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.

My Fave Fab Find (of the week)

I ordered this knee-length wool blend coat from Overstock.com. This was actually my sixth attempt at finding that perfect winter coat. Five have already been sent back. I had a dream of looking like Carolyn Besette-Kennedy in her coat and slim jeans. Well on my latest attempt I hit pay dirt. This is Via Spiga Women's Cashmere Blend Wool Walker Coat. It runs a size small, so order up one size. But it fits like a dream and creates a great silhouette. It just takes pounds off you and makes you look long, lean, and trim. I am so happy with it. It was $104.00 and worth every penny. Love. Love. Love. I will just have to wait for the weather to cool down enough to wear it.

Online Shopping Sites Repost

I will periodically repost this post in order for new readers to easily find the links to join this marvelous world of internet shopping.

Like I said before, I started this to share my designer bargain hunting info on a larger scale. Rather than forward the email again, I thought I could just post the info here and direct friends and friends of friends to this site.

These are the sites I use. Some will require you to join. All are free unless you opt for premium membership, which I did at smartbargains.com for an additional 10% off all orders and discounted shipping. The first set of sites have new designer boutiques that open each day and stay open for one to two days. The items in each boutique are sold on a first come first serve basis. They allow you to put an item in your cart where it is on hold for you for a limited amount of time. After the time limit, the item is released and available for others to purchase. After a couple weeks you might see a last chance sale where unsold items from the designer boutiques are featured in a last chance boutique. You will find the price is usually lower than in the original release but stock is limited and often these are final sales which are not returnable. Also, referring friends to the site who make a purchase usually earns you some form of merchandise credit.

http://www.hautelook.com
http://www.beyondtherack.com
http://www.ideeli.com
http://www.modnique.com
http://www.shopbop.com

The following do not require you to join. I have found that the end of season sales for yoox.com are awesome. However, I avoid shopping here unless there is a sale. I do most of my "not club" shopping at smartbargains.com. I think they have a reasonable return policy and rate (prepaid return shipping label for 9.95 which is deducted from credit). 6pm.com has good prices but returns are at customer's expense and I almost had to spend $45 dollars for my return there before squeezing the items into a smaller box which still cost $20.

http://www.smartbargains.com/
http://www.myperfectsale.com/
http://www.6pm.com/
http://www.yoox.com/ (where I got my citizens of humanity jeans for 39.00)

Happy joining.

Another Kid Friendly Boutique

I took a minute to look at this collection for little girls at hautelook.com. I really wish I had not because there were so many cute outfits for little girls (a little pricey though). I especially like the bold bright colored ensembles. If you have a little girl in your life, she is sure to love these outfits. There are even coordinating hair clips. Too cute.

Happy shopping.

On Sale Today

A couple more things to take note of. Maybe I have just been totally blind to dresses, but this season there are so many beautiful designs. I have the urge to dress up just from looking at these great dresses. There are several Calvin Klein boutidues on Ideeli.com today. If you click on the image, it will take you to the sale. So, as you can see, there is a dress boutique, an accessory boutique, an outerwear boutique, and even a couple suiting and athletic boutiques...all by Calvin Klein. I am a sucker for scarves and pruses (who am I kidding, I'm a sucker for shopping) and bought more than one of the infinity scarves on the left: gray (because it is the new black), purple (because it is a great accent color that goes with one of my purses) and red (just beacuse I could not resist).


For you snow bunnies, there is an Oakley boutique open on ruelala.com. Fortunately for us sunchasers, there are sunglasses in the boutique.

More in Store

There is always more in store with these boutiques. There are a couple that you should definitely check out this week. The first mentionable is the Antik Denim boutique opening on ruelala.com on the 13th of October (Wednesday). I do enjoy my Antik Denim. This brand is know for their elaborate stitching on the back pockets. Some are far flashier than other styles, and we will just have to wait to see what is in the boutique this Wednesday. Something to keep in mind. I have found these to run extra small. I actually order up two sizes. From other sites, it seems that these run one to two sizes small. I am about 5''8" and find the length of these to be perfect for me.


Also, opening this week on ideeli.com is the Kenneth Cole outerwear boutique. I have to admit, I do love a great coat, even if it rarely gets cold enough to wear one where I am. This even starts on Friday the 15th. The Kenneth Cole outwear line tends to feature really clean classic lines, so a Kenneth Cole coat can be a keeper for years, not just this season. There should be both long and short options. Both will be awesome paired with a nice pair of your favorite jeans, dressed up or down. For a trendier option to the classic black or charcoal, camel will be in full force this fall and winter. Take a walk on the wilder side with a camel color wool coat. Don't forget that gray is the new black.


As always, happy shopping.

For the Kiddos

For those of you who have come to love the nostalgia of Melissa and Doug wooden toys, this boutique is for you. For one more day at ideeli.com, you can find amazing deals on these durable toys. With three kids of my own, I can say these were most popular up to age five. The younger kids seem to really enjoy the hands on nature of these toys. With so many themes, you are sure to find something for every little one in your life.

Happy Monday

A couple boutiques we all should take note of. Tomorrow there is a Timbuk2 boutique opening on Ruelala.com. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Timbuk2 bags are a trendy mix of funky styles and practical shapes. There are several sizes all with the trademark bold color combinations. Most styles are messenger bags, but there are a few totes. What will be in the boutique tomorrow? Hard to say, but definitely worth a peek.

One boutique I have been waiting excited for is the Swatch boutique at beyondtherack.com. Yes, Swatch. The trendy watch company that has reinvents itself many times over. The new ones look very interesting, so you can be sure I will be there tomorrow checking out the available styles. You will very likely see me sorting a few new ones...not at the same time.

To signup for these two sites please checkout the post I published on 10/6/2010 called Fashion Insider Info.

