Sales Galore!

So if you haven't been to the mall yet, check it out! Here are some of the sales I saw at the Old Orchard Mall in Illinois:

Arden B: Sale on most winter items - especially coats. Most winter/holiday items were 30-50% off.

Sisley: 50% off the entire store!

Limited: 30% off most of the store

Bath & Body Works: Semi-Annual Sale (yea!) - Lots of items for just 5 bucks!

Forth & Towne: Several racks that were $9.99, $12.99, and $14.99.

The Body Shop: Lots of make-up eith $4 or 3 for $10. Some items for just $1.

Disappointments:
Express: I am already disappointed with how high they have raised some of the prices for quality barely over H&M! I mean, $69 for some black polyester pants? Anyway, on Thursday night they only had some of their items on sale, maybe this weekend they lowered some more.

Banana Republic: They had some items on sale, but the discounted prices were still pretty high.

Bebe: They must know people still haven't bought their New Years outfits yet, so the prices were still pretty high. Wait until next week.

Let the Sales Begin!

Christmas is over and now the fun really begins! This next week will be filled with sales galore as stores try to get rid of their holiday merchandise and make way for spring collections. Here are some tips to make the most of this great shopping time of the year!

1) Shop early...or late. It is already December 27th, so now is the time to shop to get the best selection. Also, it is good to go to stores when they open. People are not as eager to go shopping early now that the holidays are over. However, as the week goes on, items will be further reduced in some stores so patience does pay off!

2) Buy your holiday cards and decorations for next year now! I did this last year and am so thankful. Holiday decorations and cards are at least 50% off or more at many places. Stock up for 2007 - you will thank yourself later.

3) Some retail stores will have better deals than the internet. This usually is not true, however, retail establishments often are constrained by space and need to physically clear out their stores for new merchandise. Shop online first to see what's there, but wait until you compare at the malls before you make any purchases.

I will be hitting the malls later today so I will be sure to keep you posted on what I find!

Shopping Trip to NY

Last weekend I had a fun trip to New York that (of course) involved some shopping. Some people think shopping in NYC is extremely expensive. The reality is, NY is a great place for shopping at any and every price point. Here are some of the items I bought this weekend:

Guess Melton Wool Blend Coat - $99.99

I found this one at Square One store in the Manhattan Mall located on 34th St. and 6th Ave. for only $99.99 (including tax!). Though it is listed online at Nordstrom for $148, if you're going to be in NY anytime soon, it's worth checking out! What I really like about this coat is that you can have the collar open, or closed depending on how cold it is outside, or how sassy you want to be :)!

American Eagle "Fiction" Mary Janes - $19.99

A while back I did an article on the new and improved Payless. Though I hadn't had any luck in the Chicagoland stores, I figured the Manhattan stores would probably have better selection (and I was right!). I lucked upon a buy one, get one (BOGO) half off sale, and bought these shoes and a very cute hobo bag - barely over $30 for both including tax. Though these created some blisters on the back of my ankles after the first day walking around all of NY, by day two they were broken in.

Red Short Sleeved Turtle - $14.99

I couldn't find the exact shirt I bought from Forever 21 near 34th Street while I was searching online, but I did find this one that is pretty close. The difference is mine does not button in the back and it is red and black, not red and white. Regardless, it is a cute shirt that is particularly hot with a wide belt.

Top Gifts Under $50

Christmas is less than one week away and, if you're like me, you haven't even started shopping yet. Don't fret - you can still get some great deals just in time for the big day!

Red Envelope
www.redenvelope.com has some great deals that can be shipped as quickly as overnight (for a fee, of course!). The great thing I like about Red Envelope is their signature red boxes. They make any gift seem luxe. Here are some gifts you can purchase for under 50 bucks (plus shipping):

Heart Measuring Spoons - $38
OK, so they may be a little pricey for some measuring spoons, but aren't they super cute? Someone gave them to my mom as a gift and I think they are adorable. Who wouldn't feel all warm and fuzzy after measuring "a pinch of kindness"?








