Anne Fontaine: The Spring Collection is on Sale

Pictured: Some beautiful items from the Anne Fontaine Spring 2010 collection.
Anne Fontaine is one of my fashion sins.  It's pricey, but oh so beautiful.  I discovered Anne Fontaine years ago on a trip to France, and I've been in love ever since.  I don't step into the stores very often, unless they are having a sale, because very serious damage can be done.  Last week I was over at South Coast

Enduring Fashion: Irene Lentz from Bullocks-Wilshire and MGM to The Closer

Pictured: An original  Irene hat and gown. This cut would be super slimming on most women and shows the designer's genius for design.
As some of my readers know, I am lover of  "Vintage Vogue." One of my particular favorites, is California designer Irene Lentz.  Looking for  "Irenes" at Vintage stores in California has become one of my epic quests.  Every now and then a beautiful Irene appears at

Two Buck Camis from Old Navy

With record heat and humidity across the US, Canada and parts of Europe, it's a good time to look for a summer staple that is cool looking, and literally helps keep you cool.  I'm talking about a Camisole.  Whether you wear it under a sheer,diaphanous light summer blouse, a vintage Victorian lawn shirt or on it's own, Camis are a wardrobe staple.  This week budget retailer Old Navy is offering a

H&M Comes to Harlem with Store Re-opening July 30

Target is not the only retailer moving to Harlem. On July 30 discount fashion retail H&M is reopening it's shop on 125th street in this historic New York neighborhood.  As is typical with H&M store openings, there will be prizes for the first customers in line. Here are all the details for my New York readers and those visiting NY.  To support the local community, the Swedish retailer is

Isabel & Ruben Toledo Arrive on Target.com Early

Once again, designer goods have arrived at Target.com in stealth mode.  Its an interesting strategy to announce availability on one date, but have the good sactually arrive online on  a different day.  This collection was scheduled for August 1. However, the Isabel & Ruben Toldeo line of swimwear, towels and cover-ups is already on sale on Target online. I posted on Target's Harlem designer's

A fashionista with recessionista heart: Lady Gaga gives away tickets to Los Angeles' Sold Out Monster Ball Concert

This is some hot breaking news about the generosity of sometime fashionista Lady Gaga.  Today, July 27th, she is giving away some concert tickets to help a cause that aids the homeless of Los Angeles County.  The tickets are offered to those who volunteer to help clean up Covenant House California. Local volunteers will donate their time today painting and cleaning parts of Covenant House

Norma Kamali for Fall at Walmart for $20.00 or less

A new collection of Norma Kamali suiting has just arrived in at Walmart.com.  If you're just out of school, or on a tight budget, but looking for an interview suit or some new separates for work, Norma has something for you.  Amazingly, the skirts, pants, vests and jackets are all $20.00 or under US. The fabuless looking ruffled shirt is not online yet, but hopefully it will be soon. Look for

Goodwill Hunting: Frugal is the new Black

Pictured: My new Lily Pulitzer trainers.  They are so comfy and only $7.99 (photo: M. Hall)
Feeling the economic blues? Lost the will to shop? It's time for a new will, the Goodwill.  Today I went behind the Orange Curtain, deep into the recesses of the Orange County (Costa Mesa & Huntington Beach) to do a little Goodwill hunting.  Clearly, not all Goodwills are created equal.  I was amazed at

In Praise of Swapping: The LA Think Thru Fashion Swap

Pictured: The swap table of accessories, jewelry and handbags at the Avalon Hotel this week. The blurry hand in motion belongs to Sarah of the Soignee Blog.  She was moving quick to get the deals! (photo: M. Hall)





Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a fashion swap meet amongst a group of Los Angeles fashionistas, stylists and bloggers.  The event was the ThinkThruFashion

Christmas in July: Target's Black Friday, deals at Sears, Kmart, Old Navy and more!

