One Day Shopping Deals!

In honor of Leap Day {not that Leap Day has much to do with shopping...at least, I don't think it does}, several retailers are offering one-day-only discounts online.  Thank goodness Banana Republic and Charlotte Russe did a "29% off" deal ~ no one else seemed to get the sticking-with-a-theme-is-cute memo!

All of these deals are online only and today only unless otherwise noted.


Banana Republic
29% off full-price items ~ use code BRLEAPYEAR at checkout

Barnes & Noble
25% off one item ~ use code LLDVWLK2KZVLA at checkout

BeautyMint
$20 off you purchase {first purchase only} ~ use code LEAP20 at checkout

Charlotte Russe
29% off any one item {sale items excluded} ~ use code LEAP29 at checkout

Children's Place
Free Shipping on every order; 25% off Spring Dressy {get those Easter outfits!} ~ no code necessary

Express
$25 off $75 or $50 off $150 through 3/4/12 ~ use code 1120 at checkout

Gap
15% off your purchase {some exclusions apply} ~ use code GAPGIFT at checkout

GW Little
20% off a purchase of $85 or more ~ use code LEAPSTER at checkout
12% off a purchase of $75 or more through 3/5/12 ~ use code XTRADAY at checkout

Old Navy
15% off your purchase {excludes Everyday Steals and Jeans} ~ use code ONSPRING at checkout

Petco
25% off sitewide ~ no code necessary

Sephora
Free shipping on orders over $29 ~ use code LEAPYEAR at checkout

Have fun saving!

xoxo
Bean

Jason Wu for Target

Jason Wu...name sound familiar?  Jason was the young, relatively unknown designer who skyrocketed to overnight fame after Michelle Obama starting wearing his creations, most notably to her husbands' Inaugural Ball in 2009.

Next Sunday, the Jason Wu for Target collection will hit Target stores nationwide, and will be available online as well.  Expect to see lots of super-feminine dresses and skirts, along with tops, outwear and accessories, ranging in price from $19.99 to $59.99.  Check out the lookbook here.

To see if the Jason Wu collection is coming to a Target near you, "like" the Target Style page on Facebook and click on the "Jason Wu for Target Stores List" tab.

xo

Bean

{photo credit:  time.com; target.com}

Bold Colors to Brighten Up Winter!

January. 

It is my birthday month, and for that, I love it ~ but to most people, January means cold, dreary, gray winter days.  The glittery red-and-green December days are over, the temperatures have dipped just a bit lower, and the fresh, green days of spring seem a little too far away.  While there isn't much you can do about the weather, and you'll be hard-pressed to speed up time so spring gets here faster, you can brighten up your winter wardrobe.

Stick your plain black, gray and neutral duds back in the closet and slip on one of these bright and cheery pieces instead.


Tops
Just because winter requires cozier clothes doesn't mean you can't work in a warm burst of color.  Pair these toppers with skinny jeans and boots to take your cold-weather outfit from drab to fab.

From top:
Old Navy Cropped Softest Sweaters in pink euphoria and serpent, on sale for $16.99
Express Marled Chunky Hi-Lo Hem Sweater in orange, $49.90
Madewell First Frost Sweater in deep royal, on sale for $49.99

Bottoms
Feeling adventurous?  Slip on a bold skirt or a colorful pair of pants to brighten up a winter day and stand out from the crowd.  {Pair skirts or dresses with tights, of course!}

From top:
Gap Seamed Mini Skirt in killer tomato, $49.95
American Eagle Jeggings in blue, $44.50
Charlotte Russe Pink Denim Skinny Jeans in bright pink, $29.99

Shoes/Accessories
Unsure about incorporating Crayola-inspired hues into your wardrobe?  Start small with shoes, scarves and other accessories.  Even just a splash of color can perk up your whole outfit.

From top:
Charlotte Russe Neon Patent Platform Pump in neon green, $30
Charlotte Russe Removable Ankle-Strap Wedge in fuschia, $35.50
Steve Madden Audrinaa Platform in raspberry suede, on sale for $53.98
Banana Republic Morgan Floral Scarf in yellow, $39.50

Bright, bold and candy-colored fashion may not make the springtime come any sooner, but they can at least perk up those gray and chilly winter days and bring a smile to your face!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo
Bean

{photo credits:  all photos courtesy of retail stores named, except american eagle jeggings, petitetherapy.com}

After-Christmas Sales -- Online and In-Stores!

