Weekend Bargains

I am not a Black Friday shopper! On that particular day, I sit in my humble abode and scour my favorite websites for good deals. I do browse the stores after the weekend hustle and bustle is over just to check things out. Prior to the holiday, I did find a couple of Adam Lippes pieces on clearance that I'm really excited about, along with some others.

Adam Lippes for Target Mohair Coat

Though I liked the collection, I didn't get caught up in "Adam Lippes fever" when it first hit Target stores. From day one, this coat was one of my favorites. Although there were some sizes left online, I found it in a local store on clearance. I absolutely love it! Some of the online reviewers didn't care for it's oversized shape, but that's actually one of the reasons that I love it so much. It's perfect for layering---or not, depending on the look. It's definitely a piece that I'll wear often.

Adam Lippes Fringe Cowl Neck Sweater

I also found this in-store. It initially caught my eye as well, but I'd forgotten about it until I found it tucked behind some other clearance items. I don't have many beige, or off-white pieces in my closet, and this is a great addition. It's sold out online, with the exception of plus sizes.

Mossimo "Adelaide" High Top Sneakers

Ah yes, "Adelaide." There were not sold in my local store, I discovered them while browsing online after Thanksgiving. I took an immediate liking to them. I've always been fond of this style, but hadn't found just the right pair. Old Navy has a similar style, but I liked these best. As you can see, I loved them so well that I also had to have them in leopard print. They'll be a nice alternative to my favorite slip on sneakers or an ankle boot. I anxiously await their arrival!

Mossimo "Adelaide" High Top Sneakers; target.com

Fringe Lace Up Chukka; oldnavy.com

As you can see, I'm having a "casual shoe moment." While browsing the Old Navy site, I happened across these  and ordered them as well. When I'm not in the mood for a loafer or oxford, this will do.

Isabella M Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Pointed Band Ring; tjmaxx.com

I always look for great buys on jewelry because I can't get enough! I've been buying more gold and rose gold lately, and wanted to add a new silver piece. I found it on clearance and the shipping was free--I love a great deal!

Mixed-knit Coatigan

I can't seem to get enough gray lately, or cardigans! Gray is that neutral that  mixes well with any colors. While I have other gray cardigans, this one has a bit more weight to it. Perfect to layer over a turtleneck or crew neck sweater, and under that Adam Lippes coat on a cold day.

Mixed-Stitch Coatigan Stripe; nyandcompany.com

Another great beige/off white piece for mixing it up. 

New In

Sam + Libby "Livi" Embellished Espadrille Flat in Beige (a clearance STEAL at $10.48!). Of the three reviews on this shoe, two stated that it runs long/big, and the other says it's true to size. I found the latter to be true in my case. They're a perfect fit. I was really surprised to find that a shoe this cute hadn't sold out. I guess that's a good thing, or maybe I wouldn't have gotten a pair!

They're also available in "Nude" (target.com)

Grommet Flyaway Vest

This vest was actually a part of New York and Company's summer offerings, and a piece that I'd contemplated. I finally decided to get it for fall, to wear with jeans.

Soho Jeans - High-waist Leggings Destroyed Aztec - Indigo Blue Wash

THESE JEANS were LOVE at first sight! When I ordered them, I hoped with all hope, that they would fit perfectly. I'm pleased to say that they do! I was sold on the Aztec embroidery and high-waist. There is one review, and that person gave them two stars, and stated that they run small. I find them true to size, but as we all know, all bodies are not created equal. 

Bell-Sleeve Peasant Blouse - Paisley Print

The actual article looks better than it does here. The sleeves really do "bell," and the colors are more vibrant.

Split-Neck Peasant Blouse

As you can see, I'm really loving the whole "peasant thing." Easy, free-flowing, and flattering, that works for me.

Soho Soft Shirt - Super Soft Chambray Popover - Light Indigo

Super soft is right! I find this a nice alternative to a button-down denim shirt.

Rhinestone Openwork Ring

I was so drawn to the style and color, that I bought two. One for each hand. Looks great on!

(nyandcompany.com)

New In

It was all about Target this week. I pop in from time to time, and always leave with something! I especially love those end of the season bargains. I'm still replacing shoes, so I was excited to find some that I needed. I'm not much on white shoes, but the jeweled slide was irresistible!

Sam + Libby's "Marci," fits like a dream! They're both comfortable and stylish.

