Anne Taylor Loft Fall 2010 Sneak Preview and Necklace Giveaway

Pictured: My favorite Anne Taylor Loft Fall look, a chiffon top with tweed jacket. (photo M. Hall) 
Recently Anne Taylor's lower priced line Loft held a Fall Preview event for press and bloggers at LA landmark hotel, The Chateau Marmont.  The Chateau is a beautiful setting for any event and has long been a favorite of artists. It's beautiful, elegant and subdued. So were some of the Loft fashions

OMG, Cynthia Rowley Designs Diapers for Pampers!

 Pictured: The New Designer Pampers by Cynthia Rowley
Does your little bundle of joy need to look chic n' cheap? Do you want them to get used to designer labels early in life? Then good news.  Pampers has a new Diaper that they are about to start selling at Target........designed by, wait for it...Cynthia Rowley.  Above is a picture of the stylish design.  Quite understated on an infant don't you

Los Angeles Designer Lauren Elaine Introduces Black Label Swim 2010

Pictured : One of the Lauren Elaine's après-swim cover-ups in a a beautiful blue. (Photo: M. Hall)

Los Angeles designer Lauren Elaine premiered her new Black Label swim collection last night at La Vida Hollywood.  It's great to see that not all the new swimwear is premiering in Miami at Mercedes- Benz swim week. After all, Los Angeles  is the home of the Beach Boys and their "California Girls."

Clap Your Hands Here Comes Liza: Liza Will Steal the Show on HSN!

This just makes me smile, because I love Liza with a Z!  Move over TV fashion sales pretenders, show biz legend Liza Minnelli is in da house.  Whose house? Well the  House of the Home Shopping Network.  When you've got an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy there is no doubt that you can rock the House of  HSN.  Did you see Sex and the City 2? Whose Bad? Liza.  This HSN gig is going to be a

eBay's Fashion Vault will open Monday, June 28th

eBay used to be the place you went to sell of stuff you had worn a few times, or that didn't fit you anymore.  It was also a place where small business owners sold new merchandise.  But in the recession, all that is changing.  Now luxury brands sell on eBay at deep discounts.  Its all good for consumers looking for good deals. So you might want to check out the sale on Monday June 28th from the

Scooter Chic: Hop on Board with Style. An Interview with GoGo Gear's Arlene Battishill

Pictured: Arlene Battishill is literally the driving force behind GoGo Gear, She is pictured here on the bike of her dreams, her Coco Chanel.
Some of the most mod and stylish figures of the swinging 60's were influenced by motorcyle riding gear.  James Dean and Marlon Brando started the trend in the 1950s by popularizing leather riding jackets in movies, and later, fashion icons like Marianne

The Jacqueline Kennedy Collection Returns to QVC with a Chanel Classic

Pictured: Mi Amour, The QVC version of Chanel's Paperclip necklace is part of the Jacqueline Kennedy Jewelry Collection. If you don't already know this, and you love to shop, it can be extremely dangerous to be home sick and watch QVC.  Between doses of Nyquil, I had to tune into the midnight show tonight of the QVC Jacqueline Kennedy collection.  If you haven't check this out, QVC has a costume

People StyleWatch Spotlights some Celeb Styles for under $100.00

 Pictured: Actress Kate Bosworth steps out in a cheap & cheerful Little Black Dress. (Photo courtesy of People StyleWatch)
Every now and then something surprisingly tasteful and economical turns up on the red carpet. This week while browsing People StyleWatch I spotted two amazing good deals from TopShop.  Above is Kate Bosworth at an event for Tod's sporting a $65.00 (US) TopShop Little Black

Perfume Review: Liz Earle Botanical Essence Eau de Parfum No. 1 Arrives in the US

Good news for all of us who like a light, non overpowering summer scent: the Divine Liz Earle Botanical Essence Parfum No. 1 has just launched in the US.  I couldn't be happier about at long last being able to buy this outside the UK.  If you haven't heard of this scent, you definitely want to give it  a whiff.  It's divine. I haven't liked something the  much since I discovered Chanel Cristalle

Krysten Ritter: Modern Audrey Style

 Pictured: Actress Krysten Ritter in an 123 Industry vintage inspired  off-white dress 

While some blogs are all about celebrity style, and how to get the look for less, The Recessionista has never been a devotee of running after what the stars wear.  Living here in Los Angeles, I have seen many stars, and many faux pas.  You can't necessarily blame the celebs.  How many of us want to dress up

The TopShop Summer Sale is on!