Got some gift cards in your stocking this year?  Or, even better, the gift that always fits and never goes out of style ~ some beautiful, crisp Christmas cash...that's now burning a hole in your pocket?  Well then, you're in luck!  Retail stores and sites are rolling out super savings starting today, so while they use extreme markdowns to get in a last-minute fourth quarter revenue boost, you can pick up some great bargains!

Check out the list below for online and in-store deals I've come across ~ be sure to check the websites themselves for exclusions and fine print!


Aerie ~ in-store and online
Up to 60% off

AllPosters.com ~ online only
75% off {and more!} on thousands of items, including artwork and apparel

American Eagle ~ in-store and online
All jeans on sale

Banana Republic ~ in-store and online
In-store ~ Take an additional 30% off already-reduced items, for savings of over 60% off original prices
Online ~ 30% off already-reduced items with code BRSALE30

Barnes & Noble ~ online and in-store
Various savings, including 50% off top books and calendars, up to 50% off toys, games and electronics and up to 75% off music

Bath & Body Works ~ online and in-store
Up to 75% off as part of the semi-annual "Hello Yellow!" sale; plus, $10 off any purchase of $40 or more {online code HELLOYELLOW or in-store code 5463}

CB2 {owned by Crate & Barrel} ~ online and in-store
Up to 50% off furniture, rugs, and home accessories {including Christmas items}

Children's Place ~ online and in-store {today only!}
Online ~ Up to 80% off {online prices reflect discount}
In-store ~ Up to 80% off when you use your 30% savings pass {if you have one}

Crate & Barrel ~ in-store and online
Up to 50% off furniture, rugs and home accessories {including Christmas items}

Express ~ in-store and online
Last day to use code 9544 to receive $90 off a $300 purchase, $60 off a $200, $30 off a $100, or $15 off a $60, plus free shipping off a purchase of $100 or more; also, up to 50% select items

Gap ~ in-store and online
In-store ~ extra 50% off sale items {today only!}
Online ~ extra 20% off sale items with code GAPSALE {today and tomorrow only!}

Godiva ~ online only
40% off select items

Groupon ~ online only
Up to 50% off Conde Nast Beauty and Fashion magazine subscriptions {including Allure, Glamour, Bon Appetit and Vogue}
Over 50% off the 75th Anniversary Edition of "The Joy of Cooking"

Mixbook ~online only
30% off off Thank You cards and New Years cards {use code CARDSAVE30}

Neiman Marcus ~ online and in-store
Up to 60% off already-reduced items

Juicy Couture ~ online only
Flash Sale!  Additional 50% off select sale items

Old Navy ~ in-store and online
In stores ~ up to 75% off
Online ~ up to 50% off and free shipping {over $50}

Sephora ~ online only
Extra 20% off sale items {code EXTRA}

Williams-Sonoma ~ online and in-store
Up to 50% off already-reduced sale items
One week only ~ White Sale!  20% off all regular-priced tabletop items, with code WHITESALE


xoxo
Bean

Astrological Sign T's {On Sale Now!}

I was Christmas shopping for my brothers yesterday when I wound up in Charlotte Russe {I'm not sure why I thought I would find something for my brothers there ~ but I did find two great pairs of sparkly high heels!}.  I wasn't really looking through the clothing racks thoroughly, but I happened across these super-adorable zodiac sign Ts.  The front features the symbol and word for each sign, and the back has three words that describe that sign.

The best part?  Online, these shirts are on sale for $10!  {They may be $10 in-store too ~ call your local Charlotte Russe to check}. They come in sizes S/M and M/L and have every astrological sign available.  The model pictured is 5'11" and wearing a M/L {I love when sites include that info}, so as you can see they're definitely more of a juniors-type sizing and a M/L would probably fit up to a size 12 comfortably, but size 14+ girls {like me!} may find it a bit too snug.

At $10, these shirts can fit just about any budget, and would be a great birthday {or Christmas} idea for the teen {or fairly slender adult} in your life.  I love reading about astrology and the characteristics of different signs, so if they ever release this shirt in a L/XL, I'll be the first to snag one!

