Will You Join Me?

A few weeks ago I told you about my exciting venture with some other fashionable DMV ladies, the Shopaholics Suite.  I hope that you are planning to join me on Saturday for this fun afternoon. Get all the details and tickets here!

Join Me - Shopaholics Suite: A Curvy Shopping Event

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm joining eight other amazing DC area fashionistas for a fun afternoon of shopping and style. Come out on Saturday, November 8th (11am - 2pm) and join us for the Shopaholics Suite - A Curvy Shopping Event, at the Silver Spring Civic Center. You can shop the closets of some of the most stylish, curvy women in the DC area. We'll have great deals on clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. There will be beauty experts on hand to talk hair and makeup and tasty treats will also be provided. A girl needs nourishment while she shops.



I really hope you can join us. How could you miss an afternoon of shopping and free styling advice? I know it will be worth your time and we will have a blast. There are more details here. Check out my fashionable friends:

 

Kim - Curvy CEO

Kym - Curvy Girl's Kitchen

Elle - Eat Style Play

Jann'l - Girls of Plenty

Vivi - Heart, Print & Style

Sherra - Ivie Rose Boutique

Ola - The Road to Fashionable

ChiChi - Supple Chic

 



See you November 8th!

Save the Date - Shopaholics Suite

On Saturday, November 8, 11am - 2pm, I will be joining other area bloggers and fashion trendsetters (Curvy CEO, Heart, Print & Style, Ivie Rose Boutique, and more) and vendors, for the Shopaholics Suite in Silver Spring, Maryland. We'd love for you to join us!

It's going to be a fun day of fashion, style, and fun. You'll be able to shop the closets of some great local bloggers. You'll also be able to shop with great vendors and get fashion advice. I will be posting more details soon. Make sure to save the date!

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.

Passport to Baltimore Fashion Event and Giveaway! - GIVEAWAY CLOSED

 

This giveaway is CLOSED.



This coming Sunday, September 8, the Junior League of Baltimore is hosting its first annual Passport to Baltimore shopping card event!

 

 

Sunday, September 8, 2013
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Green Spring Station Baltimore, Maryland

The event will showcase the latest fall fashions, there will be light refreshments, salon and spa mini treatments and discounts at participating boutiques throughout the day (in addition to November 1 through 10, 2013)!

All proceeds from the Passport to Baltimore fashion event plus the shopping card sales will help support the Junior League’s programs and community impact work.

 

The amazing ladies of the Junior League of Baltimore are offering a lucky DMV or Baltimore area reader, the chance to win a ticket to the festivities!  Just enter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you'd like to learn more or purchase tickets, just click here. Tickets to the fashion show are $50.00 and include a Passport to Baltimore shopping card! Shopping Card tickets are $35.
 

The prize for this post is sponsored by the Junior League of Baltimore, Inc.

 

 Junior League of Baltimore, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and community impact work, including fighting childhood obesity in Baltimore metropolitan area. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. To learn about the League or becoming a member, visit www.jlbalt.org

Florida Vacation Recap

I'm traveling home today and wanted to share some of my photos and vacation stories. It was a wonderful trip with my family and we got to spend time with my Uncle and Aunt and Florida cousins. Along with family time, we spent an afternoon at the beach, did a little shopping and ate some yummy food.

We took off on a beautiful sunny morning in DC. It was about 50 degrees when we left and 80 when we landed. I ordered one of my favorite south Florida treats at lunch, Conch Fritters. We spent an afternoon at the beach. I forgot to bring a beach bag, so my sarong did double duty. I tied the corners together creating a hobo bag. The weather was perfect. One of my Florida cousins sells Premier Jewelry and she did an impromptu show for us after dinner. I couldn't resist. I bought two necklaces and got a bracelet free. On our last full day (Sunday), it rained so we did a little shopping. We visited one of the local Goodwill stores and Loehmann's. I scored some bright pants and an ACDC tee at Goodwill and some classic, black Coach pumps at Loehmann's.

I'm happy to go home to our fuzzy kids (two pups and a kitty). I've missed them but I'd love to take a few more days of vacation. Oh well, back to regular life and my paying job. At least I have fun pictures, great memories New fashion goodies.

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. 

Rainy Shopping - The Essentials

I'm taking some time off this week to visit my Mom and have time with my sister and my Honey.  I love after Christmas shopping but today it's raining and I think that takes a little strategy.  Hauling packages and running from store to store can be a bummer in the rain. With a little wardrobe planning you can brave the day, still look great and get in some power shopping!

