Christian Siriano for O-Celo limited edition design sponges

A while back, I posted that Christian Siriano was partnering with household cleaning product brand, O-Cel-O, to design a line of sponges.  Well, the wait is over,  and the brand is excited to introduce two new limited edition designs- Leopard and Muse- inspired by Siriano's Spring 2011 runway collection.  

Ta da!  “African, Indian and Asian influences served as the inspiration for my first-ever sponge designs. “Both patterns, Leopard and Muse, are meant to captivate the eye through the use of color and the latest trends”, say Siriano of his designs.  The limited edition No Scratch Scrub sponges are available in a two-pack for the suggested retail price of $2.59 or a three-pack for $3.60, and are now at retailers nationwide.

Have you spotted these limited edition design sponges yet?

Cash, Check, Charge: Strappy wedges

Cash:  Mossimo "Pilar" strappy wedge sandals $29.99, Target

Check:  York strappy wedge $62, Bakers

Charge:  Dolce Vita "Pela" crisscross wedge sandal $170, Saks

Win This Wednesday: Statement necklace from Belina! [CLOSED]

Cheapalicious has teamed up with jewelry e-boutique, Belina, to give you a chance to win this beautiful statement necklace!

"Cecilia" necklace $21

One lucky reader will get to add this beauty to their jewelry wardrobe.  So perfect for this season!  Be sure to browse Belina and check out the rest of their cheapalicious-approved jewelry. My personal faves?  These beauties and this one!  "Like" them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter to get updates on upcoming promos and new merchandise!

To enter:

• Visit Belina, and tell us which pieces of jewelry are your favorites from the site.
• Enter your response and info in the entry form below, or if you can't see the entry form in your browser, enter here.
• Giveaway open to US residents only, 18 years or older
• Giveaway ends on April 4, 2011 @ 11:59 PM EST.  Winner will be notified and announced on my blog on April 5, 2011.  Winner then has 48 hours to respond with requested info.  If winner doesn't respond within the 48 hours, he or she will forfeit the prize and another winner will be chosen.  Please have access to your email and make sure to check your spam folder as well.  

Good luck!

This is not a sponsored post.  Belina is providing the prize, and a special thanks to them for making this giveaway possible!

Today's video: Sneak peek of tonight's episode of "What Not to Wear"

Here's a sneak peek of an all new episode of What Not to Wear, airing at 9/8c on TLC.  Enjoy!

Cheapalicious Deals 3-29-11

• Target:  20% off on select spring dresses.  Sale ends 4-9-11
• Bloomingdales:  20% off your purchase (Friends and Family event).  Coupon code: MARCHFF.  Expires 4-3-11
• Urban Og:  20% off your purchase.  Coupon code: MAD4211.  Expires 4-2-11
• Kohls:  Take 20% off your purchase.  Coupon code: SAVENSPRING.  Expires 4-2-11
• Sally Beauty:  Free Mini Mojo Flat Iron when you spend $60+ at SallyBeauty.com. Use promo code 555328 Sale Ends 3/31!

Where did you get that?: Taryn Manning's military jacket

photo credit:  WireImage

Actress Taryn Manning attended the NYLON magazine party at Tru Hollywood in LA last week. I love the military jacket that she's wearing, and although it would be a bit too hot to wear right now here in Florida, I would definitely save this for next fall.   Her jacket can be purchased at FlirtCatalog.com, and is an affordable $69.50.

Star Style under $200: Jennifer Hudson

pic via InStyle

Singer/actress Jennifer Hudson made an appearance on BET's 106 & Park this past Tuesday to promote her new album.  Get her simple, but chic look for under $200!

knit mini dress $72, EdressMe;  Steve Madden "Sussexx" platform maryjane $79.96, Steve Madden;  bangle set $15, Aldo

GRAND TOTAL= $166.96

Freebie Friday 3-25-11

• Free screening passes for Insidious. Select cities only and passes are given out on a first come, first serve basis.
• John Frieda Precision Hair Color sample (via Facebook)
• Dove Men+ Care body wash and deordorant sample
• Shout Color Catcher sample (via Facebook)

Cheapalicious deals 3-22-11

• Target:  BOGO 50% off select shoes and handbags (look for "buy one, get one 50% off" logo on qualifying items),  Expires 3-26-11
• Ulta:  20% off CHI flat irons.  Expires 3-26-11
• Coach Factory Store:  30% off your purchase.  Expires 3-27-11
• JC Penney:  $10 off $25 or more purchase of MNG by Mango apparel.  Expires 3-26-11
• Fashion Bug:  $25 off $75 or more purchase.  Expires 3-31-11
• Urban Og:  20% off your purchase.  Coupon code: 032411C.  Expires 3-24-11
• Handbag Heaven:  15% off your order.  Coupon code: SPRINGBREAK.  Expiration unknown
• Old Navy:  30% off your purchase.  Expires 3-24-11

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

Tory Burch's "Prescot" woven ballet flats retail for $250 at Jildor.  Get the look for only a fraction of the cost with these "Manon" flats from Merona for only $24.99!

