The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (aka. Christmas in July!)

It's the most wonderful (shopping) season of them all… the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us.  And if any one knows how to have a sale… It's Nordie's.  They take the hottest pieces from the best designers for the upcoming season (yes, you read that right the UPCOMING season) and seriously slash prices on covet worthy pieces left and right.

The newest Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs bags!?!? On sale.  The boots you crave for fall?!?! On sale. Your most favorite designer jeans?!?! Yep, on sale too.  You get the picture.  It's the one sale not to miss all year.  In my opinion it's the best time to buy investment pieces like bags, jewelry, shoes and jeans.  But other awesome items like beauty sets and accessories and outerwear are all on sale too.

Bottom line: don't miss this sale!  Here are a few of the pieces I have my eye on… I think you will like them too.

1. marc jacobs purse 2. scarf 3. cape (love!) 4. boots (dying.) 5. marc jacobs "daisy" set 6. black flats 7. ankle strap leopard print flats 8. jo malone beauty set 9. two tone leather jacket 10. joe's jeans skinny jeans 11. rebecca minkoff m.a.c. clutch 12. house of harlow earrings 13. sam edelman ankle boots

Happy Friday...

Just popping in quick... how cute is this top?



It's at Charlotte Russe right now for only $24... and most of their tops are buy one get one 50% OFF! What a great way to start the weekend!

sale alert!

If you LOVED the Lands End Canvas Jacket I wore... here, here, here and here.

Then you will LOVE that it is now on sale!

Lands End Canvas Peacoat, was $79.50... now $42.99

TOMS Memorial Day Sale!

TOMS is offering a great promo for Memorial Day - yea! Memorial Day Special! Save $5 On Any Purchase From TOMS Using Coupon Code: MEMORIAL. Offer valid 5/1/10 to 6/6/10

Watch this video and try a) not to cry (I cried like a baby and then watched it again, the joy on these kids' faces - priceless!) and b) try not to buy a pair or four on the spot!


I love these...


these...


these...


these little boy ones...


And these adorable pink ones for girls.

jcrew summer sale.

I'm obsessed with JCrew lately. I admit it. I admit it's also slightly un-original at this point because everyone else is too. But I can't help it.

Their summer sale is ON right now... and if you know how these things go, you know the early bird gets the worm. Here's what I'm dreaming of snatching up...













Happy Memorial Weekend! I'll post more sales if I hear of them... (what is it about American holidays and sales?)

new current look up...

check out the sidebar for the new current "good life for less" look. This look is all about mixing bold colors - because color is king this spring! I am LOVING the handbag especially!

What looks are you loving on this spring!?!?

let the swooning begin...

I don't know why I even step foot in Nordstrom Rack... there is just WAY too much good stuff there! Recently I did go with a solid purpose, but was foiled. I was shopping for some shoes for my little girl, big surprise I didn't find any...

But I did find some fab stuff for me! This is only a glimpse... there was seriously SO MUCH GOOD STUFF!

This is a bad picture... but I found more Tory Burch goodness.  These awesome heels were priced at $169.99.  Sweet shoes - a little out of my price range for two reasons:  I have black pumps with gold accents already and I was going to find $20 shoes for my little gal.  Rats.

This little number was KEEEEY-UTE!  oh, and did I mention it is Marc by Marc Jacobs at the incredible Nordstrom Rack price of $139.99 (I don't know what the orig price was) and then marked 50% off of that!  I am still sad I didn't snag it!  It was so cute and swingy!  Maybe it will still be there... 

Oh well, budgets are a you-know-what!  Plus, I need spring and summer clothes and neither of these really fit in that category. 

handbaggin' it.

I love handbags, purses, satchels... whatever you will. And I tend to like the expensive brands A LOT. I am not even ashamed to say.

I'm not soon to get over my love of expensive handbags and why should I at mark-downs like this!? Check them out for yourself!

Gustto Parina Bag, $193.50 (from - an offensive - $645)

More Gustto...

(click on pic for shopping details)

Lanvin Duffle $500 (from - a ridiculous - $2,130) Likely still out of my price range, but still. LOVE.

More Lanvin...

Kooba Zip Clutch, $25.50 (from $85)

More Kooba...

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Miss Marc Goes Green Earth Shopper, $38.40 (from $128)

More Marc by Marc Jacobs...

hold on to your wallets, ladies!

