I truly love the designer collaborations from stores like Target and Payless. But is there a limit to how much you’re willing to pay for these “designer” items? I thought about this when I cam across these Christian Siriano for Payless heels. They’re mighty fierce and certainly cheaper than anything from this signature collection. But the $80 price tag kinda made me wince. 80 bucks. At Payless? Hmm
So what say you: Would you spend $80 for a pair of shoes at Payless (even if they are a part of a designer collaboration)? Or maybe $50 for an item at Forever 21?
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Mar 10, 2010 in Uncategorized
Purple is undoubtedly the color of spring. You can’t walk into any department store or see any awards show without noticing the vibrant hue. Whether you go for a light pastel or deep eggplant color, here are a few items to help you jump on the purple train.
I’ve always loved lasagna but I look at the meal as being time consuming with the layers and layers of ingredients. Hence, I’ve never made lasagna.
Fortunately I found a cheap, easy recipe from All You for their spinach ricotta skillet lasagna. The ingredients list was simple and the preparation was even easier. Unlike typical lasagna which requires baking, this gem is coked on the stovetop with oven-ready noodles (they don’t require boiling).
The meal was delish. And that’s not just my opinion, the family loved it also. Cousin Lammie* and I were literally standing up and eating the lasagna, we couldn’t wait to sit at the dining room table.
A few tips I’d offer up if you’re making this dish:
-Make sure you really drain the spinach. You don’t want watery lasagna.
-The directions indicate a 20 minute cooking time on medium low heat, but if you don’t like your pasta al dente, I’d suggest an additional 2 or 3 minutes.
The skillet produced 4 huge servings or 6 smaller servings. The total cost of ingredients was less than $14!
On Saturday afternoon I magically found myself at TJ Maxx. I think I was inspired by The Budget Babe’s recent visit.
Of course I immediately scurried to the shoe department. One of the first pairs I saw was a sparkly, sequin pair of Betsey Johnson Kanata pumps. I couldn’t believe my shoe lusting eyes. I remembered seeing these bad boys months ago in Macy’s but refused to pay $200 for them. Now…they were only $99. I snatched them up without even thinking.
I kept searching the aisles and what did my eyes see? Several pairs of Paris Hilton pumps. I’m not a Paris fan, and I’m really not sure what she’s famous for but I certainly swooned over the shoes. The deep purple. Platform. Studs. $49. I was sold. And they fit like a glove.
*sidenote: I went there to purchase a floor mat for my bathroom but I walked out with two pairs of shoes, and no mat. Sigh
Last week I briefly mentioned Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner during my top {cheap} beauty product reviews. But since then I’ve used the conditioner several times and I must elaborate on this gem…and it’s only $2.99.
I have naturally kinky, curly hair and I constantly battle dryness. This creamy, lightly scented conditioner is free of sulfates, which strip hair of moisture, and chocked full of organic ingredients, including rosemary, mango, lemongrass, ginko biloba and echinacea. Actually, all but the last six ingredients are organic.
It’s described as a “hair moisturizer…infuses moisture and exceptional shine without weighing hair down.”
All I can say is, I agree 100%. My hair feels soft, silky and moisturized without being greasy. This conditioner is officially a part of my hair regime.
Uber stylist Rachel Zoe recently unveiled her (Not So) Basic Guide of 20 wardrobe essentials every woman needs in her closet. Though most of Ms. Zoe’s picks were a bit out of my (and most likely your) price range, here’s the final installment of her essential pieces, at a price we can all afford! Be sure to check out parts one, two and three.
Right now I seriously swooning over Dalla Nonna’s calendar necklace. The piece has a unique vintage-y feel. Made of silver or gold, the necklace is a great customizable piece as a stone (blue, green, pink, red, white or yellow sapphire) is placed on a particular day of the month (you choose the month and day). Prices range from $150 to $400.
If the price tag is too steep, there’s a similar version on Etsy for $35. The silver charm is just as customizable, but instead of a sapphire, the chosen day is engraved with a star. Perfect gift to highlight an anniversary or birthday for a lady in your life.
Holidays are a great time to shop so when Valentine’s Day and President’s Day were back to back, I indulged in some online shopping. When I woke in the morning I had no idea I’d be dropping $100, but I spent wisely and they were all items I needed wanted. Prior to this, I had never shopped at any of these stores, so here’s a rundown of the items I purchased, how much I saved and the quality of the pieces.
Cross body bags are big for spring so I checked out Urban Outfitters. I tend to think their stuff is a bit overpriced but I was hoping to snag something within my budget (I think I’ve only spend more than $40 on a bag once, and that was for my beloved DSW baby!). Luckily, Urban was having a Stock Up sale and a bag that originally sold for more than $60 was just $29.99.
Verdict: I’m in love with the bag, as well as the wallet ($6.99). They arrived in two days and the bag is so multi-functional. I can use it as a cross body or detach the strap and put it on my shoulder. And it’s so big, I can practically fit my entire life in it. It’s also a great carry-on for traveling. And the wallet is adorable and colorful. It’s such a standout piece that I can even use it as a clutch for a night out. As of now, both items are sold out.
I can’t remember the last time I bought a new pair of shoes and I really needed a pair of flat boots. Charlotte Russe’s footwear sale was perfect: buy one pair, get a pair for $10. Score!
Verdict: I’ve already worn the flat boots ($30) at least three times (thanks Snowpacalypse!). They’re comfortable and functional. I love the slightly rugged, slouchy feel. Right now I’m pairing them with jeans and tights but I definitely plan to wear these in the spring with a cute dress. The heels ($10)? I’m a sucker for a high heel (4.5 inches to be exact) with a rounded toe. Unfortunately…they’re too small. They weren’t available in half sizes so instead of getting a 9 (gasp!), I went for an 8. They sorta fit, but walking would be impossible. I’m exchanging them this week (fingers crossed they actually have my size!).
A great denim or leather jacket is essential for spring. I have a denim one so it was time to get a leather. Though I have a thrifted Old Navy leather, I wanted something different. Remember when I suggested this jacket as a part of Rachel Zoe’s wardrobe essentials? Well, Arden B. slashed the price from $68 to $40 to $20.
Verdict: I can’t tell you how disappointed I am with this jacket. I must have made the worse stink face when I pulled it out of the box. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I just hate it. Maybe it’s the crinkled material or the color. The shade is described as champagne, but I’ve never seen champagne this color. I’ve dubbed this the “tin man.” It just looks cheap and I expected more from Arden B. This sucker is being packed up. I don’t want an exchange, I just want my money back!
Do you guys indulge in online shopping during the holiday? How has your experience been with Urban Outfitters, Charlotte Russe or Arden B.?