*Deal Alert*  I've seen the Merona flats in my local Target  marked down as low as $12.98, maybe even lower at this time (this was weeks ago when I first saw them marked down to $12.98).  Check and see if they're on clearance at your local store.

Star Style under $200: Christina Milian

photo source

Singer/actress Christina Milian stepped out for the DVD release party of Miles From Home this past Tuesday.  I love how she dressed up her plain white tee with a coral skirt and minimal accessories.  So ready for spring!  Here's my re-creation of her outfit for under $200 with items from Forever 21, The Outnet, and more!

 Note to self- must look for coral skirt to add to my spring wardrobe...

basic v-neck tee $3.80 and blue crackle bead necklace $4.80, Forever 21; ADAM crepe pencil skirt $78, The Outnet;  Ivanka Trump "Cintrinia" sandal $49.90 (reg. $99.95), Nordstrom;  ALDO "Kemfort" tote $50, Zappos

GRAND TOTAL=  $186.50

Cheapalicious Links of the Week

photo credit: Tres Chic Style

• Who knew Costco sold wedding dresses now
• Is Tar-jay cheaper than Wally World?
• Ten great things you can do with $10!
• This woman needs to make a pitstop to the stores in my area....
• 100% of every dollar you spend on Forever21.com today (until 11:59 PM) will go towards relief efforts in Japan.  

Have a great weekend!

Freebie Friday 3-18-11

• Purex Complete with Zout laundry detergent sample
• Free Glade Spring Collection product
• Free full size bottle of Suave Professionals on 3/24/11 only!  First 200,000 (via Facebook)
• MuscleGel Protein on the Go sample
• Deeply Enriched natural essential oil sample (via Facebook)
• Four Mary Kay fragrance samples

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

The Christian Louboutin "Lady Daf" maryjane pumps retail for $995 at Saks.  These pumps are a big hit amongst celebs such as Kim Kardashian, Monica, and NeNe Leakes, to name a few.  Steve Madden's "Sussexx" pump has a similar look, but without the outrageous price tag.  Snag a pair for under $80 (down from $109.95).

photos via Coolspotters

Lunchbreak shopping: More Charlotte Russe jewelry and my top places for scoring affordable fashion jewelry!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you should know that I'm a huge fan of fashion jewelry.  I believe that a fun, bold piece of jewelry can make the most simple outfit stand out!  While out and about with one of my friends, we decided to trek into Charlotte Russe to see what new goodies they had in store.  Of course, I had to scope out their jewelry section first.  Lord knows I don't need to, but hey, a girl can never have too many accessories, right?  Here's what I bought:

[1] filigree elephant necklace $8.50.  I've been obsessed with elephant jewelry as of late.  This is my fourth piece!  The oversized pendant is what caught my eye, and I couldn't leave the store without it.
[2]  cluster ring $6.50 (no longer available online).  Me and my love of big, bold rings.  I would wear this and not think about adding a bracelet because this makes a statement on its own.
[3]  purple gems necklace $12.50 (no longer available online).  I love this necklace.  It kind of reminds me of something I would find at Anthropologie, but for much cheaper!

I love fashion jewelry and all, but I refuse to pay over $15 for a piece.  If you want to score of-the-moment pieces that won't break the bank, junior apparel stores such as Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe are the way to go with jewelry usually under $10.  Here are some of my fave places to score bargain jewelry:

• Forever 21:  I would have to say that this is by far my favorite place to score awesome jewelry.  Inventory is usually replenished everyday with new items, so the choices are always fresh.  
• Burlington Coat Factory:  Although I hate going in there to try to search for apparel that's been thrown about everywhere, I love looking through their jewelry section.  To my surprise, it's not in disarray as the rest of the store (at least not at my local store), and  I've bought a great deal of my jewelry from there.
• Charlotte Russe:  Oh how I love the 2 for $8 deals on most of their jewelry.  My bracelet collection is mostly from there because of the 2 for $8 (lol)
• Thrift stores: Sometimes my local thrift stores can be hit or miss with the jewelry, but when it's a "hit", I usually walk away with some awesome pieces.  Treat second hand jewelry like you would treat secondhand clothes- make sure they're in decent shape (if it's broken, but fixable, and you like it, buy it!) and always disinfect when you bring them home.  

Where do you shop for your fashion jewelry?

Mark your calendar: Free full size Suave Professionals product (3/24)

On Thursday March 24,  the first 200,000 to visit (and "like") Suave's Facebook page will be able to request a free full size bottle of a Suave Professionals product.  I'm not sure if it will be a certain Suave Professionals product they're giving away or they will offer a coupon to get a free product from your local store.  Either way, this is a great freebie! There should be more info about it next week, so keep checking their page.

