Posts with tag bargain

On runways and sidewalks in stylish cities around the globe, we've seen one trend appear over and over -- the statement necklace. It adorns the necks of women wearing haute couture gowns as well as regular ladies just heading out to grab a bite to eat. And they always look expensive.

Often, when an inexpensive item tries to look rather high-end, it doesn't really work. And probably if you were to look really, really close at this Merona Red Exotic Megan bag, $29.99 at Target, you'd be able to tell that it's not from a swanky boutique, but you know what? Who looks that closely at your bag?

If you're trying to incorporate some vintage appeal into your daily style, you might luck out and have pieces that were handed down to you from grandmothers or aunts. Or, perhaps you have a talent for shopping in thrift stores and have found a few authentic items that you just love. But some of us aren't so lucky or talented.

If you're looking to give your home a bit of an update, it's easy to look in showrooms and catalogs and decide you want it all. Paying for it all, however, is a little more difficult for most of us.

We're watching: Tina Fey on SNL
We're wearing: Makeup from EyesLipsFace
We're eating: Ramen noodles
We're drinking: Water
We're thinking: Maybe we should call it "Freedom Shopping"
Not over it: Estee Lauder's new line for Wal-Mart

In today's economy, we're all doing what we can to stretch a buck. We don't want to skimp on our beauty routines, but this isn't exactly the best time to splurge on new products. In fact, we're trying to make the products we have last as long as possible.

Cosmopolitan had a few great suggestions for keeping up on your beauty routine while keeping the costs down ... way down. We put a few of our favorite tips in the gallery, but we'd love to hear how you're being a budget beauty in the comments!

All of us have days on which we stare into our closet in the same way we stare into our refrigerator, clinging to the hope that, if we just stare long and hard enough, a Snickers bar and a bottle of good champagne will magically appear. And while that trick has yet to work for the candy and booze, there are some nearly magical ways to feel like you have a whole new wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Plus, while you're out picking up these items, you can grab yourself a Snickers. It's a win/win, people.

Sarah James of The Working Closet came up with seven items you can snag for (mostly) under $40 that are sure to spruce up your wardrobe. And, what's great about her choices is that many of them can be worn with both office attire and casual wear, so you're not only getting a great deal, but also a great deal of use out of what you bought. Now that's what we call a bargain!

While we get as excited as the next girl about a gorgeous $400 shoe, our budget doesn't exactly allow us to indulge in those items too often. Or, you know, maybe ever.

Sale! CB2.com has some gorgeous dinnerware on sale, such as the green chrysanthemum plates you see at right. $2.95-$4.95 apiece, people!

CB2 has a lot of chic, reasonably-priced stuff. Some of it's just on the cool edge of crazy. Look at this vase. Who would think that CB2 is actually Crate and Barrel?

One fast way to dress up a table or make a gathering festive is to pull out the party napkins. And our favorite place to get stylish, inexpensive paper napkins is that cathedral of stylish and inexpensive, Ikea.

We stocked up on our last trip to The Great Warehouse! Check out the great variety of colors and patterns. Also, you can't beat the quality. The heavy-weight paper is absorbent and lasts from hors d'oeuvres to dessert.

At the bargain price of $1.99 (on average), you can afford to pick up as many packs as strike your fancy. We like to keep several on hand so we can set a mod table or mix and match colors, depending on our mood.

Ikea also has several options for napkin holders, if you want to dress up your table even more. The only disappointment is that you can't order these paper products online -- just browse. Oh well, every excuse is a good excuse for a trip to Ikea!

We've shown you a few headbands throughout the "Why aren't you wearing this?" series, and often, they cost a pretty penny. And if you love it, and you have the cash, there's no reason not to spend $50 on a headband. However, if you're short on cash but still want the look, there are plenty of options.

One place that's great to shop for cheap little accessories that you'll only wear a few times is Forever 21, which is where we found this Textured Ribbon Headband for ... wait for it ... only $2.80! Seriously! And it's cute!

Every girl loves to have pretty panties in her drawer, but how many of you like to pay full price for them? Those of you who try to wait for a deal are in luck: Figleaves.com is holding an Easter sale with tons of items marked down as much as 50%!

If you're not familiar with Figleaves.com, let me fill you in -- they carry lingerie, pajamas, swimwear, undies, etc., for men and women, all in brands you love. Say you want a sexy retro bathing suit by Cosabella -- here you go! And you'll save about $50 with the sale. Or, maybe you're a dude who's dying for some bright and funky briefs by Calvin Klein -- you're covered, too.

Start shopping now -- the deals disappear on April 14.

According to recent research conducted by Mintel, Payless might want to watch its back. The research indicates that over the next five years, the number of shoes purchased each year in the UK is expected to drop by seven percent, according to Manolo the Shoeblogger. And Manolo the Shoeblogger doesn't lie.

And why do I assume that means that cheap shoes are on their way out? Because one-third of the women questioned in the above poll said they now pay more for their shoes, which means that as they make their shoe purchases, they'll be looking for quality over quantity.

What woman do you know who has watched an episode of Sex and the City and not sighed over at least one beautiful pair of designer shoes? Years ago, only a select few were familiar with Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, and now there are middle-school girls fawning over these sexy heels with the same look in their eyes I had when ogling the members of New Kids on the Block.

Being fabulous and fashionable isn't an easy job, I mean you can't call yourself a fashionista and wear shabby gear right? Problem is, the best stuff tends to have the highest price tag (ouch). We real women know we can't live the Sex and the City life of sipping cocktails and drowning in designer shoes without consequences. It's called debt, sister friend and it ain't pretty.

So I have hunted and gathered some of the best deals on the on the web from Intermix, Active Endeavors, Saks, Ron Herman, Shop Intuition, and more -- so enjoy. Best part about shopping the sales online, is that you can avoid the shame of looking like a 'sale rat' at the boutiques, after all fashionistas are poised and would never dig for clothes.... Yeah right!

See more of the Deals-n-Steals for the Fashionista list by Deals-n-Steals at ThisNext.