STYLEnosh

TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND DIVE INTO CYBERMONDAY!

And the deals just don't stop! And according to this MarketWatch article, we are out there buying! Phew! Now that Black Friday weekend is coming to an end, it's time to check out the sales that follow the Monday after, commonly referred to as CyberMonday. If you want a complete list of retailers with Monday deals, just head over to CyberMonday.com. 

Several stores actually started their discounts today. Old Navy has a bunch of 2 for $15 deals in addition to a ton of stuff on clearance. 

And Best Buy's CyberMonday sale has been officially expanded to include today. And in an unbelievable move, they actually put iPods on sale! Say what? It's not a huge discount but as you know, iPods don't go on sale. So why not save a few bucks. Oh, and don't forget the free shipping.

MORE SALES TO CONSIDER...

I know there are a few of you who hate to fight the after Thanksgiving sale crowds, so here are a few online deals you get in on without leaving the house.

ebay promoting 15 days of $1 doorbusters. And if you miss any of those, they also have other deals starting at $1.

Bloomingdale's is taking an extra 40% off select merchandise online. Don't miss the impressive selection of designer handbags discounted 30 to 40% off.

Amazon says that Black Friday is now. There are some great discounts on digital cameras, GPS navigators, and laptops.

Image: ebay.com

BLACK FRIDAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!

It's the shopping day of the year! I know you're itching to see what's going on sale the day after Thanksgiving, even if you're not planning to purchase anything. I've searched through a bunch of these Black Friday sale sites and I have to say, my favorite is TheBlackFriday.com

Image: TheBlackFriday.com

This website has every major retailer and their corresponding sales for the after Thanksgiving shopping bonanza. Since you can get just about every thing you need from TheBlackFriday.com, I'll just point out some key things to consider.

Doors open at??? 

This year everyone is trying to position themselves for the big day so there are various opening times to consider. Kohl's is swinging open the doors at an early bird catches the worm time of 4 am. I won't even pretend to try to wake up at that time for anything. Not even shopping. But I'm sure some of you diehards will be up and ready to bum rush the door. Best Buy and Walmart will both open at 5 am. Target is sticking with the now regular Black Friday opening time of 6 am.

What should you buy??? 

The big deals are almost always about electronics. Computers, TVs, digital cameras, and game consoles are THE items to get during those doorbuster specials. You can also find some pretty sweet deals on music and movies too. 

What's your strategy???

I've found the best way to tackle shopping on the day after Thanksgiving is work with a partner. Sure you can go out and run around town all by yourself, but where's the fun in that? And besides, you may want someone to hold your place in line while you scramble for that last digital camera slashed at half off. And don't forget to create a budget, which may be the most important part of your shopping strategy.

Have fun!!! And definitely write back and share all of your great finds!

LET'S GET READY TO SHOP!!!

My inbox has been inundated with upcoming sales. And today, instead of talking about the usual retail suspects, I thought I would introduce you to some other stores with great gift ideas. 

MyMantra - This site is owned by a dear friend of mine and I absolutely love the concept! The gifts featured on MyMantra are inspirational and uplifting. If you're looking for something that will put a smile on a friend's face, this site will not disappoint. There's clothing, jewelry, and paper products to choose from. And if you spend $50, you'll receive free shipping. (Use promo code SHIP08.)

Image: mymantra.com

Give Simple - I always receive some sort of communication from Give Simple and I thought today would be the perfect time to share this neat gift site with all of you. My favorite thing on the site, the handbags! Check out the Big Buddha Bags ,which were recently featured on The View. I'm particularly digging the Margo Snake bag. I don't need a handbag but at $75, it keeps calling me!

Image: givesimple.com

HOW PAPERDOLLS CAN INSPIRE YOUR WARDROBE

I was doing some stumbling this weekend, it's so easy to procrastinate, and I found an addictive site that had (brace yourself) paperdolls! I felt like I had fallen into a deep sleep and transported back to when I was 10. I absolutely love paperdolls. 

Image: jdavidmckenney.com

For those of you who don't remember or who may have been born after 1980, paperdolls were paper cutouts of girls and their clothes. You could create different looks and outfits by interchanging the paper clothing pieces.

Well the site I stumble upon was that of J. David McKenney, a talented artist whose drawings have appeared in everything from magazines to t-shirts. And on his site, he has paperdolls for the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's! There are various tops, jackets, skirts/pants, and shoes to choose from all four decades. 

