Good Deals Right Now at Saks

Saks is doing their final cut sale. Some of the items are non-returnable (the little "final sale" warning will pop up in red when you select a size before adding to your cart) but many are 70% off and still eligible for returns. Saks now uses Shoprunner (which you can get for free with Amex) so you can get two day shipping or use "freeship" for free shipping on any order.

If you are shopping for new underpinnings, there are some good deals on Wacoal (one of my favorite brands for bras). I personally needed a few bras in a bigger cup size to get me through pregnancy (at least until I can bring out my nursing bras and tanks for postpartum times) so I was glad to find some on sale. I bought this one and this one. I also noticed a lot of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Vince items on discount. This draped Vince cardigan would work with a big pregnant belly or for nursing when the time comes. I also loved the two Burberry coats (out of my price range even on sale but very lovely, just the same).  I don't think I've ever seen a Burberry puffer for less than $400, but that's still a big chunk of money.

If you are shopping for little ones, there are great deals there too. Plenty of Bloch shoes and Ralph Lauren clothes are available for good prices. Even though the sale prices are tempting, be warned of "sale goggles" and shop judiciously, especially if items are final sale and non-returnable.

And although this isn't Saks, Net-a-Porter has put a bunch of Nike sneakers on clearance. Nike rarely goes on sale for 50-70% off so although sizes are picked over, it's worth browsing if you need sneakers. Happy shopping!

Teacher Promotions at Boden and Anthropologie

I noticed that two of my favorite stores (that are both beloved by many teachers I know) are running teacher-specific promotions! Boden and Anthropologie are offering special discounts on full price items. Boden is giving $25 off $75 if you submit your teacher email and info at the bottom of the checkout page. The deals are for a limited time only. Boden also has a 20% off promotion (plus 25% off kids' clothes) running right now (code 8F7R) but it doesn't seem to stack with the other code, sadly.

Kate Spade is also offering an extra 25% off sale with code DELIGHT. I'm sure there will be plenty more wit the holiday weekend on the horizon. Happy Labor Day!

Amazon Jewelry Clearance!

If you are looking for costume or fine jewelry, Amazon just released a coupon that takes an extra 50% off already discounted jewelry. I used EXTRA50OFF and found some great Kate Spade pieces marked way down below what you'd find at TJ Maxx. The bangle you see on the far left is only $13 with the code which is active until August 19th. There's also a Kenneth Jay Lane section and a House of Harlow section you can shop! Click here to see them all!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to everyone on Thursday but as a cardholder, pre-shopping has been open for a few days. This is one of my favorite sales to browse because it features new styles for fall. I don't tend to buy much due to its seasonal discrepancy but there are almost always great staples in the mix.

I like to stock up on underwear, workout gear and leggings, Spanx tights (especially my beloved high waist ones!), and Voluspa candles. It is also fun to browse the beauty exclusives! This year there aren't any things I need specifically but that doesn't mean I didn't compile a list of my favorites to share! Happy shopping!

Happy 4th of July! Sale Roundup

As per usual for any American holiday, there are tons of sales online and in stores to correspond with Independence Day. It is up to you whether you choose to shop, picnic, or both but if you plan to shop here are my favorite deals.

Saks Fifth Avenue currently is holding their Consolidation Sale. Usually the consolidation prices are north of 75% off but this time around they are holding at 70%. Still, plenty of good deals can be found depending on what you want.  I took a screen grab of the amazing discount on this (still pricey but so) classic Burberry Brit trench called the Reymoore (with zip off hood and detachable lining). Although it is sold out online, when I tweeted about the deal, the Saks Customer Service twitter account responded saying they could help track down a size in stores. I'm sure they'd help you too! But word of warning: they stipulate that items are final sale which makes shopping online very risky so proceed with caution.

Boden is holding a sale with prices marked down up to 50% off. It's too late for this to be a Fourth of July option but I love the patriotic color palette and nautical theme of the Francine Dress! It would work just as well for Labor Day.

