By
Kori Ellis
Monday, September 28, 2009, 05:21 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
Dresses are so easy to wear, it's no wonder why women are moving away from slacks and suits and once again embracing the dress. Today, we have some hot deals on cool dresses that really add some versatility to your wardrobe.
THE STYLES:
The Wrap Dress
Designer Diane von Furstenberg brought the wrap dress into fashion decades ago and it's never left. This figure flattering style is perfect for women of all ages. Even if you don't have the cash to buy a designer dress doesn't mean you can't get into this style. You can buy this Merona Collection Knit Wrap Dress for $14.98 right now at Target. The brown color is perfect for fall!
The Maxi Dress
A few years ago, Angelina Jolie put on a maxi dress while she was pregnant and the trend took off. Women around the globe have been wearing them ever since. These breezy dresses come in bold colors and fun prints. You can wear them just about anywhere. In the cooler months, add a shrug to cover your shoulder. This In the Swing Textured Leaf Printed Maxi Dress is only $29.99 at Nine West - that's 79% off the regular price!
The Sweater Dress
For fall, every woman should have a sweater dress. These dresses come in gorgeous knits and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For the office, pick a sweater dress in a neutral color. On the weekends, get bold with bright colors and funky patterns. This Calvin Klein cowl neck sweater dress is 60% off in plus sizes.
THE COLORS:
Colorblocking
Colorblocked dresses came into fashion again last year and it looks like they are here to stay. When choosing a colorblocked dress, pick one with the darker color in the area of your body that you want to minimize. This
RXB Colorblocked Batik Print Maxi Dress is on sale right now at Macy's at 50% off. The gorgeous colors are perfect to transition into fall.
Graphic Prints
Abstract, graphic prints give your wardrobe a modern look. Now at Calvin Klein, you can get this Graphic Print Drop Waist Dress on sale at 70% off. It features a sleeveless style that can be worn all year round. In the summertime, pair it with flat sandals. In the fall, add a cropped cardigan and your favorite pumps. Hurry to Calvin Klein to take advantage of this deal - it's only $41.40 right now.
The Little Black Dress
You can't go wrong with a little black dress. Every woman should have an LBD or two that she can wear just about anywhere. This Ronni Nicole Sleeveless V-Neck Shutter Pleat Dress is 64% Off at Carson Pirie Scott. Priced at just $41.99, this dress features a sexy v-neckline and pretty ruffled pleats. This dress is perfect for a party or evening out on the town.
-- Kori
Image: istockphoto
By
Kori Ellis
Friday, September 25, 2009, 06:20 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
With current state of the economy, everyone is looking to save a buck or two wherever they can. I know that I'm always on the lookout for ways to save on beauty products. After all, we all still want to look fabulous, right? One of the ways that you can really save is Beautyfix. Five lucky CheapToday Fans will be randomly selected to receive a FREE Beautyfix kit. That's right -- five of you will win this quarter's Beautyfix for FREE!
If you don't know how Beautyfix works, but here's the scoop... With your Beautyfix quarterly subscription, you get a selection amazing products each season for just $49.99 (retail value is several hundred dollars). In this quarter's Beautyfix you receive nine of the following 12 products, all packed in a fabulous makeup bag. With your subscription, you also get a $25 glow.com gift card for sharing your opinion, tips from top industry professionals and rewards for referring other beauty lovers.
- pur~lisse pur~lip comfort
- Cures by Avance Age Defyer Eye
- Degree Women Body Mist
- Decleor Instant Radiance Moisturizer
- Spa Ritual Nail Laquer (one of two colors)
- Spa Ritual Instinctual Moisturizing Lotion
- me! Bath Shower Sherbet
- Juara Tamarand Tea Toner
- Bliss The Youth As We Know It Concentrate
- Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray
- me! Bath Ice Cream
- iQ Derma Firmaceuticals Firming Body Gel
Though Beautyfix is very affordable to join, today I'm giving you a chance to win this quarter's Beautyfix for FREE!