Circle of Friends Votive Holder - $24
Do you have a good friend who you're having trouble shopping for? This may be the perfect answer. A sweet symbolic gift, this Circle of Friends Votive Holder can remind any friend how special they are to you.










The Bombay Company
So you may have to actually go to your local store to pick up these deals instead of shipping them, but these are great buys nonetheless!

Bottle Coaster with Taper Holders - $9


What a cute gift! This set comes with both a wine bottle coaster and an elaborate bottle stopper. Unlike anything I've seen before, this is a great conversation piece and is a very classy gift.

Small Geo Bowl - $12



Very simple and elegant, the unique shape makes this one a great gift.

Target - Michael Graves Collection Games
Michael Graves has done it again! I absolutely love his game collection - chic and sleek, these are great gifts for sophisticated board gamers.

Michael Graves Monopoly Set - $27.99



Michael Graves Scrabble Game - $27.99


Michael Graves Poker Set - $39.99

Other Goodies
Cocoalicious Lip Sugar from COCOACHiC- $9

This Shecky's Beauty at its Best Winner is the perfect lip balm for these cold weather months. Check it out at www.COCOACHiC.com!

More Coats Under $200: Su-FUR-fluous

Whether it's real or faux, fur collars always make me feel glam. Check out these coats that turn you into a diva on either a dollar or a dime!

Diva on a Dollar
1 Madison Three Quarter Length Quilted Down Coat - $158
The combined sheen and fur turns this puff coat from casual to chic.










Michael Kors Black Down Jacket - $180
I love Michael Kors! This fabulous raccoon fur jacket was originally $300. Grab it now at www.bluefly.com!








Marvin Belted Faux Fur Trim - $158

This is by far my favorite! Even in white, it makes the "I'm Too Cute Coat" list :)!










Diva on a Dime

Fur Collar Parka - $68.40
Apparently modeled after a coat worn by Madonna, this casual coat is great paired with jeans and boots.

Giacca Faux-Fur-Trim Bouclé Coat - $92.99

A more conservative pick, this coat is perfect layered over a suit or dress - ideal for the office.











Ann Taylor Loft Fur Hood Puffer Coat - $89.99
This looks like a great one to keep the cold out. And you just can't beat the price!

Coats Under $200: White Hot

Even though it is after Labor Day, these white coats are nothing but hot!
Puffy Long Coats
Diva on a Dollar: Calvin Klein Pillow-Collar Puffer - $153.99

















Diva on a Dime: Bebe White Quilted Down Coat - $129


















Puffy Short Jackets
Diva on a Dollar: Laundry Down Jacket - $139.99


Diva on a Dime: White Black Rivet Stitch Down Jacket - $78

White Wool Coats
Diva on a Dollar:
Ann Taylor Moleskin Patch Pocket White Coat - $148.50


White Brass Plum Solid Wool Blend Trench Coat - $128



Diva on a Dime: White Albert Nipon Coat - $84.99

Coats Under $200: Make a Splash!

Don't be afraid to wear some color! These coats are in fun colors, yet chic.
Ellen Tracy Belted Coat for $199.99 (was $364)


Yellow Big Button Pleat Front Coat (also in red) for $98.80





Pretty in Pink from Victoria's Secret for $99

Shhh...Secret Black Friday Items!

Walmart, Circuit City, The Disney Store, Best Buy and CompUSA have items that are secretly on sale! Do you want to know??? Click here for the scoop! Here's a preview: (XBOX360 for $340, Sirius receiver and car kit for $19.99, and 52" HDTV for $474) Happy Shopping!

Happy Black Friday-Eve!

I hope my folks in the U.S. are enjoying their Thanksgiving! Eat your turkey and get ready for Black Friday, the year's ultimate shopping day!

