Summer Lovin'

I don't know about you, but all this winter weather has made me long for some sandals and summer dress temperatures.   And luckily, TJ Maxx has some deals to start stocking up.

This is my favorite buy of the day.  It's a Calvin Klein dress for half price!  This is really one of those you have to try it on to love it dresses, but the bright strokes of blues and yellow instantly bring sunny summer days to mind.

Calvin Klein Strapless "Watercolor" Dress, Reg. at least $100/ TJ Maxx $49.95

Note to "Mad Men" lovers - TJ Maxx has several CK 60's-styled dresses that seem to have been pulled straight from the small screen - and all under $50!

Need a sexy LBD for those summer parties?  Here's a great deal I discovered in the clearance racks.  Check out the on-trend pearl/jeweled neckline!

Ribbon-tie, halter dress with pearl/jewel/sequin "necklace" neckline, TJ Maxx Clearance $15

You can't be beach ready without an amazing bathing suit coverup.  And this turquoise knit dress by Vertigo is the perfect choice.  It even has two little square pockets on the front that are perfect size to keep your i.d.s and cash in so you don't have to lug the beach bag everywhere. (Except of course for your sunscreen.  Sadly, there's no place for that in this dress).  Or put it over a simple short white cotton dress and be bohemian-chic for a cafe lunch.    Plus, the clearance price on this makes this the Deal of the Day.

Deal of the Day:  Vertigo Knit Dress in Turqoise. Suggested Retail Price $185/ TJ Maxx Clearance $23! 

And while you're preparing for those hot temperatures to come, you need some equally hot sandals.  Hello Nine West!

Splurge of the Day:  Nine West Bejeweled Sandals, Retail $75/ TJ Maxx $39.95

Summer, here I come!

(Note:  All of these deals were found in store at the TJ Maxx in Murfreesboro, TN.)

Christmas Countdown

Alright procrastinators (myself included), we're getting down the wire.  Hopefully  your online shopping is all done, but if not, I have some good news for you later in this post.

First, I wanted to share today's Deal of the Day that I found in stores.  At the price listed, you might as well add one to your closet, and wrap one up for a friend.

Mossimo Moto Jacket in Brown or Gray (my fave), Originally $29.99/ Sale $14.98!

Told you that was a killer price.  No luck for you online shoppers though -- I've only been able to find this in stores (particularly at the Target in Murfreesboro.)  And you better act fast.  At this price, most of those are probably already gone.

For anyone still trying to buy online without spending a fortune, here's the good news. Tomorrow is also Free Shipping day, so expect to see shipping deals at over 600 online retailers with guarantees on Christmas delivery.

Steve Madden - Free Express Shipping thru Dec. 21 at 11:59 EST + 25% off orders of $75 or more with code COUNTDOWN25
Amazon.com -  Super Saver Shipping ends tomorrow (Dec. 17).  Order by then and you get Free Shipping on orders over $25.
Sears - $5 off $50 with code SEARS5OFF + Free Shipping thru Dec. 19

Bonus: Use my links and part of your purchase proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For more free shippning deals and coupon codes to your favorite stores, check out Cybermonday.com and RetailMeNot.com

Merry Christmas Shopping!

-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 ;-)  )

Mad Men

This time,I hit the store to find some great buys instead of digging online. And right now is a great time to do so. Kohl's has several racks full of clearance clothes, including a lot of dresses for Under10. But first --

Favorite Find:  This mock-layered dress is too cute. It's belted with a short turtleneck. The a-line cut is flattering to pretty much anyone, and the whole thing reminds me a little of the fashion in "Mad Men." I paired it with this layered necklace by Candie's.  This dress, normally $58, is on sale for $37.70.  The necklace was about $12.00.  (Note:  I can't find either of these online.  If you can, please link me.)

If you're willing to spend a little more, pick up these black, oxford-style heels by UnionBay.  They're only $24.99 right now, and they go great with a lot of fall/winter styles.

 

Keep warm this fall/winter with this cable-knit sweater dress.  It comes in six colors, but my eye was on the teal.  I layered it over a long-sleeve gray shirt (check the Back to the Basics sale for a good deal on those).  I also added a white belt Simply Vera by Vera Wang.  It was less than $10 on clearance.  The dress is $27.99, but if you order it online right now, enter the code HOMECOMING at checkout and you'll save an extra %20!  Works well over a pair of tights or leggings, too. 

Want to accessorize?  This white, beaded cuff bracelet and matching necklace contrast great against the teal, and match the belt.  Best of all, they're less than $5.00 each!  That's your dress, belt and jewelry for less than $50 (cheaper if you order the dress online).

Best buy of the day:  This empire-waist dress was $8.90!  Hold onto it for your New Year's parties.  Like the other clearance items, you'll have to hit the stores for this one.  The layered-necklace is also available for less than $10.00 I believe.

Three great deals today.  I'll keep an eye out on the "Mad Men" dress for any more price reductions.  If you like the last one, I recommend going to your nearest Kohl's as soon as possible.  Note: all of these styles were found in the Murfreesboro, TN, Kohl's.

And now I leave you with this (I think I'm in love)--

Splurge of the Day: 

Gray faux-suede, calf-high boots with a bow accent.  $49.99 online (down from $79.99) Also available in black or brown.