Maximize Holiday Savings - The Math

I can't believe that I'm helping you with math. It's definitely not my strong suit. But when it comes to saving money on the things I want to buy, I'm all about it. Stores will be full of amazing deals this holiday season. You don't have to stop at the sale price. By stacking deals and rebates you can save even more.



Click photos above for buying information.

As a birthday present to myself (my birthday is Saturday), I made a purchase from Asos. I've had my eye on the hooded biker parka for sometime.  First I waited for the price to come down a bit and then when I saw the great discounts for Cyber Monday I knew I was ready to snatch this coat up before it was gone. In the process I picked up a couple of other items I had on my list and a little splurge (the faux fur collar).

Some of the items purchased (the coat and short sleeve top) were on sale. In addition to the sale prices and Cyber Monday discount (30%), I also used Ebates before I went to the Asos site and I used a credit card that also provided a store rebate for Asos. If you shop online and you aren't using Ebates, you should be.  It's easy, all you need to do is to register for an account and before you shop, go to Ebates. Search for the store name and click to shop. Ebates creates a tracking ticket and you'll recieve a cash rebate based on the percentage displayed for that store. Every quarter ebates will send you a check (or a direct deposit) that is total for all of your ebates. There are no strings other than going through ebates first. Many credit card companies and banks have also begun negotiating cash back deals with specific retailers.  If you use their card to make your purchase, you'll recieve a credit to your card, based on the rebate for that merchant. The percentage will vary per retailer and credit card company. For my card, I just had to log into their site and my account, go to the deals section of the site.  Then I selected the deals I wanted to use. New deals are issued on a regular basis. Each time I check my account, I check for new rebate deals. Check with your card issuer for details.

Here is how my savings breaks down.

Full Price (no discounts): $241.39

Total with Sale Prices:                      $169.69
Cyber Monday Discount 30%:          ($50.91)
Free shipping from Asos                      $0.00
Total paid to Asos at check out:        $118.79
Ebates rebate (5%):                               $5.94
Credit Card rebate (10%):                    $11.88
_____________________________________
Final Total:                                         $100.97

Just by going to Ebates first and using a specific credit card, I will get an additional $17.82 in cash back!  That is more than the cost of the short sleeve top.  My final total with all of my discounts and rebates is less than the full price cost of the coat! I got some great items for a bargain. Even with my scarf splurge, my total was just a little over $100. The 30% Cyber Monday discount at Asos is good until December 4th.

I hope you'll start using Ebates and check your own credit and debit cards for rebates.  It's worth it to take a minute to get those rebates. You can use the extra money to buy more gifts for loved ones or even yourself.

Asos Plus Outerwear · Big Chill Plus Sizes · Asos Outerwear

NOTE: The opinions expressed here are my own. I was not provided compensation from Asos or any credit card company. If you sign up for Ebates through the links above, I will earn referral credits.

Virtual Shopping - ASOS Weekend Outfit

One of my favorite past times is virtual shopping.  I look over my favorite sites and create outfits and my virtual orders. Sometimes I have the money to spend but most times I don't.  Earlier this week I was doing a little virtual shopping on one of my favorite sites, ASOS.  The site has items in all sizes and since they are based in the UK the items are fashion forward. When shopping I came across this great comfy sweater and built an outfit around it.

Sweater, $25
ASOS reversible pants, $29
ASOS metallic shoes, $27
ASOS clutch handbag, $31
ASOS skull earrings, $9.85
Asos Oversized Plaited Cord Wristband With Pleated Metal Fastening, $14

The skinny burgundy pants balance out the chunky sweater.  The loafers are flat and my pick for a weekend of errands but you could throw on a pair of heels for dinner out. The chord bracelet and skull earrings funk up the basic sweater and pants.  The clutch gives it all an extra pop of color. This looks like the perfect weekend outfit to me.

If I did decide to buy this outfit, I could score everything for $116!  Even on a budget that's pretty great. 

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Midi Skirts

All of my life I've wanted to be a girl who felt comfortable throwing on a pair of shorts or a mid-thigh skirt. Heck, I'd love to even feel comfy in a skirt that is just above my knee. I'm not one of those girls.  My legs are definitely my least favorite feature and my ample hips and much smaller waist are more suited to full skirts instead of pencil skirts. That's why I'm so obsessed with midi skirts. Their longer length and fuller silhouette are made for me. They are flattering to my figure and I feel great when I wear a skirt that hits just at or below my knees. I'm loving that there are so many options available.

