Cheapalicious mail: Help me find Kim K's poncho sweater! For cheap!

I have been looking for an affordable version of a "Ya Ya Gstaad Poncho Sweater." It retails for $185 on Singer22.com. I absolutely adore it, but there's no way I can pay that much for a sweater. You can't really tell from the picture of it on the site, but what makes it so unique to me are the sides. The sides of the sweater pull up to create a very slight poncho look. Let me know if you can help me out!
Thanks so much!- Leslie

photo source

Leslie, I've found an affordable version of Kim K's Ya Ya Gstaad sweater....

Only $22.80 at Forever 21!

Star style under $300: Rachel Bilson

photo via InStyle

Rachel adds a feminine touch to her laid back outfit with a Juicy Couture ruffled cardigan. Check out my re-creation of her outfit with pieces totaling to a little bit less than her cardigan alone.

ruffle front cardigan $89; beanie $10; scoop neck tee $8; jeans $30; boots $50; studded bag $35


GRAND TOTAL=$222

Nifty under $50: Sequins

Add some flash to your wardrobe with sequins! Here are a few sequined pieces that I found for under $50...


l-r: knit leggings $8.80 and bangle $5.80, Forever 21; A-line top $21.99, Charlotte Russe; mini skirt $38, Arden B; vest $22.80, Forever 21

Cyber Monday deals

For those of you that didn't partake in Black Friday (like me), and would rather take advantage of the deals from the comfort of your own computer desk, there's always Cyber Monday! Here are a few deals that I've found:

• Forever 21- Free shipping ( I believe there is no minimum, but I will update and let you know). 11/30 only! ***update*** enter code CYBERMONDAY at the checkout to receive free shipping. There is definitely no minimum.


• Wet Seal- 20% off your entire purchase, plus free standard shipping for orders $15 or more. 11/30 only!
• Charlotte Russe: Cyber Monday-11/30 only, take 25% off site-wide at CharlotteRusse.com! Plus, spend $60 or more and shipping is free! Promo Code:MONDAY25
• Steve Madden- 25% off plus free shipping. Coupon code: MADDEN25. Good until 12/7/09
• Famous Footwear- 20% off any order. Coupon code: CYBER09. 11/30 only!
• Macy's- Free shipping on orders $75 or more. Coupon code: CYBER. Valid 11/29-11/30/09
• Tilly's- $5 off all sweaters and hoodies. Coupon code: CYBER09. 11/30 only!
• 6pm.com: 70% off Cole Haan footwear. Valid 11/30- 12/6/09

For more Cyber Monday deals, click here. Happy shopping!

For those of you who braved the Black Friday crowds today, I'm curious to know what you bought.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday deal: Save 15% off @ Ruche!

click on image to shop

If you're going to do some Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping, stop by Ruche to check out all of the hot new goodies! Get 15% off your purchase by using the above coupon code at the checkout.

Topic Tuesday: Are you Black Friday shopping this year?

It's that time of the year again- Black Friday! Are you going to take advantage of the sales this year? Why or why not? My answer is no, for two reasons. One, I have to work, and two, I don't like getting out in the crowds. People can get crazy, ya' know. For those of you who want to do some shopping from the comfort of your own home, check out a few of these online Black Friday deals:

• NY & Co.: 50% off everything, including sale items. Valid 11/25 - 11/30. Online only.
  
• Charlotte Russe: 25% off all clothing and accessories in stores and online. Shoppers will receive a limited edition snakeskin print wallet with an in-store purchase of $40 or more, while supplies last. Also on Friday, Charlotte Russe outlet stores only are offering an additional 10% off from 6-10 a.m.
• Wet Seal: Free standard shipping on orders $15 or more. Valid 11/26- 12/18/09
• White House Black Market: 20% off entire order, including free shipping with coupon code 8954. Valid 11-27-09 only!
• Old Navy: All adult jeans and adult sweaters $15 (select styles only). Valid only on 11/27/09
• 6pm.com: Nine West footwear and accessories $9.95. Starts 11/27, not sure when the promotion ends.

Check out more Black Friday deals here.

