12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 8

Great Deals from Old Navy!

It is day 8 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today we're featuring some deals from one of the best places to get clothing staples for inexpensive prices - Old Navy. Though we are only 5 days away from Christmas, either you can get express shipping or you can go to your local Old Navy store to get these items. And at these unbeatable prices, how can you resist?

Satin Printed Cami - $10

 

Cable Knit Cross-Body Hobo - $15

Argyle Dog Sweater - $12.50

With this one, your pooch will be the best dressed dog in town!

Special Offers from Gilt and Rue La La

Many of you emailed me after my April post to get invited to the Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, Editor's Closet, Hautelook, and Regent's Secret (feel free to email me at divaonadollar@yahoo.com to get your invitation!). Let me tell you, I have bought some amazing items through these sites. So far have I bought a pair of Just Cavalli sandals from Gilt for way cheap, an Anne Klein suit for $99 from Rue La La, a beautiful bracelet for one of my friends from Gilt, and a cute belted dress by Muse from Rue La La.  

So here's the deal, Gilt has created a special link just for Diva on a Dollar readers: http://www.gilt.com/invite/divaonadollar

Even better? You get a $25 credit the first time any of the people you refer make a purchase! So sign up and send it to your friends! Just so you know, this week Gilt's sales included Isabella Fiore, Catherine Malandrino, and Marc by Marc Jacobs (coming up are sales from Trina Turk, Bill Blass, and Elie Tahari!). 

With Rue La La, if you sign up this week you can get a $10 credit towards your purchase and they will give you a $10 credit the first time any of your friends make their first purchase too! Just click here and put in my email address: divaonadollar@yahoo.com. 

This week Rue La La had sales from Theory, Alexis Hudson, and Shoshana (and next week they'll have BCBG MAXAZRIA, Just Cavalli, Born and Splendid)!  

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 7

Hand-made Gifts from Etsy!

We are over half way through Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! It is the last Friday before Christmas, can you believe it? Today we are featuring Etsy.com. Etsy is a site where you can buy and sell handmade items. Think of it as the Amazon or Ebay of crafts and handmade stuff. What makes this even better is that many of the items are one of a kind and, as you will see below and on the site, many of the items are fabulous! Now, I don't know if you can get all of them by Christmas, but it is worth a try. 

Some of my favorites:

Black Poof Mini Skirt - $30.00

Who could you get this for? How adorable is this skirt? If you know a real life Carrie Bradshaw, this skirt is for her!

Rosey Cozy Ms. Jones - $34

Who could you get this for? A funky chick who can appreciate one-of-a-kind items. Also, great for someone who tends to have a cold body temperature or has a cold office. 

Sweet Dreamz Baby Wrap/Blanket - $27

Who could you get this for? I have to admit, I couldn't resist posting this one once I saw this adorable baby. This gift would be great for any parent with a baby, or a photographer who photographs babies and needs a perfect prop. 

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 6

Gadget Gifts!

It's Day 6 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today we are featuring some great deals on gadgets. 

Garmin Nuvi 200 Pink Portable GPS - Walmart: $115

Who could you get this for? This is a great one for a directionally-challenged gal or even a gal who has recently moved to a new city.

Samsung 46" Series 5 LCD HDTV - Circuit City: $1049.99 (was $1599.99!)

Who could you get this for? This is perfect for that person in your life who has been talking about getting an HDTV forever but has yet to actually buy one. This is an excellent price. Note: with Circuit City going through economic difficulties, make sure you consider warranty implications.

iHome Dual Alarm Clock Radio for iPod - Target: $99

Who could you get this for? This is great for anyone who has anything in the iPod family (iPod Nano, Touch, iPhone, etc). Last year my mom bought me an iHome and let me tell you, I LOVE IT! I had it in my bathroom (I know, TMI...) so I could listen to either my iPod or radio in the morning as I got ready for work. The sound is good and mime even charges iPod and iPhone. I can tell you that it is definitely worth the price! 

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 5

Ann Taylor Loft Deals!

It is day 5 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today we're featuring Ann Taylor Loft who is, like many retailers, offering some pretty unbelievable deals. They are offering BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals on full priced items. Just use code FREE4U at checkout! Here are a few items that will be a steal with the BOGO: 

Retro Print Peasant Blouse - $32.50 

This is such a fun and flirty blouse. This is perfect for an easy-going, fun and outgoing girl!