Not to be outdone by Zara, TopShop has also launched their summer sale online and in store. On sale are items from Kate Moss, dresses, tops, accessories, jewelry, lingerie, coats and more.  While I think the Kate Moss stuff is overpriced, there are some other cute vintage inspired pieces you might want to check out.  (I don't see any Celia Birtwell on the sale unfortunately.) Check

Zara's Semi-Annual Sale Starts June 24th, Get Ready!

Good news for those of us looking for good deals. Zara is kicking off its semi-annual sale tomorrow, Thursday, June 24th, in all its stores across the US. This is one of only two times per year when the entire store is on sale.  The sale includes suits, dresses, shoes and bags. To check for a Zara location near you, click here.  All spring/summer clothing, shoes and accessories are on sale.

Do you share a love for free fashion? Enter the Milly Cabana Contest

I would not be fit to call myself a frugal fashionista if I did not enter contests.  I mean someone has to win, why not one of us? The lure of the free, especially when luxury goods are involved,  has a very strong appeal.  That is why I have to tell you that one of my favorite designers, Michelle Smith aka Milly is having a Cabana Contest on her Facebook page.  To enter, you just have to join

aWEARness to Clean up the Golf: Kenneth Cole and Threadless

Pictured: Kenneth Cole's Gulf Tees
Designer Kenneth Cole has been innovative in raising awareness for current issues we should all care about, like "Don't Ask Don't Tell." Now he has turned his talents to trying to help clean-up the Gulf Oil spill with his "I Clean Up Well" Tees available now on Facebook.  Props to Kenneth Cole for this timely social media campaign to his large Facebook group and

Sponsored Post: American Express Membership Rewards Points + Giveaway of a $100 Crate & Barrel Gift Card

Pictured: My June Rewards Watch eNewsletter featuring the joys of Home Rewards.
So readers, believe it or not, I have been working  feverishly on my Home Entertainment Center remodel project using American Express Rewards points.  Back in May I accepted a challenge from American Express to use 300,000 Membership Rewards points to upgrade my old Home Entertainment Center with some new state of the

English Luxury Brand Mulberry to do handbag line for Target for Oct. 2010

Pictured: The Alexa bag from Mulberry
Some of you may have already heard this news, but just in case, English Luxury handbag designer Mulberry announced  that it is partnering with Target on an October 10 2010 introduction of a limited edition capsule handbag collection, called, mmm..can you guess?  Mulberry for Target.  From the press reports , "The Target Mulberry collaboration will be

People StyleWatch Spots Cat Deeley's Vintage Inspired Jewelry for QVC

 Pictured: Cat Deeley alongside her Indian-inspired earrings. (Photo QVC; Juan Rico/Fame , courtesy of People Stylewatch.)
As an avid subscriber, I do check my PeopleStylewatch for the latest trends. I like their reports on new fashion trends laden with lots and lots of pictures.  So I was really curious this week to read the news that reality dance show host, Cat Deeley , was bringing out a low

Savings at Ann Taylor Loft this weekend

If you're shopping for some summer must haves on sale, you might want to check out Ann Taylor Loft this weekend at your local mall.  I've always liked their styles, they are feminine and classic, with savings attached as a premium.  So here's the deal, if you spend $75.00, you'll save $15.00.  You can use the coupon above in store our the code SAVE15 online.  Use it wisely!

