Shopping Bag Hags by CouponWinner.com

Do you have trouble finding cohesion in your seasonal wardrobe? Whenever I switch seasons, now from fall to winter, I feel like my accessories drawer is just bursting with gloves, scarves, and jewelry, and I don't know what to do with them! Here are a few of my matching looks that never let me down.

Long Gloves, Cropped Sleeves: Do you have a pair of long leather gloves or even black satin opera gloves? Don't forget that you can easily pair any of your cropped or even bracelet-length sleeve jackets with a pair of your longer gloves. If you do fur, faux or otherwise, it looks really cute when peeking out from underneath your sleeves.

Layered Pendants: Grab one, grab two, no grab three of your favorite pendants and layer them on top of a super simple silk shift! The more basic, the better--your jewelry should take center stage. If you are trying to find the perfect necklace, this a good substitute in the interim.

Sweet Tunics and Shifts: Are you on the hunt for the perfect belted tunic or sashed top? Consider playing around with all your leather belts and making one yourself! I often forget that leather belts look amazing with tunics and shifts, but this is an easy way to dress up an outfit.

Knee-High Boots and Socks: Don't forget to match up your knee-high socks with knee-high boots, and let the tops peek out for a little flair. I like layering two pairs under my boots, only when I can actually zip them up afterward! Try layering ribbed neutrals or brights over each other.

Vests: Vests really never go out of style, but when they're hanging up in your closet, they are pretty easy to forget about. Push yourself to try to wear at least one vest a year.

Do you have any favorite matching ensembles?

Stumped on where to shop? I'm sharing my favorite places du jour to grab the bargains and get on with life. Here's where I've been shopping lately, both in-person and online.

Silhouettes: Need a place to find size wide knee-high and ankle boots? I've always been partial to Silhouettes' boots and shoes, which include suede and leather numbers in leather and manmade materials. I love all their buckle additions this season, and I can't wait to slip on a pair with tights.

Victoria's Secret: Victoria's Secret is doing some great promotions right now for both in-store and online destinations. You can print off free panty coupons on their site that you can bring in-store to score one without an additional purchase, and you can also check out their clearance site to stack plenty of codes and get a great deal online.

Piperlime: You can't beat their seasonal selections, which include bright-colored suede and "stylist picks." You will love their sales--and their shipping deals--and I'm confident that they offer some of the very best prices around for designer footwear. Do you like Piperlime?

Delias: Just because a shop is aimed at junior's doesn't mean only juniors can shop there! I love picking up a few trendy teen pieces like a simple coin purse, scarf, or a pair of funky socks, because it adds a touch of trend to otherwise basic items. Summer sandals, winter boots, and gloves for casual outings are all good picks.

Ny & Co: Pick up sophisticated pieces from NY & Co., and don't forget to check for sales! I have had a lot of luck with sales and discounts over there as well, and you will, too, if you know where to look. I recommend swinging by here first, and then their main site to see any just-launched promos.

Are you the type who only wears one or two colors? I used to have this problem, but now I've been branching out a lot more. If you need to branch out a little this fall, here are some new colors to test out a daring new palette:

1. Mustard Yellow: This is one of my favorite colors, one that I love love love! You might not reach for this kind of color, but I guarantee you that you'll adore it. Mustard yellow is awesome with forest green, colorful prints, and chocolate brown, and it also flatters heavy metals and other thick accessories.

2. Grape Purple: Need something that flatters deep brown leather? I love a good grape purple, and it matches well with rich fabrics like brocade and appliquéd velvet. Wintertime fabrics are great for coziness and comfort, and a rich purple sets off textured materials so well.

3. Chocolate Brown: Chocolate brown is an easy one when it comes to leather and suede, but what about other brown fabrics? Wool and cashmere are excellent things to find in a cool chocolate color, and they make an excellent background to highlight items like silk scarves and other accessories.

5. Bright Orange: Yikes! Do you dare rock bright orange? This amazing hue is a sure-fire combination with other juicy citrus colors, as well as with some of the colors above--especially chocolate brown and grape-y purple. Will you branch out and work in some bright orange this fall?

Do you have trouble finding the perfect pieces to flatter your personality? It's not easy to pick up great pieces to complement your personal taste, especially on a budget, but these special tips make things a lot easier for even those with a super-tight budget. Have a peek and see which ones will work for you!

