Some Pleasant Surprises: Lauren Conrad Collection at Kohl's 30% off 9/30 to 10/10

Pictured: The new Lauren Conrad line goes on sale at Kohl's on Sept. 30th

Some of you may know that Lauren Conrad (LC), star of MTV's show The Hills, launched a fashion line for Kohl's a few weeks ago. I have to admit, I was not very excited about this collection. I didn't know anything about the clothes, and I didn't follow The Hills. Of course, I'm always open to fashion whatever it's shape, form and sometimes it's price. :) Kohl's sent me a few samples of the LC line, and I have to admit, there were some very pleasant surprises among the samples. Of course, an even more pleasant surprise is that the entire line will be on sale tomorrow, Sept. 30th for 30% off the retail prices. Of course, the mere mention of the world sale, makes the line even more interesting :) Below are some of what I think are the hits and misses in this line.

First up, I adore this 1940's style vintage, flowing top. It looks like the store photo and is very flattering on. Here are the Kohl's pictures and my pictures, so you can see for yourself.

Pictured: Kohl's Lauren Conrad Flutter Sleeve Blouse, stock photo and my photo.

To my surprise, this blouse is really beautiful on. The drop waist and the frills around the sleeves are very vintage looking to me. It's going on sale tomorrow and the price is right! The retail price was $40.00, tomorrow the sale price will be under $30.00.

Other pieces I think are good fall fashion values are the below cream dress with the fall leaves print and wide black belt. The belt can be removed and worn with other clothing items including sweaters and other more conservative day dresses for the office.

Pictured: The LC Lauren Conrad Watercolor Ruffled Dress reduced from $60.00 to $41.00.

I also like the red/rust sweater with the dropped shoulders. This is a stylish looking sweater that would look good with a nice gold necklace or even some pearls. Bad news on this sweater though, it's almost all sold out already online, so you'll have to look for it in the stores tomorrow. I'm not the only one who likes the look of this piece.

Pictured: LC Sweater with dolman sleeves.

This red rayon sweater has a nice flowing fit and is well priced at $27.99 on sale. Of course, there are other pieces in the collection that I am less fond of. The jeans are cute, but unforgiving in cut and style. They will only look good on someone, well, with the figure of Lauren Conrad (think size 2). I'm also not big on the below pictured "sheath dress." The print on this one is brushstrokes on the front. An over sized zipper adorns the back of the dress. It's not my cup of tea, and even on sale, it's $34.00 (better than the $50.00 retail price), but I am still not sold on this one.

Pictured: My least favorite: the LC back zipped sheath dress.

As with every collection, there are hits and misses. Still if you are looking for some affordable and colorful fashion choices, then LC at Kohl's is worth a look.

Tomorrow's sale includes all the Kohl's designers. So look for Apt. 9, Dana Buchman, Vera Wang, Elle and Daisy Fuentes at additional savings. Look for the Apt. 9 animal print cardigan for only $24.99. My sales flyer notes that if I use my Kohl's charge card tomorrow, I will receive extra discounts and savings. Not a bad deal. Check the prices on line before you put the charges on the card to maximize your savings. And don't forget your Kohl's cash . :)

PS: One I bought myself at the Kohl's Grand Opening Sale, the LC Dolman Sleeve Teal Sweater. Great color, and its comfortable. Price: sale $27.99

Some Pleasant Surprises: Lauren Conrad Collection at Kohl's 30% off 9/30 to 10/10

Play Fashion Editor with Piperlime and Polyvore

Pictured: Piperlime.com is inviting all of us to play Fashion Editor. The winning look will be selected by Ms. Zoe.

When you were little, did you enjoy playing dress-up? I have fond memories of running around my house at age 5 wearing Mom's high heels and her best red lipstick. Today, we have technology to help us continue playing dress up as adults! I'm talking about Polyvore the virtual dress up play kit for those of us who want to try on all the looks! The folks at Piperlime have started a Play Fashion Editor contest encouraging all recessionistas to use Polyvore to create fall looks with Piperlime apparel, shoes and handbags. But here's the best part: the winning look, as selected by Piperlime stylist Rachel Zoe, will win a $250.00 giftcard. Visit Piperlime and create a look by October 11th to enter to have your look selected by Rachel Zoe!

