Great Idea: Gift Card Rescue

Did you receive any gift cards over the holidays from places you weren't too crazy about? Gift Card Rescue is here to come to YOUR rescue! Here's the scoop: you can use Gift Card Rescue to exchange your gift card for another, sell your gift card for cash (at a slight loss), or buy a gift card for a discount (right now there's a $50 Banana Republic gift card available for $45). So, even if you don't want to get rid of a gift card, you can still score by getting one for less than it's value! 

Thanks, Justin!

It's Not Too Late to Get Your New Year's Eve Outfit!

Tomorrow night we will all be bringing in the new year.  What will you be wearing? Whether you are going out to a big New Year's Eve event, a nice dinner or a house party, you can still look absolutely fabulous without spending a lot of money. 

Since it is already the afternoon, I would suggest you use these as ideas for when you go to the stores or hurry up and buy something online and have it shipped overnight. Here are some options for under $100:

Forever 21: Sequined Spaghetti Top - $29.80

Bloomingdale's: DKNYC Women's Sequin Women's Skirt - $97.30

Banana Republic: Flutter-Sleeve Satin Dress - $69.99

Bloomingdale's: Calvin Klein Stretch Satin Empire Sheath Dress - $85.00 ($170 with 50% off at checkout)

Christmas Day Sale at Arden B

Merry Christmas!

Who says the stores are closed on Christmas?!? Today only, Arden B has ALL of their dresses, sweaters and outerwear for 50% off online! So open your presents, eat some good food, drink some eggnog, then run to your computer and snatch up some great deals! Also, spend $150 or more and you will receive free shipping. If you spend under $150, you get $5 second day shipping (that's right, you can buy that New Years Eve dress you've had your eye on)!

Here are some of my favorite items in each of the categories they have on sale:

Dresses

Panel Black Halter Dress - $49 (was $98!)

Sweaters

Funnel Neck Sweater - $39 (was $78)

Outerwear

Hand Knit Cape - $39 (was $78)

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 12

Those who wait, save!

It's the last day of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Yes, it is Christmas Eve and the last shopping day before Christmas. Are you being hard on yourself for procrastinating until the last minute to finish your holiday shopping? Well, don't fret - you're in luck (and probably in better luck than those who shopped early)! Many retailers have seen significant declines in sales this year compared to last year and are continuing to slash prices. 

I just took a look at some stores closest to me and here are some of their hours of operation (make sure you check your local stores' hours as they may be different):

Macy's - 6pm

Nordstrom - 5pm

Nordstrom Rack - 6pm

Kohl's - 6pm

Marshall's - 6pm

Sears - 6pm

Best Buy - 5pm

Target - 10pm

Costco - 5pm

Now go shop!

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 11

Social Diva's Last Minute Gift Ideas

Today is Day 11 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals. Today I wanted to feature something from Social Diva, who featured these great Last Minute Gift ideas. I just couldn't resist sharing them with you! And, if you are snowed in like I am in Chicago, these allow you to do your last minute shopping without even going to the mall!

From Social Diva:

While you were busy scoffing at the hordes of holiday shoppers who waited in horrendous traffic and immense lines to get their seasonal shopping done, did you find any time to do your own?

If you haven't finished purchasing your gifts (or, ahem, if you haven'started purchasing your gifts), we have some news for you: the holidays are happening, like, NOW!

Needless to say, it's time to start thinking of gift ideas that can be delivered quickly. Wait, nevermind, the holiday is so close you don't have time to THINK anymore, which can only mean one thing: it's gift card time, people. Good thing the gals here at SD have a few fab ideas for great gift cards that are easy to obtain and work for just about everyone:

For: The Geek Who's Chic 
iTunes gift cards  are crowd-pleasers since they can be redeemed for music, movies, and apps for iPhone and iPod Touch users.

For: The Gal with Return/Exchange Disorder
Amazon carries almost everything available on Earth, so it's no surprise that they have emailable gift cards  that can be sent electronically to your recipient-talk about stress free gifting!

For: The Major Movie Buff 
Netflix gift memberships  are awesome- who's going to pass up a free flick, right?

For: Ms. Practical 
Target gift cards  make for a splendid gift, and not only because of their GO! International merchandise, but because, with the inception of Super Target, your giftee could redeem your gift for groceries, too.