Chicago Divas: Chicago Premium Outlets Opening at Midnight!
Over 70 of the stores will open at 12:00 AM on Friday, November 24th! The Chicago Premium Outlets are located at: 1650 Premium Outlets Boulevard Aurora, IL 60502.
Here's a sneak peak:
Lancôme-The Company Outlet Fri, Nov 24: Opening to 10am30% off the entire store40% off purchases over $75Nov 24 - 26
Liz Claiborne Fri, Nov 24: Midnight to 10am15% off entire purchase
Perfumania Nov 14 - Jan 8Buy One Get One $9.99 Specially Marked Items

Other Deals
Victoria's Secret: NOW - Free Supermodel Tote with $50 purchase TODAY ONLY (November 24th)! Enter Code: THANKS at checkout

NY and Company - $30 off $75 purchase - Exp: Nov 26, 2006

ULTA - $3.50 off $10 purchase - Exp: Dec 8, 2006

Children’s Place - 20% off any purchase

Shop Rapunzel's - Friends & Family 20% OFF Discount at ShopRapunzels.com use code “FRIENDS1106″ exp.11/25

Anthropologie - Free shipping at Anthropologie now thru 11/27

Banana Republic - or Banana Republic's 15% offer through Dec. 24th. Use code SHOPBRNOW and save 15%.

Nordstrom - Spend $100 at Norstrom.com and receive free shipping when you use code “holiday06” at checkout.

Neiman Marcus Last Call clearance centers: Take 10% off any purchase. Now thru 12-31-06.

Sephora: Take 20% off your online order (Friends and Family). Coupon code: FF2006

Bath and Body Works: Free Eau de Toilette with $30 purchase! Bath and Body Works Online – Eau de Toilette & Free Shipping! Enter promo code: EDT2006

Sorry I've Been Away!

Hi Divas - I know it has been a while since I posted. Classes have been crazy and I apologize for neglecting my loyal readers. Stay tuned this week as I will be posting some Black Friday sales and information. Also, ABC News is looking for people who have strategies for shopping on Black Friday. If you want to tell your story, go to: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/PersonalFinance/story?id=2652250. Happy shopping!

Cute Stuff Under $35 at Yoox.com

While perusing through Yoox.com I noticed they have TONS of great items for under 35 bucks! Here are a few of the items I liked:

Hot Pink High-Heeled Sandals:

These look red on my computer but the site says they are hot pink, so let's go with that. Very sexy shoes.












Butterfly A-Line Skirt

This skirt is cute and simple yet has a playful femininity about it. The A-line structure makes it good for may body types.

Lady Soul Blue Blazer

This blazer is a steal at just $30 - over $100 off its original price!

Thrift Store Find of the Week!

This is definitely a testament to shopping at thrift stores. Diva Nikki found this beautiful formal gown for just $13 at an Indianapolis Salvation Army. I saw this in person and it is stunning! Thanks for sharing, Nikki!

Urban Outfitters Sale

Hi divas! Not sure if this is still going on, but I wanted to tell you about my find this weekend. Urban Outfitters was having a 50% off sale off of their already marked down prices. So, I bought this shirt:

Though listed on urbanoutfitters.com for $19.99, I found it in the Atlanta Lenox store marked down to $9.99 with an extra 50% off. That's right, I got it for just 5 bucks!

Payless? Is That YOU?

OK, I know I'm slow on this one. Though I am the "Diva on the Dollar," I'm sorry, but I had some skepticism about this! I guess I am still scarred from my Payless experiences in college: blisters on my feet, cheap soles coming apart, etc. But I decided to pay attention after seeing enough references to them on my fellow diva bloggers like Cheap Chica, Budget Fashionista and Serenity, and hearing about Payless hiring former Ralph Lauren designer, Laura Poretzsky, to create a new designer line for the company. Last weekend I went to Payless for the first time in about 8 years and was indeed impressed. After seeing these styles, you will be too!

"Instant" d'Orsay Pump - $16.99
Ummm, yeah....I'm going to say it: THESE ARE HOT! I am a little perturbed that I didn't see these at the Payless location I went to last week, but I do intend on buying some and rocking them this season.







"Naomi" Stretch Knee Boot - $24.99

These are a sleek addition to your fall/winter wardrobe. I love pairing a metallic shoe/boot with all black. These would be great with a pencil skirt too.





