Shopping Bag Hags by CouponWinner.com

Summer Sales

 

Although your romanticized notions of summertime escapism may have been squashed by nine-hour work days and rowdy children who are bored at home for the summer...warm weather fashions are still as dreamlike as ever. Keep the summertime vibe alive with the following tips that are meant to keep your ensembles up-to-date and fabulous!

Shop Online: Online shopping has become one of the simplest and most effective ways of feeding your fashion fix without risking the pull-your-hair-out stress of long lines and congested sale sections. Browse and buy your way into summer styles while you wait for your herb chicken to come out of the oven, or multitask by web surfing and chatting with your best girlfriend over the phone.

Smart Shopper: Nearly all fashion enthusiasts on a budget can agree that one of the most time consuming elements of shopping is the “can I really afford this” or “do I really need this” second guessing phase. Don’t waste your time mourning those overpriced beach-perfect wedges or that beautiful, yet oh-so-expensive summer dress, when there are so many great summer sales to take advantage of. Check out retailers like Macy's and Lacoste for huge summer savings. Until June 30, Lacoste is offering 25% to 50% off during their semi-annual sale, and Macy’s clearance items are on sale for up to 70% off for a limited time. What a great way to kick off the season!

Naz Papen

Naz Papen is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com. 

 

How to Flatter Your Personality in 5 Steps

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?

Why Dress Up?

Sometimes, it's easy to dress yourself down and simply get on with things. We all get tired, grouchy, and uncreative, but there are some great reasons to dress up when you think about it hard enough. Whether or not you are naturally fashionable, a little research and a lot of know-how can get you through this tough time—and on to more exciting outfits.

*You'll feel better. If your self-esteem is at a real low, you might want to to slouch around in your PJs or your sweatpants. Dressing up in a new suit, a gorgeous pair of form-fitting jeans, or a special blouse can lift your spirits more than you could ever expect. Play around with your look when you're feeling down in the dumps, and who knows? You might be surprised with what you learn about making up a new complimentary look or two!

*You'll feel motivated. When you look like a doll, you'll also want to head out on the town and kick up your heels. Whether you are going to the grocery store, Blockbuster, or on a more special outing, developing a key look is the right step to success. Enjoy that tiny boost your new outfit gives you, and take advantage of it, too.

*You'll feel sexier, more womanly. Honestly, it sounds like I'm from the '50s, but I'm talking about when you dress up to go out. A lace dress, a silk frock, a dancer's gown with a flirty skirt—no matter what, dressing up like that will leave you feeling 10X more attractive. If doesn't even need to be expensive, either: borrow pieces from your fabulously-dressed friend, or take a stroll to the thrift shop.

*You'll want to experiment further with your personal style. Once you see all the great things you can do with your look, you won't be able to avoid playing around with new looks that you see in magazines and on websites. I've been styling many looks of mine from websites like Modcloth recently, and they've been really successful.

*You'll be able to find amazing looks for less when you start shopping more. From the gorgeous to the simple, you'll be impressed with what you see online, and be able to mix it into the perfect outfit. When you start building up a repertoire, you'll know whether or not certain pieces will work for you.

It's Old Navy Browsing Time

What did I do before Old Navy? I have been hanging out over there for a while in one of my month's shopping searches, and I have been grabbing discounted pieces left and right! $7.99 tank tops, gorgeous little tees for $10, and lots of other deals will be making us smile this year.

Old Navy Top Picks

Fancy Tanks

(Racerback Tank)

Old Navy features a lot of cool tank tops in their Clearance section, and you might find their site pretty cool indeed. Crocheted tops have nice racerback details to flatter your hard-earned curves, and blazers have a great shape for the office as well as for cooler weather. I love the double-breasted plackets on the lightweight jackets!