Goodwill hunting: Back to Clewiston and Southwest FL's thriftiest shopper

Just some more great items I bought from the Clewiston Goodwill last weekend:


Allen B by Allen Schwartz dress $5. I love the colors in this dress!



J Crew City Fit trouser jeans $6. The best fitting jeans that I own.


opaque over the knee tights $2


My area's Goodwill organization held a "So You Think You're Thrifty" contest a few months back, and they've crowned the winner about a month ago (I know I'm late). Congrats to Amy Burns! Check out her video below (this is her finalist video before she was crowned the winner), where she finds a lot of cute stuff on her Goodwill hunting.

I should've entered that contest, maybe I could've won

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

• Designer way
• Cheapalicious way

Deal alert: Save 20% off, plus free shipping on any order at Baghaus! Use coupon code THANKS at the checkout. Offer ends 11-29-09.

Cheapalicious deals 11-23-09

• Charlotte Russe: Buy one pair of jeans at regular price, get the second for just $10 through Wednesday, 11/25.
• NY & Co.: $35 off $75 or more purchase. Coupon code: 4343. Expires 11-24-09
• bebe: 15% off $100 purchase. Expires 12-24-09
• Gap: 20% off your purchase. Expires 1-30-10
• Old Navy: 15% off $75 or 25% off $100. Coupon code: ONSAVE15. Expires 11-24-09
• E.L.F.: $1.98 Shipping Storewide! Use coupon SH198BF through 11/29

See you next week...

Hey everyone! Just letting you know that Cheapalicious will be taking a break for the rest of the week. Just got a few things to take care of in the real world. See you next week!

$10 off $25 @ JC Penney!

click on image to print coupon

Now through Monday (11/23/09), save $10 off $25 or more purchase at JC Penney! If shopping online, use coupon code 104YOU at the checkout.

$14.95 Nine West footwear @ 6PM.com!

For a limited time, all Nine West footwear are only $14.95 at 6pm.com! For the price of maybe one pair of regular priced Nine West shoes, you can score yourself three or four pairs with this sale. How awesome is that! Sizes are limited, so hurry.

Cheapalicious deals 11-16-09

• Delia's: ALL Boots 15% Off at dELiA*s through 11.24.09!
• Dots: $15 off $50 or more purchase. Expires 11-22-09
• Liz Claiborne: 20% off your purchase. Expires 11-30-09
• Shoes.com: 15% off your purchase. Coupon code: FALL. Expires 11-30-09
• Ann Taylor Loft: 30% off your entire purchase. Expires 11-22-09
• The Limited: $15 off $50 or more purchase. Expires 12-1-09
• Avenue: $10 off $50 or more. Expires 11-30-09
• Urban Outfitters: 2 for $20 on select tights.

Cheapalicious mail: Equestrian leggings on the cheap!

I finally found "mass produced" equestrian leggings for under $200 a pop...but at $70 for leggings - that's still out of budget. Have you found any equestrian style leggings that are more budget friendly? Help!- Betsy

Betsy, I found a budget friendly for under $30! Check them out below.

skinny riding pants $26.99, Charlotte Russe

Nifty under $50: Party in pink!

Cheapalicious reader, Keisha, needs help finding a hot pink party dress for her 30th birthday...

Hello, I need your help! I am having a 30th birthday party, and I want to wear a hot pink dress, but I am having a hard time finding an affordable one. Can you please help me?

Happy birthday in advance, Keisha! I can't believe I had a hard time with this one. I didn't want to pick dresses that were too formal, and I didn't want to pick dresses that were too casual, so here are a few dresses that I've found that you may like- all under $50. Add funky accessories like a zebra clutch or a studded belt and you're all set! Again, happy birthday and enjoy your party!



(l)- (r): Xhilaration bubble dress $20.98, Target; bow one shoulder dress, $45.70, ASOS; pleat front dress $26.50, Wet Seal; ASOS cut out sleeve dress $32.90

Cheapalicious divas, were there any hot pink dresses out there that I missed? Help a sista out and help her with more choices!

Clearance Alert @ Target!!!

Hey Cheapalicious Shoppers!