Clockwise from top left: Chooka Serpentis Rain Boots, Goody Double Duty Hair Ties, KDNY Kelsi Dagger bag,
Chooka Preakness Rain Boots, ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! by QVC Snake Print Jacket,
Forever 21 Houndstooth Stitch Cross Body Bag

I think that rainy day shopping calls for four essential items; a coat or jacket with a hood, stylish rain boots, a cross body bag (preferrably water resistant) and hair ties.

1. Rain Coat or Hacket with a Hood - When I hauling packages, I don't want to have to juggle an umbrella.  A hood keeps your "do" looking great and keeps your hands free. If you aren't a hat person or don't want to wear a hat all day, a hood is your go to. The Water Resistant Snake Print Jacket from ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! by QVC is a great option. It comes in four colors, has a hood, looks stylish and comes in all sizes for $77.34.
2. Stylish Rain Boots - These two pairs by Chooka are great. They don't scream rainboot, which I love. They can also double as a cold weather boot. The metallic print of the Serpentis boots are stylish and affordable at only $34.31.  The Preakness boots are a bit more expensive at $80 but they are so stylish you could get away with wearing them when there is nary a cloud in the sky.
3. Cross Body Bag - You need your hands free for a day of shopping but also for lugging your purchases to the car.  You don't want to worry about your bag and these are faux leather so they won't be ruined by the rain. The KDNY Kelsi Dagger bag is fun with the blue trim and chain strap for $75.  The Houndstooth Stitch bag in mustard is a bright color on a cloudy day and is very affordable at $22.81 from Forever 21.
4. Hair Ties - If you are like me your hair hates the rain.  I usually go for a pony tail on days like this one or I start out with my hair down and relent later in the day. These hair ties by Goody are genius. They look like bracelets but are the same dependable Goody hair ties you've used for years. They are called Double Duty for a reason. You get three ties for about $4.99.

Happy Rainy Day Shopping

Real Girls!

Support Local Businesses

Take the pledge to support local businesses.  Join scoutmob and etsy in support of local businesses and you could win a $200 etsy shopping spree.  If we don't support local businesses, they won't survive. 

Shop locally and stimulate the economy in your own neighborhood. Happy Holidays!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Holiday Shopping Strategies

I always start with the best intentions. I plan to shop early and avoid the last minute rush. I thought this year I would actually accomplish that goal. I started a list early and collected links for gift ideas. Well it's December second and I have only bought a few items.

Shopping is one of my favorite activities but not during the crush and rush of the Holidays. Because of this I gravitate toward the internet. My strategy for finding unique gifts at a good price is pretty simple.

Go to Unique Sites
Sites like museum stores (MoMA,The Met, and Smithsonian), charities, and etsy are great places to find unexpected and exciting gifts. If you become a museum member you can get items at a member discount. Gifts from a charity site are different and the proceeds go to a good cause. Etsy is full of one of a kind gifts and vintage items for everyone on your list.

Give a Handmade Gift
Make your sister's favorite cookies. Knit your Mom a scarf. Create a babysitting certificate for your best friend and offer to sit so she and her significant other can have a night out. A handmade gift is always special because of the time and care that goes into them.

Visit Thrift, Vintage and Consignment Shops
These shops have unexpected pieces that in many cases can't be found in mass retail stores. Vintage jewelry, colorful scarves, and great handbags would be a welcome gift.

I hope you have a great Holiday shopping season. Happy Friday Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Favorite Bargain Sites

Shopping is one of my favorite past times but truth be told I haven't been doing much of it lately.  I have tightened my budget and am being extremely frugal with my purchases. I've started recycling and revamping some clothing and shoes that I had stored away.  When shopping was an option, I've been hitting the thrift stores.  My stellar luck lately with finding not one but two pairs of Ferragamo heels, helps to keep my eye on the prize.  The goal is to save for and pay for a great wedding without going into debt.  My Honey and I both agree that wedding debt is not an option.  If we can't pay for it with savings or through the generosity of loved ones, it won't happen. Hence the reason for tight budgeting.

Clockwise from Top: Dress from ASOS, Pradas from DSW, Jacket and shoes from Talbots,
Bracelets from JewelMint, Rainboots from Forever 21

My purchases are frugal and well thought out.  Frugal doesn't always mean the least expensive option but it does mean a quality option for a good price. Cyber Monday is coming up soon and I'm sure there will be lots of bargains available.  I thought I'd share with you, some of my favorite online shopping sites and the reasons I love them.

Trendy Items - Forever 21  
F21 has a great selection of clothing, shoes and accessories at amazingly affordable prices.  They even sell plus size clothing. Bargain prices are always mandatory for trendy items, ones that I will most likely only wear for a season or two, at least for me.  I just don't see the point in paying top dollar for an item I'll be tired of or that will look dated by this time next year.