Have any of you been watching the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo this season? Allow me to say that Brad is the reason for the season! I love Brad. No one can wear a bow-tie like this man. He has even worn the tie with a polo shirt to Paris Fashion Week! Is Brad at home using Polyvore right now, trying to snatch up more shoes to have a fashionorganism:) ? It's a good question. I do not want to compete against him.

Pictured: My favorite assistant stylist with the patience of a saint, Brad Goreski of the Rachel Zoe Project (not to be confused with the Blair Witch Project)

Play Fashion Editor with Piperlime and Polyvore

Sonia Rykiel will be the next H &M guest designer

Big news for the holiday fashion season. Sonia Rykiel will be the next guest designer with two collections for discount retailer Hennes and Mauritz( H&M) coming for winter 2009 and spring 2010. H&M says that this marks the first time that H&M has extended its designer collaboration to the world of lingerie and related accessories for women. The collection with exclusive pieces will be launched in-stores on December 5, 2009. The collection will be launched in 1,500 H&M stores worldwide and at the same time, Sonia Rykiel will make this lingerie collection available in Sonia Rykiel’s major boutiques around the world – another first for H&M.

For spring, there will be a second collaboration featuring an iconic knitwear collection for women and girls (1.5 to 8 years old) accompanied by playful accessories. This second collection will be launched in around 250 H&M stores on February 20, 2010.

“It is a hallmark of Sonia Rykiel to think of all women because fashion is about a certain spirit more than a question of means. This collaboration fits perfectly with our philosophy. The Sonia Rykiel pour H&M lingerie collection is the ideal way to offer the essence of Rykiel to a great number of women around the world, and a beautiful way to close the year. The knitwear collection is perfect for welcoming a colourful new season,” says Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel.

I'll be anxious to see the line and the prices. We know the lines will be long. That is always a given.

Sonia Rykiel will be the next H &M guest designer

Sunday Savvy: Interview Suits and Career Choices at Loehmann's for Less

Pictured: Some of the suits from Famous Makers on Sale at Loehmann's

Happy Sunday readers! I'm sitting here with the coffee looking out over the deals and bargains for this week. Did you all clip the Pink Saver coupons today in the Sunday paper? Be sure to do that. Save yourself some $$ on household items like Tide, Crest and even Oil of Olay.

Recently, I've heard from several readers asking me where can they get a good career wardrobe for less. While its true, that today's office has changed and things are a bit more casual, I've heard from many of you that you are still looking for good, affordable suits for job interviews. In these tough times, there is definitely still a need to dress to impress on interviews. I've heard from both men and women readers on this topic, and I have one good answer for both: Loehmann's. I spent some time in the two Loehmann's Los Angeles, CA stores lately and was amazed by the array of really fine items for work, business and casual dress. Right now, there are many famous maker suits on sale for women for under $99.00. If you can spend a bit more, there are many great choices for suits for under $200.00. For men, the prices are a bit higher, but still significant. I found an absolutely gorgeous John Bartlett suit for under $300.00. Many of the prices for men are 50% to 80% below department store prices. If you're looking for a great interview look, this is the place.

Pictured: A classic John Bartlett men's suit, found at Loehmann's for under $300.00.

There are also gorgeous ties, designer shirts (Valentino and more) for much less. Remember, these were not budget/bridge line editions of the designer products, these are the high-end lines. Score! These are definitely investment pieces.

Other bargains I spotted on the sales racks with my eagle eye for savings include: Longchamp handbags, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Michael Kors...and wait for it....Armani. Yes, they have Mr. Armani!

Pictured: Fall Trends at Loehmann's red, plaid and prints. The dresses can make great office wear.

Pictured: Loehmann's has many animal print sweaters and cardigans that can dress up a solid pair of pants or skirt

So bottom line, if you're looking for classic, affordable career wear plus interview suits, look to Loehmann's. This is quality wear. They stock high-end garments made with good fabrics at prices that are easy on the wallet, plus fashions that are easy on the eye. Check the Loehmann's website to find a store in your area.


PS--I could've sworn I saw a Hollywood starlet shopping at Loehmanns' Beverly Hills this weekend. She was incognito in huge designer shades, and clearly did not wish to be spotted outside of the environs of Rodeo Drive looking for some designer bargains. The times truly are changing.

