Shop Small for the Holidays with Small Business Saturday!

For those of you who don’t know, Small Business Saturday was created last year in collaboration with the city of New York; Mayor Bloomberg and American Express. This shopping initiative , which takes place the day after Black Friday, was designed to help support local and independently owned small businesses. Since it’s creation, Small Business Saturday has become a huge cultural event, encouraging people to spend money at small businesses across the U.S. and fueling the economy of many communities across the country.

This year, PAPER Magazine, in collaboration with AmEx, have created three city guides highlighting various Small Business Saturday deals consumers can take advantage of. These guides are focused on the cities of New York, Chicago and San Francisco, and the deals include discounts on restaurant tastings and drinks; clothing and boutique discounts, special gifts with purchase and plenty more.

I’ve highlighted several deals below.

 

 

 

NEW YORK

In Manhattan, take advantage of 20% off any baked good purchase at BabyCakes, Erin McKenna’s popular vegan bakery. Alternatively, you can opt for 15% off purchases of $200 or more at Cloak & Dagger, as well as enjoy complimentary cocktails and tea from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at this East Village Boutique.

In Brooklyn, stop by Eastern District for free in-store tastings, featuring a variety of local meats, cheeses, sodas and sweets.

CHICAGO

The Bento Box, a small Asian eatery, is offering a free appetizer with any lunch purchase of $20 or more from 1 to 5 p.m.

At The Circle Salon, purchase a salon gift certificate and receive a free gift just for you. If the gift certificate values $75 or more, you will also receive a free blow dry lesson.

Grab a group of friends and stop by Debonair Social Club for $5 PBR’s and bourbon shots, as well as no cover charge, all night long at this two-story Wicker Park hot spot.

SAN FRANCISCO

At Festa, the “kookiest karaoke bar” in the city, you can enjoy $2 off all drinks and free karaoke from 7:30-9 p.m. Swing by Green Apple Books earlier in the day for a free canvas bag with the mention of Small Business Saturday and a purchase of $25 or more.

At FTC Skateboarding, you can enjoy 20% off all purchases – and may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a few pros hanging around the shop.

This is only a small selection of the deals being offered on Small Business Saturday (11/26.) For more information about this initiative, and to view the city guides with all of the deals, please visit Facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday. On Twitter, reference #SmallBizSat or handles @PaperMagazine or @AmericanExpress. Remember, even if you aren’t in New York, Chicago or San Francisco, you can still support your local community and shop small for the holidays on Small Business Saturday. Happy shopping!

 

 

Rachel Bilson’s ShoeMint Pre-Launch SWEEPSTAKES!

Well if you read our blog, I am pretty sure that you have seen that we are big fans of Jewelmint and Stylemint, so we are obviously drooling over the impending launch of Rachel Bilson’s Shoemint! (HELLO SHOES!) They happen to have a dream sweepstakes going on right now where if you register before November 23rd,  you can be entered to win a year of shoes from Shoemint. You heard me right, 5 WINNERS WILL GET A YEAR OF SHOES FROM SHOEMINT!!! The site launches on Black Friday and we absolutely cannot wait to see what is in store for our shoe lovin’ ladies!

Rachel Bilson’s debut shoe collection won’t hit the web until Black Friday, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving, ShoeMint will be offering early registrants the opportunity to win a YEAR OF SHOES from ShoeMint.com to thank them for spreading the word.

·         Sign up at www.shoemint.com to be entered to win

  Increase your chances by referring friends!

·         For every friend that registers, you will receive an additional entry

·         Contest starts NOW and will run through Wednesday, November 23, 2011 with a NEW WINNER CHOSEN EVERY DAY.

·         Also, just by referring 2-4 friends, you automatically get $25 off your first pair of shoes!

·         No purchase necessary to enter

 

ShoeMint is an unprecedented shoe collection designed by actress and fashion icon, Rachel Bilson, and visionary celebrity stylist, Nicole Chavez in collaboration with global shoe mogul, Steve Madden. Made with real leather and suede and premium materials, ShoeMint’s designs embody Rachel’s impeccable style, Nicole Chavez’s fashion forward vision and Steve Madden’s expert craftsmanship. In addition to monthly shoe selections of exceptional style quality, ShoeMint members receive insider trend reports and style tips priced at an affordable $79.98. Membership is free, returns are easy and there is never an obligation to buy.

About Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson is enjoying a successful and continually developing acting career on both big and small screens.  She can currently be seen in the CW series “Hart of Dixie” playing the lead role of ‘Zoey Hart.’  She also recently wrapped the independent film “L!fe Happens” opposite fellow Mint-designer, Kate Bosworth.  In 2008, she released her own clothing line called Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans.  Currently in stores, Bilson designed a line of house ware products for Macy called Edie Rose Home. 

