Target: Cozy Chic Sweatshirt Cardigans!!

Every time Fall rolls around, I go cashmere nuts and then when Winter hits, my dry cleaning bill skyrockets.  My favorite cashmere items are my cashmere wraps/cardigans.  I live in them.  But I think I found a great dry-cleaning-free alternative today!!  Every so often, I find something in Target that's just perfect.  And Target has hit it out of the ballpark with this Mossimo wrap cardigan in sweatshirt material for only $29.99:

I'm going to get this cardigan in deep purple!  I'd post the deep purple but the shade is all off in my pix, so that's why the heather grey one is being shown.  It runs large so, I'd size down if you're in between sizes.  And since it's made from sweatshirt material, no dry cleaning is needed!  I'm also looking forward to the lack of pilling that inevitably shows up on my beloved cashmere wraps/cardigans.  If this cardigan goes on-sale, I may buy all three colors: black, purple and heather grey!

I also found this Merona shawl-collar cardigan in sweatshirt material for $19.99 that would make a great alternative to your hoodie:

I adore grandpa sweaters/blazers and this totally reminds me of a grandpa blazer.  I know this cardigan doesn't look so fabulous in the pix above but trust me, this cardigan looks way better on the body than on the hanger.  Oh...and I'd pass on this cardigan in the other colors.

Uniqlo: Cozy In Velvet

Uniqlo is without a doubt a go-to brand for inexpensive chic basics.  Velvet by Graham & Spencer is without a doubt a go-to brand for comfy chic tops and dresses.  Put these two brands together, throw in some cashmere and what do you get? A cozy chic cashmere sweater/cardigan collection that kinda makes me yearn for colder weather.

Given that Vince cashmere sweaters are easily running $300+ these days, this lovely Di Cashmere Off Turtle Sweater in gray seemed like a sweet deal for $129.90:

The sweater is long than it looks...it easily covers the booty. I will be wearing it all winter long with long-sleeved shirts underneath.  Note the generous opening of the neckline.  Not the choking tightness of a turtleneck but not the dramatic looseness of a cowlneck.  It is a a very happy medium indeed.

I was eyeing the Di Cashmere Dolman Sleeve Sweater but I'm a practical girl, so I let that gorgeous sweater stay on the rack.  It looked great when I tried it on but due to the cut of the dolman sleeves, the sweater rode up (way up) when I attempted to put a coat over it. The Di Cashmere Stole Cardigan (cardgian with an open cascading neckline) was only $129.90 and if I didn't have so many similar cardigans already, I'd be snapping one (or two) up.

If you are looking for basic v-neck and crew neck cashmere sweaters, Uniqlo is offering them in various colors for only $79.90.  Basic cashmere cardigans are running $89.90.  If you're build up your cashmere collection or need to replace some articles, Uniqlo is a great place to start!!

The thing about Uniqlo is that if you see a top/dress/swetaer that you like, you have to buy it on the spot because it's a pretty good bet that it won't be there the next time you go.  They're great at stock new items but they don't really re-stock existing items - especially when it comes to pieces from a collaboration.  I made the mistake last year of not buying a sweater that I loved, hoping it would go on sale, and I never saw it again.

Reverse-Reverse: 2 Inhabit Knits For You!

It's rain and cold outside.  All I think about are plushy pajamas and cozy knits.  Thanks to RevolveClothing.com's Reverse-Reverse.com website, I can satisfy my longing for cozy knits!  Here are two super-discounted Inhabit sweaters:

• Cashmere Drape Cardi ($141) in lichen:  I love cardigans like this Drape Cardi because you can throw it with jeans and a tank, and you're out the door in a second.  It's not just an effortless chic look...it really is effortless and chic!

• Chunky Hooded Pullover ($90) in flannel:  Wear a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath this pullover and it becomes an all-winter pullover!