1. You browse with an open mind--and a list. When I can only afford a few pieces for the season, I make a detailed list of exactly what it is I need to buy. From list items like "black sweater" and "plaid shirt," I create a list of everything I like online that fits that category--and the price after coupon codes, discounts, and gift cards. If I have a lot of trouble choosing from each of the items on my list, I print off the pics of my top five, shuffle them, and choose one. This is great when each piece is awesome, and they all suit you--leave it up to fate.

2. You recycle all your accessories and jewelry from season to season. Buying new, trendy jewelry can be a waste of money--and it definitely doesn't flatter your personality! Instead, why not embrace jewelry that really shows off your taste? Classic jewelry isn't always boring--you can find pieces studded with semi-precious jewels, and it's easy to source exciting pieces with a more mystical, Eastern vibe, or an arthouse feel, for example.

3. You compromise. You need a basic black skirt, and a dress, for example, but you still want to make it yours. The compromise? Find a black dress that can be tucked in on itself and folded down as a skirt! All you do is wear the bottom half of the dress as a skirt, firmly belted, and then layer a long-sleeved shirt or a tunic up top. You create a two looks in one--quite easily, too--and you look stunning when you combine your favorite accessories and stockings for personal flair. I have been raiding the collections over at We Love Colors, which are really gorgeous, bright, and fun--they even have plus sizes!

4. You build off of looks you've seen before. It can be really challenging to style your own look when you have to kick things off from scratch. Just because we love fashion doesn't mean we are pro stylists, so have a look through current seasonal magazines and see what floats your boat, and then make it yours with tiny additions to change the fit and look for your outfit of choice. If you are doing this for the first time, you may want to use a catalog for inspiration, which are usually more "doable" from an everyday perspective.
 
5. You are able to compromise between statement pieces and classic pieces. Sometimes, it's hard to pick the perfect statement piece when you need to invest in classics--look for items with trendy details that can be changed from season to season, like bright buttons and sashes.

How do you make your outfit look trendier, and let your personality shine through?

Have you been hunting out steals for the season? I have had an amazing time shopping clearance, discounts, and applying a variety of coupon codes, and I've been averaging a savings of around 54%! I've even done better at select moments, but 50% isn't bad for just about everything I've bought this season, including non-fashion items.

Here are just a few of the deals I've scored this season--I hope you'll be inspired to do some of the same!

*Macy's: Macy's has certain events in which they give out free gift cards of $10 or more. I caught wind of a deal and went into Macy's this past weekend, where I got a $10 off gift card just for walking into the door. This can even be used on clearance, so it's a smart thing to grab if you have the chance. It's the only non-internet deal I did, but it's worth it.

*JCPenney: JCPenney often has good codes available for a percentage off or a dollar amount off your purchase, and they are currently offering a $10 off code off of a $10+ purchase. It doesn't get much better than that, does it? I scored a great piece on sale, and had it shipped to the store to save an extra dollar.

*Payless: Keep Payless under your radar if you like surprise promotions! They recently had a one-day sale that featured 50% off your purchase, and it was super-easy to buy from them and save. Some people I know got shoes for their whole families, and why not? Payless has really been stepping it up in the design department.

*6.pm: Talk about a fashionable treasure trove. Just in the past 30 days, I have seen Nine West boots go on sale from over $100 to $19.95, and gorgeous summertime slip-ons get slashed to prices below $4. Since 6.pm offers a flat shipping price no matter how many shoes you order, it's worth checking them out.

*Cheryl & Co: Did you know that if you purchase goodies from Cheryl & Co or Fannie May, you'll get a great savings code that you can apply on further purchases? If you are mixing every woman's two great loves, candies and fashion, into a gift basket, you might want to look this up. I have noticed multiple items on sale at Cheryl & Co., and that includes those really tasty cookie towers.

I pride myself in being a smart shopper, but you know what? A lot of my smart shopping techniques were picked up from my own mistakes--or my friends' mistakes. Have a look at what I've done in the past, so you can avoid committing these errors like I did.

