Nine West: Up-to-70% Off Sale...Looks Good To Me!

Unfortunate but true fact: I'm a bit of a boot snob.

When it comes to boots, I rarely buy non-designer boots...if ever.  However, I was DESPERATE for grey booties.  For some unknown reason, grey boots brings out the hooker, hoochie and hag in the majority of designers.  I wanted everyday grey booties.  No fringe, no bling and no sky-high heels.  No luck.  It was down right disheartening.

I don't remember the last time I purchased shoes/boots at Nine West but when I saw their e-mail that they were having a up-to-70% off sale, I took a peek.  And I found these lovely grey suede Rhona booties at 50% off for only $59.50 (with free shipping!):

The 4" heel is a little higher than my usual choice of heel height but the 1/2" platform evens things out for me (so I don't look like an idiot when I walk).  I'm usually a size 6.5 but after reading the reviews online, I decided to go up 1/2 a size to 7.  They're slightly loose but they don't pinch, so I'm pretty happy with them. (I guess I'll just be wearing thicker socks? Or maybe add a lining?)

Now:  I'm less of a boot snob.

Update: Timely Sale-on-Sale!!  Buy 2 pairs of shoes/boots, get 15% off.  Buy 3 pairs of shoes/boots, get 20% off. No code needed. This promotion expires 1/17/11.

Loeffler Randall Matilde Boots: Worth The Wait!!

I have been wanting Loeffler Randall's Matilde Boots for forever.  However, the price tag of $695 was a little too steep for me.  So I have been hunting and waiting and hunting and waiting for a pair to go on sale.  I'm not talking about 15% off or even 20% off.  I wanted at least 30% off!  And I wasn't finding it.  These lovelies rarely go on sale and are often sold out.  But I was persistent and would obsessively check the sale sections of numerous shoes sites.

Finally, I hit jackpot on Nordstrom's website while on the train home for Thanksgiving (thank you 3G iPad)!  I found a pair of black Matilde boots in size 6.5 for 40% OFF!!

That meant $414.90 with free shipping.  Being the sale hunter that I am, the question that popped into my head was, "Could I do a little better?"  The answer was, "Yes!!"

Ebates was offering 5% cash back on purchases via Nordstrom.  That translated into an additional $20.75 off which means I was able to get these lovely, city-walking friendly boots for a discounted price of $394.15.  Okay...not the cheapest boots but a great deal for these boots!!

If you're looking for comfy chic boots, these are it!  Now that I have them, my advice is that if you find them on sale for 25% off, grab them.  Lots of promotion codes are floating around so don't stop checking around and don't forget that if you get a nice sales rep, they may price match even if the size or color isn't the same.  And don't forget about Ebates...you may be able to get some cash back.

UPDATE:  CUSP.com is having a 20% off regular priced boots promotion (no code needed).  This boots promotion expires on 12/15/10.  I know I said 25% off, but they are pretty well stocked in sizes and color!  Plus, this sale INCLUDES HUNTER AND UGG!!!

I May Iron Like Crap, But I Steam Like A Pro!

I suck at ironing.  I iron wrinkles in rather than iron them out.  In addition, I have singed not only my clothes but also myself.  What's a gal to do with a closet full of wrinkled clothes?  Buy a garment steamer (on sale, of course).

I was able to snag Conair's Deluxe Compact Fabric Steamer for about $20 (from Kohl's) and I can now steam clothes like a pro!

This garment steamer is indeed compact compared to the "pro" versions that have built-in racks.  In lieu of a built-in rack, the Deluxe Compact Fabric Steamer comes with an over-the-door hook that will hold hangers and the hose head:

The hose wraps around the tank for easy (and compact) storage.  Two attachments are included: crease and lint.  I'm pretty sure that I will never use the former and may occasionally use the latter.

Unless you're going to consistently steam your entire wardrobe, don't shell out the big bucks for a pro version.  This compact version works quite well.  I steamed about 8 items and it took me about less than 15 minutes, probably even less than 10 minutes.  (I will keep you posted as to durability. I'm hoping that this is a quality garment steamer and won't conk out on me after several uses.)

