Today: 40% off of Accessories and Handbags in Banana Republic Stores

Banana Republic is offering 40% off all full price handbags and accessories. This is an in-store only sale going on right now. Today (Nov. 1st) is the last day of the sale. Open up a Banana Card and get an extra % off. Dallas shoppers - you can use your Partners Card and receive an extra 20%! Go stock up on holiday gifts! You can even get this beautiful smoky quartz pendant necklace for only $29.40. 

I went to Banana yesterday. It was about time for a new signature handbag (I've been rocking my LV Damier tote for about 2 1/2 years, so it's about time). I had a tough time deciding between both of these. Which one do you think I selected - the brown Cambridge Pleated Suede Tote or the black Wilshire Leather Tote? 

Save or Splurge: Satin Bow Clutch

Can you tell a $600+ difference between these two?

Splurge: Valentino Black Satin Detailed Clutch - $636 Bluefly.com

Save: Nine West Black Satin Bow Clutch - $19.99 ninewest.com

Thanks, Raquel!

Diva on a Dollar Undercover: 9 West Handbag

My, my, my....what have I just uncovered? A while back I bought these Chinese Laundry pumps in a beautiful dark turquoise color from a local DSW. So of course I had to find outfits and accessories to match! I found this Nine West multicolor exotic fold-over clutch that was perfect. The bluish color looked very close to the color of the shoes, so I had to have it! However, the bag was only available for pre-order to be shipped July 17th. The site said, "It's been sold out twice already and we're bringing it back later in the season (July) for a third time! Get as many as you can before we sell out again!" July??? Arrggh! But to my surprise I went to Endless.com and saw the same bag available immediately! Free one day delivery no less! Of course I bought it on the spot.

What I learned from this situation:
1) Always, ALWAYS shop around. You may be able to not only find better prices, but also items not available other places.
2) Just because a retailer says they are sold out of something doesn't mean you can't find it elsewhere. Who knows if Nine West tried to create demand for it by saying it wasn't available until July or if Endless just bought some a while back and still had the inventory. Either way it goes, refer back to #1.

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?

Casual Spring Bag from the Gap

Spring will be here before we know it. This casual fireglow nylon bow satchel bag from The Gap just screams sunshine! It's playful and feminine enough to make you forget it only cost $24.50 at full price - gotta love it!

Also, if orange doesn't tickle your fancy, they have it in green, brown, black, strawberry and blue.

Update: this bag is now $7.99!

What Every Woman Needs: A Hot Clutch

Payless continues to give itself a facelift. I saw this sleek red patent leather clutch today for just $14.99. What I love about this clutch is not only that it is sleek and in one of the season's hottest materials, but also that it can totally transform an outfit. Imagine some black leggings and black satin mod dress with this bag and some hot red shoes. Or maybe even that little black dress, an understated red bracelet and some red matte lipstick. Priceless! By the way, the clutch also comes in black.

Update: if you don't like patent leather and would rather go with faux lizard skin, for $20 more eBags has this Prezzo frame clutch that comes in black, red, blue and mustard. Fabulous!

When Did This Happen?

Over the years I have noticed that prices at some retailers formally known for reasonable clothing have increased. Below are some comparisons that really surprised me.

Which do you think costs more?

Express Striped Pencil Skirt

Ann Taylor Loft Pencil Skirt

Answer: Express Striped Pencil Skirt: $69.50, Ann Taylor Loft Pencil Skirt: $69. And you know the quality is not the same!

What about these?

Banana Republic Woven Leather Triangle Tote

Charles David Patent HoboMichael Kors Brookville Hobo

Answer:
Banana Republic Woven Leather Triangle Tote - $398
Charles David Chapman Hobo - $346
Michael Kors Brookville Hobo - $268

I would have thought BR would have been less than both Michael and Charles.

Bloomingdale's - Extra 50% Off!

Bloomie's is offering an additional 50% off of already reduced items online until August 13th! Use code SV89 at checkout to receive the offer.

The catch:
1) the deadline for in-store purchases is actually August 12th
2) Limited sizing

Here are some of the items I found:

Linen Eyelet Trimmed Dress - $32.50 (reduced to $64.99 + 50% off!)

This one has lots of sizes still available, including petites. It also comes in colors black and white.

Lambertson Truex Raffia/Leather Bag - $328.50

I know, hardly seems like a bargain, right? Well as a point of reference, the bag was originally almost $1100. Therefore, under $350 is definitely a steal!

Stretch Cotton One Button Jacket and Fly Front Tab Pants - Jacket: $25 for Misses and Petites, $27.50 for Womens, Pants: $15 for Misses (no Petite sizes available), $17.50 for Womens

I think this outfit is a fabulous steal. However, sizes and colors are limited. Though it may be difficult to purchase this a complete suit, you may still be able to buy one of the pieces.

New Favorite Bargain Shoe & Handbags Site - Endless.com

I recently discovered a bargain shoe and handbag site that I love! It's www.endless.com and it seems fabulous! Why is it so great? Here are a few reasons:

1. THEY PAY YOU for overnight shipping! Yes, for a limited time (they aren't saying how long), they will give you a $5 discount to ship your order overnight.


2. Great return policy - if you are not satisfied with your order, you can return within 1 year of purchase.
   
3. Ability to see the products very well. All their pictures allow you to zoom in to check it out the products as best you can online.


4. Great selection at great prices (need I say more?)!

I must say that I haven't bought anything yet, so I can only talk about what I've seen so far on the site, but I am interested in hearing from you Divas if you've purchased anything from them!

Here are some items I found on their site:

BCBGirls Women's Damaine Round Toe Pump - Only $39.89 (was $109.95!)

Comes in Black, Light Brown, and Golden Bronze

Harveys Carriage Bucket Tote in Razzleberry - $54.79 (was $214!!!).

Harveys is the original seatbelt handbag maker. I love these! Though this bag comes in several colors, for some reason this is the only one that is drastically discounted. I don't know about you, but I love the color.

Martinez Valero Women's Camille Slingback Sandal - $34.89 ($199.95)
What a great deal! And with wedding season in full effect, this is perfect timing (also in black)