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By Sydney's Bargain Queen, Sara. March 11, 2008. Bags, Beauty, Clothing, Jewelry, News, Shoes
We get a lot of emails asking, “where is the best place to look for …”
To help us answer your questions, we have a list here at BQ HQ where we share all our favorite shopping spots with each other. As well as helping us answer your questions, we also use it to find fabulous things to write about, and of course, to work out which retailers we want as affiliates too!
Today, we’ve decided to share our ’secret’ list with the world. It’s been months of work compiling it, so we hope you find it useful.
Next time you’re looking for something fabulous at a reasonable price, we recommend that you try these retailers. We always have great luck with them, so we’d love to hear your thoughts on them too!
Without further ado, here’s the list:
Click here to continue »
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. February 19, 2008. Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Under $100, Under $200, Under $50, Wallets
Sure, Facebook is great, but face-to-face networking will never go out of style — and you never know when you’ll make a new contact. So when opportunity knocks, will you confidently pull out a business card or sheepishly ask for a pen and napkin?
Keep a set of business cards on hand and you won’t be stuck fishing for something to write your contact information on. Even if you’re not looking to improve your career prospects, they’re handy when you meet new friends.
While you can save money by printing basic cards at home, give them a good home to keep them crisp, clean, and ready to go. Even better, dress them up in a snazzy case.
This pink Swarovski crystal business card case would be great — if it weren’t $85!
Fortunately, this similar case is just $29.99 and ships worldwide! Plus, it ships free to the U.S. and even comes with a free LanoLip moisturizing lip balm.
Or, get the clear crystal style for the same price and you get a matching compact in addition to the lip balm! (The compact is also sold separately for $19.99.)
What a dazzling deal!
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. February 1, 2008. Accessories, Advice, Bags, Bargains, Bracelets, Clothing, Dresses, Earrings, Fashion, Flats, Handbags, Heels, Jewelry, Necklaces, News, Plus-size, Shoes, Shopping, Style, Sweaters, Tops, Under $10, Under $100, Under $20, Under $200, Under $50
Green may be the top color of the season, but orange is a close second and is a great color to add some real pop to your wardrobe.
Orange is generally harder to wear than green, but don’t let that stop you. If you love orange but think that it doesn’t love you, check out How to work difficult colors into your wardrobe. (Hint: Accessories, accessories, accessories!) And for lots of orange inspiration, take a look at Kasmira’s outfits that include orange at What I Wore Today.
If orange is a flattering color on you, then now is the time to stock up because it’s rare that you’ll see this much of it.
Now, onto the bargains!
Accessories
Orange accessories make for a great, unexpected pop of color that plays remarkably well with other colors like blues and greens. It works great with any neutral, but it really shines when paired with navy.
Bags
An easy way to play with orange is with this orange patent leather clutch from BCBG MAX AZRIA that was recently featured in our post on the ongoing clutch trend. At 63% off the original price of $198, it’s a steal — just $71.98 for a piece that’s classic yet trendy and from a well known label. It’s also available in parfait and celadon.
This patent leather Jet Set satchel from Michael Kors is similarly discounted. It’s now $79.98, down from $198. It’s also available in hot pink, another popular color right now.
If you’re looking for a bag with more room, then check out this alligator embossed leather tote bag from Muska Milano. It’s now $389 — 54% off the original price of $850. It comes in a variety of colors and ships free to the U.S.
Shoes
Orange shoes are even harder to find than green ones in my experience, but leave it to Prada to solve the color conundrum on both fronts. These peep toe flats from Prada are available in both orange and green with yellow trim. Originally over $300, they’re now on sale for $185. Plus they ship worldwide!
Too steep for your wallet? Don’t worry, Isaac Mizrahi has done it again — combining classic and trendy at an unbelievable price. These orange Georgina suede bow slides are now on clearances for just $6.24!
Looking for something really different but still cute? Then take a look at these orange Rain Dance rain shoes from Jeffrey Campbell. They’re $34.95 and ship worldwide.
Don’t underestimate the power of some orange sneakers like these orange running shoes from Adidas. I’m seen similar pairs worn with sporty casual skirts and it works amazingly well. Listed at $99.95, they’re now $49.99 - $50.89 and available in sizes 5-12.
My final shoe pick is this pair of orange wedge sandals by Easy Spirit. They’d look lovely with a flirty spring skirt and they’re also available in natural and black. They’re now on sale for $46.99, down from $84.95.
