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Hi there,

If you happen to be visiting Steals & Deals for the first time, I thought I'd wish you a heart-felt welcome to our fabulous shopping blog. And if you're a returning visitor, thank you for tuning-in again!

In case you weren’t aware, my name is Dara Fleischer, and I’m a self-confessed shopaholic. Shopping isn’t just my passion, it’s my business. I’m a personal shopper and Founder and Editor of FashionJunkie.com.

Now, as iVillage’s Shopping Expert, my mission is simple: to clue you in on what to buy and where to buy it…before it’s passé. I’m constantly combing the streets and surfing the Web in search of the hottest boutiques, designer deals and steals to keep you in-the-know.

A serial shopper with a sixth sense for all things fashionable, I have a knack for sniffing out the hippest designer hideaways, best vintage frocks and cheap 'n chic places that won’t drain your bank account. Whether you’re fashion challenged or simply too busy to shop, I’m always on call to give you the tips and tricks for tackling the toughest clothing calamities. So be sure to check back on the Steals & Deals blog regularly to see my latest finds!

Since this blogging thing is a two-way street, please don’t forget to post your comments -- the Steals & Deals community wants to know what’s on your mind! Or if you have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy, you can post that as well, and I'll be sure to answer your questions.

Happy shopping!

(Have a sale, event, or hot item you think Steals & Deals should consider, email me at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com)

As an entrepreneur who recently depleted my savings to launch my own business, FashionJunkie.com, I’ve sadly had to cut back on my annual clothing allowance.

So rather than splurge on those big-ticket designer items I used to gravitate towards (a.k.a. Loeffler Randall shoes), I now seek out frocks from less pricey, yet more personable emerging designers.

Enter BadJoan.com - a sample sale site that offers members FREE access to dreamy designer clothing brands at deeply discounted prices.

Click your way through a stunning selection of overstock from the hottest indie labels, including Wilen Los Angeles (the founders very own knitwear line), Colin Robertson (sexy leather sandals), Kate & Kass (flirty floral print dresses), Marcello Toshi (the kicks shown here are his) and Stella & Jamie (gleaming gold tops), to name a few.

Sign-up for an account and receive a secret discount code that entitles you to 80% off all their mouth-watering merch. You’ll also be pleased to know that 80% of every final sale goes directly back into their designers’ pockets. Just remember to enter your Bad Joan promo code upon checkout to receive the discount!

Steals & Deals wants to know how you make out at BadJoan.com. Leave your comments here and let us know!!

Calling all vintage junkies! Mark your calendar for the biggest sale of the season - the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show!

Grab the girls and head to the Metropolitan Pavilion this Friday, February 8th and Saturday, February 9th for a fun-filled shopping extravaganza you won’t wanna miss. Set aside at least an afternoon for sifting through 80 (yes, 80!) of the nation’s top vintage clothing and accessory dealers. Sounds too good to be true? Better check out this list of treasure troves:

Pump it up! Hot designer pumps and stilettos from the ‘60’s and ‘80’s, never worn and in mint condition, are from $75-$125. Killer stiletto-heeled calf-high boots in suede and leather are only $165-$245.

Belt it! Three-inch wide cinch belts in leather, crocodile or suede from the ‘60’s and ‘80’s are $95-$165.

It’s in the bag! Designer tote and clutch handbags in exotic skins, including crocodile, leopard, giraffe and snake-skin are $68-$128.

Call 518-434-4312 to RSVP or visit their website, manhattanvintage.com

The Retail Details!
What: Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion
Address: 125 W. 18th Street, NYC (btw 6th and 7th Aves.)
Phone: 212-691-7297.
Hours:  1-8pm on Friday, Feb. 8; 11-6pm on Saturday, Feb. 9th
Tickets: $20

Yesterday morning I sprung out of bed at the ungodly hour of 6:00am - way before my annoying alarm ever goes off. Why the outlandish behavior? Showroom Seven’s Spring sample sale was scheduled to begin in three hours and I couldn’t bare the thought of being tardy for all the best bargains.

For the next two weeks, Showroom Seven is unloading deeply discounted designer sportswear and accessories (read: wholesale prices!) and you, dear reader, are invited to be a part of all the action. Woo hoo!

