NORDSTROM -  Shop the Fall Clearance Sale for Men, Women & Kids through November 13

Saturday, November 27, 2010

HUDSON Jeans Facebook VIP event for Cyber Monday

HUDSON Jeans will host a 24-hour VIP sale event for Facebook Fans ONLY! This exclusive special will offer fans  a good deal: 40% off select HUDSON styles.  To take advantage of the sale, you need to "Like" the HUDSON Jeans Facebook Page and come back on Cyber Monday - 11/29 - to access the promo code.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Kate Middleton's Style Essentials

I've been completely charmed by Kate Middleton's fashion sense for some time.  She always looks incredible, but very accessible and down to earth.  Her looks combine couture and off the rack with great taste.  No wonder.  Kate was an accessories buyer for British fashion chain Jigsaw.  Jigsaw sells classic looks that are elegant but not too trendy. It's not your typical club wear.  You can wear it out, but also to the office. Their fashions are well-priced and suitable for the everyday working woman.  I can understand why Kate Middleton was a buyer for them.  She has a classic look that is well pulled together and very chic.  I loved what she wore on the day of her engagement announcement, the simple midnight blue dress paired with Diana's diamond and sapphire engagement ring  was simple and striking.  People Magazine recently featured an pictorial spread on  Kate's Style Essentials.  With the news of her engagement, and the expectation that she will be the future Queen of England, it's worth talking a look at what this young trendsetter likes. Following are some of her top picks:

Hats: She wears them well, whether feathered or pill box. You can't be a member of the British Royal Family without hat skills:)
Gowns: From BCBG to a stunning pink Issa gown Kate has shown style in long evening gowns.


Pictured: Kate in a a fall favorite : boots, black tights, jacket and slim skirt.

Boots and slim skirts;  Kate likes to wear the classic fall uniform of plaid skirt, black tights, boots, turtle necks and a short jacket.
Tailored Coats:  Living in England  tailored coats and jackets, are essential this time of year.
Wrap Dresses: Kate likes wrap dresses that according to People are " figure-flattering yet ladylike.
Blue Jeans: Like Diana before her, she likes a casual jeans look, paired with a good looking top or sweater.
Long Necklaces:  Kate has a preference for long beaded necklaces worn with everything from jeans to sheath dresses.

Prints: Think DVF. Kate has been spotted in some great print dresses. Celia Birtwell was made for her!
Kate's style essentials can be found at reasonably priced stores like H&M, Black and White Market,  The Limited,  New Look, Selfridge, Macy's,The OutNet.com, BCBG (which she has worn) and of course, JigSaw.  So far, excepting some of her Ascot races type hats, everything she has worn is available at off the rack prices. Could this be the new Princess style?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Sophie Dahl's Designer Frocks on eBay for Auction


Want to wear Prada to the Christmas Party? How about gracing the festive scene in Chanel and Jimmy Choos? The Roald Dahl Museum will be holding a charity eBay auction this festive season with a little sprinkling of seasonal magic. They have a phizz-whizzing collection of designer clothes donated by our patron, the writer and former model, Sophie Dahl, with the intention of selling these on eBay to raise money for the Museum. The auction will take place from 25 November to 5 DecemberClick here for the sneak preview.

 Pictured: Sophie Dahl's Issa dress will be on auction on eBay.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Enter Maggiano's Holiday Banquet to win Dinner for 20


The holidays can be such a busy time, especially if you are a shopaholic like moi! That's why I entered to win Maggiano's Holiday Banquet for 20 people. I need to conserve my time for shopping, and let someone else help with the cooking.  Our family sincerely likes the food at theMaggiano's restaurants, the reasonable prices and the family style sharing.  Some of our favorites are the Chicken Piccata, the Stuffed Mushrooms. Pepperoni Flatbread,  Mom's Lasagna and Eggplant Parmigiana.  Everyone can share the dishes, its always so much fun.  The contest is on now until  Wednesday, Dec. 1.  What a great opportunity to host a large group but not have to work?  The winner will be announced on Dec. 3.  Click here to enter.   I already entered :)  I love a traditional Italian feast on Christmas Eve or earlier.
Did you know Maggiano's has Gluetin free pasta, and it's delicious? My nephew is on a wheat free  diet loves it, and I do too!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Holiday Deal Watch: Pre Black Friday Look-Out


As the holidays approach, we no longer needs a crystal ball to forecast where the best deals are. So much is now available via the Internet.  The Internet and Google have become our new best shopping friends. A few simple searches, can yield some great savings. Here are a few I have my eye on:

* Lanvin for H&M: The french design house launches their budget line with H&M on Nov 20th in the US & Canada, and Nov 23 in Europe.
* e-Bay is really gearing up for the holiday season.  Their prices are competitive with major retailers, and they are now offering coupons. You know all the Toys from Black Friday sales will turn up on eBay right away, and then they will be sold out at Toys R Us and other retailers.  eBay becomes the black market for toys.  Click here to get all the cool new eBay coupons for savings, on well, everything.
*In-Style's holiday coupons. Check out the deals and coupons on the In-Style site.  I just discovered this via an ad, and there as some good deals here.
* Black Friday deals.  It goes without saying that if you have the inner strength and good shoes, you might be able to snag some good deals the day after Thanksgiving.  Of course, Black Friday is now almost of whole month of savings, really look at the prices and compare using a tool like NexTag or BizRate. Follow the Black Friday deals online to see all the specials.
* Gettington: Have you heard about this website and catalog store? I found out about them at BlogHer.  Their Black Friday deals start tomorrow, and they have just about everything.  But here's the unique twist on Gettington.  The site show you what kind of finance fees you will be paying over time of your items.  I really like that they show you how the finance charges add up.   I added a big screen TV to my shopping cart, and Gettington shows the buyer  how to weigh the real cost of their  purchase by factoring in  payment options and financing.


