Not Too Late to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The one time a diva should not try to get the best deal is when giving towards a deserving cause. Though Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2007 is almost over, it is not too late to purchase some products whose proceeds go towards awareness, prevention and cures for this sometimes deadly disease. Take a look at some of my favorites and show your support!

Red Envelope

Calla Lilies

Estee Lauder








Jeweled Pink Ribbon Compact and Brush Set

Philosophy













Shower for the Cure

This Weekend: Lucky Shops NYC!

This weekend Lucky Magazine is hosting Lucky Shops - a fabulous shopping event with TONS of designer items for up to 70% off (check out the designer list)! Though I have never attended myself, it sounds absolutely fabulous! It gets better: this is a charity event! This year's charity partner is Baby Buggy.

And, not only will you get great discounted designer items, they will also have music, cocktails and fun gift bags!

Here's an excerpt from Luckyshops.com:

FIRST DIBS FRIDAY - Friday, October 26, 12 pm - 7 pm:

$75 in advance, $85 at the door (while supplies last)*

Get first crack at the goods. There will be fewer shoppers, more shopping, and more chances to get what you love before anyone else. Plus, you’ll get complimentary cocktails, a FREE gift bag ($100+ value!), special offers and more**.

SATURDAY SHOP-A-THON - Saturday, October 27, 10 am - 7 pm:

$40 in advance, $45 at the door

Think you’ve got the stamina? Come in early and shop all day. Prices will be dropping, and we’ll be refreshing stock throughout the event (really!), so you won’t miss a thing. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday! Don’t forget the discounts, offers and your FREE gift bag (100+ value, while supplies last)!

Purchase tickets to Lucky Shops here.

Thanks, Lucky!

Brooklyn Fashion Weekend

Do you live in New York and are looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the Brooklyn Fashion Weekend (10/19-21). Though I have never attended, it looks like it could be a great time! What is it? 21 up-and-coming designers selected by the BK Style Foundation will showcase their 2008 Spring/Summer collections.

Location: Tobacco Warehouse at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park

RSVP FOR FREE TICKETS!:

Friday, 10/19: going.com/bkfwfriday 7pm Show

Saturday, 10/20: going.com/bkfwsaturday 7pm Show

Sunday, 10/21: going.com/bkfwsunday 6pm Show

For more info check out: http://www.bkfashionweekend.com/

Thanks, SpreeMail!

Hot Deal Alert: Dresses Neiman Marcus

Here are a few more fab deals I found from Neiman Marcus:

Sandy Starkman Jersey Dress - $44 (was $125)

How fabulous is this??? Unfortunately only two sizes are left - small (4-6) and large (12-14).

Printed Kimono Dress - $63 (was $250!)

This Phoebe Couture printed kimono is adorable! And at 75% off, you can't beat it!

The Bombay Company's Going out of Business!

Sad for them, sales for us! Unfortunately the Bombay Company recently announced its bankruptcy. As a result, the company has decided to close all U.S. locations (Canadian locations will remain open). The U.S. stores will stay open throughout the holiday season but look for the major sales right around the 1st of the year.

I checked out their site to see if there were any major sales yet, to no avail. Make sure to check out their clearance section often, though, as I am sure they will be liquidating a lot of their items very soon.

For more information about The Bombay Company's store closings, check out this article on DallasNews.com.

Update: www.bombaycompany.com has already shut down! You will have to check out the sales at your local stores.

What Every Woman Needs: A Hot Clutch

Payless continues to give itself a facelift. I saw this sleek red patent leather clutch today for just $14.99. What I love about this clutch is not only that it is sleek and in one of the season's hottest materials, but also that it can totally transform an outfit. Imagine some black leggings and black satin mod dress with this bag and some hot red shoes. Or maybe even that little black dress, an understated red bracelet and some red matte lipstick. Priceless! By the way, the clutch also comes in black.

