3/31/09
Do you shop more when Aunt Flo's in town?
Psychologists at Hertfordshire University concluded that a shopping spree could be a way of dealing with the intense emotions of pre-menstrual syndrome, which affects around 90 per cent of women each month.
Professor Karen Pine, who conducted the study of 443 women aged between 18 and 50, said: 'The later women were in their menstrual cycle, the more likely they were to have overspent [continue reading source...]
I know I tend to pig out when it's that time of the month, but I don't think I ever went on an emotional shopping spree. I wouldn't want to try on clothes that time of the month being bloated and all, lol. What do you think about the study? Do you shop more when it's that time of the month?
Cash, check, or charge?

I love the L.A.M.B Noel sandal, but unfortunately it's sold out in my size and is out of my price range. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to this lovely shoe. The "cash" version is not neccessarily my fave color choice, but if you want a pop a color to an outfit, then this is the shoe. I love the "check" version- classic black and white that can be worn with various outfits. Which one fits into your budget?
3/30/09
Product review: Sothys Energizing Shower Gel and Delicious Scrub
Parisian skin care line, Sothys, has introduced two new products to their Aroma Sothys Collection- Energizing Shower Gel and Delicious Scrub (yes, that's the name of it). Both products contain 100% natural active ingredients and essential oils. I was most excited about trying out the scrub because I was in need of sloughing away this dead winter skin, lol. The scrub is made with spices, ginger, nutmeg, orange and mandarin essential oils. After using this, my skin felt very smooth and soft. I loved the yummy scent of the spices it left behind on my skin. The shower gel was okay. It contains eucalyptus, cardamom, nutmeg, and neroli essential oils. The scent reminds me of Bath and Body Works White Tea and Ginger , which I love love love. I'm used to a rich lather, but this didn't lather up too well. However, it did leave my skin very soft and that's what matters. Delicious Scrub $44
Engergizing Shower Gel $24
Star style: Mary Kate Olsen's Prada fringe tote

Get Ms. Olsen's Prada "Napa" fringe tote for whole lot less from Accessory Bug! Right now, take 10% off your next purchase by entering code spring09 at the checkout. Offer ends 5-31-09.
3/29/09
Beauty coupons in All You magazine
If you have this month's issue of All You magazine, you may or may not have paid attention to a few coupons for a few beauty products in there. Check them out.pg. 29: $1.00 off any NYC New York Color product of $1.72 or more
pg. 31: $1.00 off any Sea Breeze product
pg. 35: Free Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara (only at Walmart)
pg. 45: $2 off any Jane cosmetics product
p.g. 145: $2 off Noxzema SpaShave 4-blade shavers
Designer way vs. The Cheap Chica way

