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. 

 

Women and Children First!

 
It’s the other most wonderful time of the year—time for Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale for women and kids! Until May 28 you can get deep discounts on top designer brands, both online and in-store, and as the website says, “Hurry. It’s good stuff, and it goes fast!”

Get There Early: When you’ve dealing with a sale of this magnitude, it’s best to get to the store early. If you wait until too late in the afternoon you risk limited size options, parking issues, and long lines for the dressing room. But if you choose to bypass all of these possible unpleasant issues, simply fire up your computer and shop online.

Dress for the Journey: If you do decide to go the brick-and-mortar route, you’ll no doubt be spending the day dropping in and out of dressing rooms. That means that it's best for you to avoid wearing anything that has complicated zippers, buttons or buckles that will be hard to take on and off all day. A simple pull-overtop, a pair of jeans, and flip-flops that you can slide in and out of will be your best bet.   

Enjoy the Bounty: You will no doubt find something spectacular during the sale. So whether it’s a fabulous pair of shoes, the perfect pair of sunglasses, the business suit of a lifetime, or perhaps all three, remember to wear them with style, grace, and the knowledge that you scored a great deal.

Dana Robinson

Do I Look Fat in This? Slimming Tips and Tricks

While I try to promote a body-positive image to myself (even when I'm in front of the mirror), I think that these slimming tricks are just what any woman needs to feel better about herself on a down days. Some of these I "invented" myself, others I read about in magazines, but I know that they all work really well.

1. Tuck in a tank top underneath a short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt to camouflage any muffin action that threatens to escape. It's not easy when you're an apple shape to hide lumps and bumps, but this technique helps a lot. I like tank tops with a cotton/Spandex blend.

2. Try knotting your skirts in new ways. Funnily enough, it's often the unfitted, uncomfortable shirts that don't work for me--and make me feel bigger. Knotting a shirt in the front or at the side is a sure-fire way to feel more attractive and a little bit country/alternative as well--try a plaid shirt for the full effect.

3. Look for heels in nude, and with a pointed toe, to slim your legs. If you don't have a pair, buy a pair, because they are awesome with skirts and dresses, and make your time in the morning getting dressed a lot more painless.

4. Shrugs are good to have around to hide your upper arms, and they don't lend so much fabric to your look that you need to concentrate hard on matching. It's not too hard to add a shrug and go, whether it's knitted, embroidered, or in a knit mesh.

5. Play around with figure-disguising accessories. Try a beaded bib necklace to distract from other areas, a head scarf to draw the eye upwards, or a stack of wicked bangles to draw eyes down from your upper arms. It's all about the distractions.

6. Do your makeup professionally. Sweep on some eye makeup or get your hair straightened, because no matter how awkward you think your outfit looks, you'll be feeling a lot less awkward when you look ravishing.

7. Wear professionally-mended shoes from a quality designer. Sure, you only have a few pairs of hot heels, but when they are from a designer like Ferragamo, who cares? Scour the thrift shops for shoes that are high quality but affordable second-hand.

8. Look for new types of body cinchers and clinchers that keep everything in place. I like Lipo in a Box, and a lot of people swear by Spanx. Give them a try and see what you like!

6 Must-Do Summer Trend Times

Summer trends are so easy to pull off this year--I don't know if I got lucky with where I've been browsing or if perhaps they are just more wearer-friendly, but I think that this summer is going to be full of creative styles for even the conservative of dressers! Are all, not all of us are going to run to the mini dresses when the mercury rises. . . even if we live in Miami or Houston!

Choosing something that works and looks amazing is pretty easy when you aim for the universally flattering styles that are figure-friendly and affordable. Nearly everyone will buy a few pieces this season, despite downsized budgets, so give it a try and find one item that will really fit into the trends we like this summer. I picked a bunch of different styles fromJCPenney, and they are often marked down, so I recommend at least popping on there and seeing what's on super-discount right now.

1. Flirty Bikini

A simple, flattering bikini is a smart buy, because even if you don't live by the beach, you'll probably be asked to a poolside party or a BBQ by the lake. Instead of scrambling for a suit that fits you, try to get something that you can slip into without animpromptu, rushed shopping spree. I was pretty surprised that swimwear is already on sale at JCPenney, but I can't complain.

2. Pleated Blouses

Pleated blouses are a great trend to try, because they don't force you to waste your hard-earned shopping budget on pieces that don't really flatter. Instead of finding something that fits more into the "trendy" category than the "flattering" category, get a pleated top in the color and style that makes you look amazing--you will love what you choose, and still be trendy.

3. T-Shirt Dress

My vice is definitely the t-shirt dress: buy one and let me live vicariously through you! I have way too many, and you might have too many soon, too, if you end up shopping away like me and picking up t-shirt dress after t-shirt dress in a wild rush of color and pattern. Fromgirly to graphic to plain, you'll find the t-shirt dress that works to compliment everything!

