Diva on a Dollar: December 2006

Sunday, December 31, 2006

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.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

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!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

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.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

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!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

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.