Perfect shoes to wear to the office under a sleek black suit. (This cunning plan would be better implemented if I had a sleek black suit. Or a job.) Yellow heels from Bettye Muller, on sale for $48 (down from $389).

Labels: bargains, shoes

Frock is such a charming word, isn't it? Calls to mind debutantes sipping tea. Or gin.


Capsleeve dress ($20) from Forever 21. Try with deep purple tights and high-heel maryjanes.



Open back knit dress ($18 ) also from Forever 21. Would look nice with a long, multi-color scarf.

Labels: bargains, dresses

(cropped trench coat, $35 from Target)

Labels: bargains, stay toasty

Yes, I do believe I did. Therefore. White bags that don't require the sale of your first-born:


It's vinyl, which accounts for the price and also allows you to casually wipe off the hollandaise sauce while continuing your conversation, rather than panicking and maybe shrieking incoherently because LEATHER, OH MY EXPENSIVE LEATHER! Quilted start tote, $22.50 from Delia's.


I really like the design details on this one. In fact, I may have to go out and buy it. Hell, my library fines are more expensive than this bag. Accent handbag, $25 from Isaac Mizrahi for Target.


If vinyl isn't for you, but neither is a $1400 price tag, try the Seaport market tote, $248 from J Crew. Luxury leather and antiqued brass hardware at one fourth of the price of these babies.

Labels: bags, bargains

I rail against shorts on a regular basis. Which makes me look stupid, now that I've decided to buy a pair. To be clear, these shorts hit just below the knee instead of above it. This makes all the difference. Ahem.


My search has begun. And possibly ended, as these cropped pants from Delia's are both cute and cheap.

Labels: bargains

I just paid my credit card bill. On it was a trip to Sephora that equaled the rough equivalent of two nice meals (with alcohol) in San Francisco. In other words, only slightly less than the gross domestic product of Lithuania. In a good goat year. What did I buy on this pricey excursion? Not a hell of a lot, to be frank. Some lip balm, sunscreen, and a wee bottle of face wash. This just makes me feel stupid and, people, I don't like to feel stupid. Hence, rethinking the skincare approach. This makes me very female doesn't it? To have a skincare approach. To even use the word "skincare." Yes.

Instead of spending piles of cash at Sephora or Kiehl's or any of my other usual haunts that somehow don't include Walgreens because I am a product snob (no one in my tax bracket should be allowed to apply the phrase "product snob", by the way), I turned to my fridge. Everyone has read these articles in blogs and magazines, these "Save time and money by washing your face with ketchup!" kinds of articles, but rarely have I found one that explains why it's a good idea to wash your face in ketchup. (It's not, by the way. Don't use ketchup.)

Honey

Honey rocks. It tastes good and apparently does everything but scrub the bath tub. Impressive results from what is essentially bee vomit. Honey is, according to my internet research, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Which means it will clear up existing infections and help skin heal while preventing new messes. It also draws moisture, which we all love, especially when it comes in a $5 squeeze bottle rather than a $45 pot that could also be used to store pennies. Two of them.

You can mix honey with brown sugar or oatmeal for a scrub or mask, or just use it plain as a dual cleanser and moisturizer. Here's what I do, if you care:

I rinse a washcloth with warm water open up my pores and loosen whatever is in there. Which usually doesn't bear thinking about. Then I smear the honey on my face and rub it in. Rinse off with the warm wash cloth and splash on cold water to close the pores again.

For a straight honey mask you do the exact same thing, only, after applying the honey, let it sit for 15 minutes. I've never actually done this because it requires me to sit still for that long.

Here's a whole host of other honey uses.

Citrus

Original source for alpha-hydroxy acids. It's much cheaper to go to the source, my friends. Grapefruit and lemon are best, as I'm not sure you'd want to deal with orange juice. Lemon is a bit harsh, so unless you have a few layers that need removing, use it sparingly on the face. It is good for elbows, knees and hair. Grapefruit is gentle so I use it on my tender, blushing skin. If I've eaten a grapefruit for breakfast, I'll take the rinds with the extra grapefruit flesh into the shower with me. After washing my face, I'll massage in the grapefruit - face, neck, chest. Rinse it off and voila. No mess, no painful credit card bills.

Part II will be coming soon. In the meantime, here are things in your refridgerator you shouldn't put on your face: tabasco sauce, mustard, cheddar cheese. You're welcome.

Labels: bargains, skincare

I pulled up some nice things with reasonable price tags. For once. But don't get too excited. My blogging theory is that since I can't buy any of this stuff anyway, I may as well go big rather than small. So I will continue to post shoes that no one in a normal tax bracket gets to buy. But for now: spring clothes that won't make you wince and grab your wallet to stroke it sympathetically.


Just made for those wedges and ballerina flats and kitten heels. Or flip flops. Yeah, definitely go with the flip flops. Spring is for hopping joyously, not tottering precariously. Tropical flower dress, $30 from Forever 21.


