30% off at Old Navy

This weekend only, you can take 30% off these select spring styles at Old Navy when you shop online and enter code ONBIG30 at checkout.

My picks?

This blue plaid linen pintuck-front cami ... totally adorable


This peep toe oxford / sandal hybrid -- reminds me of something I'd see worn by a chic woman riding her bike on The Sartorialist


These mixed metallic bangles ... they have the perfect chill summer vibe

(Images courtesy of Old Navy)

Style for Students

I can remember when I was graduating college ... it will be 6 years ago this May 23rd. And I had NOTHING that would have been appropriate for a working woman. Luckily my mom was nice enough (because she kicks ass) to take me out and buy me some work-appropriate clothes forinterviewing, and ultimately, clothes for when I began working full-time.

And now that I am a college professor, too, and many of my students will be graduating in just a few short weeks, I know that they'll be in desperate need of professional clothes just like I was.

Well, Ann Taylor is offering 30% off everything this weekend to students who will be graduating soon and need to get a work wardrobe stat.

Simply print out this coupon and bring it to Ann Taylor with your school ID. Offer is only valid in stores, and it ends May 2nd.

(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)

Half-off at NY and Company

EVERYTHING (yes, everything in the store) is 50% off at New York & Company right now ... through Sunday! Offer is also available online.

LOFT's in-store sale is on sale

Right now, everything on the sale racks in LOFT stores is an extra 50% off the sale price... and they've added new markdowns. Offer is good in stores only and for a limited time.

Blogging and the FTC

I just saw this article on Twitter and felt compelled to mention something...

I hope you already assumed this about me, but I want you to know that if I ever receive something to test out and review on this blog, I will absolutely positively disclose that information, and will be 100% honest and fair in my review. If I blog about any brand, store, item, or sale on here, it's because I personally love it and want to spread the love with my readers.

I am truly a recessionista at heart, and really just love sharing info about affordable style through this creative outlet. I do not get paid by anyone to blog, and I don't even have advertisements on this blog as you can see by the practically bare sidebars. And if that EVER changes, you'll be the first to know all the deets.

Anyway, hope you're enjoying the blog!

20% off at Gap today only ...

Today only, you can get 20% off your online purchase at Gap. Just enter code GAPSAVEBIG at checkout. Once April 28-29 comes along, that offer drops to 15% ... and on April 30th, that offer drops to a measly 10% off.

By the way, are you noticing a pattern here?

Extra 20% off J. Crew sale

J. Crew is taking an extra 20% off their sale stuff from now through April 30th. Offer is valid online only when you enter code EXTRA20 at checkout.

And if you're really in the mood for some shopping, you also get free shipping on orders of $150 or more :)

Banana Republic's two day sale

Banana Republic is having a sale for the next two days -- Until midnight tonight, you can take 30% off your online only order when you enter code BRSPECIAL at checkout.

Tomorrow, that offer drops to 25% off... so hurry.

(And there's free shipping when you spend $100 or more)

30% off tees and tanks at LOFT; Ann Taylor is on sale, too

Ann Taylor and LOFT are seriously keeping their sale vibe going --- Full-priced tees and tanks are 30% off at LOFT right now & for a limited time ... no code or coupon necessary, and this is available both in stores and online. One of my many pick would be the Voile Ruffle Corsage Tee, which I already have in Blue Indigo.

(Image courtesy of LOFT)

The similar Voile Ruffle Tee (hold the corsage) in Blue Depths is equally covetable. Also, their sale stuff is an extra 40% off right now, also both in stores and online for a limited time, when you enter code SALE40 at checkout.

And over at Ann Taylor, they've added new styles to their sale, with discounts of up to 50% off.

(Oh and PS -- If you're shopping online at LOFT, there's free shipping on orders of $125 or more through Tuesday. No code necessary.)

Don't forget . . .

... today is the last day for Ann Taylor and LOFT Friends & Family ... enjoy!

Zac Posen for Target ... to buy or not to buy

After looking at all of the images of the collection, and pining over them via "pretend shopping" (does anyone else ever do this? Fill your online shopping cart with items and then not purchase them? No, just me?! Anybody? Bueller? Okay FINE I guess I'm the only one who does that :)

I have these two dresses sitting in my online shopping cart on the Target web site right now -- the Snap Tape Blue Dress and the Chambray Dress ... but I can't bring myself to complete the transaction.

(Images courtesy of Target)

You see, I've got this wedding I'm trying to pay for, and part of me knows that at this very moment, I don't absolutely need two more dresses to add to my collection. Even if they are cute. Really, really cute. Shit.

30% off shorts at the Gap

Gap is taking 30% off all shorts, both online and in stores, for a limited time. No code or coupon necessary.

