Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts

Retail Birthday Discounts Save You Big! | Fashionably Frugal Friday

Friday, September 2, 2011

I couldn't decide if today's post fell under Frugal or Fashion so I decided it's both. I wanted to remind you all to take advantage of your favorite retail stores' Birthday Club promotions. Programs like that are one of the main reasons I have a 'junk' email address. I love a free dessert just as much as the next person, but I'd much rather have a gift card or discount to one of my favorite stores. Case in point: Loehmann's Insider Club. 

I went shopping before BlogHer looking for tops and pants (OK, shoes too). The only downside to weight loss is not having 'professional' clothes that fit. My old work wardrobe is too big (I know, tiny violins) but I don't need office friendly wear often enough to justify replacing it. So, I figured a trip to Loehmann's was in order. They have fantastic sales, and occasionally mark things down even more with special color tag clearance sales. 

The day I went in, the Shopping Gods must have known I needed help. The store was having a Yellow Tag clearance where every yellow price sticker was an additional 40% or 50% off. Yes, Loehmann's is a store where you need to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and dig. But for savings like that, I say it's totally worth the time and effort. 

It wasn't until I'd picked out my items and was ready to check out that I remembered my birthday discount. Loehmann's gives their Insider Club members15% off in addition to regular sale prices. Because of my extra savings, I went back to the shoe department and grabbed a pair I'd put back thinking I only had room in my budget for one. Please say hello to the newest additions in my collection.



Both are by Steve Madden, who I love. Between the store sale and my birthday discount, I paid $48.06. That's total, not each. I also bought three tops, one if which was not part of the color tag clearance. Still, my total for all five items was $99.68! Considering the blue shoes alone are sale priced at $90 right now on Steve Madden's site, I think I did pretty well. 

Taking advantage of special offers like birthday and 'insider' discounts is a great way to save big, especially on designer items. Loehmann's is one of my go to places to look for the overpriced jeans I love so much.

Aveda, DSW, Sephora and World Market have good birthday reward programs. What's your favorite store reward? Do you know of any other retail stores who offer great birthday discounts?

How Could I Not?! | (Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

I had to buy this for the title alone! It was in the dollar bin.

From the cover: "She can have any pair that money can buy...but the shoes she really wants are priceless."



Shoe Shopping: Fashion Haul Friday

Friday, January 21, 2011

I've talked about my shopping trips before but not too often on video. I've resolved to do more vlogging this year. I like to talk and hate to type. I should have started vlogging from the get-go. 

This video is purely self promotional*. I'm so in love with the shoes I bought recently and they were such amazing deals I couldn't help myself. But, I do offer a bit of shopping wisdom too, so maybe it's only 90% self promotion. Happy Friday!




*At least I'm honest, LOL!

Cowboy Boots and Clogs: Yay or Nay? Fashion Friday

Friday, October 22, 2010

For a few weeks a year the weather in So Cal changes to cool and brisk and I get to wear boots and sweaters. Normally I like my boots knee high, pointy toed and with at least a three-inch heel like these I tried on at a local boutique in San Diego. 
Forward Footwear Pacific Beach
But lately I've been drawn to two types of shoe I'd never thought I'd wear: clogs and cowboy boots. The last time I owned a pair of clogs I think I was 8 years old. The Dr. Scholl's wooden shoe was just getting popular and I was so surprised my mom got a pair for me since she wouldn't spend the money on real Keds. I have never owned cowboy boots.

I was at Marshall's last weekend to look at boots and I saw these two pairs that I think would be good 'starter' shoes to see if I actually do like those styles and would wear them.

These are Frye. I don't think they're 'true' cowboy boots but they're Western-ish, right? I absolutely love the colors. I think I'd wear them with a dress or skirt. I might actually buy tights too.
Frye boots $149.99 at Marshalls
I feel like I shouldn't like these Sam Edelman clogs but I do. I know they're a little out there, but I can't help it. They're so cute! I've seen a few magazine pieces on how to transition a maxi dress from summer to fall and I have a brown dress that would look great with these.

