Posted by Fly on a Dime on Mar 8, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
shopping 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
Tags: shoes, TJ Maxx
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Mar 1, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
shopping 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.?
Tags: Arden B., Charlotte Russe, DSW, Urban Outfitters
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 25, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Looking FLY on a Dime 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 are 5 more of the essential pieces (click here for last week’s picks and here for the first five picks), at a price we can all afford! *Be sure to check back next week for final installment of the wardrobe basics {for less}.
1. Denim Jacket: Macy’s, $39.99. 2. Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow 1960, $50. 3. Sheer Detail Tee/Top: Forever 21, $24.80.
4. Standout Clutch: Aldo, $40. 5. Wide Leg Jersey Knit Pants: Spiegel, $34.
So what do you think of Zoe’s picks? I love a great cocktail ring but I couldn’t see myself wearing the wide leg knit pants!
Tags: Aldo, fashion, Forever 21, Macy's, Rachel Zoe
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Feb 22, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Looking FLY on a Dime I’ve never been a fan a Kmart. Well, let me restate that. Whenever I think of Kmart, I don’t think of clothing. But I have to admit I was impressed when I saw their ads in this month’s Glamour. The pieces were feminine, bright, had bold prints and I’d be happy to add all of them to my wardrobe. So I decided to check out their Spring 2010 look book and I was even more impressed. Me likey!
Have you ever shopped at Kmart for clothing? How did you find the quality?
Tags: Kmart, wardrobe
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Jan 25, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Sale Alert,
shopping Macy’s is having an awesome sale on outerwear. Trenches, peacoats, puffers and more from labels like Guess, Kenneth Cole and DKNY are marked down at least 50 percent. This time of year is perfect to snag great deals on coats (and boots). A great trench is a style you’ll have in your closet for-ever. I’m seriously thinking about purchasing the one below.
Calvin Klein Trench Coat, $79.99
Guess Motorcycle Jacket, $47.99
Sean John Military Jacket, $44.99
Hmm, would it be overkill if I bought all 3!?
Tags: Macy's
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Jan 22, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Links to Save By,
shopping Nomadic Matt has cheap ways to travel across Europe.
There are amazing deals to Costa Rica this time of year, and here are 20 ways to enjoy a budget trip to the country.
Stylebakery has 10 tips for finding the best shopping bargains.
Undrcrwn released Assist Haiti tees for only $20. All proceeds go to Yele Hait.
The Glamazons have the first look at Jean Paul Gaultier and Zac Posen’s line for Target
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Jan 21, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
shopping Who says you can’t score fashionable finds under $20? Here are 1o great additions to your wardrobe that cost less than a good Sunday brunch.
Put your best foot forward in a bright heel or flat, it adds instant pizazz to even the plainest outfit.
Asos Heartbreaker Bowfront Sandal, $18.70
Urban Original Ruffled Ballet Flat, $16.99
Your hard earned cash deserves to be stashed in a dainty purse or wallet.
Aldo Taormina Clutch, $19.98
Forever 21 Jagged Sequin Wallet, $7.50
Cheap chic jewelry is always in style.
Express Sterling Silver Drop Earrings, $18
Forever 21 Twisted Woven Cuff, $5.80
These items will give you tons of bang for your buck, as they can be worn throughout the seasons.
New York & Company Soho Mini Skirt, $19.95
Target Draped Front Top, $16.99
Tights and leggings are the easiest ways to wear your favorite summer dress throughout the year.
Wet Seal Faux Denim Leggings, $9.50
Topshop Two Tone Opaque Tights, $16
Tags: Aldo, Asos, Forever 21, New York & Company, Urban Original, Wet Seal
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Jan 18, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
shopping Tall boots, short boots, flat boots, stiletto boots. I’m a sucker for the boot. Crappy winter weather doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your shoe game. Check out my post on The Budget Fashionista for {fly} winter boots under $50.
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Jan 17, 2010 in
Deals & Steals,
Sale Alert,
shopping 
Ladies! New York & Company is having a major sale. Until Monday (1/18), all of their redline items (i.e. clearance stuff) is buy one, get two FREE! The sale includes cardigans, jeans, swimwear and accessories. There’s also free shipping (with promo code 1254) on orders over $65.
Tags: New York & Company
Posted by Fly on a Dime on Jan 5, 2010 in
Celeb Style on a Dime,
Deals & Steals,
shopping Isla Fisha, aka Mrs. Borat, was spotted braving the chill of L.A. in a simple, yet chic look. And lo and behold, her cardigan is from Express!
Lucky for you, it’s on sale for $29.50. The cardigan also comes in five other colors.
Tags: celebrity style
