Online Deal
Daily Deal: Receive a FREE pair of flip flops (a $10 value) for purchases of $25 or more at E.L.F.
The Deal: Get FREE Flip Flops with any purchase over $25 at e.l.f. Cosmetics. Use coupon FLOPS
The Lowdown: For any order over $25, use coupon FLOPS upon checkout and receive a FREE pair of adorable flip flops worth $10.
Shop: e.l.f. Cosmetics
“Affiliate links were used in this post”
Save An Extra 15% on Dresses at Bluefly
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Today Only: Save an extra 15% off dresses at bluefly.com
The Lowdown:Bluefly.com is NOT the cheapest site out there, but for those fashionistas looking to score a true designer piece for a somewhat reasonable price, there is no better site.
For today only, receive an extra 15% off already reduced prices on dresses from the likes of Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka, and Diane Von Furstenberg. We especially like this dress from Rebecca Taylor, on sale for $189.55, down from $372.00 and this sexy, deep v neck number from Curtsey, now $66.30 from $130.00. If you have a little extra money left over from your tax returns and you put at least 50% away and/or pay off some bills, treat yourself to something like this Badgley Mischka cappucino pleated organza strapless dress
, originally $650, now $331.50 or this amazing silk beaded halter dress from Nicole Miller, for $270.30.
Shop: Bluefly.com
How to Shop NeimanMarcus.com
It doesn’t get much more posh than NeimanMarcus.com, so the idea of budget shopping on its Web site might seem laughable, but not all together impossible. Follow our tips that make the online shop a tad more accessible.
Sales & Values. We say skip paying full price for NeimanMarcus.com items and start your shopping experience by clicking on the Sales & Values section. In this section, you can search sale items by designer, new arrivals or most effectively, by category and size. The best part of the sale section is the Last Call Clearance with items starting at 65% off. Since quality is as important as price, this is a good place to pick up a Diane von Furstenberg classic wrap dress or a Lavender Label Vera Wang gown that will end paying for itself over time when applying the cost per wear ratio. Plus, you still have 30 days to return them if it doesn’t work out.
Practice TBF’s 70/30 Rule. Avoid getting overly excited about seeing an “it” bag on sale – if it’s one sale, then it’s probably no longer an “it” bag because the store is making room on the shelves for the next purse that everyone has to own. When trying to stay within your shopping budget, follow the 70/30 rule: 70 % of your closet should be classic pieces, 30% trendy, and please stick to the cheaper retailers for items that will only last a season.
Avoid Paying Shipping Cost. NeimanMarcus.com often offers free shipping on orders over $150 and occasionally on the entire order, no matter the final sale total.
In Store Returns. While online shopping is convenient in so many ways, not being able to see the item in person and try it on is a major drawback for most consumers. With purchases made at NeimanMarcus.com you can avoid the hassle of returning items by mail and take it back to the store. Note that credit for the return cannot be directly done at the store; instead you will receive an acknowledgment slip for the credit to be refunded once the item makes its way back to the warehouse, which is annoying, but you can at least save on the return shipping cost.
Price Adjustments. There is nothing worse than buying something and seeing it go on sale a week later. NeimanMarcus.com offers a one-time price adjustment for items purchased within a 10-day period. It excludes the Last Call Online Clearance and temporary special promotions, but does include the permanent online sale items, so make sure you check back to see if your item has been marked down.
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Part of Neiman Marcus retail stores’ simultaneous allure and repel has been over its payment policy of only accepting the proprietary store credit card, American Express cards, cash, check or gift cards. However, NeimanMarcus.com allows you to pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover cards making online transactions and going into debt a little easier.
Fashion News and Sales. Be in the know. Register on the homepage for a periodic email from NeimanMarcus.com. You will learn when new markdowns happen, get a heads up on Last Call Clearance sales, and have a chance to sign up and win shopping spree giveaways.
Designer Clearance Deals Under $100 at Bluefly.com
The Deal: Top Designer Clearance Deals under $100
The Lowdown: If brands/designers like BCBG Max Azria, Cosabella and Stephen Burrows seem too far out of your budget-conscious shopping radar, think again. Bluefly is currently running one of its the biggest clearance events of the year, with a HUGE selection of designer items for under $100.
What we found:
This A.B.S. stretch jersey dress for only $35.99, reduced from $126 (retail value of $210); a fuschia Romeo & Juliet Couture dress for $48.59, reduced from $59.99 (retail value of $110); or this Sweet Pea floral mesh tunic for only $20.69, reduced from $65 (retail value of $108).
