Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Great outerwear at Overstock!

There arent too many things in life that offer me more satisfaction then feeling like I just got an amazing deal. What heightens this times ten is finding said deal in the most unexpected of places. Like for instance the day I discovered a gorgeous, size 8 winter white Marc Jacobs skirt in the Misses Clearance section of TJ Maxx for $20.00. There she was, hiding between a pair of plus sized, pinstriped capris and a velour jogging suit from Baby Phat. It was as if she was waiting for ME to find her!! I skipped out of the store that day feeling triumphant, like I got over on 'ol Mr. Maxx himself!

Overstock.com offers the internet equivalent of this. I've been loyal purchaser since they first launched, back when you were more likely to encounter a miss as opposed to a hit, but you took the chance because the prices were just that good. In recent months, Overtock.com has significantly stepped their game up, featuring no shortage of designer brands and styles from this season's collections. They will ship your entire order for $2.95 and their returns process is painlessly easy. I've been on the hunt for a new winter coat and found more than a few options at great prices over at the "O". Check out some of what I call the highlights:

MICHAEL Michael Kors Plaid Babydoll Jacket - $169.99

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Click here to purchase.

Honee Cropped Military Style Jacket (Please disregard the heinous pair of mom jeans this has been paired with) - $64.99

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Click here to purchase.

Via Spiga Down Jacket - $119.99

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Click here to purchase.

Stay warm!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A Woman of My Word

This will be a short post because I've been busy campaigning for a certain presidential candidate who's initials are NOT J.M.. But since a promise is a promise I had to make sure I let all 4 of you know that the Betsey Johnson 'Tischa' bootie is finally on sale at Belk.com. And at 50% off at that!

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Click here to purchase.

See ya soon!

Monday, October 20, 2008

The "it" scarf

Okay I admit it.  I fell victim to the whole Hollywood oversized scarf trend. Images in Us Weekly of Jessica Alba and Lindsey Lohan with the scarf du jour thrown so effortlessly across their shoulders made want to jump on the accessory trend bandwagon with the quickness. I wasted no time in ordering one of the "it" brands for myself justifying the high price with the idea that this mere scarf would instantly transform not just my wardrobe but my psyche.

Boy was I disappointed.  

The scarf came and looked more like some leftover upholstery fabric than the wardrobe transformer I had envisioned.   I returned it immediately and came to a couple conclusions.  1) Scarves (unless they are cashmere) should not cost $100 or more particularly if they are of the trendy variety. 2) You can find a variety of stylish scarves at a much more reasonable price that wont leave you looking like a trendwhore.  And with all those extra scarves you'll be able to afford, the transformations are endless!

Target.com has an impressive collection of wraps and scarves in fabulous prints and a range of fabrics (cashmere included)!  I found one for $14.00 that looks super expensive and literally did transform my wardrobe!  Check out a couple of my faves or visit target.com for the entire collection.  Some are only available online but for the ones that are in stores, Target's site will actually find a location nearest you that carries your scarf of choice.
Hurry and get 'em quick - the one I purchased is already out of stock!

Target Checkered Metallic Yarn Scarf (Purple) - $19.99

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Mossimo ME Cashmere Plaid Scarf (Olive) - $24.99

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And for the slightly more trend-conscious, one of my favorite sites, Topshop.com, features a vast selection of scarves in just about every texture, print and color available. Shop Topshop for those slightly rebellious sometimes edgy looks that British fashion is so synonymous with. A couple of my fave scarves from Topshop:

Topshop Woven Leopard Scarf - $32.00

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Topshop Herringbone Super Fluffy Scarf - $24.00

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Topshop Check Frill Scarf - $32.00

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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

"Imitation Bags Make a Great Gift"

This is an actual tagline for a knockoff designer bag website.  I shudder to think!  I mean can you imagine if your significant showed up with one of these as a birthday gift?? Grounds for immediate separation!

When I see these in person it affects me physically.  I start twitching and jerking and speaking in tongues.  I'm tempted to pull the owner aside a recommend a good therapist.  WHY, WHY, WHY pay money for a blatantly obvious knockoff, that's cheaply made and so obviously a fake.  It's like wearing a shirt that says screams "my daddy didn't love me enough".  I know you ladies would never partake in such fashion foolery but I just had to get that off my chest.

I get that we can't all afford high end designer bags.  The only two I own are the Gucci my boss gave me for Xmas back in 1999 and a Louis V Speedy that I received as a bithday gift from a much older...on second thought, let me pause right here.

The point is I AM OKAY with this.  I am OKAY with who I am and I know that the designer behind my handbag does not validate me as a human being.  Not to mention there are perfectly wonderful bags out there that may not come with all the status of a Birkin, but certainly won't leave you feeling compromised in the style department. 

So with that, I've assembled a list of the Top 9 Bags currently available online for under $200. Why not 10?  Because it was a friggin' pain in the ass to find 9!! 

In no particular order...

1) The Franchi 'Marina' clutch - $107.50
I love this little clutch!  Somehow it manages to feel vintage and modern all at the same time. Made by Franchi, a relatively young line out of Italy,  this is an obvious compliment to the all of the black and gold ensembles you're seeing this Fall.

Franchi 'Marni' clutch

2) The Betsey Johnson 'Loop de Loop' Bowling Bag - $169.95
Betsey Johnson continues to deliver this season! I love the patent leather (No PVC for me) and that perfect shade of burgundy red. A great day bag, this is sure to revive even the most basic of work ensembles. Order fast though, there's only 3 left at this price!

