Ann Taylor LOFT Sweepstakes

Would you like some free clothes? What fashionista wouldn't? Enter to win a $1,500.00 LOFT shopping spree in NYC. I'm halfway there... I live in the big apple but, clothes on someone else's buck is always a fav!

Gilt Free

You may have heard of the online sample-sale Gilt Groupe, if not you should sign up and check it out they have great deals... few and far between. For the most part you will probably lust over some of the luxe offerings they have but, reality check yourself into realizing that 50% of $600.00 is still $300.00 for a dress... Thankfully, the launch of sibling-site GILT FUSE today at 12:00 noon should quell those concerns. It will feature contemporary brands at lower price points than it's predecessor. The first brands to debut on the site, at prices up to 70% off retail, include Plenty by Tracy Reese, Kova & T, Modern Amusement, CC Skye, TKO Orologi, RJ Graziano and BCBG. Access to Gilt Fuse will be invitation-only so if you want an invite please feel free to shoot me an email. The good news? If you join Gilt Groupe now you'll be automatically invited to shop at Fuse, too. I'm excited to see if they can stick to what they are saying now.

"Gilt Groupe is thrilled to announce the debut of Gilt Fuse, exclusively for women. It‘s a great new way to mix and match today‘s most-wanted labels with tomorrow‘s hottest emerging brands at prices that are impossible to resist."

Purple

I have been thinking about what I need to take my wardrobe from summer to fall with the autumn months just around the corner. My final conclusion, PURPLE! Not everything purple just purple accessories to spice up my existing outfits. It's always nice when a few small inexpensive purchases can make a big impact on your wardrobe. While I was out this past weekend I ended up snagging the top two items below. First, the Mossimo flats from Target which are on sale for $10.00, what a steal! Then the Coach large Zoe bag in Berry from the outlet, originally $548.00, down to $140.00. Not exactly inexpensive but, not breaking the bank in my opinion considering Coach is quality leather goods. The other items below are different mostly budget options for purple if you're on the same page I am. Hopefully you hit a purple patch!

Purple by She Spys The Buys

Birthday Shopping

First of all...
That being said, the only thing that I really wanted for my birthday this year was to go shopping. So, I grabbed my coupons, because as one lady said while we were out, "never shop without coupons!" and headed out with my mom who is amazing and funded the extravaganza. Here are some of the things I picked up to fill in some gaps in my wardrobe and get ready for the fall.

Old Navy Birthday Shopping by She Spys The Buys featuring Old Navy

Ann Taylor Loft Birthday Shopping* by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

New York & Co. Birthday Shopping by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

Overall, it's kind of a mish-mosh of things but, they fill in some spaces, or I just really liked them, plus they new additions really give my business casual look a refresher because when you see the same people everyday you don't want to look like a one note... Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Late Bloomer

Although we are closing in on the end of the summer I have recently developed a great interest in sandals. And while it is extremely late in the season, it's just in time to catch all the sales! I went shopping and picked up these fantastic ones at DSW for $99.00. Yes, a major splurge but the bronze ones are so neutral I can wear them with everything so, in my opinion they were very worth it (even my bf thought they were a good buy!). Then I decided that I needed a black pair because, if you couldn't tell, I'm really into the neutrals. So, I began the search for black and this style was the favorite of what I found...

Splurge/Budget Sandal by She Spys The Buys featuring DV by Dolce Vita shoes

I'm sure you can tell what the difference between the Splurge and the Budget sandal but I tried both on and they are really very comparable. Since the "splurge" Dolce Vita sandals went on sale I got them. I'm all about quality in the end and leather always wins. I think it was a good choice and I've gotten tons of compliments on them.

FYI-There are also these Kelly & Katie sandals which are exactly the same style and a decent price but if you can find the DV ones in your size (Nordstrom or DSW) I would pick those up.

Does This Outfit Work?

This is a new kind of post for She Spys The Buys! I bought something and I am looking for genuine reader opinion/reaction. This is a picture of me wearing a new t-shirt dress I got from Target with gladiators, a long coin pearl necklace (I know you can't see it but, it's there I promise) and my Loeffler Randall for Target slouchy woven leather bag from last summer. I thought of adding a belt but all the belts I have are too big for me, that's going on my shopping list. I thought it was a perfect comfy yet professional outfit to wear to the office! Especially because, at first glance the dress looked way more high end than Target, it had a little bit of a Tory Burch vibe in my opinion.

poll by twiigs.com

Now, hopefully you like the outfit so I can tell you my secret without you automatically thinking, "so, that's why that outfit didn't work." The "dress" is really a sleepshirt from Gillian O'Malley my favorite undewear/pj designer at Target. I don't care I'll scream it from the rootops... I'm wearing pajams at work! It was a great price for a professional and amazingly comfortable work dress which I recieved many compliments on.

