They Nailed It: The Revlon Runway Collection

Pictured: Vogue Magazine's Dec. 1939 cover showing the importance of a well manicured hand.

Hello readers! Did you survive the week at work and live to tell? Things have been tough economically for all of us. Our attitudes and our good humor are surely being tested. That's why I am pleased to report that I have a little treat for The Recessionista's readers. Ta da-- A Fabuless Friday Giveaway of Revlon Runway collection faux nails.

Pictured: The new Revlon Runway collection of nail looks

I gave up on manicures, pedicures and nail salons long ago. I don't have the time and now, I don't have the money. It requires continual up keep and maintenance to sport that manicured look. But no more. Today we have choices. Nails we can just glue on. It's a simple as a trip to the drugstore. With a flourish, just as we're all getting ready for Fashion Week, Revlon is announcing their Relvon Runway collection of faux nails for your use as a manicure alternative. No need to file, clip and tip, you just glue on these replicas...and as Emeril says...BAM! You're good to go. One box of Runway faux nails is $7.99 US compared to a manicure that is at least $20.00 US plus (maybe much more than that at some upscale shops.) The Revlon chic bargainistas tell me that if these are applied properly, they can last 7-10 days.

Revlon sent me several boxes of these as samples and I am going to give them away to all my Recessionistas!!! Winners will be chosen from all NEW and EXISTING blog readers. If you are not already a subscriber, enter here. I will pull winners by August 5th,2009 to give all readers time to enter. Winners will be chosen from all over the globe, and I will personally cover the shipping costs. This is just a small way for me to say thanks to all my readers. And congrats to Lisa B who won our last giveaway for the Perricone Cosmeceuticals. (If you still lust for Perricone for less, it's on sale at Gilt for 50% off. Click here to check it out.)

Enter here to win this giveaway!

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Good luck to all!

Pictured: A Classic nail style can be yours! Image from The Painted Woman Blog.

They Nailed It: The Revlon Runway Collection

Happy 80th to Jackie and Mad Men's Casting Call for that 60's look

Pictured: Jackie's 60's style, she is gone but her memory lingers on in TV shows like Mad Men's vintage costumes.

A brief glance at Huff Post style and Elle online reminded me that today is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's 80th birthday. I found myself grinning and wondering what she would be wearing today. I'm sure she would still be shopping at her usual haunts in NY and looking for the latest styles. I have heard stories about how if "Jackie" liked something she would buy 20 of the same item in different colors. She did this with shoes, scarves and other accessories. Later gossip has it that she would take the "extras" and send an assistant off to a high-end consignment store to sell her cast-offs. She was certainly no recessionista, but I like to think that she supported other recessionistas by letting them buy her designer clothes for less. Her style was elegant and tres chic. I loved her triple strand of pearls, her pill box hats and her boucle suits. Her signature style looks as fresh today as it did then. How do I know this? Well just take a look around. Case in point, the wardrobe on the popular TV show Mad Men. The wonderful dresses worn by the actresses on the show could've stepped right out of a Jacques Lowe photo of Jackie.

If you like Mad Men, I've got some good news. They are doing a little contest with Banana Republic and the winner will get to appear on the TV show. Here's the low down. Stop by a Banana Republic store and receive your casting call entry code. Then, take a picture of yourself in a Mad Men style outfit. Think Jackie if you are a women. For men, I'm thinking Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk is the one to channel. Then, go to this website and enter. The winner will receive a $1,000 Banana Republic gift card & a walk- on role in AMC's Mad Men. Click here to get on the 60's style road. Below is a sample Banana Republic outfit similar to one worn on the show.

Pictured: Sample BR style board for a Mad Men look

The Madman contest also lets you create your own avatar (thanks for that Target Addict). Here's my avatar in my best Jackie look complete with 3 strand pearls.

Pictured: The Recessionista's Madmen avatar

My own suggestions for the look, a classic vintage Cassini look:

Happy Birthday Dear Jackie! Thanks for so much more than 1,000 days.

Pictured: Oleg Cassini's memoir of Jackie's style, bearing his autograph on the cover.

