Showing posts with label bargains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bargains. Show all posts

4.05.2011

YAY!

I just found out I won a ticket to the Outnet's birthday sale, where everything is $2!
Sooo excited : )


If you want to get in on the action too, there's still time. They're picking winners until Thursday April 14th. To enter, click here

2.24.2011

Whole Health and Wellness Medspa


I found a ridiculous discount for a reflexology and neck massage on Lifebooker* at the Whole Health and Wellness Medspa a couple days ago, and considering  the fact that my shoulders are now officially at ear level, I figured it was time to get a massage.

I thoroughly enjoyed my massage here. It was quiet (I went on a Friday afternoon. Unheard of.) and the staff was very attentive and prompt. They didn't pressure any additional services, although my masseuse did mention that my knots were so bad that he wouldn't be able to get all of them out with just a neck rub and suggested I come back for a more intense massage. Fair enough.

My masseuse's name was Kevin. Lovely man, I highly recommend asking for him. I know when I get something done I'm polite, but I don't particularly like to chat or have someone drone on at me. He merely asked if this or that was comfortable and then left me alone to relax.
Thank you Kevin, I highly appreciate it.

*Lifebooker is a website that offers insane discounts (up to 95% off) on facials, massages, manicures, haircuts ect. To join click here.

1.18.2011

Jaggy Nettle and All Saint's Sales

Just two sales that are much, much too good not to share*:

First, All Saints is having a 70% off sale


$210 $63


$150 $45

and secondly, Jaggy Nettle is having a 40% off sale via Kingdom of Style
Don't know who Jaggy Nettle is?
Well, you're missing out then. Hop on over to their site and check them out.


My favorite sweater from them. How perfect would this be for me? 

*Aka I'm saving up for another trip with my girlfriends, so if I can't shop hopefully I can get others to!

Tips for Buying on Ebay

As promised, here's my few tips and tricks for buying on Ebay.
And let me tell you, I've gotten some fantastic deals and I've also gotten some awful duds.

Many of my friends complain that they don't shop on Ebay because "I can't try it on or return it, I'm stuck with it! What if I don't like it?"

The way I look at it is that if I'm buying five blouses, blazers, tops, whatever, each for about $10, probably four of them will work out and one of them won't.
But mathematically, it just means I paid $50 for four usable pieces, so only $13 for each usable piece (give or take). Still much cheaper than buying at retail, so it's a risk I'm willing to take.

Anyway, on to shopping!

Finding Your Item

Make sure your search term isn't too specific. Type in a word or two (such as a brand and size) and narrow down results using the categories on the left hand side.

Think outside the box when it comes to search terms. Try using similar phrases (such as "denim" and "jeans") and also try misspelling the word to find auctions where the seller made a mistake in the listing.

If you have a favorite brand that you always buy from, start there. Or do you have a designer brand that you wish you could own, but it's too expensive? Try typing them in and see what's out there.

Also make sure to take advantage of the advanced search feature. It allows you to narrow down the search results by how soon the auction is ending, location of the seller, and a bunch of other requirements.

Advanced search also allows you to save your favorite searches and have any new results e-mailed to you on a daily basis. This feature is a god-send, because really, the way to get the best deals is to check in daily. But who has time for that?

Buyer Beware

Just a few things to keep your buying experience pleasant and prevent duds from showing up on your doorstep:

Check measurements. Sizes vary even within a brand, so always check the measurements of the garment to make sure that it fits.

Check seller's ratings. I'm a little hesitant to go below a 99% positive rating, although I'm bidding right now with a seller who has a 96% rating (A Philip Lim skirt! For $11!) because I took a look into her feedback and since she's only sold to 12 people, one negative feedback for slow shipping brought her down to a 96%. So use your judgement.

Check shipping charges. A great deal may not be so great after all of the shipping charges. So make sure to include that in the price so you aren't surprised at the end of the auction.

If there's ever an issue with the item you receive, the seller you are buying from, ect. ect. head right on over to the Ebay conflict resolution center. Ebay is a very buyer-oriented experience, so they will probably resolve the issue in your favor.

And if you ever have any questions at all, message the seller. Most of them are more than happy to provide additional information or pictures.

Bidding

There are really two ways to deal with bidding. Go the cheap route or the necessities route.

