Cheapalicious Deals 2-28-12

• Express:  15% off your purchase.  Expires 3-6-12
• Payless:  15% off your purchase.  Expires 3-31-12
• Belk:  20% off regular and sale priced purchases.  Expires 3-3-12
• Bare Necessities:  25% off your purchase.  Coupon code: SPRINGSAVE25.  Expires 2-28-12
• Kmart:  15% off shoes.  Coupon code: KMARTSHOES15.  Expires 3-10-12
• Loft:  10% off full priced styles (via Facebook).  Expires 2-29-12
• Kohls:  15% off your order.  Coupon code: LEAPYR15.  Expires 2-28-12
• Wet Seal:  10% off three or more items.  Coupon code: OUTFIT0409.  Expiration unknown

Nifty under $50: "Mint" Condition

One of this coming Spring's hottest (or should I say "coolest") colors, mint green, is cropping up everywhere.  Add some cool mint to your wardrobe with these budget friendly pieces- all under $50!

• silky mint boyfriend blazer $38.99, Charlotte Russe
• bow almond toe wedge $27.90, Urban Og
• tie neck blouse $29, Lulus
• mint polka dot shorts $32.99, Ruche
• pyramid metal tip clutch $26.86, ASOS

Designer Way vs. Cheapalicious Way

The nautical trend is one of those trends that will never die.  Ever!  And I love it! I adore this Tarina Tarantino anchor ring, but for $105, I think I'll wait until it goes on sale. Or, maybe I don't have to wait for a sale after all.  Forever 21 has an almost identical version for under $5.  Score!

Cheapalicious Links of the Week

photo source: The Fashion Bomb

• Are you feeling the Spring 2012 collection from House of Dereon? [The Fashion Bomb]
• See what Heather is loving for spring/summer at Tarjay! [Clearance Couture]
• What's on my fashion radar for this spring?  Novelty prints! [The Budget Babe]
• Two looks to take a leather skirt from day to night [College Fashion]
• Mad Men style at Target [Target Addict]

Have a great weekend!

Host a budget friendly Oscars party!

Is everyone excited about  tomorrow night's Academy Awards?  Gather the girls up and throw yourselves an Oscars party!  I know this is a bit short notice, but I think you can still pull it off.  Check out money saving expert, Andrea Woroch's tips on hosting an Oscars party without putting a dent in your wallet.

1. Spread the Word
By now, most of your friends should know where the awards party is come Sunday evening. But if you've been procrastinating, a broadcast invite via Facebook is a great option to get the word out and rally your crew. For a more festive approach, check out this customized and free Oscar-themed e-vite.

2. Get Red Carpet Ready
It's not an Oscar party unless you dress to impress, so request that guests arrive in award-winning attire worthy of the red carpet. Hit up second-hand stores or discount retailers like Ross and TJMaxx for affordable evening wear or channel your inner Bjork with a stuffed animal wrapped around your body.

3. Star-worthy Snacks
Being frugal doesn't mean you have to revert to serving Ruffles. A simple shrimp cocktail is an elegant yet affordable hors d'oeuvre that is sure to tickle the taste buds of your many guests. Similarly, frozen treats like mini quiches can be bought in bulk for a savings at warehouse stores like Costco. Cheese and crackers is another quick yet delectable snack all are sure to enjoy. Don't forget to use printable grocery coupons from CouponSherpa.com or their mobile coupon app for additional in-store discounts.

4. Serve in Style
Though serving food on paper plates is practical for a party, the Oscars call for something a bit more upscale. Purchase clear plastic plates and champagne flutes from the dollar store, offered at nearly 50-percent less that other retailers. While you're there, pick up some star-shaped confetti to add a touch of bling to your serving table.

5. Create a Memorable Entrance
Give your honored guests the ultimate star treatment with a red carpet entrance. To keep it quick and cheap, pick up some inexpensive red felt from a nearby fabric store to adorn your home walkway. Add some dazzle to your decor by dangling decorative stars and white lights around your entrance and living room.

6. Designer Drinks
The official beverage of the 2012 Oscars features a botanical-infused vodka with fresh-squeezed sour mix, topped with champagne and a rose petal. You can easily mimic this signature cocktail with tart lemonade, flavored vodka and your favorite Brut champagne. For other Oscar-cocktail knockoffs, check out these recipes from Oscars.org.

7. Games
No party is complete without a fun activity, and the Oscars provide the perfect opportunity for a friendly wager. Charge a minimal entrance free to your party - think $5 - and create a pool with the collected cash. Then, have guests choose winners for select categories and whomever has the most right answers wins the pool.

8. Goody Bags
Leave the designer diamonds and exotic truffles for the celebrities and create your own goody bags on the cheap. Dollar stores are a great resource for candies and gift bags, and you can find scented candles and other indulgences at Target or Kohl's.