1. You shop because there's a sale. Nooo! This is a rookie error, but a huge one. Don't shop at every store with clearance deals and sale pricing--you'll break your budget faster than you can press "place order." Instead, make a run-down of your favorite shops, and make it a point to swing by each one on a regular basis. When something looks really hot, you strike--but only after thinking about it for a while.

2. You think too much about what others think about your fashion. If you dress for others, I've learned, you will end up looking weird. Instead, why not flatter yourself with pieces that you love and make your own--and that blend in with what you already have in your closet? There's nothing more awkward than adding a trendy piece into rotation that clashes with everything else you have.

3. You over-accessorize. This can be a problem particularly in winter, when you are already piling on the jackets, vest, sweaters, and scarves like nobody's business. Toss these pieces aside and go for something that you really love--something with pizazz--and then remove something superfluous. Use the French rule and remove one accessory before you leave the house, and your wardrobe will love you for it.

4. Be kind to your feet. I have so many scars from blisters that it's actually pretty scary. If you have wide feet, treat them nicely. If you know you're going to get blisters from those hot shoes, pack a pair of flats. It takes two seconds to do that, and there's nothing more mood-killing than freshly sloughed-off skin on your tootsies.

5. Know how to complement your wardrobe with cosmetics. Some women dress down, and then dump on the makeup--I'm the opposite. If you need to practice putting on your face for an event, get yourself to a makeup counter in any department store, and then shop for cosmetics at a discount online.

Looking for an upgrade on your wardrobe? I use these quick tricks to get what I want, and I'm never disappointed with the outcome. Try these and you'll be loving your wardrobe in no time--especially if you budget is a little smaller that you'd like.

*Clip bracelets together to make a funky and chunky necklace. Not only is this an easy thing to do, but it's a great way to "make" new jewelry from the old stuff. Clip some on and get going... try bracelets in varying lengths and textures, with both chunky and slim beads. You'll love it! You can also purchase bracelets on clearance with the intention of doing the same.

*Unearth a silly winter hat or two, and coordinate them with your nubby scarves and other winter accessories. You're sure to find a set in all your miscellaneous pieces, and then you'll be able to add some spice to otherwise boring winter/fall ensemble.

*Try to sift through your stockings and tights--you may have pairs that you've never liked. Try this trick to create a new look--layer two colored pairs over each other to create new shade, and then "secure" under a skirt with a pair of boyshorts.

*Dig through old t-shirts and "style" them up a bit to make sleepshirts that are sexy and cute. Grab a big t-shirt and roll the t-shirt sleeves up, and then toss on a pair of ruffled panties or lacy underwear underneath. You'd be surprised at how sweet it looks! (Example here.)

*Try unusual and super-cheap methods of adding zing to your wardrobe, from slipping ribbons through the laces of oxford high heels to taking charm bracelet charms and adding them to skinny chains and other accessories. It's a slim, cute look that's great with fashionable items.

*Join an inspiration group online that provides special themes for different days of the week. From nautical styles to earthy looks, you'll adore all new ways of looking at your wardrobe--for free! I like the Fab Finds Under $50 Fashion Calendar.

Do you love saving money on special deals? I definitely do! Sometimes, I get so pumped about my purchases that I feel like I just can't stop. I've been having so much luck with Old Navy and GAP, as well as some addition, non-online shopping over at Publix , our local supermarket. If you adore stacking coupons and you want to keep on shopping away, here are some signs that you are just as addicted to the chase as I am!

1. You crave the next deal. If you plan in advance and crave your next shopping experience to see how much you might save, you could be addicted to deals just like me. Sometimes, after a night of coupon planning, I can't even sleep at night! I have a notebook in which I list all my coupon deals, and I also do some math to figure out approximate totals beforehand. It's such a rush!

2. You only buy things when you can save money. I can't even tell you the last time I paid full price for something. You might have a similar rule for yourself when it comes to fashions and accessories: buy it now before it wears out. Stocking up is definitely welcome in our book: Victoria's Secret is one great place to buy one thing and get another for free. V.S. regularly has "buy one bra, get a free panty" deals, and they're some of my favorite online.

3. You always want to save more, to the point where you only want to shop at locations that allow you to stack coupons or combine promotional deals. You can experiment with certain retailers until you find the right one to suit your particular needs. For example, if you regularly use a free shipping code to purchase things online, you may want to look for a company that provides an additional discount through a retailer credit card company, such as Sears or JCPenney.