"Intellect" Patent Round Toe Pump - $14.99

I have seen this one EVERYWHERE and many of my blogger friends certainly beat me to the punch on this one. But how cute? They even come in black too, if you're afraid of wearing white in the winter!

Weekend Deals

Sorry I haven't posted in a while...school started and I've been kind of laxed. Here's some wheelin' deals for you!

Arden B

Don't you hate it when you buy something full price, later to find it half off and still just as cute!?! Well, I bought this 5 pocket pencil skirt as a birthday gift to self at full price ($68) because it was just too cute. Now, you can enjoy it for just $39.99.




Bath and Body Works

Bath and Body Works has their anti-bacterial soap on sale again for 4 for $10. They have all their yummy fragrances like cherry blossom, mango mandarin and warm vanilla sugar.





Nordstrom Rack
How cute are these? These formerly $88.95 BCBG Girls shoes are now on sale for $25.90. They are a steal!

Wine Finds

Many Diva wine connoisseurs understand that price does not always equate to quality when it comes to wines. But with so many types and brands of wines to choose from, it is often difficult to determine the good deals from the “cheapos.” I like a good white wine in the summer, so while we have a little bit of time before fall officially gets here, below are some of my picks:

Rieslings
My absolute favorite white wines are Rieslings and, it just so happens that these are all under $20 (some for under $10)!

Columbia Winery Cellarmasters Riesling

Refreshing and sweet (without being syrupy), this is my first Riesling fave. I have even seen people who don’t even like white wines fall in love with this one! This is a great one to pair with a nice salad, a spicy dish, or even to enjoy by itself. Magnifique!

Retail locations I have found this at are some Kroger locations in Atlanta, some Cost Plus World Markets (not all), and some Trader Joe’s. I have seen it range anywhere from $6.99 - $12.99. I found it on this site for just $7.99. Enjoy and tell me what you think!

Beware of imposters – there are many Rieslings whose vineyards have “Columbia” in the title. I have made the mistake by getting “Columbia Valley” by accident – YUCK!

Weber
So my Dad found this one (yep, the apple does’t fall too far from the tree!) and it is fabulous. It is more floral and complex than the Columbia Winery Cellermasters one, and not quite as sweet. I was very impressed by it, AND it is CHEAP (in cost, not quality). It is a German Riesling, and I was able to find it online for just $5.79!

Diva


With a name like "Diva," how could I resist? Gunderloch Diva Riesling Spatlese is the full name. I found it at a Central Market location in Austin, TX and was told it was the best Riesling there (and I must admit, I was initially skeptical when I saw the woman on the label). I bought it for $20, more than I usually pay in a grocery store, but it was well worth it. Another one on the sweeter side - but light and fruity. Spectacular – and only $14.99 online. Check it out!


Chardonnays

So I am not a huge fan of Chardonnays, but I have found a couple that I like:

Charles Shaw (also known by many Californians as “2 Buck Chuck”)

If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area and have never tried Charles Shaw wines – run to your nearest location! Granted, these are not the most “robust” wines, but they are EXCELLENT buys for your money. Named “2 buck chuck” by the Californians because bottles usually cost $1.99 in that state (that’s right, once cent shy of 2 bucks). Regardless of the location, you will never find a bottle for higher than $3.39 regardless of the location. Though they carry Chardonnay, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, my favorite is the Chardonnay. It is light with a subtle oaky flavor.

Here are the Trader Joe locations that carry Charles Shaw: Arizona (all stores), California (all stores), Illinois (all stores), Indiana (all stores), Massachusetts (Brookline, Cambridge and Framingham locations only), Michigan (all stores), Nevada (all stores), New Jersey (Westfield location only), New Mexico (all stores), Ohio (all stores), Oregon (all stores), Virginia (all stores), Washington State (all stores)

Jacob’s Creek

This Chardonnay has more fruit and less oak than your average Chard. Though I only can remember having it once, it was definitely memorable. It is really a great buy for the money – a great bottle to bring as a gift. I found this site that has it for only $8.99.

Back from Rio!

