STYLEnosh

STILL SHOPPING, YOU CRAZY NUT, HERE ARE A FEW DEALS TO CHECK OUT TODAY

I saw this guy at Macy's and thought, "I know how you feel." I guess he had enough waiting on his wife (or daughter or friend) to finish shopping. Gotta catch that nap when you can. This morning I heard a host on NPR use the term "frugal fatigue", which describes everyone's general boredom with being fiscally responsible and not spending money. By the looks of this pic, there's some shopping fatigue going on too.

So it's 3 days until Christmas. Everyone's having a sale at this point. Here are a few key ones worth a quick gander. Good luck finding what you want because it seems to me that there's slim pickings this late in the game.

MACY'S  One Day Sale today. Most stores close late at midnight.

BANANA REPUBLIC  Take an extra 25% off already-reduced items. Use promo code BRSALE25 for the discount. There are plenty of things

GAP  Up to 50% off select items for women, men, kids, and baby. There's surely a shirt or something you snag for your Christmas list.

NEIMAN MARCUS  Today is the last day to take an extra 25% off select gifts for him, her, and home.

Are you close to saying forget it? There's always the gift card option.

 

 

URBAN OUTFITTERS PHOTO CONTEST

I think this is the coolest idea. Urban Outfitters is asking people to upload vintage photos of their mom in a dress.  You can get more information on the rules here and you can read the UO blog to find out who inspired the whole thing. You could win a trip to LA and a $500 Urban Outfitters gift card. If only I could find a pic of my mom showing her 70s fabulousness.

While you're there, check out the UO spring favorites under $50 or the shoe section, which is often edgy and a little bit quirky.

Image: urbanoutfitters.com

UPDATE: A FRESH TAKE ON WARDROBE STAPLES WITH 30% OFF

With the onslaught of established designers doing collections for well-known, traditional retailers (think H&M, Target, and Wal-mart), we've become desensitized to these fashion duos. It's so common we may overlook a fantastic line by mistake. And this latest pairing actually has me not only looking but I'm ready to buy!

The collection comes from Jodi Arnold and it's being offered at The Limited. What I love about this spring line is the use of color, design, shape, and texture. These clothes resemble art.

Click here to check out the Look Book. Some items are available now and more will be offering over the next few weeks.

My favorites are sequin drape explosion top, super cute and wearable cropped jackets, and the various print dresses. The shorts are tweaking my interest too. And the suits look sleek and chic. Think keep forever.

Yes, I love this line. If you're looking to break away from your normal spring routine, e.g. khaki pants and cardigan twinsets (eww!), get thee to The Limited. And please, save something for me.

UPDATE: This weekend The Limited is offering 30% off regular and sale merchandise. Offer good in-store and online. Here's the store coupon. Use promo code 983 for online shopping.

Images: The Limited

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!! BUY GREEN!

Undoubtedly this week, you've been inundated with messages about recycling, turning off lights, and carrying reusable bags. Well the message continues here today! Don't worry, I'm not going to berate you for not recycling. I just want to feed you a few green sites and products that you may find useful.

First, I know many of you have been carrying reusable totes to the grocery store and possibly to the mall. If you're been in the market for a stylish bag under $30, check out this cute bag from Hayden-Harnett. This Green Is Good tote only costs $27 and 100% of the proceeds will go to Farm Aid's efforts "to promote local, organic, and sustainable farming". Looking good and doing good. That's always a winning combination.

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, the only thing less expensive than this Go Green tote from Forever 21 is free. If you purchase this bag for $1.75, F21 will plant a tree on your behalf.

I know some of you may be interested in buying organic, eco-friendly clothes and I have a site for you. Check out The Green Loop where you will find organic clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and men. The Green Loop carries a lot of eco fashion brands so if you're looking for a major green line, it's probably on this site.

Also check out The Limited's new collection of Eco Chic clothes at affordable prices. There are only a few items on the website but I'm sure they will be adding pieces over time.

Enjoy the "green" day!

SN

SITES WORTH SIGNING UP FOR

These days it seems like everyone has some kind register for this or sign-up for that program. I usually try to avoid these membership based sites (blame it on long-standing commitment issues) but there are a few that I look forward to everyday. If you're thinking about signing up for some shopping related sites, here are a few of my favorites you may want to consider.

Shop It To Me   I finally submitted to this shopping indulgence last year and I highly recommend it for anyone who shops at certain stores or looks for particular designers. Basically, you pick the designers you're interested in, the stores you frequent, and your sizes, and Shop It To Me will send you sale notifications for based on your selections. You even get to decide when you want to be notified. Naturally, I get my updates everyday.