My local Target has some really cute clearance items right now. I talked to my sister and a couple other folks, and apparently a lot of other Targets have some pretty good markdowns. I snagged these 2 very cute boho dresses for 75% off ($7.49 each) and they're still $24.99 on the website, gotta love it...

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

Love the look of the Alexandra Neel Mascara zipper suede booties, but not loving the price? Snag yourself a cute and more affordable version from Fly Jane!

Nifty under $50: Christian Siriano for Payless Holiday 2009 Collection

I have yet to see these shoes in person. I doubt if my local Payless stores will ever get Christian Siriano's line in. Thank goodness for the internet, right? I'm loving everything in his new holiday collection, especially the Geneva zipper boots. Fierce! Did you buy anything from this collection or from his past collection with Payless? What did you buy?

(l) to (r): Geneva front zip boot $49.99; Micola zipper flat (also available in gold) $29.99; Bianca large tote (not available online) $39.99; Elisa strippy sandal $29.99; Carolina pump (sold out online) $34.99; Lisa large satchel (not available online) $34.99

Topic Tuesday: How often do you shop?

I cut down my shopping tremendously this year. At one point I was shopping about 3-4 times per week (I know, bad girl), but now it's down to once a week, maybe two. What about you?

"How often do you shop (for clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup)?"

Is it once a week? Once a month? Once a year (I don't think I could go that long, lol)? Or, do you shop numerous times per week?

Cheapalicious deals 11-9-09

• Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic: 30% off your purchase (Friends and Family Event). Valid 11/12- 11/15/09
• Charlotte Russe: Select exclusive trends are 25% off for a limited time at CharlotteRusse.com! Valid 11/8-11/14.
• Delia's: Take $20 Off When You Spend $50 with code 20DEL50 at dELiA*s! Offer ends 11.12.09.
• Beauty Ticket: 15% off all gift sets and kits. Coupon code: GIFT15. Expires 12-15-09
• Ulta: Get ten free samples with purchase of $35 or more. No coupon needed. Expires 11-14-09
• PacSun: Take an additional 30% off already reduced items. No coupon needed. Expires 11-20-09
• Loehmanns: 20% off any single clearance item. Expires 11-10-09. Hurry!
• Payless: 15% off any purchase. Expires 11-27-09. You can also use coupon code 26292 at the checkout online.
• Ralph Lauren Polo (factory store): 20% off your purchase. Expires 11-18-09
• Stride Rite: 20% off your entire footwear purchase. Expires 11-15-09
• Arden B: 15% off your entire purchase (Friends and Family). Valid 11/16- 11/17/09
• Lane Bryant: 30% off ALL Boots and Outerwear at LaneBryant.com! Offer valid through 11-10-09.

Cheapalicious deal of the week: $19.99 bomber jackets @ Tar-jay!

This week in stores only, the Xhilaration bomber jackets are on sale for $19.99 (reg. $29.99) at Target. Hopefully my local store has these jackets in the toffee color and in my size, because you know I'm still on the hunt for a cognac colored jacket.

Product review: nuNaat's Chocolat Special hair care line pt. 1

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review a few hair care products from nuNaat. Their new Chocolat Special line consists of the Chocolat Creamy Shampoo, Chocolat Shake conditioner, Chocolat Cream Mask, and the Chocolat Anti-Frizz Therma Active.

"Designed to restore chemically treated hair's natural velvety shine and spledor as the unique formula contains cocoa butter and Brazil nut oils to revitalize and restore moisture. The alluring chocolate fragrance is also a special treat for those looking for a little extra self-indulgence."

Chocolat Creamy Shampoo $6.49

What it claims: Gently cleanses while moisturizing and protecting the hair shaft from further damage caused by sunlight and chemical treatments.

Rating 3/5: The shampoo lathered pretty good and cleansed my hair really well, but that's it. As far as moisturizing goes, it did nothing for my hair. I was expecting some softness to my hair, but it felt like wet straw afterwards.

Chocolat Cream Mask $6.99

What it claims: For a deep penetrating action with lasting results, the Chocolat Cream Mask is the ultimate conditioning experience providing a deep and restorative conditioning to hair damaged by the harsh elements or chemical treatments. For best results, use weekly by massaging a generous portion into your hair and leave on for twenty minutes before rinsing.