If you're cheap (like moi) definitely snipe auctions.
I know it's a bit low and I know it's a cheap shot. But man,  does it work.
Just hold off bidding until the last few minutes of an auction, then bid your highest amount. It doesn't give the other bidders a time to raise their bid and it keeps the auction low.
Also, there are people out there that you can pay to snipe an auction for you. Not sure if it's worth the price, but they're out there.

However, if you don't have the time or it's something that's necessary in your life, just start off bidding the highest amount you are willing to pay, plus a dollar or two to protect against snipers. Then, sit back and let the Internet gods decide.

Be a Good Buyer

Just a few ways you can help keep the Ebay community running smoothly.

Realize that the sellers are people too. Sometimes they make mistakes.
Also realize that you are buying used clothing (unless otherwise stated). Don't expect for it to have that "brand-new from the store" clothes smell or look.
Always pay what you bid on. There's nothing more frustrating than having to put in a "have not received payment" case. If you are having trouble paying, just message the seller. Communication is key.
If you had an unpleasant experience and are about to leave negative feedback, talk to the seller. See if you can resolve the issue.
Also, read the description, the whole description. Nobody likes surprises.


Anyway, that's my basic beginner's guide to buying from Ebay. Are there any tips that I'm missing?

1.12.2011

New Shoes

Super awesome $5 shoes from Ebay.


Via Spiga Slingbacks

Long live Ebay. 

12.01.2010

Guilt Trip

I know myself and I know what happens when I get in one of these moods. I'm stressed, I'm bored, and I just feel "bleh".

So of course I did a bit of a rampage on the ol' debit card and picked up a few goodies that have been sitting on my "lust, want, need" list:


Just how beautiful is this cape? It's perfect, simply perfect. It's still got that cape feel, but hopefully won't make me look like a velociraptor since it still has "sleeves" of a sort. We'll see when it arrives in a week.

La Mer Watch

I've wanted a La Mer watch, since, forever. And I don't feel at all bad about this purchase since my watch I have now (a little brass Timex) is starting to run down and all of the shiny is starting to come off after four years of daily use. I tend to be very hard on my clothing unfortunately.
So I picked up this guy on Ideeli for $49 (!) and I couldn't resist. The sale is still going on for the rest of today, and they still have plenty of great watches left.

And of course I'm being practical and got a new pair of leggings (my last pair ripped in the knee. Fence climbing is not good for leggings :( ) , a new digital camera, and I have a few things I'm bidding for on Ebay, one of which is a BEAUTIFUL little vintage cropped faux fur jacket and also a pair Michael Kors suede cut-out oxfords.

I might be indulgent, and I might be paying this off for the next three months, but no one can argue I have excellent taste, no?

11.29.2010

Super-Find

While I'm a regular creeper on sites such as Rue-la-la and Ideeli, I very rarely buy anything. There's just something about the ability to try it on that keeps me going back to the sample sales in NY, even if they are a bit more hectic.

So I'm very excited to find that there is a permanent home for sample sales here in NY.

 Clothing Line is located at 261 W. 36th street, and has continually changing sample sale merchandise. The beauty of this is that instead of chasing down sample sales all over Manhattan, I can just keep visiting the same store on my way back from work. Perfect.
Their current sale is Theory, starting Tuesday at 10 am, which is one of my favorite brands. Also upcoming in December are Tory Burch (meh), Free People, and Tocca (yay!).
I haven't yet stopped by, but just looking at their site it seems promising. I will definitely be stopping by this week for Christmas shopping of course! One for my dears, and one for me : )

11.23.2010

Etsy Love

While I might not have made my wish list yet, I know that I'm starting to think of what to get for my nearest and dearest on my list.
There are plenty of gift lists out there for your perusal (most retailers have already put together one by now).

But on my gift list I wanted to feature the talented folks over at Etsy (and bonus: they're all under $50, with most of them under $15. That's what we broke college kids call impress for less).
So lend a hand to the little guys and be kind to your wallet this year, because remember, it's not the money but the time that you spend on each gift that counts.

The Gourmet





The Beauty Junkie





The Geek





The Romantic





The Jock






The Fashionista





The Baby





10.21.2010

Sample Sale

I'm so sorry dolls, but for once my word of mouth system has failed.
It seems that Elie Tahari, one of my favorite brands to shop personally, is having a major sample sale down by Bryant Park as we speak.
I can't believe that I'm the last one to know!