Nifty under $50: Striped wedges

Colorful striped wedge sandals are definitely on my radar for this coming spring.  Check out these cheapalicious finds for under $50.....

• Payless Montego Bay Club Women's Sarah Stripe Wedge $19.99 (on sale, reg. $27.99), Payless
• striped criss cross wedge $31.40, Urban Og
• Soda "Wilbur" espadrille $29, Lulus
• striped strappy wedge $23.10, Go Jane
• SHI by Journeys "Rubble" wedge $39.99, Journeys

Cheapalicious Deals 2-21-12

• H&M:  15% off one single item.  Expires 2-26-12
• Old Navy:  20% off a single item (via Facebook).  Expires 3-1-12
• Chinese Laundry: Take an extra 25% off  sale items.  Coupon code: ALIST212.  Expires 2-24-12
• Jones New York:  Select dresses $69.  Expires 2-24-12
• Kiehl's:  Free shipping on orders $35 or more.  Coupon code: FEBGIFT.  Expires 2-26-12
• GoJane:  15% off regular priced items.  Coupon code: SHOP15R.  Expires 2-23-12
• Banana Republic:  15% off shoes and handbags.  Coupon code: BRSTYLE.  Expires 2-26-12
• Victoria's Secret:  $15 off $100 or more purchase.  Coupon code: SPRING12. Expires 3-13-12

Marni for H&M launch party

Friday night in Los Angeles, the stars came out to celebrate the launch of Marni for H&M. The event was hosted by Marni’s founder and Creative Director, Consuelo Castiglioni, the Director of the Marni for H&M campaign, Sofia Coppola, and Margareta van den Bosch, H&M´s Creative Advisor. Celebrity guests include Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder,  and Milla Jovovich, just to name a few. Other guests arriving at the party dressed in Marni for H&M included Jessica Chastain, Freida Pinto and Andrea Riseborough. The collection will be available on March 8 in over 260 H&M stores worldwide.

Sofia Coppola

Jessica Chastain

Freida Pinto

Drew Barrymore

 Andrea Riseborough 

Check out video footage below from the party!


Marni at H&M: Celebrities at Los Angeles event from Barracuda Film & TV on Vimeo.

Cheapalicious Links of the Week

photo via Dime on a Dime

• Vee wants to know where the best thrift stores are in your city! [Dime on a Dime]
• 7 ways to glam up work attire [All Women Stalk]
• Celebs hit up the Marni for H&M launch party [Style and Beauty Doctor]
• Budget friendly pieces inspired by Denise Huxtable's style! Love! [What the Frock]
• Neon pieces for under $50 [The Budget Babe]

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Star Style under $200: Nicki Minaj

 Usually, I don't agree with Nicki Minaj's outfit choices (too over the top for me), but for some reason, I'm digging this dress!  I'm loving everything colorblock right now, and this dress is so "me".  I would style this dress with some opaque tights, a black blazer, and black ankle booties for the current winter temps, and pair with killer pumps for a night out on the town look when it warms up.  Anywho, check out my budget friendly re-creation of Nicki's outfit below, with finds from Forever 21, MIZ Outlet, Zappos, and Urban Og.

photo source

• colorblock mesh dress $27.80, Forever 21
• Big Buddha "Ziggy" bag $94.95, Zappos
• lace up peep toe ankle bootie $37.40, Urban Og
• rhinestone bracelet $1.49, MIZ Outlet.  Stack two of them to get Nicki's look

GRAND TOTAL= $161.64

Current Obsession: Shoulder duster earrings

Although not a new trend, long shoulder grazing earrings have been on my radar as of late.  Ever since I bought my first pair from Dots last year, and a dangling butterfly pair from MIZ Outlet, I've been wanting more to add to my earring collection.  I've been spotting tons of them at Burlington Coat Factory, so I may make a trip to go scoop up a pair.  I've been searching the web and came across a few for under $30.  Check em' out below:

1. long bead chain earrings $6, Charlotte Russe
2. half coat chain earrings $20, Topshop
3. metallic feather shoulder duster earrings $29, Arden B
4. sparkly stud and dangling bead earring set $29.90, Express
5. tiered leaf earrings $4.80, Forever 21
6. "stone age" earrings $1.99, MIZ Outlet

More options....

shoulder duster earrings

Cheapalicious Deals 2-14-12

• Rue 21:  $10 off every $30 you spend.  Valid 2/16- 2/20/12
• Ulta:  20% off any one item.  Expires 2-18-12
• Calvin Klein:  Free gift with any Eternity fragrance purchase.  Expires 2-22-12
• DJ Premium:  50% off Spring Fling Shop.  Coupon code: SPRING50.  Expires 2-16-12
• Target:  15% off women's denim (last coupon on page).  Expiration unknown
• Nautica:  Take an additional 40% off your purchase.  Coupon code: LOVE40.  Expires 2-16-12
• DKNY:  $100 off $300 or more purchase.  Coupon code: SPRING100.  Expires 

Goodwill Hunting: 50% off makes my day!

