Recently in Designer Discount Category
My favorite store in the world - Loehmann's - is hosting a shop-a-thon on Sept. 25 to
benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Customers who donate $5 at
the register of any Loehmann's store get 15% off their purchase!Being that this national discount chain starts out with pretty steep designer discounts, this is almost too good to be true. (But it is, I confirmed it.) All locations throughout the country will be participating. (Including the one 4 subway stops from my apartment. EEP!)
Celebrate
the beginning of fall at Olive and Bette’s one-day sale. Find goodies
from Splendid, Theory, Autumn Cashmere and more at savings of up to 75%
off.AG Cords
Theory pants Were $295, now $59
Autumn Cashmere sweaters Were $310, now $78
Free People vests Were $115, now $30
Splendid tunics Were $150, now $38
Da-Nang shorts Were $135, now $40
Sunday, September 21st
10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Olive and Bette's
252 Columbus Avenue @ 72nd Street
212.579.2178
Olive and Bette’s accepts cash, American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
While we cannot help but see the Nintendo DS as a splurge (though we ourselves have an incredibly sexy pink one that we love a great deal) - said splurge can totally be rationalized when it is associated with free goodies.And that brings us to my [legendary] handbag obsession...
Just moments ago, a release popped into my email box that blew my mind: From Bags to Riches (www.frombagstoriches.com) now has a partnership with Nintendo, where they're offering FREE DS and DS game rentals with the paid rental of a high-end handbag.
It appears that Nintendo has gone fashionista...they even sponsored the Julie Haus runway show at New York's Fashion Week, where she included DS as an accessory in her line.
Apparently, fashion and geekdom have finally combined: You have no idea how well this shall bode for my existence!
This is really cool - I'm a huge supporter of breast cancer awareness ... as well as shopping....and this fits in with both!I just received an email this morning alerting me that for the fifteenth year, Tanger Outlet Centers is asking its shoppers to think pink (generally my favorite color anyway!) and as part of the annual program, Tanger customers can purchase a 25% OFF Pink Card September 17-October 19, 2008.
These Pink Cards cost only $1 donation each, but give shoppers a 25% discount at participating outlet stores at Tanger centers across the country - which can end up being worth hundreds or thousands! (Especially if you are an outlet-a-holic like me.)
The Pink Cards will be available at all Tanger Shopper Services and online at tangeroutlet.com. Proceeds from the sale of the 25% OFF Pink Cards will stay in the community where they are raised, to benefit a local breast cancer organization.
Need some buying suggestions? Check out the awesome iVillage guide to Survivor Style: The Best of the Breast Cancer Awareness products.
As the weekend is *finally* upon us, it is time for some completely gratuitous *free* fun. (Cause nothing says frugal fashionista like that does!)
Fashion Matchmaker: Steep vs. Cheap Handbags
http://beauty.ivillage.com/
Fashion Matchmaker: Steep vs. Cheap Sandals
http://beauty.ivillage.com/
Play a game, and get some fashion advice all at the same time! Are we the most fun site ever or what???
And stay tuned: In a few weeks, I'll have a slideshow completely dedicated to steep vs. cheap shoes and bags of the season! (Which, clearly, does interest you if you are playing said games above!)
Little known secret: In real life, Carrie Bradshaw would have appeared to resemble something like a bag lady.
Freelance writers are the wandering souls of our time, traveling from one cafe to another, always in search of that which is the fuel of their very existence. I am speaking, of course, of high-speed - both of the cyber and caffeinated variety. To this end, said beings - which I will now confess to being among - tend to carry around enormous totes - burdened with the task of carrying now only their sleek (yet deceptively heavy) MacBooks, but also various other crucial gadgets, cosmetics, entertainment materials, date books...
The true complication is if you are doing all this - and have accepted your fate as a bag lady - and still wish to appear somewhat fashionable. Oh, and you are also sort of poor. (You know, starving artist and all.)