Stock up on A&G’s cashmere v-neck mini tank dress with Swarovski trim (slashed from $1000 to $400!), Erickson Beamon’s “Techno Deco” neon Lucite bangles (retails for $360-$475, but can be yours for only $142-$191), Issa London’s silk jersey halter dress with a pretty butterfly print (reduced from $700 to $308), Orla Kiley’s funky floral print laminated shoulder bag (sells for $184 retail, but can be yours for only $90) and Tee Party’s tie knot striped cotton dress (reduced from $108 to $41).

Just don’t forget to bring photo ID – it’s required for building access. Happy shopping!

Sample Sale Details:
Where: Showroom Seven
Address: 498 Seventh Avenue (btw 36th & 37th Streets)
24th Floor
When: Monday, February 4th – 15th
Hours: 9am-7pm
Phone: 212-643-4810
Website: showroomseven.com
Payment: Cash, Visa, M/C and Amex

There are a slew of insider retail events, sample sales and exclusive iVillage deals to divulge this week. Since I can’t share everything at once (you’ll have to tune-in daily!), I’m starting my first post with a snippet for all you Project Runway fans.

New York-based designer Emmett McCarthy of Bravo’s hit TV show, Project Runway, is holding a special “Fashion Week Florals” sample sale at his hipster Nolita boutique to get YOU geared-up for Spring!

Stop by the chic Elizabeth Street shop today through Sunday for sizzling Spring clothes and accessories at seriously reduced prices. Plus, you’ll get to meet the man behind the brand, Emmett McCarthy, himself!

Work your Spring wardrobe with flirty ‘n feminine floral print dresses
(including the stunner shown here), billowy tops in ultra bright colors, cutting-edge coats, killer kicks and other must-have accessories.

The Retail Details!
What: Emmett McCarthy Sample Sale
When: Monday, February 4th - Sunday, February 10th
Where: 240 Elizabeth Street (btw Prince & Houston)
Why: In Celebration of Spring & NYC Fashion Week
Phone: 212-431-4134
Website: emmettmccarthy.com
Price Range: $75 (tops, dresses, coats + accessories) - $600 (cashmere coats)
Store Hours: Mon-Sat, 11-7; Sun 12-6

Hope to see you there!

Not just a Valentine’s Day staple, the color red has certainly come a long way. From Lipstick Queen’s deep crimson lipstick (the shade du jour), INC’s cranberry baby-doll coat, to Christian Louboutin’s signature fire-engine red soles, nothing feels more empowering than sporting the color rouge. In fact, the power shade has become so big, that February 1st is now officially known as national “Wear Red Day.”

Don your favorite scarlet-colored apparel at any Macy’s department store on Friday, February 1st and you’ll receive a 15% savings pass valid for nearly all their red hot merch. Should you forget to wear red on that day, Macy’s is offering customers a “Go Red For Women” dress pin and a 15% savings pass with any $2 donation to the American Heart Association. You can shop without the guilt knowing that all contributions received will benefit the Go Red For Women Movement.

As for me, well… I’ll be sporting my freshly colored cinnamon hair.

Happy shopping!

Having spent a considerable amount of time in Spain (mmm… Manchego cheese), I’ve developed a bit of an obsession for their food, wine and of course, cheap ‘n chic clothing chains. First I was hooked on Zara, then Massimo Dutti and now, I just can’t get enough of MNG by Mango —the latest rising star to hit the American fast-fashion retail scene.

In case you didn’t know, MNG by Mango is a Barcelona-based powerhouse that produces fashionable, yet affordable clothing that constantly flies off the racks at each of their 800+ locations. And now, you too can add a ton of MNG by Mango to your wardrobe, thanks to their nation-wide clothing and accessory sale. But you’d better act fast… you only have one more day to save up to 70% off on all their drool-worthy Fall/Winter stock.

Visit mngshop.com today to take advantage of insanely accessible prices (nothing tops the $200 range) on all of their red-hot merch including the limited-edition Cruz collection (as in Penelope and Monica). Standouts include a sexy leopard print overcoat (slashed from $219 to $108.99), a billowy one-shoulder tank (went from $69-$33.99), a punchy red patent-leather trench (reduced from $89 to $43.99!), a sexy mens-inspired vest (went from $59 to $28.99) and the foxy fur vest shown here (slashed from $89 to $43.99).