These amazing beauty products are all tested and hand-selected by a group of industry experts (I’m on the panel, so I can definitely vouch for them).
For this giveaway, five lucky CheapToday readers will be randomly selected to receive the Beautyfix kit. That's right -- five of you will win this quarter's Beautyfix for FREE!
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post and answer the following question:
How did you hear about great deals at your favorite stores BEFORE CheapToday?
A) From my friends
B) From visiting the store
C) From the store's web site
D) Newspapers
E) Other?
With your comment answering the question, you will be automatically entered into the contest, which ends on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 3:00pm CT. The five random winners will be notified via email.
This giveaway is now over. The randomly selected winners are:
Leslie Deel
Lisa G
Cassandra James
Sara Thompson
Shari D
This winners will be contact via email and sent their Beautyfix.
-- Kori
By
Kori Ellis
Monday, September 21, 2009, 05:06 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
As we transition into fall, keep an eye out for hot deals on warm, cozy jackets. When stores continue to usher in more and more fall and winter inventory, jackets and coats go on sale at discounted prices. Today let's look at five fabulous jacket styles that could find their way into your fall wardrobe.
Fleece Jacket
The fleece jacket is a fall and winter essential. It's perfect for casual wear and can top your favorite jeans or workout pants. At REI, this Marmot Furnace Fleece Jacket is on sale for 53% off. Discounted to just $39.93, it's an affordable way to warm up on a cool fall morning. There's also several terrific colors to choose from.
Pea Coat
The pea coat is a classic silhouette that is ideal for fall. However, this particular swing pea coat offers a different twist on the traditional style. This coat features 3/4-length sleeves and a cropped fit for a more trendy look. Available in sizes XS through L, this coat is now half-off at Calvin Klein, priced at only $74.00.
Scuba Coat
Leather (and faux leather) scuba coats, bomber jackets and motorcycle jackets offer an edgy appeal for that rocker-chic look. The Big Chill faux-leather scuba coat provides all the style you are looking for at a bargain price. At just $49.99, this coat is a fabulous bargain at Carson Pirie Scott.
Sweater Jacket
A sweater jacket is comfy and warm. Look for these types of jackets in wool and other knits. This Mossimo Black tuck stitch sweater jacket is a deal you shouldn't pass up. At just $8.74 at Target, this cozy jacket is the definition of cheap-chic.
Hoodie
Hooded jackets are terrific for weekend wear. Slip one on over a tank top and jeans, and you'll be out the door in no time at all. This coral striped Mossimo hooded jacket is just $8.04 at Target, while this hooded linen sweater is 70% off at Calvin Klein.
-- Kori
Image: istockphoto
By
Kori Ellis
Friday, September 18, 2009, 06:51 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
We're thinking about expanding the stores we cover for handbags &
we'd like your feedback. In the comment
section at the bottom of the page, tell us which handbag designers
& stores you prefer for handbags. As our way of saying THANKS to the CheapToday community for your feedback, we'll be selecting one comment at
random and award that person a FREE Stephanie Johnson Karen
Tote.
This blue raffia bag features tan faux-snakeskin trim and a PVC lining. This large tote is perfect for an afternoon of shopping, overnight trips or just hanging out with your girlfriends.
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment BELOW and tell us about your FAVORITE handbag designer, brand or place to shop. Include your email address in your comment below so we can contact you if you are
selected. Your comment with email address will automatically make you eligible to will the Stephanie Johnson bag.
On Monday, September 21, 2009 at 3:00pm CT, we will select one random winner from all the comments to win the prize. The contest is open to US and Canadian residents only!
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT THAT YOU ENTER BELOW so we can contact you if you win! WE DO NOT PUBLISH YOUR COMMENTS OR EMAIL ADDRESS in order to protect your privacy and will ONLY use your email address to contact you if you win. Simply put, we're interested in your opinions and want to say THANKS! for being part of the CheapToday community!
Good luck! Come back to the CheapToday Especially for Women blog soon for more shopping tips, bargain deals and giveaways!
