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22Jul/0815

The Savvy Shopper: hunting with your head and not your heart.

Every girl can shop but is there a smart way of doing it?

I would like to think so.

Personally, I would not consider myself a shopaholic, since I usually have self control when it comes to shopping. I have one rule that I live by "QUALITY OVER QUANTITY"- meaning I would rather buy one quality piece than multiples of lower quality. I also have obsession with checking labels to make sure that the garment is made of natural materials, rather than synthetics. My wardrobe is based on classic pieces in neutral and calm colours, because to me a classic is a classic - always in style and always looks great ( not too risky).In the sea full of trendy fish, it can be challenging to be simple.

My taste and likings are always drawn to the slightly expensive side of fashion - the beautiful silks and chiffons, the soft Italian leather, and luxurious cashmere. But can a 20 year old student really afford that... NOPE. But there is hope... and that is TO BE A SMART SHOPPER. And that is no know when to SPLURGE and when to SAVE. I personally, don't know how to go about vintage shopping ( and have great appreciation for people who do) but I do know how to take a full advantage of a sale. IF YOU COULD SAVE THAN WHY SPLURGE. All you need is a knowledge of the right timing and of course, self control.

The Right Timing.

Fashion Seasons.
Early Spring - transitional garments, usually in stores by December 15.
Spring/Summer - everything summer including swim wear and beachwear in stores Late
February.
Fall/Winter - in stores by early July.
Holiday - in stores by early November.
Cruise - in stores by early December.

Here is a list of specific times when you can expect the best sales and on what.

Beginning of September:
First markdowns on Early Fall and Heavy " Back to School" Promotions.
Mid - End of October:
Final clearance on coats. Clearance on most Fall items.
Beginning of November:
Final clearance on Fall, First Markdown on Holiday items.
End of November:
Reductions on Furs, Heavy Markdowns on Holiday, Promotion or First Markdowns on Resort.
After Christmas:
Drastic reductions on Nearly Everything except for Early Spring styles.
Mid - End February:
Final Clearance on previous year's inventory. First Markdowns on Early Spring.
Easter/Passover:
Heavy Markdowns on Spring.
End of May:
Final clearance on Spring, Markdowns on Summer and Swim.
Beginning of July:
Final clearance on everything Summer and Swim.

My Favorite Online Shopping Sites
( I do most of my shopping online)

1. Net - A- Porter
2. Bluefly
3. Yoox
4. J.Crew
5. ShopBop
6. Ssence
7. Browns Shoes
8. Michael Kors
9. Chickdowntown
10. Armani Exchange
11. Revolve Clothing

Today's Sale Scores

When it comes to scoring shoes on crazy sales ... I'm pretty lucky. In the early Spring I found this pair of perfect Italian leather flats, but the $248 price tag quickly killed my desire, no matter how perfect they looked. However with my luck and patience, I purchased a last pair in my size for $56.Crazy, I know....

Second Purchase:
I've been searching for a pretty going out dress for a while now... and lookie what I found today on Revolve Clothing. This Whitley silk dress was originally priced at $ 209 but I managed to steal the last XS for $53 ( M is still available). I can't wait for it to come in the mail

In Total Saved:
$ 339

You don't have to sacrifice your expectations but only wait for the right time.

HAPPY SHOPPING

Filed under: ♥ Thoughts 15 Comments

16Jul/0812

Premio Award … YAY :)

I was nominated for a Premio Award by one of my favorite fashion blogs,STYLE DU MONDE. Thank you so much !!!

I nominate the following blogs for their wonderful work and dedication:

1. Fashion Chalet
2. Modelizing
3. Mode Junkie
4. Share my Fashion Addictions...
5. Fashion Addict
6. FriChic
7. Falling For Fashion

Show your support and nominate 7 other blogs for this wonderful award.

I would also like to take a minute to thank everyone for reading my blog, it means so much to me.

THANK YOU for your support and kind words.

Filed under: ♥ Uncategorized 12 Comments

15Jul/0814

Sunny Days … and tagged by Dapper Kid.