Click below for a direct link to each astrological sign T:

Capricorn T
Aquarius T
Pisces T
Aries T
Taurus T
Gemini T
Cancer T
Leo T
Virgo T
Libra T
Scorpio T
Sagittarius T


xoxo
Bean

Adorable Aprons!

Still looking for that perfect gift for your mom, sister, best friend ~ even daughter or niece?  Jessie Steele aprons make the perfect gift for the girl in your life who likes to cook, bake, hostess...or just look cute in the kitchen!

In polka-dots, paisleys, florals, and more, there are a variety of styles and patterns to choose from.  Some are classic, some are sassy ~ but all are adorable!  They're one size fits all and for the most part are around $30.  Many are in the classic tie-at-the-waist, fit-and-flare style, but some {like the peacock print above} tie under the bust in an empire-waist. 

Some of the prints are available in children's sizes for around $20.  There is a "Sale" tab as well, and some aprons come with matching accessories like dishtowels and oven mitts {like the sailor-themed set below}.

Jessie Steele also offers salon aprons, pajamas, and robes, but they're mostly known for their cute hostess aprons, like the ones pictured here.  I bought myself the Cherry Cupcake apron at Anthropologie several years ago, and I got such a kick out seeing Charlotte wear it in one of the Sex and the City movies after the fact!

Super cute, right?  Hope you're finishing up your holiday shopping with ease!

xoxo
Bean

{photo credits:  all photos jessiesteele.com}

Party Dress Roundup!

Are you getting sick of Christmas recipe and crafts posts?  Me too, a little!  They're useful, of course ~ I'm loving sharing ideas with you all, and I love getting great new creative ideas from other blogs and sites.  But it's time to break it up a bit, don't you think?  With party season in full swing {and New Years' Eve less than three weeks away, if you can believe it}, I decided to scope out the web for a selection of great party dresses in all different price points.  Some festive red frocks, a few LBDs, and a sparkly mini or two ~ there's something for everyone!


Kohl's
Both of these flowy, above-the-knee dresses are budget-friendly LC Lauren Conrad.  Top either with a cozy shrug for a feminine seasonal party look.

Ruffle Mixed-Media Dress, on sale for $38.40

Tiered Chiffon Dress, on sale for $44.80














Banana Republic and Old Navy
Enter code HOLIDAY at BR, ON or Gap for 30% off your online order {thru Tuesday 12/13}.  The prices below do not include extra 30% discount.  {These brands offer many styles in tall, regular and petite}.

Banana Republic Bijoux Sheath, on sale for $108

Banana Republic Gemma wrap dress, on sale for $88

 Old Navy Embellished Tank Dress, $44.94

 
Old Navy Tie-Belt Tank Dress, on sale for $29.99
















Forever 21
My favorite store for cheap, trendy fashions!  Check out this scarlet bell-sleeved mini option from Forever 21, and the empire-waist lacey number from their plus-size collection.  Cute pieces at bargain prices in just about every size!

Textured Lace Dress, for $24.80

 
Shimmer Lace Dress, for $24.80
















Charlotte Russe
Looking for a sparkly, sexy New Years' frock?  Charlotte Russe is just as good as Forever 21 for trendy, stylish pieces for minimal money!  {Check out their shoe department too ~ they usually have sales and deals going on!}

Belted Glitter Dot Dress, for $34.99

















Happy Party Dress Shopping, fashionistas!

xoxo
Bean

Trendspotting ~ Polka Dots!

I just love polka dots.  I don't know why, but I find the pattern so appealing.  So you can imagine how happy I am that I've been seeing polka-dotted clothing everywhere lately ~ shirts, skirts, shoes, tights, and more!  I prefer the more dainty, ladylike small dot pattern {although I do have a large-dot sweatshirt from Boston-area boutique 344 that is adorable}.

Want to get in on the polka-dot craze?  Check below for items in every price range; from casual and bold big-dotted pieces to flirty and feminine small-dotted ones.


Big Dots
Big polka dots make an outfit that much more fun ~ from cozy clothes to dressy casual pieces.

Forever 21 Polka Dot Backwards Cardigan ~ $24.80
Victoria's Secret 'The Dreamer' flannel pajama ~ $49.50
bebe 2b polka-dot skirt ~ $29.95
Nordstrom Commando 'Big Dot' sheer tights ~ $32

Small Dots
Teeny dots on dressy pieces are decidedly girly and sometimes even give a retro feel.

