TheRealReal.com

I know it's been awhile but here we go again....

My obsession with TheRealReal.com is very real.  For those of you who are not familiar therealreal.com is an online luxury consignment shop.  You can find everything from high end bags to separates from contemporary designers.  In my head, I picture that these clothes were just sadly hanging in some rich fashionista’s closet and that I’m rescuing them from a life of neglect.  (Yes, I know I am insane).  Therealreal.com frequently send out discounts to their email distribution list for 10 to 20% off, so sign up now and keep your eye’s peeled!  My first purchase on this site was my first pair of the highly coveted J Brand skinny jeans.  I know what you’re thinking, really, you’re buying used jeans online?  And yes I did.. Therealreal.com checks out the inventory and certifies it’s in good condition and also sends you an authentication card along with the item.  And I must say, for 50 bucks I am very satisfied, and I am already on the lookout for my next pair on the site.  Next on the agenda, a new pair of sunglasses. 
http://www.therealreal.com/?sid=dbrehn

New Years Resolutions

Another New Years, Another Broken Resolution.  Not this year!  With 2012 upon us why not try and stick to them this year!?  One of my New year’s resolutions is to save more money. A great tool I have recently started using to help make this goal more attainable is mint.com.  Mint.com lets you import information from checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, your credit score and other investments and lets you create a budget.  It categorizes all of your transactions and lets you know on a monthly basis where you can cutback.  For each category, it gives you a budget and you can check back throughout the month and think to yourself… “Hmm maybe you I should spend less money on alcohol or shopping” (wishful thinking I’m sure).  It gives you graphs and charts showing you from month to month how you have improved and tips to save more!  It all sounds so simple, but when you look at the cold hard data it compiles, I was honestly shocked at the amount of money I spent shopping the last couple months!  You can also add in customized goals (ie. Save for Luxurious Vacay or Save for Vera Wang Wedding Dress) that lets you track how much money you have contributed and how close you are to your goal.   Who knows?  Maybe this time next year you will have achieved some of your goals, instead setting the same old resolutions for 2013 so that you can reach for a new and exciting goal instead!

Wishing you all a happy, sexy and fun new year!  Happy Saving!

Holiday Hangover

Like many of you, I am suffering from a holiday hangover.. well my bank account that is.  After shelling out tons of money all season long for parties, family and friends gifts and obviously glam holiday attire to wear at all of those holiday parties, you may be thinking you might have to hibernate all winter long to recoup the lost funds.  Well if you happen to receive gift cards to stores or resturants that you could really live without, why not trade them in for cash for the things you really want!  Use websites like plasticjungle.com or giftcards.com to either trade for new cards or sell at a discount for cash.  The more popular the store, the more cash you will get for the card.  Also, something to think about for future gift giving.  If you know you will likely need to buy gift cards for upcoming holidays over the next yea,r why not keep your eye out for gift cards at a discount for future gifts!

Stila Steal!

Great deal this week on Hautelook.com for Stila Cosmetics!  Up to 50% on some of their most popular products.  Could be a great holiday gift for your favorite glam girl! My favorite item featured is the Prime Color Set which are neutral, flattering shades that can be used as eye shadow, highlight, lip color, cheek color or bronzer!  Look like a bronzed beuty for only 10 bucks!    This deal goes through Friday!

http://www.hautelook.com/events#all

To use this site you will have to sign up for an account, which is free and much like many of the online luxury flash sale sites.  You will receive daily emails alerting you to future sales.  I personally have an email that I send all of these types of emails to, so that if I don't feel like sifting through all the junk email I don't have to.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale this site is also currently featuring Diane Von Furstenberg with clothes, purses, sunglasses and shoes ranging from 40 to 300 dollars. 

The Pantyhose Predictament

Just because the temps are dropping as we approach winter, doesn’t mean you still can’t sizzle.  One of the major issues with winter wear here in the New England is sometimes it’s a little too chilly to sport those adorable minis.  In comes nylons and tights.  It seems to me that “pantyhose” are making a comeback.  Kate Middleton rarely shows a bare leg, so I guess if they are good enough for a Duchess, they are good enough for me.  Nylons specifically are definitely a splurge item.  You don’t want to cheap out and get the drug store versions.  They are cheap for a reason, they run and tear like crazy, they are rough to the touch, have inconsistent texture and they really don’t much for your figure (not to mention those awful elastic bands almost seem like an ab workout!)  If you are planning on buying some new nylons for the season, I would definitely recommend upgrading to a designer brand.  Yes they are ridiculously overpriced in department stores, but they are so soft, flattering and give the illusion that you may have recently spent a holiday in the Tropics.   My recommendation brands are DKNY and Calvin Klein.  I recently bought a pair of CK sheers at Filenes Basement for 4 bucks!  Definitely dig around TJMaxx, Marshalls and whatever is remaining in Filenes Basement since it’s liquidation sale started.    It’s not worth spending 30 bucks a pop for nylons, but if you continuously have your eyes peeled for a new pair you can stock up as your encounter them.

As for opaque and textured tights, you don’t need to spend a fortune.  You can get Hue tights (a popular brand known for decent quality, great style and fit) at Filenes Basement and Marshalls.  Also, many retail chains sell opaque tights pretty cheap for around 15 dollars, but I recently bought a pair for 8 dollars, 40% off at Ann Taylor Loft.

If you really need a pair in jiff, why not go bare legged and wear leggings for your commute and strip down when you arrive!

Winter Fashion is Upon Us!

We all know some trends come and go… but there are some looks that are going to last forever!  As you start thinking about all the amazing winter clothes you want to stalk up on this year, maybe you should consider prioritizing.  This fall I have spent a pretty significant amount of time perusing the internet and the stores for the hottest looks.  I compiled a list of my must haves and then divided it into three sections MUST HAVE, REALLY WANT, Passing Trend!  After deciding where each of the items falls I broke them down  by how much I am willing to spend on each.  This lets me know that it’s alright to spend 100 bucks on a solid trench coat, because it will be in rotation for many years to come.  Especially If I buy a version that is super classic, not at all cutesy/trendy.  Though fur vests are super cute… Im not really willing to spend more than 30 bucks on it.. because really… how often can I wear that!?  And who knows if I would even want to wear it next year!  So here’s your task:  do some research… find the things you love and budget for them.. and then leave a little wiggle room for the passing trends… because even though you love them now… god knows they will probably go with the wind (do you remember gaucho pants!?)

Grouponmania!

Are you obsessed with the Groupon phenomenon as much as I am, but maybe overwhelmed with the amount of different groupon like sites and the daily emails?  I am going to weed through the massive amounts of coupons galore and bring to your attention the deal of the week!  Never miss the gotta have deals again!

Check out the Gotta Have Groupons Pages to see what deals are featured this week!