Happy 80th to Jackie and Mad Men's Casting Call for that 60's look

The British Invasion? No it's Miley Cyrus and Max Azria

Pictured: Miley & Max T-shirts at Walmart with British Phone Booths and Union Jacks. Although not due in stores until August, I literally stumbled upon an early display of the collection.

I'm not proud of it, but I decided to do a Walmart store run tonight to do a return. The return was something I bought online, not in the store. It was one of the worst experiences of my entire life. Why? Because the store was packed, packed on a Monday night. The line at the Customer Service return desk was so long, that I just gave up on my return and ended up doing some browsing. And what to my wandering eye should appear? Well, the Union Jack on a line of colorful $7.00 T-shirts created by none other than Max Azaria (BCBG) and Miley Cyrus. When my niece finds out about this stuff, she is going to call me, I just know it. She loves Miley as Hannah Montana. But there is nothing British about Hannah or Miley. So why is Miley the celebrity endorsing a line of British inspired tees? Is Miley now the poor man's Kate Moss?

Pictured: It's for real, Max and Miley have a "fashion" collection

The line is clearly designed for "back to school" tweens who want to look cool. Some of the shoes in the collection are very cute. There are also some cute ruffled shirts. But I have to admit, I don't really want to outfit my little niece in these tween rock star duds. I beat a hasty retreat from the over crowded Walmart, back to the sanctuary of my car and Los Angeles traffic. (Yes, the 405 freeway seems less crowded than my local Walmart.) Shakespeare wrote, "Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." In this case, it's fashion. I mean seriously WTF, Miley and Max? Hmmm....I wonder if they'll make a Union Jack purse like Topshop did. That would be really interesting. This I would love to see for less than $55.00 US!

Pictured: Topshop's Union Jack clutch

Speaking of Topshop, they are having a summer canvas bag with purchase promotion. Check it out. The bags are very cute:

To learn more about my back to school shopping adventures, check out my interview with the Bargain Babe. I spent hours shopping for my niece & nephew's stuff. It was exhausting! I'll be writing another post on that later this week.

The British Invasion? No it's Miley Cyrus and Max Azria

Hollywood on Sale: Auction Sales on Some Unique Items

This morning's economic news is heartening. Some analysts are claiming that the recession may be coming to an end. I hope it's true. But here in California, there are many indicators that it may not be truly ending for a while. One indicator is the swan song of Los Angeles based 20th Century Props. They are selling off their stock this week in a massive going out of business sale.

20th Century Props is starting the auction tomorrow of numerous items used in Hollywood films from their warehouse. Today, bargain shoppers can peruse their huge Web site catalog showing their collection of nearly 94,000 props used in films and TV series over the last 40 years. No matter where you are in the world, you might enjoy looking through some of this Hollywood history through the magic of the Internet.

Pictured: Sometime Hollywood mogul, Howard Hughes' art deco desk. It was used in the movie "The Aviator." This is now on the auction block at the 20th Century Props sale.

The pieces on sale include furniture used on the set of the "Golden Girls" TV show, and a desk owned by Howard Hughes used in the movie "The Aviator." The auction starts on Tuesday (July 28), but you can preview the items on the auction block today by clicking here.

Pictured: Hollywood signs for sale

Whether you want to buy or not, you might enjoy looking at these pieces of Hollywood history. I have to be honest, I am contemplating going out there just to see the Howard Hughes desk. I wonder if I can sit at it. I would love to blog from his desk :) Farewell 20th Century Props, you will be missed.

The sell off continues this coming weekend. A Noise Within (ANW), Southern California's acclaimed repertory theatre company, is cleaning house and will hold a massive "garage sale" on Saturday, August 1 at its current location on Brand Boulevard in Glendale. The sale features huge discounts on costumes, furniture, set pieces, props, curtains of every size, and yards upon yards fabric. If you are willing to invest the time to sort through everything, you never know what you might find.