About Nicole Chavez

An inspired visionary, Nicole Chavez began her career in the costume/wardrobe department of the Fox Network series “The OC.”  The trend-setting show would be the launch pad for Nicole’s distinguished success as one of the Hollywood Elite’s most highly sought after stylists.  Nicole has since been the recipient of the award for ‘Star Stylist Extraordinaire’ at the Hollywood Style Awards in recognition for her exemplary work in styling, as well as also having been named one of the ‘Top 10 Superstar Stylists’ by Forbes.  While Nicole’s ‘expert advice’ remains a highly coveted commodity by a myriad of world-wide media outlets, publications and on-line fashion sites, her established relationships with today’s top designers along with her keen eye for detail and fit have firmly landed Nicole at the forefront of fashion.

About Steve Madden

A man who wears many hats – and shoes, Steve Madden cannot be described in one word.  He is an entrepreneur, an award winning designer, a business titan and of course, a family man.  He’s walked the line both there and back without forgetting his humble beginnings or his core consumer, resulting in millions of adoring fans worldwide. Considered the fashion footwear mogul of the 21st century, Madden has an innate sense of what’s hot, what’s next, what’s exciting and more importantly, how this will translate to his consumer. Inspired by rock and roll, fused with a jolt of sex appeal and urban edge, Madden creates shoes that are innovative, fun, sometimes wild and always spot-on-chic.

How Did You Shop Today?

Well Black Friday is (almost) over…time to get ready for Cyber Monday.  My shopping was quiet and contained today.  I browsed on line and bought a fabulous Rebecca Minkoff tote at 60% off (RebeccaMinkoff.com) and then scored a beautiful leather jacket quite by accident at the Garnet Hill Outlet (GarnetHill.com)  I love those accidental purchases that end up becoming wardrobe staples!

Eileen Fisher Leather Biker Jacket at GarnetHill.com

Did you shop today?  Did you find any fantastic deals?  If so, tell us about them and we’ll share them with our readers.  Sharing is good karma, after all!

Reebok EasyTone Sneakers Cyber Monday Offer


Reebok

Reebok Women's EasyTone - Go Outside Sport Shoe White

Get a whopping Get 40% off your order on Reebok.com plus FREE SHIPPING! Click here and use coupon code CYBER40 to save! Valid 11/30 only! Exclusions apply.

I’m sure you’ve seen the racy commercials for the EasyTone sneakers that have been on TV lately. Their commercials aren’t the only thing causing a stir though. I’m absolutely loving Reebok’s New EasyTone Sneakers and have been wearing them since May 2009.

Husband’s listen up! Get your wives a pair of EasyTone Sneakers! Not only are they comfy and great for year round wear, but they have the obvious benefits of strengthening and firming legs, calves and butts! The patented sole technology emulates walking on sand.

There are several different styles to choose from and a variety of colors. My favorite is the stylish black EasyTone Inspire for $99.99. Only $59.99 with free shipping if you use the coupon code above!

Shop Reebok.com


Free Shipping From Reebok All Season Long

SOMA Intimates Black Friday Offer

Soma.com (Chico's)soma sale

20% Off + Free Shipping with Code 7407

Coupon code is effective until 9pm EST on 11/29. So you have a few hours left to take advantage of this discount!

And it works on clearance items too and there are so many great clearance items to choose from! I got Bamboo pajamas for my mom for Christmas. It was only $15 for the top and $22 for the bottoms after the discount. I got a seamfree tank for my friend that was only $15 after the discount and I got a cute sleepshirt for my niece for only $17 after the discount.

Black Friday Deals from Amazon.com

Incredible Black Friday Deals on Amazon.com
ALL WEEK LONG!

Need a gift for a special couple and don’t know what they would want? Check out this cozy Pike Street Wraparound Comfort Throw that is on sale for only $12.99! I bought 6 of these last year for Christmas presents and kept one for myself. They are wonderful! Soft, very nice and warm, and easy to wrap up in while sitting on the couch watching TV. I loved this throw so much, that I bought another one after Christmas to put on my guest bed. I highly recommend these!

comfort throw blanket

If you still need a brilliant gift for your teenage or college-age daughter, consider getting her the Samsung N130-13P 10.1-Inch Pink Netbook with up to 5.8 Hours of Battery Life. Perfect for homework, studying, pictures, music, movies and staying in touch too!

Not only is it tiny, adorable and pink, it’s on sale for only $299 this week! (Regularly $380.00)

pink laptop

Bookmark www.amazon.com/blackfriday and check it each day this week for new deals!

Black Friday: Plus Size Clothing from Marie Denee

Marie Denee holiday

With the holiday right around the corner, holiday sales are abound and I wanted to share with you what deals are to be had at Marie Denee!

    From now until the end of Cyber Monday, the entire store is 20% off with an exclusive additional 15% off coupon!! Use coupon code FASHION09 at checkout to take advantage of these savings!

Remember, throughout the month of December, MarieDenee.com will have multiple deals of the day and week to celebrate the holidays!

Shop www.MarieDenee.com