Sunny looks from Lands' End

Lands' End wants to add a little sunshine to your weekend, so they're offering 20% off all full-priced styles from now until Monday night. This offer is good both in stores and on line when you enter code TWENTY and pin 2283 at checkout.

Here's a look at some of their new arrivals ---

I love the retro look of this swimsuit ... so chic and figure flattering. And this one is proof that you don't necessarily have to show a lot of skin to be sexy.


This ruffle tank is such a great basic to have around during the summer -- you can easily pair it with a jacket or a cardigan ... and I'll bet it looks just as good with jeans as it does with a skirt.


If you're someone who "weekends" somewhere, then I imagine this nautically-inclined tote would come in handy big time.

(Images courtesy of Lands' End)

Three is a magic number, yes it is.

Following Preppy In The City's orders (she did tag everyone, after all) and filling out this fun little survey for your Wednesday morning ...

1. Three names I go by ...
-Alison
-Titi Ali
-Two Step (bonus points if you know where this reference comes from)

2. Three places I have lived ...
-Whitestone, NY (born & raised)
-Goshen, NY (raised some more)
-Pleasantville, NY (attended college)

3. Three of my idols ...
-My parents

4. Three things I like to look at ...
-The city skyline (from Queens)
-The village of Goshen
-My fiance laughing

5. Three of the most favorite places I've been ...
-Hotel El Convento in San Juan, PR
-St. Julien in Boulder, CO

6. Three of my proudest accomplishments ...
-Becoming a college professor
-Saving puppies and kittens at work
-Being an aunt

7. Three things I love to eat ...

8. Three things I want to do someday ...
-Finally see Italy
-Have girls' night out with my nieces (when they're much older)
-Travel with my future husband

9. Three things I am looking forward to this year ...
-Fall
-Seeing my long-distance friends
-Getting married!

Forever 26

Forever 21 is actually 26 today ... she looks so great for her age, doesn't she?

They have an interesting deal going on today ... every 21 minutes, a customer will receive an e-gift certificate w/ amounts starting at $5 ... and at some point today, someone will receive a $500 e-gift certificate.

That's a lot of costume jewelry to play dress up with.

Ann Taylor & LOFT Friends & Family

So excited about Friends & Family going on at both Ann Taylor & LOFT!

Here's the printable coupon ... get 30% off from now until Sunday ... and the coupon can be used more than once at either store ... enjoy!

If you're shopping online, then just use code FBFRIENDS at checkout. Plus you automatically get free shipping on an order of $100 or more.


LOFT is having a giveaway

LOFT is having a great giveaway on their new blog live.love.LOFT. (which I previously told you about) --- click here to read up on it where you can enter to win a $500 gift card to LOFT.

All you have to do is go check out the daily looks that Jessica Schroeder from What I Wore posts each day to the LOFT blog ... which honestly are just great ideas for outfits .... case in point this mix of a vintage dress with new accessories--

(Image courtesy of LOFT and What I Wore)

This is a super sweet giveaway and I would LOVE to win this, esp. so I could buy some honeymoon clothes with it :)

LOFT's a Beach

LOFT has just introduced a line of swimwear and accessories ... and, surprise surprise -- the stuff is completely adorable.



The Shoe Club at Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is offering free shipping on all shoe orders this weekend ... simply enter code SHOECLUB at checkout. Offer ends at midnight on April 19th, so hurry.

Banana Republic offers a tax refund

In celebration of tax day, Banana Republic is offering some tax relief ... They're taking 25% off all full-priced items, both in stores and online when you enter code TAXBREAK25 at checkout.

Hurry though, because the discount is good for 4 days only ... it ends April 18th.

Free Shipping today at Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is offering free shipping on all orders, for today only -- simply enter code BREAK2010 at checkout

An extra 25 percent off Ann Taylor sale

Ann Taylor is taking an extra 25% off their sale items both in stores and online when you enter code SALE25 at checkout.

My style icon

LIFE.com has an incredible collection of photographs of Audrey Hepburn up right now, and looking at it just solidifies it for me -- she is absolutely one of my style icons.

Who are yours?

(Image courtesy of LIFE.com)

Gap's sale is on sale

Gap is taking an extra 25% off their sale items for the next two days only when you enter code SALE25 at checkout. Offer is available online only, ends April 14th.

An Extra 40 percent off LOFT sale

LOFT is taking an extra 40% off their sale items for a limited time ... offer is valid when you shop in stores ( no coupon necessary, reduction is taken at checkout) or online when you enter code SALE40 at checkout.

$10 off at DSW

DSW is taking $10 off your $49 purchase again ... offer is valid online only through April 19th when DSW Rewards Members enter code APRIL at checkout.