Update: This giveaway is now over. The winner is Chastidy who commented:
I love my Coach Bag :)
Chastidy will be contacted via email and the bag shipped to her.
Check back on Friday for another giveaway from CheapToday!
-- Kori
By
Kori Ellis
Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 05:52 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
As you probably know, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is kicking off in New York as they usher in the Spring 2010 collections from some of the world's best designers. Though it might seem crazy that the spring fashions are already here when we having even officially hit fall yet, the fashion world is always a step or two ahead.
Today, we'll talk about how to incorporate high-fashion looks into your wardrobe without spending a small fortune. The keys are being in tune with the trends and shopping smart to find the best deals.
Ruffles
Nothing says glamour like ruffles. From ruffled romantic tops and ruffled sheath dresses to ruffled handbags and ruffled shoes, you'll find everything and anything accented with ruffles. Right now you can get this Cha Cha Vente ruffled halter dress for just $39.99 at Macy's. This pretty pink dress will certainly garner some attention. This Canyon River rufffle sleeves top is also a pretty choice at just $10.79 at Sears.
Metallics
Glam up your look with metallics. From shiny silver earrings to metallic leather apparel, you'll love the glitzy metallic look. Right now, you can snag this metallic leather jacket at 70% off from Calvin Klein. Originally $398.00, this lambskin jacket is now just $119.40.
Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds are a girl's best friend but you don't have spend a bundle on them. A simple pair of diamond stud earrings or a basic diamond bracelet will do. This 1/2 carat diamond and sterling silver bracelet is just $55.00 at Walmart. If you want a big diamond and can't afford it, look for cubic zirconia jewelry - no one will know the difference!
Gorgeous Gowns
Even if you aren't invited to sit in the first row at Fashion Week or to walk the red carpet at the latest movie premiere, that doesn't mean you can't dress the part. Next time you are invited out to an evening event, go all out with a gorgeous gown. This beautiful East 5th halter dress is a hot choice with its lace-up back and princess seams. This sexy dress is marked down from $150.00 to just $49.99 at JC Penney.
-- Kori
Image: istockphoto
By
Kori Ellis
Friday, September 11, 2009, 06:20 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
At CheapToday, we're interested in your opinions and want to say THANKS! for being part of the CheapToday community. To that end, we've got an exciting new feature for you: CheapToday TGIF Giveaway.
Handbags can be expensive. That's why here at CheapToday, we are giving you an opportunity to win this adorable Kate Spade tote for free!
The Kate Spade Nagshead Kei tote, which retails for $195, features a gold jellyfish print on clear PVC. It has a handle at the top and 14k light gold-plated hardware. This large tote is big enough to carry all your necessities.
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment BELOW and tell us about your FAVORITE place to shop for handbags.
Tell us the name of the store or brand and also why you think they are great. Your comment will automatically enter you into the contest to win the Kate Spade bag.
On Monday, September 14, 2009 at 3:00pm CT, we will select one random winner from all the comments to win the prize. The contest is open to US and Canadian residents only!
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT THAT YOU ENTER BELOW, so we can contact you if you win! WE DO NOT PUBLISH YOUR COMMENTS OR EMAIL ADDRESS in order to protect your privacy and will ONLY use your email address to contact you if you win. Simply put, we're interested in your opinions and want to say THANKS! for being part of the CheapToday community!
Good luck! Come back to the CheapToday Especially for Women blog soon for more shopping tips, bargain deals and giveaways!
Update: This giveaway is now over. The winner is Sarah M. who commented:
I love to shop for handbags at discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. They often have great deals on designer bags I might not be about to afford otherwise.
Sarah will be contacted via email and the bag shipped to her.
Check back on Friday for another giveaway from CheapToday!
