Dazzle your Feet and Your Wallet

I have a new obsession.  It's called ShoeDazzle -- the genius brainchild of, get this, Kim Kardashian.  When it comes to fashion marketing, this girl really does get it. 

Here's how it works.  Remember those "jam-of-the-month" clubs -- this is like that -- except SO much better!  You answer a questionnaire (and by answer, I mean you click on pictures.  See, even that part's easy).  That determines your general fashion tastes.  Then, ShoeDazzle's personal stylists suggest 5 pair of shoes for you every month. You then pick which ones you love and have them sent to you (included in the membership cost:  $39.95/month).  So for those fashionistas who don't have time to hit the stores for great deals, this is perfect.  The bonus is that you don't have to do this every month.  You can choose to "skip this month" between the 1st and the 5th.  If you don't, but don't want to buy, your ShoeDazzle account gets credited so you can use that fee towards another shoe purchase over the next year.

Also note, if you don't love the 5 pairs picked out for you, let them know.  They'll keep trying until they get it right.

If you want to try it out, you will have to give them your credit card info, but you won't be charged until you decide to actually buy a pair of shoes.

Want to see an example of the shoe selection?   Here's my first month, and I love them:

Want to give your favorite fashionistas the hook-up for Christmas?  ShoeDazzle does giftcards, too!  Just purchase however many months you want to give.

Still not sure?  You can also check them out on Facebook to see what people are saying.

Do you use ShoeDazzle?  If so, what do you think of it?  Or if you're just now signing up, what kind of selection did they give you?

Make Your Smile Sparkle (and stock up on stocking stuffers)

Want to get the pearly whites to really glow?  Check out GO SMiLE:  much cheaper than dentist whitening, and supposedly much better than your standard white strips (without the sensitivity issues either). 

The problem -- still not cheap.

That is, unless you get over to Hautelook right now! Why the urgency?  Because Hautelook's sales are temporary, and this one ends tomorrow (Nov. 19) at 10:00 am CST.   That's also only if these products last that long.  Once they sell out, they're gone, and some GO SMiLE items are already sold out.  So sign up and get to stocking stuffing.

Buy this for yourself:

Left:  Go All Out Kit w/Smile Whitening System  $65 (regularly $120)

Right:  Limited Ed. Smile Whitening System  $50 for one, $89 for two (reg. $115 each)

Buy this for your sister *hint* ;)  :

Left:   Go Glam Kit  $18.50 (reg. $39)

Right:  Holiday Travel Kit   $25  (reg. $60)

Buy this for a parent:

Ultrasonic Toothbrush & Lemonade Smile Mini  $45 (reg. $114)

And pick these up for stocking stuffers, friends, or even for yourself :

 FLASHLiTES Touch-Ups Bundle of 4 (7-packs/28 ampoules total)  $16 (reg. $40)

That last one can make 4 gifts for only $4 each!  How sweet is that?

In case you missed it, here's your link!

Weekend Deal (with coupon!)

If you're in need of some good quality and sharp-looking office clothes, Express is one of my favorite places.  And this weekend, they've got a pretty good coupon.  Now through Monday, you can get $30 off any $75 purchase.  Okay, I know $75 only gets you one, maybe two items in that store, but it's a worthy splurge with the coupon.  Bonus:  get an extra 20% off all clearance-items, and I've gotten some good finds in clearance there.

Some items to stock up on:

Their basic tailored, button-up may seem a little pricey if you're used to digging through Target's sale rack, but it's worth the price (with coupons/discounts anyway).  They fit is amazing, and the metal buckle detail on the sleeves is a nice touch.  As they describe it, this shirt is "a feminine take on a timeless office look."  Bonus: they're buy-one-get-one-half-off.

Essential Stretch Long-Sleeve shirt, $39.50 solid colors (various);   $49.50 striped (various colors)  + half-off your 2nd one.

Okay, so I love this next military-inspired shirt, but unfortunately I paid full sticker price for it.  You, however, can get it on sale + 20% off.

 Long-sleeve shirt-jacket (other colors available), Final Price in cart $39.99

And this is just classy, and not a bad price-tag for a great LBD. 

Studio Stretch Sheath Pencil Dress, Final Price in Cart $39.99

Let me know what weekend shopping deals you pick up! 

-BF

Going Vintage: The Cloche

I've had a slight obsession with Cloche Hats ever since I watched Angelina Jolie in Changeling. 

The hat is the epitome of 1920s style, but it can easily carry over to your modern wardrobe.  They're feminine and pretty -- and can easily dress up your jacket on a rainy day to make you feel like a silent film star.  Plus, you can add one to your closet without breaking the bank.

Style tips:  Keep to the more narrow brim.  It's more elegant than the style that re-surged in the 70's.  Also, the classic colors tend to match the style better than the brights, especially in wool felt.  And finally, try to pair your hat with equally feminine pieces.  The cloche hat doesn't really fit in with just a pair of jeans and your comfy, long-sleeve t-shirt.

I found this one while trying not to buy anything during a shopping trip at TJ Maxx. It just happened to be one of those bargains I couldn't pass up.  After all, I'm the Bargain Fashionista.  Note, this picture is from London Fog's website of the hat in black.  My TJ Maxx one is in gray.

(deal of the day) London Fog Felt Cloche Hat with Button in Gray, $15.00 in stores at TJ Maxx (originally priced $44.99)

Forever 21 also has a few cute styles, including one that seems almost straight off the screen from Changeling:

 Right:  Cambridge Cloche in brown (also avail. in black), 100% wool, $11.80

Wool Cloche Hat with Grossgain Ribbon Band in Black, $12.80

Feel like splurging?  Check out Cloche available at Banana Republic.  I love the navy color with the black ribbon detail.

 (Splurge of the Day) Ribbon Cloche Hat in Military Blue, $50.00

If you're extra crafty, you can save even more and customize your own Cloche by crocheting one.  I found several patterns online.  These are a few of my favorites: 

Left: 1950s Star Stitch Knit Cloche with Ribbon

Right: Floral Knit Cloche

I especially love the floral one, though I would like to see it in navy with a creme flower I think (hint, hint my crocheting cousin Kiki  - you know you're my favorite ;-)  )