Update: if you don't like patent leather and would rather go with faux lizard skin, for $20 more eBags has this Prezzo frame clutch that comes in black, red, blue and mustard. Fabulous!

Couture Line by Forever 21

Forever 21 started a new line called Twelve by Twelve and talk about some cute items! What does "Couture by Forever 21" mean, you ask? It means slightly higher prices than regular Forever 21 clothing but in very fashion forward styles. Here are a few of my faves:

Optic Print Dress - $32

Oxford Silk Shirtdress - $36

Satin Portrait Jacket w/ Belt - $69

Get Expert Eyes from Smashbox!

As many of you know, Smashbox has some great make-up - especially if you're going for the "smokey eye look". Now, from Sephora, you can get this Smashbox Master Class Expert Eyes set (that would separately sell for $174, by the way) for just $59!

The set includes (as shown) three eyeshadow trios, two eyeliner duos, That's a Wrap mascara in black, some great brushes, and an instructional DVD led by Smashbox makeup artist, Patrick Tumey, for exclusive tips & tricks! What a great set (or gift)!


Even better? Their products are animal cruelty-free!

A Bunch of Blowout Bargains at Bliss

Many people swear by the many bath and body products that Bliss has to offer. If you are one of those people, I have some good news for you! They are having a big blowout sale with some items as much as 80% off! Here are a couple of my favorites:

Bliss 'Spaahh'-kling Body Butter on sale for just $6.40!

Now why it was $32 for a 7 oz. tube in the first place is beyond me! Granted, I don't really wear the sparklies anymore, but it's a great deal if you do.

Best of Bliss Set for 50% off at $22.50!

This set has all of their best selling products: 2 oz bottles of lemon+sage soapy sap and vanilla+bergamot bubbling bath+shower gel, 1.7 oz tubes of lemon+sage body scrub, vanilla+bergamot body butter and high intensity hand cream, and a mini herban jungle exfoliating soap. Great for gifts and great for travel (they all meet the 3.4 oz standard!).

Shiny Things

There are so many cute items this season in silk, satin, and patent leather. Here are a couple great deals on shiny things :).

French Connection 'Mystify Me' Satin Shift Mini Dress
This French Connection Satin Mini Dress is so cute! And even better, it's on sale for 60% off at $62.90.








Steven by Steve Madden 'Audryy' Peep Toe Pump
These Steve Madden Audryy peep toe pumps are super cute. At under$50 ($48.90), they are a great deal! They also come in red, ivory, and silver.

Quick Hits

Does this mean there will be some fabulous furniture sales to look forward to from Bombay Company? Update: It actually looks like they've started already with a 72 hour sale!

Ever wonder how to safely clean your sponges? Save money by nuking them!

Discover Queens, NY Restaurant Week 9/17-20 and 9/24-27

Zara and H and M FINALLY in Atlanta

I lived in Atlanta for over 10 years and used to hope and pray that one day, just one day, I would see a sign for an H&M or Zara to open up in the city (okay, maybe just H&M since I didn't start liking Zara until recently, but you get the point). Well the day has finally come. On August 31, 2007 Zara finally opened its doors at Lenox Mall. And, in Spring 2008 (at least that's what they're saying now), H&M will be opening its doors in the Atlantic Station shopping center.

Never been to these stores before? Well here's the scoop:

H &M

H&M has often been called the IKEA of clothing retailers. I absolutely love H&M but, as I have also found with Zara, not every H&M is the same. It is great for inexpensive, basic items and some trendy items as well. I have also bought some cheap, basic costume jewelry from there.

Some negatives about H&M are that their sizing is not very consistent (a size 6 in one item may be completely different than a size 6 in another item), and the quality level is not necessarily consistent either (I have some earrings that broke on the 2nd wear, but I have a blazer that I am still wearing after 2 years). All that aside, I have found some really fabulous items at H&M and I always love going to the 5th Ave and 51st St location when I'm in NY. Unfortunately you can't purchase any H&M items online, but they do have a cute magazine that you can flip through.

