A Couture Giveaway from Oscar de la Renta and Ideeli: Enter to win a dress custom made in your size!!

Pictured: The Oscar de la Renta Ideeli Dress Givaway, similar to the dress Carrie wore in the Sex & the City movie.

Readers, don't you just love this Oscar de la Renta dress??? Frankly, I'm excited to be writing this post to let you know about this one because it's very, very special. Starting Monday, June 1st shopping club Ideeli will be accepting entries for the above pictured Oscar de la Renta, one of kind couture dress giveaway. This dress has been designed by the master Oscar himself. The winner will be awarded the dress in their size plus win the illustration (above) of the dress signed by Oscar de la Renta as well! Ideeli will be accepting entries the entire month of June. To enter, all you need to do is to become an Ideeli member. Click here to join as my guest, so that you will have the chance to enter the contest as soon as it opens. I would really love to see one of our very own The Recessionista readers get in there and win it! There's nothing better than free couture! :)

Why do I love Oscar? Let me count the ways:

He is both a CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award Winner and a CFDA Lifetime Award Winner.

Although known for his high-end line, de la Renta introduced O by Oscar, in which no single piece retails for more than a hundred dollars. Like Norma Kamali, the H&M's designers and John Bartlett he is responding to the market and making his fashions more affordable. These designers will ride out the current "jittery economy", and avoid the recent fate of Christian LaCroix who declared bankruptcy. The Oscar de la Renta site now offers sale items and even an outlet. PTL!

In a long career, de la Renta has dressed movie stars and first ladies.
Recently, he created Hillary Clinton's inaugural gown. When Bill Clinton was President, he did her second inaugural gown, which was gold and absolutely breath taking. People forget how well dressed and glamorous Hillary was in that dress. Check it out below.

Pictured: Hillary Clinton in a gold Oscar de la Renta at the second Clinton inauguration.

So ready, set, enter! Get ready tomorrow to toss your hat into the ring to win a timeless Oscar de la Renta classic. Click here to join Ideeli to take a chance on winning. I am already in the running!

PS--if you're reading from the UK, Debenhams is offering up to 70% off on their Principles line. Click here to go to Debenhams online.

A Couture Giveaway from Oscar de la Renta and Ideeli: Enter to win a dress custom made in your size!!

Weekend Update: Sales and Specials

Good morning readers! It's Saturday--ya! I'm here drinking my fabulous morning coffee and looking over the weekend steals and deals to pass onto recessionistas all over the world.
First up, if you live in the US, today is the early bird Kohl's sale. There are specials throughout the store on apparel for men and women. It's a great time to get some Father's Day gifts, or something for yourself at a great price. If you saw me on ABC this week, I was showing a great Dana Buchman top that I got on sale at Kohl's. That top has now been further reduced to, wait for it, only $12.00!!!

Pictured: Kohl's Dana Buchman top on sale today.

If you watched the ABC news show this week, then you may recall that I said I found this top to be "pucci esque." And by that I meant, the great geometric prints and colors reminded me of the great Emilo Pucci. I lust after Pucci, but of course can rarely afford it, unless I find it at a great sale. So, for those of you who love great colors, I recommend Dana at Kohl's. The top is sold out online in many of the sizes, but is still available in stores in all sizes (at least in my store!)
Simply Vera and Elle are also on sale today, so grab a bargain while you can. The summer Vera collection has some amazing pieces at low prices.

Pictured: Vera Wang's easy to carry hobo bag.

This Simply Vera hobo bag is a particular favorite of mine. I also showed in on the ABC show, but alas, it didn't make it into the final footage. This little bag is on sale today marked down from $99.00 to $39.00. I travel alot, and this bag is truly the most comfortable of all the bags I have carried on my shoulder. It's very lightweight and fits neatly under the arm. I bought it in beige, which is now sold out online, but it's still available in Kohl's stores.