Target is launching a Black Friday sale in July! July 23 to be exact. You may have seen this on the news, Good Morning America, or the definitive source of all things Target, the Target-Addict blog, Target is hosting a Black Friday tomorrow, July 23.  Yes, a number of retailers are trying to start the Christmas and after Thanksgiving sales early, like, er in July!  So here are a few details

DKNY's New Facebook Campaign Features New York Heart & Soul, and Savings too!

Donna Karan is an American treasure. Her fashions are fantastic. The clothes are designed for comfort and amazing fit, whether you buy DKNY or Donna Karan. For those of us who are fans of her New York Heart and Soul fashions (remember her NY Fashion Week show in February), Donna has launched a new ad campaign.  The campaign is a lovely bouquet to the city of New York.  As with the Cozy video,

Betty White Style: Jerry Leigh Announces Betty White Collaboration

Betty White finally has thrown down into the fashion world with some new casual apparel.  I love it.  The latest cool celebrity in fashion is not from The Hills, The Kardashians or one of The Real Housewives Shows, it's fabuless senior style with Betty.  Jerry Leigh Apparel has just announced their partnership with actress and animal health and welfare advocate Betty White.  Yes, Jerry Leigh

The Eternal Quest for CocoLess: Vintage Chanel at RueLaLa on July 22nd

If you are a regular reader of The Recessionista, then you know, I have er, a little Chanel problem. The problem is my lust for the luxury of Chanel fashion without the luxury price tag.  Of course, Chanel did say that luxury should remain invisible, but when it depletes your bank account and leads to excess spending, it is hard to not see it.  Lately, I have been very successful picking up

The Diana Dresses Premiere at the Fashion Museum in Bath, England

 Pictured: Princess Diana, wearing a dress designed by Donald Campbell at a performance of Coppelia in New Zealand, 1983. © Getty Images.
A rare exhibit has just opened in the amazing Fashion Museum in Bath, England, The Diana Dresses. These are some of the formal gowns worn by the Princess of Wales, the most hunted woman of the modern age. I so loved Diana's style.  I was fascinated by her in

Lulu Guinness' London Bags and Jewelry Sale

Pictured: Lulu Guinness' Life is a Bed of Roses Bracelet is now on sale for $39.00 US/ £25.50 GBP

Check out these lovelies from one of my designer favorites Lulu Guinness. Who else is cool enough to have a handbag in the Victoria & Albert Museum that people are still lusting for? It's Lulu of course.  Her cute little sayings, remember, Put on Your Pearls Girls,  and designs are amazing.  And now

July 22nd: America’s Night To Repair - Choose Your Free Gift from Your Local Estée Lauder Counter

I just saw this on Estée Lauder's Facebook group and wanted to let my readers in on a good deal.  On July 22nd, in the US, from 5 pm to 9 pm,  Estée Lauder will be offering customers a free sample of their highly rated Night Repair.  I use Night Repair, and though it is pricey, my skin loves it.  I believe it contains Retinol, which  has always helped keep my skin looking youthful while

Traveling to NYC for BlogHer or Vacation? Get Double Membership Reward Points with AMEX

This special offer just came in my American Express Membership Rewards newsletter and I immediately signed up. I am a card member and a practicing Membership Rewards points compiler/hoarder.  I'm also heading to the BlogHer conference in NYC in August, so I signed up for this immediately.  From now until September 5, 2010, American Express Card members heading to the BlogHer conference,

Treesje Handbags on Sale at Billion Dollar Babes

I've been lusting for a Treesje Handbag ever since I interviewed the designer, Laura Darrah back in March at Saks in Beverly Hills. This small boutique line of handbags is designed by two Los Angeles designers, Laura Darrah and Shelia Nizzarian.  When I interviewed Laura and I learned how these two designers were able to launch their collection of bags and gain such an elite cliente. Laura

Deals from some favorite print magazines: Oprah and ELLE

Pictured: Oprah's look from O magazine's August cover, everything she is wearing is under $100. (photo courtesy of O)
Although I am a big lover of online and social media, I also take the time each week to reach some of my favorite magazines and look at the new fashions and deals.  Some of my favorites are ELLE, Oprah, People StyleWatch and of course Vogue.   This month two print magazines have