“The garage sale is a home décor dream!” raves Rebecca Baillie, ANW's production manager and coordinator of the sale. “We're selling everything, including gorgeous furniture pieces used in past productions, vintage prop knick-knacks perfect for decorating, and racks and racks of clothing - men's, women's, and kids - ranging from elegant vintage to the everyday to fabulous Halloween costumes.”

Admission to the garage sale is $1. Cash is preferred for purchases, but credit cards are accepted with a minimum purchase and subject to a service charge. Check the A Noise Within website for additional details. The sale is Saturday, August 1, 2009, 8 A.M. to 2 P.M., at the Theatre in Glendale, CA.

Hollywood on Sale: Auction Sales on Some Unique Items

Sunday Savvy: Sales & Celebrity Stylings

Pictured : The Gap's CFDA/Vogue Khaki Collection hits the sale racks.

Happy Sunday readers! It's time for a little coffee, a little kicking back, and of course a little shopping. The first item that has turned up on The Recessionista's Radar tracking system is the CFDA Gap Khaki collection. The collection has hit the sale racks. Since Gap sells worldwide, hopefully all readers around the globe will benefit from the savings. I waited, I hoped and I prayed that the Vena Cava khaki dress with the black accents would go on sale, and the day has finally arrived. Hooray I say--I am going off to Gap with my $10.00 shopping rewards coupon coupon. Check out my "target quarry" the VC dress. The dress is reduced by $18.00 from it's sale price. I wonder if Nicky Hilton waited for the sale before buying the one she was just spotted around town in.


My next deal, is a reminder to you to check out the Loehmann's clearance sale. Check the coupon on the right side of the blog under my Top Picks for additional savings! I have to get a birthday present today, so this is a golden opportunity. With the coupon, you get an additional 20% off any second clearance item. One reader who read yesterday's post on summer hairstyles already wrote in that they are on the run to Loehmann's looking for the hair products mentioned in yesterday's post. If you didn't know, Loehmann's sells beauty products as well as great clothes for men, women and children.

If you're looking for a little Audrey style, I have a treat for readers all around the world. International shopping club Beyond the Rack has a sale on Kenneth Jay Lane accessories and watches today. I already own this gorgeous Lady Bug watch pendant or I would be snapping it up on the sale. Sadly, I did not pay $39.00 for mine, but I did get it for much less than retail, so that is some consolation. This is a classic piece, and the wrist watches are equally beautiful. It's no wonder Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor were fans.

Pictured Kenneth Jay Lane Lady Bug pendant from Beyond the Rack shopping club.

I finally found the Norma Kamali green peasant dress that was shown on ABC news when I appeared with the designer on TV back in May. The lovely garment was hiding in a Walmart in Cary, NC!

Pictured: The Recession-iecesta models her new Norma Kamali dress from the Walmart collection.

Leave it to the littlest fashionista, my niece, to discover this low-priced treasure. The dress is $20.00 and she is shown here modeling it in a woman's XS. Her Mom and I agreed that the dress looked adorable on her, and did not look inappropriate. I bought this for her birthday dress, and she was quickly on the phone speed dialing her friends to tell them that she now had a dress from a famous designer. Not a bad thing to give a little fashionista when you're on a low budget. Stay tuned, I'll let you know when they are available from Walmart online.

Celebrity Fashion: The Anti "Mom Jeans" Look

Meanwhile, while some of us are on a low budget, celebrities are living out our champagne and caviar dreams. I had to laugh this week, as President Obama was reprimanded by the fashion police for daring to appear in his comfy, "mom jeans" while Georgia May Jagger (the child of Mick Jagger & Jerry Hall) was chosen as the new face of Hudson jeans. Hudson is sold at stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods and Selfridges. Hudson is a nice, well made brand sold at the more upscale retailers. Below is an exclusive sneak peek of the still teenage Georgia in her jeans. How ironic, to see these two dramatically different takes on jean fashion in the same week!:)

Pictured: Ms. Georgia Jagger in her Hudson jeans, definitely not "mom jeans." I wonder if Michelle told Barack about this look?

In other celebrity fashion news, my favorite spectacle in the movie Troy, Australian actor Eric Bana wore a Burberry suit, shirt and tie to the premiere of his new film Funny People, in Los Angeles this week. Check out his look. Definitely not low budget. But certainly classic. Burberry is an investment, as I'm sure OOo00 would attest to.