MNG by Mango Factoid: The company name “Mango” was chosen by its’ founders when they visited the Philippines and tasted the fruit for the first time. A mango represented exactly what they were looking for: something fresh and exotic. With an ultimate goal of opening Mango stores all over the world, this became the ideal name due to its’ easy pronunciation and universal translation.

Can you believe those iconic Members Only (MO) bomber jackets from the ‘80s are back? I know… I too was shocked when I heard the news. After a 20-year hiatus, MO has been resurrected with a flashy women’s collection designed by former US Weekly editor, Kelli Delaney.

While the cheese factor still exists, MO’s new silhouettes are surprisingly chic with a rock ‘n roll twist. You’re still getting the same stretchy waistbands, zip-up front and buckle neck closures, but you’re no longer paying for el cheapo nylon and polyester. That’s because MO’s “new and improved” lineup is fabricated from buttery soft Italian lambskin leathers that top the $1,430 price range (ouch!)

All the colors and cuts have been updated too: from Winter white belted trenches, dark navy men’s-inspired vests, black quilted patent biker bombers, capped-sleeve ensembles embellished with gold coin buttons to form-fitting mini knit dresses in strapless and plunging v-necks (ooh la la!). My favorite newcomer: a glitzy metallic gold bomber that Cameron Diaz just bought.

Check out the new Members Only collection at Henri Bendel in New York. RevolveClothing.com will also be selling the line as of February. Visit membersonlystyle.com for more information.

What’s your take on the new Members Only collection? Would you wear these bombers with stovepipes or leggings?  

Looking to load up on nearly new designer threads without breaking the bank? Then you’d better strap on those stilettos and sprint over to Ina – the coveted New York-based consignment shop.

Known for daily deliveries of unwanted designer duds courtesy of fashion editors, stylists, celebs and models, Ina is holding a hot end of season sale at each of their 5 locations staring today through Sunday, January 27th.

Set aside at least a few hours to sift through the latest mint condition clothes, shoes and bags, which are practically being given away with prices up to 70% off retail!

Expect to duke-it-out with other vintage die-hards over a Marc Jacobs yellow silk dress with beaded trim (reduced from $495 to $149), a purple Marni print T-shirt (reduced from $115 to $35), a green Mayle silk blouse (slashed from $150 to $45), a killer pair of Manolo Blahnik croc pumps (reduced from $445 to $134!) and a pretty Rochas floral print blazer with lace trim (slashed from $325 to $163).

With a sale of this magnitude, it might be worth playing hookey. Just don’t tell your boss we told you to do so!

Visit inanyc.com for store locations and hours.

I’ve always been a fan of all things Australian, from the wine to the licorice (mmm… Kookaburra), the peeps (so friendly) and even the frocks. But since I can’t bare the thought of being cooped-up on a 21-hour flight from New York to Sydney, I’ve found a less stressful way to get my Aussie fashion fix locally… by shopping at Elizabeth Charles. A chic boutique that stocks dozens of under-the-radar and established designer clothing and accessory labels from Down Under, Elizabeth Charles is the go-to spot for trend-setters like Kate Hudson and Helena Christensen.

In honor of Australia Day (who knew?) this Saturday, Elizabeth Charles is celebrating by unloading their current Fall/Winter inventory at prices so low it will make the Tasmanian Devil’s head spin. Prices will be reduced up to 90% off (stop the insanity!). And don’t forget the $20 clothing rack!

Choose from designer darlings such as Camilla and Marc (the red jacket pictured above was slashed from $699 to $175!), Karen Walker (flirty ‘n feminine skirts and shirts), Zambesi (the metallic gold bubble dress for $234.50 is a must), 18th Amendment (high-waisted stovepipes) and Juliette Hogan (billowy tops). Don’t forget to load up on Nearly Nude lingerie and Lipstick Queen’s sultry Red Sinner gloss ($18).

Stop by the San Fran or New York outposts from Thursday, January 24th through Sunday, January 27th as soon as doors open to take advantage of all the decadent designer stock.

A hot tip: to avoid all the insanity, shop online at Elizabeth-Charles.com

New York: 639 ½ Hudson Street, 212-243-3201
San Francisco: 2056 Fillmore Street, 415-440-2100