I just popped by after work today thanks to a girl friend's tip off and scored my PERFECT PANTS. The ones I've been searching for, forever. Black, slim leg, 35" inseam, tropical wool, slash pockets, low rise.
$59 with a retail price of $250.

Can I get a high-five?

I had to pull from my savings (pay day is tomorrow) but I think for a deal like that on something as classic and basic as black dress pants that it's worth it.

I promise, pictures later, but I'm off to see a screening of Dangerous Liaisons which is a favorite movie of mine.

But don't worry, the sale is going on until Saturday.
Here's the info:

October 19-23rd
510 5th ave (on 43rd street)
Friday 8:30-7:30
Saturday 10-5

10.15.2010

Food

Just a quick note before the weekend, for all you New Yorkers dealing with food budgets.

Personally, (when allowed free reign in the supermarket) I spent about $20 a week on food back home in MA, but here in New York it usually gets up to around $50 or more.
Screw that.
Part of the problem is that I refuse to eat things like Cheetos and a coke for breakfast.
I know, how unreasonable that I would like something like fruit and vegetables on a college budget.

Thankfully, I found a little gem on the West Side this week. It's called Stile's Farmer's market, it's between 9th and 8th ave on 52nd street, right next to the post office.
It's a little hard to find, I actually only found it by stumbling on it, it's that little plastic sheet covered hole in the fence, wedged between the post office and the parking garage.

But long story short, and ignoring the sketchy surroundings, I came home with a bundle of food for $10. Almost everything is under a dollar a pound. And I got a box of strawberries for $2 (! It's October. WTF) and a carton of apple cider for $2.50.

I'd say it's worth the trip to me. : )

10.07.2010

Buffalo Trip

I've been procrastinating on writing this French paper on Moliere, so of course I did a closet purge and hauled it down to Buffalo Exchange.
I traded it in, did a bit of shopping, and 52 cents later (yeah, you heard that right. It was a pretty even trade.) I have three new pieces to add to my closet.


Soft, jersey, asymmetrical, cowl neck, ruched, baby blue, top (?). If you can add any more adjectives onto that I'm impressed. Also I think I'm in love with it, especially since it's from some french brand (I think) called Avec. See? I am learning french.
Also check out the jeans. As always, a little too short, but they fit like a dream. Again, by another brand, Deloc & B, I'd never heard of.

But while I was perusing the racks I did spy a pair of Alexander Wang shorts from last season for $34. If you're a size 6 I'd haul ass down there.

Ah, fixed those jeans. Now I have a new pair of pedal pushers for the spring! My last ones unfortunately met a tragic death involving bicycle gears and a tree.
Also I got a sheer, uber soft tank top by Twenty (there's a brand I do know!). I'm totally going to skank it up next weekend with a black bandeau bra, as pictured.

Anyway, once again it was a successful trip down to Buffalo Exchange. 
Love that store.

8.24.2010

Malia Mills Sample Sale

Exciting news everyone!
The company that I interned with over the summer, Malia Mills, is hosting a sample sale August 25-27, so if you're in the new york area definitely head over for a peek.

I'm not just saying this because I worked with them for four months, but not only are these a lovely group of ladies, but these are also some seriousily fabulous swim suits.

I had to pick up at least one suit while working for them (and several dresses, their sports wear designer Erin makes some to die for pieces) and so I got the Siren swimsuit pictured below.

It's comfortable, adjustable, wears very well (no issues with bagging or stretching or pulling yet!) plus I don't think I've ever gotten so many cries of "WHERE DID YOU GET THAT SUIT??!".
Plus if it ever does break, I can send it back to Malia Mills for free repairs. Sweet.

So anyway, here's the info below. I'm definitely planning on stopping by, if only to chat with the ladies.

See you there!
Malia Mills is hosting the ultimate swimwear celebration! For three days, find favorite styles from seasons past for $50-$100 bucks a piece at our annual Summer Sample Sale. Choose from fun colors like Movie Star, Romeo, Sage and more in Malia Mills fabulous-fitting signature styles! (Keep your eyes peeled for our bargain bin as low as $5)


We will also have some special deals on ready-to-wear and accessories!