Sam + Libby "Marci" Quarter Strap Sandals

Sam + Libby Quarter Strap Sandals

Mossimo "Judith" Jewel Embellished Slide

target.com

First Look: Eddie Borgo for Target

As I'm sure you've heard, Eddie Borgo is the latest designer to collaborate with Target. The collection will be available in stores, and online starting July 12. Here's the scoop.


Ready for the newest designer line heading to your nearest Target? Well, here it is. Designer Eddie Borgo looked to the galaxies and beyond for his new collaboration, with a customizable  collection that includes necklaces, belts, bags, and even a wall mobile. Priced for $7.99 to $49.99, the line hits select Target stores and target.com beginning July 12. (marieclaire.com)

marieclaire.com

Target is Coming out With a New Plus-Size Range

Kudos to Target! After all, all bodies are not created equal!

Target customers, meet your new best friends AVA & VIV. Arriving mid-February, the new in-house-designed line will be updated monthly like the retailer's other apparel brands and range in price from $10 to $79.99.

"Target is synonymous with great design, and with the launch of AVA & VIV, we're stepping up our fashion game for our plus-size guests," said Stacia Andersen, senior vice president of merchandising, apparel, and accessories, in a press release. "From stylish original prints to the attention to detail and fit, this line is meant to impress, and we can't wait to share it with our guests."

A few lucky fashion bloggers got to preview the collection and model for the lookbook, including our very own contributing editor Nicolette Mason. See her, Chastity Turner, and Gabi Gregg talk up the clothes—that striped tulip skirt!—below.

marieclaire.com

That Bargain Time of Year

Ah Yes, late June, July, and August are some of my favorite months to snap up Great bargains....specifically summer items. Somehow I find myself without enough of those casual items to wear to a picnic, the lake, or outdoor concert. I don't know how it happens, because I always feel as though I'm buying the things that I need.

Anyhoo, my search for summer bargains is in full swing! Yesterday I happened into Old Navy and picked up that henley for $4.99, along with a utility jacket (perfect for fall!) similar to the one featured, for $5.97. (I've misplaced the plug in for my digital camera, so I can't download the actual items darn it!) I also popped into Target and picked up those Dolce Vita for Target sandals for $12.49. I've been watching them for quite some time, but couldn't make up my mind if I really wanted them, but after trying them on, and finding them for $12.49, that did it!

Thanks to my niece, I'm a new fan of the store Rue 21. I love their fun pieces and accessories to mix with other wardrobe items. As a matter of fact, I picked up the purse in picture four for $7.49. I like buying trendier things from stores such that, so when that particular trend is gone, I haven't invested a great deal.

So, as the stores markdown to make way for the fall arrivals, I'll be there!







(oldnavy.com, target.com, and rue21.com)

Readers' Choice: Coolest Collaboration

With a whopping 44 percent of survey votes, H&M and Jimmy Choo had the most inspired collaboration of 2009. From the moment the companies announced they would work together, anticipation began building. Finally, it reached its culmination on Nov. 14, when Choo fans bought out the stores’ offerings of shoes, accessories and apparel. But they weren’t the only companies to team up. Target and Anna Sui (with 24 percent of votes) debuted a fall collection inspired by “Gossip Girl,” and Payless ShoeSource (nabbing 10 percent of votes) recognized the power of “Project Runway” by signing season four winner Christian Siriano as its newest guest designer. (WWD)

Shoppers Pick They Favorite Spots for Holiday Purchases

1 Mass Merchants
PERCENT OF VOTES 58%
Retail rivals Wal-Mart and Target are at it again this holiday season, fighting a pitched battle for consumer dollars. To entice budget-conscious shoppers, Wal-Mart is rolling back prices of 100 different items to $10 and less, while its competitor plans to lower costs up to 50 percent on anticipated big-seller gadgets.

2 Online
PERCENT OF VOTES 37%
A great deal of shoppers will be avoiding crowded stores this year, and why not, with free shipping abounding from online retailers including Finishline.com, DSW.com and Zappos.com. And customers can receive up to 20 percent off merchandise from a number of other retailers on the Web.

3 National Chains
PERCENT OF VOTES 32%
Stepping up their game this holiday season, Kohl’s will be expanding the number of days customers can earn and redeem “Kohl’s Cash” in-store coupons. The retail chain also plans to spend more money on direct mailing than last year, hoping to send nearly 50 e-mails to customers within the two-month holiday span.