Wide-Neck Tanks

Scoop-neck t-shirts and tank tops are universally flattering, and you'll probably find that these shirts can be dressed up more easily than other choices. Toss on a lightweight scarf and wind it around your neck, or select a heavy necklace with plenty of thick gems and jewels. Play with the color combinations and get a glimpse at some of your favorite shapes, accessories, and more.

Lounge Pants and Bermudas

(Lounge Pants)

The fold-down lounge bermudas on Old Navy are my personal favorites, but you might like their lounge pants instead. Don't forget that if you are wearing a lighter colored pair of exercise pants, you might want to avoid the sweatier exercise, because it's often really obvious in light workout pants. Toss on a pair of cute workout trousers in black if you're going to be doing serious yoga exercises.

Patterned Mesh Camis

I've never tried to wear mesh camisoles from Old Navy, but I think I'm going to buy some soon and try them out! These skinny-strapped choices have a deep-necked look that are really sexy, and will work well under blazers and cardigans as well as alone in the bedroom. Those pastel colors are super tempting, too!

T-Shirts

(Women's T-Shirt in Purple)

T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts are always a smart choice at Old Navy, especially when you grab one that combines a stretch and lightweight fabric in an easy combination for washing and wearing--it keeps the color and shape very well. You can pick up their tanks in petites, talls, and plus sizes as well, so you can't be disappointed.

Double-breasted Canvas Jacket

Old Navy's jackets and blazers are nicely discounted for the casual shopper, so have a look at their clearance page for just a few different looks. I especially like their high button plackets on a bright red ground, but the single-breasted, single-buttoned items are really exciting. Try yours with jeans and slacks as well.

Exploring Old Navy

What did I do before Old Navy? I have been hanging out over there for a while in one of my month's shopping searches, and I have been grabbing discounted pieces left and right! $7.99 tank tops, gorgeous little tees for $10, and lots of other deals will be making us smile this year.

Old Navy Top Picks

Fancy Tanks

Old Navy features a lot of cool tank tops in their Clearance section, and you might find their site pretty cool indeed. Crocheted tops have niceracerback details to flatter your hard-earned curves, and blazers have a great shape for the office as well as for cooler weather. I love the double-breasted plackets on the lightweight jackets!

Wide-Neck Tanks

Scoop-neck t-shirts and tank tops are universally flattering, and you'll probably find that these shirts can be dressed up more easily than other choices. Toss on a lightweight scarf and wind it around your neck, or select a heavy necklace with plenty of thick gems and jewels. Play with the color combinations and get a glimpse at some of your favorite shapes, accessories, and more.

Lounge Pants and Bermudas

The fold-down lounge bermudas on Old Navy are my personal favorites, but you might like their lounge pants instead. Don't forget that if you are wearing a lighter colored pair of exercise pants, you might want to avoid the sweatier exercise, because it's often really obvious in light workout pants. Toss on a pair of cute workout trousers in black if you're going to be doing serious yoga exercises.

Patterned Mesh Camis

I've never tried to wear mesh camisoles from Old Navy, but I think I'm going to buy some soon and try them out! These skinny-strapped choices have a deep-necked look that are really sexy, and will work well under blazers and cardigans as well as alone in the bedroom. Those pastel colors are super tempting, too!

T-Shirts

T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts are always a smart choice at Old Navy, especially when you grab one that combines a stretch and lightweight fabric in an easy combination for washing and wearing--it keeps the color and shape very well. You can pick up their tanks in petites,talls, and plus sizes as well, so you can't be disappointed.

Double-breasted Canvas Jacket

Old Navy's jackets and blazers are nicely discounted for the casual shopper, so have a look at their clearance page for just a few different looks. I especially like their high button plackets on a bright red ground, but the single-breasted, single-buttoned items are really exciting. Try yours with jeans and slacks as well.

Shopping Overstock.com

Overstock.com is a font of discounted items, and I took a wild shopping spree over there to pick up both apartment essentials and fun goodies. Take a peek at what I got, and why I love what I picked. You just might get a good idea about something you need to buy!

