24

Jan

If a Kardashian Can Do It, So Can I

Hold your horses: I mean I can COUPON for thrilling deals, not sign up for a 72 day marriage!  I clip coupons for groceries and shop sales, but I only recently discovered how to shop smarter via sites like RetailMeNot. A quick search recently returned a sales code for a deep discount at one of my favorite shoe stores; how did I not know about this?!  

Since sharing is caring, I’m passing on a few highly recommended favorite deals and steals sites for your shopping pleasure.

1. RetailMeNot offers coupon codes and printable coupons at over 150,000 popular stores (even for groceries!).   The site  features an Offer Portal with top deals and coupon codes for certain popular gifting periods.  The website also offers a Mac dashboard widget.  I don’t think I’ll be able to ever shop again without consulting this website.

2. ShopStyle is excellent for “cross-shopping hundreds of thousands of apparel, home decorating and kids products — all in one place.  Featuring products from the most popular designer brands and big name fashions, to the up and coming boutiques, ShopStyle lets users search the most stylish stores at once — by designer, brand, store, sale items, price point, and color.”  Use it to set sales alerts on your favorite brands;  the website sends you email blast when the item is marked down.  ShopStyle also offers a free mobile app for iPhone and iPad users.  Fun feature: the Community Looks section, where users can play fashion stylist and put together looks.

3.  Indea L. recommends My Habit (a membership-only website, but you can sign in with your amazon.com account).  MyHabit describes itself as “a private fashion sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands.  Most [sales] start daily at 11 AM CT and last 72 hours.   Prices are up to 60% off list prices.”  There were so many to-die-for designer and boutique labels to drool over that I barely got this post written (do the names House of Harlow, Catherine Malandrino or Fendi ring a bell?)!  Perks include “fast, free shipping and returns in the U.S.”  The MyHabit mobile app alerts members to new designers and sales.

4.  Designer Apparel is a “members-only personalized shopping experience, providing exclusive access to designer sales and customized email alerts on the top fashion brands. Designer Apparel scours the web to find the best prices and promotions so its members are the first to know when items from the most coveted designers go on sale. ”  With pieces from Marchesa and Balenciaga and members-only private sales, what’s not to love?

5.  Kesha T. recommends Yowza!!, a free mobile app which provides location-specific coupons to over 15,000 sellers nationwide.  No more handing over tattered coupons; just show your iPhone to the cashier.  Yowza!! also has a piggy bank feature which shows you how much you’ve saved.

6.  Gilt City, another gem suggested by Indea L., allows you to search for deals by city.  The site describes itself as “the key that unlocks the very best your city has to offer for less,  [having] combed through hundreds of neighborhoods, [and] countless things to do and boiled it all down to the most sought-after experiences and services just for you.” 

7.  Ideeli.com is yet another members-only, designer apparel sales site that hosts a sale at 11 AM CT each day.  The site and its mobile app feature “more than a dozen new sales showcase fashion for men, women and children, home décor and travel at up to 80% off.”  A neat perk?  Refer friends to Ideeli; if 10 become buyers you receive $250 in credits to use on the site.

8.  Looking to treat your feet? Jessica C. finds super shoe deals at Heels.com.  This women’s shoe mecca offers free shipping and returns, and has a loyalty program that allows you to earn points with each purchase.  I also love its sales page  and the fact that the site utilizes video to show you what the shoes actually look like while worn.

Enjoy!

Image via StyleHive

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12

Jan

Change is Good

One of my very elegant grandmothers once told me:  “If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.”  Now, she was giving me advice on finding a man (which is a post for another day and a whole other blog), but the same applies with fashion.  If your look needs a serious shot in the armoire, now’s the time to try something different.  I’m not suggesting you tattoo your neck or decide to wear a tutu every day.  But I’ll give you an example:  I’ve never, EVER shopped in Talbots.  I always peeked in the window as I passed by, but shop there? Never.  Why?  Because I always thought it was for someone far older, far wealthier, far more something [insert another totally off-base assumption here] than I happen to be.  But this recent photo shoot for O  Magazine  made me see the women’s store in a new light.

