Swim 2010 - Sweet as Pie & Summer Glam

Have you been daydreaming about relaxing on a beach with a daiquiri in hand, soaking up the summer sun and the salt water?  Or do you want to play poolside or spend the day staring at the crystal waters from aboard a yacht?  No matter how you get your hot weather fix, I'm digging up the swim styles to get you ready.  It's Swim 2010!

The first look is the perfect mix of cute and retro.  You can go with the classic bandeau-style top or the more modern monokini.  It's adorable paired with the pair of brightly-framed sunglasses.  And check out these shades more closely.  They have a tiny cherry print on them!  The yellow wedges blend perfectly in this sweet retro look.  Throw on this loosely fitting dolman-sleeve coverup that's so spot on for this look, even the name of the shade has a food reference: "Orange Spice."

Sweet as Pie

 

Clockwise from Left:

Pear Bandeau Bikini Top (yellow or orange), $19.99  / Matching Brief, $19.99

Cherry Print Sunglasses, $11.99

(Deal of the Day) Pear Print Monokini (yellow or orange), $21.80

Patent Yellow Peep-Toe Wedge, $20.50

Dolman Sleeve Cover-up Top, Reg $29 / Sale $19 (Special: Buy 2 or more coverups, save $4 each)

If you want something a little less cute, and a little sexier, check out this glam look. Big Bonus:  these suits are part of the ShapeFX line, meaning they are FIGURE FLATTERING and help HIDE THOSE TROUBLE SPOTS.  Oh yeah, I thought that was worthy of all caps.  Yet the thing I love most about them, is that they still don't lose their sex appeal.  Check out the corset-style sides and hot pink color (also available in black) of the one-piece. You'd never guess that has a "power-mesh" lining to help hide those few extra pounds.  The cut of that bikini gives you more coverage than many of the season's styles, plus it features the same "power-mesh" lining to flatter your hips and bum.  That's never a bad thing.

With such a sleek look to these suits, add a little bling to your look with some show-off sandals.  I love the ones with the zipper-detail (they're already packed in my suitcase!).   And of course you need a pair of shades that can keep up.  These silver-framed, purple-lensed pair are hard to beat at less than $12.

Summer Glam

 

Clockwise from Top Left: 

Purple-tinted Sunglasses, $11.99

(Splurge) Shape fx one-piece with lace-up side, Pre-season sale $39 / Will be $59

Shape fx flattering traingle bikini, Reg$49 / Sale $29

Gold & Rhinestone flip-flop, $14

Flat Sandal with Zipper Detail (gold, black, or silver). $15.40

If you want more figure flattering looks, check out the ShapeFX line at Newport News...just pick them up while they're still on pre-season sale. 

Finally, take a look at this awesome and unusual Octopus Necklace over at Modcloth!  Only $14.99.

So, what's your swim style? And stay tuned, there's plenty more of Swim 2010 to come!

--  <3 BF

***Today's Coupon Codes:
Urbanog.com:  15% off order w/code RETAILMENOT, or Free Shipping over $50 with code FREESHIP
Gojane.com: Free Shipping over $50 with code GJSHIP50
ModCloth.com: 10% off order with codes Cute10 or modfriend (not positive these still work)

Create Your Own Fashion Inspiration

Remember those little paper-doll books you could buy when you were little.  They had the little tabs on the side and you could mix and match outfit pieces to stick on a posed paper model.  Now there's a digital version - perfect for grown ups (they have kids styles too, though -- and even guys clothes).  And you can search for everything from under 25 to costly couture that you only dream of purchasing.  It's called ShopStyle ...and a word or warning:  it's addictive.

It's easy to figure out.  You can search for different pieces of your outfit: dresses, tops, denim, jewelry, shoes, even hair accessories and makeup...plus many more.  You can even narrow it down by price, color, designer, etc.  It's a large collection with many, many different designers.  When you find something you like, hover your cursor over it and the menu will pop up.  Favorite it by clicking the heart.  That will put it in your stylebook.  Then you just click on "Create a Look" and simply drag your items to the blank canvas.  When you're done, you can save it, title it, and share it with the rest of ShopStyle, Facebook, Twitter, or wherever.

The best part, if other people like your look, they don't have to search all over the place for it.  All you have to do is click on the elements you want, and ShopStyle redirects you to whatever online store has it.

These are a few of the looks I put together today, and nothing in them is over $25! 



So head on over and make sure to add your looks to the Bargain Fashionistas group!  I can't wait to see what you all create.


Are you addicted yet?

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.)

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Online

Hey fashionistas - it's Dec. 15, and that means Christmas is around the corner.  That also means that shipping rates for most places are going up in order to get your gifts there on time.  Ouch!  Don't worry, your BF is here to help, and give you a reason to feel good about yourself (see end of blog). 

Kohls.com is still guaranteeing shipping by Dec. 24th via Standard Ground on orders placed by Dec. 17.  (before 11pm EST / 10pm CST).  And I have another lovely surprise for you.  If you use your Kohl's card , enter the code CHRISTMAS30 at checkout, and you'll get an additional 30% off (plus I hear free shipping on orders over $50)!