One of the sexiest large-and-in-charge carry-all bags I've seen lately is the gorgeous Linea Pelle Dylan Zip Tote , available at Luna Boston for just under $600. It's 15-width makes it big enough for that sexy little computer of yours, and the soft-grained leather makes you look exec-hot, and not bag-lady-not. Unfortunately, the price tag is just a wee bit steep.
I love the look and feel though, and I went in search of bags of a similar grain (haha), that won't leave your wallet affright.
The SAK Silverlake Leather Tote, available at Endless.com for $229, is still a bit pricey for some of us - but at
half the price of the other bag, sort of feels like a steal! It too is supple leather and roomy enough to be a sublime all-day-long companion.
If your heart (or bank account) desires a super wallet-friendly option of the lust-worthy bags above, Forever 21's
Beccalyn Faux Leather Handbag is a steal at just over $25. Sure, it isn't luxurious fine leather - but at that price, you can recapture the Carrie style by happy-houring to your heart's content - and maybe even throw in a new pair of shoes.
Freelance writers are the wandering souls of our time, traveling from one cafe to another, always in search of that which is the fuel of their very existence. I am speaking, of course, of high-speed - both of the cyber and caffeinated variety. To this end, said beings - which I will now confess to being among - tend to carry around enormous totes - burdened with the task of carrying now only their sleek (yet deceptively heavy) MacBooks, but also various other crucial gadgets, cosmetics, entertainment materials, date books...
The true complication is if you are doing all this - and have accepted your fate as a bag lady - and still wish to appear somewhat fashionable. Oh, and you are also sort of poor. (You know, starving artist and all.)
One of the sexiest large-and-in-charge carry-all bags I've seen lately is the gorgeous Linea Pelle Dylan Zip Tote , available at Luna Boston for just under $600. It's 15-width makes it big enough for that sexy little computer of yours, and the soft-grained leather makes you look exec-hot, and not bag-lady-not. Unfortunately, the price tag is just a wee bit steep.I love the look and feel though, and I went in search of bags of a similar grain (haha), that won't leave your wallet affright.
The SAK Silverlake Leather Tote, available at Endless.com for $229, is still a bit pricey for some of us - but at
half the price of the other bag, sort of feels like a steal! It too is supple leather and roomy enough to be a sublime all-day-long companion.
If your heart (or bank account) desires a super wallet-friendly option of the lust-worthy bags above, Forever 21's
Beccalyn Faux Leather Handbag is a steal at just over $25. Sure, it isn't luxurious fine leather - but at that price, you can recapture the Carrie style by happy-houring to your heart's content - and maybe even throw in a new pair of shoes.
As Gossip Girl is having its season premiere tomorrow night on the CW network, you might be prepared for another season of impossibly pretty characters with great hair, too much drama, and closets of incredible clothes. You are probably eager too, to recreate those looks...but are painfully aware that your own wallet allows no such luxury.
Take, for instance, the gorgeous Valentino Maison studded bag Jenny wears in episode 14 (the Blair Bitch Project) when assumes her new power position at school and consequently updates her wardrobe. This is a lovely bag (pictured at left) - and probably helped to set off the craze of owning larger and larger brightly colored arm pieces. But it will run you close to $2,500 to own!
An absolutely stunning similar look is the SR Squared Color Block Shopper, available at Endless.com for about $85!
Much more Gossip Girl style coming very soon...including tips for recreating the awesome hair accessories...at drug store prices!
Take, for instance, the gorgeous Valentino Maison studded bag Jenny wears in episode 14 (the Blair Bitch Project) when assumes her new power position at school and consequently updates her wardrobe. This is a lovely bag (pictured at left) - and probably helped to set off the craze of owning larger and larger brightly colored arm pieces. But it will run you close to $2,500 to own!An absolutely stunning similar look is the SR Squared Color Block Shopper, available at Endless.com for about $85!