Jewelry
Jewelry is yet another place where you probably don’t see a lot of orange, but it can be absolutely fabulous.
For example, check out this beaded bangle cuff bracelet from Fair Trade Gifts. It’s just $11.95.
For $20, you can get this entire set of silver and simulated orange cats eye beaded jewelry. It includes earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace. It’s half off the original price and it ships worldwide!
For $9.99, you can also get this orange cats eye bracelet, on sale from $21.99. It also ships worldwide.
Other Accessories
Looking for a statement watch? This orange textile bracelet watch from Christian Dior will definitely grab attention. It’s listed for $650 but now $202 and eligible for Amazon’s free Super Saver Shipping.
And if you want a lot of orange for not a lot of green, check out this 100% pashmina wrap for $17.95. It ships worldwide.
Clothing
If orange and your complexion get along, then stock up now on orange clothing. You’ll be glad you did in seasons to come when the color choices aren’t so bright.
This 100% cashmere sweater from Catherine Malandrino is absolutely gorgeous, not to mention luxurious. Originally $445, it’s now on sale for $222.50. It’s available in sizes P, M, and L, and it ships worldwide. And it’s also available in black!
If you’re a plus-size gal, then check out this fauxmono knit top from Mossimo. It’s “lava” orange and smokin’. It’s now $11.89 and available in sizes 16W-26W.
If you like the sheer trend, then you’ll probably love this sheer peach camisole. It’s a sweet piece and is now $34.99, down from the list price of $110. It’s available in sizes S-L.
Finally, for the die-hard orange lovers, there’s this sexy Julianna drape dress from Guess. And for those that aren’t, it’s also available in black. It’s $39.50 and available in sizes X-small to X-large.
How do you do orange?
Can you wear orange effortlessly or do you have to work to get it into your wardrobe? Or have you left this color out of your wardrobe altogether?
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 25, 2008. Bags, Bargains, Handbags, Under $100, Under $200
This season we still have a case of ‘the shinies’ here at The Bargain Queens. While not the star it was last season, metallics are still going strong — especially in the way of metallic trench coats.
Metallics fan that I am, though, I prefer mine in smaller doses like this metallic leather clutch from BCBG MAX AZRIA. Whether you get it in bronze, pewter, or metallic blue, it’s simple elegance will still be ‘in’ for seasons to come.
It’s now just $89.97, down 55% from the list price of $198.
Ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 22, 2008. Accessories, Advice, Bags, Bargains, Bracelets, Clothing, Dresses, Fashion, Handbags, Heels, Jewelry, News, Shoes, Shopping, Style, Sweaters, Tops, Under $100, Under $20, Under $200, Under $50
According to Angie at YouLookFab, the hottest color of the season is going to be green, followed by orange.
Wearing more green was actually one of my New Year’s resolutions, because it’s a lovely color that is underused in my wardrobe and many others’.
Fortunately, green is generally an easy color to wear. While yellow greens like lime green can make some people look sallow, dark greens like hunter green don’t have the same effect. If you’re still longing for lime, rest assured that anyone can wear yellow greens if they know how to work difficult colors in your wardrobe.
With that in mind, here are some green bargains that will have your friends equally green.
Accessories
An easy way to incorporate any color into your wardrobe is through accessories since you can get more use out of them per week than clothing and accessories usually last a lot longer.
Shoes
Nice green shoes are hard to find, but I’ve found three pairs.
These Hasper mesh peep toe pumps from Jessica Simpson are available in three colors, including a lovely kelly green. They’re available in sizes 5.5-11 and vary in price from $55.27 to $79.99.
These Naughty Monkey Candyland pumps are equally fun in a white and green floral design. They’re available in sizes 6-10 and are also available in black/white and red/white. They vary in price from $72.47 - $74.95.
If you want shoes that really stand out, then check out these Alanie pumps from Chinese Laundry. While also available in white and yellow, the green is particularly fun because the fish scale texture of the leather makes them look like dragon skin. They’re available in sizes 6-10, for $79.95 - $89.95.
Jewelry
This wavy aventurine bracelet is a neat piece that is beautiful, too. It’s just $18.95 and ships worldwide.
Or if you want something more classic, take a look at this sterling silver bracelet made with green Milano glass Swarovski crystal. It’s on sale for 50% and is now just $28.99. Plus it also ships worldwide.
Bags
With clutches so popular nowadays, why not go with a green clutch like this Sasha leather wristlet clutch from Via Spiga. The hunter green is lovely, though it is also available in black and grey. It’s now just $69.99, down from $120.
