The bag that stole my heart...

While anyone that knows me, knows I love bags, I do have a favorite that I always go back to...

It's the Haiku To-Go bag, which also just happens to be on a HUGE sale right now!!!

  This is the one that I just bought and I love it.  I have another color (that was not on sale) from another season, but I couldn't pass this one up.  It can literally hold all of this stuff...

37.00

http://www.haikubags.com/clearance/TG_FL7-BU.php 

My I-Pod, Blackberry, planner, water bottle and other essentials that are always with me fit perfect in this bag.  Not only that, but there are 7 compartments, so things stay really organized too!  

I also have thrown this in the washer and it turns out just fine.

All of the bags on their website are worthy of looking at, but this one works perfect for me!

'

Gap jeans on sale!!

 

Gap 

Vintage Flared Jeans

$39.99 

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26639&vid=1&pid=690506

I should have waited because they are even cheaper than when I bought them!  

I love mine and you can order them online from the sale section.  

Enjoy!

 

Bargains for your face!

With combination skin, I have always struggled to find a great face wash that cleans without over drying.  I have spent hundreds of dollars on different brands and have a linen closet full to prove it!  Bargain-wise, I am happy to say that I have found a great face wash for combo skin.  I have been using it for months now, so feel safe enough to actually say it aloud because, as you probably know, new products tend to work for a week and then it's back to the drawing board!!

I started with the pink grapefruit scent. A few months later, the green calming redness reducer came out, so I had to try that one too!  I am really happy with all 4 of them... really!!  I use the gentle scrub in the shower and keep the wash at the sink.  Being around 7 dollars each, I have bottles all over:  my gym bag, my work, etc.  These are available at most local pharmacies and grocery stores.

Regular

Gentle Scrub

Give them a try and you will soon be able to toss all the other ones in your bathroom cabinet too!

Don't be scared of leggings...

... I used to be super scared of wearing them and now I love them!   I tend to wear longer tops than the one I'm wearing today (see photo below), but I think this works because of the layering and because it's mainly black.  I also always wear them with boots, maybe because the ankles are sometimes baggy and that isn't really attractive.

Give leggings a chance, plus they are on sale in many stores right now!  

 I just found this particular pair at Target for $4.99 - can't beat that price... or maybe you can!  I would love to know about your latest deals and great finds... please click comment below and share them...  can be anything, your new teacher outfit, a date night top, a great pair of jeans that were on sale...

On-line Coupon Galore & Season Changing Sales!!!

RETAIL ME NOT!!

I have discovered this great website with coupons to most of my favorite stores!!  Some coupons are to be used online and others are meant to be printed out and brought with you to the store.  There are over 50,000 stores, so there is bound to be something that you can use. 

Check it out:  http://www.retailmenot.com/


SEASON CHANGING SALES!!

Here is the deal:  it's March, there is still snow on the ground, yet there are bikinis and shorts in all the stores.  FYI, this is only the first round of cute skirts, tanks and dresses.  Many of these items will be on sale within a month because the next round of spring/summer clothes will be in.

At this time of year, I tend to peruse the racks and see what I like, try on my sizes and then when the sales hit, I attack!  I already know my sizes and what I like and don't like at that point, so the majority of the shopping can be done on-line.  By the time the nice weather rolls around, I already have super cute clothes at half the price!

HINT:  Bathing suits tend to not switch out like the clothes do, so if you like a bikini, it's ok to splurge a little because you can feel good about saving so much on all your clothes!

You're home sick? Great time to shop on-line!!

My mom always attempts to make lemonade out of every situation, and since I am slowly becoming her, I thought it was appropriate if I do the same.  But for this example, it's not so bad!!  I made lemonade this week, by shopping on-line. I have been couch-bound for days with a wicked cold.  But luckily, by the time I am feeling better, the packages will begin to arrive!

I have another excuse for shopping also...  a big birthday bash for a friend of ours in DC next month.  A weekend trip away where we will see friends is a great excuse for a  new outfit!!

Clothes-wise, I always view March as an odd time of year.  First problem is that stores already have the first spring looks out, even though it's too early to actually wear them... more on that in my next blog entry.  Second reason, I am simply tired of my winter wear, so I found some deals online since winter items are on sale now.  I do have to say though, I splurged on some items, with intent of returning some of them (we'll see about that!

Here are my finds that are on the way to my closet:

These first two dresses are possible options for the party in DC. 

Both can be worn with leggings or over skinny jeans.  I'm not totally sure whatI will do yet, but I think I will do leggings with the first and skinny jeans with the second dress.  If you go to website, you'll see four more pictures/views of the dresses.  I also got a coupon via email from Urban Outfitters, so I didn't pay what it says under the pictures.

Urban Outfitters

$68.00

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17598061&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump

Urban Outfitters

$38.00

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17432485&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump

These pants I just had to have.  Back in the day, I had a similar from Lucy in DC and wore them thin.  I have been searching for them ever since. They are not exactly like my old ones, but similar. I plan to wear these with simple ballet flats and a tight black top or tank with great jewelry.