Alison Lewis Dress Sneaks into Target in Stealth Mode

Pictured: Top Secret, the Alison Lewis Target dress (photo from Target.com)
Alison Lewis is an up and coming NY designer, and creator of vintage inspired print dresses and tops.  Her label Lewis was recently selected for the CFDA's NYC Fashion Incubator program.  I've heard that items from her Lewis line retail for about $400 US.  But quelle surprise her Target dress retails for $89.99.   That is

Kohl's Back to School Savings and School Giving Program

If you haven't checked out Kohl's lately, they just stocked in some super stuff for heading back to school this fall. My ten year old niece is in love with their Candie's Ruffled tops, Mudd separates and Abbey Dawn line.  According to her, no one wears dresses to school anymore, it's just not cool.  Go figure!  She's also loving her school backpack and new Speedo swimsuit (good for swim team

Los Angeles Shopping Club Bergine offers Luxury for Less, 7/14 Deal at Agua Spa at The Mondrian

On the look out for luxury deals for less? Well, good news.  Los Angeles has a new shopping resource called Bergine that features fabuless deals.  Recent deals have included tea in Beverly Hills, facials at Sonya Dakar and dinners at Chaya Brasserie. Bergine does not charge for membership nor require an invitation to sign up. Bergine has been on my radar since it opened for business last month,

Bergdorf Goodman's Designer Sale: 60 % Off Online and In Store

For those of us still struggling with shopping addiction, and that would be me, it's time to check out the Designer Sale at Bergdorf Goodman.  Although I window shop plenty at Bergdorf when I am in NY, I don't really hit the buy button until the word sale is waived before me, like a red flag in front of a bull.  For The Recessionista, it's got to be either a sale at Bergdorf or a Membership

STELLLA!!!!! How do you spell Sale? 60% off at Stella McCartney

Pictured: My Object of Desire at the Stella McCartney Sale,  a $199.00 Tee.
So I got all excited today, because Stella McCartney is having a sale.  I love, love her clothes, so I thought this was a good chance to snap up some treasures.  Wrong.  I did better shopping Stella at the Harvey Nichols London sale two years ago.  Above is my object of desire, the stripped hibicus tee, retail price

The Latest Celebrity Designer: Isabella Rossellini for Bulgari

Italian actress Isabella Rossellini attends her Bulgari Bag Launch Cocktail Party at Boutique Bulgari on July 7, 2010 in Paris. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe)
Last week in Paris Actress and Model Isabella Rossellini became the latest celebrity to go designer.  She has lent her name and classic beauty to a line of handbags from the luxury retailer, Bulgari.  I thought Isabelli

Behind the LAScooterGirls' Tweets: One Designer's Savvy Use of Social Media

Pictured: Arlene Battshill in one of her in GoGo Gear Jackets. (photo courtesy of Arlene Battishill.)
A few weeks ago, you may remember that I interviewed designer Arlene Battishill President & CEO of ScooterGirls, Inc.  Arlene has made riding gear that is stylish and chic, as opposed to the stereotypical "motorcycle babe: look.  Beyond the innovation of her designs, and her style savvy, Arlene

Anne Taylor Loft 40% Off Weekend Sale and Anne Taylor Savings for Facebook Fans

Anne Taylor Loft just started a site wide sale for 40% off some items. Use Code FIX40 to get the savings. Definitely worth as look as is their 50% clearance sale.   As of July 12th, there are extra savings at the Loft.  Take an additional 50% off all sale styles using code SALE50. I love it when the price is right!  Also, check out the new Summer colors at Anne Taylor.com.  I have my eye on this

Beyond the Rack's iPad Giveaway: The Answer to my iPad Epic Quest?