Pictured: Eric Bana in Burberry this week in Los Angeles.

It seems fitting to close this edition of Sunday Savvy with the Kink's Classic, "Low Budget." As Ray Davies sang, "I'm just a cut price person in a low budget land." This song is dedicated to Gov. Schwarzenegger to thank him and the great State of Cali-fornia for sending me a voucher for my tax return instead of a check.

Sunday Savvy: Sales & Celebrity Stylings

Summer Hairstyles: Looking Great for Less

As frugal living becomes the new "black", I've received quite a bit of mail from readers asking how to do their hair in chic n' cheap styles. All over the world, people are cutting back on expenses. And part of this scaling back, is looking for new ways that we can style our hair.

Speaking for myself, I am afraid to cut or highlight my hair at home. However, I know some of The Recessionista's readers are currently doing this to save money on salon visits. It's great if you can do it. I'm more comfortable finding some basic styles I can do myself, and some products to help me keep my hair in "tip top" shape. To research this area, I called my stylist David Jensen at Santa Monica's hip celebrity boutique salon, The Shampoo Lounge. The Shampoo Lounge is discreetly tucked away on Pico Boulevard a short distance from Shop Intuition. David was full of great information and sample ideas for easy summer styles. Following is my interview with him and some pictures to illustrate his tips.

Q. What are some of the current hair style trends that you've seen? Popular looks?

A. David, The Shampoo Lounge: I am seeing a lot of braids; they are quick and easy for everyone to do with just a little practice. This is an easy and chic look. I'm seeing more braid styles turning up on celebrities and my clients.

Pictured: Linda McCartney's Band on the Run "accent braids" from an old Wings album cover.

Pictured: Actress Anne Hathaway's braid up do, a new twist on an old favorite.

Pictured: Actress Jennifer Anniston's braid accent at the Academy Awards this year.

Q. Any styles that you recommend that are particularly easy to care for ?

A. David, The Shampoo Lounge: We are definitely seeing a return of curly hair. Once you have taken some of the water out of the hair, with a towel or a quick squeeze, I recommend putting on some Fresh Curls (from Redken) or another curl relaxer or refiner (Glass, Vinyl Glam or even Fast Food). Then simply leave your hair alone and let it dry naturally. The less you fuss with it the better it looks. I used to spend time blow drying and straightening some of my client's hair. Today, many of them no longer want that---they are happy to just let their hair go naturally curly. I have one client who writes a popular blog that is now doing this! :)

Pictured: Actress Drew Barrymore's easy curl/wavy hair look

Q. What are some simple tools that you recommend Recessionistas keep in their Hair Care tool box?

A. David, The Shampoo Lounge: I love Glass (from Redken) it is the best product, for ultimate shine and frizz control, and the best priced of all its competitors and expensive imitations. ( I looked this up on ePinions, and the reader reviews give Glass a strong thumbs up.)

Pictured: Redken products recommended by The Shampoo Lounge

Outshine is great and gives a nice conditioning treatment. I recommend using this when it is dry due to Southern California's Santa Ana winds or being inside with air conditioning. In the summer, beware of AC as it does dry the hair out.

Fabricate is the best for giving support to a heat set. If I am going to take the time to curl hair with a curling iron or hot rollers, this product gives great long lasting shiny curls and works fast. Using rollers at home or curling iron is a good way to give yourself a special hair look at a low cost. Just make sure to use a product like Fabricate to get the most of our your curls.

I recommend Redken's Rough Paste for fine hair when you want a little volume without teasing.

Q. Any secret products for men?

A. Often over looked, but a classic, is Redken's Cleanse bar for men. It smells great. Men tend to shower a lot and Cleanse keeps the skin clean but not tight and dry. And at under $8.00 US, it is a great price.

Q. For a special evening out, what would you recommend? An up do? A chic blow dry style?

A. For an evening out the pony tail seems to be the new up do. I recommend doing your ponytail up high and then pulling it tight so the hair volume is at the crown.