Awesome Deal

I have been perusing the sales on the web and I found this dress that I like. It's a smidge pricey but I would definitely splurge on it as it can be worn as two dresses... wear the tank dress on its own, the shell as a swim cover-up, or wear both together and the belt can be used in other outfits or as a headband. I'm all about utilitarianism because it makes the dress really worth it. Unfortunately, I don't think that it would look right on me with my hips but, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't benefit from it!

UPDATE 8/1/09-- When I first posted this dress it was $54.00 marked down from $195.00, now it is $39.00!!! That is 80% off!!! If you were thinking about it before here's some incentive...

UPDATE 8/5/09-- I got the dress in the mail. First of all it's green and purple so I feel a little like The Joker... why so serious?! Well, looking at the picture I thought it was green and brown. Not a big deal. Overall, it looks OK but, I feel like it's a little too fancy to wear to work which is a bummer. Still worth the $39.00.

Celebrities In Fashion

• Will Lindsay Lohan be the new Creative Consultant at Ungaro? When a former high tech tycoon, bought the fading House of Ungaro it was a bold move for a fashion outsider but he worked hard at evolving the label and was able to convince Colombian-born design wunderkind Esteban Cortazar to take the creative reins in 2007. Now, in a strange move as Ungaro contemplates hiring La Lohan as Creative Consultant. Perhaps as a result of this strategy, Esteban Cortazar is moving on.

• The rumors are confirmed, Courtney Love is going to launch her own clothing line. Even though 49% of people polled probably wouldn't wear it. Body suits and harem pants and rubies, O my! And that's not her only trouble news of the clothing line was closely followed by that of $350,000.00 in unpaid credit card balances in her name to AmEx.

Pain By Purse

I have been having the worst back pain for the past couple of days. I was racking my brain trying to figure out where it was coming from so I could make it stop. Was it my desk chair? The way my car seat is positioned? The fact that I need to go back to yoga? It finally dawned on me as I hauled my overburdened Spy Bag out of the car last night after dinner. My handbag is too heavy and it is throwing off my whole posture and center of gravity.

The average woman's handbag weighs 5.2 lbs. Which is not completely surprising considering oversized handbags have become the "it" thing to have and w0hen you really think about it you take just about everything that is given to you and shove it in your bag waiting until the weeks end clean it out, maybe. So based on these facts I decided before I emptied my bag to prevent further back pain I would weight it. I was shocked to learn that my purse weighted 8 LBS!!!!! It doesn't sound like alot but, I don't carry a laptop anymore just "essentials" and whatever else gets tossed in the mix. What exactly am I carrying around?!? This situation will be rectified as I look into what is in my purse:

• black Steve Madden pumps (what? I was carrying them back from the car)
• Coach umbrella
• bottle of water
• home keys
• work keys
• reusable shopping bag
• mints
• sunglasses
• wallet
• calendar
• Blackberry
• nail patches (will let you know if they are as good as people say they are)
  
• grocery coupon organizer (because you never have them when you need them)
• work ID
• miscellaneous receipts
  
• mail
• business card holder/mirror (it's very shiny)
  
• pens
• eye drops (those are medical)
• small "makeup" bag

Ok, ok so there is alot of crap in there. My first step to fixing the problem will be carrying a slightly smaller bag. I won't be able to fit as much stuff in there so it won't be so heavy right? Right! Here it goes:

• black Steve Madden pumps (what? I was carrying them back from the car)
• Coach umbrella
• bottle of water
• home keys
• work keys
• reusable shopping bag
• mints
• sunglasses
• wallet
• calendar
• Blackberry
• nail patches (will let you know if they are as good as people say they are)
  
• grocery coupon organizer (because you never have them when you need them)
• work ID
• miscellaneous receipts
  
• mail
• business card holder/mirror (it really is very shiny)
  
• less pens
• eye drops (those are medical)
• small "makeup" bag

I will admit it is a work in progress but I got it down to 5.5 lbs.and that has to count for something. One thing that I know I have down is what to keep in your makeup bag. Coming up later, it's not all about what you put on your face...