[Images Courtesy of Reverse-Reverse]

ShopBop: Facing Fall

Thanks to the heat waves last month, I've been in denial about the arrival of Fall.  Now that it's October 1, cool and rainy, I've come to accept that Summer has ended and Fall is here.  I'm looking forward to my cozy sweaters and plushy blankets!  With that in mind, I found these 3 Fall-appropriate items on sale at ShopBop.com:

• Ugg Sweater Knit Scuffette Slippers ($40) in navy (only Size 6  is available):  Comfy slippers for the house/apartment!

• Elizabeth and James Myla Deep V Cardigan ($185.30) in black:  The zipper makes this cardigan perfect for lounging/errands.

• Haute Hippie Dolman Sleeve Cardigan ($137.50) in light heather grey:  Oversized and slouchy-chic, throw this cardigan on over skinny jeans and a tank and you're good to go! 

[Images Courtesy of ShopBop]

White + Warren: Drape Neck Cardigan

I was able to nab this White +Warren cashmere Drape Neck Cardigan for $100 on NeimanMarcus.com:

It was on sale for $150 (and still is), but thanks to a $50 promotional gift card from Neiman Marcus, it brought the price down to $100.  Throw in free shipping, how could I not get it??  My old dry-cleaners had shrunk my previous White + Warren cashmere cardigan, so I'm happy that I finally found a replacement at such a great price!

Note: Even if you didn't receive a $50 promotional gc from Neiman Marcus, $150 for this cardigan is still a great deal!  Use code "NMSEPT" to get free shipping (expires 9/27/10).

BasicBoutique.com: TGIF Sale - 40% Off!!

BasicBoutique.com is offering 40% off today (09/17/10) because it's FRIDAY!!  Use code "FRIDAY40" for the entire site.  So what would I nab for 40% off?  These four September-appropriate items:

• Rachel Pally Oversized Origami Top in ivory ($59.40):  The draping on this top is causal and not overly done.  I'm thinking this is a great fall top to wear to brunch or a casual dinner. Just avoid red wine if you wear this top to dinner!

• Myne Cassidy Dress in grey ($147.60):  Wear this floaty chic dress while you can!  We're still expecting a few 80s days here and there.  And when it cools off, pair this dress with a swingy cardigan/wrap.

• Loeffler Randall Spaghetti Shoulder Blouse in black ($75):  I'm a firm believer that you can never have enough black tops, sweaters, and shirts.  The spaghetti shoulders adds a nice edge to your basic black silk top.

• Line Gaile in taupe ($83.16):  I live for cashmere but cashmere isn't always the best choice (think rainy days, cool-ish but not quite cool/cold days, something to throw on right after the gym...you get my drift).  And how could I not like the pockets??

[Images Courtesy of Basic Boutique]

Calyso-Celle.com: Addt'l 40% Off Sale Items!!

Calypso-Celle.com is clearing out its summer merchandise and that means an additional 40% off all sale items!!  Use code "SEPT092".  With the discount, these three items are a steal: (Note: Prices reflect discount.)

• Elena Ghiselini Cupido Bag in cocco ($419.40):  I've posted this item before but not at this fantastic price!  I like that this is a nice neutral brown.  

• Yali Sweater in lapin ($89.40):  This sweater is perfect for your transition into Fall!

• Briggi Dress in cool grey ($59.40):  Before it gets too cold, pair this dress with a cardigan or wrap and you're ready for a casual dinner!  The navy version is very versatile as well!

[Images Courtesy of Calypso]

LuvCharlie.com: 30% Off Code!!

Labor Day Weekend is upon us and that means sales are everywhere!  It's easy to get carried away and buy, buy, buy because everything is on sale.  Resist that impulse and you'll be left with fewer buyer's remorse.  Two questions to ask yourself: 1) Would I buy it if it weren't on sale? (i.e., Do I truly like it?) and 2) Would I buy it if was a final sale (and in some cases, it just may be)?  I'm mentioning this because I just went to the Barneys Warehouse Sale and saw women buying things they would probably never usually buy and will probably never wear.  They were all caught up in the frenzy of the hunt.