4. Camp Shorts

Boy shorts are another guilty pleasure of mine, but they're probably not something that you adore. Give them a try! Not only are they comfortable for the hips, but they are easily flattered by tunics and tanks, and you can get them in a variety of lengths as well! It's your turn to bask in the pure style and boyishness comfort that this pick affords. You've earned it.

5. Short-Sleeved Jacket

Short sleeved jackets are super cute for summertime, especially when you need to go into the office in high temps. Try layering a short sleeved jacket over a chiffon long-sleeved shirt, and then roll up the shirt sleeves to complement the shirt and make it slightly more casual for a more casual working environment. Pair it with a heavy jeweled necklace for a nice edge.

6. Flouncy Skirt

Ruffles are amazing for summertime. You'll get a blast of fresh air around the legs without feeling like you're wearing something scandalous, and you can whip out all those slim belted cardigans and sandals that you've probably been keeping under wraps for need of something cool.

American Apparel Isn't Just for Hipsters

Need 15 reasons why you need to shop at American Apparel? You do now! I used to avoid shopping at AA because I didn't think that they offered larger sizes like 2 and 3X, but I was wrong. Some American Apparel pieces run shorter or tighter, and now lots more people have options over there!

Shopping tips for American Apparel:

1. Shop unisex. Many of American Apparel items are male/female interchangeable, so all you need to do is hide it from your boyfriend!

2. Read the reviews. American Apparel is very honest, and they have a star rating and comment area right on the website, so you don't need to go into any purchases without support!

3. Look for daring colors and fabrics. American Apparel specializes in daring pieces, from latex to metallics to super shiny techno fabrics.

(Melange Jersey Dress)

4. Stock up when sales are good. You can do a search online for coupon codes and promotional deals to save around 15% semiannually.

5. Branch out. If you'd like to pump up your wardrobe with great colors, consider doing it at American Apparel. Prices are low, which means you can experiment with things and not feel guilty if a piece or two become pajamas!

6. Add it to your repertoire. Even if you don't see something you automatically love something on the site, if you find something that interests you, it's worth picking it up to experiment. If you are in a style rut, this goes doubly for you!

(Unisex Alphabet Shirt)

7. Use multiple shopping approaches. Click around on American Apparel to blanket the site in short time. For a quick shopping spree, you can head straight to "Your Favorites" to view the highest-rating items on the website.

8. Get creative. Shop for your boyfriend and for babies as well, and get presents for new season if you can!

9. Be earth friendly. After finding cool pieces in basic shapes, backtrack to see if there are similar looks in organic fabrics: they are available via a different link on the website.

(Tricot Skirt)

10. Mirror your favorite wardrobe items. Let's say you have a favorite plain black tee or lavender tank top, but it's getting old. This is definitely a good site to find a replacement.

11. Search for something just for you. With affordable prices all around, you can grab something sumptuous for sleep or for the pool.

12. Avoid intimates to exercise your right to return!

(Unisex LA Shirt)

13. Get vintage there, too. Click "Vintage Eyewear" to check out sourced eyewear from around the globe. Big shades, thin Lennon shades, and interesting Rayban lookalikes are just a few of the options for you.

14. Use styling ideas from the site. Try out accessories from the site, like shiny backpacks, sports bags, and braided belts in jersey.

15. Get daring. Bodysuits? Zebra print headbands? If you've ever wanted to experiment with something youthful and daring, now's your time to do so.

(Boy Beater Tank)

Interesting New Find: JbandMe

JbandMe has an intriguing layout and cool options that immediately had me heading to the "About Us" section. Conceived by a mother-and-daughter team, this site combines fashion-forward items with a touch of practicality, making them strong contenders for fresh fashion.

Brights and neutrals end up hanging out rather harmoniously in this online clothing shop, which was launched after Maribeth VanZalen and Jamie Grasman developed their Michigan location for "real life" customers. Now Jbandme has been able to develop both their onsite features, which now include a Denim Bar and an extensive beauty area, as well as that made available to us online.

But what makes JbandMe a great find, exactly? I'll tell you why below!

(These Sweetie Jeans are pretty intriguing. . .)

I love the Style Notes: These Style Notes are a great resource for getting your jeans to fit, and fit well. From flared to skinnies, Jbandme lists the fits, the back pocket placement, sizing tips, and photos of each described piece for your convenient. Did you know that William Rast jeans can be ordered a size down? Now that's refreshing for the self-esteem!

The Blog is Fun: A lot more sites are incorporating blogging into their ecommerce sites, and that's perfect when you're looking for a dose of personality at the site. If you're used to bantering and bickering with your local sales staff, at least you'll feel like the personal shop environment has remained.