Shop: Bluefly.com
Free People Mix and Match 3 for $20
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Free People Mix & Match 3 For $20
The Lowdown: If you’re playing out your own version of Confessions of a Shopaholic this season, rounding up designer-inspired accessories at a discount could help kick those overspending habits to the curb.
Free People is clearing out their sale inventory with a special offer that can fill out your accessories collection without filling out your credit card balance. Here’s a preview of some of the great things on sale at this online boutique: this Delicate Crochet Bead Headband, originally $28.00 and a great accessory to show off your Bohemian side. This flower-designed Manicure Set discounted from $18.00 and ideal for Spring and summer travels. Or pick up this cute Painters Navy Hat on sale, originally priced at $38.00.
Shop: FreePeople.com
Shop the Sale at Endless.com
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Shop the Sale Selection at Endless.com and Save
The Lowdown: Whether you’re in the market for thongs sandals, platform pumps or a pair of comfy sneakers, don’t miss the recently-updated sale rack at Endless. Despite the long list of store-closings this season, online sites like Endless.com are thriving with designer brands at low prices. Here’s what we found on a recent roundup in the sale department:
Some cute pink PUMA sneakers reduced to $47.90, originally $69.95; some chic Mia Women’s Davis T-Strap for $54.12, reduced from $69.95; and these party-worthy Michael Antonia Aissa Dress Sandals for only $40.52, reduced from $59.95.
Shop: Endless.com
Special Offer from GbyGUESS.com
The Deal: Save 15% with code THANKU15 at G by Guess until 3/16
The Lowdown: Unless you’re a pro at haggling for a lower price, a good coupon code is your friend, which is why we’re lovin’ this code from G by Guess.
The current lineup of deals include: the Skylar Embellished Top for $29.50, originally $39.50; Linear Multi-Line Earrings in an array of Spring-friendly colors for $9.95, originally $14.50; and this red hot Vanna Cut Out Top, on sale for $29.00, originally $39.50.
Shop: GbyGuess.com
Get Free Shipping at Target.com
The Deal: Spend $50 in Shoes, Get Free Shipping at Target.com Through 04/01/09
The Lowdown: It’s finally time to say goodbye to closed-toe pumps and booties for another season of sandals and peep-toes. Since you’re anxious to find some quality shoes on an extreme budget, step on over to Target.com for a roundup of the latest styles. If you can’t handle all the in store shopping drama, then shop online—Target.com is offering free shipping on all shoe purchases of $50 or more.
What’s even better is there are dozens of trendy styles for under $20 a pair! Pick up these golden Mossimo Gladiator Sandals for $19.99, or these beach-ready Lona Wedge Flip Flops for only $12.99. If you’re looking for something special for that night out on the town, snag these eye-catching Hailey Knotted Strap Heels for $19.99.
Shop: Target.com
10-25% off All Jewelry and Watches at Overstock.com
THIS SALE HAS ENDED
The Deal: 10-25% off All Jewelry and Watches at Overstock.com
The Lowdown: Let’s face it. Sometimes a new piece of jewelry is all it really takes to brighten up a dull day, and when your favorite sparkly is on sale, there’s even more reason to smile. Get your jewelry fix without sabotaging your savings account or get-out-of-debt strategy with the latest sale on jewelry and watches at Overstock.com.
We found some dazzling gems and jewels at great prices on our recent shopping rounds: this gorgeous 10k Rose Gold London Topaz ring is now $89.99, reduced from $99.99 and comparable to a retail price of $199.52! Get this Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone Bracelet to celebrate Spring flowers for only $59.99 after a $20 discount. And if you’re still searching for a simple but chic link bracelet, be sure to pick up this Sterling Silver San Marco Bracelet reduced to $22.49, originally $29.99.
Shop: Overstock.com
Get Free Shipping at Target.com
The Deal: Women’s Spend $50 in Women’s, Get Free Shipping at Target.com Through 04/01/09
The Lowdown: Target’s usually a top pick for budget-friendly finds, and now they’re offering free shipping on all Women’s collections through April 1, which means it’s high time we balanced out the neutral closet with a few bold and bright pieces.
Check out some of these great deals that qualify for the free shipping special: Merona Sleeveless Camis in Fiesta Coral and other Spring shades are now reduced to $9.99. Get these loose and comfortable Mossimo Flare Pants for just $22.99 and this short-sleeve Coral Argyle Sweater for only $19.99. It’s a must-have piece for your office closet.