All this being said, I found three fantastic items on sale at LuvCharlie.com to use with their current code "HOLIDAY" (expires 9/7).  This code works with the entire site, not just the sale section!  So what are the three fantastic finds?  In no particular order of fantastic-ness: (Note: Prices reflect the additional 30% off.)

• Botkier Uma Satchel ($333.20) in black:  The Uma is a great everyday back that you can take from work to drinks/dinner!  Here's my video review of it: Video Review: Botkier's Uma Satchel.

• Yumi Kim Joey Top ($83.30) in pink maui:  I am not a pink girl.  But lots of you are and if I were a pink girl, I'd be buying this top.  This top looked amazing on all the girls trying it on at the Yumi Kim Sample Sale.  Particularly if you have tan!

• Yumi Kim Devon Dress ($98) in blue juniper:  I was lucky enough to nab this dress at the Yumi Kim Sample Sale and I LOVE IT!!  It's comfy and it's chic.  And you can dress it up with heels or down with flip flops.  I like to pair it with my silver flip flops - half-dressy/half-casual, totally comfortable!

[Images Courtesy of LuvCharlie]

C&C California Romper For Cheap!!

The other day, C&C California was having a great sale on their website.  Coupled with an additional 30% off code and a one-day free shipping offer, I grabbed their Bemberg Romper in faded black for only $31.43!!

I wasn't sure about sizing.  When I called up, customer service said that the romper ran true to size.  I ordered it in S, and it's slightly bigger than expected but I love the fact that that means the shorts are not too short.  And it's perfect for the current heat wave that we're experiencing!!

If I Could Only Fit Into This Qi-Pao (aka Cheongsam)...

Every year or so, I bring out my mom's old qi-pao (aka cheongsam) and just sigh.  They don't make them like this one anymore:

I'm not fat but I'm not super tiny like her.  While I can fit into this dress, I cannot zip it up to my everlasting frustration!!  And yes, every time I bring it out, I try it on in hopes that the dress has miraculously gotten bigger or that I have miraculously shrunk enough so that I can zip it up.  Did I mention that I had a tailor undo the darts in the dress as well??  Pathetic, I know.  But they just don't do embroidery for qi-paos like this anymore.  And this dress is even lovelier IRL!!

Yumi Kim Sample Sale Loot!!

I wasn't planning on going to the Yumi Kim Sample Sale this past week, but I needed to go to Crate & Barrel and since the sample sale was only a few doors down...I couldn't resist!!

And I ended up with 5 dresses and 1 top.  And I was restraining myself!!  Silk dresses were $30 and silk tops were $20.  I arrived promptly when the sample sale began at 12:00 pm and by the time I left at 1:00 pm, it was a madhouse.  It was really hard to leave because they kept on bringing new items into the room. Alas, I couldn't stay there all day (and I only had so much cash - it was a cash only sale), so I left with the following:

• Love Dress in vine:  I'm usually not a fan of prints but the ones that I am a fan of are usually those from Yumi Kim.  This dress has me dreaming of Hawaii.  The flutter sleeves flutter sweetly around my arms.

• Goddess Dress in navy:  I adore the shape of this dress...hence my purchase of this dress in three different colors/prints.  The pockets clinched the deal for me.

• Goddess Dress in purple:  Purple is my favorite color, so how could I pass this up?

• Devon Dress in blue juniper:  This is a super comfy everyday dress.  It's much more flattering on  the body than on the hanger.  The only thing that would make it better would be pockets!!

• Goddess Dress in violet leaf:  Yes, I already have a dress almost exactly like this one but the print is slightly different.  If you look carefully, you notice that this one has a background polka dot print.

• Joey Top in violet leaf:  I loved the print of this fabric so much that I purchased this flowy/blousy top in it!!