The next deal I want to give everyone a heads up on is a little sale designer fashion club Ideeli is having today. Today at Ideeli they are having a very secret handbag sale. They won't even tell me the name of the designer, but they guarantee this Italian made line is HUGE. Here is a hint, this designer won the Neiman Marcus award in 1947 (is it Salvatore Ferragamo??) Mmm...I'm drawing a blank on this one, as it's way before my time. I called my Mum and she doesn't know either. Drats, we'll just have to take a peak at Ideel online today and see who it is. I believe the sale will start today at 11:00 am EST, 8 am PST for fashion lovers. Click here to join private shopping club Ideeli as my guest to find out who the mystery handbag designer is. Ideeli is also offering something special for Dad today. Father's Day is coming June 21st. So, in preparation for shopping for the Dads or men in your life, check out Ideeli's sale on:

Victorinox swiss army watches
Save up to 78%
Prices start at $129
Saturday May 30th

Made to last a lifetime, and just as multi-functional as those namesake knives, these watches boast perks like analog quartz movement, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, titanium parts, and Swiss-made construction. Sleek and elegant, the highly-detailed faces showcase everything from dates and calendars to alternate time zones and pressure gauges. These are truly investment pieces.


If you're shopping today from outside the US, check out International Clubs Beyond the Rack and Catwalk To Closet. Both of these clubs are having some great sales and further reductions on designer goods.

For more deals, check the right side of the blog for the listings under my The Recessionista's Top Picks. Everyday I try to list what is new at the shopping clubs and highlight designer deals that you might be interested in.

Enjoy the weekend readers!!! Let me know what bargains you find today.

PS-- This just in, new Theory at Loehmann's today.

Weekend Update: Sales and Specials

Alot of Fashion for a Small Price: All in One Top + Summer Norma Kamali

Have any of you seen this little beauty (pictured above) online at your local Walmart store? I'm talking about the All in One $20.00(US) black top from Norma Kamali made for Walmart, that can be worn in a variety of wonderful ways.

Check out the video demonstration below of all the ways you can wear this versatile piece. Seeing is believing. This can be worn off the shoulder, strapless, halter topped and also conventionally with both sleeves on the arms. Imagine that! :)




Now that you've seen the demonstration, you may want to order one for that casual, chic look for summer. Well, I have good news and bad news. The top is selling quickly at Walmart online, and not all sizes are available. Now for the good news! Don't despair Recessionistas. A new collection of Walmart looks from NK is on the way. I was in New York two weeks ago and had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Kamali in person at her store on West 56th Street. I got to see her hard at work on both her fashions and her Wellness products (teas, olive oils and more).

Pictured: My meeting with Norma Kamali (Norma is the cool looking one in the sunglasses.)

She was as charming and gracious in person as she appeared on Bravo's Fashion Show last week. I don't know about the rest of you, but I really liked her in the role of judge, she critiqued the fashion and the designs, not the people. No one was brought to tears on national TV by "Madam Kamali" as Issac called her. Truly a class act. But I digress, check out what's about to hit the racks and get ready to grin! Because it's a beautiful and affordable. Here's a sneak preview of two of the dresses.

Pictured: Coming soon a green off the shoulder peasant dress and a faux snake skin , wrap dress. Both Norma Kamali for Walmart.

To hear Norma talk about her upcoming affordable fashions at Walmart, watch your local ABC news tomorrow night, (May 28th.) Norma and The Recessionista (yours truly) will be featured in a segment on Recession Chic as part of ABC's Economic Survival Segment. In the segment Norma notes, “There’s something about the recession and the downturn economy that will not only bring me into this world, but makes us all kind of come together and think of new ways to do things.” I absolutely agree. Necessity is often the mother of invention as the saying goes.

I will be talking about a range of great bargains I have found, plus NK for Walmart. It's a segment you won't want to miss if you are looking to shop smart and savvy.

Pictured: More of the upcoming NK for Walmart stuff.

Watch future blog posts to learn when the new items are in stores and online for order!
We have some new pics for the summer line from blog reader Susan in North Carolina. She sent pics of the new stuff which is already in at her Walmart. There is some amazing stuff here!

Pictured: The new summer wrap dresses in Olive and Snakeskin. Plus, the Royal Blue Ludmilla dress from Spring. Love the Sweetheart Wrap Dress in the Olive!

Pictured: Cool Summer Tees with Starfish and Snails.

Pictured: Gorgeous long Olive button-down shirt and pants

Pictured: The new scarves for summer in snakeskin, olive and yellow
Pictured: Matching Totes for the Beach, only $18.00

Pictured: The Olive NK Safari Jacket

Pictured: The Blue NK Henley Shirt

Click here to see the ABC story. Stay up to date by joining The Recessionista's Facebook group for all the latest.

Alot of Fashion for a Small Price: All in One Top + Summer Norma Kamali

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. Shoes, Watches and a Contest at Ideeli

Pictured: L.A.M.B shoes on sale at Ideeli today.