Sunday Savvy: Interview Suits and Career Choices at Loehmann's for Less

Savings for a Worthy Cause: Carrie Ann Inaba and P&G team up to help Breast Cancer Research

Pictured: Dancer Carrie Ann Inaba (L) and her mother Patty Inaba Cheu attend the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer's Mothers Day luncheon (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with “Dancing With the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba about a new program that’s very close to her heart: the GIVE HOPE program. GIVE HOPE is a partnership with Procter & Gamble and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) to help increase women’s chances of survival from breast cancer through early detection. Carrie Ann has a special connection to this cause. Recently her mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The good new is that even though her mother, Patty Inaba Cheu, had Breast Cancer, because of early detection via a mammogram and a self-exam, she was fortunate enough to have caught the disease early. She is currently in remission. Now Carrie Ann is getting the word out about the importance of yearly mammograms, self checks and online tools like www.mypinkplan.com, to help women create and follow their own prevention plan, personalized to their specific needs. With My Pink Plan you can set up regular reminders for your own personal early detection plan including email notifications, calendars and text messages. I love it when the technology works for us! :)

Pictured: Coming this Sunday in your newspaper: the P&G brandSAVER coupon booklet

During our chat, Carrie Ann let me in on a valuable secret. Of special note to Recessionistas around the globe, special savings and coupons are on the way to help raise money for breast cancer while helping all of us get some useful products for less. Look for a supplement of coupons for over $300.00 worth of savings in your Sunday newspaper (US only). Here's the deal. There will be a P&G brandSAVER coupon booklet in your paper on September 27. According to Carrie Ann, " For every brandSAVER coupon redeemed from the booklet at any participating retailer, a two-cent donation will be made to the NCBF." The coupons will include savings on products like Tide, Bounce and my personal favorite, the dust destroyer know as the Swiffer! When one in every eight women now has breast cancer, and I need to buy laundry detergent and household products anyway, this is a golden opportunity to help myself while helping others. This is saving and giving Recessionista style!

Of course, no conversation with Carrie Ann would be complete without a few questions about fashion and this season of "Dancing with the Stars." Here is my interview/conversation with Carrie Ann on these very important topics.

Pictured: Kelly Osbourne's 1930s Glamour Look on Dancing with the Stars this season

Q. What do you think of the hairstyles and makeup on this season's show? I was fascinated by Kelly Osbourne's Marcel wave hairstyle this week on the show.

A. Kelly looks great and I think she is a woman who can transform herself many times with different looks. I love seeing her mother Sharon in the audience watching her. It's great to see such a supportive Mom! Obviously, ballroom dancing wear is not an everyday style, but I'm very proud that "Dancing with the Stars" won an Emmy this year for hair and makeup. On the show, host Samantha Harris and I wear gowns each week, but we chose things that are elegant and simply accented with great jewelry.

Pictured: An example of Carrie Ann's elegant, classic style a fawn gown with bracelets and a lovely pendant. Nothing is overpowering, she is still the focal point.

Q. What is your style philosophy? Our readers would love to hear your fashion tips.

A. For me, its all about how you feel in your clothes. You want to have people notice YOU FIRST, not the dress, not the jewels but you. Look at yourself and do what works for you— don't let your clothes or your jewelry overpower you.

Q. On "Dancing with the Stars", you have a great way of making comments that are truthful, but tactful. You are not shaming people. How do you manage to make the critique meaningful, but not hurtful?

A. I truly believe in honesty and I believe that people want to do their best. I'm watching their moves as if I were a viewer and trying to give them good advice to help them improve. I believe everyone who is on the show is truly trying to win, so my perspective is to offer advice that is helpful. Sometimes, I may take a firm tone, but that is to get the contestants to focus so they can improve. The scores I give are only about the dancing, they are not personal.

Pictured: The Iceman Cometh, Chuck Liddell works his personal style

Q. Have there been any favorite moments for you this season, so far?
A. I enjoyed watching Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck (The Iceman) Liddell. Here's this big guy doing ballroom dancing. He reminded me that dance is a freeing conversation with you, your partner and the audience.


I had so much fun chatting with Carrie Ann, I almost forgot about the coupon savings in this Sunday's paper! It was great talking to her, and I really enjoyed her style savvy.

