November 2009 Archives

	Save 20% off your entire purchase and free shipping with code: CYBER
	Save 20% off any purchase and free shipping with code: MONDAY
	Save 20% off your purchase and free shipping with code: MONDAY.
	Save 20% your purchase and free shipping with code: MONDAY
	Save 20% off any purchase and free shipping with code: MONDAY.
	Save 25% off your purchase with code: SAVE25. Free shipping on orders $35 or more.
	50% Off Absolutely Everything And Free Shipping on ANY Purchase - One Day Only. Use Code: 4136

This Valentino Glamorous Valentino Bow Pumps are glamorous indeed and uber luxurious. The two-toned leather gives them a fabulous surprise from the back. They are very wearable and the design will last you for seasons to come. Pair them with denim jeans and dresses. Adds sophistication to your casual everyday and formal evening looks. An investment worth every penny.

Stuffed from your Thanksgiving feast? You probably don't want to wait on line to get the best shopping deals of the year, why not shop in the comforts of home and shop these amazing Black Friday offers. Some retailers are open as early as 3 am today offering amazing doorbuster deals and discounts.

Online shops are also offering the same or even better deals. Like $9.95 all Nine West shoes and accessories at 6PM.com, 40% off sale and regular priced merchandise at esprit.com. And a few of them even extended the sale all weekend long. This is the best time to do some holiday shopping. I compiled a list of the best online deals for you, so let's get shopping. Enjoy!

	Today Only! Save 20% on Rachel Zoe's picks with promo code: RZPICKS
	40% off all merchandise. Free shipping on all orders. Free scarf with $75 purchase. Sale valid on 11/26 only!
	30% off all regular priced shoes at Anne Klein. 30% off all sale merchandise. Free shipping on all orders. Offer valid 11/26-11/30.
	30% off all sweaters, outerwear and more! Plus free shipping on orders $50 or more. Offer valid 11/26-11/29.
	Doorbuster Deals for 3 days! 50% off outerwear, $15 sweaters and more. Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
	Nine West Footwear and Accessories- $9.95 All Styles! Free People Apparel- 60% off All Styles. Simple Footwear- Footwear All Styles 70%. Sale valid 11/27-11/29.
	All cashmere and denim $59! From 11/27-11/29.
	40% off sale and regular priced merchandise with code:CKDRM3NU. Sale valid 11/27-11/30.
	30% off entire site! From 11/27-11/30! Use coupon code AV91155 at checkout.

Some say shopping gifts for women can be challenging. That, I have to agree. I'm not implying that they are picky or difficult, there is just much stuff to choose from. And this can be frustrating.

A friend of mine asked me for some suggestions on what to give her girlfriend for Christmas. He also told me, they (him and his girlfriend) agreed not to spend more than a $100. Sounds easy right? Well, knowing his girlfriend, she happens to love designer labels. And my friend for some reason thinks that $100 is not enough to buy his girlfriend anything. I was more than happy to help and enlighten my dear friend.

Long story short, with my help he found the perfect gift for his sweetie and another 'smart' shopper was born.

With a little bit of shopping around, you can find a lot of fabulous gifts under $100, $50 or less! One tip I can give you: if you have a budget per gift, get a couple or more items that fits your budget. Doing so will show how much thought you invested on your gift.

So, here are my top 10 gifts under $100 that your mom, sister, girlfriend and BFF would love!

This week, the holiday season is officially in full gear. This also marks the beginning of the busiest shopping season of the year with Thanksgiving and Black Friday sale events kicking it off. There are more online sales and promotions this year compared to last. Which is always a good thing.

Here are my picks for must-shop Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales.


