J Crew Sale

J Crew does not often feature what I consider to be amazing sales, BUT they are actually running a promotion of 20% off their already reduced final sale items. The sale is going on until 9:59 PM EST on August 25th.

The low down: since they are final sale, no returns are allowed. Also, sizes and colors tend to be limited. I found the following cute items for great prices:

Halter Embossed Beach Dress - $31.99 ($39.99 + 20% Off)

This dress used to be almost 100 bucks, so this really is a great deal. There are several sizes and colors still left!

Marsala Patent Leather Cut-Out Ballet Flats - $39.99 ($49.99 + 20% off)

I think these ballet flats are just darling! Also coming in persimmon, these shoes were originally $138! They only have sizes 6 and 7 still available (I am pretty excited that I am a size 6!), so jump on these quick! They do have ballet flats in different textures and colors with more available sizes.

Favorite-fit Natural Italian Linen Wide-leg Pants - $47.99 ($59.99 + 20% off)

One thing I will say about J Crew is that their quality is pretty impeccable. They usually have great fit and workmanship so I can only imagine how these linen pants look on. Like the ballet flats they were $138, so these are another fabulous deal. Unfortunately they only have these left in size 6.

Restaurant Week Extended (Boston, Dallas & NYC)!

If you live in Dallas, New York or Boston, you are probably sad that Restaurant Week is over. If you're a foodie like me, you are pretty darn excited that many of the restaurants have been extended until September 2nd or 3rd! What, you haven't heard of Restaurant Week? Say it ain't so! Well Restaurant Week is when the city's best restaurants offer prix-fixe dinner menus for about $35. So are you wondering which of your favorite restaurants are offering these great deals? Check out these links for New York, Dallas, and Boston.

I actually checked out a couple restaurants this past weekend in Dallas. I felt even better when I found out that the proceeds go to local charities. So anyway, on Friday night my friend Kelley and I went to Kirby's Steak House. Instead of a 3 course meal we actually had a 4 course meal since they added in a salad. We had lobster cargot for an appetizer (chunks of lobster prepared like escargot - drenched in butter!), a salad, filet oscar and cheesecake grenache. Everything was excellent. On Saturday my friends Amber and Ashanti joined me at McCormick & Schmicks. Not too exotic,I know. But again, I was pleased. We had a lobster and crab bisque for starters, Ashanti and I had a blackened redfish while Amber had a surf and turf with shrimp and filet. For dessert Ashanti and I had quatro leches bread pudding and Amber had their key lime pie. All I have to say is that quatro leches bread pudding was to die for! Just amazing.

Enjoy! And let me know what you think about the restaurants you visit! By the way, Philly's Restaurant Week is coming September 23-28 - check it out!

Barneys Warehouse Sale in NY and LA

Yes, Barneys is having a warehouse sale in their New York and Los Angeles locations! Unfortunately the LA sale is only going on until tomorrow, August 19th. The New York sale will be going on until September 3rd (yea!). You will find things marked down 50-75% off regular price. More details can be found here (thanks Larry!).

You don't live near LA or NY? Don't fret, you can always check out your nearest Barneys outlet store.

Texas Tax Free Weekend!

Calling all Texas divas: Run to the malls today and tomorrow (you may even see me there :))! All weekend long you can be relieved from paying sales tax on most clothing and shoes - just in time for going back to school. You can find a list of taxed and non-taxed items here. Enjoy!

Prada Sample Sale New York

Gotta love Prada! Tuesday August 21st - 23rd they are having a sample sale by appointment only at The Fuller Building at 57th Street and Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor in New York. Details (there are quite a few stipulations) can be found at www.pradasamplesale.com. All samples are 60-80% off retail! This should definitely be worth checking out! By the way, don't bring cash - credit and debit will only be accepted. Thanks, Larry!

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.

Vera Wang Dresses for Under $200

In checking out Bluefly.com today I noticed quite a few Vera Wang dresses for under $200! The catch: very limited sizing. You may get lucky though. For you plus sized divas, they have quite a few sized 16-20 dresses available. Check 'em out:

Mint Sateen Strapless Gown - $149 (was $290)













Find it here.

Bisque Sateen Chiffon - $169.99 (was $320)

Find it here.

Dune Textured Sateen Dress - $119.99 (was $220)












Who said you couldn't have a Vera Wang bridesmaid dress for under $200??? Find this one here.


Black Moire Black Cocktail Dress - $199.99 ($395)












OK, this one is just barely under 200, but it was worth posting nonetheless. Find it here.

Look What I Found...

As many of you know, I recently moved to Dallas, Texas and am getting acclimated to the area. In addition to too many trips to Target and Linens & Things, I have also been trying to learn the ins and outs of shopping in the area. Yesterday I made a quick trip to the Allen Premium Outlets, and I must say I was pretty impressed. Unfortunately I was unable to stay very long, but I had a chance to briefly check out Ann Taylor, The Gap, Banana Republic (their outlet stores often disappoint me), Kasper (needed some work clothes), and my favorite store for the day - the Michael Kors Outlet. Granted, many of the items there were not cheap, but when I entered the back of the store, something made my heart flutter with glee - a $19.99 rack of shoes!

Below is the pair I bought (mine are brown but they had beige and black there too), but they had many of their summer styles for the same price. I felt even better about my purchase once I realized I could not find the same pair under $100 online. Gotta love it!

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Downtown Woven Sling - $19.99

You can find a listing of all of the Michael Kors Outlets here. Happy shopping!