Pictured: An example of payment options for a big screen TV at a cost of $599.95 can double to $1,1195 with some finance fees if you don't pay it off right away. 
* Sears Friends &  Family Sale : Click here for the savings!  Sears Family & Friends flyer that details all offers and Sears In-Store Bonus Savings Passes.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

H&M Releases a Super Holiday Collection

Pictured: I'm loving this long red dress priced at $39.95 US from the H&M holiday collection 2010.

As we all wait for the release of H&M for Lanvin (now happening Nov. 20, not Nov. 23 as first reported), H&M has undercut itself with a low-priced holiday collection available in stores now. There are great party dress, tuxedo jackets and event a jacket with old fashioned tails for women. “Tailcoats can be worn with a long skirt and a lingerie-inspired top,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Head of Design. “Or over a feminine dress, or even with jeans and a T-shirt glammed up with bright red high heels.” Ann-Sofie says the details are key. “Hair accessories add a special twist this winter. I love the sequin and feather accessories, and there’s also a lot of beautiful jewelry”. For men, it’s all about the tuxedo. “Wear it the classic way with matching pants, a crisp white bib shirt, bow tie and patent leather shoes; be daring and combine a color and pattern mix with a checked shirt and tartan bow-tie, or wear it with jeans, a printed T-shirt and high-tops.”


Pictured: A sampling of the H&M holiday 2010 looks.

I'm loving the pictures of this collection and I'll be looking for it in stores. The Tuxedo jackets are just $50.00 US and there are great dresses for little girls for under $10.00 US.  Stay tuned for an in-store evaluation, as I will be shopping this line!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Deal Alert: Fashion Savings Coming-up!


There's been so much going on this week in the world of fashion, news and sales that it's time for a round-up post on all the news I want to share.  This round-up spans the planet in an attempt to bring you the best for less.   Here we go!



 Pictured: The November selection from Christian Siriano's new accessories website.

Christian Siriano Launches Accessories website: People Magazine reports that Project Runway Alumni Christian has just launched an accessories website called Send the Trend.  The site features sunglasses, jewelry, scarves and more.  You might want to give it a look, as accessories remain a great, low cost way to update your wardrobe. Christian's idea is to website visitors take a quick style quiz. After their purchase, they will receive personalized product recommendations on the first of every month.  The cost of the items is under $30.00, so it might be worth a look.

International: Save the Date: The OutNet's Friends and Family sale is coming up November 12th.  The OutNet is promising savings of 80% off, so you might want to check this one out on the 12th.  Click here to get the alert on the sale. Remember this sale last year? It was pretty hard to get the goods, but those who got in early scored BIG savings on designer goods.  I'll be visiting the sale this year to see if I can snag some deals! The OutNet ships internationally, so many readers will be able to benefit from the savings.

US: The Nordstrom's Half- Yearly sale for Women & Kids has begun. Get FREE SHIPPING on online orders of $100 or more. Use promo code HOLIDAY10.

UK Designer Sale:  Website Designer Sales UK ( www.designersales.co.uk) tells me they will be offering a 90% off sale on Nov. 26 & 27.  Shop that day for special holiday savings.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Limited Friends & Family Sale Featuring Jodi Arnold

Pictured: The Limited Sale is on this weekend!

The Limited Friends & Family Sale has begun:  Look for special savings this weekend at your local Limited store.  I already placed an order for items from the Jodi Arnold collection that I love. I just ordered the Cabernet Tunic and the Lace Print Dolmain.  Of course, the sale prices are so attractive, I may be going back soon to order the Chiffon Applique Jazz Top and the Boyfriend Jacket.  Use code 202 to save if you order online.

 Pictured: Jodi's Arnold 1920's Style Chiffon Top is part of The Limited's Sale

If you're in the Los Angeles area, the Glendale Galleria store will have a special event with a DJ, photo ops, gift card raffles and more. Everyone will be there! On  Tuesday, 11/9  The Limited at Glendale Galleria  is hosting an exclusive fashion event with special guests like celebrity stylist Jeannie Mai.  Click here for details.  There will be an exclusive fashion and shopping event hosted by: Celebrity stylist and host of The Style Network's "How Do I Look", Jeannie Mai; best-selling author and career style expert, Nicole Williams; and Senior VP of Design for The Limited, Elliot Staples.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Derek Lam to Design Crowd Sourced Collection for eBay from NYFW

 Pictured: One of my favorites from Derek Lam's Spring 2011 collection at New York Fashion week. (photo:  Getty Images)

This just in from The Recessionista's radar alert system.  High-end designer Derek Lam has announced plans to design and produce the first-ever crowd sourced collection exclusively on eBay.  Coach previously crowd sourced a handbag collection by letting customers vote online for their favorites. Lam will unveil a ready-to-wear collection of original designs at a presentation during New York Fashion Week in February 2011 and invite shoppers to vote for their favorites on eBay.com. The voting will allow consumers to raise their collective voice about which pieces are produced for the exclusive collection. This is quite a different approach than the usual fashion week routine of exhibiting for retailers, who choose which pieces from a designer's collection to stock in  stores.  I like this approach.  Fashion Week should be for the end-user, the customer who wears the clothes, not the buyer for the department store.  The final collection will be available for purchase in Spring/Summer 2011 at  fixed price points (read that as "Buy It Now").  The goal is to deliver shoppers immediate, in season access to Lam’s signature designs at prices that will presumably be below his collections at Barney's, exclusively on eBay.   Kudos to Derek Lam for taking an innovative approach to fashion week. I look forward to voting on the collection!