One thing I did after our conversation, was to go to www.mypinkplan.com and set up reminders for regular self checks and exams. Be sure and take a few minutes out of your day to plan your self-checks and schedule a mammogram. As Carrie Ann said, "Its important for women to stay aware. Get educated and take your health into your hands."

Savings for a Worthy Cause: Carrie Ann Inaba and P&G team up to help Breast Cancer Research

Chanel Cosmetic Giveaway on Ideeli!

The words Chanel and giveaway are rarely used in the same sentence! But today, fashion club Ideeli is giving away free Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Cream plus extra Chanel goodies. Following are the details.

50 Ideeli members will win! Winners will receive an exclusive CHANEL logo headband, as well as a CHANEL cosmetics case packed with deluxe samples of beauty standouts including ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT LIFTING FIRMING DAY CREAM SPF15, ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT SCULPTING FIRMING CONCENTRATE, COCO MADEMOISELLE EAU DE PARFUM and more! Click here to enter as my guest.

Chanel Cosmetic Giveaway on Ideeli!

Starbucks Launches Instant Coffee: Save Some Pennies on Coffee when You Travel

Pictured: My personal stash of Starbucks Instant Coffee, VIA

Like many bloggers, I have a little Java addiction. I am not talking about the excellent Java code and Java beans that I use to build my website. The java I speak of is the Java I drink: Coffee. Yes, I am addicted to several cups of fully leaded coffee several times a day. When I travel outside the United States or even California, this can be a problem for The Recessionista. Why you may well ask? Well dear readers, shocking as it seems, not all hotels or even all companies in these recessionary times provide complimentary coffee any more. Everyone will provide hot water, but not hot coffee. So I am excited about these little instant coffee packets coming soon from Starbucks. The product is called VIA. Starbucks sent me a few boxes of the VIA Colombian brew and the Italian Roast to sample, and I have to admit they are quite good.

Are the instant packets as delicious as a steaming European press pot or a regular House Blend freshly brewed from my local Starbucks store? Honestly, no. But they are very, very good. I have been traveling with the packets in my purse and enjoying them. There is nothing worse than going to a restaurant when you have a coffee yen and all you can see is an old, burnt pot of coffee sitting at the waitresses' station when you have the need for Java speed. Instead of paying $2.00 bucks for a cup from that old stale pot, I have been bringing my own instant coffee packets to places. I just use my secret weapon, the instant Starbucks coffee packet to satisfy by Java cravings. Voila, the hot water is free, and I just add my little packet and stir. It's recessionista living at its finest. The price for 24 packets/servings of the coffee is $19.95, 12 packets are $9.95. which is less than $1.00 a cup.

Check out the information about the new instant coffee on the Starbucks site and sign up for a sample. Or ask the Barrista at your local Starbucks about it next time you drop in the store.


There's nothing like a little instant pick me up when you're standing in those early morning sales lines to get the shopping deals. Check out our contest for the Decadetwo sale for an example of an event that will draw a coffee queue.

Starbucks Launches Instant Coffee: Save Some Pennies on Coffee when You Travel

Win Early VIP Access to this Saturday's Decadestwo Sale!

Decadestwo is a Los Angeles shopping tradition. The store is a consignor offering a bit of Hollywood glamour plus a great collection of pre-owned Chanel suits, vintage clothing and rare jewelry. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to meet and have a chat with the owner of Decadestwo, Christos Garkos. Click here to take a look at my interview with Christos and glimpse some of the Decadestwo treasures. There is amazing stuff in the store, and not all of it is pre-owned. Some of the items are brand new with tags. On a number of special occasions, the store offers discount sales throughout the store. This Saturday, Sept. 26 is just such an occasion. Everything in the store will be reduced 25%.

If you live in the LA area, you may have seen the crowds lining up on Melrose to gain first admittance to the sale. Some Chanel lovers have been know to camp out all night to be first in line to enter the shop and snatch up the deals. There has actually been a bit of pushing and shoving out on the street as dedicated shoppers have tried to rush in to the store like they were storming the Bastille. The lure of discount Chanel has such a strong appeal:) This is not a spectator sport.