Update: for you Chicago divas, there is a Michael Kors outlet opening at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora on September 24th!

Weekend Deals August 11-12!

Love Those Stacked Racks IV Sample Sale: Chicago, August 11 & 12:

Beta Boutique will be filling a 6000 square foot loft space with tons of items from local designer stocks and samples as well as boutique overstock items this coming weekend only. Prices will start at just $10! It takes place Saturday, August 11th from 10AM -6PM and Sunday, August 12th from 11 AM - 5PM. Location: Wicker Park: 1552 N. Milwuakee, 2nd floor loft space, between North Ave. & Honore, next to Art + Science Salon (thanks Beta Boutique!)

JC Penney's Friends and Family August 12

Have you been to JCPenney lately? If not, you may want to take the opportunity this Sunday. You can go to this site and print out the full size coupon. One of my friends started working for the company recently and had this to say:

The new Ambrielle brand lingerie is pretty good. I like the Chip & Pepper (C7P) designer jeans... There are some cute Bisou Bisou and Nicole (Nicole Miller’s line) dresses. The kids section is decent…Arizona (my brand) has some cute kids stuff. The bath towels are top notch. The Mens Stafford suits are great. And the fine jewelry is pretty nice.

So, you may want to give Penney's a chance. I will be hitting the stores in Dallas on Sunday(Thanks Kelley)! By the way, did you know that they are starting to put Sephoras in some of their stores? You can even purchase Sephora items through their website.

Basics on Sale at Ann Taylor Loft!

I always believe it is best to purchase your basic, staple items when they are on sale. Ann Taylor Loft is currently featuring a bunch of basic items for the low-low!

Smocked Stretched Button-Front Sleeveless Top - $3.88

That's right, this sleeveless button-down shirt is only $3.88 so you know it is going to go FAST! Note: this item is a final sale item so it can't be returned. But, at less than 5 bucks, who cares???

Short-Sleeved V-Neck - $9.99

I refuse to buy v-necks for more than $12.50. This one comes in five different colors, while supplies last! They also have scoop necks at the same price!

Cayman Strappy Flip-Flops - $9.99

As I was looking more closely at these flip-flops I realized that they only have size 5's available at this time. So, if you are a size 5 and need some white flip-flops, check these out!

Hot Sandals at Target

That Isaac Mizrahi has done it again! Not only has he designed some fabulous shoes for our favorite Tar-jay, but some of the cutest styles are also on sale!

Amanda Strappy Wedge Sandals - $7.49

You just can't beat this deal. These cute black wedges can easily be dressed up or down. They are actually even more fabulous in gold (on sale for $14.99 - Thanks Danielle!).

Erin Linen Platform Sandals - $7.49

Reviewers are ranting and raving about not only how cute these black platforms are, but also how comfortable they are as well. Comfortable, chic and cheap? Can't get much better than that!

Gabriela Rope Wedge Sandals - $14.99

These beige casual wedges are just adorable!

Calling All Dallas Divas

Now that I have finished business school, I am moving from Chicago to Dallas to start a new job. I have never lived in Dallas before, so I am hoping that some of you - my loyal readers - can fill me in on the best shopping in the area (I hear there's tons!). Shoot me an email at divaonadollar@yahoo.com or post a comment to let me know what resources Dallas has to allow me to continue being THE Diva on a Dollar!

Getting Married on a Budget?

I have been receiving a lot of requests lately about not only inexpensive options for those attending weddings, but also bridal party dresses for less. The Plain Dealer and Fashion Nette-Work have some great advice. Here are some other wedding (under $500) and bridesmaid dresses (under $200) for you bargain brides!

WEDDING DRESSES

Strapless Charmeuse - $308

This strapless gown is made of charmeuse. The sweetheart neckline and small train really add elegance to this gown. Check out http://www.the-rose-dresses.com/ for more great options.

Strapless Gathered Gown - $358

This gown is really beautiful. The gathering of the skirt and the detailing of the bodice really make this dress stand out. It's hard to believe it's only $358!

Caroline Long Halter - $295

J Crew really suprised me with this halter dress for $295. Quite simple and elegant.

Trapunto Bell Dress - $159.99

Isaac Mizrahi has done it again! This man continues to bring reasonable, chic clothing to Target. His Trapunto dress will make any bride look like a princess.

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Chloe Strapless Dress - $128

This Chloe strapless gown from Ann Taylor is on sale for $128 ($178 + 50% off). What a deal! With a plethora of colors and sizes, your bridal party is bound to look beautiful.

Long Strapless Chiffon - $115

This strapless dress is a great deal. It's featured in chiffon with a beaded applique and mini train. There are tons of colors available and it is available in sizes 2-28.


Eliza J Tiered Strapless Dress - $149

I think this satin tiered dress is so fun, yet polished. Also available in gold and mint. You can find it at Macy's.

Fendi Sunglasses - Snatch These Quick!

These Fendi Sunglasses are now on sale for $99 at Nordstrom.com (they were $295)! Grab them because they will go fast!

Fendi Aviator Sunglasses with Logo

Fendi Signature Cutout Sunglasses

Body Shop - Buy 1, Get 1 1/2 Off

The Body Shop is featuring many of their body and bath items on sale - buy one, get one half off. I was so excited that their body butters are included! Also included are their whipped body lotions and body scrubs, amongst others. I got their Shea lotion, Coconut body scrub and Almond body butter. If any of you are still upset that they discontinued their Sesame body butter, check out Almond. It has a similar consistency and an subtly sweet scent.