ASOS Full Quilted Midi Skirt / ASOS Pleated Midi skirt / ASOS Striped midi skirt / ModCloth Essential Elegance skirt / ASOS Burnout Floral midi skirt / Talbots Pink Sateen Pleated Skirt / Talbots Blue Sateen Pleated Skirt / ASOS | ASOS Midi Skirt with Full Pleats / ModCloth One Tweet Morning Skirt / ModCloth Bettie Page B. Jones Style Skirt

I selected skirts in all sizes and colors. The pink and blue skirts from Talbots are on sale for $20 or less!  I love the retro feel of the skirts from ModCloth and the modern take of the Asos skirts. There is something for every style and mood.

Happy Shopping!

Frugal Fashion Friday (Make that Monday) - One Summer Dress Two Ways

I didn't get a chance to Post Frugal Fashion Friday this past Friday. So here it is on Monday.

All summer I've been wearing lots of dresses and skirts. The crazy heat has forced my outfits into simple and cool silhouettes. I also love easy dresses that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion.  This dress from Asos is easy but colorful for summer and a similar style is available in sizes 2-14 (as well as petite).

The yellow skirt gives great color and I jazzed it up even more with some colorful accessories. Best of all both of these looks cost less than $115!

Asos dress, $29
LLBean Tote handbag, $19
Sandals $41.40
Necklace, $11
Curved Metal Cuff, $3.80

TOTAL: $104.20



Just change up the accessories and shoes for work or a night out.

ASOS a line dress, $29
Stiletto high heels, $25
ASOS oversized clutch, $31
Forever21 bangle bracelet, $3.80
Forever21 sunglasses, $2.80
Simply Vera Vera Wang Silver Tone Bead Cluster Necklace, $21

TOTAL: $112.60

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Bordeaux

The beauty of the bordeaux trend is that it looks great on all skin types.  It's a flattering color. There are so many items to be found in this rich, deep red.  You can take your pick. Select a little with a scarf, shoes, or a top or go all out with a dress, or skirt.  Try a hint of bordeaux with deep red lips or nails. It's simple to make this trend work for you.  I'll be embracing the bordeaux trend every weekend during football season.  My favorite team, the Washington Redskins, is all about the burgundy and gold.  If you still own a vintage Etienne Aigner bag or shoes, now is the time to pull them out.

Express Ruffle top / Asos Peplum top / Ann Taylor skinny pants / ASOS lace skirt / Chinese Laundry platform heels / Elie Tahari smoking slippers / ASOS cross body bag / ASOS studded clutch purse / Vigotti ballet flats / Asos Textured Knit Snood / Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Crush / L'Oreal Polish Haute Couture Red

I selected a few items that are perfect for fall.  They are an affordable way to embrace the trend without blowing your budget.  You can select an item or two and still have money left to try out the other fall trends, I'll be featuring this week.  Go girly with a lace skirt or stay menswear comfy with smoking slippers.  A simple top is an easy way to wear bordeaux.  Just throw it on with your favorite jeans. Work or weekend, everyone looks great in bordeaux.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Outfit Crush for Friday's Fancies

My recent obsession with floral pants is well documented. I found and ordered floral pants from ASOS.  I got them for the bargain price of $35!  I was thrilled but my difficult to fit lower body doesn't always mean that my orders will work. I tried them on and YAAAY! they fit.  They were a little large in the waist, which always happens for me. If pants fits my hips and booty, then they are almost always too big in the waist. I just take them in a bit and they work well.  I know I'm not the only pants challenged girl out there.  We all have issues, shorter legs, longer torso, long legs, and on and on. We all know that pain. 

Today's challenge for Friday's Fancies was "Outfit Crush".  I decided to duplicate an outfit that I pinned to my "Style I Should Try" board on Pinterest, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific's chic floral pants outfit.  I couldn't wait to try it using my two new bargain purchases, floral pants from ASOS and striped top from Talbots Outlet.

photo credit: Atlantic-Pacific

I have to confess that I have a huge style crush on Blair Eadie.  Plus, she's a Virginia girl (like me) who now lives in Cali (I wish).  What's not to love?  She's taken the polished style of lady like Virginia society and mixed it with the laid back cool of California.This outfit incorporates those elements, statement bag, crisp white jacket, chic updo and designer sunnies combined with the print mixing of stripes and floral with those amazing blue booties. I had to try my hand at recreating this amazing outfit.