-- Kori
By
Kori Ellis
Tuesday, September 08, 2009, 03:09 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
Fashion jewelry is an inexpensive way to update your look without spending a small fortune. There is some jewelry you should splurge on, like a classic strand of pearls, diamond stud earrings and of course, your engagement ring. But for fun, everyday jewelry, there's no reason to break the bank. Instead select pretty, colorful, affordable pieces that you can mix and match with your wardrobe.
Right now, you can get these sterling silver pink sapphire heart earrings for just $21.00 at Walmart. These earrings are perfect for that "girly girl" look. For something with vintage appeal, check out these Erickson Beamon for Target rose and chain earrings for just under $7.00.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but they shouldn't put you in debt.You can get this 1/2 carat diamond silver bracelet for just $55.00 at Walmart.
Bold and beautiful, this 14k gold plated cuff is really dramatic. And the best part about it? This cuff bracelet is just $29.99 at Banana Republic. It features an interlocking petal design for some texture.
If you are looking for a gift for a friend, this single heart charm bracelet is a cute option. This sterling silver bracelet is $110 off at Sears.
This fall, look for fashion jewelry in sophisticated colors such as chocolate brown, deep plum and dark burgundy. Find pieces that fit your personality and the occasion.
For more casual affairs, wear chunky beaded jewelry in bold shades. For the office, stick to simple jewelry such as drop earrings or a thin chain and dainty pendant.
For a special night out, experiment with bold cuffs, statement necklaces and large cocktail rings. Also: don't overlook thrift shops and estate sales, where you can often find jewelry treasures at bargain prices.
-- Kori
Image: sxc.hu
By
Kori Ellis
Thursday, September 03, 2009, 05:35 AM
Category:
Especially for Women
If you are trying to build your wardrobe on a budget, one of the best ways is through handbags and other accessories. A different handbag can completely change the look of your outfit.
Today, let's talk about some hot deals on cool handbags. These five essential handbag styles can go a long way in your wardrobe.
Patent Leather Handbag
A glossy patent leather bag can add a touch of shine to any outfit. Choose a neutral color such as black or taupe, if you are using it as your everyday bag. This crinkled patent leather bag from Calvin Klein is available for 50% off. It offers a classic shape that is perfect for work but it's also trendy enough for weekend wear.
Eco-Friendly Tote
When they ask, "Paper or plastic?" at the grocery store, you should say "Neither." Instead, bring along a canvas tote bag or two to carry your groceries. You can find these tote bags in all shapes and sizes - most carry two to four times more than your average plastic bag. Right now, you can get this Flower Child Eco Tote at Target for just $4.98. This purple tote bag offers a stylish way to be eco-conscious.
Croc-Embossed Bag
Exotic skin handbags are extremely hot right now but that doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune on an authentic python or crocodile handbag. Instead, grab a croc-embossed bag in a bold color to jazz up your wardrobe. This Relic Regina shoulder bag is just $26.40 at Kohl's. This faux-croc bag comes in a gorgeous red shade that will add a splash of color to any ensemble.
Slouchy Hobo Bag
A roomy hobo is the perfect carry-all bag. It's ideal for casual wear. You can find hobos in every fabric and size imaginable. Slouchy suede hobos are great for fall and they match up well with jeans and boots. A more structured hobo can also be a versatile part of your wardrobe, as you can carry it for almost any occasion. This Dana Buchman woven hobo is 60% off at Kohl's, while this snake-print hobo by Mossimo is available for only $8.74 at Target.
Evening Clutch
For nights out on the town, you need a clutch. Pick a bag that is small but not so tiny that it doesn't hold anything. You want to be able to at least carry a small wallet, lipstick and your cell phone. Get the shiny Luxe Noir Bling clutch for just $10 at Sephora, while Kmart offers the Butler Essentials faux animal skin clutch for just $10 too!
Even if you don't spring for a designer handbag, you can really change your look by picking up these affordable bags. Stick with neutral colors and classic shapes if you don't have many handbags. They will be versatile pieces that can mix and match with almost anything in your closet. Once you have your staples, you can start experimenting with colors, textures and fabrics.
Happy shopping!
-Kori
Image: istockphoto