Fashion Cents

Starry eyed

2010-04-09T22:35:00.006-06:00

Which one costs $275?

For almost $250 less you can get the same look at a fraction of the price.

1. or 2.

Ann Taylor LOFT

2010-04-05T15:55:00.000-06:00

ann taylor loft

Target Collaborations

2010-04-02T14:06:00.002-07:00

The collaborations Target has done with high-end designers are perfect for budget conscious consumers. One of the latest collabs. (with Cynthia Vincent) is going to fly off the shelves (hitting stores April 18th). To take a peek, go here (all retailing for under $30)!

Jean Paul Gaultier's line is already online and in stores.

20

2010-03-30T21:32:00.005-07:00

One of my FAVORITE stores, Boden has 20% off (which doesn't happen very often). As always, shipping and returns are free. Expires: 4/1/2010 at midnight. My picks (not necessarily together)... Dress $117Shoes $89Belt $16Boot $134 Skirt $99

Quick Deal

2010-03-29T10:59:00.011-07:00

Just a quick deal at New York & Company:

$10 offf a $10 purchase code: 1068, free shipping with purchase of $65 or more: 1254, and Jewlery is BOGO 50%0ff (no code needed).

They have both trendy and classic items at a reasonable price. Add a couple of fun pieces with a great price. Some of my choices -

Dress $29.95 - love this as a dress or shirt. Great color and price!

Bracelet $16.95 - Add this bracelet to the dress, with a great pair of flats or sandals. Skirt $24.95 - Perfect addition to any wardrobe

Tunic/Dress $19.95 -Can be worn as a dress or as a tunice with a pair of skinny jeans and flats.

2010-03-28T00:22:00.006-07:00

Topshopin' for some deals and this is what I found (most from the sale section):

Flats, Button sweater, Ring, Vest

This store was started in England by the model, Kate Moss and has taken off. They now have stores all over the world. Some of the items are very edgy and others can be classics. Take a peek to see what you would like to add to your closet.

2010-03-27T23:40:00.002-07:00

Good through 4/4, print the coupon and enjoy!

Before

2010-03-14T23:34:00.004-07:00

Before I became a "real" mother of a toddler I said that my child will not be wearing "character" clothing, which includes the "light-up" shoes. Now that I am a mother, what is so wrong about light up shoes? These shoes are pretty hot! Jimmy Choo Light-Up Platform Sandals $2,495

So are those light up "character" shoes all that bad?

Etsy

2010-03-01T15:54:00.006-07:00

When I have (or don't have) a minute I like to browse through some of the stores on Esty. I either find great items at great prices or inspirational ideas.

Loving this beauty*:

Or maybe this pretty little number*:

*from Makethisyourown

Closet clean-out

2010-03-01T15:38:00.003-07:00

Oprah has cleaned her closet with the help of O's Creative Director, Adam Glassman and is auctioning the items off on eBay. Not all of us wear the same size so we can't all buy, but it will be fun to look, covet or laugh about.

Tips from Adam Glassman:
Rule 1: If you haven't worn something for over two years, get rid of it. "Even if it's pricey," Adam says. "Give it to a friend who will make good use of it. Sell it, donate it, put it on eBay."

Rule 2: If it doesn't fit you anymore, get rid of it. "Hang it up on the door and call it closet art if you want that for inspiration," he says. "But truthfully, by the time someone gets back into a size, it may be out of style."

Rule 3: Don't fantasy dress. If an item fits the lifestyle you want but not the lifestyle you live, get rid of it.

Rule 4: Everything in your closet should promote joy, beauty and usefulness. "You should feel pretty in it, and you should be comfortable in it," Adam says. "And it should be really practical."

Rule 5: If something brings up a bad memory or has a negative energy around it, purge it. You'll never want to wear something that reminds you of a bad time, but donate it and hope somebody else can enjoy it.

