Shopping Bag Hags by CouponWinner.com

Holiday-Time Accessories on the Cheap

My Favorite Sources

Do you enjoy dressing up your looks with some amazing accessories? Me too! I've been shopping up a storm for a gaggle of nieces (and my sis), and here's where I've been finding the best deals.

Charlotte Russe: It's been great shopping for younger teens and tweens here, without a doubt. Not only do they love the bright colors that Charlotte Russe has to offer, but they adore the whimsical designs and details that make this stuff stand out. Since tweens do have a tendency to lose things-- just being honest-- they'll benefit from something that doesn't exactly cost half a month's paycheck.

Etsy: Homemade gifts... except that they are not homemade by you! Stock up on exciting things like hand-knit berets for people in colder climates and lots of expressive rings and earrings for the funky gals among us. I've started to feel like whatever you are looking for can be grabbed at Etsy. What is your take on that? Have you had luck with deals there, too?

Note: Just as an aside, you can also find plenty of clothes at Etsy that don't fall into strict sizing categories. Play around if you know someone who could use custom clothes! Measure their best-fitting clothes and then go from there.

Intermix: Someone told me that they have some awesome coupon codes available right now! Stock up on stuff in their sale and clearance section, because the savings codes also apply to that. It's a great way to afford higher-end merchandise without emptying your wallet... yuck! We need to save money for stuff like eggnog and decorations!

Victoria's Secret: Okay, you know about my coupon code obsession... but that's not the only reason you should go there. They are currently marking down some of their best pieces for the picking, including slippers (need those!) and unmentionables. Are you in the market for some undies?

Fashionable Letterpressed Looks: Linda and Harriet

There's something so romantic about Linda and Harriet. The paper pieces they offer are often vintage-y and cute, very charming and delicate, and you can't go wrong with a slightly kitschy design when it hits near the holidays. What can I say, there's just something about the cuteness of their designs, plus the warm and happy family time, that just makes me want to shop.

Without further ado, here are a few of my top Linda and Harriet pieces:

Linda and Harriet Letterpress "Happy Holidays" Card: This is a sweet card to send out to everyone you know, and it provides a nice change of pace from the usual red and green cards. It definitely looks majorly old-fashioned, and I love that!

Thank You Cards: Every Linda and Harriet lover will scoop up this "Thank You" card as a nice compliment to your holiday wishes. This card has been designed by a Brooklyn-based calligrapher, and it combines cute, sexy style with inimitable flair. Love this bright and sunny pick! The tulip design will be well work well straight 'til spring.

Paper Doll Cards: Fashion lovers, you'll adore these cool cards with little people's wardrobes letterpressed right in. The fashions are vintage, but the funkiness of the design is definitely current. We love these sweet cards in an unusual yellow and grey combination!

Redesigned Flower Pin: This paper pin, secured with a button, is an excellent buy if you like to get in on the recycling game. Snap up a gaily patterned bloom made from mis-prints and mess-ups, and you'll be on your way to happy gifting! Paper petals are sewn together securely.

Redesigned Tags: These tags are too cute! They are fashioned from mis-prints, just like the flowers, but this time exist for the sole purpose of jazzing up your presents. Have a fun time gifting when these are attached to your present!

Picking Up the Pieces (of My Wardrobe)

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?

Some of My Fall/Winter Top Picks

Accessories for fall are so hot! Have you gotten a chance to really look around? While I know (inside your head) you are screeching "Noooo! I can't spend any more money," think about it like this: you'll refresh basic black dresses and trousers that are headed into any season of wear.

(Gustto Berlina Clutch)

1. Clutches, clutches, everywhere. I love leather clutches for fall, in rich colors like this interesting Gustto one. By investing in a bag that's shaped in a quality fabric. Look for anything with heavy-duty zips and findings!

2. Match a single pair of flats. If you're going to invest in the above purse, you'll want to get a great pair of leather shoes in a somewhat matching style. Think leather-trimmed fabric flats or pumps, or high boots with tassel in a coordinating color.

3. Cashmere wraps tie the look together. Bluefly is one of my favorite place to grab styles in rich fabrics like silk and pashmina cashmere/wool blends. Gorgeous wraps can cover up simple tees when you need to look more dressed up, and with a couple of bangles, you can go from work to dinner.

(Tolani Floral Scarf- Pre-Order)

4. Scarves are always a great choice. Floral, modern, or otherwise artistic, scarves are awesome for fall to cover up a variety of body problems and little outfit sins. Let's say your top is just a tiny bit too cleavage-baring for your next trip, but you don't have time to go home and change? Wind a scarf around your neck to cover things up and get on with it!