Other deals:
The Disney Store is doing their twice yearly sale and offering free shipping today and tomorrow with code: Freeship
J. Crew Factory is offering free shipping and an extra 20% off prices (already marked 50% off) with code: HOTSALE
Kate Spade is offering an extra 25% off sale prices with code: SETSALE
Anthropologie is running the Tag Sale and you get an extra 20% off sale prices with code: SALEAWAY
Outnet has a killer selection of pieces an extra 40% off when you add to your cart
And Net-a-Porter is running their final clearance where you can get an extra 20% off with code: SALE20

Emilia and I shopped the mall a bit yesterday with my mom and sister but we will be picnicking tomorrow so we are shopped out. Regardless of how you spend your weekend I hope you have a great one and Happy 4th of July!

eShakti's New Custom Options and Clearance Sale!

I wanted to alert folks to the fact that in addition to their custom dresses, shirts, and skirts, eShakti is now offering custom pants, shorts, and jumpsuits. They have redesigned their site and launched new lines with bohemian and contemporary themes. I just love the above dress! I might have to make an order to try it in person. They are running a side-wide 35% off sale right now (ends today).

And the best part is that eShakti wants to offer readers of Consume or Consumed an exclusive gift coupon!

Use coupon code: CONSUMES35 -- Valid till 06/21/2015 -- to receive $35 off your order!

Enter this code in the 'Gift Coupon / Referral Code' box at checkout

Only one gift coupon can be used in an order

Not valid on previous purchases / purchase of gift cards.

This gift coupon cannot be transferred, re-issued or exchanged for cash.
Minimum order value $30.

They have many great summer styles on clearance right now. For example, this dress is both work and breastfeeding/pumping friendly and it is on sale for $30! Happy Shopping! 

Disclosure: eShakti has offered me a gift card to use on their site in exchange for this post but my opinions are my own. Thank you, eShakti!

So sunny I'm squinting OOTD plus a sale round up

You may notice in this photo that the shining sun made me squint like a vampire because that's what happens if you are a Pittsburgher who is emerging from late winter/early spring! But I am happy to blog this outfit since the dress is new. I bought it on sale during one of Anthropologie's free shipping promotions. Then a few days later Anthropologie's sale went on sale (just like it is now!) so I also got a price adjustment. I love when that happens! It alleviated my typical hesitations prior to the tag removal process.

Now that the Anthropologie sale is on sale again, I am trying to decide if I want to pay for shipping (which nearly cancel out the extra 20% off via code EXTRAEXTRA) to get this dress. Does Anthropologie still let you stack birthday discounts with other discounts?

Details:
Anthropologie Banet dress ( if you can catch a pop back it is on second cut even before the extra 20% off!)
Spanx tights (on sale via price match! or grab them from Saks' Friends and Family)
Ferragamo My Joy flats

Speaking of sales, Kate Spade's Friends and Family promotion is this weekend! Use code DEAREST through April 19th to get 25% off! It might be a good opportunity to shop for Mother's Day gifts.

Also, Saks Fifth Avenue's Friends and Family promotion has begun quietly online and lasts the 20th through April 27th in stores! Take 30% off most clothes, shoes, and accessories and 20% off jewelry with code FRNFAM2! Happy shopping!

Boden Sale is on Sale (Haul)!!!

Boden was kind enough to send me a $10 gift credit via email in celebration of my birthday (last weekend). Then they announced that the sale and clearance items (as well as full price stock) are an additional 15% off with coupon code 5V6G so I went on a little spree!

I had other account credit from previous price adjustments and voucher deals so it cost me nearly nothing out of pocket. I was finally able to snag the Deer Print Parka at 60% off. I don't care if I will need to hold onto it until next winter. It is so cute and also down and feather-filled which I expect will be warm. The best thing about it is it is unlike any other coat in my closet. I also bought a dress that I am considering for Mother's Day (if in person the tunic I bought for Emilia matches).

By the way for any Pittsburgh/SWPA readers, I noticed on the David L. Lawrence Convention Center website that the Boden Sample Sale is coming back on May 2nd! They call it a liquidation sale on the convention center website. Regardless, I can't wait! You can read my sample sale guides here and here.

I stopped with my above haul for now but am considering a second order. What are you buying?

Boden's Easy Scoop Tunic Restock! And a few Cyber Monday highlights!

Easy Scoop Tunic (full review here)

I've gotten a few inquiries about the Boden Easy Scoop tunic via email so I figured I would give a heads up that almost daily I see the stock situation shift on the product page. I also see a number of resellers on Ebay so I think this dress must be in high demand. I love mine but do think that the length is a bit short. Thankfully it comes in longer length sizes too!