Thanksgiving Sale Events:

	Save up to 60% off! Offer is valid 11/26 to 11/28. Prices go back up 11/29. Get a $25 gift card + Free Shipping with any $100 Beauty&Fragrance purchase. Use code: BEAUTY9.
	Take 30% Off Your Entire Order at Ben Sherman. Valid 11/26 to 11/30. Free Ground Shipping On All Domestic Orders Over $150.
	Save 25% on all sale items with promo code: YAMS from Wednesday 11/25 - Friday 11/27. Excludes handbags.
	Save on over 25,000 items + free shipping on $99+ purchases. Enter promo code: THANKS at checkout. Offer valid 11/26 -11/28.
	Take $20 off $99 any regular priced item online 11/22 through 11/29 Use code: THANKU at checkout.
	50% Off Absolutely Everything! - Starts 11/25 through 11/30. Plus Free Shipping on $100 or More With Code 4303.
	Online Only: EXTRA 10% off Almost Everything*&EXTRA 5% off Electronics and Toys. Sale valid from 11/22 -11/25. Thanksgiving Day: Women's Sleepwear Robes BOGO FREE + FREE Shipping on Orders $29+.

Black Friday Weekend Sale Events.

Shopping on Black Friday has become a tradition to many. Perhaps this explains the (very) limited online sales and discounts, most retailers have their best deals in-store. I did come across a few shop-worthy sale events you can check out. Check back this weekend for the best Cyber Monday deals! Happy Thanksgiving and 'smart' shopping.

20% OFF orders of $75 or more with code: GEMS. Free shipping on all orders with code GODEEP. Offer valid from 11/27 to 11/30.
Enjoy savings up to 75% off and Free Shipping on orders over $250 11/22 through 11/30.
Incredible Prices, FREE Shipping and Doorbuster Deals 4am-12noon during Black Friday Sale.

Melissa Shoes has definitely been improving and evolving every season. I am loving the texture on their latest additions. Just look at these eco-chi and quite stylish mary jane flats. The shiny button detail is simply adorable. Made with recycled and recyclable materials. With their versatile design, easily pair them with denim jeans, skirts and dresses.

GAP is one of my favorite places to shop for affordable apparel and holiday gifts. For a limited time save an additional 25% off on sale items. Save on apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family. Not much of a selection for men, I know boohoo. Make sure to use code: GAPSALE25 on checkout to get the additional discount. Sale ends 11/24. Happy Shopping!

Everyday Wool Coat $237.99 Plus $100 OFF, Tweed Toggle Coat $279.99 Plus $100 OFF

Jones New York is having amazing deals on outerwear and career wear. Save an extra $50-$100 on already reduced classic women's coats and jackets for a total savings of up to $200! And if you are in the market for stylish, chic work apparel shop their career wear sale. Save an extra 25% off on already reduced jackets, tops, bottoms and accessories. No discount code needed all additional discounts are taken on checkout. As an added bonus free shipping is offered to any orders over $75.00. Sale ends 11/21. Happy Shopping!

For the 5th Year Gucci's Campaign to Benefit UNICEF, Gucci Creative Director Frida Gianinni has commissioned acclaimed author and illustrate Michael Roberts to create 'Snowman in Africa'. A children's book of which 100% of the profits will benefit UNICEF. Coinciding with the book, Gucci also launched a series of handbags and accessories for Cruise 2010 donating 25% of each sale to UNICEF.

It is so heart-warming to see every designer and fashion house doing their part in giving back to the community. Project Runway host Heidi Klum was photographed recently carrying the 'Joy' handbag. Thanks Heidi for the support!

I rather get wet than to be seen wearing this Christopher Raeburn Waterproof Parka. It looks heavy and to be quite honest very unfashionable. That's not all folks, this parka though constructed with re-appropriated military parachute fabric costs close to a thousand dollars! Which in my opinion is simply ridiculous. Do some people really sacrifice practicality and their intelligence for fashion? And in the process, lost their grasp and understanding what is actually beautiful? Perhaps, whomever will or have bought this parka can enlighten me. Christoper Raeburn Waterproof Parka $995.00

This 'Jackie' Large Hobo is one of the most popular style in Gucci's Cruise 2010 Handbag Collection. Made with hand-stitched Italian leather with bamboo tassels and golden trim gives it a chic, luxurious finish. Hollywood celebs like Demi Moore and Anne Hathaway have been seen toting this fabulous handbag. This would be a very nice gift from Santa this Christmas.

