Cleaning Out Your Closet: Do You Really Need That New ___________?

Ladies,

I know I've been neglecting my duties as a discount diva, but the holidays are really a hectic time for me and it's not the best time to shop.  In fact, you'll find the better retail deals after the holiday when stores are trying to get rid of excess inventory and bring in new models and inventory for next season.  This is true for both clothing, home goods and electronics.  So, for the holidays, I tend to lean on the more sentimental side with gifts and focus on the "meat and potatoes" gifts when the discounts apply. 

Anyway, with the new year brings resolutions and one of mine is to scale back on my retail habit.  One way I am doing that is  by cleaning out my closet.  I don't mean just pulling out a couple of things to give to Goodwill.  I'm talking about pulling everything out and doing an actual inventory of my clothes, shoes and accessories. (I'll let you know how it goes when I'm done).  You'd be surprised at what you already have.  So before you go shopping, spend the weekend getting rid of things and taking stock of what you have.  Put your inventory list on your blackberry or iphone.  Then, the next time you go shopping, scan the list and ask yourself, "Do I really need this?"  Let me know if it helps you slow down your spending habits.  I'll let you know how it works on my end.

Happy cleaning divas!

XOXO- Ms. Diva

Nine Things to Buy After Christmas from Walletpop.com

Here's a great article on post-holiday savings for all of you bargainistas out there. Enjoy and take heed!

http://www.walletpop.com/2010/12/14/nine-things-to-buy-after-christmas/?a_dgi=aolshare_email
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Neiman Marcus Last Call Sale Today and Tomorrow!

Ladies and Gents,

Neiman Marcus Last Call is offering 40% off your entire purchase today and tomorrow both online and in the store. Check it out at http://www.lastcall.com. Enjoy!

XOXO- Ms. Diva
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From Black Friday and Midnight Madness to Cyber Monday Deals!

Folks,

It's that time of the year!  Most stores are rallying for the big Thanksgiving weekend sales, better known as Black Friday, Midnight Madness and Cyber Monday.  My friends often laugh at the many strategies I employ during the holiday weekend to make sure that all of my holiday shopping is completed by 7am on the day after Thanksgiving.  This year will be no different.  I have gotten some awesome deals and I want to share some of my strategies with you so that you too can be the fabulous gift giver that you ought to be. 

1. Midnight Madness Sales- Many stores open at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving for special sales.  If you are interested in burning off those Thanksgiving calories by milling around the aisles in the outlet malls, check out this link to see where the local Midnight Madness sales are near you http://couponing.about.com/od/blackfridayshopping/a/blackfridayhrs.htm.
2. Black Friday- The trick to emerging a winner at Black Friday sales is to have a plan.  First, check out the Black Friday ads for deals that appeal to you.  I tend to visit http://www.blackfriday.info/ because it permits me to log in (create an account first, of course) and create a shopping list. based on the sale ads.  You can also check http://www.blackfriday2010.com/ for ads.  These sites will show you the Black Friday sale ads for many stores.  Browse them and identify those items that you want to purchase.  The next step is to research the products online. Check reviews to see if it is worth dragging yourself out of bed to stand in the long lines for the deal.  Then compare prices for the items that you want to purchase.  You can check sites like http://www.pricegrabber.com/ and http://www.buy.com/ to see how much other merchants are charging for the merchandise you are looking to buy,  After you decide on what you want to buy and where you want to buy it, plan your shopping strategy.  I suggest you go to these sales early.  If the store opens at 5am, get there at 3:30am.  You'd be surprised how many people will already be there.  Do not go to ANY store with an ambitious agenda.  Go in and get one or two items and get out!  Visit the stores a few days before and get a lay of the land.  You will want to have a mental map of the store (Walmart passes out a map to shoppers while they wait in line; Target often passes out reusuable shopping bags with goodies in them) and figure out the fastest way to get to the department where you can find your merchandise.  For example, if I am buying something in Walmart's electronics department, I have a tendency to walk through the clothing section (nobody is going to be over there) and then make a hard left towards electronics, passing the shoe section on the way.  I usually go with more than one person so that we can split up and grab the merchandise.  The first one who gets to a check out line will text us to tell us where they are.  We meet them in line and they take all of the merchandise so we can check out together.  We are usually done in 20-30 minutes.  Totally worth the hassle.  You want to apply that strategy at every store you visit.  By employing this strategy, I am usually done with my shopping by 7am on the day after Thanksgiving.  Remember, the early bird catches the worm.  Most stores have early bird specials and limited quantities, so get there early and only go for those things that you really, really want.  Keep in mind the stores' opening hours when you plan your strategy.  I usually go to Walmart (5am), then Target (in line by 5:30am, opens at 6am), then Old Navy (in line by 6:30am, opens at 7am) and then to A.C. Moore (walk in at 8am after my stop at Starbucks for coffee).  When all is said and done, I'm back home and in bed by 9am while the rest of the world is searching through the scraps.
3. Cyber Monday - If you hate lines and don't get up early, check out the various online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving, also known as Cyber Monday.  To check out the sales going on at different stores, visit http://www.cybermondaycentral.com/ and http://www.cybermonday.net/ for the sales at your favorite stores. 
4. Last Word on Holiday Shopping- Sales can be tempting and overwhelming.  If you want to continue to be a Discount Diva and avoid buyer's remorse (post-holiday credit card bill blues), write a list and a shopping budget and stick to it.