White pants = appearing impossibly OCD as you spread a handkerchief over you seat before sitting on it or getting chocolate stains on your butt. But they're cute. BCBG Max Azria white twill capris, $38 from Bluefly.


I confess a weakness for polka dots. And those rope wedge heels are very now. I now confess that I have no idea what that means, but I heard someone say it on Legally Blonde and those girls knew their clothes. Polka dot espadrilles, $39 from American Eagle Outfitters.



Now, that's spring. Nice with those white pants above. Acrobat peach linen henley, $25 from Bluefly.

Labels: bargains, dresses, shoes, tops

Shopbop, how I love thee. I love your sales even more because that's the only time I can even dream about affording anything you offer. Kids, don't ever become an arts writer if you like clothes. You will be buying your jeans at Old Navy. And you will be glad, because the only other option is to run about in the altogether and 1. it's just too damn cold for such nonsense, and 2. no one wants to see that.


Gorgeous, gorgeous. Who doesn't want a cashmere skirt? I ask you. Unique style, cozy drape. Yum. Karl Lagerfeld cashmere skirt, on sale for $148.


Not everyone can pull off this look. I certainly can't and was undecided for a long while as to whether or not I would even want to. This photo proves that 1. this particular set of legs can pull it off and 2. I do like it. Very sleek. adam + eve pinstripe herringbone work pant, on sale for $82.50.


I am cringing as I look at this, thinking of the cold artic breezes that would waft up this skirt. I'm thinking that you aren't supposed to wear it any time artic breezes are a possibility. Joie lightweight gauze southside dress, on sale for $157.50.

Labels: bargains, dresses, skirts

I like the way the quilting enhances the skirt's shape. Also, quilted silk just always seemed the ultimate in luxury to me. No idea why. Maybe because it's soft and pillowy? Unlike the model's abs? Note: shirt recommended with this particular look. Karl Lagerfeld skirt with quilted hem (on sale for $175).


Not quite bootie, not quite pump. Not quite out of price range. In fact, totally IN price range. Hallelujah. Dolce Vita short bootie (on sale for $54).


Could be awesome, could be awesome in how wrong it is: Marie Marie tulip skirt/cape (on sale for $161). Can be worn as a skirt or a cape. I'm not sure I'd buy it online without knowing which awesome category it lands under, but brave souls could have a real find.

Peruse the rest of the sale here.

Labels: bargains, shoes, skirts

You know, if you manage to win. Which I never do. But it's a good way to shop and not over-exert your poor, maligned credit card.

Enter Bag Snob's Ostrich Clutch Sweepstakes.

Or Banana Republic's Daily Bag Grab.

Or, for people who have too many bags already (who ARE you?), a $1,000 gift certificate from Shopbop.

Labels: bags, bargains

Le Train Bleu is one of my favorite sites for indie goods. Especially indie goods on sale. Today's shoe find is the pink louisa heel, on sale for $39. Floppy suede bows and leather trim make it 40 well-spent dollars. Especially since the ankle strap keeps them on your well-shod hipster feet as you peddle your fixed gear to Blondie's.

Labels: bargains, indie design, shoes

Minnie Wilde has the kind of clothes you would try to borrow if you found them in your best friend's closet. When she doesn't let you because she knows you'd return it with red wine on the collar (just a little!), you'd sneak it out under your coat. She would notice and you would be busted.

But now you can have your own Minnie Wilde. Minnie Wilde and cupcakes! San Franciscans rejoice. From 7-9:30 tonight, there will be music, cupcakes and, best of all, 15 percent off the clothes. Everyone else can shop her collection here.

Labels: bargains, indie design

If only. Oh, if only I had $800 extra dollars in my back pocket right now.

Chloe's Edith Satchel is on sale at Neiman Marcus for $808. That's half off. Simply gorgeous.


Any cash-laden men out there? Who can get past this whole mistaken train of thought: "Who needs an $800 bag to carry around a day planner and a wallet? Wouldn't a Trader Joe's tote do just as well? Why do you even need a day planner? Just do what I do and guess." If so and if you have a girlfriend who gives a flying fish about fashion, buy her this bag for Christmas. She'll love it. Guaranteed.

(I can say such a thing with a clear conscience because 1. My gift-giver doesn't read this blog. 2. I don't think any other men do either.... This doesn't mean I'm wrong.)

Labels: bags, bargains, holiday

Nothing makes me shout an inappropriate "Hallelujah!" faster than a sweater sale. Especially a cashmere sweater sale. All my picks are sleet gray, because I believe gray to be a lovely color for a sweater. Timeless and relatively low maintenance (who wants to take their sweater off to eat soup?), gray also looks gorgeous paired up with this season's red accents.

Magaschoni's long cashmere sweater has a beautiful asymetric design with shawl collar and button detailing. On sale at Neiman Marcus for $149 (previously $254).