This Sunday, Sears is having their Friends and Family Event - save 5-15% off everything you need for the entire family and for your home. This is one of Sears' much anticipated sale event of the year. The sale is live on Sears.com all day Sunday with a V.I.P. Night from 6PM-9PM in store.

During the V.I.P. night you can find a Panasonic Plasma TV for  $499.99 and a pair of Samsung washer and dryer for $1,100!  Save an extra 15% already reduced apparel, shoes and accessories with this coupon or if you prefer to shop online simply use code: NOVFF2. Stop by your neighborhood Sears store this Sunday and join in the celebration - aside from the amazing discounts storewide expect some refreshments, door prizes, live music and fashion show. Happy Shopping!

TDM Design's 'Bambi' Scarves were my 'Smart EcoStyle' pick last week. As we all know, TDM Designs offers eco-chic scarves. All handmade in Nepal from natural, sustainable eco-friendly materials by poverty-stricken women. Income generated in the production of TDM Design scarves, gives opportunities to women and their children to gain education and provide the necessities of everyday living.

As a gesture of appreciation for the support of The Smart Stylist and it's readers, TDM Design is having a 'design your own scarf' contest!  The winning design will be specially handwoven in Nepal as per the designer's specifications. Once completed, not only the winner gets a one-of-kind Nepali by TDM Design scarf, the designer will be featured right here on TheSmartStylist.com.

Whether your a skilled pro or driven by your passion for fashion, I encourage everyone to enter this contest. Best of luck to all who enters the contest.

A garment everyone should have in their closet is a casual jacket. You can effortlessly transform any look with a jacket. Easily elevate your jeans and tee ensemble for a sophisticated look. The key to finding a jacket that would best suit you is proportion. The bottom hem should sit just above the waist, longer jackets by the hips. Like this Chromium two-button jacket by Edun, the length is just right and the fit, not to snug. For an eco-chic look, wear it buttoned if you are layering with a deep neckline, leave it open otherwise.

There are a few great sale events this week. So, make sure you check The Smart Stylist everyday for the best deals out there. One shop-worthy sale this week is the additional 30% off already reduced items at Martin and Osa. Save on affordable, stylish casual wear, accessories and footwear for both men and women. Most of the sale items are available in other color variations and there's ample size availability. Sale ends 11/15. Happy Shopping!

Tassel Hobo Bag $39.95

New York&Company is having a couple of exclusive promotions specially for The Smart Stylist readers! Take 30% off everything or on orders $75 or more! Save on chic, must-have apparel and accessory trends of the season. There absolutely no exceptions on both promotions. It doesn't matter if the item you purchase are on sale or regularly priced. Unfortunately, you can only use one coupon code at a time. But the discounts can be used on current promos New York&Co. is offering. Like right now, outerwear are on sale for 30% off and tops are buy one get one 50% off. To get the 30% off any item, use code: 3887 and for 30% off orders $75 or more, use code: 4130. Happy Shopping!

Don't get me wrong, I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes. You can always find the latest footwear trends in his collection. But this Woodsuede Flat Boots are just a bit to much for me. The strap detail along with the color of the leather looks over-designed and to someone who is not that familiar with designs like this would think that you just added the straps on your boots. Nothing wrong with a d.i.y. shoe project but would you pay $220.00 for something that looks like that?

Planning on doing some shopping this weekend? Whether its for your holiday gift list a much needed retail therapy and self-pampering, I suggest head over Saks and check out their Designer Sale event. Save up to 40% off on select men's and women's apparel, shoes and accessories from top designer brands like Marc Jacobs, D&G, Prada and more.