Rule 6: Get rid of duplicates. If you have a ton a of things that look the same, streamline.

Mixing

2010-02-25T13:50:00.006-07:00

A trend this spring is mixing patterns...

Will you be wearing this trend when Spring has Sprung?

The easiest way to wear this trend is to:

wear a patterned scarf with a striped shirt and a simple jean

-or-

wear the same print in different colors (i.e. same pattern but blue for shirt and green for skirt)

-or-

wear different prints but in the same color family (i.e. floral shirt and herringbone skirt both in nude)

DNKY

Stocking Up

2010-02-25T13:32:00.005-07:00

Now is a great time pick up some winter clothes for next year. Check out the outlets, department stores and websites for highly discounted winter items. Many stores have an additional % off sales items + free shipping. Some examples:
1. Winter Coat
Get a great colored coat in a classic style the coat will wear out and not the style.
J.Crew Stad ium Cloth Friday Coat $229 Banana Republic Classic Wool-blend coat $164.99 Calvin Klein Trapeze Coat $88.90; Nordstrom
2. Scarves
When you buy at a discounted price, you have the opportunity to buy more than one. Each scarf will give your coat a new look.
B.P. Fringe Wrap $8.90; Nordstrom
3. Boots
Try an equestrian boot. They are comfortable and easy to tuck your skinnies into.
Naturalizer Riding Boot $99.90; Nordstrom Victoria Secret Devon Convertible Boot $129

The In on the Out

2009-12-08T10:48:00.004-07:00

Owned by Net-a-Porter, this online outlet, The Outnet.com offers awesome designers at KILLER prices.

Take a look at this great coat by Chloe...

it is over HALF off original price.

I also love this dress from Paul & Joe.

It is at the top of my "wants" list. It would be a great staple to any wardrobe.

Q&A

2009-10-28T11:09:00.004-07:00

Q: Is it ever okay to wear nylons/tights with peep toe heels? I just bought some gray suede peep toe heels that I love and wonder if I'll have to show my white legs all winter.

A: Yes, Hosiery is HOT this season! There are a couple of key things to keep this look chic and stylish:
1. Dark colored hosiery such as black, brown, purple, grey, etc. are easiest to work with.
2. Toe seam must be at the tip of your toe or hiding under your foot. NO reinforced toes!
3. If you are a novice to this trend you might want to start with like colors, i.e. black tights (could be a patterned one) with black or grey shoes – stay away from pastel shoes. Make the trend fun with texture, shape, and height.

4. Style of shoe: chunky high heeled versions as well as sling backs, mary jane platforms & sandals with thick straps (all open toed).
5. This trend can be worn with skirts, pants, dresses. If you opt the pant route, knee highs are a great option. Think of this trend the same way you would leggings.

p.s. your shoes are perfect for this trend; enjoy not worrying about shaving and the “white” legs.

Examples:
1: kate spade dress $395
3: Printed patent leather T-straps, Emilio Pucci, $775. Crocodile and velvet sandals, Bottega Veneta, $1,050. Wide-strap patent leather platforms, Sergio Rossi, $780. Chunky lizard high-heels, Halston, $1,795. All hose, DKNY, $18 to $31.
5: kate spade tights $28

Best time to buy:

2009-10-26T14:53:00.006-07:00

After extensive research and personal experience, I have found the best time to buy:

January: boots, cocktail dresses, hats, scarves, European designer lines, housewares
February/March: winter sweaters, resort clothes, designer items
April: spring gear, tights, socks, sheets
May: bathing suits, beach gear
June: sunglasses, handbags
July/August: sheets, bedding, summer gear (i.e. shorts, flip flops, tank tops, short sleeved shirts, skirts, sandals), winter coats
September: denim (of anykind), designer items
October: rain gear (trench coats), women's suits, winter pants, fall clothes
November/December: leather gloves, cashmere scarves, tableware