Good news, if you are not a street camp out lover, as I am not, then The Recessionista has a deal for you. We are offering Exclusive EARLY Access to the sale. Decadestwo has graciously offered our readers exclusive early access to the sale. Here's the deal. Ten of The Recessionista Blog readers will be allowed in the door at 10:30am—one half hour before anyone else. No need to spend hours lining up. Simply enter here by signing up for our newsletter via Feedblitz, or leave me a comment with your email address, letting us know why you want to be a Recessionista VIP at the Decadestwo sale. Ten lucky blog readers will be chosen from the entrants and notified before the sale. I will be giving the ten lucky winner's name to Christos at Decadestwo so that they will be allowed exclusive admittance. If you watch Bravo, you know Decadestwo is the exclusive haunt of celebrity stylish Rachel Zoe. Now you can shop the store in Zoe mode, in a private shopping spree before the hoards of other bargainistas arrive.

Pictured: Celebrity Stylist Rachel Zoe with the owners of DecadesTwo Consignment Store

Enter here to win VIP access to the DecadesTwo sale! Enter by midnight, PST on Thursday, Sept 24th. Winners will be notified on Friday ,Sept 25th in advance of the sale.

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You can also leave a blog comment here with your email address to enter. Just tell us why you want to be a Decadestwo Early Bird shopper. Thanks and may the best recessionista win. Good luck to all!

Below are some of the Decadestwo treasures from inside the store.

Pictured: A Marchesa dress -a version worn by Sienna Miller a few seasons back.

Pictured: Racks of Chanel suits, Coco come to me! :)

Pictured: Some of my favorite Vintage from Decadestwo, Ossie Clark designs with Celia Birtwell prints.
I want them all!

Pictured: A beautiful sight, the Coco Chanel window display at Decadestwo.

PS. Remember, although this store is based in Los Angeles, CA, there are great consignment stores all over the globe where you can find great, high-end bargains. Consult YELP! for one in your area.

Win Early VIP Access to this Saturday's Decadestwo Sale!

Sunday Savvy: I Found the Key, Tiffany Key's, The Best for Less

Pictured: A Beautiful Collection of Tiffany Keys

For some time, I have been lusting after a Tiffany Key pendant. I know that I am not alone in coveting this lovely object. Every weekend I see the adverts for the beautiful keys from Tiffany & Company in The New York Times. Every weekend, I think, there must be way to get one of those keys. Little did I realize until I started researching them, that the keys are now being made in lower priced versions. Tiffany & Co. has had their key pendant collection for many years, making some of them with the priciest materials like platinum and diamonds. These high-end materials sent the prices of the beautiful keys soaring into the range of the thousands. One key was actually $15,000. Enter the great recession and Tiffany decided to make the keys in more affordable versions with materials like sterling sliver.

Pictured: My personal favorite, the Floral Key

I hope we see more luxury retailers following this trend. After all, if the best things come in the Tiffany blue box, why pay more when economical options are available? The blue box should be for everyone who enjoys beautiful things, not for just the elite who can afford the $15,000 platinum and diamond key. Luxury like everything else should come in many flavors. Check the under $150.00 link on Tiffany.com. Tiffany blue boxes for all!

Sunday Savvy: I Found the Key, Tiffany Key's, The Best for Less

Fall Fashion Savings from Glamour Magazine

This month's issue of Glamour magazine has some great coupons for savings from several brands, including H&M, Ann Taylor and Armani Exchange. Click here to check out the savings from some great fashion sources! Love to Glamour for the great deals.

Fall Fashion Savings from Glamour Magazine

Calling All Gentlemen: A Timeless Guide to Fashion

Every now and then, I have to take a break from shopping and the endless search for my beloved Chanel at consignment stores to read a good book! There is nothing like a good read for a little escape and relaxation. I recently received a copy of the book, "Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion" as a gift. More often and not, the BFF and I do not agree on the art of fine dressing. He sometimes feels that dressing up is the act of wrapping a scarf around his neck or throwing on a cardigan before running out the door. This book shows that with just a little thought and an eye for detail, every man can look amazing. The author Bernhard Roetzel, shows off the art of selecting everything from high-end Italian suits and handmade clothing, to basics like the right belt, the right pair of jeans or a colorful tie. The book is a veritable encyclopedia of classic elegance.

One of the most fascinating features, at least to me, is the sprinkling of famous figures along with their fashion faves throughout the book. Remember Winston Churchill and his colorful, polka dot bow ties? He made that bow tie his unique look.

Pictured: My favorite Prime Minister with his noted fashion accessory, the bow tie.