This a great promotion to shop if you've been eyeing on a pair of designer shoes or a fabulous holiday dress. Items on sale are from this season's collection. Hence, the prices go back to regular selling price on Monday (Nov. 9th). As an added bonus free shipping on orders $150 or more. Use coupon code: SHIPFALL9 on checkout. Happy Shopping!

Following up their apparel launch last month, Piperlime expands their accessory offerings with the addition of jewelry. A collection of chic fashion jewelry by top designers and brands like Marc Jacobs, GS Lillian, House of Harlow and more.

You can tell that each piece was carefully hand-picked and edited by Piperlime stylists and the collection wasn't added just for the sake of having jewelry. I also like that a most of the pieces are under $80! This is yet another fabulous addition by Piperlime. Making it easy for fashionistas when shopping for head-to-toe looks.

This season, sweater dresses are quite the trend for women and sweater coats for men. Sweater coats are basically... a sweater and coat hybrid. A lightweight coat with the stylish layering a sweater can render. I particularly like the cardigan style sweater coats. Just like this one by Richard Chai. Very wearable with casual everyday and spiffed-up, evening looks.

This cashmere bomber cardigan is a smart-investment. The modern yet classic design will never go out of style. So, you should get a lot of mileage from this splurge.

The holiday shopping season has begun! And Nordstrom kicks-off their season with one of it's best sale event of the year, Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids. From Nov. 4th through the 15th, save up to 60% off apparel, shoes, and accessories from top designers and brands. This is perhaps the most shop-worthy sale event Nordstrom has to offer in comparison to previous similar promotions. Overall, there are more brands on sale. Also, you can actually find something you can wear for fall/winter! Unlike, before when 90% off the items on sale are from spring/summer collections. So, jump start your holiday shopping (if you haven't) and check out Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale! Oh, gentlemen don't feel left out. Men's sale starts in a couple of weeks! Happy Shopping

Holiday soirees are just around the corner. And with thousands of dress styles out there, picking the perfect party dress can be time consuming or even frustrating. I selected a few 'head-turning' and 'entrance worthy' styles for your consideration for your next swanky engagement.

• Combo and Sheath Dresses - a combo dress is basically the illusion of having two garments sewed into one. Opting for this saves you time and money in trying to find a top and bottom that works together. Sheath dresses were trendy this past summer and carried on to fall. They are made to emphasis your body. But you don't have to be a size zero to pull off one. Look for banded sheath dresses, this detail will give some added definition to your waist and adds a finished look.

• The Little Black Dress - when in doubt, go black. The classic black dress is undeniably the dress for all seasons. Be a little adventurous and daring by wearing black on black prints with feminine silhouettes.

• The 'Unexpected' Dress - break away from the pack with two-toned, bright colored dresses. Look for silhouettes that are sexy yet elegant.

• Sequin and Lace - dazzle with glitzy sequin dresses and ooze with chic appeal with lace. Just keep in mind what I always say, moderation is key when shopping for these dress styles. Don't go over board. You don't want to look like a disco ball or you're wearing a wedding dress.

• The 'Haute' Dress - edgy, fashion-forward, haute couture dresses will be ever present in every social gatherings this holiday season. If you have the budget, go ahead and splurge!
  

It is scarf season ladies! I guess I can say that being in L.A. we are fortunate enough not to have harsh and bitter cold seasons. Lightweight cold season accessories will do the job of warming us up. These Bambi scarves by TDM are perfect for the season. Made with 100% Bamboo, silk and cotton, their bright colors adds some zing to any look.

Aside from the eco-fabulous designs, TDM works directly with predominantly women-led cottage industries in Nepal to support women weavers and women craftsmanship in the country. Each piece is handmade using the highest quality fibers in order to ensure the ultimate in luxury and to reinforce pride in workmanship. Now, that makes these scarves feel good purchases.