Zara

Zara is another one whose quality of clothing is inconsistent. Though I had visited many Zaras around the NY area, I was never really impressed even though some of my friends swore by the store. Then I went to Europe and oh my goodness! I fell in love! What I love about Zara is that they pay attention to all the latest trends and release the items that are most popular. The problem is they have their best merchandise in Europe and a lot of their items never make it over here to the States. Also, they don't really give any love to us petite girls. If you have long legs, however, they have great pants for you! I particularly love Zara for trendy items that really stand out and can last a season or two (but not longer than that). You can't purchase Zara clothing online either, but they do have a Trends section that's kind of cool.

My wish for you ATLien Divas out there is that both Zara and H&M have fabulous selection to make you all happy!

Cute Sale Items from Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus does not often have deals worthy enough for me to feature. However, these were just too cute to pass up. By the way, Neiman Marcus is celebrating its 100 year anniversary, so they will be featuring some fabulous, yet anti-frugal, exclusive items from top designers.

Wyath Plaid Jacket

Though it is hard to see in this picture, this jacket by Wyath is indeed plaid. Granted, $75 is not necessarily a steal, but at 50% off of its original price as well as its fabulous cut, it is worth checking out!

Strapless Jersey Dress

Okay, this one really is a steal! This Twelfth Street Cynthia Vincent strapless jersey dress was originally $195 and is on sale for $68.

New Frontier Pleated Skirt

This New Frontier pleated skirt almost couldn't be a better deal! It's almost $100 off at $32 (it was $129)! Here's the catch: it's only available in a size 6. So, if you are indeed a size 6, you should jump on this one before it's gone!

When Did This Happen?

Over the years I have noticed that prices at some retailers formally known for reasonable clothing have increased. Below are some comparisons that really surprised me.

Which do you think costs more?

Express Striped Pencil Skirt

Ann Taylor Loft Pencil Skirt

Answer: Express Striped Pencil Skirt: $69.50, Ann Taylor Loft Pencil Skirt: $69. And you know the quality is not the same!

What about these?

Banana Republic Woven Leather Triangle Tote

Charles David Patent HoboMichael Kors Brookville Hobo

Answer:
Banana Republic Woven Leather Triangle Tote - $398
Charles David Chapman Hobo - $346
Michael Kors Brookville Hobo - $268

I would have thought BR would have been less than both Michael and Charles.

Vera Wang's Collection Launched at Kohl's

It's here! Vera Wang's new collection, "Simply Vera" has officially launched at Kohl's stores everywhere. Vera is great, don't get me wrong, but after seeing her name on everything from flower arrangements to mattresses, I am a little Vera'd out. So considering I was a little skeptical, I went to a Kohl's store near me in Dallas.

The Scoop: I was honestly quite disappointed. The selection was extremely limited, so I can only hope that some of their larger markets have better selection than the store I visited. The good thing is, the widest selection is available on kohls.com even if it isn't available in the stores. Anyway, there were only about two or three displays featuring her items and I only found a couple pieces that I liked in my size. I will say, there were many more size 10-14 items than size 2-8 items, so I had some difficulty. All in all it is worth checking out for yourself. Here are some of my favorites from the website.

Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle Blouse - $58

This purple ruffle blouse is by far my favorite item in the collection. Of course it was nowhere to be found in the store I went to.

Purple Plaid Tank Dress - $88

I tried this one on. I really liked it on the rack but not so much on me. It was a little too long for my height (I usually wear a petite) and the zipper kept catching on the fabric around it.

Framed Clutch - $59

Even though I think this clutch purse is very cute, I have payed the same or less than this for clutches just as cute and more authentic than "faux patent leather." Yet and still, Vera's name carries weight. We'll see if it carries enough weight for fashionistas to run to Kohl's!