Sam Edelman clogs $79.99 at Marshalls
So what do you say? Are clogs a good look for this season? What do you have in your closet that you never thought you'd wear?

Designer Name, Affordable Price: Fashion Friday

Friday, September 24, 2010

One of the fashion trends I've loved is high end designers producing affordable lines for stores like Target, H&M and WalMart. I think the idea really blew up when Mizrahi started working with Target. Since then Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and so many others have partnered with larger 'mass retailers' to bring fashion to us ordinary folk. 

So far, it's been mostly clothing, but designers are also expanding into shoes and accessories. That makes me a happy girl! When I heard about Jimmy Choo's line for H&M, well I just about died. I hope  the idea continues to catch on and even more designers hop onto the bandwagon. *bats eyelashes at Michael Kors*

Right now I've got my eye on  a few really cute things for fall by couture designers at Payless. No, that's not a typo. Payless. Look at how adorable these are!

Christian Siriano for Payless

I'm not sure why, but of all the handbags I own, I have yet to buy this wardrobe staple, a basic black clutch.

Lela Rose for Payless

I absolutely love these. They're a neutral color and the zipper on the back is a great detail. These would actually tempt me to try wearing them with a skirt and tights. And I hate tights.

Isabel Toledo for Payless
I'm not sure what I'd wear these with beside jeans but they're so much fun.

The idea that being fashionable doesn't have to equal dollar signs is nothing new, but having designers whose aesthetic normally lean toward high end materials get creative with their designs and produce lines that have a couture look is. And I love it! 

Have you seen any great affordable designer items for fall?

I Say Wear the Shoes: BlogHer 2010

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I'm Wearing Cute Shoes
You may have heard there's a pretty big blog conference coming up in a few days. Blogs and Twitter are all aflutter with conference talk, especially with advice from the veterans to the newbies.

The general theme of the advice I've read seems to be: don't stress, bring business cards, be yourself, it's a conference not the red carpet and for the love of Pete wear comfortable shoes! For the most part, I agree with all of that. However, I think I'm going to be the lone voice of dissent on one thing.

I say wear the fun shoes.

Yes, this is a conference. Yes, we're there to learn. But we're also there to have fun! For me, clothes and shoes are fun! And hello? New York! Will anyone remember what I was wearing? No. Will anyone judge me on what I'm wearing or not wearing? Maybe. * Do I care? No. Because it's not about everybody else, it's about me and what's important for my conference experience. And for me, clothes, shoes and looking nice are important.

I wore these to Mom's Nite Out
I don't know about you, but when I think I look good, I feel good. If wearing a spectacular** pair of shoes (or dress, handbag, favorite necklace) will make you feel good, do it!

I see nothing wrong with wanting to put your best face (or foot) forward. In addition to meeting other bloggers for the first time, we have an opportunity to meet ad agency reps, PR reps and celebrities. If, like me, one of your goals for this conference (or any conference) is treating everyone you meet as a potential client or business partner, why wouldn't you want to look nice?

I know it's not a fashion show, but I'm not gonna lie***. I've been shopping and I love the things I've found. Part of the fun of getting ready has been planning my outfits. I don't get to play dress up very often so I'm taking full advantage at BlogHer.

For me it boils down to this: do what makes you happy, what you'll be comfortable with and what will help you make the most of what will be an amazing weekend.

If you're going, please say hi! I'll be the one in cute shoes.

*Anyone who does isn't worth knowing.
**Spectacular is not always synonymous with towering or spike-y. There are so many awesome flats, sandals and wedges for the summer! Style does not have to be a sacrifice to comfort.
***In my opinion, women dress for other women. Not all, but most.

Wordless Wednesday: I Didn't Even Know Paris Hilton HAD A Shoe Line

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

I'm a little embarrassed. But I'll get over it.
 
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