5. Suede Pumps Are Perfect. Suede is a good option for women who crave texture, but can't go for color due to work. Scoop up black, navy, and brown choices for a great pairing with suits, pencil skirts, and jeans.

(Target Xhilaration Tree Hugger Planet Lover Bag)

6. The Extras. An earth-friendly shopper is a fantastic buy for any woman who's on the go. This bag is an awesome selection, and a great one to match with jeans and the like. They're flattering and an easy buy to justify.

Why I Love Hanes

"Love" is a particularly strong word, but Hanes deserves it. I don't even like their wedgie ads with Sarah Chalke-- that I'm pretty sure you know which ones I mean! Despite my misgivings, I really enjoyed having a look around Hanes. In between the soft skirts and the totally affordable (and interesting) tops, I wasn't quite sure what to scoop up first!

(Hanes Ruffle Cami)

This Hanes.com exclusive is a simple but eye-catching piece, and it's available in vibrant colors to gel with the summer vibe. Whether you're a sunny girl or the "go green" type, there's a top for you here. And yes. . . there's even basic black!

The Fit: This top fitted through the bust, skimming along loosely from the waist to the hips, and that makes it perfect for women with a more generous lower half.

(Hanes Stretch Cotton Skirt)

This was, by far, my favorite pieces on the Hanes.com website. It's simple and somehow very sexy, and the kind of skirt that I can truly imagine wearing nonstop all season long. Although I wish it was available in fun colors, I wouldn't mind picking it up in that wonderfully rich cocoa brown or perhaps even white to wear to the beach.

The Fit: This gorgeous skirt has a wide, fashionable waistband that looks as good as it is comfortable.

(Tagless Ultimate Stretch Shirt)

I love, love, love how this shirt is styled in this photo, and that's why I chose it as one of my top Hanes picks! It just shows you how creative you can be with a basic tee and make it look sophisticated. . . after all, this top is priced at $18.00, and I would assume that it cost upwards of $35 just from the way it is presented here.

The Fit: Tagless Ultimate Stretch from Hanes sounds like it will hug your curves gorgeously.

(Hanes Featherweight Peasant Tee)

Featherweight tops are another way to make yourself look great without splashing out too much in the cash department. This is why Hanes is so awesome, too: you'll find the coolest tops for cheap on their website, but they won't look or feel like it. Now that's a change!

The Fit: As pictured, this top looks awesome when layered.

(Classic BoyChic Shorts)

I love these undies, despite the fact that I'm more the lacy type. If you love your boyshorts and you'd like a new twist, this is definitely one of the best ways to get it! Simply slip into a pair of boy-cut shorts for an easy way to spice things up.

The Fit: Cute, comfortable, and far more fun than a thong!

(Hanes Women's Featherweight)

I wasn't surprised to reach that this is one of Hanes' bestselling tanks, especially when I saw that it is priced at a very reasonable $16. But there's more! Some colors are actually on sale for $12. . . get over there immediately to scoop up tops that show off your tan.

The Fit: Sexy in the back. . . business in the front!

Couture Candy: Not So Easy to Navigate, But Very Cool

Couture Candy can be a little confusing for me to browse-- do you know those sites that just don't mesh with your usual internet searching and/or shopping techniques? While the website is on an easy-to-view white ground, search results can come back a little confusing, and you might run into the things you want by accident instead! But that's truly a small price to pay for all the interesting items thrown into this site-- although looking like a basic site with middle-of-the-road designers, you'll find some amazing gems.

Without further ado, here are my Top Five Buys for Couture Candy customers:

1. Interesting Tied Items

(Gathered Bow Top in Blue Nights)

I was loving all of these tops with bow details offered in Couture Candy-- and strangely enough, they were all from one designer, Qi! This navy top is by far my favorite, but I found lots of other items in similar styles: cropped sweaters with string ties, floppy-bowed tops, and almost secretary-ish pieces. There's lots to choose from.

2. Tunics Galore

(Qi Pleated Tunic)

ONe of my favorite pieces in general is the tunic. My love for it developed after wearing low-rise jeans for so long with shorter tops. I hate tugging my jeans up, my tops down, and wriggling to keep everything in balance, and tunics are great options. This one has a futuristic edge and a "clean" vibe that's just dreamy.

3. Slouchy Pants

(Terry Track Pants)

Softly casual pants (especially in terry) are your ticket to relaxation. Slip into a pair of pants with a straight or bootcut leg (cut generously, of course) and feel how very comfortable you really are. It's hard (for me, at least) to justify buying things I only wear at home, but in this case, I'm willing to make an exception. And it's available in plenty of colors, too.

