Selling Online Now (Finally!): DSW

Who knew it would take so long to get DSW, the Designer Shoe Warehouse to sell their shoes online? I guess with Piperlime, Zappos, and Endless taking over, they wanted to get a piece of the online pie. I am glad to see that they are finally offering their wide array of reasonably priced shoes online (it's about time!). I found these Madden Girl Gladiator sandals for $34.95.

Tips for Shopping at Target

Tar-jay, oh how I love thee!

Like many of you, I frequent Target for everything from my everyday needs to cute, fun accessories. However, it can get overwhelming since it is so big. Also, many people don't know about the hidden gems. Here are some tips:

1) Aisle Ends - I have found that Target often puts special packages and deals at the ends of the aisles. Recently, I noticed regular packages of Biore strips where they normally were, but they also had packages with a free moisturizers for the same price at the end of another aisle. I have also found Listerine two for one combos and hand soap at the end of the aisles.

2) Special Sections - Many Targets have special aisles dedicated to everything from bulk items to promotional items and packages. For instance, I use Olay Shea Butter body wash. Normally the 23.9 oz bottle is about $9. However, they did a combo special with both a 23.9 oz bottle and a smaller 10 oz bottle for just $5.99! These aisles are sometimes difficult to find, so ask someone who works there to be sure.

3) Target.com - I do enjoy the convenience of getting items from the store. However, Target has many great items that are exclusively found online. Check out target.com from time to time to check out what's new!

The Most Wine for your Buck

It has been a while since I’ve done a post on inexpensive wines, so I wanted to update you on some more that I've found. With all the wine varieties and brands out there, I know it’s hard to find wines that are good. But let me tell you, you do not have to spend a lot for a nice bottle of wine.

White
Like I said in the last wine posting, I love Rieslings. But not all Rieslings are the same. Some are dry and tart (yuck) and others are smooth and sweet (ahhhh). Here are a couple of my favorite under $10 Rieslings:

Bloom Riesling - Fruity, floral and slightly sweet, Bloom is a great wine on a nice spring or summer day. I have not seen it in the store for more than $9.99 and I found it here for just $6.99.

Schmitt Sohne Relax Riesling - I know, a name like Relax doesn't sound very classy. But let me tell you, this Riesling is easy on the palette and very pleasant. It is great with just about any light meal or just by itself. I found it here for just $7.99.

Red
Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red Wine - I know what you're thinking...pretty risque name for a wine. It is called menage a trois because it's a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a perfect blend of smooth, rich, berry flavors. I tasted this one for the first time at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston, IL. The waiter recommended it to my friend and me and it was magnificent. I was delighted when I saw it in the grocery store for under $10! Check it out here for just $8.95.

The New Hotness: Invitation Only Designer Deals

Over the past couple months I have been hearing a lot of buzz and receiving invitations for some designer discount sites, gilt.com and ruelala.com. These are like exclusive online sample sales. They open the sale at a specific time and then the items are available for sale for 36-48 hours. But let me tell you, they usually sell out quick! The catch is, they are invitation only sites. (If you're interested in joining, send me an emailand I will send you an invitation.)


Gilt was started by two Harvard undergraduate and business school alums and focuses on designers like Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Carolina Herrera, and Dolce and Gabbana. If you refer a friend, they'll pay you $25 when they place their first order. Even though items are significantly discounted, they still tend to be expensive. However, they sometime have pieces that you've never seen in a store. This is great for you fashionistas who like exclusive pieces!

Rue La La has brands like Anne Klien, 7 for all Mankind, and Kate Spade. If you refer a friend, they'll pay you $10 when they place their first order. Rue La La is overall more reasonably priced than Gilt and the designers are not as high end. (thanks, Danielle!)

Update: Also email me if you're interested in HauteLook, Editor's Closet or Regent's Secret.

Happy Earth Day 2008!

Today is Earth Day! I challenge you all to do something good for the Earth - buy some energy efficient light bulbs, educate yourself on how to treat the environment better, or maybe even take the train or bus to work. Whatever you do, remember we all are responsible for this wonderful world in which we live. Let's take care of it!

Here are some good ideas and resources:
10 Things You Can Do Help the Planet
Buy a cute reusable bag
Get a discount by using your own mug or tumbler at Starbucks
Dallas Divas: Get a free compost bin by 2 PM today

I'm driving my Toyota hybrid over to Starbucks with my tumbler right now to get a discount on some coffee!

