Ann Taylor Loft: 40% Off Already Reduced Prices!

Ann Taylor Loft is a great place for casual and business casual items for the conservative, sophisticated woman. Though at times I think their items are overpriced, they do have some great sales. My mom bought three items for a total of $30 last week. It looks like they have some similar deals online. Check them out:

Anya Braided Gold Thong - $24.99 + 40% Off

I am a little bitter about this...A couple weeks ago I went to New York and after walking around a lot, my feet were hurting so much that I had to find some flats to buy. I was so desperate that I paid full price - $29.00 for these. Just a few days later I found the same pair on sale at a location in Philly for $6.88. They are here for $14.99 - still a deal!

Stamped Flower Halter - $39.99 + 40% Off

I think this halter is too cute! The black and white combination is seen everywhere this summer. This shirt shows the combination in a delicate, sweet way.

Crochet Waist Dress - $79.99 + 40% Off

What a cute dress. I love the detailing of the crochet waist. It is available in regular and petite sizes.

Cool Card Cases

Do you have a cool case to hold your business cards? If not, check one of these out! Normally $40, these card cases are a steal at just $9.99 plus shipping.

West Elm Stylish Sale Items

I am becoming more and more fond of West Elm. They have great furniture and fresh, contemporary furniture. Their style reminds me of a mix between Pottery Barn and Pier 1. Here are some excellent buys I found on sale on their site.

Coconut Curtains - $9.99 for a set of 2

These coconut curtains totally remind me of the old beaded curtains from the 70s/80s. What a cute way to bring them back!

Artisan Salt & Pepper Shakers - $6.99 for set

I think these salt and pepper shakers are so neat. The unique shape, fresh colors and low price really make them a great buy.

Maze Embroidered Pillow Covers - $6.99

These maze pillow covers are so cute. I love the colors (though the "espresso" color is no longer available). The dimensions are 12"x 21" so these can work on a bed, couch, or chair.

Tip from the Diva: Beware of Cookies!

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that some retail sites monitor how many times you view a particular item and modify prices accordingly?

For instance, let's say you find an awesome dress on a website but you think it will probably go on sale. You periodically go to the site to see if the price has decreased, but instead the price has increased. What just happened??? The culprit may have been cookies stored on your computer. Apparently, when some retailers think you may be very interested in an item they increase the price because they know you are interested.

How can you avoid this?
1) Use different browsers (i.e., Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox)
2) Use different computers when viewing items
3) Delete your cookies (you can usually do this from your browser's toolbar. You may not want to delete all of your cookies, though)

Morton's - $99 Steak and Seafood for Two!

Be sure to check out this great deal from Morton's if you have a location near you. You can make reservations online. This coupon is valid until Sept. 30, 2007. Thanks Melissa!

Great Sale at the Gap!

I went to the Gap near me in Evanston, IL yesterday and found an amazing sale. I bought three items that were all under $10 each. Go to your local Gap to find some great deals!

Brown Wedges - $8.99 (they're listed as $14.99 online)


Red and Cream Straw Bag - $9.99 (same bag shown in blue and cream online for $19.99)

Short Sleeved Black T-Shirt - $4.99 (I couldn't find a picture of the item online)

Tip: Holiday Shopping for Dad in June!

I know it is hard to think about Christmas or Hanukkah in the summer months, but it could save you a lot of $$$! Fathers Day has passed and all of the gifts that were left unsold are now on sale for a fraction of original prices! Why not buy the special men in your life something now and tuck it away in your closet until December? These deals are also great if birthdays for your brother, father, or husband have not passed yet this year! And they're all from Red Envelope.

Excursion Tie Case - Was $60, now $19.99!

Does that man in your life travel often? This is a great way to protect his ties from getting wrinkled while he is on the road!

Excursion Shoe Shine Kit - Was $68-73, now $14.99 - 19.99!

Another great gift for a male traveler. This shoe shine kit comes in black and brown and can be engraved as well (without engraving is $14.99, with engraving is $19.99).

Double-Walled Beer Glasses - Was $78, now $39.99

These beer glasses are insulated to keep cold drinks very cold and prevent hot drinks from burning your hands. They were even featured on The Today Show! They come in a set of six.

English Shaving Set - Was $225, now $59.99!

This shaving kit was crafted in Sheffield, England and includes a razor (uses Gillette® Mach3 blades), brush and stand. Great gift idea!

New York Sample Sales!

Here are some sample sales going on in New York this week (thanks, DailyCandy!):

Designer: Catherine Malandrino
What: Dresses, skirts, tops, and so on from the spring/summer collection, all up to 80% off.
When: June 21-23. Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 5th flr

Designer: Miguelina
What: Billowy cover-ups are $75; tunics are $125; eyelet tops are $80; mini dresses are $65.
When: June 20-22. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 20 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 6th flr. (212-290-2996)

Designer: Alexander Wang
What: Load up on pants, sweaters, tops, and dresses — at wholesale and below.
When: June 21-23. Thurs., 3-8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: W Hotel Union Sq., 201 Park Ave S., at 17th St., 2nd flr., studio 3 (212-253-9119).

Designer: Matta and Pastec
What: Up to 75 percent off gorgeous sarongs, dresses, sandals, bags, and home accessories.
When: June 20-23. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 459 Broome St., b/t Mercer & Greene Sts. (212-343-9399).