One thing I have lusted after in my shopping dreams has been Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B line of clothing, shoes and handbags. When it first hit the sales racks, I thought ho-hum, another celebrity inspired line. Truly, I didn't expect anything original or of quality. Then, I saw some of the clothing at a local beach boutique and changed my mind. The clothing was well made, and in excellent fabric choices. The quality was definitely there. Alas, the price was not right, probably due to that very quality. Later, one of my best friends bought one of the L.A.M.B handbags, and again, I was amazed. It was very good looking, and not cheaply made. She bought it at Saks for retail, which again was out of my range of consideration. So good news today Recessionistas, shopping club Ideeli is putting L.A.M.B shoes on sale at a discount. There are only two other places I have seen L.A.M.B sold at a discount and those are Loehmann's and Nordie's Rack. So click here to shop Ideeli from the convenience of your PC, and see what they have on sale today. In case you're wondering, L.A.M.B., stands for Love. Angel. Music. Baby. This was also the name of Gwen's first album. Who knew? :) Today (5/28), L.A.M.B watches join the sale, and they also look great. Here's a picture of one.

Pictured: L.A.M.B. watches on sale at Ideeli

Another cool thing that is going on over at Ideeli is a contest this week. As OOoOO says, "Freebies in the Recession" we like! So here is the deal, all you need to win is some style savvy and the ability to Twitter.

Pictured: Get your new age sabre ready to enter the Ideeli Twitter style competition. On Guard Style Twitterers!

The new Ideeli blog (which if you haven't read it is VERY GOOD) wants to feature a The Recessionista reader on their blog. They are asking readers to share their style. To win, you need to to show them how you've dressed up or down your favorite Ideeli finds on Twitter. Winners will be featured on the Ideeli blog and will receive a $15 shopping credit good for 30 days on Ideel. Nice huh? Here's what you need to do to enter:


1) Join Ideeli on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ideeli

2) Load your favorite style shot to Twitpic. Make sure you start your tweet with "@ ideeli" so they can find your pictures.

Event ends, June 30th, 2009. The Ideel blog will start posting their favorite images ASAP. If you have questions, please email Ideeli: blog@ideeli.com

Please mention in your Tweet how you heard about the promotion, right here on the The Recessionista Blog.

And by the way, I am on Twitter and you can follow me at , wait for it--Recessionista! :) I will also be at Twitter Con this Sunday and I can't wait to get tweety with the peeps in San Fran!

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. Shoes, Watches and a Contest at Ideeli

Enter to Become Redken's "Backstage Blogger" at Fashion Week 2010

Listen up Recessionistas! Have you ever wanted to go to NY Fashion Week but not had the cash or the connections to make it happen? If so, we have a deal for you! Redken is holding their second Fashion Insider contest, where one lucky winner will have a chance to become Redken's "Backstage Blogger" at New York’s Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Week. That idea kind of tickles my funny bone to be quite honest. I have visions of aspiring fashionistas chained to their blackberries or PCs, unable to concentrate on the runway fashions, because they are compelled to blog from backstage. It's a tough challenge, but there are many of us who will try to stand up to it.

Pictured: Would this be me with my Crackberry Blogging Backstage at Fashion Week if I won the Redken contest?

Redken is offering one lucky person the chance to go behind the scenes and share on BellaSugar.com their backstage experience at NY Fashion Week. Click here to enter for a chance to win from now through June 15th.

P.S. -I already entered :) May the best Recessionista Win!

Enter to Become Redken's "Backstage Blogger" at Fashion Week 2010

Recession-Friendly "Claiborne by John Bartlett," Arrives in Stores in Time for Father's Day

Pictured: Bartlett's new lower-priced collection. (Photo: Courtesy of John Bartlett)

Just in time for Father's Day fashionable gift giving, menswear designer John Bartlett has launched his first line with Liz Claiborne. His low-priced line is already selling in his New York West Village store. The collection includes lower-priced items, like a classic navy-blue jacket with utility pockets ($178) and a casual checked button-down shirt ($69.50), selling right alongside the designer's runway collection, which retails for three times more (jackets are $625). If you live in New York and you stop by his store, you might actually see John there working the cash register and talking to his customers. As a very hands on designer, John is happy to be joining forces with Liz Clairborne. He says, "My goal is to create an enticing line at affordable prices that men will find irresistible. The Claiborne name has a strong legacy and I intend on honoring that while transforming the men's line to address a great opportunity in the better men's market."