As I try to enjoy the summer days that go by so quickly, I can't get out of my head that the fall is just around the corner. I'm sorry for constantly having to remind you of that. Today, for me was a very relaxing day that I spent at home reading a book and now can finally do the book tag. For a change, I decided to wear something outside of black/white/grey ... I must confess, that I am not very good at wearing brights and usually prefer pastels ... boring, I know

TAGGED !!!!
I was tagged by the awesome Dapper Kid,so here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to Page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag 5 people and acknowledge who tagged you.

So, today I finished reading "Leonardo's Swans" by Karen Essex and I loved it, definitely one of my favorites. I would strongly recommend it for those of you who enjoy art history and architecture, since it is a biographical novel that closely looks at the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and Italian Renaissance Architecture. It is a novel of rivalry,love, and betrayal that definitely transports readers back to the Renaissance in Italy.

" Is he trying to get away from her again? She has not been successful. He does not fear her alliance with Isabel of Aragon or with Naples; he does not see her as woman, wife, and partner, but as a birthing machine. If she is not that to him, then she is nothing."

I'm tagging these wonderful blogs:
1. We wear things
2. The Sweet Victory
3. Ragamala
4. Je ne sais quoi
5. Estilo Extraordinario
6. Cuevogirl

And I want to thank you ahead of time for doing this tag

Wearing:
H&M top
Abercrombie & Fitch White Shorts
Michael Kors Wedges

Tagged as: Abercrombie& Fitch, H&M, Michael Kors 14 Comments

14Jul/082

MIss Universe 2008

Miss USA falls the second year in the row.

As I was watching Miss Universe 2008 that took place this Sunday in Vietnam, it occurred to me that every single girl looked practically identical. How is it possible that women from around the world with different ethical backgrounds look like clones of each other? The same body type ( long, lean, with a large chest and a tiny waist kind), with big wavy hair, tons of make up and always smiling - its like watching a Barbie come alive. Although the " idea" is to celebrate women who are savvy, goal oriented, and aware. Those, who inspire and set an example. But from what I have seen ( and I've been watching Miss Universe since I was little girl) all they do is reinforce the negative stereotype of beauty - the idea that women should look like walking dolls. Why is it that there is not a representative that you can relate to, it all seems too fake. To me, Miss Universe is a beauty pageant, nothing more than beautiful girls being looked at and judged. What are your thoughts on this and would you ever want to be a " beauty queen"?

The tittle of Miss Universe 2008 went to Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza.

Filed under: ♥ Thoughts 2 Comments

12Jul/0828

Current Obsession…. ( part one )

InspirationEmporio Armani Fall 2008

Although I love slim jeans and wear them all the time, I have never gotten used to an idea of wearing leggings. Maybe, it's because I wore them for 12 years while dancing , or maybe because I feel naked in them... for whatever reason that it is, I've never worn leggings outside of my dance/pilaties class. What is your take on leggings ?

It seems as if the lean look has been around for ages and I am slowly developing a love/hate relationship with it. Meanwhile, I have totally fallen in love with slouchy trousers. I just love how effortless they looks and how seductive they make you feel. Plus, it is so easy to dress them up or down. However, if the full - leg trousers are to drastic of a change from your skinnies, why not go for a boyish tapered pants, like the ones seen at the Isabel Marant fall collection.

Isabel Marant Fall 2008

Now onto my outfit ... although I have made a post of these trousers before, I decided to dress them up for a night out with my boyfriend. I was inspired by the Emporio Armani Fall 2008 collection, and the way that the gray trousers were beautiful paired with a sexy champaign coloured top. Here' s is my take on this sexy look:

- Jacob Silk Open back Top
- French Connection Belle Trouser
- Michael Kors purse,
- Eddie Bauer Leather Flip - Flops
- The large ring is a family jewel

Continue Reading: Obsession Continues (thanks)

Tagged as: Eddie Bauer, French Connection, Jacob, Michael Kors 28 Comments

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