Remember The Avenger's John Steed in his classic bowler? These gentlemen made classic fashion choices that became their trademark.

Pictured: The Avenger's Mr. Steed, Patrick MacNee avec bowler

Although the book is not cheap, it's worth putting on your watch list and your coffee table. Is there any more tactful way to drop your loved on a subtle hint about menswear? Why be a nudge when you don't have to? :)

And if you make the right fashion choices, then maybe, just maybe, at the end of the day you'll save money by acquiring some classics. After all, it can't always be about jeans and t-shirts. This is what I tell the BFF.


PS--note to OOO000, I didn't see anything in the book about "man bags", maybe you should write an addendum ?:)

Calling All Gentlemen: A Timeless Guide to Fashion

Worth a Look: Nordstrom's Classiques Entier Line

Pictured: Nordstrom's Brand: Classiques Entier

Recently I made a wonderful style discovery: Nordstrom's own clothing line, Classiques Entier. I really can't say enough good things about this line. It reminds me of higher-priced designs from European designers like Roland Mouret. Witness the plaid dress in the picture about. It's similar to a Roland Mouret dress worn by actress Kiera Knightley a few seasons ago. The styles in the line are elegant and chic, without the "haute" price. Recently, I wanted some easy pieces for travel, and bought some of the Classiques Entier Rouched Jersey tops. They traveled like a dream, requiring no pressing or steaming when I unpacked. Best of all, they were comfortable to wear all day long, from the office to dinner out.

Pictured: The Silk Jersey Rouched Top, on sale for $59.99

This week, some of the collection is on sale at Nordstroms and it's well worth a look. One of my other favorites from the sale is this Nouveau Linen jacket with the wide, rounded collar just begging for a string of pearls.

Pictured: The CE Nouveau Linen jacket on sale for $89.90.

The jacket features beautiful 3/4 sleeves, so you can show off your wrist candy (bracelets, watch) and a wide tie belt to cinch the waist. The collection also features great work dresses like the one below.

Pictured: CE Print Silk and Linen Wrap dress on sale for $117.00

Bottom line, if you're looking for a great combination of quality, customer service + the right price, check out the Classiques Entier line. My local Nordstrom's sales associate Kelly reminded me that this week, from Sept. 16-20 you can enjoy triple Nordstrom's rewards when you use your Nordstrom's charge card to purchase. I love the rewards, because they add up just like Frequent Flyer points on your account, and when you reach certain point milestones you can get free stuff. The Recessionista loves the free!

Pictured: It's Triple Rewards for the next Four Days at Nordstrom

Ps--Check the Nordie's Fashion Week blog for some great updates on the NY shows.

Worth a Look: Nordstrom's Classiques Entier Line

More Reasons to Love Fall: Tory Burch On Sale at Gilt Groupe

A few weeks ago, I dropped by the Tory Burch store in Malibu. They had a great sale and mimosas for perfect girlfriends Sunday shopping. I took an inventory of the store and took mental notes. I loved the colorful tunics, classic ballet flats and stylish bags. But despite the delicious mimosas, I could not pry open my wallet to pay Tory's retail prices. Several hundred dollars for a blouse or a tunic is just too much. And least for this fashionista on the down low. So good news! Tomorrow, 9/15 at 9 am PST,noon EST, Tory's fabulous fashions will go on the virtual sale racks at discount designer shopping club, the Gilt Groupe. Click here to join Gilt and shop the sale as my guest. Here are a few things I have my eye on, and yes, I tried on the tunics in-store. This is a time-honored recessionista patented shopping technique. I try the garments not to buy at the time of the trying, but perhaps to buy later, when the sale comes. It's helpful to try things on to check the fit, so that if the best price is online, you have an idea how it will look when the price drops into your shopping range.

Pictured: My Wish List, Tory Burch Contrast Tunic Top

Pictured: Tory Silk Margaret Top, Elegant and Simple

Below is an example of the sale versus retail prices for the Tory items from Gilt. MSRP = the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price :

Sequin Dress
MSRP $1182 Gilt Price $438

Tunic
MSRP $275 Gilt Price $108

Pleated Top
MSRP $255 Gilt Price $98

Tie Waist Dress
MSRP $195 Gilt Price $158

Considering the discounts, if you are a Tory Burch fan, you will want to check this out. She also has a blog on the Gilt site with some Fall lifestyle and fashion tips that is of interest. If you don't see what you like online, remember Tory is also available at Loehmann's.