Shop: Target.com
Steve Madden Boots on Sale
The Deal: Shop Steve Madden’s selection of boots on sale now under $100
The Lowdown: There’s still plenty of boot weather left in the season (and if temperatures keep going the way they are, we may be donning them all the way ‘til June . . . ) so quality boots for less are still on the TBF shopping radar.
Some of Steve Madden’s boots—even the ones on sale—are still way outside of our footwear budget line item (which, these days, is sadly lacking) so we’re zeroing in on those under a hundred bucks. Which still ain’t cheap, but in terms of value, we’re picking classic styles so they’ll last us through next year, and the next, and maybe even the next ... Our top pick? This super hot stiletto-heeled Hustler style (yeah, we won’t be telling anyone else the stripper-worthy name either), for $79.99. On the ankle boot front, we love the button detail on the Elivate
, on sale now for $99.95, and for something a little more casual (and flat) this Bonanza
suede fold-top boots, $79.95, will actually work well into Spring (even if the snow has melted at last).
Shop: Steve Madden
7 Great Online Classified Sites
Think Craigslist is the only online classified site out there? We’ve done a little digging and, lo and behold, there are other options. While it’s true that classifieds are not exactly a top source for fashion items (actually, we wouldn’t really recommend them as a source at all) but we also know your budget shopping savvy doesn’t stop at Misses Department. You buy other stuff right? Or, in this economy, perhaps you have some stuff to unload and need a reputable place to advertise? Either way, you’ll need to get the lowdown first, and here it is:
Craigslist.org. We thought we’d just get this one out of the way right off the bat. Craigslist is to classifieds what eBay is to auction sites. Looking for a big response? Craigslist probably is your best bet. Of course the biggest site will likely also attract the biggest number of kooks (we’ve all heard the stories). So screen with care.
Angieslist.com. Shopping for services instead of goods? Angie’s List has become a popular site for consumers seeking reputable service-providers (landscapers, plumbers, etc.), which is understandable since everyone has some kind of horror story about the handyman who came and tore up the bathroom ceiling only to never to be seen again (or maybe that’s just Angela). The drawback? Good advice here isn’t free—you’ll pay a sign-up fee and montly charge (or you can opt to pay for a year at a time).
Oodle.com. Oodle’s tagline is “more listings. smarter classifieds.” There are a lot of listings, but as for the smarter part? Yeah, they might have that wrapped up too. Because what Oodle does is pull classifieds from a number of other online classifieds sites and consolidates the results for you right there. It’s a Shop.com for classifieds, if you will. And that caveat about buying fashion items through the classifieds? Well, there was this pair of Michael Kors shoes that we felt oddly drawn to, tucked in amidst the Bandolino boots and brand new Uggs, all of which we were surprised to find. And since we’d already plugged in our zip code, what showed up was within 60 miles of home sweet home.
Livedeal.com. Livedeal focuses on access to local classifieds too, which is great if you want to inspect something firsthand before you buy or if you don’t want to mess with the whole shipping hassle (and cost). You can create an account and post ads for free (you can choose to pay for optional ad features, of course). Are we wowed? Um, no. But it’s perfectly functional, and if you’re in the market for a something larger like, say, a new house or car, those sections seem to be where the site has actually found its niche.
Hoobly.com. Post free ads and search for local goods, services, merchandise. Honestly, it’s not terribly intuitive to navigate, and the most ads we found seemed to be for dogs—if it’s a pit bull with champion bloodlines (mm-hmm) you require, this might just be the place for you. Otherwise, there are better options, in our humble non-pit-bull-requiring opinion.
Backpage.com. It’s kind of a Craigslist clone, but there’s nothing wrong with that exactly. Pick your metro area, and get an easy to scan list of categories, with plenty of ads to scan in an eminently readable format. Post local ads for free, pay for listing in multiple cities, and, of course, browse at your leisure. We like it when things are easy, so we’ll probably return.
Classifieds.MySpace.com. If you want literally millions of listings to choose from, MySpace.com’s classified pages are for you. Even though we’re not HUGE fans of MySpace (only because we’re not teenyboppers and therefore do not receive NEARLY enough attention there to suit us) we have the say, the classifieds are pretty extensive, and of course you can localize results. Angela, for example, found a very cute Banana Republic wrap dress, new with tags, for $48, just a few miles away with local pickup available. Okay, it’s not exactly a vintage Coach Bag for under 10 bucks (let us know if you find one) but it’ll do. Oh, and you can post ads for free too.