In search of the pink pants pictured, I stepped into Talbots at the Summit earlier this week.  And while some of the items were not my taste (which is probably going to be the case wherever one browses), I did find several pairs of  kicky flats festooned with bows, a bright turquoise suede clutch, and other pieces that fit my lifestyle, budget and aesthetic. (The  fact that the store was in the middle of a serious sale didn’t hurt, either.)  I left the store empty-handed, but it occurred to me: what have I been writing off that I should be trying?

My challenge to you this week is to stop in a store you’ve never considered.  Try something on that you previously thought was too daring, too colorful, too young, too old or out of your league fashion-wise.  If you only buy high-end, saunter into Forever 21 for something fun and frivolous.  And if you stick to fast fashion that is heavy on trends, consider an investment piece that you could own forever.  You might be pleasantly surprised.

Or you could play it safe, blend in with the wallpaper and remain age-appropriate.  How’s that working out for you?

Riiiiiight.

Image via Talbots

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11

Jan

Baby, it’s Cold Outside…

…and the days of running around without a coat, shivering in our work or partywear are SO over.  Catching the flu because you’re inappropriately dressed for the cold is definitely not what’s haute in the streets! So what’s a chicster to do?  Make sure your outerwear is every bit as fab as your outfit, of course!

The past few days have been blessedly warm(er), but slow your roll before you replace your boots with flip flops.  Now is the perfect time to catch deals on winter coats and accessories, according to Frugal Living.  But don’t settle for just any old coat; make a statement!  MSN offers old Hollywood as inspiration, and I {heart} a vintage (or vintage-inspired) coat, like the Kate Spade swing coat shown.  Similar wool and cashmere versions with quality linings with fur or “fur” collars and cuffs can often be found at your local thrift or consignment shop.  I scored a camel-colored mid-century model with mink trim and three quarter sleeves at Hanna’s Antique Mall last year that is adorable.  I love that these coats often have linings embroidered with their previous owner’s initials; it kind of gives each piece a story.

If you’ve got a good, heavy winter coat, why not try a smart, all-weather trench that can carry you into spring,  something in an unusual color (a white coat against an all black outfit is so chic!),  or invest in a dressier evening coat?  Many veer to furs or wraps for after five, but a satin opera coat or velvet cape is just as lovely.  And don’t forget your gloves and scarf as a finishing touch!  If you’re feeling particularly crafty, P.S. I Made This has super-cute Lanvin-inspired ear muffs you can make (whip up the faux version, so you don’t end up in PETA’s doghouse with Dr. Dre and Oscar De La Renta).

Image via Kate Spade

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06

Jan

Calling All Target Shoppers: Jason Wu Collection Launches February 5

Let's Get Ready to Rummmmble!

Jason Wu, whose cutting edge (pun intended!) designs and the inaugural gown he designed for FLOTUS Michelle Obama have made him a darling of the runways, recently announced plans to release an apparel and handbag collection via Tarjhay.  If the haute mess that was the Missoni for Target release is still fresh in your mind and you are dead set on owning a piece without spending your 401K with Ebay carpetbaggers (I rebuke you, hot pink Versace for H&M dress!), you have one month to make like the Christmas Champ and appropriately plan vacation time, map out your plan of attack for storming the store, practice your best shopping cart drive-by, and plot your chic sleepover in the store parking lot (just kidding; I’m sure the po-po will relieve you of that notion).  For more images, click here.

Jason Wu

Pieces range from $19.99 to $59.99 and Target has graced us with this teaser:

Images via ology.com and Target

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05

Jan

Caped Crusaders

Plaid "Sophie" Cape by Kate Spade

Snuggie and Forever Lazy wearers take note: this is the hautest way to keep warm!  Wrap up in a super cute cape and add a touch of drama to your looks for work  or play.  Layer it over a long sleeved blouse or tee and skinny jeans or cigarette pants plus your flat boots, loafers or ballet flats  to pull off this polished look.  I have a feeling this camel version by J. Crew will make its way into my closet.

Images courtesy of Kate Spade, Net-a-Porter and Snuggie Humor

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04

Jan

Bebe Goes Bridal

In “Not Sure How We Feel About This Information” news, Bebe  is going the way of J. Crew, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor and is expanding its designs to include bridal wear.  According to NY Magazine  and Women’s Wear Daily,  the line – known for mostly club tops, body conscious dresses, terry tracksuits, eponymous tees and impossible platform heels – is planning to feature more office-appropriate separates and bridal wear.  Before images of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding-style dresses run rampant in your head, what’s exciting about this news is that Rami Kashou, Project Runway IV runner up and perfector of the draped Grecian gown, is heading the line, set to debut in March. 