Now, I don't know if Report Signature is considered designer, but I do know that they are expensive. Get the more budget friendly version for $90 at Bakers.
3/27/09
What's new @ the CCSN
Discussions (newest):
- Have you been affected by the recession?
- "Shopping While Black"
- See upcoming sales from your favorite drugstores
Groups:
- The Pro-Clippers (coupon swapping group)
- Product Junkiez (beauty product swapping group)
BOGO 25% off @ Bakers
click on image to print. Coupon via Fab Finds Under $503/26/09
Today's printables and codes
- Avenue: $10 off $50 or more purchase. Valid 4/1- 4/30/09. Or use coupon code AV91021 at the checkout.
- Bath and Body Works: Free Signature Collection body care item ($12 value) with any $10 or more purchase. Expires 4-12-09
- Clarins: Free facial treatment. Expires 3-31-09
- Dots: $10 off $30 or more purchase. Expires 3-29-09
- The Limited: $20 off any regular priced dress and other coupons. Expires 4-11-09
- Chinese Laundry: 20% off regular priced shoes. Coupon code: MADNESS09. Expires 4-5-09
- Linea Pelle: 25% off suede belts. Coupon code: SUEDE25. Expires 3-29-09. Take 10% off any order. Coupon code: CJLP10. Expires 8-31-09
- 80s Purple: 15% off any purchase. Coupon code: take15. Expires 3-31-09
- Blue Bee: 30% off shoes. Coupon code: SHOE30. 3-29-09
The 5 Clearance Commandments
This is Tira, and I hope everyone is having a fab morning!
Here’s a little more about me that you did not know. I am one of ten children. This contributed to me becoming a thrifty chica. Since I was a child, I clipped coupons, went to the thrift store, and lived for sales. Like I said, I was a recessionista before it became a trend. One of my favorite parts of shopping is browsing the clearance racks/aisles/shelves.
The common misconception with clearance is that it’s defective, or damaged in some way, and that generally isn’t true. If and when most retailers sell items that are damaged or defective, they will mark them “as is” and list whatever the issue with the item is. Clearance items are usually marked down as a result of the need for shelf space, or because there have been too many in inventory for too long.
Thou shall recognize the signs of clearance. Clearance will have a different colored sticker than regular priced merchandise. It might be all grouped together on racks or shelves together with a sign. Knowing where it is will save you time when going through the store. I think Wal-Mart keeps any clearance that isn’t clothes all together in the back of the store, but Target puts clearance on back end caps, and the clothing is with the clothing on separate racks. Walgreens uses big bright orange stickers that are SUPER easy to recognize.
Thou shall be picky. This is a big one. Just because it’s marked down, doesn’t mean you need it. If you buy 5 shirts at 75% off, and you don’t wear them, they are merely taking up space. Don’t try to convince yourself that you’re going to give them away, or wear them next year. Ask yourself if you really need them, and if not . . . leave them on the rack of the next chica to cop.
Though shall be aware. Certain big department stores have systematic approaches to clearance. Keep an eye on what has been marked down, and what percentage. This is for hardcore clearance shoppers. Some big department stores do special markdowns right after a major shopping holiday like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. The very next day the seasonal items are 50% off, and some stores even go to 90%. Stock up on items for the next year if you can afford the storage space. Also, many stores have online clearance. Just be careful that the shipping costs don’t wipe out your savings. I just caught a deal on Sears’ website on a few pairs of shoes. There was an additional 30% off of clearance, and the shipping was only 7 bucks, so I still made out pretty nicely.
Thou shall ask. Now, I reviewed the difference between “as is” and clearance, but it never hurts to ask. Also, if you need more items, the store may be able to tell you if another store has more, or if there are more located in the backroom. Just be aware that clearance at one LOCATION of a store may not be marked down as much at another store. Remember we said clearance is based on inventory? Also, one size might be clearance because it sold better than another size. That’s a sticky one, but good to know.
Thou shall not hesitate. We like to ponder, debate, and deliberate over purchases, but sometimes clearance can’t be afforded that luxury. Sometimes it’s better to buy that shoe, comforter set, whatever. Get it home, and return it later if it’s not going to work out. Especially shoes! Don’t leave that size 8 shoe marked 50% off at the store. Do you know how many other people wear that size? It may not be there when you come back. I’ve had my heart broken like that before.
So there ya go. My Big 5 Commandments. I hope this helps you guys!
3/25/09
I want. I got.
After work, I took a drive down the street to KMart to see if they had the floral skirt I'd posted earlier. Just my luck, they did. And they had it in my size. And it was on sale for $12.50. Thinking this was too good to be true, I just knew that once I got into the fitting room, it wasn't going to fit. The fit is just right and the skirt is beautiful in person. I can't wait to wear it.

What I want: Bold floral skirt from KMart

Cheap chicalicious tip of the day

3/24/09
Designer way vs. The Cheap Chica way

Matt Bernson metallic zip back sandals $170, ShopBop
VS.
THE CHEAP CHICA WAY...

Steve Madden "Barbyy" sandals $80
Hey Chicas! Meet Tira!
Recently, the lovely and fabulously frugal Cheap Chica asked me to come on as a guest blogger, which I was SO happy to oblige. I hope to add a little extra funk to the blog with my own chic, cheap ways. To start off, here's a quick style and fashion questionnaire for all you lovely ladies to get a sneak peek into who I am. Anymore questions, feel free to ask.
What music are you listening to right now? Saul Williams - Live at Double Door
What was the last article of clothing or accessory you purchased? Butterfly leggings. . .trust me, they are fly.
What piece do you wish most to add to your closet at the moment? Black knit bomber jacket, or leather.
What current trend are you loving the most? Bright colors i.e., the return of neon and skinny jeans
What current trend do you hate the most? Stirrup pants!
What is your fave style or fashion-centric television program? Jay Manuel’s Style Her Famous
Who is your favorite designer at the moment? On the cheap: Mossimo and Xhiliration. On the steep: Heatherette and Betsey Johnson
Three fave materials? Organic Cotton, silk, and denim
Three words to describe your overall sense of style? Collegiate, funky, bohemian
What will your look be this spring? Bright cardigans, skinny jeans and flowy skirts. Throw in chunky jewelry and pale nail polish for good measure.
What trend do you see becoming the biggest come spring? Prints, and colorful makeup. Prints will be popping up on everything, from purses to pants.
What's your pick for the "it" tech gadget of the moment? The Kindle
Who is your pick for the most stylish "it" celeb? Beyonce, she’s together even when she’s not together. Gotta love it.
If someone handed you $10,000 where would you blow it? Between Ebay, Amazon.com, and Zappos.
Favorite shopping destination? Mahattan Mall!
Bottom Line. . .I'm that chick who writes poetry, reads classic feminist lit, hangs out on the weekends with the girls, and works all week.
3/23/09
No more Forever 21 in Chicaville
Weekend finds: More accessories...