Jacket - Target (similar), Top - Talbots Outlet (similar), Pants - ASOS (no longer available more here), Bag - DSW, Shoes - Nine West via DSW, Sunglasses - Chanel, Bracelets - c/o Stella & Dot, ASOS and Vintage, Watch - Timex (gift), Earrings - Target, Rings - DIY and Engagement

I'm sure you are wondering how this could possibly be a bargain outfit.  This is the breakdown. I purchased the pants for $35 on sale.  The top at the Talbots Outlet for $16 and the shoes at DSW with coupons and rewards for $20.  I have owned the jacket and the bag for many years, so I'm recycling.  The gorgeous Stella & Dot bracelets were a gift from my amazing stylist, Kristin Biggs. I made the ring myself when I took a metal casting class several years ago.  The watch, bangles and my engagement ring were gifts.  The only item I paid full price for was the sunglasses.  I've owned them for eight years and I wear them often so they've paid for themselves many times over (great cost per wear).  They are timeless.

Check out the Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Revival Bracelet, and Toujours Bracelet c/o Stella & Dot

Who is your style crush or outfit crush?  I'd love to hear about your inspiration.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

I'm Obesessed Thank You Very Much - Floral Pants

I decided to dip into my budget for next month and sprung for a pair of floral pants.  I couldn't stand it anymore.  I'd been obsessing over them and lusting after every pair that I saw.  I hope the ones I ordered will look great and fit.

The pants I ordered from Asos.  They are now out of stock.

I loved the pants I spied on my friend Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen.  I waited too long and they were no longer available in my size.  Finding chic floral pants in plus sizes, that don't look like something a grandma would wear is a challenge.  It's long been a mantra that plus size women shouldn't wear large prints on their larger areas.  Well you know I'm a rule breaker and thanks to retailers like Talbots and Asos there have been some good options but they are few and far between.  I'm so happy I snapped up these pants (even though they are crops).  Ankle pants were my first choice but I could get them.  These were on sale at Asos for $35 so I grabbed them.  Asos also has free shipping both ways. Hopefully, they'll fit but if they don't, I can easily return them.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Here are some of my favorite fashion girls and the way they are wearing floral pants.


Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific wearing DVF pants. Love the combination of stripes with the white jacket and fantastic shoes.

photo credit: Atlantic Pacific

Olivia Palermo and Blair Eadie in Top Shop pants, worn two different ways. The jacket on Olivia paired with the leopard pumps are to die for.  Blair added a cheetah top and a leather jacket. Fantastic!

photo credits: unknown and Atlantic Pacific

Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen wearing Talbots pants two ways. I always love Allie's easy style.  The chambray of one outfit and the stripes of the other make these outfits look totally different.
 

photo credit: Wardrobe Oxygen

Of course I'm hoping for some great styling options with my floral pants.  I have all of the elements to make lots of fun outfits.

Floral Pants

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Colored Faux Fur

Cold weather arrived in the DC area over this past week. The chill in the air has just served to amp up my obsession with colored faux fur. A few years ago, I got a few faux fur pieces and a leopard coat. I wear them often when the weather turns cool. Ever since I spotted burgundy fur on the runways last year, I haven't been able to stop thinking about another faux fur purchase. I especially love colors like burgundy and blue but I also like black, pink and off white. If you're not into a jacket, a collar, scarf or fur trimmed gloves may work better for you.



Luxe Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Toggle Coat with Wing Collar via QVC

ASOS Oversized Faux Fur Long Collar in Burgundy

 

River Island Faux Fur Snood in Red via ASOS



Fake Fur Jacket in Blue via Simply Be



ASOS Faux Fur Collar with Slot Through Detail in Pink



ASOS Faux Fur Funnel Snood in Natural

Long Haired Faux Fur Coat in Black via Simply Be

I am sure one or two of these soft and warm beauties will find their way into my closet this year. Which ones do you like best?

Inspiration - Leopard Print Coat

Last year, I got my birthday wish and my mom gave me the leopard coat I'd been coveting. I love it so much and wear it often, during cold weather.