Notice that most of the items are at the beginning or end of a season. Stores will push items right after arriving or if they have lingered in the store for longer than 4 weeks. To get the best price you almost always shop in the off season or end of season, but you run the risk of not having your size or the color.

research through personal experience, msn.com, budget fashionista, smart money.com , city chic by nina willdorf

Back to Plaid

2009-09-15T14:45:00.004-06:00

This trend takes me back to middle school days with a twist. There are plenty of great plaid shirts out there right now (perfect to keep you a little warmer this fall). Add a great pair of distressed gray skinny's, booties and bangles to hit the streets with.
1. Wal-mart $12.00
2. Forever 21 $19.90
3. Urban Outfitters $39.00

I am loving (IaL)

2009-09-01T22:12:00.005-06:00

You might know it by a different name (i.e. funnel or neck wrap and circle scarf) but it is basically a long circle scarf that you wrap around your neck a couple of times. If it is windy, rainy or snowing you can take a portion and use it to cover your head. Coming in all types of fabrics and widths I am sure that you will find one to suit your wallet and style.

YaYa Aflalo Infinite Scarf in Dew Stripe $99

DKNY Stripe Infinity Scarf $95

LA Made Infinity Funnel Scarf $30

DKNY Cotton Wool Infinity Scarf $95

Brochu Walker Cashmere Neck Wrap $165

I am going knit one myself. If you decide to do the same, let me know how it works out (I would love to post some pictures). It should be easy and straight forward.

Tiffany's - a girls best friend

2009-08-26T21:44:00.004-06:00

We would all love to be able to afford this from none other than Tiffany's,

but if you can't check out these that have been inspired by the real thing.

Free, FRee, FREE!

2009-08-26T21:32:00.002-06:00

The Budget Fashionista has a great article on all things free. Here are some of the top choices:

SilverJewelryClub.com This sounds-too-good-to-be-true site features four free pieces of sterling jewelry at a time, with new items popping up every 15 minutes or so. Rings, earrings, and pendants are the main offerings. And they’re truly free (besides the cost of shipping and handling, that is). The catch? Well, there really isn’t a catch. The jewelry manufacturers behind the site - Peoria.com - just hope you’ll fall in love with their craftsmanship, and spread the word to other would-be customers. Now that’s the kind of marketing we can all appreciate.

Craigslist.orgYou could very well furnish your entire apartment for $0 with Craigslist. Narrow down to your city from the main home page, and check out the “free stuff.” Browse recent listings, or search for specific items of clothing. If you don’t mind hand-me-downs, then you’re liable to find some pretty amazing additions to your wardrobe here.

SwapStyle.com It’s the self-proclaimed Online Fashion Swap Party, where fashionistas from around the globe gather to give and get. Although you must pay $10 to join (in order to become ‘address verified’), using the site is totally free from then on. If you’ve got clothes you no longer want or need - and we’re fairly sure you do - then don’t give them away to Goodwill just yet. See if you can trade them in for something better here. Accessories, shoes, cosmetics, and general apparel are all available on the site.

FreeCycle.org Similar to Craigslist, the much-loved FreeCycle simply connects people who have stuff to give away to people who want stuff in the same communities.

Thunderfap.com It’s a super mixed bag here, but definitely worth checking out from time to time. From free sample packs of toiletries to free tacos at Jack In the Box, you just never know what you’re going to get - there is a “Sample Clothing” category you can investigate, but it’s slim pickings at the moment.

WeeklyFreebie.com As you might have guessed, WeeklyFreebie has one batch of free offers per week. Maybe you’ll discover a free museum pass or set of Ziploc bags. There’s no telling what kinds of goodies you can score here, so check back every week if you’re dedicated to saving as much cash as possible.

FreeMania.net’s Freebie Gator FreeMania is in its own right, a well-known freebie site, but its freebie aggregator - or “gator” - is especially handy. In a jiffy, find out what’s being give away on top sites like FatWallet.com and Freebies 4 Mom.