Pictured: The Cincinnati Kid: Designer John Bartlett at his store in New York.

I'm frequently asked by readers if there are any bargain lines for men, so it's great to see this one hitting the stores. John Bartlett is from my hometown of Cincinnati and is an amazingly talented designer. His designs are classic and well made. With this line, John shows he's also a good businessman who has his pulse on the market and is in tune with the tenure of the times. Hopefully, we'll see more lines like Bartlett's and Matthew Williamson's H& M men's line hitting the store racks. I have to let my favorite shopper 00o00 know about this one! Hopefully, Clairborne by John Bartlett will make it's way across the pond. Click here to visit the collection online.
Click here for information about John's store.

Recession-Friendly "Claiborne by John Bartlett," Arrives in Stores in Time for Father's Day

Fendi Freebie Alert: Ideel is giving away a Fendi Bag

Fashion club Ideeli is having a giveaway on a fabulous Fendi Logo Baquette Bag. There is nothing quite so good as free stuff, especially designer free stuff in the midst of the Recession. All Recessionistas are invited to enter the giveaway by clicking here. PS--they are also having a nice sale on Gucci handbags today.

The winner will be announced later today, May 24th , 2009. Check Ideeli for details.

Fendi Freebie Alert: Ideel is giving away a Fendi Bag

The Recessionista's Memorial Day Sales Round-up!

As every good practicing Recessionista knows, this is the weekend of the holy, redeeming sale and price slashing around the United States. Just about every retailer in the US is offering their merchandise at a discount over this special Memorial Day weekend. If you live outside the US, and are not observing Memorial Day with a 3 day weekend, you still get the benefits of the sale discounts that are posted online. To help you shop savvy, I'm posting a couple of sales that have turned up on the Recessionista Radar tracking system. There is everything here from the high-end Ideeli shopping club Gucci watch & handbag sale to Old Navy's unbelievable one dollar US flip flop sale. Here's the list of bargains.

Pictured: Gilt Groupe Designer Sales this Weekend

Online:

• Gilt Groupe, Donna Karan, Peter Som and a Memorial Accessories sale.
• Ideeli: Gucci watches and handbags.
• RueLaLa.com:Carlos Falchi, Stitch’s Denim and Stitch’s Denim men's
• International Shopping: Beyond the Rack, Juicy Couture Sunglasses
• US & Canada: Haute Look, Lara Kazan, Acne Denim, Amrita Singh, Alexis Hudson and Caden Lane Baby
• Overstock.com: International shopping, Memorial Day Sale+ free shipping
  

In Store:

Kmart: Save Up to 80% Off Kmart's 4-day Memorial Day Sale 5/22-5/25. Check out the Martha Stewart Collection, some good stuff there, like the plush blankets and the paints.

Loehmann's Sale: Memorial Day Secret Sale. Come to Loehmann’s Saturday through Monday, Memorial Day, May 25th for a coupon worth $10, $25, $100 or $500 off your purchase!*

H&M: In store savings around the world. I found many accessories for just $1.00 at the Beverly Center store.


Store and Online:
Express: Lots of discounts plus extra savings of $15.00 off when you spend $60.00


Bloomingdale's Big Brown Bag Sale. Some great deals on quality, high-end stuff for men, women & kids. Designer handbags are 30% off.

Joseph Banks: Buy 1 Suit and get 5 items free! This is unbelievable, and great for men and women who still work in brick and mortar offices and have to dress up everyday. This is also a great offer for the upcoming Father's Day gift-giving!

Pictured: The Joseph Banks buy a suit, get 5 items free sale.

Christopher & Banks coordinates for Women, most are 30% off!

Old Navy: 1 Dollar on Flip Flops plus many other savings. Old Navy is offering $1 adult and kids solid flip-flops again this Saturday, May 23^rd ONLY.

Macys': 15% off , check website for details.
Nordstroms: Sale on shoes, accessories and just about everything!
Kohl's: Great sales throughout the store. Vera, Elle and Dana Buchman are all on sale.

Travel:
The American Airlines Fare Sale: Amazing deals on travel in the US & abroad. Book before 5/24.