Check out our website... http://www.maliamills.com/


When? Wednesday through Friday, August 25th through 27th from 10 am to 6 pm


Where? Malia Mills, 263 West 38th St, Floor 16, between 7th and 8th Avenues.


We Accept- Cash, Visa, Mastercard and AMEX

8.11.2010

Shoes...


Some new shoes came from DSW! WOO!

Crazy thing is that I didn't realize if you sign up for their membership, you keep getting these coupons.
I always assumed that the coupons had a time limit, but when I logged on to browse it had some left in my account from a year ago!
So, two pairs of shoes, free shipping, and $35 worth of coupons later I'm a very happy to welcome these cuties into my closet.

Note: it seems I still have a leopard problem. I'm just going to go ahead and embrace it.

8.08.2010

My Dream Tote

For any of you who have not heard my of my obsession with these London Fog Audrey totes, now you know.
I'm slightly obsessed, ever since I stopped some girl because I needed to know what bag she was carrying.
Yes, it was a necessity.


I'm in the market for a  new tote for the school year, and so while trolling on ebay I saw this little beauty.

However, I just found this same bag in black patent (which I'm now bidding on) so I thought I'd share the deal.

Reserve price is $47
Bidding is at $47 with 1 day and 10 hours left.

6.15.2010

Butter Sale!


Exciting news guys, Butter by Nadia is having a sample sale!

It begins June 18th at midnight and ends June 21st at 9 am.

What goodies are you going to pick up?

4.22.2010

Shout Out

Big thanks to reader Annie who gave me a heads up about the Butter by Nadia sample sales.
If you love her jersey as much as I do, head over to Butter by Nadia and sign up for sample sale alerts in the upper right corner.
Or, you could just watch this space and trust me, as soon as I get my email alert and my hands on her signature jersey I will be shouting about it here.

4.21.2010

Convertible

While I am dying to own one of Butter by Nadia's convertible dresses (better known as "the revenge dress" or "the miracle dress". Yes, it is apparently that awesome).
My bank account says that it would rather I didn't spend $246 on a dress. Even if it is really like eight dresses in one, making it really only $30 a dress.
Right?
RIGHT?



However, this convertible jersey dress by Victoria's Secret looks eerily similar, although they're back ordered on the purple color. Which of course was the one I wanted :(
But for $49 I feel that this would be a fair substitute (warning, their sizes run a little big. So when in doubt, size down).

3.29.2010

Finders Keepers

So I've been browsing lately (that's what happens when you're procrastinating on term papers). and I found some things that I think are just adorable

However, a lot of the time I come across something that makes me absolutely squee with joy, and then realize that it's
a)too big/small
b) completely unnecessary in my life

So I thought I'd start a new little feature where I share some of these goodies, so that if they can't come live in my closet, at least they've found a good home. 

First up, how adorable is this Aileen sweater?? It's a petite xsmall (um... not quite. But I thought about it really, really hard. The cropped top look is in right? RIGHT?)

2 days left, $0.99 

Gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer sundress. Remember my white dress hunt? This would be about it. Unfortunately I have to choose between rock climbing this weekend or shopping.... so darling, perhaps we'll meet again. 
Less than a day left, $20.50

It says that the brand is New Identity (yeah, I've never heard of them either). However, I just think this is one wicked awesome Aztec print jacket. Not quite my style, but I know some girls who would look great in this.
Less than a day left, $19.99

Yves St. Laurent cream high waisted trousers. It doesn't get anymore classic or luxe. Love, love, LOVE. Need a longer inseam that 32.5 though.
Can you please add 3 inches onto that? You could just take it off the waist. 'kay, thanks.
4 days left, $18.99

Goodluck darlings! Hope you found something you like.

3.26.2010

Sale

Just wanted to give you ladies a head's up, one of my favorite online retailers, 80's purple is having a "Progressive Warehouse Sale".
This means that items are being progressively marked down as the sale goes on until they disappear, so you can get some great pieces for as much as 80% off (though I can't guarantee there will be any left in your size. So it goes).
ANYWAY, check it out here.

2.02.2010

Give Me a Sec....

I'm almost tempted. Almost. Except that I've sworn off bootcut (makes my legs look awkward for some reason.)
But if you haven't, and you have tastes like mine... check out this deal on Ebay:



Yup. Those are Hugo Boss leather pants, size 2 currently at $0.01.