Hermatite Open Cuff Bracelet - $39

This elegant hermatite open cuff bracelet can really jazz up any little black dress. I know what you're thinking...you want to get this for yourself, don't you?

Wool Ottoman Funnel Neck Coat - $169

Though the weather outside might be frightful, this coat will help any gal get through it with style!

(Thanks, Raquel!)

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 4

Gifts for Foodies!

For Day 4 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals, we're going to focus on the foodie in your life.  You know, the guy or gal who knows the latest trends in food, can't get enough of Top Chef, and has the inside scoop on every fabulous restaurant in town. You can't skimp on quality with foodies, but you can make them think you also didn't skimp on the price!

Napa Valley Gourmet Mustards - under $5 

These are some of the tastiest mustards around. At the Napa Valley Harvest site you can find delicious flavors including apricot ginger, champaign shallot, and my absolute favorite honey truffle. My friend Bethany told me about the honey truffle mustard when she found a jar at Marshall's. She ranted and raved about how she would put it on just about anything edible. I found a jar as well and had the same experience - I used it on sandwiches, chicken, and even as a sauce for scallops. Yum!

ReServe Gas Chargers - $9.99 for a set of 3

What are these, you ask? No, not gas powered phone chargers. And no, not miniature gas refills for your grill. They are actually a wine preservation system that uses Argon gas to retain the flavor of wine once it has been opened (for over a week!). Great for wine enthusiasts!

Top Chef Cookbook - $22.95

Is the foodie you know addicted to Top Chef? Why not get him or her the Top Chef cookbook? This cookbook includes 100 recipes, including dishes from the Quick-Fire Challenges and Elimination Rounds. 

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 3

Half Price Gift Cards!

It's the 3rd day of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals. Today we are featuring 1/2 price gift cards/certificates! That's right, HALF PRICE! I do want to give a disclaimer, though:  due to the tough economic times, many of our favorite retailers and restaurants are going out of business, so keep that in mind when you purchase any gift cards. You don't want you or someone you bought a gift for to be stuck with a gift card to a retailer that no longer exists! Also, make sure you take a look at the expiration date prior to making your purchase.

So here's the scoop:

Why are these available for half the price of their face value? Does it matter? In case you just HAVE to know, there are several deals that these companies cut with retailers. Some companies even offer the half-priced gift cards to radio stations, news papers, and TV stations in exchange for advertising. It's a win-win for everyone: the retailers get advertising that they don't have to shell out cash for, the media companies have something to entice their audience with, and shoppers like us get great deals! 

Who could this be good for? Someone who you would like to make it appear as though you spent more money than you did on their gift :)! Depending on your friends and family members' likes and dislikes, you may be able to find a gift card to their favorite restaurant or retailer! 

Here are some links to check out for some regions:

Chicago: 

List of some of the half-priced gift card participants in Chicago

By the way, I was so excited to see some of my favorite restaurants listed including Alhambra Palace, Blu 47, Marche, and Zocolo.

Dallas:

List of some half-priced gift card participants in Dallas.

(Hector's on Henderson is one of my favorite Dallas restaurants - this is a great way to check it out!)

Houston:

KHOU-TV in Houston has a couple half price gift cards listed, though they had expired when I went there. Keep checking back for their updated deals. 

New York:

List of some half-priced gift card participants in New York

Richmond: 

A list of some half-priced gift cards in Richmond, VA

Seattle:

List of some half-priced gift card participants in Seattle

Want to see if your region has half-price deals? Check out Half Off Deals' site.

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 2

Gifts from Red Envelope!

For Day 2 in the Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals, we are going to look at Red Envelope. Red Envelope is great when you're sending a gift to someone since their gifts come in an elegant red box and white ribbon. 

Plaid Business Card Case - $5.99

Who could you get this for? A conservative entrepreneur or business person. The dark color and plaid lining make this one for someone with a serious demeanor. The monogram option adds a great touch! 

Plaid Travel Valet - $11.99

Who could you get this for? A man in your life you travels frequently for business or pleasure. The compartments are great for watches, cufflinks, and rings. 

Baby Elephant Ring Holder - $29.95

Who could you get this for? This is the perfect pick for a bride-to-be. Since many brides are planning their weddings now, so this could be a great gift to give! This is also a good one for any Deltas you may know!

