Store Discovery: Martin and Osa

Last Saturday my boyfriend and I went shopping at The Westchester in NY. We happened upon Martin & Osa, a store I had seen at NorthPark Mall in Dallas but never went into thinking it was not quite my "style." I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Here's some background: Martin and Osa is owned by America Eagle Outfitters and is named after Martin and Osa Johnson, Kansas natives and explorers who captured their adventures to remote, exotic locations in films, photography and books in the first half of the 20th century. There is even a safari museum in their honor. The store itself reminded me of a Zara meets Banana Republic meets J Crew. I found it refined without being stuffy and stylish without being too trendy. The quality was high for the prices, too. My boyfriend bought two button down shirts for only $18 a piece! I fell in love with some ankle boots, but unfortunately they didn't have them in my size.

To make things even better, Martin & Osa online has FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS (yes, you can return it for free if you don't like it!). Right now you can take an extra 30% off of already reduced merchandise - they're practically giving things away. Here are some of my faves:

Cross-Over Pleat Skirt - $27.97 (was $79.50)

Heeled D-Ring Ankle Boots - $48.96 (were $160! - I personally saw these in person and the quality of the leather could rival Cole Haan)

Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress - $38.46 (was $130 - they only have L-XXL sizes, so act quickly!)

New York Divas: J Crew Sample Sale

Fans of J Crew know that they NEVER have sample sales. Well this week, J Crew-aholics and fans all over New York will have six days of up to 70% off heaven! Here are the details:

Clothingline
SSS Sample Sales
261 W 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
Tuesday, January 20 - Sunday, January 25 (Tues - Thurs: 10am - 7pm, Fri: 10am - 6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm)
Items will include men's, women's and crewcuts
Find out more details at Clothingline's website.

I will be there on Wednesday! Happy shopping!

Diva Dozen: Celebrity Looks, Deep Discounts, and More

Happy Friday! I hope you are all geared up for a great weekend (especially those of you heading out to DC for the inauguration)! Here is a sample of some great posts and deals around the web:

1. 70% off sale at Diane von Furstenberg. You can also get this $70 Obama tote on her site. So cute!
2. The Budget Fashionista's review of website 1site1price.com (where everything is $29.99!)
3. Find out where to get Eva Mendez's Golden Globe dress for less on Style it Less!
4. If you liked Tina Fey's dress better, Celeb Look shows you how you can get it on the low-low.
5. Freebies for all posted by the Cheap Chica.
6. Take an extra 50% off of Old Navy online by using EXTRA50 at checkout (more details at Bargainist).
7. Get this Luxe Croc Clutch for $11.99 at Forever 21.
8. Check out how you can get Rosaria Dawson's look for $90.78 at Fashion Under $100.
9. Preview Orla Kiely Housewares for Target at the Budget Babe.
10. Great hostess gift: Double banded platinum nut bowl for $4.99 from West Elm.
11. Cute multi-color ruffle top for $10.48 at NY & Co.
12. Take an extra 50% off of a bunch of items at Bloomingdale's (including these Stuart Weitzman Pluto leather boots)!

Dallas Divas - It's FIG Finale Time

As many of my loyal readers know, the Dallas FIG Finale Sale is one of my favorites around. I have written several posts including this one and this bargain brag back in 2007. This week is the first of two of their sales in 2009 (the second one will probably be in August or September). With the economy the way it is I would not be surprised if there are even better deals than normal!

Here are the details:

FIG FINALE SALE

1807 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
VIP SHOPPING January 15th 5pm to 9pm ($50)
General Admission January 16th 10 am to 9pm ($12)

Since I moved from Dallas and won't be able to make it, I am going to rely on my Dallas Divas to keep me informed and let me know how it is. Feel free to email me pictures and I will feature them on an upcoming post!

Getting Married on a Budget: Wedding Dresses Under $500

It is peak wedding planning time! Last year I attended 8 weddings. Just last month alone three of my friends got engaged! Wedding planning is not slowing down, but with the economy the way it is, many brides are looking at ways to cut corners without compromising on making their big day one of the happiness of their lives. Like I have before, I will be featuring a series of postings highlighting ways you can have the perfect day without spending a fortune.

Below are some elegant bridal gowns all under $500 (some even under $200!):

Alex Evenings Single Shoulder Mesh Gown - Dillards: $120
Kate Metallic Strapless Dress - Ann Taylor: $199
Stretch Pique Sheath Dress - Neiman Marcus: $199 (plus an extra 20% for a limited time!)
Atria Fitted Low Back Gown - eDress Me: $205
Mary L. Couture Notch Bodice Halter Gown - Nordstrom: $228
Scala Beaded Off the Shoulder Gown - Dillards - $240
Silk Tricotine Sophia Long Dress - J Crew: $295
Silk Tricotine Goddess Long Dress - J Crew: $325
Calvin Klein Satin Gown with Detailed Bust - $330
V-neck A-line Chiffon and Satin Gown - The Rose Dress: $338
Faviana White Ruched Bodice Gown - eDress Me: $338
Tissue Organza and Satin Mermaid Strapless Gown - The Rose Dress: $350
Strapless Matte Satin Gown - The Rose Dress: $398
Aidan Mattox Niteline Beaded Strapless Gown - Nordstrom: $408
Taffeta Gown with Train - The Rose Dress: $498

New York Restaurant Week

New York Restaurant Week Winter 2009 kicks off January 18! From January 18-23 and 25-30 you can check out three course meals from some great New York establishments. Grab lunch for $24.07 or dinner for $35.00. Check out the list of restaurants and book your reservation now (I just made mine)!

Thanks, J & B!

Update: There's talk that restaurant may be extended until February!

Today Only: 25% Off MAC Cosmetics Online

Today only, you can get 25% off almost everything on MAC's site. Use code MACFF9 at checkout to get the deal (Viva Glam products are not included). Stack up on your Lip Glasses and Studio Fix foundations before the end of the day!