Here's the deal I picked up for a gift -

Black Satin & White Ruffled Dress, Originally $68/ Sale $30.60

Price with Code $21.42

Another bonus - $10 is Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend.  Still looking for some hot gift ideas?  Reach new heights with high-heel boots, or get comfy-cute with flats:

Left:  High-heel Suede Boots in Black, Originally $99.99/ Sale $49.99

Price with Code $34.99

Right:  Buckled Leather Flats in Black, Originally $64.99/ Sale $30.97

Price with Code $21.58

And here's a perfect steal for your mom, grandma, sister -- or any other classy lady in your life:

(Deal of the Day) Freshwater Pearl Bracelets with Gray/Black Accents or Brown Accents, Set of 3

Originally $70/ Sale $17.50/ Price with Code $12.25

Buy any of these items through the links I supplied, and you're also giving back.  Why?  Because each purchase made will donate some of that cash back to charity. 

Merry Christmas Shopping, Fashionistas!

-BF

Think Pink

The Bargain Fashionista is back after a much needed vacation (which I'm still technicall on) - and this post, I've got some very special shopping for you.  Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've dug up some of the cutest clothes and accessories that will also show your support for the fight against breast cancer. 

The Susan G. Komen store has some of the most creative buys, with 25% of the purchase price going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  My favorite is the wrap bracelet featuring the Komen logo, and has the inspirational reminder: "Know your risk; Get screened; Know what is normal for you; Make healthy lifestyle chocies."

Susan G. Koman Leather Wrap Bracelet in Black or Pink, $20

There's also a good selection of t-shirts that go beyond the basic pink ribbon style.  Of course, they have those too if you're looking for something a little more simple.  Some of the most creative:

Left to Right:  (Deal of the Day!) Empowerment tee, $15

Ignite Change tee, $22;  Imagine tee, $22

Want to show off your funny side?  Shop "Save the Tatas" for a little humor meets inspiration.  Fitting that their slogan is "laughter heals." I love the bumper magnets, but being a fashion blog, I'll show off a few of their tees instead.  (5% of all sales go to support breast cancer research and awareness through the Save the Tatas Foundation.)

Top:  Long-Sleeve Classic Logo Tee in Pink, $29.95

Bottom:  Short-Sleeve Classic Logo Tee in Black, $24.95

You can also show off exactly what kind of tatas you have with their "Cowgirl Tatas", "Rocking Tatas", "Pirate Tatas" and other humorous styles.  Check out their website for more.

My final find of the day:  The "I'm Tired Of..." line of bracelets.  You can choose which cause you want to support from hunger, to discrimination, to, of course, breast cancer.  They cost $10, but $5 of that goes to the cause you want to support.  Not only are you helping a good cause, they're environmentally friendly.  Bracelets are made from recycled tires and recycled metal.  

"i'm tired of breast cancer" Bracelet, $10

Are you shopping pink for anyone special this year? 

Keeping Snug - Part 3: Going Military

The Military Jacket:  Another hot look that's constantly being re-invented.  Go for a tailored-fit to give off a perfect combination of strength and femininity.  And for a real on-trend look, pick up this season's marching band-inspired looks: 

(Left) Splurge on this Castle Peak Jacket in navy by BB Dakota for $62.00 or get the look for less (Right) with the Ribbon-Trim Military Jacket by Newport News for $29.00-32.00

Get mad for plaid with this Plaid Double Breasted Jacket for $24.99 at Charlotte Russe.

Go corduroy or cropped with these mock-neck looks.  Left: Brown Corduroy Jacket with front Pockets, $26.99

Right: Cropped Double-Breasted Jacket in Black, $19.99.  Both from Charlotte Russe

What kind of Military Jacket fits your style?

Keeping Snug, Part 2: The Trench

The Trench Coat: Continuing on my theme of jackets for Under30, today we're venturing into the land of the Trench.  It's a classic style, and belted trenches give a lovely silhouette.  Luckily trenches come in all price ranges.  A good trench can also carry you through pretty much any style function - casual, business, dressy.

Here's some of my best finds:

 Self-esteem Belted Trench with contrast lining and belt.  I love the collar shape and buttons on this one.  White w/plaid or Black with zebra.  On sale for $21.99.  Also available in grey.

Braeten faux-silk Trench in Sage Green.  Has a straight fit and water-repellant finish.  Sale price:  $29.99

Splurge of the Day:

Left: Holly Golightly Trench in White, $69.00

Right: Belted Python Print Trench, $69.99

Find any other hot deals on Trench Coats?  Leave me a comment, sent me a twitter @bargainfashion , or email me bargainfashionista at yahoo dot com.

Keeping Snug - Part 1: The Bomber

It's that time of year again.  The leaves will soon be changing colors and brightening the landscape.  The scents of pumpkin and apple spice fill many kitchens.  And fashionistas are hitting the stores looking for this year's on-trend coats.  It's my favorite time of year, but not my wallet's favorite. Outerwear doesn't come cheap.

But I've done some pre-season digging and found some of this year's best styles all for under $30.00!

The Bomber Jacket:  This is one of my favorites this season.  It's very Amelia Earhart, and a nice change if you don't always love the feminine cut.  It's also a very popular style this year as many of the ones I found for Under30 are selling out quickly.  Check out these:

Xhiliration Bomber Jacket in Dark Brown or Hooded Bomber in Toffee.  The toffee sans hood has already sold out.  Also available in Plum.  All 3 are $29.99 each

Deal of the Day: Miley Cyrus & Max Azria Bomber Jacket in Crimson or Gray.  $20.00

Brighten things up with the textured stripe Bomber in Honey, or go scholastic with a tweed Bomber in Brown.  Your choice at $24.99 from Charlotte Russe.

Splurge:  The Southpaw Jacket by Hurley in Olive Green.  Has faux-fur lined hood.  $74.00 at Lulus.com

So do you think the bomber is here to stay?  (It's certainly selling out this year).

More great styles to come.  Keep an eye out.