Yesterday, I've decided to drag my butt out of the house and do some thrifting.  Goodwill was having a 50% off one day sale, and since I haven't been in a couple of months, I decided to take advantage of the sale.  Here's what I bought:

top $1.50 (reg. $2.99)

skirt $2 (reg. $3.99).  I'm going to pull this out when spring rolls around.  I love the floral print!

houndstooth blazer $2 (reg. $3.99).  I'm so happy that I found this little gem! I've been searching for a houndstooth print blazer for a while.

Limited silk blazer $2.50 (reg. $4.99)

blazer $2.50 (reg. $4.99).  The color of this blazer is so pretty! The picture doesn't do it justice.  I wish I had a better camera to show you just how beautiful the color is.  This will be on heavy rotation this spring.

beaded clutch $3.50 (reg. $6.99) and multicolor clutch $2 (reg. $3.99)

closeup of beaded clutch

belts $1 each (reg. $1.99 each)

Total spent with tax= $20.14! I think I did pretty well! Goodwill need to have these one day sales more often!

I did some more thrifting today, and headed over to The Family Thrift Center.  I didn't get much out of there,  but I did find a few neat things.

top $3.99.  At first, I was hesitant about buying this top because it seems a bit too "festive" (check out the beaded snowflake), but it's one of those things that I didn't want to leave on the rack because I think it's really pretty, so I brought it home with me.

Limited tartan romper $2.99.  I fell in love with this piece as soon as I saw it on the rack, and since there are no dressing rooms in this thrift store, I took a chance on it and brought it home with me.  Unfortunately, this romper doesn't fit.  If it were a size bigger, then it would've been perfect.  Le sigh....

H&M trousers $1.50 (reg. $2.99).  Nothing special, just a pair of pants for work.  Since the sale tag colors of the day were blue, yellow, and white, I scored these pants for only $1.50.

Total spent with tax= $8.98.  

$50 shopping budget challenge update:  Between the two thrift stores, I've spent $29.12.  That leaves me with a little over $20.  Let's see how the rest of the month goes...

Designer Way vs. Cheapalicious Way

The Sam Edelman "Adena" flat retails for $149.95 at Nordstrom.  Love the look of the "Adena" flats, but not the price?  Save yourself over $100 with this cheapalicious version from Urban Og.  Only $47.20!  You can thank my Twitter bud, Holly_istic_ism, for this awesome find!  

$50 a month shopping budget challenge: Getting past the first month and $0.68 under budget!

Well, I've made it past the first month of my $50 a month shopping budget challenge, and only spent $49.32! $0.68 under budget!  Yay!  I must admit, putting myself on this tight budget has really been hard, and I thought I was going to cave and go back to my regular spending, but I think I did good.  I really need to break myself out of the "I see, I buy" habit, because there's been a LOT of things that I saw and liked, but had to control myself and walk away.

As you can see, I bought mostly accessories and shoes last month (see posts here, here, and here), and with my last few bucks, I took advantage of CVS' 75% off Milani cosmetics clearance sale a couple of weeks ago (a tube of lipstick and an eyeshadow single for less than $3, woo hoo!). This month, I'm going to concentrate on adding more pieces to  my wardrobe- mainly for work.  Also, I haven't been thrifting in a couple of months.  I've either been too tired or didn't have the time to go, but this month, I'm going to drag my butt out of the house and go.  Let's see if I can stay within my budget this month.



Did you join the challenge?  Did you stay within budget last month or did you overspend?

Cheapalicious Deals 2-7-12

Not many coupons this week.  Sorry!  Enjoy....

• Old Navy:  $15 off $75 or more purchase (via Facebook).  Expires 2-16-12
• Loehmanns:  15% off your purchase.  Coupon code: 15OFFSITE212.  Expires 2-29-12
•  Folica:  $10 off $20 or more purchase.  Coupon code: CUPID.  Expires 2-8-12
• Too Faced:  15% off your purchase.  Coupon code: VDAYLOVE12.  Expires 2-14-12
• Urban OG:  20% off pumps.  Coupon code: 20PUMPCRUSH.  Expires 2-9-12
• Dots:  $20 off $100 or more purchase.  Expires 4-15-12
• Hobby Lobby:  40% off one regular priced item.  Expires 2-11-12

Nifty under $50: Jason Wu for Target

The wait is over and the Jason Wu for Target collection has finally hit stores.  I'm loving the neutral color palette with a splash of nautical goodness thrown in.  The cute skirts and accessories are definitely on my list of things to get.  Here are a few pieces that I adore.

• Poplin dress $39.99
• tie neck tee $22.99
• pleated skirt $29.99
• blue stripe tote $39.99
• cat print scarf $19.99 (out of stock as of 8:23 AM EST)

Did you order anything or plan on getting anything from the collection?