Loop de Loop


Click here to order the Betsey Johnson 'Loop de Loop' Bowling Bag from 6pm.com.

3) The Sak 'Silver Lake' Leather Flap - $159.20
A classic shoulder bag, this works perfect for both the office or a day of shopping.  Not to mention it's a great compliment to the black patent BJ booties I posted last week.  If the last thing you need is another black bag, this tote comes in range of cool colors all at the above-listed price.

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Click here to purchase the Sak 'Silver Lake' Leather Flap from ebags.com.

4) Urban Outfitters Suede Fringe Hobo - $78.00
Not just for hippie chicks, this bag is a perfect compliment to the boho chic look that seems to be everywhere this season.  And how can you beat $78.00 for a real suede bag?
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Click here to purchase Urban Outfitters' Suede Hobo from urbanoutfitters.com

5) Hype leather 'Borghese' flap shoulder bag in Stone - $175.50
This bag just feels so Park Avenue to me. Not sure if it's the classic color, the turnlock clasp or it's lady like shape.  Any way, it's a definite winner!
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Click here to purchase the Hype leather Borghese at bluefly.com. 

6) Leather Tassle pouch bag from Top Shop - $170.00
OH. MAH. GAH!!!! I LOVE this bag. From the color to the shape to the tassle detailing, you cannot help but make a statement when wearing this. And don't be scared by the vibrant cobalt blue - it's easier to work with than you might think!  Did I mention I LOVE this bag??!
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Click here to purchase the Leather Tassle Pouch Bag from topshop.com.

7) Francisco Biasia navy pleated Uma clutch - $161.10
Navy blue is quite possibly one of the most underrated colors in the fashion world. I love how unexpected it is especially as an evening bag and moreso in a luxurious snakeskin leather. Even better it comes with a 49" strap for those of us who get too drunk to be responsible for a clutch all night.
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Click here to purchase Francisco Biasia's Uma clutch from bluefly.com.

8) The Sabina Leather 70's Bag - $178.00
A classic day bag with a retro touch, this is that go anywhere do anything bag essential to every woman's wardrobe.

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Click here to purchase the Sabina 70's bag from urbanoutfitters.com.

9) Jill Stuart Whitney tote - $200.00
Normally I shy away from all-over metallics but there is something really classic about this one. For starters, it doesnt resemble something my Aunt Marlene would wear.  It's a more neutral shade of gold and it's got that cross body strap that when worn with the right outfit just looks effortlessly cool.  Also available at the same price in a black croco embossed leather.

Whitney Tote

Click here to purchase the Jill Stuart 'Whitney' tote from Bloomingdales.com.

And that does it for my Top 9 bags for under $200 post. Hope you enjoyed!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

BJ's on sale at Overstock!! (tee hee)

Welcome to BluePlateStyle.com!

This being my first posting I'm not sure who exactly I'm talking to but I imagine her being a lot like me.  She is passionate about fashion and while she loves to find a deal she's not one to compromise on quality or style.  Her idea of a perfect night at home involves a nice glass of wine (or 4) and a pile of the latest fashion magazines (okay maybe not perfect but close;)).  She fully appreciates the joy in coming home from a long day at work and discovering there's a box from one of her favorite online retailers waiting to be opened.  But let's face it, online shopping, especially for the bargain conscious, can be incredibly frustrating and tedious.  And with so many new sites popping up how do you possibly keep up with all the deals, steals and promotions?  

Well lucky for you, your trusty style scavenger happens to have plenty of idle time to spend scouring the web for what I absolutely love most.  And I just couldn't sleep at night knowing I was keeping these wonderful lil fashion nuggets all to myself!  

So with that all said, here goes!

My quest for the perfect fall shoe(s) led me to somewhat unfamiliar terrain.  I'd always thought of Betsey Johnson as a little too far left for me but this season she's got some stuff that's just too classically cool to ignore.  I found a couple of this season's highlights on one of my favorite sites, overstock.com.


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The 'Tiana' Bootie

Timeless but trendy all at the same time, this sexy ankle boot just screams "Good girl, gone bad" - and who can't relate to that?? (cough, cough).  As versatile as they are sexy, wear them with just about anything from skinny jeans to full skirts.  I was amazed to find these for only $159.99 when most other sites had a SALE price listed around $285.  Ordering my pair as we speak!




Ricci

The 'Ricci' boot

These feel more Marc Jacobsy to me which might explain why I was instantly smitten.  Another versatile pair that you really can't go wrong with, especially when paired with this season's ruffled blouses and fitted blazers.  Once again, Overstock beat the lowest listed sale price  by nearly $100.  They also come in a patent leopard print but I prefer the more classic black.  Then again, for only $159.99 you might just want both!




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The 'Tisha' Boot

And last but not least, I give you the 'Tisha' suede fringed boot, quite possibly one of my favorites of the season.  PLS BELIEVE that I have been hunting for these at a discounted price ever since they first appeared back in August.   Rachel Zoe is also apparently a fan but I won't hold it against them.  Picture these with a pair of distressed skinny jeans, a vintage style tee and faux fur jacket (Juicy's new one comes to mind).  But let me not get ahead of myself as these babies are still listed at their original price of 319.99 just about everywhere (and that defeats the purpose of this little blog, right?).  You ladies will be the first to know when somebody smartens up and puts 'em on sale.  I just had to post anyway - they're too cute to be ignored!

Well that concludes my first post. Hope it wasn't too painful! I'll be blogging as as often as I find deals worth mentioning so pls check back or even better, subscribe!

Have a wonderful weekend!