By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 13, 2008. Advice, Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Formal, Shopping, Style, Sweaters, Tops, Under $100

With spring almost here, it’s no wonder that people are looking forward to hanging up the parkas for something a little more revealing. As you may have already heard, sheer clothing is ‘in’ for spring 2008.
I know, “sheer” can conjure up some awful images, from too thin t-shirts to those horrifying shants. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of recommending those!
However, women of all ages and body types can use sheer fabrics to their advantage, if you keep in mind a couple basic guidelines.
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By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 1, 2008. Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Formal, Heels, Shoes, Under $100, Under $50

Winter break is almost over and the countdown to prom season has begun. Wondering how you can dress up for the ball without tapping into your college fund? Leave it to Isaac Mizrahi to provide two beautiful formal dresses at an equally lovely price!
These silk, cowl-neck gowns are just $64.99 — on clearance from $129.99. They’re available in Milan purple and bing cherry.
Sizes 2-18 available. Ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.



P.S. Save your feet by foregoing the glass slippers, and wear these silver high-heel sandals by Style & Co instead! Originally $54, they’re now just $39.99. They’re available in sizes 6-10 and ship worldwide.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 6, 2007. Accessories, Bargains, Clothing, Fashion, Formal, Under $10, Under $100, Under $20, Under $50

Normally I recommend classic pieces because they’ll have the cheapest cost-per-wear ratio over time. But trends can be fun to explore, especially when you can get in on them for cheap.
This season’s menswear trends for women have had many rethinking the expensive party dress. Want to really stand out and maybe even save some money? Rent or borrow a tux and pair it with fun, trendy accessories like these silk cummerbunds and bow ties! They’re just $18.95 for both.
I especially like the bright pink cummerbund for a great, feminine twist, though there’s a wide selection of colors. And I’m sure there are fashionistas out there who can totally rock it with casual wear, too.
Ships worldwide.
For great tips on how to rock the tuxedo-inspired look and other menswear looks, check out this video on YouTube.


By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. December 1, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Formal, Under $100

Audrey Hepburn is a fashion icon because she knew how to wear simple fashions with a glamorous air, even when playing the part of the oh-so-complicated Holly Golightly. Who can forget Audrey Hepburn’s fabulous co-star in Breakfast at Tiffany’s — that long, black sheath dress. It’s a piece of movie history which was bought at auction last year for $800,000.
Fortunately, you can channel Audrey for a whole lot less, thanks to that master of making classic style affordable, Isaac Mizrahi. Normally selling for $129.99, this black taffeta sheath dress is on clearance for just $90.99! The simple silhouette is at once both very modest and yet stunning. It’s an easy-to-wear dress for all your formal occasions, and unlike so many formal gowns, there’s no need to fight with a strapless bra. In fact, it even has bra-keeps to keep those straps in place — what a great idea! Quality details like this remind me why I adore Isaac Mizrahi.
Sizes 2-18 available; ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.


By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. November 14, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Formal


At a recent family wedding, the bride wore Vera Wang.
That dress is the most stunning I’ve ever seen, with the same top-quality workmanship as the very best vintage pieces.
So when I saw Lesley’s Christmas gift pick today at Fashion Tribes — a stunning vintage gown — I knew where to look for an equally superb modern party dress.
This gorgeous Vera Wang lavender chiffon dress is stunning and wearable, so it’s great for the Christmas party season… and any other time you need to look dazzling!
Even at half price, this beautiful dress isn’t cheap: it’s $351.99.
However, of all the expensive gowns you could buy, this is a standout. It’s gorgeous, flattering, timeless, top quality and very eye-catching — and that’s the only way a pricey dress can get a Bargain Queen recommendation.
Sizes 0-8 available; ships to U.S. only.



PS: If purple isn’t your color, we found three other Vera Wang dresses you might like: in black jersey, floral chiffon and red satin. For $300-400, make sure you find the perfect gown! 
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 31, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Formal, Under $100

The holiday season brings plenty of occasions to dress up.
Both elegant and unique, this black lace dress by Alexia Admor is a perfect party dress to wear year round — with a pashmina or dressy cardigan in cooler weather, of course.
The list price is $215, but you can buy it for only US$84.99 (and it’s also available in peach and cocoa too).
Sizes S-L available; ships to the U.S.


By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 17, 2007. Bags, Bargains, Formal, Handbags, Under $10, Under $20, Under $50

When you’re dressed to the nines in an elegant evening outfit, your usual bulky tote simply won’t do.
Instead, add extra polish with these La Regale sequined evening clutches. They’re available in three colors, all sure to sparkle in the candlelight.
Our favorite, the regal plum purple bag, is amazingly just $5.98; the bronze and blue ones are $16.98. Ships worldwide.
Love it? Click here to buy it! (Or blog it & you could win it.)
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 11, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Formal, Jackets, Skirts, Under $100

There are occasions when only a matching suit will do — but thankfully, not many! That’s why a versatile suit is essential, and this beautful red suit is perfect.
For only $74.99 (80% off the retail of $380), you get a complete matching skirt suit for formal occasions… but more importantly, this suit is made up of three versatile separates:
- a jacket that will dress up your plain black pants
- a skirt that can mix and match with neutral jackets
- a plain tank to wear under almost anything
…plus a detachable bow to hide the jacket closure or wear at the waistband of the skirt.
The gorgeous embroidered fabric makes it possible to dress it down for work or dress it up for evening wear. It’s available in sizes 8-16 petite.
A boring work suit, this ain’t!
Love it? Click here to buy it! (Or blog it & you could win it.)
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. September 28, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Formal, Under $100, Under $50

Looking for something to wear to a friend’s wedding or your sister’s graduation? This navy silk dress from Isaac Mizrahi is the perfect dress for so many occasions.
Navy is a great color for both day and evening, the cut is simple and timeless, and the knee-length skirt makes this dress appropriate for occasions that call for a bit of modesty.
This dress is far from frumpy though; the A-line skirt and the V-neck are both feminine and universally figure-flattering.
As if this dress wasn’t perfect enough, it’s just $49.99!
Love it? Click here to buy it! (Or comment & you could win it.)
By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. August 30, 2007. Advice, Formal, News, Shopping, Style
Today’s guest post comes from Sabrina from New Zealand, who’s about to get married. Congrats Sabrina!
Kia ora,
I am totally behind your “Stop $30,000+ weddings” campaign! I came across your site just a few days ago and couldn’t agree more with your posts or the readers’ comments.
My partner and I keep coming up with ideas of how to cut costs but still have a gorgeous wedding, because we think it is wrong to spend the same amount that many people earn in a year on one day!
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