1. Patch Jeans, $94.99

Patched jeans will surprise you, because these ones are fashionable enough to wear regularly (tres rare). While some people think that buying ripped or patched jeans is silly, looking at these for a few minutes might convince them otherwise.

2. Rocket Dog Ice Cream, $36.99

Shoes called "ice cream" are tempting enough without even having to inspect the design too much, but these shoes happen to be quite cute. Bright colors add zest, while that dark upper helps these shoes blend in with just about everything. You will love these shoes for weekend wear.

3. Scarlett Nite Shutter-Pleated Dress, $64.99

High fashion doesn't have to be expensive, as you will see with these shutter pleated items from Overstock. Carefully pleated details look just great at important functions like work cocktail events as well as at the bar, and you'd probably like to wear this with a coolpashmina draped around your shoulders.

4. BCBGeneration Dress, $64.99

Do you have to dress up a little for work? A tailored puff sleeve dress is a beautiful option for those who need to look smart at work, but who are the casual types who crave comfort. Sling on a pair of long earrings for sure-fire style. I like the blue; what about you?

5. Yesac Plaid Scarf, $14.99

Short on cash? A plaid scarf is a smart choice to jazz up older outfits of yours.

6. Accutron Bulova Watch, $197.99

Want a watch that screams "luxe"? This is a good choice, because it looks just as expensive as a watch double, triple, or more the price of this one. Getting a watch with a black face is a great option for people looking for a high-style timepiece, because it looks glossy.

7. Dior Whipstitched Belt, $194.99

This Dior belt features a bold whipstitch design that doesn't seem typical of the brand. If you're a clotheshorse who craves new designer pieces, this is a great choice: no one will expect it to be Dior, but when they find out that it is, they'll be really surprised!

8. Giraffe Pashmina Scarf, $39.99

Animal prints are in! Wrap yourself up in a fantastic animal-print option to keep cozy and comfy.

GAP Sale Picks for the Weekend

Want to know what's hot at The Gap-- and one sale? I'm doing a little shopping to kick off the long-for-some-of-us weekend, and you are more than welcome to join me. I do love to grab a deal (or two).

(GAP Sale Tees)

Why They Are Hot: A veritable rainbow of tees, all marked down? How are these not an amazing find? You can get them in camisole styles, as well as crew neck and v-neck. I particularly like the ones with subtle patterns, although the items with the almost nautical wide stripes are really fetching as well.

What I'll Match With Them: Capris, espadrilles, flowy scarves, cool long skirts and dresses, gauzy spaghetti-strapped dresses, and city shorts.

(Tiered Sleeve Top)

Why It's Hot: This top has a really feminine look to it, and quite the summery color as well! It's got arm bulge friendly sleeves with little flutter details, and a great (not twee at all) tie along the neck for style.

What I'll Match With It: Chiffon skirts, jeans, feminine tennis shoes, flats, work slacks, blazers, and pearl earrings.

(T-Shirt Scarf Dress)

Why It's Hot: This simple jersey dress gets a boost with an attached scarf, and bonus points for it being available in "tall." If you don't want that brief look, find one in a more generous length by buying the version for the vertically endowed.

What I'll Match With It: Understated gladiator sandals, high heels, stud earrings, bags by Muxo, colorful tights, boots!

(Floral Notched Collar Shirt)

Why It's Hot: This button-down pastel shirt has a great look that will match well with jeans, but it'll also gel perfectly with spring skirts. A perfect addition to a warm weather wardrobe, and very affordable from around $20 to $25.

What I'll Match With It: A denim skirt, lots of cool layers, delicate touches, and creative pieces from India.

(Skirted Hipster Jeans)

Why It's Hot: This swimsuit combines a sleek look with a skirted design, and who can complain about that? It's both sporty and feminine, and I will be buying mine post-haste.

What I'll Match With It: A va-va-va-voom halter top.