- multi-colored shell bracelet and peacock bangle $2.99 each
- stretch beaded bracelets $1.99
And you know I had to cruise over to Dots (they seriously need to bring one to Chicaville, either that or online shopping). I found a top and this Dior-inspired flower ring for $6.
3/22/09
Star style under $150: Whitney Port

pic via InStyle
I'm not a big fan of leather skirts, but I love how Whitney dresses hers down with a simple white tee, heels and cute bracelets. I think this would be a cute out-on-the-town look. I can't imagine wearing this during the day, but there are some brave souls out there who would, lol. I re-created this look for under $150.

- white tee $10, Old Navy
- faux leather skirt $68, Urban Outfitters
- studded heels $19.40, Go Jane
- studded bracelet $12.40 and black/gold bracelet $7.80, Forever 21
GRAND TOTAL= $117.60
Correction: Penny appetizers and dollar entrees @ TGIFridays
3/20/09
Maxi skirts
Cheap chicalicious tip: Wear your smocked tube dress as a skirt, too. I have a couple of knee/calf length dresses that double duties as maxi skirts.
- Ikat print skirt $24.99, Tilly's
- Floral Tiered Maxi Skirt $24.99 Charlotte Russe
- paisley print $26.50, Wet Seal
Trend comeback?: The shrug
Well look what sprung from '99/2000. The shrug. I had just about every color to match every tube top and tube dress that I've owned. I found this one to the left at Forever 21, but I didn't see them anywhere else. Are shrugs making a comeback? Will you wear one?3/18/09
Today's printables and codes
- Sears: Save 10% off fall and winter clearance apparel. Expires 3-19-09
- Wilsons Leather Outlet Store: 20% off any one item. Expires 3-29-09
- Baskin Robbins: BOGO free sundae. Expires 3-28-09
- Victoria's Secret: 25% off any one item. Expires 3-29-09
- PacSun: BOGO free jeans. Expiration unknown. No coupon needed. Select styles only.
- Fashion Bug: 20% off any one item. Coupon code: 776263907. Expires 4-29-09
2 free issues of Redbook magazine
Get two complimentary issues of Redbook magazine from Value Mags. No strings attached so why not? Sign up here. Offer ends 4-8-09.3/16/09
Weekend finds: Putting my Old Navy coupon to use