More Reasons to Love Fall: Tory Burch On Sale at Gilt Groupe

Sunday Savvy: Anna Sui for Less

Pictured: The Sales Racks at my local Anthropologie Store, great stuff for $29.99 or less

Happy Sunday readers! I hope you are all enjoying and relaxing today. I started my day with a cheep and cheerful brunch at my local Starbucks. The coffee chain has a new deal: $3.95 breakfast pairings. This includes a coffee + one of their breakfast sandwiches. I opted for the turkey bacon, egg white sandwich and a house blend coffee. Delicious, lo-cal, and the price was right. I enjoyed hanging out at the store listening to the remastered Beatles CDs and reading my paper, looking at the sales and planning my day of looking for the best for less. Here's my take on some great deals in the stores and online today.

First up, Anthropologie is having a fantastic in-store and online sale. The sale rack features some quality designers and products. One of my personal favorites is Anna Sui. Many of her items in natural fabrics can be found on the Anthro sales racks. Below is her beautiful Poppy Bouquet Top for 50% off. The top is make of silk chiffon with lace trim.


Anthropologie is not the only store offering Anna Sui on sale today. As many of you know, today is the launch of Anna's Gossip Girl inspired line at big-box retailer Target. I stopped in check it out Anna Sui for Target on my way home from Anthropologie. Despite the hype and hoopla, there were plenty of garments left on the rack (although much if it is sold out on Target online.) Overall, the collection is not my personal cup of "fashion tea."

The dresses are extremely short, and the sizing of most of the garments runs small. I would recommend wearing the dresses as tunics, if you like them, rather than as dresses. Most of them come to mid-thigh. Of course, if you're Mariah Carey, you will like that length and not mind if there is no fabric to cover your bum when you sit down :) In my opinion, this line is designed for very young girls , which is sad, as I always see women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and up perusing the Target Go racks hoping to get a top name designer for less. Sadly, this very junior sized collection won't work for many of them. The below pictured metallic dress is very itchy to the touch and quite shiny. It gives new meaning to the old expression "wearing the hair shirt." The shoppers around me touching the fabric were commenting on its less than smooth feel.

Pictured: Anna Sui for Target Metallic Thread Dress (polyester)

My top pick in the collection in this 100% silk short sleeved, drop waist black and white print dress (pictured below) with coordinating red and cream trim. I find this tunic dress chic, and more of a classic, Anna Sui looking piece.

Pictured: My personal favorite pick from the Anna Sui Target collection. The silk printed tunic dress for $49.99.

This mosiac printed tunic top with drop waist elastic for a little fit around the hips, looked nice with my DKNY black skinny jeans. Not surprisingly many of the "sold-out" pieces are already listed on eBay at marked-up prices.

Pictured: Anna Sui in one of her tunic tops with boots at her 2007 show.

Pictured: A tunic top from Anna's 2007 RTW collection that is similar to the Target silk printed tunic.

To learn more about the collection, and read a full review of all the pieces, check out the Fashion Trend Guide blog. Many of the Target pieces are imitations of Anna Sui's 2006 Fall Ready to Wear collection (long before the TV show Gossip Girl.) Check the old collection pictures to see the similarities. For example, check this dress from the 2006 AS collection. This dress looks almost vintage with the delicate lace in lays and rounded collar.

Pictured: Anna Sui 2006 Dress

Pictured: The paltry imitation of the 2006 Anna Sui dress at Target: The Table Cloth, um, Bread Dough (yes, that is the real name!) version

For more Anna Sui for less, check out the Nordstorm's sales racks. There are some great reductions on her higher end line. Here is one example:

Pictured: Anna Sui Type Dye Print Dress on sale at Nordstrom's

If you like Anna Sui, check out all the sales and make your own decisions on the best fit for your figure and quality for the price. For more Frugalista finds and Fall fashion tips, click here.

If you hit the Anthropologie sale racks, check out the housewares on sale. There are adorable cups, place mats and candles at great discounts.

Pictured: The Anthropologie housewares sale offers some great finds.

Last tip, many Smith and Hawken's stores are closing around the country. Check their stores for deep discounts on all their stock. Sadly, their website is no longer operational.

Sunday Savvy: Anna Sui for Less