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 1

Today marks the first day of Diva on a Dollar’s 12 Days of Christmas Deals. Over the next 12 days I will feature different items to help you with your Christmas shopping. You will see that you don't have to break your bank in order to give your family and friends (and even yourself!) great Christmas gifts. By the way...feel free to let me know if you are looking for someone or something in particular on your Christmas list and I can give you some suggestions in future postings!

DAY 1: Spend at least $100 and get $20 off at The Gap!

Online only - spend at least $100 and get $20 off until December 14th. Just use code GAP20 at checkout. Here are some great gifts at The Gap for under $40:

Sueded Picot-Edge Sleep Set - $29.50

Who could you get this for? A casual, laid back gal who likes lounging around the house in comfy clothes.

Large Beaded Bracelet - $11.99

Who could you get this for? A fun, outgoing girl who is playful and doesn't mind taking risks. This is a great accent piece to liven up an outfit with a pop of color!

Button-up Ruffle Capelet - $36.99

Who could you get this for? Someone who is feminine, chic with a sophisticated flair.

Boots, Boots and More Boots

I just moved to New York and have noticed that the majority of women are wearing one of three types of boots: booties, riding boots, or flat high boots.  Here are some of my favorites of each style under $100:

Booties

Yailla Black Suede Wedge Booties - Nine West: $79.99

Me Too Fremont Suede Booties - Zappos: $98.95

Riding Boots

BP Brooklyn Boot - Nordstrom: $79.95

Wanted Trot Brown Riding Boots - Piperlime: $90

Flat High Boots

Chinese Laundry Tabb Black Patent Boots - Piperlime: $74.99

Brown Suede Gabrielle Rocha Bree Boots  - Zappos: $67.10

Neiman Marcus - Extra 50% on Last Call Items - Today Only!

Now that it has been confirmed that we are in a recession (as if we didn't know), retailers are in a complete frenzy to make sure people buy this holiday season so that they can stay afloat (bad for them, great for us!). Even the high end retailers are featuring some insanely discounted prices. 

Today only, Neiman Marcus is taking 50% off of many of their last call items (discounted prices are reflected at checkout). Also, for free shipping, use discount code DECNM. Here are some of my favorites:

 Silver Kay Unger New York Floral Print Sequined Dress  - $101.50 (was $580!) 

Red, Black and White David Meister Diamond Printed Dress - $58.50 (was $335)

Debra DeRoo Printed Santeen Jacket - $44 (was $250)

Lafayette 148 New York Tie-Waste White Blouse - $52 (was $298)

I Want to Hear From You

I want to hear from you! I recently left my corporate job to focus on a new venture (and more Doa$ posts!). I would love to get your thoughts on how you shop, share information and consume media. Even better - one lucky winner will receive a satin Valentino tote filled with luxury goodies! Click here for the survey.

Dallas Divas: Dallas Sample Sale This Weekend

What: Dallas Sample Sale. They are supposed to have gifts, apparel, jewelry, handbags, toys, children's, home accessories, furniture and manufacturer samples. I have never been there before, but I plan to check it out!

Admission: Free AND when you bring one (1) can of non-perishable food, you can enter to win a $100 gas card (food benefits Resource Center Dallas)

When:
Friday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (extended shopping hours)
Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Dallas Market Hall, Main Hall | 2200 Stemmons Freeway (I-35 at Wycliff)

More Info: Toll Free (800) 325-6587, Opt. 4 or e-mail samplesale@dmcmail.com

Get Your Vote On!

Hello my USA Divas! Tuesday, November 4th is an important day in our country. Regardless of who you vote for, make sure you get out and vote! We often take for granted how fortunate we are to have this right. 

See you at the polls!

Today: 40% off of Accessories and Handbags in Banana Republic Stores

Banana Republic is offering 40% off all full price handbags and accessories. This is an in-store only sale going on right now. Today (Nov. 1st) is the last day of the sale. Open up a Banana Card and get an extra % off. Dallas shoppers - you can use your Partners Card and receive an extra 20%! Go stock up on holiday gifts! You can even get this beautiful smoky quartz pendant necklace for only $29.40. 

I went to Banana yesterday. It was about time for a new signature handbag (I've been rocking my LV Damier tote for about 2 1/2 years, so it's about time). I had a tough time deciding between both of these. Which one do you think I selected - the brown Cambridge Pleated Suede Tote or the black Wilshire Leather Tote?