Hot sample sales online thru Swirl

Dailycandy.com is now offering subscribers and amazing online sample sale site, swirl.com. It's similar to gilt, ideeli, and ruelala, but has a different style and opportunity for larger sales/bonuses! Check it out.

Savvy Shoppers Must Give Back

In lieu of the pre-fall shopping season, it is time to clean out the closet, dresser, trunk, or whatever else you store your duds in. Last week I went through my numerous ensembles and took 3 bags of clothes, bags, and shoes, to the Salvation Army.

It's the best feeling to know that my gently used items will be adored by someone who can't even afford bargain shopping. I looked kind of silly walking down the street with a cart full of clothes, but it felt great (despite the heat) to give them to charity instead of toss them!

Now that I have room to shop, its time to hit the sales! I challenge you to give back fashionably too. ;)

Calypso Sample Sale = $250 skirt for $9

Today is the last day to check out the Calypso sample sale! I is awesome and worth it if you have an hour to spare. Same place as the DVF sample sale was,
5th ave between 28th and 29th.

No joke, I got this 100% silk skirt for $9.00. UNBELIEVABLE! Savvy shopping at its prime!!! The original tag (if you can see it!) says $250. Loveeee it!! No its not used, or torn, or stained, that is just how well you can do if you know how to shop at sales.

Discount Theater Tickets Anyone? (Tony awards 6/13/10)

I'm a theater enthusiast, in case you were unaware. I try to see as many shows as possible! A few years ago I discovered theatermania.com. If you want to avoid waiting in line at a TKTS booth, theatermania is a great way to do it! If you join the website (for free, obvs), you will have access to some awesome theater deals. You wont be stuck in the nosebleed section either, the seats are usually great.

This weeks deals include: Next to Normal $36-$81, South Pacific $55-$90, Phantom of the Opera $26-$81, Le Cage, $55-82, Promises, Promises $72.50 and many many more.

Go to theater!

DVF Sample Sale Starts TUESDAY!!

Rumor has it that the Diana Von Furstenberg sample sale is a major hit and the best deals you will ever get on her dresses. Apparently, each day of the sale the prices get even better. I'm willing to check it out and hopefully find a wrap dress in my size!

Here are the details:

Location: 5th avenue between 28th and 29th. (a little too convenient for me)!
Times: Tuesday 9-6:30, Wednesday 10-8, Thursday 10-7, Friday 9-3.

See ya there ;)

Why I love "shopittome"

I really like the daily "shopittome" alerts that I get. You should check it out. You pick your favorite designers and it goes through many of the department store and online shopping websites to let you know when items go on sale. Sooo basically it's like an online personal sale shopper. LOVE IT! Today they had some adorable DVF jelly gladiators for $50..I might just have to have them!

GO TO: www.shopittome.com to get started. I'd be happy to refer you too!

Savvy Shoppers take on Orlando's PRIME OUTLETS!

Don't be mistaken, my talented bargain finding skills reach far beyond the island of Manhattan. Actually, my learned skills started in my hometown (Greensboro, NC) and just followed me into NY. Regardless, I have to share my joy over my discovery of Orlando's "Prime Outlets!"

After a vigorous day of poolside tanning over Memorial Day with my friend Amanda, the afternoon got cloudy so we asked the concierge what we could do instead. She suggested either the Prime OR Premium Outlets. Both looked amazing, but we hit "Prime" only because it was more convenient to our hotel. So our token driver for the trip, Norberto (pimping a Black Denali nonetheless), dropped us off in front of the shopping center and boy did we hit the jackpot!

Check out the site yourself for the store listings: www.primeoutlets.com/locations/orlando

AMAZING DEALS INCLUDED:

Amanda- $400 Alice and Olivia Cocktail Dress for $106, (Niemen Marcus Last Call) $280Kate Spade tote for $80, $350 Betsy Johnson flowy skirt for $30 (soo proud of that one!!!), $150 JCrew Maxi Dress for $60

Me-$250 Calypso Tunic for $40, (Calyspo Outlet, in photo), $280 Kate Spade Tote for $80 (stop judging us for getting the same thing), $130 Joie silk blouse (photo) for $48 (Neimen Marcus Last Call).

INSIDER TIPS: 1. Befriend the fabulous girls at Calypso and they will email you photos of outlet items and ship them to you! You can even return if they don't work.

2. Kate Spade will ship anywhere in the US for $5.00 so you don't have to stuff a your purchases in your suitcase!

Bloomingdales Sale in Full Action

Hit up Bloomingdales this weekend for extra savings of 20-30% off at the Big Brown Bag event! Its a great opporunity to add to your summer wardrobe before the fall items hit the store! Note-Designer bags are up to 40% off.

