Groupon

So, I'm a bit late to this party, but I think my whole city was. Groupon is a group discount site where a daily deal is listed and you elect to participate in the offer. A minimum number of people have to participate in order for the deal to actually go through. Most of the deals I have seen have been for 50% off or more. Some of the deals are savvy local businesses, while others are national franchises or large business. Now Groupon offers a referral reward of $10 for every referral. The good news is that many of the offers run about $10, so you could end up with quite a few super deals by referring friends.

My Ode to Clogs

I know, I know, clogs? Yes, clogs. Do they look goofy? Sometimes. Is the sizing odd? Yes. But if you get sizing right, you can rock these. For years I have avoided the clog, but this year they have made their way onto the in-style landscape. While you will generally see edgier variations of the clog from designers like Steve Madden and Kenneth Cole, they are clogs nonetheless. But first let me introduce the clog before the different incarnations of it. This is the basic closed back clog. Some like the open back style as well.


Here is the newest member of my clog arsenal. I can only say that these are by far the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, even more than my sneakers. I also have a few Mary Jane style clogs in my collection .

A few things to know about clogs. Two of the most popular brands are Dansko and Sanita. It is a good idea to go into a store to get the fit right and then order online as you can get much better prices online than in stores. Most clogs will run from $100-150, but you can consistently find them for $65-85 online. The two images above will take you to www.clogoutlet.com which offers the best deal on the Sanitas pictured above at this time (79.95 with free shipping). You can expect them to last years, so think of them as investments and choose styles that are not too trendy but more classic. Also, try not to go too crazy with the prints available now. And, it is probably a good idea to never wear your clogs with striped socks or stockings unless the odd witch look is what you are actually after. These look best with a bootcut jean that almost reaches the bottom of the heel of the clog. With all this in mind, you can add a pop of funk and color to your outfit just by adding these amazingly comfortable shoes to your wardrobe.

Here are a few images of the other clog styles I love:

Beware of outlet pricing as the clogs offered are usually seconds which have varying types and degrees of blemishes. With some styles (like patent leathers) this might matter more.

Winter Wardrobe Essentials

Jeans are a staple for every season, but when winter rolls around, your tanks and camis just don't cut it if you live anywhere that actually has a cold season. Adding a few chunky sweaters, a good jacket or two, and long sleeved shirts for layering will get you all set for the season. There are lots of sweaters and cardigans today at ideeli.com. Here are just a few:


Also at www.ideeli.com is a collection of larry levine coats. When it comes to coats, you should look for classic lines because a great wool coat can last you many season, so long as the lines are not so trendy that they become dated.


Members Only jacket anyone? You can find several styles at ideeli.com. Here's a quick look at what's available. Of course, many of you know Members Only as that 80's quinticenstial jacket. It's back with a bit of the old and lost of the new. You will find them to be a bit edgier and in a variety of materials including leather.

James Jeans

In the market for some James Jeans? You are in luck today. Ruelala.com has a boutique, but the real deals are at smartbargains.com. Something to know about these jeans, they actually do run true to size. So, if you are an 8 and order a size 29, you should be fine. I can say from my own experience that I have order my true size and been fine with four pair of James Jeans. They are in the boutique for about $69, but I order some today from smartbargains.com for $39.95. There is definitely more to choose from in the boutiques, but they come and go on smartbargains.com quite often. Several of the styles and colors available at smartbargains.com are currently in the boutique sale. Your note to self is that you should not pay more than $40 forthese awesome jeans, unless you are desperate to have them.

Ramping Up for Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, it's a great time to start looking into gifts for family and friends. The last couple weeks have been fairly uneventful in the retail boutique world (in my humble opinion). I have found a few this week that are very tempting. At Hautelook.com, Rock and Republic jeans and shoes are featured at around 50% off retail prices. From what I have read, you should order up one size.

Modnique.com has a great Pearl and Gemstone necklace boutique. I have already been back three times, and I think this time I will actually buy one of the necklaces I have been tempted by. There are so many options with freshwater pearls because they are available in so many colors (dyed). Here are a few I have been thinking about, and at $29.00 or less you can't go wrong:
Almost forgot something. I have been on the hunt for a great pair of boots for this season ( if you get a good quality pair, they can last years). After spending a week searching I finally found a pair (or two, but who's counting). Then today, I found these on Beyondtherack.com. They are all leather uppers and run only $45, which is an amazing deal. They would look so cute with a pair of skinny or strait leg jeans tucked in, boot cut jeans worn over, or with tights or stockings and a skirt.

Mmmmm Movado

In the market for a Movado? My all time favorite watch brand is featured in a beyondtherack.com boutique. As I was recently shopping for a new one, I can tell you this model was being sold for $999.99 at Costco and is here at beyondtherack.com for $769. So this is a great deal.

Must See

Today ideeli.com will feature a People's Liberation boutique. This is currently my absolute fave brand of jeans. The jeans run true to size. The biker jacket is a great option, but I found the sleeves to be a bit tight, so you might want to order up. Also featured is a dolce and gabanna boutique ith drastically reduced prices, but I still cannot justify hundreds for a single item of clothing. However, this might be a must have item for some of you, so I am putting it out here. The clothes really are beautiful. To tempt you even further, there is an evening gown boutique with really great prices and great dresses. I am going to toot tadashi shoji again. My dress came yesterday and fits like a glove and true to size. There is also a d&g boutique today, but when you look at the dolce and gabanna collection, the d&g collection really pales in comparison.

Modnique.com has a fendi sunglass boutique featuring $99 fendi sunglasses. Good price but I am a little nervous about buying sunglasses online bacuse you don't know how crazy they might look on your face. That's just me though.

Happy shopping.