Wal-Mart’s Sample Site Saving you money - Wal-Mart’s at it again! Right now, you can try to quit smoking for free (with a sample of Nicorette gum) or smell good, specifically like Bodycology’s Raspberries & Cream Body Lotion, for free. For a store as diverse as Wal-Mart, it’s a clever idea to keep checking its sample site.

Beauty.com’s Sample CenterThis is a great find if you’re looking to give a few new perfumes or lotions a try, but all kinds of beauty products are featured here.

FreakyFreddies.comJust about every day, this site is updated with a hefty hodgepodge of freebies, samples, and even sweepstakes. Very well regarded among the Internet’s top bargain hunters, FreakyFreddies may not always offer up complimentary beauty products or apparel, but there’s probably at least one item per week that you’d buy anyways.

FreeStuffTimes.com While there’s nothing particularly unique about this site, it’s one of the first and most trust-worthy of its kind, and it’s updated frequently.

SAMPLE SALE

2009-08-25T22:01:00.004-06:00

Kate Spade is having a sample SALE! They have Killer deals and flat rate shipping ($5)

The bag I am dying for!

Boots - 3 ways

2009-08-25T13:41:00.004-06:00

Check out these great boots.

All of these boots can be wore three different ways

(scrunced, cuffed or over the knee). Don't worry about scuffing them up it will be perfect for the laid back fall/winter look. Also, if you have thicker ankles this will help hide them.

All of the choices are from Victoria's Secret at great prices; better yet use Code FA918337 or 20VSBOOTS for 20% OFF!
1. The Convertible Boot by Colin Stuart $99
2. Suede Convertible Boot by Colin Stuart $149
3. The Devon Boot by Colin Stuart $149

While you are there you might want to check out the clearance that is an additional 25% (until 8/26) that code is VSCLEAR25.

Dirty Feet

2009-08-20T14:45:00.002-06:00

Check out this article on Flip Flops. I have never really been a fan, but this is just gross!

back

2009-08-02T14:13:00.001-06:00

I am back so watch for more posts coming soon!

Great site

2009-05-10T23:10:00.003-06:00

Check out this web-site:
If you are looking for something particular, Beat My Price will help you search for the best price on the web (it even helps you find coupons!)

Maxi Dress

2009-04-20T12:23:00.006-06:00

I love summer dresses, you can throw them on with heels or flats to have a crisp clean look! Here are a few great Maxi dresses that will get you through this spring, summer and fall.
Forever 21 $22.80

Macys $59
(use coupon code: 811101000169 for $10 of $50 purchase)

Michael Stars $84

My SIL (Sister-in-law) just bought this one from Target $22.99 and really liked it. If you link through this website you can get $5 off $50 order & free shipping.

BOGO

2009-04-15T12:26:00.003-06:00

Payless frequently has the buy one get one for half off sale. I don't take advantage because I don't really like the styles, but they have some really cute shoes right now. Take a friend and then split the price so you both get 25% off your shoes. I found these... they are perfect for the spring and summer, but.... are eco friendly too.

HYH - Have you Heard

2009-04-13T10:59:00.003-06:00

Have you Heard of Guilt Groupe? You have to become a member and then you can shop the "invitation" only sales. Read more about Gilt here. They offer designer items at a huge discount. They recently had a sale on

(are these shoes not to DIE for!)

Christian Louboutin shoes, the infamous red soled shoes, for HALF OFF! Leave a comment or e-mail me and I will send you an invite to become a member of Guilt Groupe, if not to buy, then to dream!

eXtra, eXtra!

2009-04-13T10:36:00.004-06:00

Martin+Osa, owned by American Eagle Outfitters, is giving an additional 30% off all sale merchandise. If you haven't checked out this website, get moving. They offer great classic pieces that will last. I wish I had a store close to me, but until then the internet will have to do.