Special thanks to reader, Carolyn for this tip!

*The pic to the left is not what they're giving out (could be?).  I just used it for this post!

Where did you get that?: Kirsten Dunst's Express smocked waist dress

photo credit: Splash News

Actress Kirsten Dunst was spotted taking a stroll in Los Angeles wearing this flirty, floral dress from Express!  Click on the link below the pic to purchase.  

floral smocked waist dress now $34.93 (reg. $49.99), Express

*Deal Alert*  Save 30% off on all Express dresses!  Offer ends 3-19-11

My Cheapalicious skincare products

Here are my skincare staples.  Everything is under $20, and can be found at your local drugstore or big box retailer (with the exception of the Clean & Clear Night Soft Moisturizer, it's no longer available in stores).

[1] Cleanser:  Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser $11.99.  After years of trying out different cleansers for my oily skin, I settled on this one.  I love how it removes the oil without overdrying my skin.  This cleanser is perfect for us oily skin gals, but I think it would be too drying for dry/sensitive skin types.
[2] Exfoliator:  St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub $6.59.  After G. posted her review of this product on her site, I had to give it a try. I was in the market of finding a new facial scrub anyway. I was getting bored with my baking soda scrub.  I'm glad I purchased this.  It's not too harsh on my skin, and I love the pleasant smell.  Extra bonus- it's paraben and cruelty free!  This one's a keeper!
[3] Mask:  Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque $4.19.  This mask will always be a staple in skincare regimen.  I use it once a week to draw out the impurities in my skin and shrink my pores.  It also helps with drying out pimples, so when I've run out of my spot treatment, I'll dab a little of this mask on the pimple and leave it on overnight.  Pimple is dried up by morning.
[4] Daytime Moisturizer:  Ambi Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 $11.79.  This moisturizer makes my skin so soft and has also evened out the texture and tone.
[5] Nighttime Moisturizer:  Clean & Clear Night Soft Oil-free Moisturizer (discontinued).  I'm not sure when this moisturizer came out or when it was discontinued, but I spotted it at Big Lots a few months ago for only $3.50.  I grabbed two bottles just in case I fell in love with it and wouldn't be able to purchase it anymore, and I'm glad I did.  This moisturizer is amazing!  It makes my skin so soft and doesn't irritate it.  It's also lightweight, which I love because I can't stand any heavy creams on my face.  Not really a big fan of the fragrance, but I can get past that as long as it does its job in moisturizing.  Like I said, this product is no longer available in stores, so you may have a shot at finding it on Amazon or Ebay.
[6] Acne treatment:  Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $5.59.  This has got to be the best drugstore acne cream I've ever used.  When I apply it to the pimple, I swear I could feel it working, and the pimple is usually gone by the next day, if not, the day after.  Very fast acting, and that's what I like in an acne treatment!



What are your cheapalicious go-to skincare products?  Do you use any of the products above?

*all products listed are from Drugstore.com*

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

The Kors Michael Kors "Flora" cork patent pumps are now on sale for $117.50 (down from $235) at Jildor.  Is $117.50 still too rich for your blood?  Charlotte Russe has a cheapalicious alternative for less than $26.   

Cheapalicious deals 3-15-11

• Loehmann's:  15% off any single item.  Valid 3/16- 3/20/11
• 7 For All Mankind:  Free shipping on men's and women's denim.  Coupon code: FREESHIP311.  Expires 3-20-11
• Banana Republic:  25% off your purchase.  Coupon code: BR25MAR.  Expires 3-16-11
• One Stop Plus:  20% off all swimwear.  Coupon code: OSPGOSWIM.  Expires 3-20-11
• Sally Beauty:  2 for $10 China Glaze Sale at SallyBeauty.com!  Expiration unknown
• Ann Taylor Loft:  Take an additional 30% off sale styles.  No coupon code needed.  Expires 3-20-11
• The Limited:  Suiting Event- take 40% off all pants, skirts, and jackets.  Expires 3-20-11

Designer way vs. Cheapalicious way

Christian Louboutin's "Madame Butterfly" platform pumps retail for $1195 (ouch!) at Saks.  Although the material of the "FAAME" pump from Steve Madden is satin, you still get the look of the Louboutins for a whole lot less!

Cheapalicious Links of the Week

photo credit: Nouveau Cheap

• My new fave exfoliator, thanks to Nouveau Cheap!
• Living Fly on a Dime showcases thrift and vintage vloggers you should know.
• Would YOU try neon hair?  I'll leave that one to the teeny boppers...
• The Fashionable Housewife suggests five beauty trends you should try this spring.
• BB showcases the spring offerings from Forever 21

Have a wonderful weekend!