snag it up and have it ready for your Spring wardrobe. Here are two posts to help inform you of what’s to come: Top 10 Fashion Trends for Spring 2009 and Shopping Fall Sales for Spring 2009.

7. Find a Cobbler

In times of excess, we get rid of shoes that break or get worn down. Instead, take your shoes to a cobbler and have them mended. Depending on what’s wrong with your shoes, this will cost between $5 and $30. Most likely, that’s cheaper than getting a new pair of shoes. Cobblers will also repair and restore handbags. Use this same philosophy with your clothes. Find a seamstress to repair your clothes (or learn to sew!). Most dry cleaners have a seamstress on call.

8. Re-examine What You Already Have

Photo by thisgirlangie
At the start of each season, go through your closet with the latest trends in mind. As the new trends are publicized for each season, we often think we need to head out and purchase the must haves for the season. You might be surprised at how much you already have sitting in your closet. A great example of that is this Fall’s Floral Trend. I’m sure many of us have a floral top or dress from a few Springs back hanging at the back of our closets. Doing this will also help you realize what you can take to your local consignment shop or Buffalo Exchange to get some dough for what you actually do want to purchase.

9. Work Your Accessories

Instead of spending a lot of money on a few pieces of clothing, purchase the accessories that are popular for the season. It’s amazing what a difference accessories can do to make classic pieces appear trendy. For this Fall, adding a great pair of tights to your classic little black dress can make a huge difference. Add some statement jewelry to that look and you’re instantly in style for about $15.

10. Shop Online First

It’s great fun going to the mall for a shopping excursion. But, if you want to compare prices, see all of the sales and discounts and see everything offered by your favorite stores, it’s best to shop online. So, you’re one of those people who wants to touch the clothes first or needs to try things on? Shop online first to determine where you want to go when you get to the mall. Charlotte Russe might have a great purple blazer for $30, but Old Navy has one on sale for $14. Knowing that before you head out prepares you to make informed purchases. We used to shop first, think and regret later. Now, it’s important to think first, shop later and regret no more.

Your Opinions?

What do you think about the new term? Are you a recessionista? Have you always been or are you making the switch now? Share other recessionista tips in the comments…

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Friday Finds: Get ‘Em Before They’re Gone!

October 24th, 2008 by crystal

Grab your change purses, ladies! There are some good ones this week!

Save 20% at chickdowntown with the code MIDWEEK20. Plus, get 25% off sale items with the code ADD25. A lot of their sale items are already marked down 50%.

Get 20% off your total purchase and Piperlime with this code FB1FN48W9T48. That code is for a limited number of uses, so use it quick!

Until the end of November, get 10% off pretty much everything at Pink Mascara.
For 10% off handbags, use AFBAGS10.
For 10% off dresses, use AFDRESS10.
For 10% off sweaters and boots, use AFGIFT10.

This weekend only, get 40% off dresses at Banana Republic. No code required.

Get 25% off a single top or tee at Victoria’s Secret with the code TOP25.
Get 25% off a single bra with the code 25BRA.
Get a free lip gloss set when you purchase a sweater with the code RUSH08.

Low

These skinny jeans are perfect for this season’s skinny jeans trend. And, they’re incredibly affordable at only $17 (marked down 50%). Read more about How to Wear Skinny Jeans.

This dress has an amazing keyhole cutout in the back that adds a nice touch to a simple LBD. It’s the perfect dress for all of those holiday parties in our futures! It’s 50% off, priced at $14.50. Read Top 10 Classic Fashion Essentials for more little black dresses.

Medium

This basic cardigan is a classic piece that every wardrobe needs. Dress it up or down and add it to whatever your signature style is and it will fit perfectly. This cardigan is on sale for $32.99.
For more cardigans, read Top 10 Classic Fashion Essentials.

I am in love with yellow coats this Fall! This one is super stylish. A mix between a peacoat and a swing coat, it’s the perfect wear to work coat. It’s been discounted from $69.95 to $41.97. For more coats, read Fall 2008 Coat Trends.