I missed you guys! I just got back from Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and had a great time. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate in Rio. It was rainy and pretty chilly, but I did manage to walk on the beach and dip my feet in the ocean.

I didn't do a whole lot of shopping (can you believe it???). This was mainly because classes are starting soon and money's tight until I get my loan check later on this month :). I did, however, go to the Hippie Market in Ipanema. This is a MUST DO activity for my traveling divas who ever visit Rio over a weekend. The Hippie Market only takes place on Sundays and is a huge market consisting of a plethora of items including jewelry, sculptures, leather goods, hand-crafted furniture, glassware, beautiful oil paintings, and your standard souvenirs. I was able to find a great handmade wooden necklace and bracelet set for just 15 reais (about $7.50). I also bought two pairs of earrings for just R$5 a piece (about $2.50) - great deals!

Going to Shop!

Hello Divas!

Unfortunately I will not be posting for the next week, since I will be traveling to Brazil for fun and, of course, shopping! I will be sure to tell you all about it upon my return. In the meantime, stay current on good deals and great information by clicking on the links under the "Links" heading on the right. Talk to you soon!

Red Envelope - Stuff for Under $20

If you have never used Red Envelope to buy gifts online, you are truly missing out. This is one of my favorite gift sites, especially since they have gift wrapping available with an elegant red box with a white ribbon - so classy! Here are some gifts (for others or for yourself!) they have on their site for under $20!


Montgomery Laptop Bag - $14.99 (it was $85!)


So maybe not the most stylish laptop bag, but you just can't beat the price. PLUS, you can get up to three initials embroidered on the bag.

Chess and Checker Set in a Bag - $6.99 (was $28)

I thought this was just the cutest thing! The brown and blue nylon bag is also a game board. It's great for the beach, park, at home or even on a plane. Game pieces are blank on one side for checkers and imprinted with chess piece icons on the other.

Leather Photo Wallets - $9.99

With such fun colors and initial embossing available for $5 extra, this is a great gift or keepsake of your own.

Sephora Finds!

Sephora is a great place to find quality beauty items. When I visit I often act just like a little kid in a candy store while trying on the "smell goods" in the perfume aisle or the many lines of make-up with a multitude of colors! I recently found these neat finds at Sephora.com that you may want to check out. To sweeten the deal, they're giving 3 free samples with every online order!

French Manicure Set - Only $2 (that's right, just 2 bucks!)

You just can't beat the price of this french manicure kit. Color schemes come in beige or beige shimmer and are equipped with a travel clutch as well. This is a convenient, cheap alternative for when you can't make it to the salon!




VH1 Save the Music Make-Up Bag - $37 (valued at $70+)


What a great way to look good and do good at the same time! Net proceeds from purchases of this make up bag go to the Save the Music Foundation which is committed to instrumental music education programs in the country. This cute bag comes with deluxe samples of Philosophy Falling in Love Body Lotion,Urban Decay Big Fatty Lip Plumper, Benefit Dr. Feelgood, and Stila It Gloss in Sweet.


CARGO 10th Anniversary Signature Collection - $45 ($108 value)

One of my newer favorites is CARGO's bronzer. This bronzer is amazing and it's no wonder why Sephora named it their best bronzer. Well CARGO is offering this limited edition bag of goodies available only at Sephora. Goodies include these FULL SIZED items: Bronzer in Medium, BeachBlush in Coral Beach, Lip Gloss Duo in Soho, Reverse Lip Liner (holds your gloss in place all day as it enhances the appearance of fullness), and Liquid Powder 01.


Carol's Daughter Now in Sephora!


If you have not heard about Carol's Daughter bath, body and hair products, you need to check them out! Carol's Daughter started a cult following among many black celebrities over the past 10 years and it has finally hit the mainstream. Though it can't be found in every Sephora (check website for details), you can at least purchase the products online. The line offers items like body butters and scrubs in intriguing fragrances like Ecstacy and Mango Melange - so scrumptious you are sure to find something you will enjoy. If you have very dry skin, try Love Butter. Will Smith apparently said something like, it is so good that every home in America should have some!