Family Entertainment:
Discount at Six Flaggs Amusement Park courtesy of Beyond Tribute, a group of retailers and merchants giving back to veterans and recognizing that Memorial Day is to honor those who fought in wars (not those who shopped :) ). To learn more about Beyond Tribute, read Kim Cattrall's excellent column on Huffington Post. I love how the Kim Cattrall reminds us what Memorial Day is really all about. She says, "I'm a pretty good shopper, so I know that Memorial Day is a great shopping day. But I'm also the child of a proud military family, and I know that we need to make holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans' Day more than just another chance to buy things on sale." If you read her article, you'll want to sign the Beyond Tribute pledge. Click here to find participating businesses in your area.

Enjoy the holiday savings!

The Recessionista's Memorial Day Sales Round-up!

The Credit Crunch: Watch those Charges at the Weekend Sales

Pictured: A Pair of fabulous Jimmy Choo Crê de chine shoes, retails for $1,300. Carrie Bradshaw may have charged them on her credit card and have paid much more for them with interest and fees.

All the recent commentaries on the credit card reform bill made me think about poor Carrie Bradshaw. Remember when she couldn't get a loan to buy her condo/apartment in New York, but her closet was full of fabulous designer shoes? And I bet she put all those shoes onto her credit card. In my experience, when you shell out for those high-priced high heels, you will be paying for them for along time. Very few people pay for these types of purchases in cash or with a debit card.

As some of you know, the Senate passed the Credit Card reform bill. When it is effect (President Obama signed it on 5/22) , the credit card companies will have less than a year to make changes. These changes would include having to post their credit card agreements on the Internet, and permit all customers the ability pay their bills online or by phone without an added fee, rationalize over-the-limit fees and provide 45 days notice and an explanation before interest rates are increased.

Unfortunately for consumers, interest rates will not be capped as some like yours truly had hoped and prayed for! However, this is progress and I'm happy to see the power shifting a little more towards the consumer.

Pictured: Sample credit card statement with late fees and interest charges circled in red. Think before you buy at the Memorial Day sales.

So think about those Credit Card interest rates Recessionistas when you are out there shopping for summer fashions at the Memorial Day sales. My debit card is looking better and better to me all the time! I am trying to use it more and more for purchases. I mean, it makes no sense to buy a $5.00 pair of shoes if you are going to end up paying triple that in interest, and maybe even more in late fees if you make a payment late. And believe me, this is something I am telling myself as much as I am telling you dear readers. Ultimately, it's up to all of us to make the choices about our own finances.

Finally, I have to mention that I love that two bloggers were commentators on CNN yesterday about the credit card crunch. They called them the "blogger bunch." Cute, huh? When you have two people together, it's now consider a "bunch." Of course, that may only be if they are bloggers. I have to give a shout out for fellow blogger, Natalie McNeal from The Frugalista® Files. Click here to watch the video on CNN. Props to The Frugalista® for some good common sense explanations of the changes.

The Credit Crunch: Watch those Charges at the Weekend Sales

Nordstrom's half-yearly sale starts today

Recessionista alert! Nordstrom's half-yearly sale starts today with savings beginning at 33% off designer clothing, shoes and accessories. You can shop at one of their brick and mortar stores, or just cruise over to their website. Good deals abound and their customer service & return policy are amazing!

Nordstrom's half-yearly sale starts today

The Closet Cull: Selling, Donating and Giving

Pictured: Clothier Jeffrey Scott's clothing donation event, you give & you save 20%

If you're like me, you have a few too many extra clothes in your closet. Am I right dear reader? Is your closet overly full? Do you have things that you are no longer wearing that are just sitting in moth balls. Yours truly is guilty as charged of closet over crowding in the inner city. Please don't convict me for my shopping sins. I am working my way out of my shopping glut rut pre-Memorial day weekend in two eco-friendly ways. I am culling (doing some triage or weeding out) items from my closet either for giveaway to charity or sale on eBay.

First, let's talk about the giveaway of items. I've always given to Goodwill, Salvation Army and others. But now, a neighborhood retailer has made me aware of a new way to give that can help me buy my Dad something nice for Father's Day. Yes, as a practicing Recessionista, I'm always on the look out for ways to get discounts. And everyone who reads here knows that! Jeffrey Scott menswear here in Los Angeles is working with "Clothes The Deal", a non-profit organization that distributes clothing based on need. When you donate to "Clothes The Deal" , your items can help people who are looking for employment potentially close the deal of finding a new job. All the donations you make to "Clothes The Deal", like suits, dress shirts and ties go to men and women who are job hunting. Casual clothing will be given to those who are in rehab, or are homeless. When you donate, you will be given a receipt for tax purposes.