Lucy

$78.00

(a bit pricey, I know, but if they are anything like my last ones, I had them and wore them forever!)

http://www.lucy.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Lucy-Site/default/Link-Product?pid=214235

Hope this helps to get your fashion ideas flowing at this time of year!  I will write again this weekend with ideas about how to get early bargains on your spring looks!

Holiday Time!!

Believe it or not, the best thing about the holidays is not getting the family together to argue about Obama sending troops to war or the fruitcake, it's the clothes, of course!!

While I will be avoiding the "Christmas Chaos" by heading to Costa Rica for the holidays, my outfit needs may be slightly different than yours, since I will be sporting a bikini 24/7.  If I were home however, I am thinking simple but cute, followed up by an amazing dress for New Years Eve!

Here are some great ideas that I'm loving right now:

The next two skirts are super cheap and can be paired with very simple tops which should be tucked in.  The tucked in action will also make it a bit more dressy.  Since I like to have both the dressy and rocker look combined, I would probably pair them with tanks and cool jacket.  Heels or boots would both work.

 http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=whatsnew_app&product_id=2069823969&Page=1

Forever 21

Ruffle Drape Skirt

$22.80

 

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=whatsnew_app&product_id=2068628139&Page=1

Forever 21

Dotted Pleat Skirt

$19.80

The next two tops would be fabulous with simple pants, I'm thinking cigarette pants with heels.  The great thing about both tops is that they can be worn for multiple seasons and would look great with jeans too!

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=top&product_id=2071941246&Page=1

Forever 21

Floral Beaded Chiffon Top

$32.80

 

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=top&product_id=2071657962&Page=1

Forever 21

Floral Satin Shoulder Top

$22.80

I am completely in love with this party dress, perfect for New Year's Eve!

If I weren't going to be a sarong, I would be in this...

http://www.bebe.com/bebe-Strapless-Sequin-Party-Dress/dp/B002ATAOQ4?ie=UTF8&asinSearchPageIndex=0&navAsinList=B002ATAOQ4%2CB002AWZ1ZA&node=675950011&field_size_name=&field_browse=675950011&searchSize=100&navAsinListIndex=0&id=bebe%20Strapless%20Sequin%20Party%20Dress&field_availability=0&searchBinNameList=size_name%2Ccolor_map&ref=search_results_1&searchNodeID=675950011&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=-product_site_launch_date&field_color_map=Gold&searchPage=1&pf_rd_r=050T1QT5XR4NGW8C15EX&pf_rd_m=A2FMOXN01TSNYY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=675950011&pf_rd_p=495094551&pf_rd_s=search-results

(Long link, but well worth it)

Bebe Strapless Sequin Party Dress

On sale now!!!

Was $149.99

Now $99.00

Hope this helps take some stress out of the holidays.

I can't help with your family drama, but I can help you feel cute on a dime!

Sweater Dress Fun!

The idea of a sweater dress intriques me, but I always fear feeling and/or looking too bulky.  I think I pulled off the look without looking bulky and as an added bonus, I got to wear by fave Timberland boots. The sweater (which I am not sure is meant to actually be a dress... minor detail) is a new purchase from Old Navy.

Old Navy

$34.50

Sequins-Sequins-Sequins

Look anywhere this season and you will see sequins: in fashion mags, on E News, on the streets of NY, my closet... and thank god because I LOVE sequins. The key with sequins though, is moderation. For example, a great pair of jeans with a sequin top under a jacket, a fab skirt/dress with sequin shoes or add a sequin headband to any outfit!

My fave sequin items in my closet? A few sequin tanks that go perfect with my seven jeans and heals-I have one in black and one in silver... both from H+M last season. These are lined tanks, not causal wife-beater tanks... although those are cute too. I usually put a jacket on top, like the menswear jacket that I have recently posted. I, of course, also have my treasured purple sequined heels, which I think go well with just about anything. I have also recently purchased a few sequined head bands from Old Navy that I am loving, even though they hurt behind my ears a bit, but that's the price of being a fashionista!

I have had a ton of luck finding sequins at TJ Maxx, but here are some items that you could incorporate into your wardrobe, without having to scour the racks at the Maxx:

This one is a little more on the casual side, but for this price, you should own one.

Old Navy  $14.50

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=26519&pid=697990&scid=697990012&vid=-1

I LOVE the front of this tank because it looks so smooth and I LOVE the price of this tank BUT the back doesn't have sequins which to me, is a bit odd.  It's like your one person walking towards me and another person walking away.  Nonetheless, for $12.50 could be great under a jacket.

Forever 21 $12.50

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=21%5FItems&product%5Fid=2067734943&showBACK=OK

Perfect as she is wearing it! 

Don't add additional sparkle or you'll start to look like you're a performing ice skater.

Forever 21  $29.80

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=Love21%5FMain&product%5Fid=2068368849&showBACK=OK

Be on the look out for your key pieces and have fun with sequins, just in moderation.