- floral camp shirt- I'm loving the bright florals trend right now. With this shirt, you have to keep it really simple. Jeans or capris and a pair of ballet flats, and I'm good to go.
- cropped cardigan- I have so many cardigans- all long sleeve. This cardigan is perfect for spring. I can throw it over a tube or sleeveless dress when I don't want to show off my huge shoulders, lol. I think I'm going to go back and get one in a bright color, like fuschia or blue.
- striped flutter sleeve top- This will be my weekend top. I love the colors, reminds me of candy.
So, did you use your 30% off coupon? What did you buy?
Trend under ten: Statement necklace
Each week, I will try to bring you a current hot trend under ten ($10). I believe that you can cash in on a trend without breaking the bank and if you can do it for under $10, you've done good.Star style under $150: Olivia Wilde
- dress- check your local Express store. It's sold out online
Take 30% off @ Nine West
Let this be a reason to add another pair of shoes into your closet. From March 19- 22, save 30% on all regular priced merchandise at Nine West. Coupon can also be used at Bandolino, AK Anne Klein, and EasySpirit stores. Just click on the image above and print out. To use online, use coupon code NWFREND3 for Nine West; ESFREND3 for Easy Spirit, and BDFREND3 for Bandolino. Enjoy!
Fergie's shoe line @ Endless
Okay, so I'm probably the last to know that Ms. Fergie Ferg had a shoe line coming out. Well, the collection is here and it's at Endless.com. You can check it out here. I can't say that I'm in love with this line. I've seen these designs before for a lot cheaper. I guess the name is what sells. We'll see.... What do you think? 
3/15/09
$5 L'Oreal HIP eyeshadow @ CVS
Okay Cheap Makeup Chicas, get out your CVS cards and head on over to stock up on some L'Oreal HIP eyeshadow duos. They are $5 (with card) this week! Yes, $5. Sale ends 3-21-09. Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal review + giveaway
I'm a coffee drinker. I have to have at least a cup everyday. That one cup of joe everyday for the past ten years have really stained my teeth. Sure, I brush with "whitening" toothpaste and use a pre-rinse "whitening" mouthwash to keep my teeth from looking too dingy, but I'm not getting the results that I want. I never had a teeth whitening session from my dentist before. I think the price kind of deterred me from getting one done (my dentist charges $500). So, I decided to try Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal. I never tried an at-home whitening kit before, so this was a first. The Crest Advanced Seal contains a polymer blend to temporarily mold the strip to the teeth, forming a strong seal, so they don't slip off. You can even drink water while they're on. I've heard with other teeth whitening kits that after using them for a while, you'll experience sensitivity, but so far I haven't. After only a few days of using the strips, my teeth were a few shades whiter, so that's good- at least I know they're working, lol. The only thing I really don't like about them is the removal The box states that removal is cleaner than with the original Crest strips (I've never tried the original strips, so I don't know), but it just felt like I was removing a band-aid from my teeth. Maybe that's just me. Overall, I liked this product and it's much more cheaper and simpler way to whiten your smile. [Read more about Crest Advanced Seal below....]
Now, I'm giving away two Crest Advanced Seal kits to two Cheap Chica readers. The contest will run until 3-20-09 and winners will be chosen randomly. You must be a resident of the US and 18 years or older. Enter the contest by sending your name, city, and state to cheapchicagiveaways@gmail.com with "Crest Advanced Seal Giveaway" in the subject line. Good luck!
Crest Whitestrips is proud to introduce its most advanced innovation in teeth whitening technology: New Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal. This groundbreaking adhesive formulation temporarily molds the strip to users’ teeth, allowing them to easily talk and even drink water for convenient whitening anywhere, anytime. The secure fit comes off clean after whitening, leaving no mess behind. Achieving a beautiful, whiter smile is now easier than ever. “We developed the new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal to address the unmet consumer need for teeth whitening that truly fits every consumer’s smile and life,” says Sunny Jain, Associate Marketing Director, North American Oral Care. “Because this revolutionary new technology allows for a great fit and seal, users can have the confidence to whiten anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re on-the-go, talking on the phone or drinking water, new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal allows you to go about your day without interruption, all while achieving your most beautiful, whiter smile.” Crest Whitestrips has leveraged innovative CorplexTM technology to create a moisture-activated, solid-gel formulation that provides advanced adhesion to fit every person’s unique smile, all while delivering the same level whitening results as the existing family of Crest Whitestrips products. These new strips provide three significant benefits:
1. High-performance whitening with the same safe and effective whitening ingredient that dentists use to remove surface stains and those below the tooth enamel.
2. A better fit with instant adhesion to teeth allowing users to go about their daily lives including talking and even drinking water.
3. No mess left behind thanks to the new, advanced design. Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal is the perfect fit for any life and every smile!
New Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal technology features four unique layers in one thin, flexible strip to deliver Crest’s dramatic whitening and an improved user experience: (1) The special outer layer holds the strip securely on teeth; (2) The whitening layer delivers the same high-performance whitening ingredient used by professionals; (3) The inner mesh layer keeps the whitening ingredient firmly on teeth, preventing gel from spreading to other areas of the mouth; (4) The final release liner provides the strips with stable backing for easy application. Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal is designed to conform and mold to the shape of your teeth and is worn for 30 minutes a day, for two weeks, anytime, anywhere – even while talking and drinking water!
3/14/09
Cheap Chicalicious links 3-14-09
- Rai offers great money saving tips on makeup.
- American Apparel not going bankrupt after all [Too Cute Magazine]
- Cosmetics you can be stingy with [Dirt Cheap Beauty]
- Steal Jennifer Aniston's Balenciaga style for way cheap! [The Budget Babe]
- Wigs... a recession trend? [The Budget Fashionista]
Here's the winner, here's the winner!
Kelly, I've sent you an email, so please follow the instructions in it. Thanks everyone for entering! The Cheap Chica hopes to be here for another three years bringing you the cheapness and awesome giveaways. Stay tuned for another one....
3/12/09
Spot the "Supermodelquins" in NYC, get a 20% off coupon

What: I'm sure by now you've seen those Old Navy "Supermodelquins" commercials. Well, Old Navy challenges New Yorkers to "Spot the Supermodelquins" around the city. At each of the five locations across NYC, the Modelquins will be available for photographs with their adoring fans. Customers will receive a 20% off coupon in addition to a keepsake photograph. Those who visit all five "Spot the Modelquins" locations will get a coupon for a free pair of Old Navy jeans.
When: Friday, March 13 from 11am- 3pm; Saturday, March 14 from 1pm- 5pm
Where: five locations around Manhattan.
Suavenomics: Taking the Suave challenge pt.4
For the past few weeks, I've pushed my Secret Platinum deodorant to the side and decided to try the Suave 24-hour Protection Invisible Solid. While I liked it's odor and wetness protection qualities, it's claim of being an invisible solid are somewhat untrue. Although it glides on kind of clear, by the end of the day, the armpits on all of my shirts had residue left on them. That's pretty much the only thing I didn't like about it. It's a pretty good deodorant overall. In this Florida weather, you need a good antiperspirant and this does the job. Hey, for a little over two bucks, why not? I got my Suavenomics coupon in the mail yesterday. I got a bottle of Apricot Exfoliation body wash with mine. It is now my new favorite.
























