Retail Therapy :The Fashionable Housewife

Shoes to Inspire a Transition to Spring

February 6th, 2012 by Sara Cornell

Here we are in the middle of the winter that isn’t, and all I can think about is my spring wardrobe. I’m having visions of flowers and and bright prints and Missoni style zig zags. I think I’m getting inspired by all the green things than keep popping up in my yard as we alternate sub freezing days with balmy ones with temps in the 50s. Well, at least some things are consistent, like seasonal style transitions. So if you want to get a jump start on your spring style, because it will officially be spring before we know it, here are some of my favorite shoes, available at DSW.com.

Steve Madden Kia Sandal $69.95 at DSW

I love the bright print on this platform sandal. The red and beige colors would work with a lot of different neutrals, and would look really cute with a bright circle skirt.

Madden Girl Crafty Wedge $44.95 at DSW

I love the tropical theme of this shoe, which is just begging to be paired with a pair of white skinny jeans and a sheer black top.

Madden Girl Mellony Zig Zag $44.95 at DSW

These pumps remind me of Missoni without the designer price tag. I’d wear these with a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans and a grey T with an orange or navy cardigan.

All of these styles and more are available at DSW.com, or head to your local DSW for a huge selection of trendy spring footwear.

Posted in Affordable Fashion, Retail Therapy, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping, Spring Fashion Related Topics: DSW, fashion, Missoni, Shoes, Shopping

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Save $1,500 On Your Next Outfit

January 13th, 2012 by Sara Cornell

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I love paying full retail price! I want instant gratification, and if it means buying NOW rather than waiting for something to go on sale, I say go for it! Just kidding. I love saving money as much as the next person, but I also have a soft spot for beautiful designer duds. I mean who doesn’t. (Probably a lot of people, but I doubt they’re reading this blog…anyway…) I was playing the internet is my closet game and came across the following pieces on Shop Style:

netaporter-longsleeve-tops-giulietta-polkadot-silkcrepe-blouse

Giulietta Polka Dot Silk Crepe Tee $475 at Net-A-Porter

lagence-barneys-new-york-mini-skirts-perforated-mini-skirt

L'Agence perforated Leather Mini Skirt $575 at Barney's

giuseppe-zanotti-barneys-new-york-boots-double-platform-bootie

Giuseppe Zanotti Double Platform Booties $795 at Barney's

Add that all up and you’ve got a $1,845 smashingly good-looking outfit. So what if it’s a mortgage payment, it’s important to look good so you can feel good, right? But wait…do my eyes deceive me:

StyleMint Rush Shirt in Cream with Black Dots 3-1

StyleMint Rush Polka Dot Tee $29.99

Vegan Leather Skirt $148 at Free People

Michelle Suede Bootie $79.98 at ShoeMint

Almost the exact same outfit for A LOT less! Like $1,587 LESS! Now that’s what I call bargain shopping. And the best part is, you can get the entire look on-line, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your house on this cold and dreary winter day to get instant gratification!

You can also find great bargain shopping tips on The Budget Fashionista, or follow this link for tips on how to shop at trendy stores: http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/how-to-shop-trendy-stores/

Posted in Affordable Fashion, Dresses & Skirts, Fashion Advice, Retail Therapy, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping Related Topics: Barneys, fashion, net-a-porter, Outfit Ideas, Shoe Mint, Shop Style, Shopping, Style Mint

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On-Line Sales Worth Checking Out

January 2nd, 2012 by Sara Cornell

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If shopping is on your list of activities for this first official shopping day of 2012, there are some great on-line sales to check out, courtesy of In-Style.com:

Post-Holiday Sales to Check Out Right Now

Some of the best sales are happening right now! Check out the bargains we love below.

• Take an extra 40% off already reduced items at neimanmarcus.com.

• 50% off everything except new items when you use the code TAKE50 at online checkout on loft.com.

• Up to 50% off at boden.com.

• Up to 60% off at gap.com.

• Extra 30% off sale items plus free shipping on orders of $100 or more when you use the code BYEBYE at madewell.com.

•25% off everything at stevemadden.com when you use code PRESENT25 at checkout.

• Up to 70% off at net-a-Porter.com.

• Semi-annual sale at Victoria’s Secret plus free shipping on $50 or more.

• Up to 50% off online and 75% off in stores at Old Navy.

• Extra 25% off all sale items at toryburch.com when you use code SALE25 at checkout.

• Up to 40% off at piperlime.com.

• 50% off at mango.com.

• Up to 50% off at nordstrom.com.

• All jeans are on sale online and in stores at American Eagle.

• Up to 70% off at asos.com.

If you find any other great retail bargains, leave us a comment so we can share it with our readers!

Posted in Retail Therapy, Sample Sales Related Topics: In Style, instyle magazine, January Sales

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Rebecca Minkoff Sale Starts Today

December 26th, 2011 by Sara Cornell

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Well, it’t that time of year again…time for the Rebecca Minkoff After Christmas on-line sale. The sale begins at noon today (12/26) and runs through Thursday (12/29).

What I love about this sale is the merchandise is updated at least daily, so if you aren’t crazy about what you see one day, check back later and maybe your dream bag or shoe is on sale. This year I’m hoping to score a black Mini M.A.C. Clutch.