ASOS - my Leopard Coat (no longer available, similar here)

Leopard is sophisticated and statement making. It's easy to style with a dressy outfit like an LBD or a leather skirt. For me it's not as easy to style it when I'm going casual. It should be easy because a casual outfit can be a blank canvas. But on casual weekends I usually amp up my simple look with rhinestones or over the top shoes. My thinking has always been that I need to keep the rest of my outfit simple and let the coat be the star. I went in search of some inspiration in the form of other bloggers.





Click the photos above to go to their great blogs.



 

As you can see there are some very simple outfits but others begin simple and amp up the style with shoes and accessories. Now it's my turn. This is how I think I will style my coat this weekend. Casual but still a standout.

 

 ASOS leopard fur coat, / Old Navy chunky cable sweater / NYDJ jeans / ASOS black leather booties / Coach Willis handbag / Stella Dot Portia / Stella Dot silver Renegade / Stella Dot gold Renegade

Now my styling brain is on turbo and I can't wait to come up with tons of casual outfits for my leopard coat.

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?

SALE is not a four letter word...

It's sale time! YAAAY!  I love this time of year when the weather is still warm enough for short sleeves but you might need a jacket and you can get away with boots or tights sometimes.  The stores are getting rid of their summer merchandise and stocking up on winter. Lots of them are offering sales, mid-season, pre-season, post-season, who cares!? A sale is a sale.

ASOS, one of my favorite net sites is having their mid-season sale. For the uninitiated, ASOS is a British company that is now also catering to the US.  I'm thrilled because their fashion forward items are fantastic. They have great sales and they carry items in a huge range of prices. Plus, they are offering FREE SHIPPING both ways.  Which means, if the items don't fit, you won't even have to pay to return it to them. You can't lose. I bought two dresses (less than $25 each) and a tank ($10) yesterday that will be fantastic transitional pieces. They are spring/summer pieces that can be worn into the fall with a jacket or sweater. Did I mention that ASOS also sells Petite, Plus, Maternity, Men's, beauty products, and tons of great shoes? Check them out.

Coldwater Creek is another site that has a wide range of sizes. They are currently having a 25% off sale. That's 25% off of EVERYTHING! They have great basic and casual pieces. I also love some of their interesting jackets to jazz up a basic black dress or pants. I got an email this morning and loved the suggestion they had for layering.

photo credit: Coldwater Creek

I love the idea of using a vest under a casual jacket to add layers but not bulk. It's fantastic! I think that my NYC thrift store vest will be making an appearance like this very soon.

Shopping various web sites can help you to find cool new pieces at great prices. Don't forget to hit the sales.

Monday Monitor Shopping - asos

Sometimes on chilly weekend mornings, I sit in my pjs and my fuzzy slippers, with my coffee and I monitor shop.  You know, the modern equivalent of window shopping.  Many people find this torture if they can't afford to buy. For me, it helps me to see what's out there and helps me to refine my list from "Ooo that's cute." to "I really have to buy that.".  I leave my credit card in my wallet across the room.  That way if I'm tempted to buy, I have to really give it some thought, get up from my comfy seat and dig for my card. This weekend I did a little monitor shopping at asos.

 

I'm thinking of warmer weather and gravitated toward bright colors and fun shapes.

Do you monitor shop?

 

Be sure to enter the giveaway for a skirt from Skirt the Issue!

Inspiration - Embellished Collars

For some time, I've had an embellished collar shirt and a detachable collar on my DIY list.  I created this beauty and this one a while ago, they were simple cuts with no embellishment.  I still wear them often. I love all of the creative collars I've been seeing and I am dying to put my own twist on some collars of my own.

So many creative options and great ways to style this fun addition.  I can't wait to create a few for myself.  Studs, pearls, crystals, sequins, metallics, fur and even hardware, the possibilities are endless.  If DIY isn't your thing, you can grad a fun collar from your favorite online retailer.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Marni south sea pearl necklace / ASOS stud collar / ASOS sequin collar necklace / Karl Lagerfeld collar necklace / 3.1 Phillip Lim / Karl Lagerfeld / AKIRA Black Label Brown Faux Fur Collar in Leopard / AKIRA Detachable Collar in Black / Bugle Bead Diamond Shirt Collar / Faux Pony Leather Collar

It's so hard to pick a favorite but if I had to choose, I'd go for the studded collar from ASOS and the Faux Pony collar from Top Shop. 