The Home Decor Division is extensive. China, decorative hangings, and pillows? It sounds like we're going to have to stock up when we get to Jbandme, which has expanded their sales and offers with their recent growth.

**Tip:** The Kobo Zest Candle is one of my top choices for spring decor. It's available in plenty of scents and comes with a highly decorative tin for later use. If one I could get myself one in plenty of colors for spring.

Affordability: If there's one thing that no one wants to admit in the "right" company, it's that deals really do make purchases matter. There's nothing wrong with saving big from your favorite shops like TJ Maxx, and Jbandme.com provides an opportunity to search for the perfect, inexpensive item and skip around without the guilt.

Organized Shopping

It's Monday, you had a great day at work and all you can think about is going to the store and using all of those coupons you clipped just the day before. Not to mention you used your lunch break to day to surf couponwinner.com to get a whole lot coupons and shopping suggestions. Now you think you're ready to go and shop till you drop. Right? Wrong. The key to being a truly savvy shopper is organization. It is not savvy at all to purchase things that you don't need and it is just a waste to add more items to an already over crowded space like a closet or a refrigerator. Just like we have learned to organize our coupons, we need to organize our closets and our refrigerators before we go shopping. Utilizing this technique will lead to better shopping habits and cheaper shopping bills.

For that family refrigerator you must have it super-duper organized and ready before those Monday evening grocery shopping fest. I know it is tempting when we have great coupons for Shedd's Spread or the coveted rare Coca Cola coupon, but if your fridge is already stocked up with these products it is useless to get more regardless of the coupon savings. In actuality you are indeed over spending. But what you do need to pick up in the store is a lazy Susan that you can add to your refrigerator that you can put maybe all of your dairy items on or all of your endless supplies of salad dressings. This will make locating things much easier as well as making the best out of your space. The next thing to do is to make sure that all of your leftovers are in a central location together. For instance, stack all of your leftover foods on the middle shelf. This way you will be able to visibly see when you need to discard older items versus them being lost in the back of fridge. Not only that, but the items will be able to be picked up quickly for a quick snack or of course making morning lunches.

One of the hardest things to do is to group your items together in the refrigerator. This concept seems exceptionally tedious and nerve wrecking, but is very beneficial for time management and organization. Grouping all of your cheeses and spreads and condiments and of course juices together allows you to make better choices, and more rapid decisions as you see all the selections. Although this process may seem a little anal, it is not that difficult if you label the shelves inside your fridge. It doesn't have to be some long-drawn out alphabetical, scientific masterpiece. Just a simple solution of what goes where on a piece of masking tape. Therefore, everyone in the house can be confident that they are each playing a role in keeping the household refrigerator organized. The last step is to straighten up the refrigerator and throw things out right before you go to the market. This process ensures that when you come back with your new products there will be enough space. Plus, more than anything, as you throw things out you will remember what you need.

All of these concepts also apply to your clothes closet. By organizing what you have by color and grouping the items together you can keep yourself from looking like you have on the same thing. This process keeps your from buying a million and one pink sweaters and allows to realize that you don't own a pair of white or gray pants. Organization is a must for the savvy shopper's total appeal.

by Tiffany J. Prewitt

Your Spring Fun Shopping Checklist

Let's face it: shopping on a budget isn't always fun. While we all love to search for deals, a strict budget can be a little boring when you face restrictions. While it's always better to buy quality basics than stock up on cheap little goodies, you may need a pick-me-up now and again to indulge yourself in some trends. Spring is one of the very best times to do that.

Spring buys mean lots of accessories, bags, and fun do-dads like charms and cool tights. I've compiled a list of some looks that can really give you a boost without maxing out your credit cards.

A Little Clutch
A soft metallic gold clutch can really tie an outfit together. Find one with a wrist strap to keep it anchored while partying, and to keep it safe if you are slightly forgetful. The brand Hype has lots of purses with subtle stud details and thin chain handles for well under $100 at Bluefly.com. A Lulu Guinness purse is another choice for a tiny clutch with style. Designs are slim, but they combine tiny patterns with white spring-friendly trim.

Pearl Earrings
Get pearl earrings—fake or faux—in a dropped style. They will add subtle sophistication to one of spring's trendiest styles like a strapless '40s gown in a bold floral. A teardrop shape will elongate your neck and can be worn both day and night.

Yellow Flats
Yellow is so in for spring. For any of us who have to buy a new pair of shoes (or two) for spring, combine two trends in one and save. Shop for yellow flats that combine a small bow at the toe or a more stylized shape. Wear your yellow flats with your Audrey Hepburn style capris for a weekend trip.

