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!)

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. 

Worth It or Worthless?

I was appalled when I went to the Limited recently to discover a suit blazer for close to $200. Granted, this was their "Travel Suit" that is supposed to be machine washable and wrinkle resistant. However, I have a problem buying anything so expensive from the Limited. Then I realized they're not the only ones who have started charging premium prices. 

Tell me what you think: are these worth it or worthless? 

Banana Republic: BR Monogram Leather Trench - $1200

Express: Black Leather Volume Trench - $598

Banana Republic: BR Monogram Geometric Sheath Dress - $198

Arden B: Abstract Babydoll Dress - $148

Express: High Waist Pencil Skirt - $88

30 Percent off at Banana Republic – Today Only!

Celebrate Banana Republic's 30th anniversary with 30% off your purchase both online and in store! Online use Code HAPPY30 at check out. In store have the cashier use discount code 893.

If you have not seen BR's new fall items, check them out! So sleek and classic! And at 30% off, why not splurge a bit?

Here are some of my favorites. The prices do not reflect the 30% discount. I have also added in some of their sale items. Happy shopping!

Silk Tie-Neck Blouse - $79

Classy Trouser Jean - $59.99

Green Pleated Full Skirt - $39.99

Tan Trench Coat - $225.00

Adorable Skirts Under $25

I don't know about you, but skirts are my favorite summertime wardrobe staple. Here are some adorable skirt finds - all for under $25!

Mosaic Print Skirt: Forever 21 - $15.80

Merona Chino Skirt: Target - $19.99 (I just bought this one and I love it!)

Petite Flower Paisley Medallion Print Skirt: Ann Taylor - $24.99

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?

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.