Makeup Madness at Sephora

Are you a Beauty Insider at Sephora? If you're not already, then you should be ...

From April 12-19, Sephora is having Makeup Madness, where they will take 15% off your entire purchase, but only if you are a Beauty Insider and only if you enter code MADNESS at checkout or sign up and then print out a coupon to bring in-store.


Summer trends at Old Navy

FYI y'all ... according to Old Navy, three of the biggest trends this summer will be plaids, florals, and embellishments.

The great shoe sale at Macy's

Macy's is having a huge sale on shoes right now --
  • Buy 3 or more pairs, get 30% off
  • Buy 2 pairs, get 20% off
  • Buy one pair, get 15% off
And, with a $75 purchase, you can also get free shipping by entering code FIRSTSTEP at checkout.

Not sure if this is happening in stores, too, but it is definitely happening online. The sale is on until April 17th.

Spring sale at NY & Company

New York & Company is having their spring sale right now, with discounts of up to 70% off.

DSW has affordable sandals

DSW has a whole section of sandals under $50 .... AND a section of sandals that are even under $30. Enjoy!

Sale at Old Navy

Old Navy has some sweet discounts going on for the next few days -- but you have to shop TODAY if you want the biggest discount.

The sale goes like so ...
  • TODAY ONLY -- 20% off any Old Navy purchase of adult merchandise
  • April 8-9 -- 15% off
  • April 10 -- 10% off
... when you enter code ONSPRING at checkout. This sale is online only. Also, if you spend $75 or more, you get free shipping.

I shopped there recently and am wearing this dress today, which I must say is super comfortable.

(Image courtesy of Old Navy)

Ann Taylor's sale is on sale, too

Ann Taylor just joined the sale party its kid sister LOFT was already having ... now they're taking an extra 25% off their sale items, too. Both in stores and online when you enter code SALE25 at checkout. Offer valid for a limited time.

A new blog from LOFT

Thanks to Racked, I just found out that LOFT now has a blog. Very cool!

20% off on Gap new arrivals

For the next 4 days, Gap is taking 20% off all of their new arrivals (online only) when you enter code GAPNEW20 at checkout. Offer ends April 8th.

LOFT's sale is on sale

LOFT is offering an extra 25% off their sale items for a limited time only. No code necessary, prices as marked.

NYCR Picks from the April 2010 Magazines

The April issues of my favorite magazines were packed with so many great and affordable finds, I couldn't believe it. And since it's starting to feel like spring is finally here, I want to dig right in!

From Glamour:

I love the vintage feel of these earrings, and they're only $34!

(Image courtesy of RimiStyle)


I am not even sure how you can purchase it, but his necklace from Lydell totally reminds me of an old school rock polisher ... love it.

(Image courtesy of Lydell NYC)


From Lucky:

Not only do I love the antique look of this whistle necklace, I love that 100% of the proceeds go to children in war-torn Congo.

(Image courtesy of Falling Whistles)


I especially love that Lucky included a whole sidebar of $20 and under items from Etsy in this issue ... Etsy has become one of my favorite sites ...

These horseshoe earrings are totally adorable, handmade, and the price is right.

(Image courtesy of Trillium on Etsy)


I am totally into rope and knot styles lately, too, so I love this sailor knot bracelet.

(Image courtesy of The Vamoose on Etsy)


This venetian skirt from Talbots is so unbelievably gorgeous ... just look at the close-up.

(Image courtesy of Talbots)


The zipper detailing on this ballet flat is the perfect counterpoint to the preppy silhouette and the bow.

(Image courtesy of Jessica Simpson Collection)


I could totally see pairing this watercolor chiffon blouse with lots of different pieces that are already in my wardrobe.

(Image courtesy of Urban Outfitters)


This floral print tiered dress from Ann Taylor is such a great shade of blue, and I love the flowy layers.

Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)


From Real Simple:

This gingham poplin shirt from the new Lands' End Canvas line is another invaluable wardrobe staple ... you can use a classic shirt like this in so many different ways.

(Image courtesy of Lands' End Canvas)


It's just a simple shell, but the origami detailing on the neckline of this tank is totally gorgeous ... and very work appropriate.

(Image courtesy of Talbots)

Coming tonight . . .

... NYCR Picks from the April 2010 magazines :)

Macy's Easter sale

Macy's is having an Easter sale -- take an extra 15% off apparel (and an extra 10% off other select departments like home, jewelry, shoes, etc.) when you enter code EASTER at checkout. Exclusions apply, so check the web site for all the details. Offer ends April 4th.

DSW takes 15% off

DSW is taking 15% off any regularly priced online purchase when you enter code TAKE15 at checkout. Offer ends April 5th.