Sales and Deals: Steve Madden

I've been searching for new heels. I don't want regular pumps (though you can't ever go wrong with black pointed toe pumps). I was in Macy's today and was impressed with their Steve Madden collection. As usual, Steve Madden has great stylish but affordable shoes and sandals. While they do have quite a few expensive pieces, generally they're priced under $100.

I came across a code today for 30% AND free shipping!

I didn't find new fun heels, but I ended up with their Sicilly Gladiator Sandals for $18 shipped. If you're in need of new shoes, definitely visit their website at SteveMadden.com

Use the code: SPIN30 for 30% off and free shipping!

Sales and Deals: American Eagle Clearance Sale

American Eagle is having a great clearance sale online. They have great basic pieces starting at just $6.95. It seems as if they're trying to clear out their summer inventory to make way for their fall collection. Take advantage! They have some great deals. If you're not really a fan of their clothes, just pick up some basic tees and tanks. Considering American Eagle's prices, they're really soft and comfortable. Best part is until tomorrow night, AE is offering free shipping when you purchase 3 or more items.

Invest in basics like this solid halter, a fun printed summer dress, boyfriend cropped jeans (get in on the trend without spending a fortune), or this light pleated skirt.

AE BRAIDED HALTER Available at American Eagle for $9.95

AE STRAPLESS PRINT DRESS Available at American Eagle for $14.95

BOY FIT JEAN Available at American Eagle for $39.95

AE PLEATED SUMMER SKIRT Available at American Eagle for $19.95

Also use discount code 76054879 for 15% off your order!

Reviews and News: MBMJ Print Locket Pocket Big Tote

While browsing Shopbop's sales, I came across this Marc by Marc Jacobs tote. I love big bags. I feel like they're so much more functional because everything fits. What's especially great about this tote is that it becomes compact similar to the Longchamp Le Pliage bags. I always bring them (the Longchamp bags) when I travel because they don't take up any room in my suitcase. I like this pattern; it's great for the summer. At first, I didn't know how versatile it would be or how to match in with my wardrobe, but after a second thought I realized it'd be extremely easy because of how many colors are present in its striped pattern. I came to the conclusion that my only reservation about the bag is its fabric. Canvas can often be really hard to clean, but nothing a little elbow grease can't remove, assuming the bag is gently loved.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Print Locket Pocket Big Tote is available at Shopbop on sale for $117.60

Verdict? What do you think about this MBMJ Tote?

Sales and Deals: Free Pinkberry!

While this may not be fashion related, I needed to share. This Friday, June 26 from 5-9PM Pinkberry is giving out a free small yogurt in one of their new flavors: coconut, passionfruit, or tropical swirl. I'll be sure to grab one after work. Personally, passionfruit what they describe as tangy + tropical will be my flavor of choice. What a great start to the weekend. Enjoy!

Sales and Deals: Sample Sale Update

Who: Hugo Boss
When: 6/22 Monday - 6/24 Wednesday
Mon-Tues 9am -7pm & Wed 9 am - 5 pm
Where: 317 W. 33rd St.

Who: Alice + Olivia
When: 6/23 Tuesday - 6/26 Friday, 8am-8pm
Where: 80 W. 40 St.

Who: Matta
When: 6/23 Tuesday - 6/25 Thursday, 11:30am -7pm
Where: 286 Lafayette St.

Who: Amanda Uprichard
When: 6/24 Wednesday - 6/26 Friday
Wed-Thurs 10am -6 pm & Fri 10am -3pm
Where: 226 W. 37th St.

Who: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
When: 6/24 Wednesday - 6/26 Friday, 10am-8pm
Where: 544 W. 27th St.

Sales and Deals: Rebecca Minkoff Online Sample Sale

Sick of missing out on sample sales? This Rebecca Minkoff sample sale is available to everyone because it's online. If you haven't heard of Rebecca Minkoff, her bags are classic and great quality. The leather is buttery soft. Her most popular bag (I would say) is the Morning After Bag on sale for $350 from $595, but as a bag fan of hobo bags, I love the Nikki. Its also available for the same price in an assorment of colors.

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

The sale goes on until this Sunday, June 21 so grab one while you can.

Sales and Deals: Jimmy Choo Teams Up With H&M

Forget Target and Payless, Jimmy Choo has confirmed a collaboration with H&M. The collection will include bags and of course, shoes. I remember the first time I heard of Jimmy Choo shoes, where else but on Sex and the City. Of all the designers to cash in from the dwindling recession by partnering with large retailers, Jimmy Choo is definitely the collection I'm the most excited to see (and own)! Other designers including Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli have previously partnered with H&M. The image above includes two designs from the line. Personally, I love the black heels.