This tool is the perfect diversion from work or studying. But it can also be a wonderful way to inspire creativity in your own wardrobe. No you may not have a pair of go-go boots pushed in the back of your closet; but you do have pieces in there that you haven't worn in a while. It's time to revisit those pieces! This site helps you stretch your creative wardrobe muscles, getting you to see the new possibilities with your old clothes. And boy is it a lot of fun!

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FASHIONABLE TIGHTS...

This winter season begs for stylish tights in patterns and fun colors. Unfortunately for me, I've had the darnedest time trying to find some that are fashionable and affordable. 

I started my search at Target because that's where I usually buy my tights. But this year's selection lacked any imagination or creativity save the super bright colors, which can be tricky to wear in the corporate world. After a quick run through Marshall's, I discovered several pairs of cute tights in the basic colors of black, brown, and gray. I didn't see a lot of patterns and textures but I definitely think it's worth it to make a trek through the discount department store every now and then.

But I found the best selection at Nordstrom. This pair shown left is just under $14. I personally like the unique design. And if it's going to be freezing outside, you might as well have fun with your accessories. Why not start with your tights?

MID-WEEK SALES!!!

Here are some sales going on right now!

Macy's is having a One Day Sale. Click here for a coupon giving you an additional $10 off of a $25 purchase until 1 pm.

Also, The Limited is in the middle of a four-day sale. Through Thursday, November 20th, take 25% off everything at their online store. You must use Promo Code 749 to get the discount. Enjoy!

HOW MUCH HOLIDAY SHOPPING ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO?

We're just under two weeks away from the official start of the holiday season and it's looking kind of shaky. With October retail sales coming in at their lowest levels in 30 years, everyone's anticipating dismal holiday sales this year. And I can definitely understand why. When you read stories like this or this, I totally see one bleak situation. Personally, I'm not planning to spend much myself. Maybe the occasional pair of fabulous shoes. One thing is certain, the stores will be creative and generous with the sales and discounts this season.

So what about you? Are you cutting back on holiday shopping? Or do you plan to hit every sale possible?

WHAT I'M WEARING: 70's TV SHOW FASHION!

Okay, this a true story. I saw this look on an old Good Times episode. Willonia strolled into the Evans's apartment and proclaimed to be wearing the latest fashions from the "boutique". (You remember Willionia used to work at the "Boutique".) Anyhoo, Willonia called it something like thrift store fashions. And when she pulled off her jacket, she revealed that she was wearing a scarf tucked into her shirt. I loved the voluminous effect and I knew that I had to try it! 

So this pic shows the day I donned my Willonia Woods look. Say what you want, but Willonia was always the sharpest woman in the projects!

Here's the episode from YouTube. Unfortunately, they cut the beginning of the clip where Willonia was wearing this look. Oh, and be sure to check out Pt. 2 if you need a good laugh. If you do watch the video, that I stayed up way past my bedtime to find, you'll see the theme written on Willonia's shirt. I guess you can say it's kinda a timely with the current economic situation.

SOME GOODIES AT TARGET....

As I typically do, I made a pass through Target to see if the new Sigerson Morrison for Target shoes or boots had arrived. And this trip found me victorious! When these booties, by my favorite shoe designer, first hit the Target website, I wasn't completely sold on the look. But after trying on a pair, I have to say that these booties are sweet! You will be one chic chick when you slip these little cuties on your feet. I'm envisioning jeans of course or skirts for an edgier look.

The other thing that I really don't need but I really want  anyway is one of these reasonably priced Go International dresses. At $39.99, you can't go wrong if you're looking for a LBD that can take you through the festive party season. 

MORE SALES!!!

Here are some other sales going on this week. 

Bloomingdale's has 30-50% off select merchandise and 20% off some fall favorites. The sale ends on November 16th.

Mo, a faithful reader, left a comment on Friday about the Nordstrom sale. It's the Half-yearly sale for women and kids to be exact. The deals start at 40% off and go up from there!

Image: nordstrom.com

Kohl's is having a Holiday Sale with discount prices good through November 15th.

JUST IN CASE SOMEONE DECIDES TO GO SHOPPING...

With the worst October retail sales in decades, people are holding on to their twenties so tight I can hear Andrew Jackson screaming for mercy. Should you find yourself doing some window shopping this weekend, here are the sales. 

The Limited  It's friends and family weekend, which means 30% off regular and sale prices. Use code 585 for your online discount. Click here for the must have coupon for any in store purchases.

JC Penney is having another big sale too. Apparently, everything is on sale. 

Old Navy is taking up to 50% off all outwear for the family.