Pictured: Keira Knightley looks tres chic in a ponytail and Roland Mouret dress.

Pictured: An easy high pony tail style. The look is swept back in a colorful clasp.

For more information, and some discounts, visit The Shampoo Lounge website. If you live in the Los Angeles area, check out their Happy Hour promotions. There's nothing better than a little hair care, some gossip at the salon and a great Cosmo-tini!

Leave a comment and let us know if you have any summer style tips of your own!

Summer Hairstyles: Looking Great for Less

The Recessionista's Summer Style Picks, Classic Picks for Less

The... by recessionista

Last night I found out that Kaboodle was having a contest that involved winning $1,000 in summer fashions. Naturally, I heard the siren song of the free, and pointed and clicked right over to their site. Here are the details. You go onto Kaboodle and create a summer style storyboard for a look to enter the contest. I was determined to create a style board, but using only chic n' cheap looks. Above is what I put together. I have to say--I am very pleased with the outcome, the quality of the pieces and the final look. I found a stylish maxi dress from Bloomies,a pair of chic Nine West sandals and some accessories from Forever 21 for well under $100.00. Below are my fabu-less finds. You can see my Kaboodle storyboard, by clicking here and giving me your feedback.

Following are the pieces I used to put together this look:

Angie & Lola Foldover Clutch - Bone , $29.99 from Target.com

Square Sunglasses w/ Metallic Detail from Forever 21.com, $5.80

Aqua Jersey Colorblock Maxi Dress , from Bloomingdales.com for $29.99!!! Love it.

LashBlast Luxe Mascara by CoverGirl and CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers available at any drugstore or pharmacy for under $5.00.

Apricot Sandals from Ninewest.com, now 30% off , so price is $29.99

Satin Wrapped Metal Headband from Forever21.com for $3.80. I love this look for summer, because it's a simple way to pull your hair back and still look stylish. It also hearkens back to vintage styles of hairdressing in the early 19th century when ladies would wear a headband like this, but also wear their hair in a french knot at the nape of the neck or in an up do.

Flattened Floral Necklace from Forever21.com for $5.80. This piece really sparkles and looks a lot more expensive than it.

Pictured: Forever21.com Necklace. A good looking piece for a small price.

Total cost for this summer look: $ 75.78. Not bad, eh?

The Recessionista's Summer Style Picks, Classic Picks for Less

In re Barack: President Recessionista

So what's all this fuss about the President's jeans? I had to laugh this morning when I heard Meredith Viera quizzing him about his "mom jeans" on the Today show. Yes, fashion critics were actually calling his loose fitting jeans, worn on the pitcher's mound at the recent All Stars baseball game, unfashionable and frumpy. Pleezee...he's the leader of the free world not a Vogue model. What's really interesting about the whole thing is how at ease with himself he was over the fashion police thing. Joan Rivers don't try to do your red carpet critique on the President. I should've known that anyone cool enough to be a lawyer, turned community organizer is...yes....a Recessionista! President Obama is not concerned with rock star accessories like skin tight jeans. He's not posing for a photo like the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers album cover wearing his 501s any time soon. I've long said that Mrs. O is a Recessionista with her J. Crew apparel at Buckingham Palace, and now I see Barack is exercising his fashion rights to live chic and cheap. Maybe he's not only concerned with economics, but also chiconomics.

So he hates to shop? This is not a tragedy. If this is what "mom jeans" look like, then bring it on.

PS--

Dear Mr. President,
If you ever decide you want to spend some time doing a little shopping, I do know a blog where you can find some great deals :) Have your people call my people!

In re Barack: President Recessionista

Recessionista Living: I still have caviar dreams, but free pastry is more realistic!

Good morning readers! Yesterday was the one year Blogerversary of The Recesssionista Blog. Although I still have champagne wishes and caviar dreams, I'm living chic n' cheap in Los Angeles. To celebrate one year of blogging, sometimes from Starbucks's locations, I'm going to go over this morning for a free pastry (low-fat of course) with a coffee. You have until 10:30 am PST to use the above coupon to enjoy a special breakfast to start your day.