Tamara Mellon, President and Founder of Jimmy Choo describes the line as "a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection - the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!" The line will be sold in about 200 stores worldwide. Jimmy Choo prices range from about $700 to sometimes over $1,000. H&M has some reasonably priced products with collaborative pieces generally being a bit more expensive. Jennifer Uglialoro, an H&M spokeswoman has stated that "most of the footwear will range from $99 to $129 for boots, though there are over-the knee boots priced at $299. Shoppers can also find ballet flats for $59.95. Handbags will be priced from $59.95 to $299."

The collection will be available in stores on November 14, 2009.

Are you excited for Jimmy Choo's line for H&M?

Sales and Deals: Rachel Nasvik Bags

Rachel Nasvik designs great handbags, but I haven't been able to get my hands on one (yet!). As a marketing major, I found what the designer is currently doing absolutely thrilling. She has 96 limited edition hand-printed bags that are currently being placed all around the city (different amount daily). She tweets about the bag's location and if you find it, it's yours! Today, I ran out of work to go to a hair salon where a bag was supposedly placed. I'm running in heels asking 411 to connect me to Cutler (the salon). I finally get through only to discover someone took the bag. So close...yet so far. The woman who I talked with was awfully sweet and thought it was funny that I actually called in. So, I'm on a mission to get one of these bags!

Rachel Nasvik on Twitter

thrill of the chase (Rachel Nasvik's Blog)

Are you a fan of Rachel Nasvik? Are you in on this hunt?

Sales and Deals: Sample Sale Update

Who: Tory Burch

When: 6/4 Thursday 11am - 7pm
6/5 Friday 10am - 6pm
Where: 261 W 36th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor New York, NY 10018

Who: LeSportSac
What: Discounts range from 60-90%
When: 6/9 Tuesday: 4pm - 7pm 6/10 Wednesday: 8am - 9pm 6/11 Thursday: 8am - 9pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion 123 West 18th Street 4th Floor Gallery (Between 6th - 7th Avenue) New York City, NY

SIDE NOTE: I’ve gone to a LeSportSac sample sale a couple of years ago and the prices were amazing. If you’re in need of a great sturdy tote or weekend bag, go!

Who: Diane Von Furstenburg
What: Up to 75% off merchandise
When: 6/4 Thursday 10am-7pm 6/5 Friday 8am-5:30pm 6/6 Saturday 9am-3pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave (between 28th and 29th Streets)

Sales and Deals: INA

INA. It's like a sample sale....all year round.  How perfect does that sound?  If you're making a trip to NYC anytime soon, be sure to check it out.  It's a small consignment boutique. They sell items from designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Oscar de la Renta.  INA offers high-end designer goods at a discounted price.  While the prices ares still pretty steep for me, it's definitely fun to look around and see such good deals.  I've known about INA for quite a while (there's a location really close to me), but I started hearing about it in the news when Sex and the City was coming to an end.  INA recieved the Sex and the City closet and fans got to purchase actual items the Carrie (Sarah Jessican Parker) wore on the show.  Although, all these items  are sold (obviously) out by now, be sure to take a look. They have four locations in New York.

Not in New York? Check out their small selection at their online store (through Ebay) here

Sales and Deals: Carlos Falchi is Coming to Target

Target has partnered with yet another designer.  This time it's Carlos Falchi.  True to his normal line, his Target line will consist of faux snakeskin bags and will be available come the fall. According to WWD, "As Target’s eighth limited edition affordable handbag launch, Falchi’s designs will be available at the retailer’s stores and on target.com from Oct. 11 to Dec. 27. The 13-item line will consist of faux snakeskin handbags in jewel tones such as plum and teal with contrasting shades of brown, black and gray." I'm excited to see what the line will look like. I like snakeskin in moderation. So, a small clutch would be ideal for me. My only reservation is that like with other target lines, the faux leather sometimes looks a little...lacking? Meanwhile, I'll keep my hopes up.

Not familiar with Carlos Falchi? See some of his handbags at Saks Fifth Avenue like this Pleated Pouch Clutch:

Retails at Saks for $1,860.00

Are you excited for the Carlos Falchi for Target line?

Sales and Deals: botkier Sale

I was doing some online browsing when I came across the Sale section of botkier's website.  They have some amazing markdowns, and I had to share! I love botkier bags. Their leather is always so amazingly soft.  So definitely grab one of these if you can.

If I could take advantage of this awesome deal, I'd get the morgan small hobo. At $137 (down from $550), it's 75% off!

Which bag is your favorite?