Show & Tell

I thought before I hit the sack last night, I would shoot a quick picture since I was wearing two things that I have recently posted...the 7.99 Old Navy cord skirt and the Timberland boots...

BoHo Cuteness!

So as you know, I have fabulous brown boots. Comfy boots - not "clubby" boots... not that there are clubs here in Corning! If you have yet to see these, you need to scroll down or just click on "boots" to the right.  They are perfect and I plan on walking 5000 miles in them.  Anywho, I have been looking for a cute short skirt to wear them with, paired with tights. BINGO... Old Navy had the perfect one, which just happened to be on sale for $7.99. So for that price, I bought one in ink blue AND olive green. Two skirts for $16.00, that's a bargain! Why didn't I buy another color?? The skirt is corduroy too so it's practically perfect for the fall.  If you like this, I would go yesterday and buy it because it's in the sale section and you know how that goes... or just click the link below and shop from your living room!  Enjoy!

$7.99

Old Navy

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26193&vid=1&pid=675520

Fashion Jackpot!

Something compelled me to go shopping today. After I taught three classes and had a fabulous workout at the gym, my car automatically took me to TJ Maxx rather than home. Now, if you don't live in Corning, you have no idea the lack of stores we have to choose from. TJ Maxx, Gap, Old Navy, Target, that's it. Seriously. You think that I'm forgetting Marshalls, J. Crew, Nordstrom’s, Forever 21, and BCBG? Well, I'm not, that's it folks.   But sometimes, if you're in the mood, you can hit the fashion jackpot at TJ's and that's what happened today...

I found the ever sought after menswear jacket. This jacket will be very versatile. It will be super cute to wear over a wife-beater, great jeans and heels or boots. It can also be worn over a collared shirt. The second option seems a little too "officey" for me, but to each your own. The key with the jacket though, is that it will be better with some slimmer on the bottom half since it's kind of loose.

The best part of this $24.99 jacket?? It's lined!!

The one that I found today is made by Tulle (which has great sales online right now).  I couldn't find the exact one online, but this is really close to it.  Mine has full length sleeves, which can be rolled. 

Not sure if theone below has the option of being full length.

$24.99

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=outwr%5Fcoats%5Fjackets&product%5Fid=2067947793&Page=1

Can't afford both knee and the trendy ankle boots?

Yes you can!

The ankle boot is perfect with cute skirt or  rolled up boy jeans.  Where the knee high can be worn the same way, plus over skinny jeans.  Wouldn't it be nice to have both but for one price, two boots in one?

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EE-243416&page=1&cgname=OSSHUBOOANK&rfnbr=6512

When you click on this link, they will also show you other

pics of how to wear them. 

This boot is also offered in a "slouchy" boot version.

Thanks Victoria Secret!

What I'm Wearing right now...

I am loving vests!  I love to pair them over a simple tee with jeans and heels.  They are simple and super easy to dress up by adding great jewelry, a hat or a scarf.

These are two that I'm loving now:

$19.80

Forever 21
http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=outwr_vest&Page=1

$22.80

Forever 21
http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=outwr_vest&Page=1

$24.99

Charlotteo Russe
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3686074&CAWELAID=378690489

New Season, New Wardrobe, New You...

...and by new wardrobe, I don't mean go out and buy all new clothes - that wouldn't be Bargainista of me! I mean it's time to start cleaning, folding and packing away summer and bringing out your fall clothes. This is also the perfect time to donate your clothes that you never touched this summer. Any local Salvation Army or church donation would love your gently used clothes. I on the other hand, tend to pass them off to my friends instead...ask my friend Ellen, she just scored from me doing this!

So once your summer clothes are sadly packed away, you can focus on taking inventory on what you have for fall clothes... and think about what basic pieces you may need to purchase. This project may take a few days for you to do, but it will be well worth it if you start the season with an organized closet!

In the mean time, you can be purchasing fall/winter shoes!! These are two pairs of boots that I am LOVING right now!

I just bought these from Title Nine, which is a great website/magazine for women. I fall in love everytime their catalog arrives at my house. It's a bit pricey, but if you're only buying pieces, it is manageable. I instantly feel in love with these boots in the magazine picture and had to have them! They will be super cute with skirts, thick tights, or over skinny jeans.

$160.00

http://www.titlenine.com/product/womens-casual-shoes-accessories/womens-winter-boots/907901.do?sortby=ourPicks

These are next on my list to buy, as in next week's paycheck!!  Since I already have the above boot in brown, I am going to buy these is this red color called "orla".  With the black soles, these tend to go more with "black" outfits, but can be worn with lots of other colors, I just wouldn't pair them with brown.

$154.00

http://www.zappos.com/keen-bern-high-boot-orla

Stay tuned to Fabulous Fall Finds...

Welcome to my new blog, Bargainista In the 'Burbs! I am brimming with ideas and am super excited to have an outlet to share them with you!!  Hope you enjoy and please feel free to leave your comments!