It's going to be another bang-em-up week at Gilt Group. And as much as I love (and hate) to report that... I do feel obligated. Because seriously people. The deals are too good to pass up! Here are two sales I will be at for sure:

Today (starting at noon) is Marc by Marc Jacobs Accessories (so you know where I will be at, ahem, noon or so)


And then on Friday - and this is NOT to be missed - is Seven for all Mankind for MEN AND WOMEN! Last time they did "sevens" the prices started at $99 and they had some great selection. But listen close - get there on time (noon sharp - EST) otherwise you will be waitlisted. I was, but then eventually got the pair I had my eye on - don't be put off by the waitlist, just get there early and KNOW your size!


I have bought from Gilt Group a handful of times now and I do have to say - everything is just as described, their return policy is generous (the fact they even have one is generous!), the shipping is fast and the presentation is high-class. You will not be disappointed by a purchase from Gilt Group!

In case you have never visited... here is your personal invitation, when you sign up you will get email reminders about upcoming sales as well! Or leave me a comment or an email if you have questions about how it all works... happy shopping! (and saving!)

February Finds... 26!

This spring I am so craving clutches. Everywhere I turn I want to buy this one or that one! Maybe because they are so much less money than handbags...

This one I am totally loving. Blue is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, not sure exactly why - but it could just be the ruffles on this little cutie pulling me in! Plus, right now is is marked down to $29.99 (from $48.00). Sweet!




Chinese Laundry Ruffle Clutch - Navy

speaking of classics...

I must, just MUST buy a white blazer/jacket this spring. This one from JCrew is fabulous... I love the unique, yet timeless, cut. Perhaps a bit more than I would like to spend at $98 (from $148)... but still. It's the best one I have found so far...

Don't you just love the classic lines of the jacket juxtaposed to the trendy distressed denim it is paired with? I have a one track mind today...

trend theory...

for the most part, my closet is full of what are for the most part solid classics. blazers in black, brown and khaki. high end denim in straight, boot and wide leg cuts. sweaters in various styles made of quality materials in brown, black and grey. these staples are essential for all wardrobes and often I find that the best of my classics stand the test of time. when you have a blazer that still "works" five years later, you know you made a great purchase to start.

but of course there has to be some fun in there some where right? for me, that is when the trends enter... I prefer to buy trendy items tops, accessories, funky bottoms and on occasion, a trendy shoe - all on the cheap. this is my trend theory. that's why places like forever 21, old navy, etc (mall stores!) are my go-to places to shop!

so use stores that are on the trendy side to add spice to your wardrobe on a dime.

take these jeans for instance: I've been eyeing a similar pair in the "pricey" range... but at $24.95, I think I'll be taking this trend home on the cheap first.


How do you balance trend and classic in your wardrobe?

gifts for him...

Gilt Groupe has some really great sales coming up... perfect for the man in your life for Valentine's!

Check it out using THIS link!

Earnest Sewn Mens: SALE GOING ON NOW!


Jack Spade: TUESDAY, 2/10, Starts @ noon


John Varvatos Shoes & Accessories: THURSDAY, 2/12, Starts @ noon


Theory Mens: FRIDAY, 2/13, Starts @ noon

hurry... ends soon!

This awesome deal from Origins.com ends Sunday, February 8, 2009.


It's a great time to try some of these amazing products to freshen up your winter skin!





Try 6 of Origins favorites for Free with any order through Feb. 8th. Plus receive Free Standard Shipping with any $75 order.

Boden Love.

You know I love me some Boden... nothing like some simple, chic, European clothing. Love, love, love.

Good thing for you the folks over at Boden love my readers too... here's a little special for you all! And then of course, just a couple little things to tempt you. Use the link below for more details on the special! Then spread the love of course.



While the weather continues to stays cool, you can warm your hearts with our very special February promotion at Boden! The Good Life for Less readers can get $10 off when they make a purchase of $120 or more, $15 off $150 or more, or
$25 off $200 or more!

I'm addicted to blazers lately... and this one keeps me on the junkie path for sure. And with that ruffle top underneath. Shut up it's so cute.
Cord Blazer


Loving this easy-breezy top...
Zanzibar Top


This cardigan/scarf combo has me drooling, seriously. How do Europeans do it so effortlessly?
Merino Crew Neck Cardigan