clothes

Smart Money Moves

January 27, 2010 at 6:37 pm , by Margot Gilman

Every so often I am asked to appear on TV to talk about an article that’s run in LHJ. It’s always fun and exciting, but never so much as it was a few weeks ago when I went on the Today Show, because they wanted me to talk about one of my favorite subjects in the whole world: shopping. More specifically, I was there to talk about bargain shopping, which to me is shopping in its most transporting, exalted, rapturous form. It’s shopping with benefits: After all, the more you save, the more you can…shop! I consider myself to be a pretty astute bargain shopper, and have years and years of experience of not paying retail. In fact, as a small child growing up in New York City, my mother took me clothes shopping on Orchard Street on the Lower East Side. This is a street (long since morphed into a downtown hipster enclave) that used to be lined with dingy little clothing shops staffed by really obnoxious sales people. But oh, the bargains! These shops were filled with the kinds of pretty clothes that would delight a young girl’s heart for a fraction of the department-store price. Before there was TJMaxx or Marshall’s or Daffy’s or any of the others, there was Orchard Street. It’s where I learned to love the joy of the bargain hunt.

But I digress. On this, my first blog entry, I simply want to present my bargain shopping bona fides, what that they are, and let you know that I’ll be posting now and again with news and tips about how to save money, sometimes based on research, sometimes on my own experience. Incidentally, I’m also the editor at LHJ who handles most of our money pieces. So I know or thing or two and am really looking forward to sharing with you.

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Victoria’s Real Secret: More Than Great Undies

November 3, 2009 at 10:13 am , by Sue Erneta

Ask any American woman where she got her bra and undies and there’s a good chance she’ll say “Victoria’s Secret“. But even though they make a great catalog and have a well stocked and organized website, most ladies’ don’t think of VS as a place to shop for clothes. I’m here to tell you that you’re missing out!

Just a quick peak at the website reminded me of some of the reasons why I love Victoria’s clothes as much as her lingerie:

Trend-right modern pieces: I’m absolutely loving this navy sequin blazer. And at a time when sequins are EVERYWHERE, VS offers them in different styles and colors – there’s even a sequin legging! (Do you dare? I say go for it with a tunic dress.)

Well-priced jeans in LOTS of different styles: Click on all jeans and you’ll get 81 different choices! I love the pencil jean, pictured here, but one of my other faves is The Cheeky. For those who need it, it’s like a padded bra for your butt. Genius!

Great shoes: Not only does Victoria’s Secret carry lots of different brands but their own line, Colin Stuart, is fabulous and well-priced. I love these boots that have a hidden platform and treds on the sole.

And while you’re there, pick up a lipgloss in Cupquake, the color that looks great on everyone. Happy shopping!

Photo illustration by Sue Erneta using photos from Victoria’s Secret.

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Let’s Make a Deal: Fashion Bargains

October 20, 2009 at 1:59 pm , by Sue Erneta

OK, ladies. Let’s stop moping about the bad economy! With financial turmoil comes deals to be had. Just yesterday, I put together this outfit online in 20 minutes. And don’t I look good?

Martin and Osa cashmere and silk cardigan. Don’t like this color? Fine – pick one of the other 5. Original price: $130. Now: $49.95!

J. Crew embellished tshirt. So cute and modern under a suit. Original price: $49.50. Now: $19.99!

Banana Republic cotton skirt. I love the exposed side zipper! Comes in black too. Original price: $70. Now: $39.99!

J. Crew patent leather belt. I have last years version of this belt and I can attest that the color works with everything! Original price: $42.50. Now: $9.99!

Cole Haan woven leather bag. Still not cheap but you can’t skimp on a bag. And this one’s a beauty. Original price: $395. Now: $275.99!

J. Crew suede and patent pumps. Like the belt, this neutral goes a long way. Original price: $168. Now: $79.99!

Looks like I just saved you $379. You’re welcome.

Maybe you love this look, maybe you don’t. But the point is that there are deals to be had and they’re just a click away. So…tell me…what great deals have you scored lately??

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