Monday, October 25, 2010

Online Deals, Free Shipping and More

So I was reading my monthly issue of InStyle Magazine which featured an article on Smart Ways to Save Money Online ( InStyle Magazine, November 2010 at pg. 242). The article provided a bunch of great sites that can help you save money, including:

Also, the article suggests that readers download the invisible hand, a browser widget that notifies you when the product you're shopping for can be found elsewhere for less. To download the indivisible hand widget, go to http://www.getinvisiblehand.com.

I hope these sites help you save loads of money. Happy shopping!

XOXO- Ms. Diva

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Latest Discovery: Gojane.com

Ladies,

I was just reading People Style Watch where I discovered a great website for inexpensive, trendy footwear, among other things. Check out http://www.gojane.com. It's worth a "look-see" for all of you size 5-10 people. It won't work for us size 11 gals, but hey, I am here to help all my divas-in-training. Also, check out People Style Watch every month for shopping discount codes. Enjoy!

XOXO- Ms. Diva

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Shopping Your Closet: The Real Way to Discount Shop

Ladies,


I apologize for being M.I.A. for the past 8 days, but my real job has been kicking my tail. It's been so bad that despite the brisk weather, I still haven't turned over my closets for the fall/winter season. Nevertheless, with my jam packed schedule this weekend, I will make it my mission to get it done.


So, as I embark on this monumental task (my closet is too small and insane), I am digging out one of my old faithful tools so I can avoid buying things I don't need this season. This is, by far, my favorite wardrobe tool, even more than those Huggable Hangers. Ladies, I'd like to introduce you to the Wardrobe Worksheet! InStyle Magazine unveiled this a few years ago. The wardrobe worksheet forces you to inventory your closet in a meaningful way and gets you to really think about the many different ways you can wear the clothes you already have. Because of the worksheet, I ensure that I look fabulous all the time.


So here's how it works- First, you list 10 of your favorite pieces for the season. These are the things in your closet that make you feel your best, are appropriate for the season and fit really well. Then you list your 10 season appropriate basics. For instance, for the fall, we all should probably have a black turtleneck/sweater, black/grey classic slacks, a white button up shirt, heavy, dark rinsed jeans, a great heavy sweater, heavy leggings, and whatever else you tend to wear as your "go to" foundation pieces. Next, you start putting outfits together with those items while trying on shoes and bags to go with them. List those 10 seasonal shoes and bags that work with the outfits you created. Make sure to include a wedge, a skinny heel, a flat, a pair of great boots, a dressy bag, an every day bag and a funky bag to complement the host of looks you will create with all of the items you listed. As you are putting your lists and outfits together, keep in mind the things that you don't have that you really need. After doing all of this, you list the 10 items (or less) that you need to complete your wardrobe. Once you have created 10 or more looks, list them on the worksheet and use it as your cheat sheet when you are getting dressed.


Can't think of what to wear today? Look at your worksheet. If you are really into it, take pics of your outfits and start creating a "lookbook" with the wardrobe worksheet in front, followed by your outfit photos. I promise, it will save you time and money. Click on the link for your copy of the wardrobe worksheet. http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/static/PDFs/wardrobe_worksheet.pdf


Enjoy!

Friday, October 8, 2010

$16 Jackets at Old Navy this Saturday

Ladies,

By now you must have seen the commercial for the sale at Old Navy this Saturday. In celebration of its 16th anniversary, Old Navy will be selling all jackets for $16! You can buy for the whole family. You can even buy some for Christmas gifts. But by all means, seize this deal. Pick me up while you are at it! XOXO!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Designer Handbag Giveaway: MULBERRY FOR TARGET. 3 Days Only!



Add Target (targetnews@target.bfi0.com) to your address book to ensure complete delivery. Learn more.
Target.com Home Page View the Weekly Ad
Women Men Baby Kids Shoes Home Kitchen Bed + Bath Furniture Toys Electronics
MULBERRY FOR TARGET Forget Fashionably late. Get your paws on a bag before they hit stores!
Find a Store REDcards Help GiftCards Registries + Lists Follow Us. Add us, tweet us, text us, watch us.
FacebookTwitterTarget MobileYou Tube
  If you no longer wish to receive our e-mail advertisements, simply unsubscribe.

For corporate contact information please visit our Contact Us page.

Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address. You can find answers to your questions through our online Help department. To contact the sender of this e-mail, write to Target Guest Relations, Target Corporation, Mail Stop 1A-X, P.O. Box 9350, Minneapolis, MN 55440-9350.

If you have a Target.com website account and wish to update your e-mail address, please enter your changes under "Personal Information" in My Account.

Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and online. Descriptive, typographic and photographic errors are subject to correction and Target shall have no liability for such errors.

REDcardSM: Target® Visa® Credit Card and Target Credit Card® are issued by Target National Bank, an affiliate of Target Stores. Subject to credit approval. Target Check Card® is issued by Target Corporation. Subject to eligibility requirements.

©2010 Target.com. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved.


IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE:
To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail contains information that is privileged and confidential and subject to legal restrictions and penalties regarding its unauthorized disclosure or other use. You are prohibited from copying, distributing or otherwise using this information if you are not the intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail and delete this e-mail and all attachments from your system. Thank You.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Best and Worst Warehouse Buys

Ok ladies, my Discount Diva swag is not just limited to fashion. I look for a deal wherever I can get it. So, when I read these two articles today, I couldn't help but to share it with you.

As a card carrying member of BJ's Warehouse, I know that I need to be careful about what I choose to buy in bulk because I may just be getting ripped off. I also know that buying certain things in bulk can be both a life saver and a money saver. So, here are the tricks of the trade.

Warehouse Clubs Best Buys:
  • Over the Counter Drugs
  • Electronics
  • Wine, Liquor and Beer
  • Books
  • Office Supplies
  • Dry Grocery Items/Nonperishable Items
  • Soda

Warehouse Clubs Worst Buys:

  • Milk
  • Diapers
  • DVDs
  • Toilet Paper
  • Holiday Promotions
  • Nonbulk Items

I also note that I have purchased some high-end items from warehouse clubs. For example, I purchased my first Movado from BJ's for $250. I recently saw Bottega Veneta bags there as well. I didn't check the price because I'm not shopping for a while, but it's worth a peek if you are in the market for a high-end bag.

Anyway, if you are interested in reading the full story on the tricks of acing warehouse club shopping, check out the following links:

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/04/22/worst-buys-at-the-warehouse-club/

http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/finance-bestwarehousebuys/best-buys-at-warehouse-clubs/

Enjoy!

Dollar Store Discount: Not So Much

Ladies, check out this link from bankrate.com which explains why certain dollar store "deals" are really "duds." http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/10-dollar-store-duds.aspx

Among the items the video suggests you should not buy from a dollar store are:
  • foam cups;
  • foam plates;
  • napkins;
  • dish soap;
  • toothpaste;
  • batteries;
  • certain bags of candy;
  • sugar substitutes; and
  • sandwich bags.

Hope this helps!