I hope these tips help you as much as they help me.  Now get shopping and don't forget to get me a gift too!

XOXO- Ms. Diva

Macy's 25% Pre-Sale Discount at the One Day Sale!

Ladies,

I found myself at the Macy's One Day Sale today (don't ask me what time I was there) and I thoroughly enjoyed my finds, which I will share with you at another time.  What I will share now is that when I went to use my coupons to get a further discount on my purchases, I was offered a 25% pre-sale discount.  "What is that?",you might ask.  Well, Macy's is offering a 25% family and friends discount on all merchandise in the entire store (no restrictions like the pesky coupons they send home) starting on December 1st.  So, if you purchase an item today, but don't need it right away, you can pay for it today with the pre-sale 25% discount and pick it up on December 1st.  The up side to this is that you get a deeper discount on today's sale merchandise.  The down side is that you can't take your merchandise home with you today.  I chose to go with the 25% discount because I don't need my dresses until the holiday time.  So, if that makes sense to you, go to Macy's and make some purchases and pick them up later.  Just think, you can buy the higher end merchandise on discount (these items are usually excluded from sales and coupons).  Otherwise, remember to use your coupons, but read the fine print on the back for the exclusions.  Anyway, there were a ton of other deals at the sale, so go check it out.  It's so worth it!

XOXO- Ms. Diva

Ms. Diva's Look Book November 2010

Ladies,

Per your requests, I have uploaded my look book which I created using combinations from the wardrobe worksheet I shared with you last month.  I note that my daily wardrobe is not limited to these combinations, but this at least helps me get dressed when I don't feel like thinking about what to wear.  Nevertheles, this has been a worthwhile exercise, as I have discovered that my color pallete is pretty monotone. The only color in my fall/winter wardrobe (on this worksheet) is from an occasional bright colored sweater or an accessory.  So, I guess I'll be shopping for some color this season. Enjoy!

 http://www.docstoc.com/docs/60944405/Look-Book-Nov-2010

XOXO- Ms. Diva

Lanvin for H&M Launches on Nov. 23rd!

Ladies,
It's time to get excited! Lanvin is the next high end designer launching a line at H&M. For those of you who are not too high-falutent for pedestrian lines, this is one heck of an opportunity to score a gorgeous dress or two. The price points are a bit pricey, but with Lanvin dresses typically running 2k-4k, this is a unique opportunity. I can't speak to the quality of the materials, but it's worth a look see. The dresses are absolutely gorgeous. With items from $9.99 to $249, these affordable holiday gems will put a little spice in your wardrobe. But beware- you better style these items your way or you may have a twin. Check out the look book from the Lanvin collection.
http://www.fashionologie.com/Full-Lanvin-HM-Lookbook-Complete-Prices-Full-Ad-Campaign-11776479
XOXO- Ms. Diva

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