Today, Boden is offering up to 40% off select merchandise, 25% off everything else, plus free shipping and returns with code 9y6e!

Also, 6PM.com is offering an unprecedented additional 20% off plus free shipping with code: 6PMCYBMON113020142053!

Anthropologie is offering an extra 20% off sale items with code EXTRAJOLLY and free shipping on all orders with no minimum! I went to the store on Black Friday and found a bunch of things to wishlist. I will have reviews up soon!

PB Kids Telluride Advent Calendar

Pottery Barn Kids is offering free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP plus they took 40% off all Advent Calendars! I bought the Telluride Advent Calendar recently and it is gorgeous in person! 

Happy Cyber Monday!

'Tis the season for great bargains!

Larksong Corduroy dress

It's Black Friday and although that phrase has been rendered kind of meaningless as eponymous sales have colonized the culture of US shopping beyond that of the day that follows turkey day (I swear Amazon has emailed me about "Black Friday deals" year-round!), there are still arguably the best deals of the year available, right now!

Anthropologie is offering 25% off everything with coupon code HOLIDAY25! I might venture out to try on this dress which has captivated me as much as my favorites from the Anthro of yore!

Nordstrom is taking an extra 20% off select sale items, in stores only. So that's some decent incentive to head out. But even if I decide not to go shop in person, there are plenty of good deals available!  

Millie Skirt in City Print

Boden is offering 30% off everything plus free shipping and returns with coupon code 3k3g! I love the quirky "City Print" version of the Millie Skirt... not to mention their always irresistible Mini Boden offerings!

Black Friday shopping makes me miss the Pittsburgh Saks location more than ever. But even if I can't go in person, I like to browse their Thanksgiving sale online. Until noon today, you can get up to 60% off! I love this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, available for $122, down from $458!

Hatley Pajamas

Also through today, 6pm.com is offering free shipping on all orders plus an extra 15% off with code 6PMEU112720141585. Use 6PMCYBMON113020141535 on Cyber Monday for 15% off also. I might snag these adorable woodland animals-themed Hatley jammies for Emilia. The discounted Penrose booties by Sam Edelmen are an edgier version of my beloved Petty boots! And after the extra 15% off they're a pretty great deal.

Between these deals and the extra 20% off Yoox with code YOOXGIVING, I might be able to get a lot of holiday shopping done from home! In case you missed it, I posted about bargain Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse and Owl Flats thanks to the code.

Are you going out today? Shopping from home instead? Doing both?

Deals on Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats

I'll have a Thanksgiving post up later today. But until then, 'tis the season for shopping and right now, Yoox is offering free shipping. One top of that, you can score an extra 20% off with coupon code, YOOXGIVING.

With many styles of Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse flats already marked down, the code makes for some pretty good deals on this quirky closet staple. They also have the burgundy colorway of my owl flats.

Here's a round up of my favorites with many sizes still in stock:
Navy or Gray studded mouse flats for $86 shipped!
Black mouse pumps for $94 shipped!
Pewter mouse flats with elastic back for $77 shipped!
Cracked gold and black metallic mouse flats with elastic back for $87 shipped!
Burgundy or whiskey colored owl flats with elastic back for $87 shipped!
Black or Tan mouse flats (without elastic back or studs) for $87 shipped!

I have had elastic back mouse flats and regular studded mouse flats and I recommend going with your true size or sizing up if in between for elastic back flats. For regular flats I recommend going with your true size or sizing down.

I sized up a half size for my first pair (pewter with elastic backs) because I bought them at the end of my pregnancy to wear postpartum (during pregnancy it is common for feet to grow in addition to swell due to the hormone, relaxin). Eventually my feet went back to normal so the elastic backs help them to stay put. I also sized up for a regular (non-elastic back) pair of studded flats but those were  too big. The code applies to everything on the Yoox site so happy shopping!

A deal on my favorite tights!