Rating 4/5: After I shampooed, I applied the deep conditioning mask to my hair and left it on for about an hour instead of the twenty minutes that it instructs. After I rinsed, my hair was soft, but not as soft as I'm used to getting as I do with my ORS Olive Oil Replenishing conditioner. Maybe I could tweak it a bit by adding coconut or olive oil to it for more moisture.

kind of looks like chocolate pudding!

Chocolat Anti-frizz Therma Active $7.49



What it claims: Formulated to reduce frizz, the Chocolat Special Anti-Frizz is activated upon styling with a blow dryer or straightening iron. Simply apply evenly on wet hair before styling to activate.

Rating 5/5: I really like this product! It totally smoothed my hair and it remained smooth for about a week. I didn't even have to flat iron my hair to get the sleek look, loves it!

Overall, the products were okay. They weren't bad, but they weren't the best either. The Anti-Frizz cream is definitely a keeper for me, but the rest of the products I'll probably use for back-ups in case I run out of any of my staple products. The prices are affordable, so even if you decide to try it for yourself and your hair doesn't agree with it, at least you didn't spend a ton of money on it. I will do a review of the Chocolat Shake conditioner on my next wash day so stay tuned.

Have you tried the Chocolat Special line from nuNaat yet? What product(s) did you try and what was your experience?

Freebies for all!

Here are some new freebies that I've found. Enjoy!

• Free sample of Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Eye Cream SPF 15
• Free sample of Tropical Breeze for Him fragrance
• Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging body wash sample
• Free Beauty Rush lip gloss when you get fitted for a bra at Victoria's Secret. Offer ends 11-15-09
• Free sample of Dove Intense Damage Therapy
  

Nifty under $50: Goodies from Ruche!

If you haven't shopped Ruche yet, what are you waiting for? The clothes are super cute, and the prices are super awesome. It kind of reminds me of Anthropologie, but with Forever 21 prices. Generally, the majority of the store is under $50, but I'm showcasing some items that I have my eyes on....

[1] bison tribal mini dress $32.99. I betcha' this would look cute with a pair of knee or over the knee boots. Since me and mini dresses don't get along, I would probably end up wearing this with a pair of skinnies or leggings.; [2] marching band vest $26.99; [3] BB Dakota gold bow skirt $44.99. This has New Year's Eve party written all over it. A tank and a fierce pair of heels will set it off; [4] embroidered tank $36.99; [5] clutch $26.99. ; [5] navy polka dot dress $36.99

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

I ♥ these Christian Louboutin Nitoinimoi ankle boots. They're sold out, but that's okay, because there are budget friendlier versions out there. I found the Anne Michelle pair from Urban Originals (who's beginning to be a new favorite of mine for shoes), but check out Lulu's and Go Jane if Urban Originals doesn't have your size.

Save 20% @ Express!

Save 20% off your entire purchase (regular priced items only) with Express' Friends and Family discount, valid 11/6- 11/7/09. If shopping online, use coupon code 4291 at the checkout, or if you'd rather shop in the store, click here to print out your coupon.

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

Although the Dollhouse shoe is missing the peep toe, it still gets its inspiration from the L.A.M.B bootie with the stud and grommet detail.

Goodwill hunting: Hidden gems in a "hole in the wall"

I've discovered a new Goodwill (new to me, but it's been there for years) not too far from my house. I always pass it when I go to that end of town, but this weekend I decided to stop in just to see what I could find. It's very small and didn't have much merchandise, but I looked anyway to see what "hidden gems" I could find.




cinch belt $1.59


necklace $1.99



sheer floral top $1.75 (half off $3.49)



dress/tunic $4.99. It's supposed to be a dress, but I'm going to wear it as a tunic because it's kind of too short on me. This would look cute with a pair of black skinny pants and my Madden Girl booties I got from Marshall's.



satin puff sleeve blouse $3.49



sleeveless floral top $1.75 (half off $3.49)


Not bad for less than $20, and I'm very pleased with my items. This is my new "hole in the wall" Goodwill, and I'll check back often to see if I could find more goodies.