FYI...for all you (NYC-centric) budget fashionistas, Intermix (one of my favorite boutiques!) is having a sample sale this week.
Tuesday, August 26
Wednesday, August 27
Thursday, August 28
9am – 8pm daily
Metropolitan Pavilion's North Pavilion
110 West 19th Street
New York, NY (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)
Good luck! Perhaps I shall see you in the chaos!
Tuesday, August 26
Wednesday, August 27
Thursday, August 28
9am – 8pm daily
Metropolitan Pavilion's North Pavilion
110 West 19th Street
New York, NY (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)
Good luck! Perhaps I shall see you in the chaos!
Long ago, I pretty much accepted that sales will never realistically occur at the cosmetics counter. Never will you see a 30% sale, or coupons for a discount off your total purchase.
Sad as that is, it doesn't mean you can't save money when beauty-shopping!
I recently had a chat with celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert Billy Lowe. From the clouds, a light of hope has emerged! He offers some advice for how to save money when shopping - even at the beauty counter!
1 - Take advantage of gift sets.
Many brands such as the major cosmetics companies (Clinique, Lauder, etc) have gift sets year round that are full of your favorite products. Many times these come in bonus sizes where you get more than normal amounts, and they also include 1 or 2 additional pieces that are great for travel. Hair care lines like Pureology and Paul Mitchell also have gift sets and make it a nice value for the consumer when looking for their favorite items. I always recommend that people take advantage of these sets and buy 2 or 3 because of the value.
2 - Pre-shop.
If companies offer incentives for pre-sales, do it without question. Many times larger department stores such as Macy's has pre-sales incentives where they offer an additional 10-15% off of your total purchase for pre-purchasing (or holding your items in advance). This can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, especially if you have large shopping lists or gifts to buy for people.
3 - Take a friend.
I've been in stores many times where there's an offer such as "Buy 2 get X,Y,Z for free." Or, "Spend $150 or more and receive a free (whatever)." Having a shopping buddy with you makes these offers a no-brainer. One may not need 2 sets of sheets, or 2 body care kits, but having a friend shop with you would make opportunities like this easy to take advantage of.
Sad as that is, it doesn't mean you can't save money when beauty-shopping!
I recently had a chat with celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert Billy Lowe. From the clouds, a light of hope has emerged! He offers some advice for how to save money when shopping - even at the beauty counter!
1 - Take advantage of gift sets. Many brands such as the major cosmetics companies (Clinique, Lauder, etc) have gift sets year round that are full of your favorite products. Many times these come in bonus sizes where you get more than normal amounts, and they also include 1 or 2 additional pieces that are great for travel. Hair care lines like Pureology and Paul Mitchell also have gift sets and make it a nice value for the consumer when looking for their favorite items. I always recommend that people take advantage of these sets and buy 2 or 3 because of the value.
2 - Pre-shop.
If companies offer incentives for pre-sales, do it without question. Many times larger department stores such as Macy's has pre-sales incentives where they offer an additional 10-15% off of your total purchase for pre-purchasing (or holding your items in advance). This can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, especially if you have large shopping lists or gifts to buy for people.
3 - Take a friend.
I've been in stores many times where there's an offer such as "Buy 2 get X,Y,Z for free." Or, "Spend $150 or more and receive a free (whatever)." Having a shopping buddy with you makes these offers a no-brainer. One may not need 2 sets of sheets, or 2 body care kits, but having a friend shop with you would make opportunities like this easy to take advantage of.
I may have learned how to outlet shop prior to learning how to read. This knowledge was *that* important to my parents that they would integrate excursions to such establishments into the most unrelated of events. As way of example:
"Grandma's getting married! I think we can fit in a trip to Sawgrass Mills..."
"Oh, you want to look at that college? I think we'll pass that really good Saks outlet."
"No, honey, I know that hotel has the good continental breakfast, but we won't be staying there. There's a hotel IN the Tanger outlets!"