Now here's the cool twist that can help you shop for something for your Dad or significant other for Father's day. If you live in Los Angeles, and you donate your old clothes at Jeffrey Scott menswear, you'll receive 20% OFF on all purchases now through Sunday, May 24th. It's a great opportunity to clean out your closet and help those in need. Kudos to Jeffrey for giving away a share of his own profits to help those who are truly in need.

To learn more about this great organization, check out their web site. Clothes The Deal is based in Southern California and to date has distributed over (221,000) pieces of clothing to over (55,000) individuals. This is just one of many great organizations helping folks look their best while job hunting during these tough times. Do a Google search to find an organization like this in your city or your county. If Eleanor Roosevelt were alive today, I truly believe she would be working with groups like these to help job seekers raise their self-esteem and by getting a new suit for an interview. Remember, you can give to a Goodwill, Salvation Army or an Oxfam to help others. I was recently at the Salvation Army store in Canoga Park, CA and I was amazed by the selection of good suits they had for job hunters.


Now, on to Tip Numero Two for the great closet cull. eBay.

Pictured: eBay Seller Insertion Fee offer to start June 16, 2009

I willing be sorting through items that I thought last summer were must haves, that I now consider perhaps too trendy for continued wear. This is a great way of swapping stuff with others around the globe. And, starting June 16, eBay will be making listings more affordable to sellers. Every 30 days, your first 5 Auction-style listings will have NO Insertion Fees when you list with eBay's Sell Your Item form or simple listing form--regardless of your start price. Click here to learn more and read the details.

Pictured: The Top 10 eBay searches for Women's Clothing

Recently I had a chat with Constance White, the style director of eBay. She reminded me what a great marketplace eBay is for stylish items at good prices. She even has her own blog on eBay to offer style tips. You can check it by clicking here.

I will be selling off old stuff, and trying to acquire more Celia Birtwell, Chanel, vintage Norma Kamali, plus the elusive occasional Ossie Clark item. Off with the trendy, on with the classics. Viva La Recessionistance!

The Closet Cull: Selling, Donating and Giving

Neiman's Last Call Stores & Loehmann's Memorial Day Sale

The Memorial Day sales are about to commence! These sales offer a good chance to start shopping for Dad for Father's Day, or to pick up some summer vacation or stay-cation items for yourself. Kicking of the bevy off sales is super retailer Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance stores. I've said it before here on the blog, the Last Call Store sales are the time to shop Neiman's. So here are the details that Recessionistas need to know.
Starting on May 19th and 20th, take an additional 25% off your total Neiman Marcus Last Call store purchase ON TOP of the biggest savings of the season! Some deals are available for these two days only, so make sure you don't miss out. If you've already made plans for the beach though, don't stress - you can still take 20% off your total purchase on top of fabu-less sale prices throughout the store from May 21-26th. Check the Neiman's website to find a store in your area.

Another super retailer to check is Loehmann's. I just received a magical piece of mail from them. Yes, a savings coupon for 10% off just arrived in the mailbox. Eureka! Tomorrow Tuesday, May 19th, Recessionistas can take an extra 20% off* all swim for her... bikinis, one-piece, separates & cover-ups from Anne Cole, Jantzen, Split, Becca and more.
Now 10.39 to 39.99. Plus, many items are on final clearance. I'll have to make a Loehmann's run to check it out. Of course, I will be shopping for Father's Day there too! :) Check the this week at Loehmann's section for all the details of what's in new this week and discounted. And sign up for Loehmann's Insider Club so you'll be able to keep track of the deals and receive lovely coupons in the mail.

You might also want to check out Saks Fifth Avenue's spend some get some sale online only this week. Maxi Dresses are one of the items featured on the sale. Use offer code MAY9 at checkout. International shipping is offered, check their site for details.

Pictured: Maxi Dresses on Sale at Saks this week.

For deals at the online shopping clubs this week , here's the 411 on steals and deals:

• Gilt Groupe, Alice & Olivia
• Ideeli: Earnest Sewn Jeans Sale! Prices start at: $56.00, Sale Starts Tuesday, May 19th. 11:00am
• RueLaLa.com: Cole Haan, (men's too!)
  