For: The Indie Princess
Grab up a Modcloth gift card, so she can purchase handmade art, clothes, or jewelry she wants, all while supporting her local artisans.

And don't forget to write a nice Thank You note for your local Fed Ex carrier-their overnight shipping just saved your holiday!

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 10

Get Your Online Shopping Done!

It is Day 10 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! With it being two shopping and business days away from Christmas, you will need to make your online purchases today or tomorrow for your gifts to arrive on time. Below are some codes, free shipping and information on shipping deals:

Neiman Marcus: Free Delivery by Christmas with code QUICKNM  

Zappos: Order by 1:00 PM PST on 12/23 and get free shipping and arrival by Christmas

Michael Kors: Free upgrade for rush delivery on orders over $100 with code UPGRADE

Macy's: Guaranteed shipping ends tonight! Also, get an extra 10-15% off with code SAVEMORE

Arden B: $10 next day shipping if you order by 1:00 PM PST on 12/22

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 9

Do Good While You Shop with GoodShop!

It's Day 9 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today's feature is GoodShop, a site that allows you to donate a portion of your purchase to a charity. Here's how it works:

1) Choose a charity or school. They have a way to confirm that your charity is part of their network. 

2) Shop at one of the 700 retailers they have in their network. Some of the retailers include Apple, Zappos and Target.  

3) Donate. Once you make your purchase, up to 30% of the proceeds will go to your selected cause (many of the ones I saw were in the 3-5% range).

By the way, you can also raise money for your charity by searching with GoodSearch!

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 8

Great Deals from Old Navy!

It is day 8 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today we're featuring some deals from one of the best places to get clothing staples for inexpensive prices - Old Navy. Though we are only 5 days away from Christmas, either you can get express shipping or you can go to your local Old Navy store to get these items. And at these unbeatable prices, how can you resist?

Satin Printed Cami - $10

 

Cable Knit Cross-Body Hobo - $15

Argyle Dog Sweater - $12.50

With this one, your pooch will be the best dressed dog in town!

Special Offers from Gilt and Rue La La

Many of you emailed me after my April post to get invited to the Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, Editor's Closet, Hautelook, and Regent's Secret (feel free to email me at divaonadollar@yahoo.com to get your invitation!). Let me tell you, I have bought some amazing items through these sites. So far have I bought a pair of Just Cavalli sandals from Gilt for way cheap, an Anne Klein suit for $99 from Rue La La, a beautiful bracelet for one of my friends from Gilt, and a cute belted dress by Muse from Rue La La.  

So here's the deal, Gilt has created a special link just for Diva on a Dollar readers: http://www.gilt.com/invite/divaonadollar

Even better? You get a $25 credit the first time any of the people you refer make a purchase! So sign up and send it to your friends! Just so you know, this week Gilt's sales included Isabella Fiore, Catherine Malandrino, and Marc by Marc Jacobs (coming up are sales from Trina Turk, Bill Blass, and Elie Tahari!). 

With Rue La La, if you sign up this week you can get a $10 credit towards your purchase and they will give you a $10 credit the first time any of your friends make their first purchase too! Just click here and put in my email address: divaonadollar@yahoo.com. 

This week Rue La La had sales from Theory, Alexis Hudson, and Shoshana (and next week they'll have BCBG MAXAZRIA, Just Cavalli, Born and Splendid)!  

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 7

Hand-made Gifts from Etsy!

We are over half way through Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! It is the last Friday before Christmas, can you believe it? Today we are featuring Etsy.com. Etsy is a site where you can buy and sell handmade items. Think of it as the Amazon or Ebay of crafts and handmade stuff. What makes this even better is that many of the items are one of a kind and, as you will see below and on the site, many of the items are fabulous! Now, I don't know if you can get all of them by Christmas, but it is worth a try. 

Some of my favorites:

Black Poof Mini Skirt - $30.00

Who could you get this for? How adorable is this skirt? If you know a real life Carrie Bradshaw, this skirt is for her!

Rosey Cozy Ms. Jones - $34

Who could you get this for? A funky chick who can appreciate one-of-a-kind items. Also, great for someone who tends to have a cold body temperature or has a cold office. 