BoutiqueToYou.com: Sale On Sale!!

BoutiqueToYou is having a Sale On Sale!!  Take an extra 25% off all sale items with code "25SALE" (expire 08/20/10).  Always on the lookout for a comfy chic "buffet outfit" (i.e., an outfit one would wear when one is expecting to be rather gluttonous...which, for me, always occurs at a buffet), I checked to see what I could pull together in the sale section.  I found this flattering and forgiving-to-the-waistline outfit...here it is from top to bottom: (Note: Prices reflect 25% discount.)

• Karen Zambos Cyia Top ($37.49) in ivory: Yes...this shirt is perfect for when you want to eat a very, very big meal.  Just mind the sleeves.  This is a one-size-fits all top.

• Adina Circle Twist Necklace ($187.49) in gold:  I prefer this delicate necklace rather than the chunky one the model above is wearing.  It's a bit more elegant.

• J Brand 901 Legging in indigo ($74.99):  One word: streeeeeetchy!!! Sizes 24 and 30 are available (as of this posting).

• Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Daryl Wedge Sandals ($109.49) in grey:  At this price, these sandals are a steal!! Size 9 is available (as of this posting).

 [Images Courtesy of Boutiquetoyou.com]

ShopGoldyn.com: 3-Day Sample Sale!

ShopGoldyn.com is having a 3-Day Sample Sale (08/09/10 - 08/11/10)!!  I found two great grey tanks for you to snag and wear before the summer ends:

• Helmut Lang Drape Cowl Neck Tank ($204) in grey: Only S is available.

• See by Chloe Layered Ruffle Button Tank ($78) in heather grey: As of this posting, available in 2, 4, 6.  Wait...did I just post another ruffled item?  What is going on today??

[Images Courtesy of Goldyn]

PurdyGirl: Got Me A Purdy Dress and Purdy Bracelet!

One thing that I always look forward to during the summer (call me "cheesy") is street fairs.  I love the fresh lemonade, made-to-order crepes, and cheap trinkets found at every street fair.  This past saturday, Sunshine and I happily came across a street fair on Laguardia Place.  

And what's on 540 Laguardia Place?  Purdy Girl!  

I couldn't ignore the 20% off posters plastered in Purdy Girl's window.  For once, Sunshine was in total agreement that I needed to buy a dress.  Once again, I had dressed inappropriately.  It was cool-ish during the morning, so I had thrown on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.  Little did I know that it was going to be crazy hot later on in the day.  

We had stopped by Urban Outfitters looking for a quick-change dress.  Much to my frustration, I couldn't find anything worth purchasing there.  I was hopeful that I would find something not-expensive-but-fun at Purdy Girl.  And I did!

I purchased the following strapless, ruffle dress in olive green for $60.80 (after the 20% discount).  The belt was included!!  Yes, I know...I usually don't do strapless or ruffles, but the combination on this dress was perfect!  Because the ruffles are big and flattering, it's not girly and rather slimming.  And it's SECURE (I know you know what you I'm talking about).  I did a "jumping" test and the dress passed with flying colors!

I was slightly worried about the armpit area pudge.  But once I had a strapless bra on, the pudge miraculously disappeared.  I'm not sure how that works, but I'm not complaining.  I'm just going with it.  

But a word of advice on belts with a slip buckle.  If you eat (and drink) too much and then inhale deeply, the belt may...unslip from the buckle, despite fitting perfectly earlier.  I provide this advice from personal experience.  (Sunshine and Foodette witnessed this rather mortifying experience and couldn't stop laughing.  The belt just popped open after a huge Korean BBQ meal in K-town.)

To match this purdy dress, Sunshine (big spender that he is...wink, wink) purchased this purdy bracelet for me:

It was on sale for only $10!  And it matches the dress perfectly!!  

Note:  Don't forget to pick up a Preferred Purdy Girl card while you're there.  You get 30% off a non-sale item once a month.