Forever 21 Sprayed Dots Dress ~ $24.80
JCrew blouson dress in polka dot ~ $168
Banana Republic dotted wool scarf ~ $50.50
Old Navy cropped ruffle top ~ $22.94
Nine West Crusader shoe ~ $99

Do you love polka dots as much as I do?  What pattern do you prefer ~ dots, plaids, stripes...or just classic solids?  Happy shopping!

xoxo
Bean

{photo credits:  all photos are from retail sites mentioned}

Yes, You CAN Afford Versace!

Well, sort of.  Versace is the latest brand in a growing trend of high-fashion designers creating limited-edition, affordable lines for department stores.  {Remember the Giambattista Valli and Karl Lagerfeld lines at Macy's this fall?}.  Starting tomorrow, you can find Versace's limited-edition line for H&M at select stores.

As a fashion house, Versace is known for their bold, fashion-forward, sometimes avant-garde red-carpet gowns.  They incorporate rich color, luxe fabrics and unique detailing to make their pieces stand out.

 

Now, you probably don't have much need for a red-carpet-esque gown {or do you?}, but never fear.  The Versace for H&M line is full of everyday and special occasion items.  It's actually divided into no fewer than six unique collections ~ Stampa {bright colors and bold prints}; Baby Doll {flowy, above-the-knee dresses}; Bottoni Oro {structured dresses with almost futuristic detailing, especially at the neckline}; Frange {bold, flashy pieces, all bedecked with fringe}; Metal Mesh {metallic-colored dresses}, and Pelle Borchie {lots of gunmetal grey and black pieces, many with studded detail}.  Prices range from $29.95 for leggings to $299 for certain jackets and dresses, with many items falling in the $100-range.  On the pricier side for you? Perhaps there's an item you could include on your wish list to Santa...

Here are some of my favorite pieces from Versace for H&M {anyone who knows me will not be surprised that pretty much everything I picked is black}.

Dresses

Baby Doll silk chiffon dress with satin details ~ $149

Pelle Borchie studded, draped shift dress ~ $79.95

Stampa bright silk dress with asymmetrical hem ~ $149

Tops

Pelle Borchie faux-fur vest ~ $69.95

Pelle Borchi cropped, studded leather jacket ~ $299

 

Skirts

Pelle Borchie studded black skirt with Greek-key detailing at hem ~ $129

{my favorite piece!}

Preview the rest of the Versace for H&M collection right now by clicking here, and find it in stores tomorrow!

xoxo

Bean

{celeb photo credits:  eastwestlifestyle.blogspot.com; thrilld.com; arizonafoothillsmagazine.com; justjared.buzznet.com; sbeulah.onsugar.com ...Versace for H&M photo credit:  hm.com/us}

Pin Up Fashions for the Modern Girl

Well, hello gorgeous!

I was just searching the internet for cute, fun party dresses {because sometimes you want to search the internet for cute, fun party dresses}, and I came across Pin Up Girl Clothing ~ too much fun!  This site is chock full of retro-style fashions from dresses, skirts and tops to lingerie and hosiery to swimwear, shoes and handbags.  There is a decent range of prices, with most items being moderately priced {comparable to what you'd spend on a similar item at a Macy's, for example}.  The items range from ladylike and subtle to vampy and sexy to kitchy and borderline over-the-top {but fun!}.

Pin Up Girl Clothing offers items in sizes XS - 3X {and 2 - 18}, so there is literally something for just about everyone.  Whether you are a big Mad Men {or Bettie Page} fan, or you'd just like to add some super-girly, vintage-style fashions to your wardrobe, check out Pin Up Girl Clothing!

Anyone else have tips on unique shopping sites?

xoxo
Bean


{photo credits:  pinupgirlclothing.com}

Trendspotting -- Patterned Tights!

Well, girls, I've got good news and bad news.  The bad news ~ the bare-legged days of summer are definitely behind us.  The good news, however ~ the season for cute tights is here in full force!  Just because summer is over doesn't mean skirts and dresses have to get packed away; it just means your legs need a protection from the elements.  Lucky for us, there are so many cute tights out there right now ~ all sorts of patterns for all sorts of personalities and occasions.  Behold, the power of hosiery...