Consumer Reports Evaluates the Best Places to Shop

Consumer Reports just published their survey of the best places to shop and I, for one, am all ears.  I frequently consult Consumer Reports before I shop to find the best quality deals, plus the best price.  Remember shoppers,  you can check Consumer Reports online.  Look for quality for price, not just sale price. Cheap is sometimes just cheap and has no value!  You want value for your money. 

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Don't forget, Father's Day is this Sunday.  Are you ready? Here's a little suggestion.  Do not give Dad a Tie.  It maybe one of the worst all time gifts ever for men.  Yes, they need them, no they don't want them as gifts.  What do I think Dads all over the world want?  Toys for Guys, or electronics and sporting event tix.  Here are a few suggestions:
New DVD Player with DVDs for viewing
Gift

The Recessionista Reviews: Kushyfoot Flats to Go, the Answer to Cruel Shoes

Pictured:  My feet saying ahahah in Kushyfoot portable flats after a tough day of standing. (Photo: M. Hall)
Above are my poor little swollen feet in their new best friend, Kushyfoot.  I was sent a sample of these  foldable  Pleather (polyurethane black ballet flats with soles of ethylen vinyl acetate)  for evaluation a while ago, but quite honestly, I didn't feel any urgent need to try these

CEW's 2010 Beauty Award Winners on Sale Online at CVS.com

Every year the CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) recognizes the best beauty products from over 500 entries.  This year, CEW selected 31 winners to honor.  The good news for savvy shoppers is that some of products are available at online at  CVS  until June 27th for 20% off (including the products featured here.) 
I am a CVS shopper, and I have a CVS Extra Care Card for extra discounts  (you can

David Beckham: Smile, Remember Your Best Fashion Accessory is Free

As the England vs US game kicked off yesterday, former England Captain and sometime Armani underwear "model" David Beckham was in good form.  Check him out above smiling and looking daper in his smashing World Cup suit with the Lions ensignia above the breast pocket.  But all that changed when Becks lost his greatest fashion accessory, and one that is absolutely free: his smile.  To quote the

Hot Tip: Jones New York Summer Fashions and Dress Sale

If you haven't checked out Jones New York lately, you definitely want to give their summer dress sale a look.
They have some dresses that remind me of Impressionist paintings with really vibrant, beautiful colors.  I've seen Lloyd Boston's Jones New York runway show twice now, and I have to tell you, the Jones New York dresses look great on a wide variety of shapes, sizes and ages.  I've been

Sponsored Post: My Home Entertainment Remodel with Membership Rewards Points Continues!

Pictured: The new Membership Rewards site makes it easy to engage in shopping without cash as a favorite pastime :)
As some of you know who read here, I have been on a challenge from American Express to use Membership Rewards points to redo/remodel my home entertainment area.  When I accepted the "Life on Points" challenge, American Express gave me $300,000 glorious Membership Reward points to

Mrs. O Does Double Duty in a $275.00 Tracy Reese dress. Yes we can!

Pictured:  Mrs. Obama steps out twice in Tracy Reese's  Indigo Shirred dress
Yesterday my favorite real-life Recessionista, Michelle Obama was spotted wearing her $275.00 Tracy Reese dress for the second time.  Oh my, the First Lady wears clothes more than once.  Stop press! :)  Definitely newsworthy.:)  The other Mrs. O, Jackie Kennedy Onassis tried to never do that.   Even further from the

The Beauty Collection Father's Day Discount Shopping

Are you ready for Father's Day?  It's just around the corner on June 20th! As Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck might say, "People Get Ready!"  I just got an offer for 15% off at the Beauty Collection to shop for Dad and I am passing it along just in case you may need it.  I blogged about the Beauty Collection (based here in LA awhile ago.)  I like the brick and mortar store and well as their online

Sponsored Post: Billion Dollar Babes Sex and the City Style Sale

This just in from The Recessionista sales radar tracking system, online shopping club Billion Dollar Babes is having a Sex and the City sale. There are two sales on the Billion Dollar Babes site today. The first sale is for one for "styles"  from the movie, i.e. sunglasses, the Cupcake Apron I highlighted last week, Cosabella lingerie and pajamas. The second sale is on promotional items like