4. You're a strategist, and constantly shopping in the "wrong" seasons. You love to pick up swimsuits in September, winter jackets in May, and you always try to add additional discounts to your clearance gear. You buy pieces knowing that they won't go out of style: blackpeacoats , simple plaid capes, well-cut long blazers and woolly sweaters. Your classic taste is part personal interest, part practicality.

5. You never stop searching. Even if you have your favorite places to shop, you're always up for new and exciting stops and designers to check out.

Related Tags: Sears Coupons, JCPenney Coupons

Are you a girly-girl? I never thought I was until I realized that my love of dressing up is a big deal! Not only do I love gilding my frilly stuff, but the more jewelry, the better! If that sounds like you, here are a few looks to try on your own to get out of a fall/winter fashion rut--so many of us seem to be falling into one!

Try Treggings: This legging/trousers combination isn't for everyone, but it sure makes a for an interesting look when you buy a pair in black. If you live in a cooler climate, you might want to try layering on treggings, with are thicker than normal leggings and definitely warmer, too.

Unearth Your Belts: I am trying to get my belt situation under control--I have way too many, and so many of them are too big! I received a lot in a special shipment last year, but I happen to have a pretty significant waist-to hip ration. If your belts are flexible, don't rely on the clasp to close your belt--knot it instead!

Use a Keychain Accessory: Keychains can be used to dress up an entire outfit--have you ever thought about using one on a special keychain clip that can be removed from the actual keyring? Try adding lanyards, pins, necklaces, and charms to different vintage-y keychain bundles that can be paired with coordinating outfits. One of my favorites is a silver and black combination that uses a hand-formed silver charm as the centerpiece, and then adds a few state-centric memorabilia as a finishing touch. When you go out, try a keychain with a short clippable strand of faux pearls for instant fashionable status.

Lug Your Shoes In: If you're like 90% of everyone else out there, you probably haven't been going to your cobbler too much at all. Dig out all your favorite boots and heels and get them fixed up for fashion--especially for fancy heels that you haven't gotten fixed because you don't wear them much! (Essential!) Patent leather shoes, though trendy and awesome, are the most problematic to fix at the cobbler.

Play the Matching Game with Silk: Get a simple black silk scarf, and then pair it with all your at-night blacks. You'll be amazed at how absolutely cute you look when you try a little bit of equestrian/pilot's flair with an otherwise classic outfit, and if you hop into a convertible, you can look super chic!

It's been a while since I have checked out The Gap, and when I zipped over to their new arrivals page to see what's hot for fall. I'm really glad I did, because not only are the prices really good right now, but their designs are figure-flattering and fresh. Here's what I'm really loving:

*Button-Down Long Sleeved Shirts: Some of the shirts have ruffles down the front, others have cool business stripes, and others have Western additions. With the depth of their fall line, anyone can get a piece or two that they like for either work or play. Some of their shorter-sleeve shirts have caught my eye as well, because they feature cool ruffled details.

*Cozy Sweaters: Button-down sweaters look so cozy and wonderful when worn with jeans this fall, and the color combos aren't so overtly trendy that you can't wear them around town with any number of basic tanks and tees. Instead of layering these over white, how about a small pattern or a slim ribbed shirt?

*Tie-Neck and Tie-Waist Shirts: Why not add a little something to your ensemble? You can tie up your cardigan to accent a slim waist or simply knot a blouse at the neck for a little feminine appeal. While yet again the color palette was pretty standard, I think they'll look awesome with flat-front pants for work.

*1969 Jeans: Have you been seeing the ads for The Gap's 1969 jeans lately? They are better than ever, at least from my cursory glances in the shops, with the Long & Lean and Perfect Boot styles completely rocking my world. Other fits you might want to look into are the Sexy Boot and Curvy. Plus, who doesn't love vanity sizing?!

*Basic Long-Sleeve Shirts: Wide stripes, plain crew necks, ribbed v-necks, henleys, and 3/4-length sleeves are all playing a part in my fall bonanza wardrobe. Worn underneath puffy vests or fall fleece jackets, these tops will keep you warm until the snow flies, and then you can toss them on underneath heavyweight sweaters.

Related Tags: Gap Coupon Codes