Subtle
Wear to work, church, or anywhere
Top row, from left:  Banana Republic fine rib sweater tight; Victoria's Secret ribbed tights; Hue hexagon control top tights
Bottom row, from left: Victoria's Secret fishnet tights {may not be anywhere-appropriate, but this is a small fishnet pattern}; Hue dots sweater tights

Preppy

A bit bolder, but in decidedly preppy prints

From left: Forever 21 Fair Isle knit tights; Lauren by Ralph Lauren argyle microfiber tights {at Macy's}

 Sassy

These tights make a statement!  Punch up your winter wardrobe with one of these pairs

Top row, from left:  Banana Republic rose fishnet; Trashy Lingerie sheer dotted stripe pantyhose; Betsey Johnson sheer Love at First Tight {at Macy's}

Bottom row, from left: Forever 21 bow print tight; Betsey Johnson Besa Me tight

Check out the links below for the tights pictured here, and lots more!

• HUE
• Victoria's Secret - Hosiery & Shapewear
• Macy's - Hosiery 
• Betsey Johnson - Legwear
• Trashy Lingerie - Fancy Pantyhose 
• Forever 21 - Tights 
• Banana Republic - Tights 

xoxo

Bean

{photo credits:  all pictures from company websites}

A Great Discount Shopping Site for the Whole Family

So by now we're all familiar with Groupon, right?  Groupon offers daily deals, via email and their website, and if a predetermined number of people want to buy the deal, they all get to purchase said deal at a fantastic price.  Do you use some of the other "daily deal" websites, though?  There are a ton of "invitation-only" sites that offer hugely discounted deals daily, like Groupon ~ but unlike Groupon, you aren't depending on a group of strangers to want to buy the same deal before you can purchase it too.  With these sites, if a deal is up, it's yours to purchase ~ and they offer anything from women's and men's clothing and accessories to travel packages around the world.  My favorite of these 'discount' sites is Rue La La.

Signing up for a Rue La La account is free, and once you sign up you have access to all their ever-changing deals and discounts.  Every deal has an expiration date {it's usually a few days}, and when you're signed in on the site you can preview what deals are on deck for the next few days {so you know when to sign back in and buy something fab, natch!}.  Rue La La sets up their deals in "boutiques" ~ for example, a Calvin Klein boutique or a Pottery Barn boutique {neither of which are listed right now ~ just an example}.  Instead of offering a particular style of pants, or a certain lamp or end table, for sale, there are a number of items in each boutique to choose from.  Their boutiques showcase big-name designers; as such, sometimes the deals are still a bit pricey.  A lot of times, though, they're absolute steals!  {Affordable Christmas shopping for the whole family, anyone?  I think yes!}

Want some examples of what Rue La La has to offer?  No problem!  Here we go...


Women
From top:  Gemma Grey Python silk top for $49.90 {reg $135}; Hype "Lyn" jade dot print silk blouse for $59.90 {reg $132}; Casadei heels {on left ~ Satin Peep-Toe Pump for $329.90, reg $850}

 Men
From top:  Briggs & Riley "Verb" expandable rolling case for $159.90 {reg $329}; Cullen Black wool-cashmere crewneck sweater for $69.90 {reg $175}; Peter Millar Alpine vest for $49.90 {reg $149.50}.

Living
From top: Canvas to Art custom sepia canvas for $49.90 - $119.90 {reg $74 - $205}; Company C "Fairfield" duvet and sham for $39.90 - $119.90 (reg $80 - $425}; Vera Wang "Love Knots" wine glass for $19.90 {reg $42.50}; Bartholomew Park Winery 3-bottle mixed set for $69.90 {reg $108}.

Travel
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa 3-night or 7-night packages for one or two people for $1,799 - $8,949 {reg $2,785 - $12,230}

Kids
LittleMissMatched pink and purple mod trench for $39.90 {reg $72}; Pickles "Mac" 3-piece dinner set for $19.90 {reg $34.99}

Whew!  And those were just some of the deals available right this minute on Rue La La.  Remember, new deals pop up daily and they're only available for a limited time, so the merchandise may be completely different when you get a chance to look them up.  As you can see though, they have a wide range of products available, in a very wide price range. 

Interested in checking out Rue La La or signing up?  Click here!


Have fun browsing, girls!

xoxo
Bean

{photo credits:  all ruelala.com}