European Style - ASOS
I've sung the praises of ASOS many times.  Their selection of fashion forward European style is fantastic.  I find great bargains and they have free shipping both ways (if you need to return).  Their selection of shoes, jewelry and plus size clothing is amazing. They only negative is that it can take a little longer for your items to arrive but they are coming from Europe, after all.  It's worth the wait.

Jewelry - JewelMint
The quality and amazing design of JewelMint jewelry has made me a loyal customer.  Each piece is $29.99 but many times, there are sets available where you get multiple pieces of jewelry for that price.  If you like them on facebook or follow them on twitter, you can also get discounts on single pieces and multiples. You've seen me wear JewelMint many times. They have something for everyone and a great price.

Classic Clothing - Talbots
If you are looking for beautifully tailored classic style, Talbots is a must.  They sell clothing is all sizes (petite to plus) and most of the items they sell are timeless.  I love their outlet stores but many of the items in the outlet stores are also being sold online. I've purchased amazing skirts and tops for less than $20!  For an item that I could wear for years, that is truly a bargain.

Plus Sizes - Fashion to Figure
There was a time that if you were in the plus size range, you could forget finding any dress that didn't look like a tent.  Times have changed, my friends, thanks to amazing stores like Fashion to Figure.  They sell fantastic clothing and there is nary a muumuu in sight! The clothing is stylish, fashion forward and affordable. It flatters women of all shapes and sizes (from 12 - 26).  I'll be doing a review of their clothing soon. I'm in love!

Shoes - DSW
Their selection and range of options is great.  They have great sales and you can use up to three coupon codes on one order!  Returns are a breeze because you can return an item via mail or to a store. Many of the items online can be found in their stores and vice versa.  I always check the sale pages before I go into the new items.  I've gotten some great bargains, including my find of the century, navy blue satin Pradas (pictured above).

These are just a few of my favorites.  Which online shopping sites do you love and why?

I set this post up in advance because I'm on a long weekend trip with my Mom and sister to The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.  I'll be posting pictures all weekend on facebook and twitter.  Be sure to follow me.



Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fashion Week Is Calling

Fashion Week is almost here (September 8 - 15). Sadly, I won't be able to travel to NYC this month for the great events and festivities.  Thursday evening (September 8) is Fashion's Night Out (FNO).  This evening of festivities, shopping and fun, has become an annual event that has spread nationwide and even worldwide. Luckily, the fashion savvy of the DC area will be hosting quite a few events in the area. 

Fashion's Night Out Georgetown

Fashion's Night Out Plus (sponsored by Curvy Magazine)

Fashion's Night Out Tysons

There will be Fashion's Night Out Events all over the country. There are events in many cities. You can use the search feature on the Fashion's Night Out website to find events outside NYC and across the country. There are also FNO events happening online.

If you're lucky enough to get to NYC for the evening. There is even an app to help you plan your shopping and fun. Isn't there an app for everything now?

Will you be attending FNO events in your city?

Weekend Shopping Haul

Over the weekend, I did a little shopping with my mom, sister and my Honey.  It was a fun Saturday and I found some great bargains. We hit a few spots including, Avenue, Macy's and Lane Bryant. I thought I'd just keep an open mind and look for great bargains. I scored some awesome finds!

Clockwise from the Top Left: Shirt Dress - Lane Bryant, Calvin Klein Sweater - Macy's,
Sequin Tee - Macy's, Long Sweater Vest - Macy's, Sequin Pencil Skirt - Avenue

Last month, I saw Sarah of Style IT Online wearing the cutest sequin skirt. I'd also profiled one in the Friday's Fancies post I did last month for GalTime. I happened to find the same skirt that Sarah is wearing in her post, on the sale rack, for only $9!

Next stop was Macy's. I found an off white Calvin Klein silk sweater for 1/2 price, INC sequin tee for $19, and a feather weight, long, olive, sweater vest for $16.

Last stop was Lane Bryant. We were there to hunt for khaki pants for my Mom.  On a back rack, I found a sleeveless shirt dress in khaki for myself. The entire store was 40% off.  I got this season's dress for a steal!

It was a great day of girl time with my family as well as an awesome day for shopping. Have you found any good deals lately?

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Shopping Strategy

Recently, I've had some friends ask how I find great style at a bargain.  It is the perfect chance for me to start a new feature. This is the inaugural posting of "Frugal Fashion Friday".