There was a slight learning curve but if you keep the following in mind (aka "my mistakes"), you'll be a steaming like pro as well:

• Steam your clothes from the bottom up.  Heat rises up...and that means steam rises up.  Steaming yourself is not fun.
• Steam goes through fabric.  Hold your item taut from the bottom only.  If you hold it taut in other areas, you may accidently steam yourself.  Again, steaming yourself is not fun.
• It take longer than the stated 5 minutes for the steamer to be ready.  If you're in a rush, forget steaming.
• You clothes may be slightly damp after steaming so let them hang dry for 2-3 mintues.  Again, if you're in a rush, forget steaming.
• Do not put your freshly steamed clothes in a pile...especially if they're still a little damp.  They'll just get wrinkled again.  Make sure you hang them up.  If you have the hangers ready, it'll lessen the urge to pile the clothes up.

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]

Loehmann's: 20% Off Entire Purchase!!

It's been a while since I've been pleasantly surprised by Loehmann's and I'm pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised today due to the following: Loehmann's 20% Off Entire Purchase Coupon!!

The coupon expires on 10/4/10 (Mon), so use it before you lose it.  ;)

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]

Stefanibags.com: Happy 3-Yr Anniverary Sale!!

It's Stefanibags' 3-Yr Anniversary and in celebration, they're offering a One-Day Sale (30% off) on all Kooba, Botkier, Linea Pelle and Treesje bags (good for both regular priced and SALE). Use code "PARTY30" (expires 9/27/10).  Here are three bags to snap up (2 of which are on sale!): (Note: Prices reflect 30% discount.)

• Treesje Crimson ($256.20) in black:  If you need a little more info on this rocker chic cross-body bag, check out my video review of it (Video Review: Treesje's Crimson)!

• Botkier Uma Satchel ($349.30) in black:  A classic Botkier bag at a great price (Video Review: Botkier's Uma Satchel)!

• Linea Pelle Dylan Medium Tote ($301) in black:  Gunmetal hardware...need I say more?

[Images Courtesy of Stefanibags]

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]

NY Neighborhood Shopping Events: 09/21/10 - 09/23/10

Before the weather turns crapola, take advantage of these three upcoming neighborhood shopping events in the city (sales/discounts included!):

• New York Shop Walk (LES):  This 2-day event will take place during 09/21/10 - 09/22/10 (tues - wed) in the Lower East Side.  Hours are 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm for most stores.  Here are the stores/discounts that caught my eye:
• Dolce Vita (149 Ludlow St): 20% off all regular-priced shoes, boots and clothing
• Earnest Sewn (90 Orchard St): 15% off all Earnest Sewn Products
• Wendy Mink Jewelry (72 Orchard St): 15% off merchandise
• Yumi Kim (105 Stanton St): 20% off merchandise

• Priceless NYC Shopping Night (Soho):  This 1-night event will take place during 09/23/10 (thrs).  Hours are 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Sign-up at BordersRewardsPerks.com to be eligible for the discounts!  I am especially happy about the Club Monaco and Solstice discounts!  These are the stores/discounts that looked good to me:
• Hugo Boss: 25% off
• Club Monaco: 20% off
• Theory: 20% off
• Vince: 20% off
• Solstice: $50 off $195
• Scoop: 20% off
• Calypso: 20% off

• Priceless NYC Shopping Night (Meatpacking District):  This 1-night event will take place during 09/23/10 (thrs).  Hours are 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Sign-up at BordersRewardsPerks.com to be eligible for the discounts!  Most of the stores are similar to the ones in Soho, but a few are different.
• Carlos Miele: 20% off
• Earnest Sewn: 20% off
• Hugo Boss: 25% off
• Theory: 20% off
• Helmut Lang: 20% off
• Solstice: $50 off 195
• Scoop: 20% Off
• Calypso: 20% off
• Adam: 20% off
• Red Market Salon: 30% off

Bed Bath & Beyond Clearance Sale Score: Plushy Throw!

