Archive for December, 2007
By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. December 31, 2007. Advice, Shopping
Here’s one of our favorite posts from the Bargain Queen archives for your enjoyment over the holidays.
Fake designer goods — bags, shoes and clothes — are something a lot of people are interested in, if the number of questions I get in my email is any indication.
I wrote a long article about how to spot fake designer goods on eBay, which contains all the general rules for making sure you don’t get ripped off.
I also get a lot of specific questions though, about items people have bought and suspect might be fake — so today I’ll share the warning signs that make me suspect that a lot of the possible fakes people email me about really are fake.
By Kimba. December 30, 2007. News
A big hello to the Melbourne gals and guys who read about us in The Sunday Age newspaper. We’re thrilled you decided to stop by for a dose of luxe living for less.
Take some time to feed your shoe obsession and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter or RSS feed so you can be the first to know when we find great deals online.
Happy new year, and we hope to see you again soon.
By admin. December 30, 2007. Accessories, Earrings, Jewelry, Necklaces, News, Style, Under $100, Under $200, Under $50
Here’s a guest post from Jill Sherman, a fashionable, thirty-something style blogger, self-proclaimed credit card junkie, and beauty industry insider. Jill currently has two blogs — Hillary Style and Trendinista.
While Hillary Clinton may not go down in history as a fashion icon like Jackie O., she can definitely rock a power suit and pearl necklace like nobody’s business. And with the recent added pressure to look “current” while she vies for the Democratic presidential nomination, her stylists have kicked her accessories up a notch (and, no, I’m not talking about Bill).
Now, if you think you can’t get these White House looks on a real world budget, you’re in luck. Here are six looks you can fake for a fraction of the cost:
Look #1: Layered Chains
Hillary was recently spotted adorning her neckline with a two-tiered layered chain in yellow gold. And while hers would probably set you back hundreds of dollars, skcbeauty.com has a chic layered chain necklace for $23.95 that will dress up your daytime look without digging into your pocket book.
Look #2: Regal Sapphires
Sapphires, also known as the “stone of destiny,” are a favorite of Hillary’s (which might explain her affinity for the color blue). And, given her taste for the finer things, her majestic diamond and sapphire earrings probably cost her a small fortune. But don’t fret. EvesAddiction.com has an equally stunning pair of sterling silver channel set sapphire and diamond CZ earrings for $40 — how’s that for destiny!
Look #3: Twisted Turquoise
Another favorite of Hillary’s is turquoise. And while I love this look, I probably wouldn’t love the price tag. (Finding a necklace with perfectly matched sky-blue turquoise beads isn’t easy—or cheap.) So what’s a girl to do? Substitute sky-blue turquoise beads with blue shell beads to get the same look minus the sticker shock. Clemoon.com has a multi-strand blue shell beaded necklace for $39.95 that will have you doing double-takes (in a good way, of course).
Look #4: Golden Pearls
If you hadn’t already guessed, Hillary also has a thing for pearls. And not just any pearls — rare golden South Sea pearls. Now, if you have thousands of dollars to spend on these beauties, I say go for it. But if you’re like the rest of us, a necklace made of yellow coin pearls and cultured pearls will give you a similarly sophisticated look without burning up the check book. My pick? The 14k Gold and Coin Pearl Necklace for $59.99 at Overstock.com.
Look #5: Bursting Brooches
Of course, Hillary also likes to rock the occasional brooch. (What’s a girly power suit without a dramatic pin?) To offset her Asian-inspired collar, Hillary recently polished off her look with a stunning white gold floral number set high on the shoulder. And, while not identical, the Pugster Floral Brooch for $22 at Amazon.com is pretty darn convincing.