Not only is the iPad the latest cool technology innovation, but it's also becoming a hot fashion accessory.  A whole industry is springing up around the development of the cases.  Oscar de la Renta even featured the iPad in a recent fashion show and along with his embroidered lambskin iPad clutch which retails for $290.00.
Check it out, below.  This case, plus iPads, was included in the Oscar de

Happy Birthday Ringo! Did you get any Lyric Culture Couture today? I'm giving away some for you

Pictured: Designer Hanna Schmieder shows off her Penny Lane wrap and her pink Beatle's Love Scarf.  (photo M. Hall)
If you're a Beatles fan like me, then you may know that today was Ringo Starr's 70th Birthday. I took time to send Ringo his requested birthday present of a wish for Peace & Love today at noon, and do a little Tweeting. I was so glad to see Ringo become a trending topic today on

Harlem Based Designers Coming to Target July 25

Pictured: Isabel and Ruben Toledo one-piece shoulder strap suit, $34.99 US.

Did you know that Target is opening a store in NYC in Harlem?  I don't like everything that Target does, (read some of my reviews on the recent quality of their designer collections)  but I do applaud them for putting these designers in their stores.  Has Target been talking to Bill Clinton about revitalizing Harlem? 

Sponsored Post: ELLE Magazine's Editor Picks and Cal-a-Vie Health Spa on RueLaLa July 6th

Just in case you didn't get your summer shop on over the holiday weekend, shopping club RueLaLa is hosting a special sale tomorrow with style picks from ELLE Magazine Editor Kate Davidson Hudson.  I can't say for sure if the sale will offer good values, but it maybe worth a look.  After all, it is ELLE Magazine. My spies tell me there will be lots of black & white looks, plus summer stripes on

Zac Posen on Sale at Target.com and in-store

If you're looking for the clearance on Zac Posen for Target, it's finally here. Both RackedNY and Target-Addict blogs reported that what is left of the collection is on the clearance racks at Target.  That lead me to check Target.com and sure enough, what is left is on sale online too.  Although pieces of all the Target Go Designer collections eventually hit the Target sale racks, there seems to

eBay Selling Tip: FREE to list Auction-style, any start price, June 29-July 12

One of the tools in The Recessionista's frugal fashion guide is selling on eBay.  I've talked about this before, but with a new special on free auction style listings running on eBay until July 12th, it's a good time to remind you all about this way to get value from all the stuff hanging in your closet that you are not wearing.  I frequently do a little closet cull and list items for sale on

My Cheap and Cheerful Fourth of July Lime Cilantro Chicken

Frugal Fireworks Display: Happy 4th of July to all The Recessionista's Readers!
Although I haven't been cooking much of late, I may break out and fire up the BBQ today on July 4th to celebrate.  I'll see how much inspiration I have as the holiday progresses.   When I have entertained for the Fourth, one of my favorites is an easy Lime Cilantro chicken dish that I think I got from the Bon

Sponsored Post: American Apparel on Sale at HauteLook today

I'm just chillaxing and checking the sales for the long weekend. What should my wandering eyes see, my this sale on American Apparel going on over at online shopping club HauteLook.  I'm a fan of American Apparel, for their reasonably priced, comfortable wear made right here in downtown Los Angeles.  Today's sale features summer dresses, tops and leggings for $20.00 or less.  There are some

Overcoming Diversity: Liza on HSN

Some people overcome adversity and triumph through life's peaks and valleys.  But Liza Minnelli showed her unique flair once again by overcoming diversity by appearing on HSN (Home Shopping Network.)  Yes, a well meaning caller actually commended Liza for overcoming diversity.  It can be done.  I mean really, isn't it the  raison d'être of HSN to overcome diversity?  Ever, the gracious host,

July 4th Sales: Wave the Red, White and Blue or the long green? :)

Pictured: BedHead Pajama's Promo for their July 4th Sale
The American Independence day is upon us again, with July 4th right around the corner.  For some, it's time to wave the flag, enjoy some fireworks and a bit of BBQ.  For others, it may be time to release the inner shopoholic and wave the long green at the July 4th sales.  This is the summer midpoint when retailers reduce their summer stock