4 Electronics Stores
PERCENT OF VOTES 26%
Electronic megastore Best Buy has big plans for the season, including giving consumers’ pockets a break with their “Deal of the Day,” where savings are offered daily on everything from gaming systems to stereos, now through Christmas Eve. The company also will hire more blue shirts to man the Best Buy floors to help with the customer craze.

5 Department Stores
PERCENT OF VOTES 25%
Department stores are always eager — sometimes a little too eager — to get into the holiday spirit, and Sears is no exception. The store has already begun its Black Friday sales, offering bargains on everything from power tools to workboots. And Neiman Marcus is making an extra effort this year to appeal to customers: Half the items in its annual holiday catalog will cost less than $250, a stretch for the luxe company.

6 Warehouse Clubs
PERCENT OF VOTES 21%
Costco Wholesale will be the place to shop for Thanksgiving dinner this year. After a test run at its New York stores, the company plans to start accepting food stamps at the clubs nationwide. It hopes to honor the program in half its stores nationwide by Turkey Day.

7 Toy Stores
PERCENT OF VOTES 20%
Toys ’R’ Us is reintroducing consumers to the idea of convenience this season. Like JCPenney in 2008, the children’s superstore has given customers the layaway option of putting larger-ticket items on hold, as well as the alternative of making a series of payments until the item is paid for in full.

8 Outlet Stores
PERCENT OF VOTES 20%
Tanger Outlet Centers are spreading cheer through their Twitter page this winter. The outlets have already begun to tweet about their Midnight Madness Sale, which starts at 12 a.m. on Thanksgiving night, as well as special sales and steals throughout the stores. And as an added bonus, every store in the centers is having major markdowns.

9 Clothing Specialty Stores
PERCENT OF VOTES 18%
Old Navy plans to embrace Black Friday this year, opening its doors at 3 a.m. It also is giving away a Lego Rock Band video game with every $20 purchase while supplies last, and will host its always-welcomed sales, such as 30-to-60 percent off the normal price on a selection of clothing.

10 Catalogs/Mail Order
PERCENT OF VOTES 16%
While ordering via catalog might not give you the opportunity to see Santa at the mall, Lands’ End has one alternative. On the company’s Website, products called “St. Nick Picks” will be featured daily to entice consumers to make purchases early and at a good value. The site also displays gift ideas priced under $30, $50 and $100.

(WWD)

Designers making their debuts at retail stores

I made a trip to J.C. Penney yesterday to check out the designer lower-priced lines. Following are the designers featured.

1. Charlotte Ronson-there were lots of skinny jeans, tunics, dresses and cute tops. Prices range from $20 to $49.99. (new to the store)
2. Allan B. by Allan Schwartz-lots of color! Maxi dresses, "pucci-ish" looking tops great tanks, tops and bubble hem dresses. (new to the store)
3. Nicole Miller as been designing for J.C. Penney for quite some time now. Her tops are always colorful and floaty. Both her jeweled sandals and handbags also caught my eye.
4. The Bisou Bisou line by Michelle Bohbot never fails to disappoint. There a black Jumpsuit from that line that I simply must have!
5. Last and certainly not least is Kimora Simmons' line for J.C. Penney called "fabulosity". I love her denim vests and high-waisted jeans.

Target also has some designer offerings, which is a part of their Go International program.

1. Erickson Beamon- debuts in March with colored gem stone cuffs, earrings and necklaces.
2. Alexander McQueen-he is debuting a line called "McQ", that I believe will hit stores in March as well. I read that his line will have a "Brit-rock" vibe.
3. Miss Trish of Capri-a line of wonderfully ornate sandals. They are known for adding things such as rhinestone starfish and more to their sandals. They will also make their debut at Target.

Target also has some really cute sandals for the season. My favorites are Xhilaration's "Trista" and "Tori" beaded thongs. Merona has come of with what I think is a classy, "Jackie-O-type sandal called Korey. You have a choice of Black and white, or green and white patent. Lastly, Mossimo's "Patty" sandal is heeled with fringe detail.

Don't forget Marshalls and T.J. Maxx for a wide range of name brand clothing, watches, jewelry, handbags and perfumes and shoes. Not to be forgotten is all of the great home decor items that each of these stores carries. Also check in on Ross stores, I always find a lot of Nine West shoes there along with Steve Madden and BCBG girls.

Happy shopping!