Have You Heard of Judy's Book?

Hi Divas! I recently started a side gig as an Expert Shopper for Judy's Book - an online community for bargain shoppers. Basically, users post deals they see on the web and post them on judysbook.com. We all know there are so many great deals out there that is hard to keep up with. Judy's Book helps direct you to not only websites having sales, but also deals on free shipping, coupons, etc. Check it out!

Adrienne Vittadini Stores Going Out of Business!

Last weekend I went to the Chicago Premium Outlets for some shopping with my mom and had an amazing shopping extravaganza. While there we discovered Adrienne Vittadini is closing all of her retail stores (sucks for her, yea for us!). Everything in their outlet store was 80% off of the marked down price! Mom and I stocked up! I bought a skirt suit, python heels, a black turtleneck and an orange turtleneck sweater for $116 (almost $1000 worth of stuff)! I must say, sales like this bring tears to my eyes. Click here to find a location near you.

I took a look at their website too. Though I saw a lot of markdowns, the prices were no where close to the prices in the outlet store. Run, don't walk!

Oh, What You Can Buy for $50!

Yesterday I went to Bath & Body Works to use a gift card that my brother and niece oh so graciously gave me for Christmas. Let me tell you, using it during the semi-annual sale was such a great idea! I bought eight (yes, 8!) items for a grand total of $51.11 including tax. Unfortunately the website does not have most of the deals I found in the store, so you may want to try there first before the sale ends. Here are some of my new goodies:

Wallflowers - 2 packs for $5 each

I bought both Blackberry and Tropical Passionfruit - mmmm!

Tutti Dolci Fantasia di Cioccolata Lip Gloss - $2.50

It looks like Bath and Body Works is getting rid of this line - I couldn't even find the brand on their website. I love this gloss though! The one I purchased is a metallic mulberry color, though it goes on sheer. AND, it tastes good too!

True Blue Wet Your Whistle Lip Balm - $1.00

Can you believe it was just a buck? It was $4 marked down 75%.

Bigelow Rose Hydrating Gel Treatment - $10

I have been looking for a good moisturizer, especially with the dry cold air here in Chicago. So far, so good. I have sensitive skin and it seems gentle enough though it may not be moisturizing enough to battle my dry skin from this weather. It probably will work much better in the spring. By the way, this is normally $20 but I got it for 50% off!

True Blue Spa Lay It On Thick Shea Butter Moisturizer - Large tube for $20, small tube for $1.50

I did splurge on this one. I have very dry skin and Lay It On Thick is by far the BEST body moisturizer I have ever used. They used to only have the 6 oz tube as shown, but when I saw the large 10 oz tube, I had to buy it, despite it being full price. To make things even sweeter, I lucked out and saw a 2 oz in the 75% off bin and grabbed the last one for just $1.50!

Last, but not least...a sneak peak of a new product launching in the spring - Ile de Tahiti Inu Body Lotion with Tamanoi (they don't even have it on their site yet). I purchased a 1.7 oz bottle for $2. It says it has the "world's richest blend of hydration and healing." The jury is still out on that claim, but it does smell light and tropical!

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale Starting Today!

It is now past 9 AM (at least in Chicago) and the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale is now on! Last night, I saw the sales people at the location in the Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL working relentlessly to prepare for the sale. Can't get to a store? That's okay, you can get free shipping online with purchases of $100 or more by entering the code "SEMI" out checkout. Enjoy!

New Years Resolutions: Define Your Style Diva!

Happy New Year Divas! Wow, 2007 is finally here. I encourage all of you to make the most of this year. Every new years eve my best friend and I attach a theme to each upcoming year. We have called 2007 the "Year of the Come Up." Learn more about what that means here.

In light of resolution season, I am taking the time to re-define my style. Since I am a sucker for a good deal I sometimes find myself buying items just because they are on sale. Unfortunately just because something is a good deal doesn't always mean it's cute! So my resolution this year is to only buy items consistent with my personal brand. Here are some steps you can take to do the same:

1) Determine Your Personal Brand: Is there a celebrity whose style do you emulate? Are there common themes in your closet? Are there items that you see and say "that is SOOO me!"? Would you consider it romantic, sporty, haute, bohemian or something else? Think about it - you can even name your personal style diva!

2) Define and Refine Your Personal Brand: Once you have labeled your personal style, look through some current fashion magazines and cut out pictures that are consistent with your personal style. By doing this, you can visually lock in what types of concepts and pieces you should be looking for when you shop.

3) Stay True to Your Personal Brand Image: Before you purchase an item, ask yourself: "does this fit in with my personal brand?" If so, buy it! If not, put it back on the rack!