Look #6: Flat Beads
Hillary was also recently spotted wearing a sleek rondelle-style blue turquoise necklace with yellow gold accents. While you might have more luck finding blue-green turquoise with silver accents within your price range, you’ll need a small miracle to find Hillary’s color combination. In this case, blue resin is the way to go. Amazon.com has a Turquoise Blue Resin Beaded Collar Necklace by Chloe’s Choice for $9.99 with all the personality of Hillary’s necklace at a fraction of the price.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 30, 2007. Advice, Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, News, Under $10, Under $100, Under $20, Under $200, Under $50
After the hubbub of Christmas, New Year’s can sometimes slip by. The way I see it, though, New Year’s sets the tone for the upcoming year. It’s a time to think about one’s priorities and make wonderful memories.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable New Year’s Eve. My most memorable New Year’s Eve was when a friend and I dressed up in formal gowns even though we were just spending the night vegging out in front of the TV. I believe we had bought the gowns for homecoming, but that obviously wasn’t nearly as memorable an occasion.
For me, the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration includes:
Of course, that’s my idea of the perfect celebration, but it’s far from the only option.
Are you someone who gives too much throughout the year? Take New Year’s Eve off and give yourself an evening to relax (and see our gift guide for tons of great, relaxing gifts for yourself).
Love the great outdoors? Go star gazing.
Has the romance been fizzling lately in your relationship? Spend a romantic evening together with all the works: scented candles, sexy clothes, romantic music, Belgian chocolates, champagne in pretty champagne flutes, and so on.
The important thing, though, is that you make New Year’s special for you — then carry it forward a day at a time for a year to remember.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 30, 2007. Bargains, Fashion, Heels, Shoes, Under $100, Under $200
Coach is well known for their handbags, but who knew they could make such beautiful shoes?
These fine suede heels with velvet trim would look gorgeous on the foot of a Renaissance court lady. Fortunately for you, they don’t lose any of their magic when paired with slacks for the office. They’ll bring a pop of personality in a sea of boring neutrals.
They’re now just $159.99, down from the list price of $229. The purple is only available in size 8, but all other sizes are available in the plum, from size 5 to 9.5.
The shoes are also available in limited sizes in black, red, and brown.
Ships worldwide.
By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. December 29, 2007. Advice, Shopping
Here’s one of our favorite posts from the Bargain Queen archives for your enjoyment over the holidays.
It looked fab, you bought it, you took it home. You put it on for its public debut and felt… blah. For some reason, that thing you loved is now leaving you cold.
Or, you love it but it doesn’t love you. It didn’t stretch like it was supposed to… the ankle straps cut into your feet… it doesn’t work with anything else in your wardrobe.
It’s a Fashion Mistake.
Don’t feel bad about it — we all make them sometimes. The sooner you let go of the item, the more likely you are to get your money back so you can move on to something you’ll really love.
Here are your options…
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 29, 2007. Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Handbags
Sure, you can buy a canvas tote for cheap, but if you’ve got the money to buy an investment bag, this is it: a black leather Prada tote bag that’s practical as well as stylish.
The list price is $1,300 — but it’s currently available for just $499. That’s an authentic Prada bag for more than 60% off!
Ships to the U.S., APO/FPO addresses, and U.S. protectorates.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 28, 2007. Advice, Shopping, Style
It’s easy to be sceptical of New Year’s resolutions seeing how many are broken over the years. Yet I still find it empowering to sit down and think about things that I want to change and — more importantly — can change.
Two areas of life that are actually easy to change are fashion and beauty. Nevertheless, we all get into ruts now and then, and some people stay in them for decades. That’s why it’s great that New Year’s comes once a year as a gentle reminder to embrace change.
Here are some of my fashion and beauty resolutions — along with some ideas to help you make this coming year even more fabulous than the last.
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By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 27, 2007. Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Handbags, Under $100, Under $200, Wallets
Good things may come to those who wait, but sometimes you have to act fast to get great bargains. Usually we try to bring you bargains that aren’t almost sold out, so that more of you can enjoy the discounts.
But it’s not unusual to come across great deals where there is only one or two of an item left. So, for all the fans of authentic Coach handbags, here are some deals with very limited quantities available.
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