A outfit from 2010 with my beloved heather bittersweet tights

This weekend I took a quick "tights inventory" to see what needed to be tossed, what would be wearable for another year, what I've misplaced, etc. Afterwards I ran a search to see where I could find the best prices on some replacements for the castoffs. And I noticed that Spanx, who make my most favorite tights (due to their lack of shiny appearance and overall durability) is having a decent sale!*

I was thrilled especially to see my most favorite styles have been resurrected after a few years of falling off the map. I used to love my heather gray and heather bittersweet Spanx tights. I wore them constantly until they were basically threadbare. And I was super sad I couldn't replace them. I'd scour every TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack I'd visit in the hopes to find a secret stash of them to no avail. I like the heather finish because it seems to match everything and give me an option that looks a bit less severe than straight up black (which I also wear a lot during tights season).

*Sale tip: The sale prices can be found on both their website and their "official" ebay store. Stock overlaps a bit but isn't exactly the same so it's worth visiting both places if you are seeking specific color/size combos or styles.

I'll be drawing winners of the eShakti giveaway today or tomorrow. I'm sorry for the delay! This week is a bit nuts, schedule-wise. Today I have a long day of meetings then back-to-back teaching. I leave early and won't be home until pretty late.  I'm also busy prepping for a startup obligation. Tomorrow I will be representing Covey as part of a Next Pittsburgh panel and event showcasing "What's Next in Tech." If you are in Pittsburgh you should come check it out!

Bloomingdales Deal Alert!

Kate Spade Hobo / Kate Spade Ellen bag   / Lacey Wallet / KS Henry Lane Emmy Bag / Mariella Dress

I read about a great stacking deal for Bloomingdales.com on Fashionism via Slickdeals today. Using the Chrome browser in consort with the JoinHoney extension, you can apply multiple extra % off coupons to selected sale items. 

It's a bit convoluted but here is how I got it to work for me (though I personally didn't make the leap to order anything yet):
First use code PARTY at checkout
Then hit the Honey button
Then remove the PARTY code if Honey didn't work
Then apply Honey again and you should see stacking 40% and 30% discounts.

The usual brand exclusions apply but it works on Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and more. I am not sure for how long this will last or if the orders will ship or if it is even ethical, necessarily. But it seems worth at least mentioning.

Some Kate Spade favorites that remain in stock are pictured and linked above. To give you an example of the bottom line discount, an Ellen bag retails for $238 but with the stacking codes (and free shipping for Loyalists) it amounts to about $70. With fairly easy returns, this is a pretty stellar sale. Still, remember to be mindful of sale goggles!

Pittsburgh Boden Sample Sale Review

This Saturday was the Boden sample sale in Pittsburgh and I was excited to check it out. A friend and I went together and both of us left feeling like it was worth our time, with some qualifiers. I wanted to review the experience in case others were curious about these traveling Boden sales.

The doors opened at 9am and I knew from another friend that the lines around then were LONG. The wait was mostly indoors which meant that things were at least climate controlled with bathrooms nearby. But I had no interest in standing in line so I met my shopping partner for brunch instead. By around noon (or perhaps a bit later) we made our way over to the sale and saw lots of people leaving with giant shopping bags stuffed with their purchases and no line to get inside. Items were arranged by category (women's, men's, mini-boys, mini-girls, Johnny B, shoes) and in some cases also by size within a category. There were curtained off communal dressing rooms and workers regularly returning discards to the shopping tables. Although there was no line to enter, at that point there was a long line to pay.

We kept a fairly leisurely pace looking through piles of things in the areas we wanted to shop. I checked out mini-girl things first because it was the first table I saw. Then I looked through each  section of the women's tables because although they were arranged by size, many items found their way into the wrong area. Finally I looked at shoes.

After trying on a few things, I did one final sweep through mini-girl and women's. I left buying a blouse and a pair of pants (not pictured) for me as well as a romper and a swimsuit for Emilia. I was close to buying two dresses in addition to the above but put them back because I was worried I was wearing my sale goggles.

The sale included items from the cycle of Boden's most recent online clearance sale that occurred over the summer. I also saw corduroy pants and tweed jackets and things from last winter. I liked having another chance to potentially buy things that got away (and see them in person before I buy). But the prices at the sample sale are also the same, if not higher than the online clearance offers. In my opinion, the added value of being able to inspect something in person before you buy becomes the reason to attend a Boden sample sale. The discounts alone are not steep enough to be the sole draw.