And while drinking my coffee, I will be checking out the beautiful BVGLARI watches from discount designer fashion club Hautelook. Hey, a girl can still dream right? To shop the sale as my guest, and see how much those beautiful watches are marked down, click here.

Pictured: Luxury BVLGARI watches at HauteLook today!

More accessible is the Hautelook giveaway for the TenThousandThings necklace today. Click here to enter. The necklace is valued at over $2,000. I already entered :)

Pictured: Haute Look's TenThousandThings necklace today

Recessionista Living: I still have caviar dreams, but free pastry is more realistic!

Vintage Vogue: Some Web Treasures

If you love Vintage Vogue, as I do, good news! The fabulous Shrimpton Couture ( named for 60's supermodel Jean Shrimpton) has launched a Vintage Trunk show on their website. There are some wonderful finds in their show, that you will just enjoy looking at. I love the 1920's dresses. Some having been lovingly restored, while others are in their original mint condition. And best of all, for the next 10 days, everything is 10% to 25% off. This site also offers layaway, so you can pay for your purchase over time. Nice touch!

Check out Mi Amour, the 1920's Lavender dress. You can see where the Kate Moss Top Shop collection gets their inspiration.

Pictured: A thing of beauty is a joy forever, a 1920's vintage dress

Pictured: A reworked Edwardian Dress--amazing!

For more great vintage on the web, click on over to Rice and Beans vintage. The store features Chanel, Christian Dior, Pucci, St. John, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Missoni, Gucci and just to name a few. Both Rice and Beans + Shrimpton Couture ship worldwide so all The Recessionista's readers can enjoy the savings.

Vintage Vogue: Some Web Treasures

Recessionista Wedding Deals: Sample Sales Coming Up!

Lately, I've had email from several readers who are planning what they call "Recessionista Weddings." These fashionable fruggies still want to get married, but they don't want to pay full price for a great gown, catering or flowers. In short, they don't want to start off their married lives broke! In order to try to provide some tips and deals, I set off on a search to find some discount wedding dresses and tips. Surprisingly, I found some great stuff. There are some good sales on gowns coming up this month. Following is a little list of resources & deals to help Recessionistas enjoy the wedding of their dreams, but on a budget.


Bergdorf Goodman is starting their designer bridal gown sample sale this week with savings of as much as 50-75% off the retail prices. Their sale starts July 20 and runs until July 25th at their New York City store on 5th Ave.


If you're not on the east coast, check out the Monique Lhuillier Bridal Sample Sale tomorrow in downtown Los Angeles. This event is one day only. Sunday, July 19th, 2009 from 10 am - 6 pm (get their early). The sale will feature the designer's Bridal & Ready to Wear collections. Prices will be from 40% to 90% off. Please note that all Merchandise is “as is” and all sales are final. There will be No alterations provided and No appointments will be taken. Having said all that, if you can find something great off the sales rack, then this one is a deal!

Pictured: A classic Monique Lhuillier gown

The sale will be at Monique Lhuillier 1201 S. Grand Avenue, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90015.

If you looking for pre-owned dresses and general tips, check out Shejustgotmarried.com. The site has blogs, message boards, advice columns and a boutique that sells new and gently used wedding items. From wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses (some brand new) to veils, shoes, centerpieces and more, it's the perfect place for the Recessionista bride to pick up quality products at a great price.

Pictured: The She Just Got Married.com website. A great resource!

For guys, check out John Bartlett for men. John's new low-priced styles for Clairborne were recently featured on the Today's show weddings segment. The show featured a Claiborne by John Bartlett suit jacket for $178 & & pants for $79. That's a great deal on a wedding suite for either the groom, best man or attendants.

If you are looking for wedding supplies, check out The Wedding Channel online store. They have many great items, some on final clearance.

And finally, fellow blogger The Frugalista Files has an expert guest blogger on today talking about how to save on wedding flowers. Click here to check out some great tips from John Klingel, author of The Frugal Florist: Do-It-Yourself Flowers on a Budget.