I keep hoping that one day I’ll get some windfall from a Fairy Godmother or my Honey will win the lottery.  Right now, endless funds are not my way of life.  I have to be conscious of what I spend.  A few years ago, I gave away and donated what I estimate was several hundred dollars worth of shoes that I didn’t love.  It was a real eye opener for me.  That single event changed the way I shop and what I spend.  I looked at my clothes, my closet and my style. I developed a basic strategy for frugal and smart shopping.  Every season I take these steps:

1.      Closet Review

·         What is worn and needs replacing?

·         What am I missing?

·         What trends do I love that I want?

2.      Make a list of no more than 10 key items for the season.

3.      Determine my budget or what I can save to buy. Leave yourself a little room.

4.      Do a web search to get started.

5.      Continue to search in stores and online until I find exactly what I want.

Closet Review

There are basics that have to be replaced.  Things like basic tees, tanks, undies and tights aren’t replaced every season.  I also decide if there are any items that I keep wishing I had in my closet.  For me, this season, I’d love a couple of additional cashmere tees. I wore my gray one all through the winter. I keep wishing for other colors.

I also decide what trends I really love and what items I want to purchase.  See my Spring Picks list for some of this season’s items.

Make a List

I limit my list of “wants” to 10 items. Yours could be shorter or longer.  For me, limiting the list keeps me from going nuts or over budget.  I can swap out items but I don’t go over the ten item limit.

Budget

Oh the dreaded word.  I determine what I can afford to spend.  If there is a high ticket item I want, I figure out how to save for that item.  Going to swaps and thrift stores, help me save on some items so I can spend more on others. It's important for me to leave myself a little budget wiggle room.  I still go shopping on a whim at times. Giving myself permission to do that, helps me to stay on budget.

Web Search

Using my list, I start searching on sites like http://www.shopstyle.com/ , other favorite web sites and magazines.  This search helps me to see what's available.  There are times I want an item that isn't readily available. I frequent European sites and their fashion can be a little ahead of the USA. I also get a good idea of the baseline cost of items

Continue Search

I love online shopping but searching in stores when there are sales or at discount shops is really important.  I keep the list in my wallet.  Then when I’m out shopping or surfing the web, I can check for items.  It helps me take advantage of coupons, discount days, and sales.  I give myself permission to change my mind.  Sometimes, later in the season, I fall in love with a style or item and swap it for something on the list.  Search until you find what you really want.  Don't settle.  You'll be happier in the long run.

Keys to My Strategy

I spend less on basics, and super trendy items.  Basics are easy to find a bargain price.  Trends come and go. If you will only wear something a season or two, there is no reason to spend tons on a high-end version.  Stores like Target, Kohl’s, Payless, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx and Loehmann’s always have trends at bargain prices.  I will spend much more on an item that is timeless, classic, and high quality.  If I will wear it often and for years, the higher cost is worth more of my budget.

Prince per wear is important to me. A trendy item costing $30 that you wear 5 times, costs you $6 per wear.  An expensive item costing $150 that you wear for years, 150 times or more costs $1 per wear.  I always use my Chanel sunglasses as an example.  I love sunglasses and have many inexpensive pairs.  I paid full price for my Chanel shades (approximately $250). I bought them in 2005 and they are one of two pairs of "go to" shades for me. I'm sure I wear them 70 - 100 days a year.  The price per wear is around $1 per wear so far and I'll have them for many many more years.   Shades might not be your thing. Your splurge might be shoes or a coat.  
 

Since I began shopping this way, I've never purchased all of my items at one time.  Spacing out my purchases helps me find things I really love and has less of an impact on my bank account.

LOVE is the Key

If I don't love it, I don't buy it. Period.  Buying "just because" is what caused me to give away all those shoes, years ago.  I really love to shop but buying an item that hangs in my closet and mocks me isn't fun. I could have used that money toward something I really love and will wear often. I've been known to pick up an item, walk the store with it and put it back.  Recently, I even went back to a store again to try on a pair of shoes, thinking I was going to buy them. I left the store a second time without the shoes. After walking the store with them on and realizing how painful they were, I changed my mind.  I knew that even though I loved the way they looked that pain would keep me from putting them on and they'd sit in my closet.

This strategy isn't fool proof but it's worked for me so far.  I hope it helps you a little in your fashion searches. 

Picture credit: dollar bill dress - sidewalkisarunway.com

District Sample Sale - Coming Soon...

I attended the 10th District Sample Sale last night and covered the event for GalTime, Deacon Does DC as well as RGR.  I'm excited to tell you all about this fun event.  Here are a couple of  photos. I have so much for you. Later today, my fashion mavens...