Sales and Deals/Summer Trends: Victoria's Secret's Swimsuits

Today’s weather had me wishing I was at the beach. New York City’s high temperature was 88 degrees. As a big fan of summer and warmth, I was thrilled. Naturally, my thoughts were filled of beaches and swimsuits. I’m in dire need of a new swimsuit and luckily, Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale is going on (strictly online for now). Below, I’ve listed my favorites from this year’s collection. I’ve tried to include a variety of swimsuits so everyone can find their perfect swimsuit!I love the twist feature on this swimsuit. In addition to the push-up padding, the twist detail on the top creates an enhanced bust. It also comes with a removable halter string if you’re not comfortable with a tube top.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.


This two-piece comes with an underwire top and a skirted bottom. The underwire provides ultimate support while its ruched detail makes it flirty and fun. Its matching bottom comes as a skirt in case you want a little more coverage over your backside or legs.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.

Tankinis are super flattering around the tummy. The detail on the neckline and around the bottoms provides a subtle edge that makes this bathing suit stand out amongst others on the beach.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.


If one-pieces are for you, this Magicsuit is made of figure-shaping fabrics to create an instantly slimmer you! The deep plunge provides just enough of a reveal, while its ruched detail makes it cuter than the typical one-piece.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.

My favorite part of this swimsuit is the bottom’s ties. The double-string bottom offers the ultimate protection. I really like the white-to-color fade in, and its halter top provides great support for a full bust.

Available at Victoria’s Secret here.

What kind of swimsuit is your favorite?

Sales and Deals: Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

Oh, how I love the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale. They have a great selection that's easy to browse. They've even sectioned off "Designer Savings," a page dedicated to solely designer goods ranging from Alexander Wang to Zac Posen. With items marked down 33% and more, how can someone not find something they have to have.

My must-have is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Huge Hillier Hobo. From the first time I saw it, I wanted it. I love its slouchy look and how you can wear it a variety of ways. Its buttery soft leather is amazing. Now that it's a part of Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale, maybe I can finally have it!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Huge Hillier Hobo Available at Nordstrom for $332.90

What's your must-have item from the Nordstrom Sale?

Sales and Deals: Sample Sales

One of my favorite things about living in NYC is the amazing sample sales that occur year round. I can’t count the times I’m away at school and think to myself, “NO, why do I have to miss this one!?!” Now, I’m home for the summer and ecstatic to go sample sale searching. Sample sales can be hard work. Many times you have to dig or even fight your way through them to get what you want.
These are my tips to have an efficient sample sale trip:

1. Map It Out: As a native New Yorker, I always swear I know where I am and where I’m going. Although it’s hard for me to admit, sometimes I don’t. If you take me out of my native SoHo, I might not know where exactly everything is (Hey! It’s a big city!). Don’t hesitate to use Google Map or ask someone on the street for directions. Time is money, and those extra five minutes might’ve cost you your coveted Botkier marked down 60%.

2. Plan Your Time: Try going to sample sales at off hours. Early in the morning or early afternoon would probably work best. Avoid rush hours such as lunch breaks, after work, and weekends. Some sample sales will be packed and have a waiting time no matter what, so be prepared.

3. Bring Money: Some sample sales only accept cash. Be aware of payment options before you go, or even bring cash just in case. You never know, their credit card machine might decide to malfunction.

4. Investigate: Look at every little detail of your purchase. Sometimes items are missing parts or damaged. Be sure to examine your item, and then decide if it’s worth it.

5. Enjoy: Sample sales can be a lot of fun, especially when you score a great deal!

I’ll try to post NYC Sample Sale Listings as I find them. So all of you can enjoy them as well! Check back tomorrow for my first batch!


Ever had a sample sale experience? Tell me about it!

Sales and Deals: Urban Outfitters Jewelry Stands

I’ve been home from school for about a week now, and I have finally gotten around to rummaging through my jewelry. I sorted it all out, untangled, tossed old pairs, etc. While I love my wooden jewelry box, I decided it really isn’t working for me anymore. I can’t really look at my accessories, because they’re all so mixed together. I can barely make out a pair of earrings, even with the in-box divisions. So, I was trying to think of a fun way to store my jewelry on my dresser without having a cluttered mess. In my search I came across Urban Outfitter’s jewelry stands. A bunch of them are on sale, and I figured I’d share. These stands alone are so stylish to have on a dresser. Better yet, I can now hang my jewelry somewhere where I can clearly see and choose.
My favorite is the Silhouette Tree Jewelry Stand. It’s on sale, marked down to $14.99 (from $28.00). It’ll work well with my room scheme (both at home and in my dorm). It has tons of branches which allow me to hang all of my bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. My small studs, which can’t be hung, can be conveniently tossed into the stand. I’ll definitely be investing in one of these!


For more jewelry stands at Urban Outfitters, click here.

Use Coupon: WELCOME6109 for 10% off. Valid until 6/1/09


Do you have a jewelry stand? How convenient is it?