I know I'll be making a few of these very soon. Stay tuned.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Off to the Races

Today's Frugal Fashion Friday centers on the parties this weekend for the Virginia Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby. It was one of the options for today's Friday's Fancies.  A huge part of these events are the hats and outfits worn by attendees.  Two weekends ago my cousin and I created her hat for the Gold Cup (she'll be attending this weekend).  It was a fun DIY project. I decided to create an outfit surrounding the hat we created.  I selected some frugal options for girls on a budget.

Clockwise from the top center

1) DIY Derby and Gold Cup Hat (DIY Details Here)

2) ASOS Bow Skinny Belt $10.91

3) ASOS Curve Skater Dress with Crochet Trim $63.63

4) Forever 21 Detailed Cutout Bracelet $5.80

5) ALDO Elnicki Flat Sandals $35.00

6) ASOS Skater Dress with Belt $45.45

 

 

I won't be attending any of the Gold Cup and Derby events myself this weekend. My Honey and I are going to be chaperones for a local Gay Straight Alliance prom this weekend, instead. I'm really excited to help out the kids and support such a fantastic cause.  So many kids can't attend their proms with the person they choose because of fear, bullying or school regulations.  If you know a kid who needs support and help, please be there for them. If you aren't sure how to help you can check out these great resources. 

GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

Gay Straight Alliance Network

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays

SMYAL

The Trevor Project (in case you know a kid who is in jeopardy)

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a fantastic weekend. 

Happy Friday Real Girls!!!

 

Across the Pond

European women always seem to have an amazing sense of effortless style.  Fashions in Europe are most times also a little ahead of what we see and what is available in U.S. stores.  Thank goodness for the internet. Some great European sites and stores (affordable stores) now have U.S. sites.  One of my favorites is asos.  I’ve mentioned them in previous posts.  Their trend setting items and fashion finds are great.  Another reason I adore this site is that in addition to women’s sizes, they also offer, petite, maternity and plus sizes (as well as men's)! 

They are offering FREE SHIPPING both ways to U.S. customers!  It’s almost unheard of to get free international shipping. The only, even slightly negative thing I’ve found is that it can take a little longer to get your order than through a stateside company. Items must go through customs. Just go to http://us.asos.com/ to find some fashion forward finds and great deals.

I’ve gotten some great items lately…

                   Biker Maxi Dress                                 Dip Dyed Tank                          

$28                                                       $10

I'm looking forward to wearing both of these as transitional pieces.  I can wear the dress into fall and winter with tights, boots, and a sweater.  I'll wear the tank over long sleeve tops.





Brogues
$50





Desert Boots
$38

With a little suede spray, these shoes will be great year round.



Hinged Metal Armour Ring
$16

Of course I had to get a little jewelry. I've seen knuckle rings on lots of fashionistas and had to get one for myself.

Take a little shopping time and go to asos. You won't be sorry. There are lots of great deals in their clearance section.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Transition Pieces

My favorite wardrobe pieces are those that can be worn during multiple seasons. I have a floral skirt that you've seen a few different ways. I wear it in the spring and summer with light tops and sandals and in the fall with tights and sweaters. As the stores and online retailers clear out their summer merchandise you can take advantage of the discounts and snag items to wear now and into the fall. Here are just a few picks.



Printed Shift Dress - ASOS

 

A floral dress can be a versatile piece in summer and in fall, throw on a jacket (like the one below) and some pumps and you're ready for work. Dress it down by adding sneakers and a denim jacket.

 



Speckle Moto Jacket - Piperlime

 

I love tweed jackets! In a mid-weight, they are seasonless. It's also a timeless piece. I wear my tweed jackets with dresses and skirts, as well as with jeans and t-shirt.

 



DOCKLAND Sneakers in Gold - Asos

Slip on sneakers are an on trend item right now. In a color like this gold metallic, you can wear them now with shorts or a cute floral dress. You can also wear them into the fall and winter with warm socks, jeans and a sweater.

 

 

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans - Amazon

 

The old fashion rule of no white after Labor Day no longer applies. A cute tank and sandals can help you close out the summer in these jeans. Add a tweed jacket and swap out your sandals for some sneakers or ankle boots and you're ready for fall.



 

Linen Midi Skirt - ASOS

The length of a midi skirt makes it the perfect fall transition piece. It works in the summer with a tank or short sleeve top and you can wear it on cooler days with a sweater or a cute jacket.

 Do you have favorite transition pieces?