Time Square Giveaway

Glamour Magazine is waiting for you at the Times Square Walgreens TODAY! I know, I know it's so unfair for those of us who do not have to pass through midtown but be happy for the girls that do and are able to get a slew of free beauty samples. In honor of our Summer 2009 Beach Beauty Guide in the July issue (on sale now), Glamour is joining forces with Walgreens to give away great freebies that are spotlighted in the new issue from brands like Olay,Tampax, Secret, Cover Girl, Venus Embrace, Herbal Essences, and more! So be one of the first 500 to get there between 10-2 and the goodies will be yours. Maybe this summer giveaway will be what we need to make the rain rain go away!

Coming Up Roses

One thing that I have seeing all over the place this season is the rosette detail which I happen to LOVE. So, when I got an email with an absolutely adorable lavender tank with rosette detail I naturally wanted to know how much to make it mine. Ironically, the tank is from For Joseph and if I still worked in the showroom I could get it for 50% off wholesale but, alas I've moved on to a more grown up job. Until now, I never really realized just how expensive For Joseph was! Frankly, I don't have time to hunt the showroom and see if there is a sample in my size and the only benefit I get now is just shopping wholesale, which can still be expensive so, I have decided to search out some bargain alternatives and wanted to share them with all.

For Joseph Flores Tank $74.00

_____________________________________________________________

PacificPlex Rosette Jersey Bubble Top $29.99........................... Kohl's Apt.9 Rosette Trapeze Top $19.99

Speigel Rosette Applique Tank Top $34.00

Only In NYC!

Over the course of this weekend and next, 90 handbags will be lost and found. It's not some random fact like, "A collection of coasters is called a tegestology," it is a reality that could mean a free bag for you!. The purses will be left in club restrooms, abandoned in cabs, forgotten on park benches. They will be filled with the junk women can't leave home without. If you happen to be on of the lucky people to find one of these satchels you might think to return it to it's rightful owner but, a tag attached reads : You did not find this bag; this bag found you. Lucky... And you will learn about Rachel Nasvik as the mastermind behind this whole thing. Locations may be trendy — think American Apparel, Santos’ Party House, the Cabin Down Below. The players may include pub landlords, newsboys, even shifty-eyed knockoff vendors shilling them for $20 apiece. Being in the right place at the right time will take deductive reasoning, surveillance and some Twitter stalking. See how it all unfolds and get the thrill of the chase!

This Just In

Carlos Falchi will be the eighth handbag designer to created a limited-edition collection for Target. The line will be available at the retailer November 1st-December 27th, and we can imagine that it will be a nice debut of faux exotic skins in classic shapes and fun colors at a way lower price point! This has alot of potential! Stay tuned for more info!

P.S. That's not an image from the collection just an idea of what it might look like from his full price brand.

Articles Of Interest

A Simple Smooch or A Toxic Smack? Does your lipstick have too much lead in it? Frankly I think if we can have lead free candle wicks and are so concerned with breathing it in why would we even consider using something that touches our body with it?

Christian Lacroix files for bankruptcy Another high end designer about to bite the dust. It's really unfortunate and sad. At the same time I am curious to see which companies survive this recession and which ones won't.

$5 For You @ Urban Outfitters

While browsing the internet I came across some amazing deals at Urban Outfitters. Yes, you heard me right Urban Outfitters. Normally, I don't shop there unless it's for something specific... the hipster teens and high prices make it less than desirable but, now they have an amazing $5 sale section on their website for a limited time. Here are some of my favorite picks:

• Pearl and Ring Drop Earrings, simple and chic $4.99
• First Lady Sunglasses, to channel a little Jackie O $4.99
• The Micro Terrarium would make a nice office/housewarming gift $3.99
• Kimchi Blue Denim Halter Top, only available in size XS (sigh) $4.99
• Yes We Can by Paula Munier for the activist in your life $4.99
• Cut Out Hoop Initial Earrings, I'm always looking for the "I" $4.99
• Studded Sunglasses for those glam days at the beach $4.99
• Wide Eyes Sunglasses, basic and chic $4.99
• Lucha Libre Key Caps, another potential housewarming gift LUCHARAN! $4.99
• Wizard of Oz Glasses, with original illustrations from the L Frank Baum's classic. $4.99
• Hello Kitty Vinyl Collectibles, series 2! I wonder what Series 1 looked like? $4.99
• Pocket Jesus, because that's hilarious! $2.99
  

Happy Burberry Day!