Image: Shop It To Me

Gilt Groupe   If you want to get your hands on top designer pieces at a price that works with your budget, you have check out Gilt Groupe. Basically this ingenuous site grants you access to luxury brands for men, women, and children at up to 70% off. You receive emails regarding the current sales and they only last a little over 24 hours in length. And you can only gain access to the site by invitation only. So if you'd like a personal invitation to join Gilt Groupe, click here to gain access. Once you become a member, you can invite your friends. And once they make a purchase, you'll receive a $25 credit towards a purchase of your own.

Daily Candy  Ah, Daily Candy. I just smile when I see this feel good title in my inbox. Daily Candy is a lifestyle site that touches on fashion, beauty, food, travel, and more. And if you'd like to get specific information about your city, you can sign up to receive the Daily Candy newsletter for Atlanta, or Chicago, or Seattle. Currently there are 12 cities to choose from. Not only is the information wonderful (I've been introduced to many of Atlanta's hidden gems because of Daily Candy), the writing is witty and fun.

Bluefly  This fashion mega-site has been around for over 10 years. And since its inception, they've consistently offered top designer labels at a discount. The savings are available for women and men. The Bluefly sales are open to the public but if you register to receive updates, you'll find out about those wonderful sales before everyone else.

SN

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

SHOE SHOPPING AT MARSHALLS

So I happened to be at Marshall's this weekend and I decided to check out their new Megashop shoe department. I hadn't been in the store in a while and I was curious about what their shoe selection looked like these days.  

I saw a couple of great designer shoes like these plaid wedges shown below. (There were several styles from Guess and Cole Haan.) And the prices were decent. But the real gold mine was in the clearance section. I spotted these Dani Black two-toned pumps with the cute little bow for $10!!! If I could have found a way to squeeze my size 9 foot in these size 8.5 shoes without incurring bunions, trust me I would have. But no such luck. I left these pretty shoes on the rack for the girl standing next me. I'm certain she had petite feet. 

If you find yourself in a shopping plaza that contains a Marshalls store, take a few minutes to check out the shoe Megashop. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 

THE END OF ISAAC MIZRAHI AT TARGET

Well my friends (why is that line strangely funny), it's the end of an era. The fall line of Isaac Mizrahi for Target will be last one created by the designer for the discount, chic retailer. The news that Mizrahi was heading over to Liz Claiborne as the head designer was announced back in January. But now that the final collection is on the racks, there seems to be a certain level of finality settling in.The departure of Isaac will leave a gaping hole in the Target designer collections. Who will fill the void? 

Anyhoo, it's not gone yet so I figured I better check it out while I still can. I love, love, love this tie-neck blouse. The cream color lends itself to infinite possibilities in your wardrobe. At $27.99, consider it a sound investment.

Speaking of investments, this sateen navy dress is the perfect piece to get you through the holiday season. I see it paired with silver shoes and flashes of color. Any color! Please note that both of these pieces are only available online. Happy clicking.

Images: target.com

FASHION WORKS ITS WAY INTO THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

Lately the news has been consumed with discussions about the candidates wardrobes or your wardrobes containing the candidate's likeliness. From Sarah Palin's $150,000 image upgrade (which I'm a fan of by the way), to companies banning campaign apparel in the workplace, fashion has finally made its way into this election.

If you have yet to get your anxious little hands on some presidential apparel, check out the Barack the Vote site and you'll get 25% off until midnight tonight. Proceeds will benefit the Barack Obama campaign. Or if you prefer a little Republican flavor, head over to the GOP online store.

If you want to see some hilarious campaign merchandise, you've got to go here.

And don't forget, most states have laws against wearing campaign paraphernalia to the polls so be careful- leave that Obama button in the car!

Images: cnn.com

WEEKEND SALES...

What would we do on the weekend if we didn't have sales? Here are some places to check out this weekend if you're looking for a bargain. 

Urban Outfitters - I haven't been in the store in a couple of weeks so I'm not sure what's on the racks. But I perused the online store and the sale prices are pretty good. 

Ann Taylor Loft - Browse here if you're looking for great pieces to add to your work wardrobe. Their online store is easy to navigate with it's shop by category or size option.

Nordstrom - There so many sale pages for women that I almost fell asleep trying to view all of them! And guys don't fret. They even managed to sneak in a few sale items for you too.