Check it out now: Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg, fashion icon, has a great sale going on at www.dvf.com. Many items are 70% off including this Rhythm Dress in Navy Combo dress for just $108 (it used to be $355). It looks like they only sizes 8 and 10 left. No luck? Check out this Cosmic Jacket or Elka Wrap Sweater.

Linens 'n Things: Another One Biting The Dust?

First, Bombay Company. Then, Red Envelope. Now, Linens 'n Things? Say it ain't so! Looks like they are trying hard not to file bankruptcy. Here are the stories the New York Times did last week and this week.

So tell me, if Linens 'n Things folded, would you be upset?

Curtain Panels from Z Gallerie

Need something to liven up your winders? Z Gallerie has these Casa del Mar window covering panels for just $29.89 (50% off of their original price) that can do the trick. The merlot color is rich and luxurious and can give a bland room the pop of color it needs.

Prefer sheer curtains instead? Check out these Croix panels in burgandy for $39.99.

Going to a Wedding? Dresses for Under $100!

To continue with the wedding series, here are some great dresses for those of you going to a wedding. All are under $100!

Beach Wedding

J Crew Kate Dress - $59.99 (was $98)

Yellow Ruffled Shirt Dress - $62


Daytime Wedding
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Party Dress - $44.99



Anne Klein Dress Silk Dupioni Dress - $94.90
(was $190)


Evening Wedding
Max and Cleo Satin Party Dress - $88.80 (was $148)


Steve Madden Strapless Satin Dress - $96

Tagged: About Me

Kim over at Coffee and Conversation was tagged by someone to do this on her blog and I thought it could be a good way for my readers to learn a little bit about me. By the way, though these are numbered, they are listed in no particular order. (Thanks, Kim!)

Things I Am Passionate About:
1. Bargain shopping
2. Learning more about myself
3. Connecting with others (and connecting others with others)
4. Trying new things
5. Traveling
6. Creativity
7. Hearing about and helping others following their passions
8. Living a positive life

Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
1. Start a successful business
2. Travel to South Africa
3. Travel to the South Pacific Islands
4. Get married
5. Have children
6. Sell one of my paintings
7. Start a business with my best friend
8. Own a Valentino dress

Books I Have Read Lately (or am currently reading or getting ready to read):
1. A New Earth
2. Eat, Pray, Love
3. Now, Discover Your Strengths
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns
5. Basic Black
6. The Soul's Code
7. The Power of Now
8. Influencer

Songs I Could Listen To Over and Over:
1. "Closer" - Goapele
2. "Come Get to This"-Marvin Gaye
3. "Tears Dry on Their Own'" -Amy Winehouse
4. "Green Eyes"-Erykah Badu
5. "Dangerously in Love" - Beyonce
6. "I Think I Love You"-Dwele
7. "Again"-John Legend
8. "My Petition"-Jill Scott

I'm tagging any of you who would like to either write about yourself in the comments section or on your own blog.

Bridal Gowns Under $400

Who says a bride has to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding gown? Here are some bridal gowns under $400 for any of you planning for your special day:

Featured dresses:
JS Boutique Strapless Ruched Satin Gown: Nordstrom - $98
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Silk Cowl Dress (Champagne): Target - $129.99
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Eyelet Sheath Gown: Target - $129.99
Adrianna Papell Charmeuse Gown: Dillard's - $160
Betsy & Adam Pleated Halter Gown: Dillard's - $160
Embossed Halter long beach dress: J Crew - $195
Mary L Couture Ottoman Bodice Mesh Gown: Nordstrom - $248
Silk Tricotine Jenelle long dress: J Crew - $295
Sean Collection Beaded Empire Waist Gown: Nordstrom - $305
Silk Tricotine Rebecca Long Dress: J Crew - $350

If you're planning a wedding, check out this blog. It looks like a great resource for brides-to-be:
http://www.weddingtulle.blogspot.com.

Hello Yellow! Part 2

So there were so many great things in yellow that I had to do a part 2. All of these items are under $90 and some are on sale!

Swingy shirred piqué dress: J Crew - $88


Access Topper Jacket: Kohl's - $29.60 (was $74)


Restricted Sandy Wedge: Piperlime - $50

Daisy Fuentes Faux Patent Leather Envelope Clutch: Kohl's - $21.99 (was $34)

American Living Floral Halter Dress: JC Penney - $75 (was $100)

Hello Yellow! Part 1

Yellow is certainly the color of the season. And I don't know about you, but wearing the color of sunshine just makes me happy! Here are some items to check out. You're in luck: nothing featured is over $40!