4. Braid Detail Bags

(Braided Handle Bag)

Okay: this Braided Handle bag by Carla Mancini does not come cheap, but you could be carrying it for 20+ years! This purse, in a vibrant green, cashes in at $502, but I can imagine it with jeans, lots of skirts, going out pieces, and just about everything in between. Calculating that cost-per-wear makes this 100% Italian leather purse look a lot more attractive this time around.

5. Amazing Rings (Braille? Really?)

(Blind Faith Ring)

This ring has braille on it. How cool is that? In a heavy 14K gold plate look, it's a stunning accessory that's going to take your breath away for real. Enjoy it and its message on this holiday weekend!

ASOS Accessories and More: Put a Smile On Your Face

I just love ASOS-- almost every single piece is covetable in my opinion! The belts, wide and small, look like they'd work great with just about every top in my closet, the bags are soft, beautiful, and affordable, and what about those scarves?! Sigh.

Prices range widely at ASOS, so I recommend you page through much of the website before making up your mind and purchasing a specific item. I found items on sale for just $20-- very reasonable for a U.K. site and dealing with an exchange rate to consider-- and prices bounce all over the place from there. Have a look a see what you can find.

(Nica Aurora Large Shoulder Bag)

The Nica Large Shoulder Bag is an enchanting piece. It has a strange, almost cowboy appeal, but at the same time, it's not available in a tan or brown leather like we would expect. It's actually manmade (making it affordable and easy to clean) and has embroidery detail with golden studs. For moms and busy students out there, you can clean your purse with a damp sponge!

(ASOS Circle Stud Bag)

This is soooo super-affordable, and yes-- I did buy it! The ASOS Circle Ring Bag is a cool clubbing or going out purse that features a long chain that can be slung over your shoulder to crisscross over your chest. A fun tassel zip tab makes it easy for you to grab while you're in a dark club or bar.

(ASOS Chain and Leather Look Belt)

I'm loving the chain details on all of ASOS's pieces, and this is no exception. I'm pretty used to having chain and leather accessories like bracelets and other similar items, but I've never seen a belt quite like this one. The large bow tie fastening is captivating-- imagine it with a slinky black tank top or a sweet blouse in a ditsy blouse.

(Paul's Peacock Bag)

I want this as my overnight bag! This Paul's Boutique piece features an all-over jazzy print that's just begging to be paired with amazing '80s sneakers or super-skinny bright slim jeans. Usually I shy away from pairing brights with brights, but I feel like that's what Paul's Boutique was planning-- 'cause I want to do it right now.

(Flirt for ASOS Heart Scarf)

Simple, cheap, and cute, this Heart Scarf is a beautiful option for anyone looking for an easy accessorization option. It's so young and fresh that I can definitely imagine it given to any junior (for a birthday or just a sweet girl), but it's also a great way to jazz up anything casual.

(Royal New Tribal Belt)

This is another unusual piece from ASOS, which I'm quite happy about. They have so many interesting designs in one place, and this is a great example: bamboo effect bits race across your waist with abandon, while the thickness of the belt itself draws your attention and provides a great midsection-cinching method.

Sunglass Obsession: Top Picks

Sunglasses might never really go out of style, but on the same note, you can make your style look so much more current with right-on-trend shades that were spied on the runway. Better yet, there are so many looks to choose from that your personal style will not be sacrificed in any way. Gradient looks, heavy metal frames, and round plastic styles-- I'm there.

(Ombre Oversized Sunglasses, $18.00)
Thick Frames: You can find great thick plastic and metal frames over at Urban Outfitters, and they're of the funkiest variety, too. Besides the oversized sunglasses shapes, you can find electrifying yellow, bright red, and white over there as well. Outrageous, shapely, and just right for me. . . I always feel like a secret celebrity when I put on a pair.





(SW Oversized Celebrity Style, $14.95)
Oversized Shapes: Yet another trend for Spring 2008 that carried over from past seasons, this doesn't mean that you have to wear your glasses from last year. You can save money when you pick out a new pair-- I found these ones over at Sunglass Warehouse for a serious steal. There's an entire Celebrity Styles section for you to choose from, too.





(Square Midsize Shield, $70)
Gradient Lenses: Gradient lenses are essential for driving, motoring, or even zipping around on that Vespa. They're essential for quick changes in light, shadowing areas, and more, and besides being so practical, they are very, very stylish. Did I mention that that they are my favorite kind? ;)





(Mod Aviator Sunglasses, $65)
Aviators: Aviators have hit a high again this season with their timeless style and ultimately satisfying look on any face. If you are the type who hates to take a chance on sunglasses online because you don't know how they will look, this is the best choice for you! Aviators flatter just about anyone, and you can choose between mirrored looks, smoky styles, and gradient lenses to combine trends.