The details:
Promotion code - 49322244
If you spend $125 you will be awarded free shipping and as always free returns (no code needed).
Offer ends: April 21st

Answers

2009-04-11T12:43:00.015-06:00

Can I still wear tank tops over a white shirt? Should I wear a cute cardigan instead? Do you know anywhere that has a short sleeve white cardigan on sale?

A: It depends. I know that is not what you want to hear, but this is why. It depends on what type of tank you are wearing, where you are going and your body shape.

In the winter, putting a long sleeve shirt under another shore sleeved one is a great way to layer. In the summer it isn't as easy. Make sure you have a wider sleeve on the tank. Also you want to make sure that your outfits has a Barbie/hourglass figure or the illusion of one. You want to find the narrowest part (normally at about the rib cage) and show that off. You can do this by getting an empire waist (examples below) which hits right below the bust line and gives the impression of a longer leaner look.

(both of these shirts will work with a shirt under or a cardigan over. If you choose the cardigan, keep the cardigan fitted)

If you are going somewhere a little nicer I would suggest a ¾ sleeve cardigan. It doesn’t have to be white you can wear a pseudo-neutral such as tan, olive green, navy, etc. These colors work just as well and might compliment your skin tone a little better. If you decide that you want a white cardigan (everyone should have a nice white cardi in their wardrobe) here are a couple of suggestions.

Old Navy $22.50 (on sale)

Ann Taylor Loft $39.50

JCrew $59.50

This dress would be great witha v-neck cardi

Wedge sandals and a cardi will help this dress

look casual yet polished.

I love sAles!

2009-04-07T09:27:00.003-06:00

I will be heading to my outlets ASAP!

40% off of EVERYTHING!!!

Warehouse Sale

2009-04-06T09:43:00.002-06:00

Elloitt Lucca is having a warehouse sale. Up to 80% off! Use this code: ELWS40609 and you will receive an additional 50% Off the sale price and plus free shipping on orders over $100. (offer ends 4/13/09)

eXtra 30

2009-04-04T14:36:00.003-07:00

Gap is having an extra 30% off sale items (if you buy 4 or more). This only lasts until Sunday, so get em' while it's hot.

Do you have a

2009-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have an answer.

I would love to answer any questions about fashion, fit, styles, shopping, etc.

Leave a comment or send me an e-mail at megtalia at yahoo dot com.

Nautical

2009-03-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Nautical is so crisp, refreshing and easy to wear. There are two key colors that can be mixed with many others. You start with navy blue and white and then add other colors in that work with your skin tone.

Easy Nautical:

Rope Belt: Buy rope at the craft store ,
put through belt loop on a pair of jeans,
tie in a knot , add a tee and flats and you are set to go.

Outfit under $100:

Sweater – Old Navy $23.99

Ta n k – Target $8.99
Sk irt – Old Navy $20.00
Pant – Old Navy $19.99
S hoes – Target $22.99

Now it's your turn to "shop" your wardrobe, or add a piece or two to make this work. Have fun!

2009-03-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I love fashion and have from a young age. I am sure that my mother would have plenty of stories that included me carrying a LARGE RED PATENT LEATHER purse around the neighborhood. At the age of 16 I became a visual merchandiser for Ralph Lauren, joined DEX (Delta Epsilon Chi) and competed and placed nationally in fashion design and merchandising. This landed me a lucrative scholarship to attend a renowned fashion design school in California. But instead I chose to finish my degree at University of Utah in Consumer Science. Now as a financially conscious mother of a busy little boy I want to share my tips, secrets and CRAZY love of fashion with you. Fashion Cents is about many different aspects of being fashionable. You don’t have to spend a lot or any money at all. Through this blog we will explore ways to use what you have, quick adds to update your wardrobe, and key pieces that you will have for many years to come (I still have pieces from my wardrobe I bought when I was 16 and at 26 I am still wearing them.) A classic is always a classic.