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=3977&PageID=17081952667231&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand%20Terms%20Coupon-_-Brand%20Coupon-_-bloomingdales-%20sale&gclid=CIT86-yM9aECFRY75QodCEKfEg

Nordstrom Rack Now Open in Union Square!

Tuesday was the grand opening of New York City's only Nordstrom Rack. I checked it out today and I have to give it the 5 star award for the best deals in contemporary clothes. Despite the rediculous crowd (I mean it DID just open), the selections were amazing. You have to go.

I got this darling silk Milly blouse for 59.99, original tags still in tact, $380. Amazing!!! I literally tried on like 12 things and wanted them all. But, I really couldn't do that to my trusty old credit card.

Accessory department was subpar though, so don't visit merely in search of a new bag. Go for the clothes!

Large selections from: Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, Joie, Rebecca Taylor, Milly, DVF, Vince, Spledid, Paige, Seven, Rock and Republic, Citizen of Humanity, the list goes on.

Its a definite must see.

Kate Spade Coupon

A fabulous friend sent me this and it's a great opportunity to save on perhaps a summer bag or cute pair of shoes from Kate Spade!

Take $50 off your purchase of $250 from a Kate Spade store or online now through May 31st.

Copy and paste this link into your browser to check out the coupon:

http://view.ed4.net/v/2GSZHK/FORQ/30MEP2A/03QZU/MAILACTION=1&FORMAT=H?csm=136837248&csc=32803&csa=136923882&csu=32810

Is it REALLY almost bathing suit time?

Even though I have been pretty good lately about visiting my friendly neighborhood fitness center, I can't say that I love getting in the mindset for putting on a bathing suit. But, with Memorial Day weekend creeping up, I figured I would consider a new one. I ventured out to Century 21 yesterday and I tell you what, they have an incredible bathing suit selection. Pucci, Donna Karen,Nicole Miller, Juicy Couture, the list goes on.

I found a chic bikini (that looks good enough on) from contemporary designer, Shoshana for $49.99!!! This is amazing, considering I saw this exact bathing suit at a Bleecker Street boutique 2 months ago retailing for $125 for the top and $95 for the bottom. You do the math. Now I have to focus on looking my best so I can rock this little number at the beach this summer!

Oh, and they had a lot of good looking cover-ups too. I already have a yellow one that will go perfectly, but if you are in the market for beach wear at a good deal, hit up Century 21.

Lilly Pulitzer tunic from TJMAXX!

About a month ago, I found my mom a great looking Lilly Pulitzer tunic in a shocking pink and white print at TJMaxx. The actual retail price (original tag involved!) was $238, I paid $59.99. As much as I love shopping for myself, I also really enjoy buying thigs for her! Anyway, she loved it and wears it with white jeans. CUTE MOM! Besides, she's the one I have to thank for teaching me how to shop so well. ;).

On that day, they didn't have anything great in my size, but 3 weeks later when I went back to trusty old TJ's in hopes to find a cute rug for my bedroom, I found the same top for me in navy and white. Ok, so I know it's not THAT cool to be twinsies with your mom, but I don't care! I'd be her twin any day!

Gotta love Mom...and Lilly Pulitzer!!

Mark your calendar! Nanette Lepore Sample Sale coming up!

Yay! One of my fav's is having a sample sale very soon. Here is the scoop: dresses for $150, other items for less from my beloved Nanette Lepore! If you know me, you know how I adore her clothes.

SO: May 18th-20th at 225 West 35th Street between 7th and 8th avenues. The sale runs from 9am to 7pm.

My guess (from experience) is that new items will be placed in the sale space daily, but knowing me I'll be there with bells on my toes on the 18th! If I find something, you'll be sure to know!

Why I love Loehmann's

I really love Loehmann's for my bargain shopping addiction. The store in Chelsea is one of my favorite go to places for all sorts of amazing finds. They also offer a VIP card that gives you an additional 10% off of everything you purchase, including sale items. I also appreciate the way they send a postcard of the featured designers for the people who sign up for the membership to know in advance!

For example, they did a Marc Jacobs sample sale for a week. They even got items that were still in stores full price for about 50-70% off the original. LOVE IT! They also have the absolute best selection of designer sunglasses for around $70. I recently got Burberry sunnies for $69.99 that retail for $450. YUP!

This store is also pretty quiet most of the time (unlike my beloved Century 21), especially if you can swing by during the week.

Check the Cheslea location this week for Juicy Couture swim wear: very very cute!!

Store info:
101 7th Avenue, between 16th and 17th
Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11-7

Macy's Sale + 20% Coupon=Michael Kors Spring Bag!

Many great department stores offer specials certain days of the week so it's always great to sign up for email updates from your favorite places. Macy's is probably one of the best department stores for allowing you to come in with a coupon on a sale day and get double the discount.