SmartFit Patent Peep Toe Wedge: Payless - $14.99

Legacy Duffel: Urban Outfitters - $39.99
Mossimo Supply Co. Tube Dress: Target - $19.99


Rhinestone Bracelet: Banana Republic - $38
Converse® All Star® yellow lo-tops: Gap - $40

Sailcloth Short Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft - $24.99

Xhilaration Polka Dot Bikini: Target - $14.99 each piece

So which is your favorite?

Red Envelope Folding?

I am upset. Many of you loyal readers know that I have featured Red Envelope many times over the years. Which is why I was so disappointed to hear that financial troubles may cause Red Envelope to close any day now. Check out this article about it.

I have bought several gifts from there and have received some from them as well. Their items are unique and the red box they send things in is so classy. The Red Envelope site is still up and running as of now, but word has it that there have been many layoffs and it could be coming down soon. So order your gifts now (that is, if you're willing to take the risk)!

So tell me, how would you feel if Red Envelope tanked?

New York Divas: Sample Sales Galore

New York Divas: April is filled with sample sales! Check these out if you can:

What: Ted Rossi
Why: Spiffy jewelry, bags, and accessories sold at Bergdorf and Intermix at up to 75 percent off.
When: Apr. 2-4. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 15 E. 30th St., b/t Fifth & Madison Aves., ste. 300 (212-683-1726).

What: Me&Ro

Why: Silver, 10-, and 18-karat gold jewelry at up to 75 percent off.

When: Apr. 3 & 4. Thurs., noon-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 13 Crosby St., b/t Howard & Grand Sts., 2nd flr. (646-747-5900).

What: Abaeté

Why: Flattering dresses and swimwear at up to 80 percent off.

When: Apr. 3-5. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., noon-6 p.m.

Where: 560 Broadway, at Prince St., ste. 509 (212-334-4755).

What: Hayden-Harnett

Why: Satchels, were $238-$598, now $100-$350; hobos, were $370-548, now $150-$300; wallets, were $130-205, now $75-$125; capes, were $398, now $99.

When: Apr. 8-10. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 16 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., ste. 501 (212-564-3720).

What: Tufi Duek

Why: Brazilian dresses, were $395-$695, now $140-$200; tops, were $200, now $65; shoes, were $395, now $120; bags, were $650, now $240.

When: Apr. 8-10. Tues.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 530 Broadway, at Spring St., 10th flr. (212-925-8277).

What: Frette

Why: Up to 75 percent off plush bedding and other home accessories.

When: Apr. 12-16. Sat.-Tues., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 317 W. 33rd St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves.

What: Boc Warehouse Sale

Why: Vivienne Westwood, Barbara Bui, Cacharel, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and more at up to 70 percent off.

When: Apr. 17-19. Thurs.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.

Where: 491 Columbus Ave., b/t 83rd & 84th Sts. (212-362-5405).

What: White + Warren

Why: Summer cotton dusters, tees, and dresses, were $130, now $60. Tissue-weight cashmere cardigans, were $220, now $90.

When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Wed., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 80 W. 40th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 3rd flr. (212-398-3295).

Thanks, Pet! Thanks, Daily Candy!

Weekend Sale: Sale Girl Dallas

Dallas Divas: Check out the following sale this weekend

What: Sale Girl Dallas is having a sale with Jovovich-Hawk and James Perse at 80 percent off.

When: Friday, April 4 from noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites Dallas, 14021 Noel Rd., at Spring Valley Rd. (214-526-2884).
Thanks, Daily Candy!

Prom Dresses for Less

It's prom time and young ladies everywhere are scurrying to find that perfect dress. The good news is, you can look like a million bucks without spending it. Here are some great prom dresses for under $100:

Velvet Torch Bow Tube Dress - $29.90

Adrianna Papell Charmeuse Halter Gown with Scarf - $83.90

Maggy London Printed Charmeuse Halter Dress - $52.90

Maggy London Chiffon Dress with Sash - $49.90

Want to see some more options? Check out these bloggers' posts:
- Teen Style Lounge's post on 5 Short and Sassy dresses for under $75

- Style it Less post on a prom dress under $25 (yes, $25!)

- The Budget Fashionista's slideshow on prom dresses for 2008