This unique upbringing set me up with a suit of armor that has me ready for all shopping trips, no matter what corner of the world I find myself in. I am mindful, though, that there are many of you who were not as lucky as me. Your parents probably made you have educational summer vacations - you may have attended museums, zoos, national monuments. A lot of good that does you now!
I do feel your pain though, and I'm here to help. (Especially since I refuse to encourage any reader of mine to ever buy retail.) To that end, I have contacted my friends at Chelsea Premium Outlets. They offered some great tips that while won't make up for a lifetime of being unprepared, can help you get up to speed now.
"Grandma's getting married! I think we can fit in a trip to Sawgrass Mills..."
"Oh, you want to look at that college? I think we'll pass that really good Saks outlet."
"No, honey, I know that hotel has the good continental breakfast, but we won't be staying there. There's a hotel IN the Tanger outlets!"
This unique upbringing set me up with a suit of armor that has me ready for all shopping trips, no matter what corner of the world I find myself in. I am mindful, though, that there are many of you who were not as lucky as me. Your parents probably made you have educational summer vacations - you may have attended museums, zoos, national monuments. A lot of good that does you now!I do feel your pain though, and I'm here to help. (Especially since I refuse to encourage any reader of mine to ever buy retail.) To that end, I have contacted my friends at Chelsea Premium Outlets. They offered some great tips that while won't make up for a lifetime of being unprepared, can help you get up to speed now.
- Check the the outlet website frequently, the center you wish to visit may have a VIP Shopper Club that will give you special discounts in addition to the savings you will already receive at the locations. (At www.premiumoutlets.com, for example, sign up for the VIP Shopper Club. Immediately upon signing up, you will receive a voucher for a VIP coupon book worth hundreds of dollars of additional savings at Chelsea centers.)
- Make a weekend getaway out of your shopping trip and ask the center if they work with any area hotels or B&Bs. Chelsea centers have special "Shop ‘n Stay" packages available, as do some other outlet centers.
- If you can’t shop during the week, arrive early in the day or shop later in the day – between 10am and noon and 6pm and 9pm are great weekend times to shop and not have to wait to get a dressing room or check out.
- Buy what you love now. Don’t wait – it will be gone tomorrow. Merchandise in the outlets sells fast and once they’re gone, the item may never be sold again.
- Most stores have traditional return policies. It is important to check these policies before making your purchase. Some outlets do not accept returns on clearance merchandise. Most outlet stores with locations in other outlet centers will allow you to return/exchange merchandise at other outlet locations. Most outlet stores do not allow merchandise purchased at the outlets to be returned at their full-price stores.
- Salespeople at select outlet stores keep client lists and will call preferred clients when new lines are arriving, in advance of sales, etc. Get to know the shipment schedules for your favorite store; schedule your shopping trips when new shipments arrive to find the best deals.
- Each manufacturer and designer operates its outlet store differently so it is best to inquire with store personnel about the merchandise to see if the merchandise is current season or prior season. Some stores post this information at the front of the store to educate shoppers.
- At Chelsea centers, if you
are 50 years or older, you can save an additional 10% at many participating
stores. Also, if you are an AAA member, you can show your card to receive
a free VIP Coupon Book. (This is true at many outlet centers, so be sure to ask!)
- Ask for help. You are buying direct from the designers and manufacturers who have extensive knowledge about their products. Whether its creating a perfect table setting or gift ideas, seek assistance.
- Know your prices. An educated shopper gets the best deals. What represents good value differs from person to person. Saving 25 percent on a current season designer outfit is the perfect deal for one person and saving 65 percent on last season’s cashmere coat could also be someone’s deal of the century.
- Get a list of stores first – request a brochure or visit the center’s website. Plan your strategy so you know which stores you want to visit first.
- Did you know that our outlet
centers sell gift certificates? They do, in all denominations and can
be purchased online.
