Archive for October, 2007
By Tokyo's Bargain Queen, Kimberly. October 31, 2007. Advice, News, Shopping
Found in my local Tokyo suburb: a Fair Trade Store.
I had heard of this chain of stores but not investigated , so I was pleasantly surprised. The concept is to sell clothing, accessories, toys, ornaments and stationery to the consumer, but also make sure the maker — say, in Sri Lanka — gets a fair price for their work and enjoys decent work conditions.
It’s a great idea, and while the average fashionista isn’t going to get excited on a design level, if you make an effort you’ll find some great treats.
Clothing comes in basic shapes, interesting textures and fabrics; there are also great scarves and knits. I especially like the accessories — gorgeous beaded evening purses for well under a $100, plus earrings, bracelets and bangles.
My local store also had cute baby stuff and hand carved wooden ornaments, which are great gift ideas.
Just a thought to keep in mind if you come across a Fair Trade Store: don’t dismiss it as hippie chic as there are bargains to be had, and benefits that reach far beyond your own purse.
You can find your local Fair Trade store here.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 31, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Formal, Under $100, Under $200

The holiday season brings plenty of occasions to dress up.
Both elegant and unique, this black lace dress by Alexia Admor is a perfect party dress to wear year round — with a pashmina or dressy cardigan in cooler weather, of course.
The list price is $215, but you can buy it for only US$84.99 (and it’s also available in peach and cocoa too).
Sizes S-L available; ships to the U.S.


By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 31, 2007. Bargains, Fashion, Heels, Shoes, Under $100, Under $200

Say bye-bye to boring outfits with these Nina peep-toe pumps in fuchsia, one of this season’s hottest colors. A great pop of color like these shoes can make formerly bland outfits fun and interesting.
Here are some facts to love:
- at US$59.99 they’re 24% off
- sizes 6.5-10 are available (with some exceptions)
- they ship worldwide


By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 30, 2007. News, The Fabulous! Festival
Halloween is still a day away… but this year’s Halloween edition of the Fabulous! Festival is ready for your perusal at Dramatis Personae.
As well as great Halloween inspiration, you’ll also find some fantastic fashion and beauty reading — so go take a look.
Bloggers: The Fabulous! Festival is a great way to introduce your writing to new readers. If you’d like to participate in and/or host an upcoming edition of The Fabulous! Festival, here’s what you need to know.
Click here to continue »
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 30, 2007. Bargains, Clothing, Fashion, Skirts, Under $10, Under $20

Every girl needs a pretty party skirt.
This tiered, ruffled skirt is a great way to show off your legs. Team it with a fitted top and leg-lengthening shoes (say, your favorite heels) and you’re ready to party.
At just $5.99, this deal will have you dancing the night away.
Sizes 4-12 available; ships to U.S. and U.S. protectorates.


By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 30, 2007. Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Handbags, Under $100, Under $200

SOLD OUT
A designer bag under $100… does it sound too good to be true?
This Via Spiga Krystal suede satchel is both spacious and chic. It’s genuine leather, well-designed and if it lives up to Via Spiga’s usual standards, it will be top quality too.
Best of all , it really is under $100 — but only thanks to the 52% discount. Ships to U.S.


By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. October 29, 2007. Advice, Fashion, News, Shopping
There’s a fashion mistake we should all avoid, that you’ll never see on Go Fug Yourself. The mistake? Over-spending.
“Many young, professional women are working their way up the career ladder and don’t have a problem with spending beyond their means. One day we’ll have the money to pay off that overdraft or credit card bill.”
In little over two hours, Georgia has clocked up more than £800 ($1,600) but she shrugs it off, saying she deserves it . . . despite only having a disposable monthly income of £900 ($1,800).
Georgia bought a £415 (US$850) Miu Miu top; £200 ($400) of shoes; a £150 ($300) Zara orange wool swing coat; and a £60 ($120) haircut. (Source: Edinburgh Evening News, Scotland.)
If these purchases are trendy things that will be ‘out’ before they’re paid off, it’s madness to buy them on credit. A suit to wear to job interviews is the only clothing that really belongs on a credit card, ever — and that’s only because you can’t get a good job without professional clothing.
Debt is a prison that’s very hard to escape, so don’t lock yourself into it for a pair of shoes… even if they are divine! 
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 29, 2007. Advice, Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Under $10, Under $20, gift ideas

Leave your purse on the floor and you could get seriously ill.
Unfortunately, it’s not an urban myth.
When you put your bag down, invisible bacteria can stick to it. When you touch your mouth after touching the bag, that bacteria enters your body. If it’s nasty bacteria, you get really sick. Ew!
If you’d like to protect yourself, purse hooks are the answer.
A purse hook allows you to hang your bag under the table when you’re eating out, so it doesn’t sit on the dirty floor — which also keeps your purse out of the grime and stains.
This set from Hollywood Purse Hook includes two slim purse hooks (one silver and one gold) with a velvet carrying case.
You get both for just US$9.95, and they make great gifts! Ships worldwide.

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By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. October 29, 2007. News
Would you like to win your favorite bargain here on The Bargain Queen?
To enter our contest this month:
- Pick your favorite bargain on the site
- Blog it
If yours is the first valid entry pulled randomly from our database, we’ll send you your favorite bargain. Full contest details are here.
Entries close this Wednesday the 31st, so get in quick!
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. October 26, 2007. Bargains, Fashion, Flats, Shoes, Under $100, Under $200

Metallics are hot right now — and what better way to wear them than these Boutique 9 metallic leather ballet flats?
Metallic shoes are classic and neutral, so they won’t be ‘out’ soon like all those knock-off Balenciaga robot leggings. The simple design and wow color makes these a knock-out piece for many seasons to come.
Available in silver and gold, they’re just US$65.99!
Sizes 5.5-10 available; ships to the continental U.S.