Sparkly Chandelier Earrings
Sparkly earrings can be found in almost any department store, but why spend the time searching? You can find a great collection on sites like Earring Planet. Freshen up your favorite spring look with a beaded pair of earrings with very vintage appeal.

Delicate Gold Chains
Gold chains can really dress up your basic jersey dresses. Wear them with a deep scoop or v-neck bodice to show them off, and match them with a big fat cocktail ring to go along with it. I found some stunning examples on Shop.com.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Smart Shop

You just got paid. It’s time to hit the malls, right? Wrong! Although we all love to shop, adore coupons, live for sales and can stay in the mall from 10 am to 10 pm, we all must learn how to become the smart shopper. There are certain rules to becoming shopping savvy, and let’s face it, …going to the mall with a fresh paycheck and money that should be used to pay off various bills burning in your pockets is not the way to go. Because as you know, this is the time when temptation is greatest…when everything in the mall seems to be at your reach—financially; however, getting out of debt is becoming further and further out of reach.

The first step to shopping smart is to actually make a list. This is the number one rule no matter how big or small the list is. Never try to remember even one item. We all have suffered at the hands of going in to Wal-Mart thinking we’re picking up only one lonely item, but yet, leave with a bill over $100 and a basket filled of items that you may already have at home, items that you did not really need and items that you thought were a good deal. Needless to say, often we do not even have a place to store such items. This is why a list and a pen is a necessity when it comes to shopping. By surveying what you have and what you need before you leave home and making an accurate list you do not fall into the pit of over shopping—which is not smart. Also, by organizing your list you are better able to use coupons thus adding even more savings. By knowing what you are purchasing a head of time you can check out circulars and clip coupons for those items. Every little bit helps. The most important part of making the list is abiding to it and using your pen to check the items off your list. After everything has been removed from your shopping list, DO NOT purchase anything else. If you feel you have missed something, start a new list for your next trip.

Window Shop. Ever run to the mall and buy three different shirts and realize the next week that they all look the same or find several items the very next day that you liked a lot better? This is very common for people who make rash decisions in shopping. Never hit the mall with a pocket full of money without a plan for what you are going to spend it on; therefore after you make a list of what you need go window shopping…broke. Buy browsing through stores with your checking account on empty and leaving all credit cards at home you will truly weed out items that you really don’t want vs. the items that you love or need. Not too mention, after window shopping in various stores and malls, items that you thought were a good deal, may not have been so great. Checking stores that you often don’t visit may have even better deals. This is a must for purchasing big ticket items like furniture and electronics. Ask all the questions that you can think of at that time. Make sure that there are no hidden expenses so that you can compare prices and budget in the item that you really like the most. Also remember to check out the papers for sales and ask the sales reps at the stores if the items will be going on sale soon. Believe it or not, more times than not, the sales associates will give you that information. After window shopping, price comparing and gathering pertinent information on the items, make rational choices on the items that you want and of course, go home and make that list. When you have done proper budgeting and picked the best items, go back to the stores with your list and pick only those items. Make sure that you only bring enough money for the items that are on your list.

By following these two simple rules you will become shop smart in no time and your wallet will thank you for it. Remember, this does not mean you can’t shop, or you will not be a shopaholic anymore; actually it is just the opposite. Go ahead, shop till you drop, just smartly.

by Tiffany J. Prewitt

Tips for Dealing with Holiday Debt

Of course, everyone starts the Christmas shopping season with the best intentions. You swear that you are going to make a budget, and stay within it. You swear you will not buy those little extras you see on sale for family and friends. You ban gifts at the office, among friends and neighbors. But, no matter what you think you will do, you always end up overspending and then having to pay off that debt the following year.

Here are some tips to help you pay off that holiday debt faster.

Find out how much you owe. Add up the credit card bills and other bills so that you know exactly how much money you need to catch up on that holiday spending. Once you know how much you owe, decide how quickly you can pay it off.

What is the easiest way to find that extra money you need? It is by cutting back on the little luxuries in life, such as eating out, buying expensive coffee, turning your thermostat down a degree or two, etc. Nearly anything that you can live without or seriously cut back on for a couple of months will allow you to pay off that debt quicker.

Decide to pay it of quickly. Instead of spreading the debt out over six or seven months, try and pay it off within two or three months. This will save you money on interest charges, and it will also make it easier to go without those little luxuries because you know it is temporary.

One thing that you can also do is start preparing for next Christmas. Instead of waiting to shop in the fall, start shopping as soon as you get your debt paid off. If you see something that is perfect for your mom, buy it now. It is one less thing you will have to find the money for later.

Another great choice is to open a holiday savings account. Many banks offer this feature. It is a special savings account that allows you to save money throughout the year. Around the end of October, the money is available for you to spend, along with the interest that it has earned.

by Christena Palmer