When it comes to winter robes, pajamas and bedding, I focus on the tactile experience of the fabric.  When it's cold outside, I like items that are warm, fuzzy and cozy.  As a result, I am huge sucker for anything made from plushy material.  Usually, I prefer to buy items made from natural fibers (mostly, silk cotton, merino wool, and cashmere).  But I love plushy material so much that in this DISCRETE instance, I'm totally advocating polyester!

My old plushy throw needed to be retired, so I headed to Bed, Bath & Beyond in hopes of finding a new one in the clearance section.   And...I scored!!

My old plushy throw was a plushy blanket but this new plushy throw (Think Mink Down Alternative Throw by Berkshire Blanket) is a like a plushy throw/super-light comforter in one.  I used a 20% off coupon, so the final price was only $15.99!!!  I'm thinking about getting another one just in case Sunshine decides to permanently "borrow" this one.

Note:  I don't see this particular plushy blanket available on BBB's online clearance section, but two other plushy blankets are available:

• Indulgence Throws by Berkshire Blanket for $14.99
• Anywhere Blanket from Berkshire Blanket for $19.99

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]

Reminder: If You're Buying On-Line This Weekend, Use Ebates.com!!

If you're buying on-line this Labor Day weekend, don't forget to purchase through Ebates.com!!  They're currently offering DOUBLE cash back in celebration of Labor Day.  Here's a few e-stores that you may be interested in:

• Bloomingdales.com: 6%
• Ulta.com: 6%
• Piperlime.com: 15%
• BananaRepublic.com: 10%

Today's Ebates Daily Double is UrbanOutfitters.com: 5%.

What I like about Ebates.com is that you can use promotion codes and still get cash back!  And if your credit card gives you points for purchases or cash back for purchases, you're getting an even better deal!!

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!!

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!!

Quick & Easy (& Cheap) Way to Your Organize Necklace(s)!

I love organizing (though from the current state of my bedroom, you wouldn't know it).  And I'm always searching for new ways to organize my life's possessions.  It was a happy accident that I found this current method of holding necklaces.  Well, actually, just 2 of my necklaces.

Like make-up, I like to collect jewelry but not use it all.  Unlike make-up, it's not that I'm inept.  I'm just somewhat lazy.  I tend to wear my diamond studs (which I don't take off) and 2 necklaces with jade pendants (which I do take off) everyday.  The only thing I actively change are my rings.

Usually, I'll take off my necklaces before showering and leave them on the bathroom countertop.  However, I'm always afraid of chipping/breaking the jade pendants.  I'd put them on a towel but let's be real, there have been occasions when I've almost forgotten them and they've almost gone flying.  Lot's of heart pounding during those moments.

I needed a hook for my shower puff, so I purchased two suction hooks for $4.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Since I only needed one hook, I was left with one extra hook.  What to do with it?  I was pretty sure if I stored it somewhere, it would be forgotten and lost.  Hmm....

I placed the extra hook on the mirror in my bathroom, and presto!  Instant necklace hook!!

I wouldn't put a lot of necklaces (especially the chunky/heavy ones) on this hook, but one or two delicate/lights ones work fine.  And I'm thinking I could place a ring or two on the hook as well.  Let me just stress that this is NOT meant to act as a way to store your necklaces!!  The humidity in the bathroom would kill your jewelry (especially cheap(er) jewelry).  But this is a quick and easy and cheap way to place your necklaces (and bracelets and rings) while you're doing your ablutions or your make-up.  Why didn't I think of this earlier???

Grab Your Google Voice Phone Number For Gmail Calls!!

Currently, I am dialing everyone that I know via Gmail Call.  It sounds pretty good and unlike Skype, you can call ANY phone number in the US (and Canada) for free (for now)!!  The cost of international calls depends on the country that you're calling.  The sound quality it a little tinny but for a free service, I'm pretty darn impressed.

You can get a phone number assigned to your Gmail account via Google Voice!  Just drop in your area code (or town/city name) and available phone numbers will appear.  For you NY'rs, forget "212" or "917" or even "646".  If you input "New York City" (or is it simply "New York"?), you're given a plethora of "347" numbers.  Grab one you like before it's gone!!

I'm still trying to figure out exactly how receiving calls works (along with everything else)...but dialing is a breeze!!

I didn't want you to miss out on getting a good phone number.  :)