Betsey Johnson Sales

Ok, so I’m obsessed with Betsey Johnson shoes, jewelry and handbags. Now that I got that off my chest, I need to tell you something incredibly important. If you’re shopping at the Betsey Johnson boutiques, don’t expect to get any of these items on sale. It’s once in a blue moon that you find a markdown at a Betsey boutique. However, just because Betsey doesn’t markdown, doesn’t mean that department stores can’t! That’s right, you can find Betsey jewelry and shoes on sale at Macy’s (the best place for Betsey Johnson jewelry shopping—especially when all sale items are an additional 40% off, which happens all the time). Just last month, I bought the cutest pair of Betsey pumps (originally $150) for $16.99!

I was in Nordstrom’s at Town Center today and found this Betsey Johnson 'Sweet Romance' Large Oval Stretch Bracelet and couldn’t help but share this cute item with everyone. It's currently on sale for $36.90, down from $75. This bracelet would add a vintage touch to a solid colored white or off-white dress. So elegant!

Take Out Your 2008 Calendar and Save the First Week of May for Some Serious Shopping

When the younger, part-time residents of Palm Beach fly in for the season (October – first week in May, generally) there is one place they have to hit up, Eye of the Needle. This very classy boutique is for the prepster who craves accessory and color. Everything is handpicked and unique. From tank tops to handbags, lingerie, shoes and exceptional gifts for your best girlfriends, Eye of the Needle is the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind outfits that will leave others asking, “Where did she get that?”

Like most places on the island, Eye of the Needle is completely overpriced. However, I'm here to let you in on a little secret. If you go at the right time, you will end up saving at least 70%. That time happens to be the beginning of May, right after the Kentucky Derby (the Derby is May 3, 2008). I know it’s months away, but Eye of the Needle is definitely something to look forward to—plus, if you start saving now, you can end up walking out with tons of Diane Von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Cosabella and more!

Eye of the Needle has also opened stores for Men and girls too. When you shop the sale, make sure to bring your boyfriend so you can both update your wardrobes with the hottest designer names.

Markdown Mania

Talk about discount! Loehmann’s in Boca Raton is the place to be for designer wear at a very discounted price—especially this week. On Tuesday, I went into Loehmann’s thinking I’d have to dig through the racks (my regular practice at this unorganized store) to find something that I liked. To my surprise, a new shipment had just arrived the day before and was out on the floor, in a somewhat organized fashion.

I found Michael Kors items starting at $9.99, Chinese Laundry shoes for $16.99 and Betsey Johnson accessories for $9.99. I was in heaven.

I even found a gorgeous patent leather, Michael Kors satchel for $199.99, down from $398! This beautiful purse is ideal for those traveling within the next few months and can be used as an everyday work or school bag. Gotta love Loehmann’s!

Move Over UGG

They were few and far between last year— simply because girls in Boca seemed to be stomping around in over-sized, Frankenstein-looking UGG Boots! Hopefully, the UGG bug has been squashed and those in Boca have regained their sense of style this season. For Fall 2007-2008, it’s time to jump on the Ankle-Boot Bandwagon! That’s right, stylish, patent leather or suede ankle boots are in full force. These adorable boots aren’t overly overwhelming, like knee-high boots tend to be. Ankle boots are the perfect compliment any outfit.

Because going to the mall may not fit in our daily work and school schedules, online shopping easily can! In fact, it usually takes me between 10 – 15 minutes to find something I like, pay for it and get confirmation of shipment. Easy as pie, and certainly fits into a lunch break. I’m about to share a secret that not many people know about. It’s called www.gojane.com, it’s as cheap as can be and sells quality shoes for a fraction of the price. I found this site while at the library in between classes, browsing for some new ankle boots—when they came, I was so impressed with the quality (for the buck) that I ordered three more pairs.

Take these black ankle boots for instance. They’re $22.99 and come in black, (pictured) brown and pewter. Boots like these in Nordstroms or Neiman Marcus go for $200 and up.

Kimono Dress For Less

During the Fall 2007 preview in New York, Milan and Paris, each designer introduced at least one piece, with one similar component—kimono sleeves. From form-fitting jackets to simple, solid colored dresses, these Origami-inspired kimono sleeves were an essential. Vera Wang, Derek Lam and Lyn Devon are among the many designers leading this trend in women’s wear for Fall 2007.

Lauren Conrad, rookie designer and star of MTV’s reality TV show “The Hills,” has introduced a collection of kimono dresses—perfect for work or a night on the town. In fact, this little number (pictured in burgundy) is not only stylish, it’s also very flattering on almost all body-types. It’s perfect in almost every except… it’s $145. Bummer. What’s a college girl to do?

Upon seeing Lauren Conrad’s new collection and being completely disappointed at the prices, I decided to turn to Forever 21 at the Town Center Mall. No matter what the trend, it seems as though this very economical store carries everything I’m ever looking for. No more than five minutes in the store had passed when I found a dress that was very similar to Lauren Conrad’s Kimono dress. And, it’s price tag? A pocket-smiling $22.80 (pictured in magenta). Good ole’ Forever 21, we can always count on you!

What a Steal!

Just because the winter months are approaching, doesn't mean that those in Florida have to succumbed to wearing over-sized, loosely-fitting down comforters each and everyday! Luckily, short sleeve shirts, mini-dresses and skirts are acceptable almost all year long. The advantage for us Florida girls lies within our ability to shop end of the season blow out sales-- buying super cute, super cheap, designer wear to complete our 'Florida Winter Wardrobe.'

Right now, LF Stores, located in Mizner Park is the place to be. Typically, all items in this store go anywhere from $100 - $800—not so good for the pockets of a college student. But this week, fear no more, everything is marked down 80 percent or more! Those $250 jeans you wanted last month… $48 dollars. And, that adorable Heather Shrake belt (a favorite of singer Rihanna) $18, down from $75! Plus many, many other adorable shirts and skirts, now $14- $28—some with an original price tag of a whopping $178!

Buy of the week:

This sophisticated, cropped satin-looking jacket is perfect to pair with jeans or dress up with a vintage dress. Originally $256, now $38.

View here: http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=lf&BusType=BtoC&Count1=798031032&Count2=715171456&CategoryID=213&Target=products.asp