• International Shopping: Beyond the Rack, Foxy Jeans and Marc Jacobs Sunglasses
• US & Canada: Haute Look, 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Woman's and Girls

Neiman's Last Call Stores & Loehmann's Memorial Day Sale

HOT Summer Collections: Matthew Williamson Part Deux for H&M and Tracy Feith for Target

Pictured: A Boho Tracy Feith black dress with embroidery for summer available at Target or Amazon.com, Price: $39.99

Two hot and colorful budget fashion lines are just in for The Recessionista's readers to check out and access. The new Matthew Williamson for H&M Part Deux collection rolled into stores the end of last week. I am going to do a Beverly Center (Los Angeles) run this am and pray that there is some left for me. Sadly, I was on NYC's Fifth Avenue this week for a little family vacation trip, and never had a moment to stop in the store and pick up the yellow top I'd been wanting! The new Matthew Williamson line is for both men & women and this post will show some of the new images.
Below are some of the items I am coveting. Superstar Blogger 00000 has a great review of the men's line. If any of you have already seen the line or purchased, please leave a comment! Recessionistas need to know.

Pictured: Mi Amour: The Yellow MW for H&M Silk Tunic, Price $69.90


Pictured:Matthew Williamson for H&M Long Yellow Dress for $199.99 (US)Pictured: Matthew William tropical pink with swirls cover-up for H&M, Price: $59.90 (US)

Pictured: Matthew William tropical cover-up for H&M

Pictured: Another MW Peacock Dress, Good news if you missed it in the first collection! Price: $59.90 (US)

The second line just rolling into stores is boho-chic designer Tracy Feith Go Line arriving at Target stores today. Some of you may remember that Michelle Obama wore a striking Tracy Feith black dress with patterned skirt to the National Prayer service in DC after the inauguration parties. However, the Target collection is not in the those subdued hues that Michelle wore. Think Lily Pulitzer bright prints and sixties type shift dresses, hippie tops and even maxi dresses. Here are some pics of the collection. I'll be heading to Target later to check them out in person and to post a review.

Pictured: Target Tracy Feith Hibicus Shift dress. Price: $39.99

Pictured: Tracy Feith Floral Maxi Dress--shades of Lily Pultizer? :) Price: $44.99

Pictured: The surprise of the collection, a Black Biker Jacket for $139.99

Pictured: The Tracy Feith sixties looking black shift dress reminds me of a dress Linda McCartney was photographed wearing in the 1960s. Just another reminder of how everything old becomes new again.

If you've been to Tar-jay today and checked out Tracy Feith, please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts. Check the Target-Addict blog today to see what she thinks of it. She has already seen the collection and posted her review. Tracy Feith will be available at Target until June 27th. So you know that means it will probably all be on clearance the week of June 20th. :)

Update: The Recessionista's Picks

There are a few Matthew Williamson for H&M items still at Beverly Center. I bought this Moroccan inspired green silk dress for $129.00 (US) I never saw this dress in any of the fashion magazines or previews of the collection, but it's really elegant in person. And, it's fully lined too.

Pictured: A surprise, the green silk MW for H&M dress with sparkling neckline, priced at $129.00 US

Pictured: The neckline detailing on the MW for H&M Green Silk Dress from above.

As for Tracy Feith at Target, I didn't see anything I loved, so I left it. The collection looked like it was really for "tweens." The sizing seemed to run small. Many of the items from the online store, were not in stock at my local Target, so I didn't see all of the collection. One item of interest was this little shift dress below. The dress is print fabric covered with a nylon overlay. It's listed as already out of stock on Target.com. But honestly, it looked like it wouldn't survive too many wearings as the nylon looked a little "fragile." It would've been adorable if it had been made with fabric and been knee length. :) Just my opinion.

Pictured: Tracy Feith Target "Ribstop" Shift Dress, already selling out.

For me, the issue with Tracy Feith for Target is for the material used, and the cost of the items, the value is not really there. Most of the dresses are selling at a price tag of $35.00 to $45.00 which is not much of a bargain. There are many other things at Target that I liked better for the price (i.e. the Mossimo & Merona dresses or the Converse dresses). Other bloggers seem to agree with this. What do you think readers?

Pictured: The Converse shirred dress in federal blue, price $32.99, I prefer it to the Tracy Feith dresses

HOT Summer Collections: Matthew Williamson Part Deux for H&M and Tracy Feith for Target