Of course, you can’t fit a laptop in a clutch, so take a look at this gorgeous satin brocade laptop bag from Mango Tango. It’s a refreshing alternative to all those boring black laptop bags and it’s just $84.
Clothes
Looking to get into more green?
Tops
This green long-sleeve turtleneck from Mossimo is now just $6.29. It’s available in sizes X-small to XX-large in juniors.
If your complexion can handle a nice yellow-green, go ahead and enjoy this silk trapunto stitch blouse from INC International Concepts. It’s on sale for $38.81, down from $69. It’s available in sizes 2-8.
Dresses
Green also makes a wonderful color for dresses. I know because I have one that wear all the time.
This jersey wrap dress from BCBG Max Azria would make lovely dress for day and night whether you get the forest green or the navy. It’s $108, 40% off the list price of $180, and it’s available in sizes X-small to large.
Of course, green works great with other colors, as evident in this charmeuse, flutter-sleeve dress in a green and aqua print. It’s only available in sizes 7-11, but it’s on sale for $13.99.
Going green
Green isn’t just a trendy color this season, it’s also a lifestyle trend that’s catching on thanks in part to products that make it easier to help the planet. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out my recent post on eco-friendly shopping bags.
As you can see, I’m excited by all the green available this season, but how do you feel about its rise to trendiness? How do you wear green most often?
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 16, 2008. Advice, Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Handbags, News, Shopping, Style, Under $100, Under $20, Under $200, Under $50
With check cards replacing check books and cell phones replacing… well, everything else, it’s no wonder that we saw the re-emergence of clutches and wristlets last year. The good news is that small bags are even bigger this year!
This trend has stuck around because small bags can be both stylish and practical. A flashy clutch can add an easy pop to your outfits without weighing you down, while even big-bag gals like myself can use one as an oversized wallet to keep the essentials easy to grab in a pinch. There’s truly a clutch for every occasion!
Whether you are building a collection or just looking for that perfect bag for prom, here are some fabulous bags that will have you clutch crazy — at equally fabulous discounts, of course.
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By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 15, 2008. Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Handbags, Under $100, Under $200
Looking for a handbag that’s easy to coordinate with your everyday wardrobe?
While bags in black and brown might come to mind, camel is lovely alternative that will work just as well — if not better. Just imagine this Via Spiga goat leather bag on your shoulder. It’ll work whether you pair it with gym clothes or a purple jersey dress!
And with a name like Via Spiga, this bag will hold up to all the use you can get out of it. Plus, it’s now just $94.99 — down from $185.
Ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.
By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 14, 2008. Advice, Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Handbags, News, Shopping, Style, Under $10, Under $100, Under $20, Under $200, Under $5, Under $50
Here’s a green trend that will hopefully stick.
Going green is not just commendable, it’s now stylish. Last summer, the I’m Not A Plastic Bag canvas bags caused such a craze you’d have thought that people were waiting in line for the newest video game system. This year, eco-friendly shopping bags are still the bag to have, but the only line you’ll have to stand in is the grocery checkout line.
Not to toot my own horn, but my husband and I started using canvas grocery bags before they were cool. We’re still using them, not just to save the planet, but also because they are easier to carry than those thin plastic bags and they don’t tear open spilling our groceries everywhere. Plus, I’ve had more compliments on them than all my other bags combined.
So if you want to save the planet in style, here are some bargain priced shopping bags to get you started. All ship internationally except where noted.
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By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 8, 2008. Accessories, Advice, Bags, Clothing, Coats, Fashion, Handbags, Shoes, Shopping, Style
Fashion trends get a bad rap — so much so that many people would hardly call being labeled “trendy” a compliment. In her series on The fashion industry’s biggest secret, Sara illustrates how many fashion editors, designers, and icons don’t seem to follow trends at all — while fashion victims do.
Keeping an eye on trends isn’t a bad thing, though. In fact, smart shoppers know the value of watching trends, since their coming and going determines what’s available in stores — and what’s on sale.
Plus, the occasional dash of trends can liven up your wardrobe if you choose your items carefully and shop smart.
Here’s how.
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By Florida's Bargain Queen, Meg. January 8, 2008. Bags, Bargains, Fashion, Under $10, Under $100, Under $20, Under $200
Spring is just around the corner, but there are still a few discounts to be had on items from last spring and summer. Check out this floral canvas tote on clearance for just $9.49! It’ll have you thinking city shorts and sundresses in no time!
Ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.
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