If you have found other great wedding deals and money saving tips, please post a comment. We want to help all Recessionista brides& grooms have the wedding of their dreams!

Recessionista Wedding Deals: Sample Sales Coming Up!

TGIF: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Starts and the Ruelala Final Sale

Thank god it's Friday readers. I can't wait for this weekend. This week has been beyond exhausting. This Friday brings two good deals worthy of checking out for great value:

1) The Ruelala Final Sale has begun featuring 36 famous designers at their lowest prices of the season. Click here to shop their online store.

2) The Nordstrom's sale is in full flight today. You can check it online or in store.

Let me know what treasures you find!

TGIF: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Starts and the Ruelala Final Sale

Savvy Stuff I Think You Need to Know: Twitter Contest and Nordstrom's Alert!

Pictured: Nordstrom's Annual Sale is about to start!

This post is just to inform The Recessionista's readership about stuff I think you need to know. Stuff includes sales, contests and overall savvy spending and basically, any other good deals that come my way. Today, I have a couple of good tidbits to impart.

First up, one of the best sales of the year is about to start. The Nordstrom's Annual Sale will begin Friday, July 17th. The online catalog preview is already online so you can start planning. Click here to get a sneak preview of the deals. My good friend Joyce has already made her selections. She will be pointing and clicking as soon as the sale goes live.


If you're into Twitter, and yes I am guilty, then you might enjoy participating in Retailmenot's Twitter contest for a chance to win a spending spree. Here's how it works. You tweet on your own saving tips and then just add the tag #retailmenot at the end of the your tweeted tip. For example, here are some sample tweets I have used.

Read The Recessionista Blog for saving tips #retailmenot
Check YELP for restaurant deals before dining out #retailmenot
Clip coupons from the Sunday paper before buying groceries #retailmenot


Those are just a few little tips for your tweets. Each time you tweet a money-saving tip and tag #retailmenot, you’ll be entered to win a $500 shopping spree at Macys.com. RetailMeNot.com will be giving away one $500 prize each day through the end of July and one $1000 grand prize at the end of the contest for the most original tip. I have already been tweeting so on guard tweeters---I challenge you to out tweet me! :) When it comes to a shopping spree and a free prize draw, look out. I sit here typing this post with my Tweet Deck open and a fierce determination to shop, without spending my own money, unrivaled in the English speaking world. En garde mes amis! Remember to follow Retailmenot on Twitter to be be eligible to win.
And check Retailmenot.com for coupons and promotional codes before you buy. It can save you more than a few pennies! The site has over 150,000 coupon codes from all over the globe.

One of my tweeted tips is new website BargainBabeLA. This is a user community site, founded by my fellow blogger The Bargain Babe, where you can enter your own tips and deals in the Los Angeles, CA area. I already entered a few tips and then tweeted on them with the #retailmenot tag. Sneaky, huh?

Savvy Stuff I Think You Need to Know: Twitter Contest and Nordstrom's Alert!

Carli Bruni's Black & White Bastille Day Dress for Less

Pictured: Simply Chic Carla Bruni's Black & White Bastille Day Dress

Yesterday, I was browsing through the Huffington Post Style Section and came upon the pictures of the recent Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. I became completely enamored of the simple and elegant dress Carla Bruni-Sarkozy wore for this historic occasion. The lines are simple, and the style is something that can be worn for many years. Best of all, it looks completely comfortable for summer wear whether you're standing on the steps of the Elysee Palace or going out for cocktails :)

Naturally, I began searching for a lower priced version of the dress and I found two that I particularly like at the right recessionista price.
First, Los Angeles treasure Rachael Pally has a black and white halter dress that is as simply elegant as Carla's.

Pictured: Rachel Pally Black & White dress, 40% off at Bluefly.

Another version of the elegant color block style is Mossimo's Black and White dress available from Amazon.com for $29.99.

Pictured: Mossimo Dress from Amazon.com

There's nothing better than enjoying a great look for less. I'll keep following Carla as I love her style picks. I just can't afford the couture prices. :)

Carli Bruni's Black & White Bastille Day Dress for Less