(Scales Flat Top Sunglasses, $18.00)
Tortoiseshell Frames: Embrace your bookish side with tortoiseshell this spring. While I did see a lot of round ones similar to John Lennon's look of choice, you can find looks that are a little more stylish and much easier to pull off! One of my top picks is a pair with an overall oversized shape, and while mine are from Nicole Miller, I found a similar pair at Urban Outfitters for you.

Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Getting Wise About Spring Accessories

Do you like to match your purse to your spring look? I do! The newest spring looks are really tricky, though, so I thought I'd go over what we're looking at for trends, and what affordable bags there are out there to match. My best advice is to avoid matching, go for subtle coordination, and work your current wardrobe to its maximum benefit.

Here's How:

(Small White Taylor Crystal Tote, baghaus)
1. Working the White Look: One spring trend that popped up just about everywhere was the cool white look, found on runways like Diane von Furstenberg's and Adam+Eve. Simple suits have a "will travel" feel, and your bag can match in two ways. Either choose a slim clutch for a jetsetter look, or go large and find a dramatic bag in white leather.

(Minaudiere Tube Clutch, baghaus)

2. One-Strap Dresses: Shop for special bags for all your new asymmetrical dresses. A heavy shoulder strap won't just look awkward with this style dress, but you might make your shoulder red or raw from rubbing. Who wants shoulder lines when you're wearing a new spring dress?



(Felix Rey Clutch, Bluefly.com)

3. Nude Gowns: Look for dresses that match fleshtone gowns in chiffons. Your best bet for this style would be a soft, delicate leather drawstring clutch or holdall that has feminine elements like chiffon, lace, or gold beads.

(Chloe Red "Calf" Medium Tote, Bluefly)

4. Tricky Tie-Dyes: Tie dyes are another spring pattern that's tough to match with your accessories. Instead of getting overwhelmed with multiple-color patterns, aim for your favorite color or for the trendiest of the bunch to highlight. If you don't want to spend too much time thinking that through, there's always black and white tie-dye patterns!

Top Teen Shopping Picks for the Week

I have a passion for teen clothes. Even though I'm past the point of bright short-shorts and spaghetti-strapped tank tops, I do love to buy them for others. And point everyone in the direction of great pieces! If you need a few ideas when shopping with a teen or if you are heading out for spring break vacation, you should take a look at some basic tops I hunted out at Wet Seal, with both "Dressing Up" and "Dressing Up" options for each!

My favorite tops this season are bright and fun. I love the extra patterns like checks, plaids, and even a little extra embroidery. With a simple skirt, your designs pop, and with something more refined, these bargain-rate pieces look a lot more costly. Take a look at what I've found for you.

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Surplus Plaid Babydoll Top, $15.50

The Plaid Babydoll Top from Wetseal is as stylish as it is affordable. It has a cool country flair but somehow manages to be at home with both denim and linen. Simple lines best complement this busy piece, so dig up some short shorts or a mini.

Dress It Up

Linen High Waist Shorts

These high-waisted shorts give your top a very blousy effect, which looks very cute with strappy sandals and an anklet! If you're the bikini type, this top works well with string types as well as your basic halters in plain coordinating colors.

Dress It Down

Perry Solid Short

Simple, fun shorts get you an "A+" every single time! Don't be afraid to push the envelope with some awesomely cool (and tiny) shorts that beg to be slipped on for pool lounging and couch lounging, too.

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Striped Bra Cup Cami, $15.50 How I adore this striped piece! If you're looking for something to maximize that bust or something to show off a little pre- spring break bronzing, I recommend this find from Wet Seal. It even has lightly padded bra cups for that extra boost!


Dress It Up

Satin Trim Trousers

There's no reason why something colorful shouldn't be paired with something very chic. You'll highlight the rainbow of colors in your top, while making it look like a little more refined. Perfect for hot nights out on spring break or layered underneath a wrap cardigan for work, with just the hem showing for a splash of color.

Dress It Down

Julie Skinny Jean

These jeans are basic and easy. Pull them on with flip flops on a day after the fun when you need to wing down. They're shapely but with a touch of stretch for ease.

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Embroidered Two-Pocket Tank Top, $22.50

Why not choose a top that's a little on the crunchy side this spring? This blue tank top comes encrusted with decorative designs and spells "F.U.N." It's definitely layering-worthy as well.


Dress It Up

High Waist Mini Thought that this top had a hippie vibe? Not anymore! You've joined the international jet-set crowd when you combine a bright white, trendy skirt with this soft pastel piece. Consider wearing it with a silk scarf, too.


Dress It Down

Brooklyn Bright Mini Rainbow bright, indeed! This skirt provides a welcome juxtaposition to your usual softer pastel wardrobe for springs. Take this top in another direction and see how things go.

Meieli Sawyer Detoni