Sweet Dreamz Baby Wrap/Blanket - $27

Who could you get this for? I have to admit, I couldn't resist posting this one once I saw this adorable baby. This gift would be great for any parent with a baby, or a photographer who photographs babies and needs a perfect prop. 

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 6

Gadget Gifts!

It's Day 6 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today we are featuring some great deals on gadgets. 

Garmin Nuvi 200 Pink Portable GPS - Walmart: $115

Who could you get this for? This is a great one for a directionally-challenged gal or even a gal who has recently moved to a new city.

Samsung 46" Series 5 LCD HDTV - Circuit City: $1049.99 (was $1599.99!)

Who could you get this for? This is perfect for that person in your life who has been talking about getting an HDTV forever but has yet to actually buy one. This is an excellent price. Note: with Circuit City going through economic difficulties, make sure you consider warranty implications.

iHome Dual Alarm Clock Radio for iPod - Target: $99

Who could you get this for? This is great for anyone who has anything in the iPod family (iPod Nano, Touch, iPhone, etc). Last year my mom bought me an iHome and let me tell you, I LOVE IT! I had it in my bathroom (I know, TMI...) so I could listen to either my iPod or radio in the morning as I got ready for work. The sound is good and mime even charges iPod and iPhone. I can tell you that it is definitely worth the price! 

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 5

Ann Taylor Loft Deals!

It is day 5 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals! Today we're featuring Ann Taylor Loft who is, like many retailers, offering some pretty unbelievable deals. They are offering BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals on full priced items. Just use code FREE4U at checkout! Here are a few items that will be a steal with the BOGO: 

Retro Print Peasant Blouse - $32.50 

This is such a fun and flirty blouse. This is perfect for an easy-going, fun and outgoing girl!

Hermatite Open Cuff Bracelet - $39

This elegant hermatite open cuff bracelet can really jazz up any little black dress. I know what you're thinking...you want to get this for yourself, don't you?

Wool Ottoman Funnel Neck Coat - $169

Though the weather outside might be frightful, this coat will help any gal get through it with style!

(Thanks, Raquel!)

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 4

Gifts for Foodies!

For Day 4 of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals, we're going to focus on the foodie in your life.  You know, the guy or gal who knows the latest trends in food, can't get enough of Top Chef, and has the inside scoop on every fabulous restaurant in town. You can't skimp on quality with foodies, but you can make them think you also didn't skimp on the price!

Napa Valley Gourmet Mustards - under $5 

These are some of the tastiest mustards around. At the Napa Valley Harvest site you can find delicious flavors including apricot ginger, champaign shallot, and my absolute favorite honey truffle. My friend Bethany told me about the honey truffle mustard when she found a jar at Marshall's. She ranted and raved about how she would put it on just about anything edible. I found a jar as well and had the same experience - I used it on sandwiches, chicken, and even as a sauce for scallops. Yum!

ReServe Gas Chargers - $9.99 for a set of 3

What are these, you ask? No, not gas powered phone chargers. And no, not miniature gas refills for your grill. They are actually a wine preservation system that uses Argon gas to retain the flavor of wine once it has been opened (for over a week!). Great for wine enthusiasts!

Top Chef Cookbook - $22.95

Is the foodie you know addicted to Top Chef? Why not get him or her the Top Chef cookbook? This cookbook includes 100 recipes, including dishes from the Quick-Fire Challenges and Elimination Rounds. 

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 3

Half Price Gift Cards!

It's the 3rd day of Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals. Today we are featuring 1/2 price gift cards/certificates! That's right, HALF PRICE! I do want to give a disclaimer, though:  due to the tough economic times, many of our favorite retailers and restaurants are going out of business, so keep that in mind when you purchase any gift cards. You don't want you or someone you bought a gift for to be stuck with a gift card to a retailer that no longer exists! Also, make sure you take a look at the expiration date prior to making your purchase.

So here's the scoop:

Why are these available for half the price of their face value? Does it matter? In case you just HAVE to know, there are several deals that these companies cut with retailers. Some companies even offer the half-priced gift cards to radio stations, news papers, and TV stations in exchange for advertising. It's a win-win for everyone: the retailers get advertising that they don't have to shell out cash for, the media companies have something to entice their audience with, and shoppers like us get great deals! 

Who could this be good for? Someone who you would like to make it appear as though you spent more money than you did on their gift :)! Depending on your friends and family members' likes and dislikes, you may be able to find a gift card to their favorite restaurant or retailer! 