Designer: Rebecca Taylor
What: Dresses, were $280-$400, now $165-$175; pants, were $275, now $120; blouses, were $265, now $120.
When: June 27 & 28. Wed., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 336 W. 37th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 11th flr. (212-388-0339).

Designer: Shoshanna
What: Swimsuits, were $150, now $50; tops, were $250, now $75.
When: June 19 & 20. Tues. & Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 422. (212-719-3601).

Designer: Olga Kapustina
What: Ultra-femme jersey and cotton dresses at 70 percent off.
When: June 21-23. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 161 W. 22nd St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 3rd flr.

Going to a Wedding? Dresses for Under $100!

Summer is definitely wedding season. If you are like me, you may have that one dress that is perfect for a summer wedding that you have been able to wear multiple times. The problem is, you can't really wear that dress to weddings of people who know each other - you don't want people to say "didn't she wear that to 's wedding"? Costs accumulate so quickly with flights, gifts, and hotels that you hardly have any cash left for a dress! Don't fear, here are some great dresses all for under $100!

Afternoon Weddings

Daisy Embroidered Spaghetti Strap Dress - $89.99

I absolutely LOVE this dress! With some strappy sandals or peep toe heels, this dress is bound to look fabulous!

Leaflet Tube Dress - $22.80

This strapless dress from Forever 21 really looks cute. The problem is, we can't really see how long the dress is. Since Forever 21 sometimes borderlines on "club gear only," this one may or may not be appropriate for a wedding.

Ruched Leaf Print Dress - $29.99

Run, don't walk to get this dress! Originally $89, this is a STEAL! The cinched waist and bow really bring some detailing to the dress. Great find!

Velvet Torch Corset Dress - $62.00

I think I saved the best for last in this section. I LOVE THIS DRESS (despite it being in the juniors section)! The colors are so fun and the corset waist pulls everything in. Nordstrom knows how to do it right.

Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are great. They are usually more casual and I love doing a bohemian chic look.

Long Floral Smocked Halter - $21.99

What a great deal from Mossimo at Target. This dress is particularly great for you taller divas.

Gap Bubble Dress - $34.99

I think this dress is so darling. With the right accessories, this will be perfect for a beach wedding. It's at the Gap and even better - it is available in petite and tall sizes.

Evening Weddings

Evening weddings tend to be more formal. I would stay away from a normal "little black dress" but instead would wear another color instead or a black dress with colorful accessories.

Lace Halter Dress - $46.90

What a great deal! This dress is feminine and elegant. The metalic accents really jazz it up. Also available in petites.

Strapless Sheath Dress - $89.99

Isaac Mizerahi really knows how to make Target clothing chic. This dress actually would be a great bridesmaid dress. I think it is so elegant. You could even get another sash in a different color to overlay the dress.

Deals for Dad

Father's Day is just one week away - what are YOU getting your dad? If you have not found the perfect gift for your dad yet, here are some ideas for you that won't break your wallet:

Golf Ball Display Case: Red Envelope - $24.99 (was $99!)

Is your dad a golfer? This display case can allow him to commemorate his favorite golfing moments (first hole in one, perhaps?).

Tommy Hilfiger Passcase with Cellphone Stand: Macy's - $19.99

Dads love functional style. This not only has multiple card slots and a removable ID holder, but also includes a fold-out cellphone holder that carries most any phone.

Outdoor Adventure Set: Macy's - $39.99

This outdoor adventure set is equipped with a two-band alarm clock radio with earbuds, a stainless steel multi-tool with pliers, knife, and bottle opener, high-powered mini binoculars, adjustable beam LCD flashlight and an ABS compass. It even has a detachable shoulder strap.

Ralph Lauren Velour Robe: Macy's - $56.25

This soft robe is embroidered with the Polo logo and comes in black, white and navy. What a great deal!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in your life!

Sale at Z Gallerie

Z Gallerie is my absolute favorite furniture/home goods store. Their sophisticated, contemporary merchandise is great! Below are some items I found during their sale section on their website. The catch: items on sale can't be returned!

Chocolate Cascade King/Queen Duvet - $69.99 (was $229.95)

Cube Vodka Set - $18.79 (was $26.95)

This set includes six shot glasses and a rectangular container. As seen in the picture, fill up the rectangular container with ice to cool the vodka in the shot glasses. They also carry a cube martini set that works similarly.

Diamonte Sconce - $24.89 (was $49.95)

You will have to buy your own candles, but I love the look of this sconce unit. Great for a foyer or any room in your house!

Have a Question?

Do you want to know where to find a particular item? Or how about how to entertain on a budget? If you have a question for the Diva on a Dollar, feel free to email me at divaonadollar@yahoo.com or post a comment!

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)

Bath & Body Works Memorial Day Sale - 5 for $10!

In stores only: Bath & Body Works is having a Memorial Day special - 5 of their anti-bacterial collection for only $10! I love taking advantage of these sales by stocking up on my handsoaps!

H&M Friends and Family Discount!

Check out H&M May 25 - 28th! Print out the graphic and enjoy the savings!

Also, register for future H&M friends and family email alerts at: http://www.hmfriendsandfamily.com/.