I decided to brave the crowds and hit Macy's Herald Square and I got a great looking, very classic, Michael Kors tote at an unreal deal. Back in October, I purchased a couple of cocktail dresses at Macy's for holiday events. Somehow or another, they were having a rebate program if you gave a small donation to the American Heart Association. A sucker for charities, I figured, what the heck, we will see what happens. So a couple of weeks ago I got a 70 dollar gift card to the store!

I took it with me on the day of a one-day %20 off sale (a Tuesday FYI), and the sales guy let me use both offers! Now I have some new gorgeous arm candy in this yummy vanilla leather with a silver chain and lock detail. PS-the lock really works.

So the moral of today's lesson: don't be afraid to sign up for store offers! Sometimes they really work out. Without that $70 gift card, I never could have afforded my new bag!

Zac Posen for Target Today!

Check out Zac Posen for Target! This morning the Zac Posen for line Target hit the web. It's fairly cute. Some of the pieces are really edgy and the prints are untraditional, but its a great opportunity to get something designed from Zac Posen at a great price.

http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_ss_1/?node=16275561

I ordered this Pink Snap detail skirt. I just hope it's not too short. Keep your fingers crossed:

http://www.target.com/Posen-Target-Snap-Tape-Skirt/dp/B003BML11Q/ref=br_1_4?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&qid=1272215519&searchView=grid5&sr=1-4&node=2303747011&searchRank=-product_site_launch_date&searchPage=1&sessionID=176-3656060-9138155&searchSize=30&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Ctarget_com_category-bin%2Cstyle_name%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Cprice

PS-They offer free shipping! Yes!

Louboutins Come for Girls who are Patient

The shoe gods were in my favor a couple of weeks ago, and I have to share this story, because let's face it, the Mesiah of all things shoes is Christian Louboutin. For years I have been plotting ways to find a brand new pair that I could afford. I even considered a savings account just for Loubs bc they almost never go on sale, (that lasted for about a day), bad idea, so how did I find these $750 shoes for $250...

On a thursday night a girlfriend told me about a sample sale in Soho on Sunday that was said to have Loubs, Manolos, Prada shoes etc, for $200. The sale started at 1 and we got there around 11. I was about 30th in a line that wrapped around the block. Hundreds of equally as shoe desperate girls waited with me for what was possibly the worst sample sale ever. It was SUCH a dissapointment. What little they had was used, beat up, and ugly. All of my fellow shoppers were leaving distraught as well. I thought it was my chance and clearly it wasn't.

So to walk off my anger I decided to stroll to Tribecca and explore and then go to the World Trade Center. Naturally I ended up back in Century 21. I had come to grips with the fact that I wasn't going to find affordable Loubs and low and behold, they had ONE gorgeous pair and I just happened to be in my size. Lucky me. I guess my hard work and patience paid off because I now have the perfect red soled pair of classic Christian Louboutin pumps and paid $249! Boo yah!

Hello Valentino Shoes

Without further ado, here is a late addition to my wardrobe that I just have to share on my new found blog. I found these oh so fabulous Valentino slingbacks, brand new, for $200 (they retail around $800 incase you were wondering).

I was bored on a rainy Sunday afternoon and ventured all the way downtown to what really is a New Yorker's nightmare: Century 21 Department store. It's always crowded with international travelers and a big mess to dig through. However, when you find something great, it's so worth it. Besides, I had nothing better to do! Anyway the shoe department is great. You can find everything from Manolos to Marc Jacobs for amazing prices. Also, for ladies with hard feet to fit, like size 11, they usually have an amazing selection. I always find great flats for my mom there.

Anyway, these Valentinos are stunning. They were a rare and glorious find to add to my collection.

Inspiration

SO, I've decided to resort to blogging as a way to share with the world my insider scoop on how to find great designer fashion at discount prices. I swear my life motto is, "never pay full price," I mean, almost, because some things are just worth it.


Nevertheless, to my friends I am sort of the queen of bargain hunting. They constantly rave about my ability to find items on sale or at discount stores that are still retailing full price. I can't remember the last time a paid full price for a great pair of designer jeans..seriously, why pay $200, when you can get them for $70 at Filene's Basement....I get it, it's not as glamorous as dashing into the Barney's Denim Bar and having a perky sales girl oogle over how great those Sevens make your butt look...but unless you are a trump, saving $130 dollars and getting the exact same jeans is pretty darn awesome.

I love shopping and fashion, so in order to keep my spending under control, as I am in my 20's and don't have unlimited funds, I HAVE to find my duds at great prices. I've learned the best places to go for high-end items on sale and which days are the best. I actually think bargain hunting it's really fun and rewarding, and in a way a great smack in the face to those chicks who are ringing in the high-dollar credit card bills because they don't understand how easy it is to find great deals.

OK-So welcome :) Enjoy, and whenever I find a great deal, you'll hear about it and see it..obviously.