Luxurious Italian weave on this deep V cashmere sweater from Adrienne Vittadini makes it an excellent staple. On sale for $149 (previously $298).


Theory's striped cashmere sweater is on sale at Bloomingdale's for $159 (previously $265).

Labels: bargains, stay toasty, tops

Confession: These are only bargains if you have a few oil fields out in Texas somewhere. Big ones. But Bergdorf and Neiman are both having sales, and I feel honor-bound to paw through the goods and present my favorites. (This is a reasonably good insight into my shopping psyche. Shoes - lots of them! One favorite bag. A token piece of jewelry. No clothes whatsoever. Obviously, if given my choice, I would prance around naked wearing only high heels.)

Shoes

Practical, no. Gorgeous, yes. Chances are, if you're buying Prada leopard platform maryjanes you aren't terribly concerned with practical. Wonderful accent to a black wrap dress or a jean skirt and simple white top.

One day, I will own a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. Even if that day only appears on my imaginary calendar. Until then, I will force you all to look at as many as I can find. Hence, the Christian Louboutin perforated suede wedge.



I love the shape of the Delman suede maryjane. Sculpted and classic, this shoe would do you for years - unless you trekked through ten feet of snow. Snow isn't good for suede.



I knew that as soon as I plunked down my credit card for some ballerina flats, I would find a whole host of styles I preferred. And so it was. The Delman corduroy ballerina flat is a lovely specimen.



Bags (more accurately: Bag)

Oh, Edith, how I love thee. This Chloe Edith satchel is far up on my covet list.


Jewelry

Elegant without being department store stodgy, the Stephen Dweck pink rope earrings make me want to violate the Treaty of Plastic Glasses. As in, don't wear earrings with the glasses, lest you resemble a Christmas tree.

Labels: bags, bargains, jewelry, shoes

One of my favorite trends this year is the black leather bag with gold toned hardware. Spiffy yet casual, this purse goes anywhere you do, without proclaiming Death to Style. Or resorting to danglies that send you flying every time they catch on a poorly placed door knob. Now would be a good time to pick one up, because Bluefly is offering 20 percent off all purses, today only. Here are my favorites:

This beautiful Tufi Duek black leather studded frame bag is on sale for $298. The frame top, antiqued leather, and careful detail make me want to hug this bag before throwing in my novel, lip gloss and snacks.



On sale for $149, Via Spiga's black leather frame-top satchel features what looks to be buttery soft leather and a simple design.



A good everyday tote, Hype's Leighton shoulder bag is on sale for $106. Plaid twill lining and textured calf skin make it durable and fun. Looks big enough to fit a set of bag pipes. And who leaves the house these days without a spare set of bag pipes?

Labels: bags, bargains

Kiehl's devotees know goodness doesn't come cheap. The cash I've spent on oil-free spf 25 and blue herbal moisturizer doesn't bear calculating. Financing a small third-world country would probably be less expensive than keeping my skin from flaking off, erupting in hives, or otherwise leaping from my body in search of a host who's willing to pay what it takes to keep skin happy.

Lovers of this estimable company will be thrilled to know that, until November 27, you can use the code "Friday" to score 20 percent off and free shipping. So go shop. I'll wait.

(Thanks to Delight for the tip.)

Labels: bargains, skincare

Oh, the siren call of "Sale at Sak's: Today Only." It's ringing in my ears as we speak. Head here to check it out. My personal favorite is the Adam + Eve herringbone coat, on sale for $450. Scottish trench coat with silk lining and leather trim, it looks great with, well, with that dress. Also good to spice up the usual jeans and white shirt ensemble. The perfect fall coat.

Labels: bargains, stay toasty

Bargains I would be browsing right this very moment, had I not cut myself off the shopping. In an (undoubtedly futile) effort to have one of those savings account things. I'm still not entirely sure on the concept of a savings account, but I'm educating myself.

I found this Kenneth Cole tote for 30 percent off at Nordstrom's half yearly sale. I love the warm leather and simple detail. This would be a good year-round everyday type of bag. Just the type of bag I need.... (Stop! Stop! Bangs head on desk and sits on hands to keep them from reaching into highly inferior purse for credit card.)


Mighty Flirt is one of my favorite sites for separates and dresses that no one else is going to have. Right now, you can get 25 percent off with the code DCFlirt. (Found at Delight. Many more good bargains, so take a look.)

Check out this week's Bargains Roundup at Knickers Blog. Because we all know that I am the queen of cheap bras.

Scamper off to peruse. And please excuse me while I sit in the corner and look bitter.

Labels: bags, bargains

Spoylt and La Perla can be found for under $45 at last Friday's bargains roundup at Knickers Blog, where the lovely Danae posts gorgeous under-duds and I throw in my bargain buys. Cause we all know I'm cheap.

Labels: bargains