Some practical advice should you decide to go to one (list of upcoming sales here):
-Wear something that is easy to remove for try-ons.
-Wear underpinnings that enable modesty in a communal dressing room if you'd otherwise feel uncomfortable.
-Bring shopping bags to help you carry your "wants" and "maybes" around while you shop.
-Browse with an open mind, putting even tentative "maybes" into your shopping bag so you can consider them before buying.
-That said, be ruthless when you make final selections (see below).
-Spend a good bit of time contemplating if you really, truly want what you think you want before buying (all items are final sale, and as always, beware of sale goggles!!).
-If you are buying for yourself, try something on twice before you decide if you really want it and don't trust the highly tilted, (thus distorting) mirrors they have in the communal dressing room (ask for advice from a friend or have someone take a phone pic before making final selections-- think of Cher from Clueless who only trusts Polaroids).
-If you have coupons don't forget to bring/use them! (I brought two but forgot to use mine so I gave them to women who were arriving as I was leaving).
-Go late if you don't want to wait in line. There was still a ton of stuff left when I got there and none of that frenzied sample sale energy that stresses me out. People were mellow enough that I never felt like someone was crowding a pile I was perusing and that's a good thing.
-Bring or don't bring your little ones. I had family help that day so I was able to shop sans baby, but I saw many babies and kids there (some of who were happy clams, some of who seemed to be nearing meltdown time... I did see one smart mom who handed her baby off to dad and used her stroller as her shopping cart!).
-Happy Shopping!

Kate Spade, Saturday, and Jack Spade Friends and Family!

Top row l-r: dress, scarf, bow bracelet, dress, bag, dress

Bottom row l-r: shoes, belt, donut bracelet, bag, tablet sleeve

So many sales are happening right now! But I'm especially excited about Kate Spade. Even though I feel like many of the clothing styles have gotten away from what drew me to the brand years ago, I still find plenty of fun things to covet. Use code FALL13FF to take a generous 30% off everything on katespade.com, jackspade.com, and saturday.com. I'm left wondering if I should buy a fancy diaper bag since I have a dress in the same print? I'm also contemplating my first Kate Spade Saturday purchase. I really like this cool green bag and think that the beach blankets would be useful for picnic and beach times in the future. The sale is on until October 20th so I have a little time to mull it over. Happy shopping!

Saks Friends and Family is on!

Outfits L-R: 

Dress, Bracelet, Bag, Jacket, Booties

Camo Sweater, Cords, Bag, Boots

Dress, Necklace, Bracelet, Owl Bag, Bow Shoes

Saks Fifth Avenue is offering 25% off (with the usual premier designer exclusions) with coupon code FRNFAM, now through October 20th, 2013. Above are some of my favorites. The sale section will offer the opportunity for a sale-on-sale situation! But as always, beware of the dreaded sale goggles. Happy shopping!

Kate Spade Sale on Sale!

Day Dresses
Flats

Across retail outposts, there are great after-holiday clearances happening. Above are my favorite Kate Spade items on sale for at least 50% (and up to 70%) off! Neiman Marcus in particular has some really good deals at the moment. And at KateSpade.com, you will find a coupon to take 25% off the lowest sale prices (use 25SALE). Watch out for final sale items as they won't be returnable. But great deals are out there if you are confident about sizing issues. Happy shopping!

Kate Spade Friends and Family 30% off!

Black Dresses
Pumps

Wow! The Kate Spade Friends and Family sale gives 30% off this time around and that is pretty great. It is valid in stores or online with code F12FFUS (now through Sunday, October 21st, 2012). Above are my favorites! With pregnancy and postpartum times making my body a relatively unknown variable, I find myself gravitating to accessories more and more. Idiom bangles make great holiday gifts and I love this one (already on sale, so hooray for stackable discounts!)!



This weekend also marks Saks Friends and Family (code FRNFAM2) which, despite the long list of exclusions will yield 20% off a decent portion of their merchandise.



There's no longer a Saks in Pittsburgh so local shoppers will be glad to know that Nordstrom will price match promotions like this one as well as any from other competitors. Happy Shopping!

Tory Burch Friends and Fans Sale!

Blazers
Flats

Today marks the start of the Tory Burch Friends and Fans sale, during which you can take 25% off almost everything with coupon code: TBFRIENDS. The offer is valid from October 5th-October 8th. Above are my favorites from the website sale section (since I prefer stacking discounts whenever possible!). Happy Shopping!