Happy shopping.

Fab Food Find

I am not sure how many of you eat nuts, but I have been told they are a great healthy snack...in moderation. I, however, have always had a problem with limiting my intake. You know, the old "can't eat just one" phrase? For me it applied to everything, not just Lay's potato chips. Well, if you can tolerate spicy, then I have found the answer for you. Last week I came across Lime and Chile Mixed Nuts at Trader Joe's. The nuts are spicy enough to make you slow way down when you are eating, and then you end up not eating as many. They are my new fave for savory snacking, but watch out for the roasted whole chilies.

Happy snacking...always.

Holiday Glamour

For those of you gearing up for holiday parties and other festivities, Tadashi Shoji is a featured designer at http://www.ideeli.com. This line features uber femine lines and flowing fabrics or on the flip side, curve hugging bandage dresses for an edgy sophistication. The selection is still good, but at about $125 the dresses will be going quickly. This boutique closes in three days. You can also find Tadashi Shoji at http://www.smartbargains.com/. The prices are a bit better but the selection is much more limited. From the reviews, it seems that this designer's clothes run true to size.

Happy shopping.

For Moms, Babies, and Big Kids

I totally forgot about this site. Its boutiques are dedicated to moms, babies and kids. I have not bought anything here yet, but the boutiques have been very well stocked with good gift giving items http://www.zulily.com/invite/jyasukochi664.

Happy shopping.

Good Things

Heads up. Tomorrow www.hautelook.com will have a few great boutiques. I do enjoy a great pair of Sanctuary pants. This particular brand runs true to size. I am especially fond of the style called "peace pants." This style has a long line with flared relaxed legs. Great for a relaxed cold weather weekend pair with a cozy sweater. The colors are earthy and easy to wear.

Another boutique that starts tomorrow is Sweet Pea. The line features printed mesh tops with rich colors and flattering lines. The brand runs true to size (s 4/6, m 8/10, l 12/14). These tops are great with a pair of cut offs or dressed up with a skirt and heels. They are a great pop of color, especially for those of us who can only handle color is small doses.

Finally, a boutique to check out is the handbag blowout. If you happened to miss out a bag boutique in the past week or so, there is a good chance you will find it or something similar featured in this blowout. You have to act quick though because there are limited numbers and it is first come first served.

Boutiques open at 8am PT, so get there early. Happy shopping.

Fashion for Kids

Yes, I have even begun to hunt for designer bargains for my kiddos. A lot of it has to do with the fact that where we are, so many of us shop at Target for convenience that our kids look like they are wearing a Target uniform because of the lack of variety. For variety sake I do shop for my kids online more. Today, at hautelook.com one of the featured designer boutiques is:

Have to say, there are some super cute items for little boys and both big and little girls. I particularly like these:

Happy hunting.

Fashion Insider Info

Like I said before, I started this to share my designer bargain hunting info on a larger scale. Rather than forward the email again, I thought I could just post the info here and direct friends and friends of friends to this site.

These are the sites I use. Some will require you to join. All are free unless you opt for premium membership, which I did at the smartbargains.com for an additional 10% off all orders and discounted shipping. The first set of sites have new designer boutiques that open each day and stay open for one to two days. The items in each boutique are sold on a first come first serve basis. They allow you to put an item in your cart where it is on hold for you for a limited amount of time. After the time limit, the item is released and available for others to purchase. After a couple weeks you might see a last chance sale where unsold items from the designer boutiques are featured in a last chance boutique. You will find the price is usually lower than in the original release but stock is limited and often these are final sales which are not returnable. Also, referring friends to the site who make a purchase usually earns you some form of merchandise credit.

http://www.hautelook.com
http://www.beyondtherack.com
http://www.ideeli.com
http://www.modnique.com
http://www.shopbop.com

The following do not require you to join. I have found that the end of season sales for yoox.com are awesome. However, I avoid shopping here unless there is a sale. I do most of my "not club" shopping at smartbargains.com. I think they have a reasonable return policy and rate (prepaid return shipping label for 9.95 which is deducted from credit). 6pm.com has good prices but returns are at customer's expense and I almost had to spend $45 dollars for my return there before squeezing the items into a smaller box which still cost $20.

http://www.smartbargains.com/
http://www.myperfectsale.com/
http://www.6pm.com/
http://www.yoox.com/ (where I got my citizens of humanity jeans for 39.00)

Happy joining.

Good eats

Have you noticed how there seems to have been a rebirth of vanilla flavored everything? Brilliant that you could remarket plain jane. Anyhow, I have officially joined the vanilla lover's bandwagon. My two new faves are vanilla goldfish crackers (more like cookies) and the new thick and creamy vanilla yoplait. Even the fat free version is amazing. So go out and eat some plain Jane snacks. Happy eating.

Welcome

It would probably be prudent for me to give a bit of background on this whole blog thing. A few months ago I began a dramatic transformation. I lost about 40 pounds and found a whole new world of fashion at my fingertips. For more than ten years prior to my weight loss I was constantly trying to squeeze into clothes that would not fit and would almost always leave the stores depressed. After the weight loss I was able to finally get into clothes I wanted to. I went from a size 16 to a size 8. So, needless to say I have had to get a whole new wardrobe...not that I am complaining. I have had a great friend, who I will refer to as Style Sensei, who has schooled me in the ways of brand name shopping, and to her I can only say thank you and why did you have to introduce me to this wicked life of fashion awareness? That is not to say I am in any stretch of the imagination a fashionista...but I am trying...maybe "in training."

I have been sharing whatever I have been able to learn about shopping designer names on a budget with friends. After forwarding the same email to several people I thought this might be a better way to share new info and new fab finds. Stay tuned for updates on clothes, accessories and beauty products.