New York & Company Free Shipping
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Free shipping on purchases of $50 or more at New York & Company —use this link or code 7274
The Lowdown: We can’t seem to get enough of New York & Company, mostly because they’re taking this whole holiday shopping thing seriously and offering up all kinds of great deals—like free shipping when you spend $50 or more online. It’s not just apparel either—we love NY&C for it’s accessories too, like this City Style Red Dangle Necklace, perfectly holiday-appropriate and on sale for only $9.95.
Shop: New York & Company
Free International Shipping at Shopbop.com Purchases $250 or More
The Deal: Free international shipping at Shopbop.com through November 30th with orders over $250
The Lowdown: Got some overseas peeps you need to shop for this holiday season? Well hurry, because Shopbop.com is offering free international shipping through Nov. 30—get deals on designer goods and save a bundle on the long-distance shipping costs. We always suggest shopping Shopbop’s 70% off sale section, where we found this Botkier Stevie Satchel marked down to $147.50 (regularly $475).
Shop: Shopbop.com
$50 Off Cole Haan Handbags at Smartbargains.com
THIS SALE HAS ENDED and THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD
The Deal: Get $50 off Cole Haan handbags at Smartbargains.com for one day only!
The Lowdown: Get $50 off Cole Haan handbags—and $25 off Cole Haan boots and shoes —for one day only. Cole Haan is high quality leather, so grabbing a piece for yourself—or to give as a gift this holiday season—at a discount just makes sense. We like this Softflap Shoulder Bag for something versatile—and practically all-season—for $99.99.
Shop: SmartBargains.com
20% Off at Piperlime Coupon
THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED
The Deal: 20% off at Piperlime at the Sweet Deal Event. Ends Oct. 26.
The Lowdown: Get 20% off with this coupon for Piperlime, where stylish shoes are plentiful, and at 20% off, affordable. Want to jazz up that ho-hum wardrobe (you know, the one you haven’t had much cash to update lately)? We love these Rampage Clarissa boots, for just $48.50 at this sale.
Shop: Piperlime.com
Up to 60% off apt.9 Sportswear at Kohl’s: Daily Deal
The Deal: 40-60% Off Women’s apt. 9® Sportswear at Kohls.com
The Lowdown: With temperatures slowly creeping up with the summer countdown, shopping for casual office attire can be a challenge. If you can’t get away with shorts or tank tops, a few ¾ sleeve tops, cap sleeve blouses and cute skirts can help you beat the heat and still stay stylish.
The apt.9 collection at Kohl’s is a good start for the challenge, and the season’s latest collection is marked down 40-60% off through May 3. Pick up a cute Polka-Dot Dress for only $23.99 (orig. $50) or the Smocked Vienna Peasant Top (shown here) for $17.99 (orig. $34). And, the short-sleeve blazers that dress up any outfit are now marked down to $27.99 (orig. $60).
Shop It: 40-60% Off Women’s apt. 9® Sportswear
Image courtesy of Kohls.com
JC Penney’s Friends and Family Coupon
“THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED”
Okay, straight up. I haven’t been the biggest fan of the JC Penney’s women department in the past (but we LOVE the men’s department). However, I must admit, that I’m kinda of lovin the new American Living line. The prices aren’t the cheapest, but the line, the result of a joint partnership with Ralph Lauren, does feature traditional American sportswear with a bit of sass. If you’re curious about the line, then the best time to try it out is during JCP’s friend and family sale. This Sunday, April 20th only, use the codes or print out the coupon linked below to save an additional 20% off your purchases.
Online: head to JCP.com and use code FOLKS
In store: Click here to print out your coupon
Catalog: Use the Code “Folks”
Every Dress on Sale at Arden B: Daily Deal
THIS SALE HAS ENDED
The Deal: Shop The Dress Event at Arden B. through March 23, 2008 for sale prices on every item!
The Lowdown: Build up that going-out wardrobe without going overboard on the budget with The Dress Event at Arden B. Every dress is now reduced by up to 30%+, but for a limited time only. If you’ve been waiting to pick up that Little Black Dress, now is the time to buy one (or two!).
Shop It: Arden B.
Basic Editions on Sale at Kmart.com: Daily Deal
“This Deal Has Ended”
The Deal: Basic Editions for Women on sale 2/24 - 3/1 at Kmart.com
The Lowdown: When you want some simple tees, pants, sweaters, or even a set of comfy pjs to relax in after a long day at work, a few casual pieces is all you need to wind down for the day. Put together that simple ensemble with Basic Editions, the Kmart brand offering long sleeve shirts, simple skirts, and plenty of low-key options to relax in. For a limited time, all pieces are marked down up to 40% off regular prices.
Shop It: Kmart.com
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