Smart Splurge of the Day!

Frugalistas go everywhere in style, weather it be the office, a nightclub or the airport. Your outfit is always cute, so there's no reason why your luggage shouldn't be. My current suitcase was only $30 from Target and has somehow lasted me all through college and on my last 10 vacations. When it finally does see its last day, I plan on investing in a nice set of luggage. I'm not too fond of the cloth suitcases as they tend to stain and rip more easily. I also find a lot of the hard suitcases to be more asthetically pleasing as well. If you're in the market for a nice, sturdy (emphasis on sturdy) set of luggage this set by Heys USA -- it's called the Apollo three piece luggage set -- should be right up your alley. It originally retails for $420 and is on RueLaLa for $229.90. The three different sizes give you options for every type of trip and the bright blue color ensures you'll always make a statement while travelling.

Sales at Express and Arden B

Continuing with the theme of Spring Savings, Express has a great sale going on. Dresses are 30% off and all clearance is an additional 20% off.

Also, Arden B is taking 50% off shorts and all clearance. Take advantage of these savings and make it a sleek, chic spring!

How to Navigate a Macy's sale

One of the things I pride myself on most is my ability to get the best deals possible -- especially at Macy's sales. Some consider it luck, I think of it as smart browsing and knowing what to look for. Here are my tips for getting the best possible deals at Macy's.

1. Always know where the price checkers are. As I'm browsing I always check to the prices to see what potential savings are. I usually set a price point per item and put back anything that is above it
2. Don't go and expect to find a lot of good deals right away -- you need to have the patience to search through sales racks.
3. The prices on the tag usually end up being lower, especially on the 50% and 75% off racks.
4. ALWAYS make sure you have a coupon. They usually knock another 15-20% already reduced prices.
5. I try to steer clear of store credit cards, but having a Macy's card is a big advantage. There are multiple card levels - I have the basic "Star Rewards" card that can only be used at Macy's (theres no Visa/MC option on it.) Not only does it allow you additional savings, but they also send cardmember only coupons periodically. Another plus is that you can make a purchase and pay it off on your debit card right there!

I'm a big dress wearer, and I usually find the best deals in the dress section. They also tend to knock the prices on the INC, Alfani and Style&Co clothes down pretty low during sale time too.

Keep these things in mind next time you go to Macy's and you'll be surprised how much you save -- and you can see since they print it at the bottom of your receipt. Later I'll post some of the deals I've gotten recently.

Until then..... Happy Shopping! :)

Smart Splurge of the Day!

When buying an investment piece of jewelry you want to make sure it's something simple that is going to stand the test of time. A great pearl necklace is something that is elegant and can last you a lifetime. Because I like being different, I prefer black pearls to white, so this Majorica necklace is right up my alley. At 33 inches long you can double it up or wear it as a long strand. Orginally $315, available for $139.90 on RueLala.

NOTE: I had trouble finding a usuable image on ruelala so the necklace in the photo is the 60inch version. Pearls on the smart splurge necklace are the same color and size however.

MACYS SALE!!!!!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Macy's sales. I have an eye for finding all the good sales (An $80 dress for $9 is a good find I'd say.) Their "Spring Spectacular" sale starts today and runs til Sunday, with extra savings today and tomorrow... No coupons needed! They also offer the sale online but I prefer to do my shopping in store.

Check back later for my guide to getting the most for you money at Macys

40% off sale styles at Ann Taylor Loft

Spring sales time is upon us, and I noticed today that Ann Taylor Loft is taking an additional 40% off styles already on sale. Stock up for basics for work and weekend - I'm a big fan of their work slacks, which, when on sale, can cost as little as $20.

The sale is offered in stores AND online.

Check it out HERE

50% off Mineral Makeup

Light coverage that is light on your budget -- isn't that what we all want from our make up? Look no further than eyeslipsface. This wallet-friendly cosmetics line offers everything you need to keep yourself looking fresh faced with all individual products retailing between 1-$10 dollars. What makes the website even better is that it seems they are ALWAYS having a sale. This week it's 50% all mineral makeup (with a minimum purchase of $25.) I've been using their products for over a year and can vouch for the quality of their mineral make up. To get the discount, register your email address with them and after you've chosen the mineral products you want, use the code 50MIN at checkout. Signing up with them also gives you access to all of the other sales and discounts they offer (there are a lot!)

MY RECOMMEDNATIONS

Eyeshadow Primer

Foundation

Mineral Glow Bronzer

Eyeliner

Get shopping now @ eyeslipsface

Smart Splurge of the Day!

Everyday, I will feature an item that I think is worth spending the money on (usually $100 - $300.) What makes it a smart splurge? First, it's being sold for a lot less than the retail price. Second, it's basic; something that won't go out of style next season and is well made enough that it can last you 5+ years.

Starting it off, the Mike Gonzalez Frida Leather Jacket, available on Hautelook for $179, originally $598.

**Hautelook is a members only sample sale website. Shoot me a message if you would like an invite to join :)

photo source

One coat, two ways to wear it

Springtime means warmer weather, but it also means unpredictable rain. I don't know about you, but I hate carrying around an umbrella because it MIGHT rain for five minutes during the day. While at Target yesterday (I'm on a big Target kick) I found a rain coat that doubles as a lightweight trench coat. No matter what the weather calls for, you'll always be prepared! The Mossimo rain/trench costs only $23.99 and is available in a variety of colors. I opted for the spring friendly lavender. One coat that can be warn two ways -- double the value. This frugalista is very happy!

You paid how much?

Buying knockoffs on the street is considered poor form by fashionistas. Can't afford that bag you love? There's probably something similar out there for a LOT less. I'm a big fan of Michael Kors but unless it's on sale, I (usually) ain't buyin'. While browsing through Target yesterday, I did happen to find a nice substitute... MICHAEL Michael Kors Item Tote: $175 Merona Kendra Tote: $19.99

And only you need to know how much you spent on it ;)

Sample Sales are a Girl's Best Friend

Lets face it ladies, though it might be out of our budget, having a designer wardrobe would be a dream come true. Well, that dream is coming closer to reality with the plethora of sample sales at your disposal online. I just recieved an email an email for one from eBay vault, featuring "Heels & Handbags" (a girl's two favorite things.) The sale lasts 5 days and items are featured at up to 70% off. What am I considering?... Possibly these Betsey Johnson heels... They retail for $175 and are offered on vault for $69.99. And for those of you in the market for a nice handbag and are looking to make your seasonal splurge purchase, this one by Carla Mancini caught my eye. All you need to do is sign up for eBay to have access to the Fashion Vault sales.