Mini MAC Clutch $195 (not on sale!)

What’s on your handbag wish list? Leave us a comment and let us know…

Posted in Accessories, Celebrity Fashion, Handbags & Purses, Retail Therapy Related Topics: Mini MAC Clutch, Post Holiday Sales, Rebecca Minkoff

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Fashionable Body Jewelry for Fashionable Housewives

December 22nd, 2011 by Sara Cornell

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OK all you fashionable housewives…here’s a topic we don’t see very often…Belly Jewelry. Now I know body piercings can hit a chord with some of you, but let’s face it, there is a big segment of the population that sports body jewelry, and I’ll venture a guess that a good portion of you Fashionable Housewives are rocking some fashionable bellies. The problem is, it’s hard to find classy navel rings. (I can hear my mother telling me that classy navel rings are an oxymoron, but whatever!) You start your piercing with a stainless steel ring, and then once healed, your options are limited to super expensive pieces set in platinum with diamonds, or cheezy, dangly, hot messes that Britney wore during her famous meltdown.

If you want small, well crafted and simple belly rings, check out Tummy Toys. They offer a large selection of navel rings in precious metals that won’t break your wallet but make an elegant and simple statement. With prices ranging from around $20 to over $1,000, you can find belly jewelry that fits your style and your wallet.

14 CT White Gold with Pave Diamonds $349

14CT Yellow Gold with Diamond $314

The only other place I have found that sells high end belly jewelry is Belly Bella out of Beverly Hills. Their pieces are exquisite but the prices are so high only movie stars could afford them. But if you want some eye candy, check out their web site. This is my favorite piece:

Belly Captiva 1.0ct Diamond set in Platinum $7,895

Yes, that’s right $7,895 for a navel ring! Tummy Toy jewelry is available on their web site, or at Amazon.com.

Posted in Accessories, Jewelry, Retail Therapy, Shopping Related Topics: Amazon.com, Belly Bella, Belly Rings, Body Piercing, Navel Jewelry, Tummy Toys

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What’s Your Shopping Experience with BeachMint?

December 21st, 2011 by Sara Cornell

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No surprise that I’m a fan of the BeachMint family: JewelMint, StyleMint, BeautyMint, and the newest member ShoeMint. My closet is packed with StyleMint Ts and my daughters love the interesting accessories that JewelMint turns out each month. But if you follow any of these Mints on Facebook, or have had personal shopping experiences with them, you may have noticed that the customer service department doesn’t quite have its act together. (As a business owner myself, I have one thought for the Mints: Get with it guys…) There was the bungled launch of StyleMint Cashmere last week, and it seems that all the Mints are having supply issues. Personally, all my shopping experiences with them have been fine, BUT, my recent order with ShoeMint ran into some challenges. After ordering the Pauline’s in Wine, I received an email notifying me that they were out of stock and would I like to be wait listed. Yes, I would. I placed my (waitlisted) order on December 2 and finally received my shoes on December 20! Snaps to the customer service peeps (maybe they are reading the comments on FB) they included a little sumptin’-sumptin’ from JewelMint as an apology for the delay, and my shoes and I are now becoming acquainted.

I will say this for the quality of the shoes: It’s really good. Granted the heel height is absurd. I mean seriously, I’m almost 6’2″ in 6″ heels, and who really has the kind of day that warrants that kind of wedge (?), but for the random day that I feel the need to rock my inner Gabby Reese, I’ll take it. They fit true to size and the quality of the leather and craftsmanship is excellent.

I’ll be interested to see how the second month of ShoeMint goes. My impression is that the inaugural month was a tough one. And I’m sure that there is a segment of the shoe buying population that would love to see some diversity in the heel height options.

Overall I’ll give the Mints 4 out of 5 stars. I love the concept and the quality of the merchandise, but if they are going to keep me a captive customer they are going to have to up their game in the selection and delivery departments.

What’s your Mint shopping experience? Leave us a comment and let us know…

Posted in Affordable Fashion, Fashion Advice, Retail Therapy, Shopping, Web Snob Related Topics: BeautyMint, Celebrity Fashion, jewelmint, Reviews, ShoeMint, Shopping, StyleMint

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Wild Times

December 15th, 2011 by Sara Cornell

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In keeping with my “I Love All Things Animal Print” philosophy, check out these new watches from Timex:

There is something so reassuring about a Timex watch. They last FOREVER, are easy to repair if the battery dies or the band needs replacing, and they are classically elegant. I love the easy to read dial on these styles. Styled with some simple bangles and bracelets, you have a statement look that is chic and goes from the playground to the office to a night on the town. The picture below makes me want to buy one of these watches and start pulling together outfits!

Image courtesy of notesfromthedressingroom.blogspot.com

These Timex watches cost around $60 each and are available at most major retailers, and on line at Piperlime. One more word about animal prints and animals…consider adopting an animal in need this winter. Local shelters have so many wonderful creatures that need good homes, so back up your fashion sense with some good old fashioned love and bring the wild into your home! You’ll be glad you did…

Posted in Accessories, Fashion Advice, Jewelry, Retail Therapy, Shopping Related Topics: animal prints, Christmas, fashion, Jewelry, Piperlime, Shopping, Timex, Trends