In the spirit of New York being the fashion capital of the world or just a major grand opening... Mayor Bloomberg has declared this Thursday, May 28, to be "Burberry Day" in New York City, coinciding with the official lighting of the Burberry logo on the rooftop of the brand's new U.S. headquarters at 444 Madison Avenue. The 50-foot long logo will join the rest of the city skyline with a fête starring Christopher Bailey, Burberry head Angela Ahrendts, and over 300 guests. Invite lost in the mail? Burberry fans are invited to celebrate along by supporting The Burberry Foundation, an organization which invests in select charities focused on supporting young people in the key cities in regions where the majority of Burberry employees live and work, and where they are able to participate in volunteer roles with Burberry Foundation charity partners on the ground. Twenty percent of all purchases made in Burberry New York stores at 57th Street and Spring Street in SoHo on the Thursday will be donated to the foundation.The company's headquarters at 444 Madison (at 50th Street) opened just last month, and plans are in the works to make the area a bona fide Burberry universe. In addition to the two existing stores in Manhattan, Burberry is planning to open two 1600 square foot stores on either side of the headquarters building in October. So break out your Burberry (or your knock off) and join in the festivities, or just show it off...

Never TOO Old....

Some might think that modeling is a young girls game. We don't see Cristy Turnlington or Cindy Crawford gracing the covers of all major fashion glossies anymore but Daphne Selfe, Britains' oldest model, might beg to differ. She has been modeling since the 50s and continues to work today at a rate of a thousand pounds a day!

Miss Selfe's modelling career blossomed in older age as she promoted the benefits of going grey. "My hair is my fortune, it made me more striking," she said. "Other younger models admire me but they're not jealous as I'm not a threat. I have a niche all of my own."I don't feel a day over 60. It's fantastic. I'll continue modelling until they stop asking. It love it. It's fun and keeps me young. I was never one for wild parties and I've never had any need to get drunk." Check out the rest of the article here.

Considering the fact that many luxury brands are returning to featuring the faces of gorgeous late-30s and 40-something supermodels, I have a feeling that we're going to continue seeing more of Ms. Selfe and other 80 year old models in the future.

Hats Off In Rememberance!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! There are sales everywhere, good luck with all the shopping...

That being said, one of the spring/summer trends that I have been interested in trying out is the fedora. Commonly worn by older Spanish gentlemen wearing guayaberas and playing dominoes the fedora has been in almost every store as I browsed through searching for spring/summer work attire. So, one of my gentleman friends (who knows about these things) bought me a super cute straw fedora at a street fair near his church for $15.00!!! Shocker to me since I was used to seeing the nicest ones at very high price points. Since he picked it up some unknown location, I don't want to send you all on a fedora wild goose chase and have found some similar items for your ordering.



















....$7.99 @ Urban Outfitters..................................................................... $11.96 @ NY&Co



...........................................................$12.00 @ Luxury Divas



















........$6.49 @ Torrid....................................................................... $12.99 @ Shop2Divas

Bargain Alternative

I love playing this game! Which one is the more expensive one based on the picture alone? Keep reading to find out but keep in mind the choice you made. That being said...

I have been on quite a fervent search for a pair of totally awesome looking (and comfy) snake print flats. Apparently they were only selling the stylish ones for two weeks two months ago. Bummer for me until I found these totally awesome gray ones (left). Alas, they are ridiculously expensive. I love Beirn especially since I got an amazing birthday gift from them last year but $210.00 is too much to spend on something that I am likely to put holes in. So, the search continued until I found a great alternative option. Rocket Dog is one of my favorite shoe brands and I was so excited when I found these shoes (right) at a DSW. Unfortunately, they didn't have them in my size but I was able to track some down on the Rocket Dog website. What I really like about them besides their inexpensive price tag is the fact that they are a whole lots sturdier than the expensive version and from my experience I know would last much longer!

Warm Weather Defense

I am so unbelievably excited that summer is here. Too bad that this Memorial Day weekend will be such a cloudy rainy mess... But, thinking forward to all those warm sunny days I am reminded that with summer comes one major concern: defending my skin from the harsh rays of the sun. After last years pink stripe incident I will definitely be more vigilant when it comes to applying sunscreen etc. While looking for SPF options I found this really cool kit from Sephora.The Sephora Sun Safety Kit brings you an awesome sampling of summer skincare must-haves! It's perfect for me because I'm always unsure of what I need, hence pink stripe. And of course there is always the lingering fact that sun exposure is the #1 cause of wrinkles and skin damage. What I also like about this product is that 100% of the net profits from the sales of this set will be donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation. It's like Product Red but for your skin! And, there is also a beach bag made from recycled plastic. The kit includes a whole bunch of awsome beauty products and for $22.50 is a frugalicious bargain. Here's to having (safe) fun in the sun.