Prices range from $950-$2500, far more than its standard separates cost, and you can view a few of the bridesmaids options here.   I find the line kind of ho hum and would pass.  Would you rock Bebe down the aisle?

Image courtesy of Bebe

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28

Dec

Pack Light

I have a confession to make: I am a bag lady.

A fab one, mind you, but a bag lady nonetheless.  See, I carry my life around in my handbag, and it’s literally weighing me down. (Even Anna Wintour – the editor of Vogue – knows this, per Robin Givhan.)  And I realized recently that all those “what ifs” I was planning for by packing so much unnecessary baggage (sumdgy receipts! socks! reading material! condiments! emergency hair and makeup tools!) never actually happened.  I don’t make resolutions, but I have a definite goal for 2012: free myself, stop the madness and drop all dead weight.  Literally. 

While I love toting a good Speedy or duffel, I’m downsizing to something that will only carry the absolute essentials: this vermillion Coach Classic leather shoulder purse.

Image courtesy of Coach

Don’t forget to enter SCDD’s chic giveaway! Comment on 12/21’s post and you could win a copy of Commander in Chic!

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23

Dec

Fashion Flashback: The Friendship Bracelet

My short trip down Memory Lane this week paused to remember the summer of 1988, when our babysitter taught me how to make friendship bracelets from embroidery thread. Armed with a safety pin to anchor the bracelet to my jams (come on, you know what jams are), I made as many as my allowance allowed, then my friends and I traded them.  Though I never became very advanced in terms of technique, I could spend hours with my Walkman on, looping and tying to my heart’s content.

Anyway, these updated, blinged out versions by Courtney Prince are way more chic and add a bit of boho glam to an outfit…feel free to purchase me one!

Image copyrighted/owned by Courtney Prince

Don’t forget to enter SCDD’s chic giveaway! Comment on 12/21’s post and you could win a copy of Commander in Chic!

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19

Dec

Ask Alexis

Q:  Alexis – Help! How would you suggest I dress up a simple grey draped cocktail dress in jersey for a Friday night office party?  – A.C., Birmingham

A:   I love a versatile dress that can be worked at multiple occasions; that way you get more for your money!  And this dress is perfect because not only is it (deceptively) simple, it has a classic silhouette and a length and neckline that won’t show all your lady parts to your colleagues.  So how would I take this look up a notch?  Add a bit of bling: a jeweled headband, bedazzled belt,  or this necklace (this one can easily go day-to-night).  Or you could try an armload of sparkly jet bangles, a couple of  rhinestone cuff bracelets, or some eye-catching earrings and a statement ring.  The key is balance:  choose  a few accessories carefully.  For example, you could do the headband, bracelets and ring, or the belt, cuffs and ring.  Finish the look with a sleek, chic topknot, cat-eye makeup and a red lip and nails, plus a black satin or sequined clutch (not the tote you carry every day to the 9 to 5), and black satin pumps.  

Be sure you’ve practiced walking in your shoes ahead of time so there are no tumbles on the dance floor; roughen the soles by walking across a sidewalk several times to give them more “grip”.  If you’re not sure about baring your legs, add a pair of opaque tights (patterned may be a tad much with your accessories this time).  Et voilà! You’re done fab one…now get your party on!

Note: This is not the dress the reader wore, but it’s very similar.  And the model pictured is not me.

Image via Google

Got a style question?  Ask Alexis! Email SCDD or connect with SCDD via Twitter @SameChicSouth or Facebook!

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15

Dec

I Never Met a Stiletto I Didn’t Like

Scarlett/Sam Edelman $199

…and this lovely traffic stopper is no exception.  My eyes zeroed in on it in Belk and I HAD to try it on! This shoe is NOT for the timid!  The dual design peep toe – the leopard calf hair  is the business in the front and studded suede provides the party in the back – is saying a lot, so if you dare to wear them keep your ensemble  simple: rock a black tee and skinny jeans or a quiet but deadly sheath. 

Also available in ivory/black, gold/black, and black/black.

Image courtesy of Belk

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

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