Here are some links to check out for some regions:

Chicago: 

List of some of the half-priced gift card participants in Chicago

By the way, I was so excited to see some of my favorite restaurants listed including Alhambra Palace, Blu 47, Marche, and Zocolo.

Dallas:

List of some half-priced gift card participants in Dallas.

(Hector's on Henderson is one of my favorite Dallas restaurants - this is a great way to check it out!)

Houston:

KHOU-TV in Houston has a couple half price gift cards listed, though they had expired when I went there. Keep checking back for their updated deals. 

New York:

List of some half-priced gift card participants in New York

Richmond: 

A list of some half-priced gift cards in Richmond, VA

Seattle:

List of some half-priced gift card participants in Seattle

Want to see if your region has half-price deals? Check out Half Off Deals' site.

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 2

Gifts from Red Envelope!

For Day 2 in the Diva on a Dollar's 12 Days of Christmas Deals, we are going to look at Red Envelope. Red Envelope is great when you're sending a gift to someone since their gifts come in an elegant red box and white ribbon. 

Plaid Business Card Case - $5.99

Who could you get this for? A conservative entrepreneur or business person. The dark color and plaid lining make this one for someone with a serious demeanor. The monogram option adds a great touch! 

Plaid Travel Valet - $11.99

Who could you get this for? A man in your life you travels frequently for business or pleasure. The compartments are great for watches, cufflinks, and rings. 

Baby Elephant Ring Holder - $29.95

Who could you get this for? This is the perfect pick for a bride-to-be. Since many brides are planning their weddings now, so this could be a great gift to give! This is also a good one for any Deltas you may know!

12 Days of Christmas Deals – Day 1

Today marks the first day of Diva on a Dollar’s 12 Days of Christmas Deals. Over the next 12 days I will feature different items to help you with your Christmas shopping. You will see that you don't have to break your bank in order to give your family and friends (and even yourself!) great Christmas gifts. By the way...feel free to let me know if you are looking for someone or something in particular on your Christmas list and I can give you some suggestions in future postings!

DAY 1: Spend at least $100 and get $20 off at The Gap!

Online only - spend at least $100 and get $20 off until December 14th. Just use code GAP20 at checkout. Here are some great gifts at The Gap for under $40:

Sueded Picot-Edge Sleep Set - $29.50

Who could you get this for? A casual, laid back gal who likes lounging around the house in comfy clothes.

Large Beaded Bracelet - $11.99

Who could you get this for? A fun, outgoing girl who is playful and doesn't mind taking risks. This is a great accent piece to liven up an outfit with a pop of color!

Button-up Ruffle Capelet - $36.99

Who could you get this for? Someone who is feminine, chic with a sophisticated flair.

Boots, Boots and More Boots

I just moved to New York and have noticed that the majority of women are wearing one of three types of boots: booties, riding boots, or flat high boots.  Here are some of my favorites of each style under $100:

Booties

Yailla Black Suede Wedge Booties - Nine West: $79.99

Me Too Fremont Suede Booties - Zappos: $98.95

Riding Boots

BP Brooklyn Boot - Nordstrom: $79.95

Wanted Trot Brown Riding Boots - Piperlime: $90

Flat High Boots

Chinese Laundry Tabb Black Patent Boots - Piperlime: $74.99

Brown Suede Gabrielle Rocha Bree Boots  - Zappos: $67.10

Neiman Marcus - Extra 50% on Last Call Items - Today Only!

Now that it has been confirmed that we are in a recession (as if we didn't know), retailers are in a complete frenzy to make sure people buy this holiday season so that they can stay afloat (bad for them, great for us!). Even the high end retailers are featuring some insanely discounted prices. 

Today only, Neiman Marcus is taking 50% off of many of their last call items (discounted prices are reflected at checkout). Also, for free shipping, use discount code DECNM. Here are some of my favorites:

 Silver Kay Unger New York Floral Print Sequined Dress  - $101.50 (was $580!) 

Red, Black and White David Meister Diamond Printed Dress - $58.50 (was $335)

Debra DeRoo Printed Santeen Jacket - $44 (was $250)

Lafayette 148 New York Tie-Waste White Blouse - $52 (was $298)