Other than the annual discount codes for Beauty Insiders, it's pretty rare to find a substantial Sephora coupon code. So, this new limited-time-only code is kind of special. It will score you an extra 20% off the already quite good deals in the Sephora sale section.
Through January 3, 2012, use the code EXTRA at checkout to get an extra 20% off the sale section (all prices below are after coupon code). So, what can you score?
Well, there are the usual suspects -- leftover obviously-holiday gift sets from gift set happy brands like Philosophy. I say, pick up a few and pack them away until next Christmas -- no one will ever know because it's not like bath wash is going to go bad if left sealed up in a cool dark place for 12 months.
Those of you who were on Twitter last night may have caught my yearning Tweet when I ran across the gown... I want so badly to have somewhere, anywhere to wear this dress.
I'm having a serious Confessions of a Shopaholic moment. I want to be the girl in the orange floral Giambattista Valli gown. I'll wear it to so many places. People will refer to me as the girl in the floral Giambattista Valli dress. Life will be perfect.
Ok, back to reality. I'm a Silicon Valley workaholic. Aside from the occasional California-casual cocktail fundraiser or dinner out, I don't go many places where jeans are out of place. I have zero need for a $7,735.00 floor-length gown. For a brief moment, I considered it for my niece's upcoming Lake Tahoe Ritz-Carlton slope-side wedding... but, let's be real, silk chiffon and snow don't mix. Argh.
Lovelies, I leave it up to you. This delicious dress is insanely splurge-worthy. It's gorgeous, timeless, and truly perfect for a more formal winter wedding or society event. Someone has to get this and tell me how amazing it looks in person.
Before the holidays there was endless advice about setting a budget and sticking to a shopping list. Those who ignored the wisdom shared by experts will be in for a shock when credit card and bank statements arrive in the mail.
According to a Consumer Reports poll, six percent of us are still paying off holiday debts from 2010. That means any new purchases racked up over the past holiday season will inflate those interest charges and make paying down the old and new balances more difficult and expensive.
If the bottom line on your bills is looking ugly, it's time to get a financial-management makeover. Consider these tips for balancing your holiday debt:
1. Go On a No-spend Diet
Stick those credit cards in the freezer, if you have to, but do what it takes to avoid impulse shopping sprees. Better yet, give them to a trusted friend or family member for safekeeping.
2. Cut Back on Luxuries
You've had your fun during the holidays; now it's time to get serious. Cut out the restaurants, nail salon and triple shot mocha latte until the bills are under control. Of course, too strict of an economic diet is as easy to break as a weight-loss regimen. So figure in an occasional, small splurge to keep you going.
I don't think it's an overstatement to call the Urban Decay Naked2 eyeshadow palette the most highly anticipated makeup sequel in years. It's available online. It's still in stock as of this writing. Get it now, or be prepared to wait months. Seriously.
Many of you may remember that I was first introduced to the original Urban Decay Naked palette by Stiletto Jungle contributing writer Pearl while visiting with her in New York in April 2011. She dilligently led me to the violently overused sample palette in the SoHo Sephora, and pointed out the quite bare shelf where the palette once lived. She told me to order it as soon as I could find it. I followed her instruction and have been smitten ever since.
Fast forward 8 months. I'm back in New York visiting Pearl. While standing in line at the Bryant Park Starbucks on a chilly December evening I mentioned to Pearl that I'd been using the Naked palette pretty much non-stop since May. She practically convulsed as she simultaneously whipped out her iPhone and explained that the much-anticipated Naked2 palette had just debuted on the Urban Decay site (and promptly sold out). She pulled up a picture and warned me to purchase the super hot Naked 2 as soon as I could find it.
Now, almost three weeks later, the palette has quietly appeared buried deep on the Sephora site. The listing comes with a strict warning:
"This product is currently available online only and will be available in store at the end of January. This product is in extremely high demand. Accordingly, Urban Decay is producing as many as possible, as fast as they can. Please check regularly to keep up-to-date on product availability."
In case this long winded story hasn't made it clear: buy the Naked 2 palette right now, while you can. Need more reasons to buy? Check out this Sephora video comparing swatches from the original Naked and Naked2 on a range of skin tones:
Similar to the original palette, Naked2 comes with 12 ultra-neutral colors that you'll wear non-stop: Booty Call (shimmering cork), Foxy (cream bisque with matte finish), Half Baked (golden-bronze with shimmering finish), Chopper (copper shimmer with silver microglitter), Snake Bite (dark bronze shimmer with metallic base), Suspect (pale golden beige with shimmering finish), Tease (creamy pale brown with matte finish), YDK (cool bronze shimmer with metallic base), Busted (deep brown with shimmering finish), Blackout (blackest black with matte finish), Pistol (light gray-brown with shimmering finish), and Verve (oyster with shimmering finish). Additionally, you'll get a high-quality shadow/ crease brush and a pocket sized Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Naked, a pinky neutral shade. Run, don't walk...
Plaid has always been a fashion staple. You don't have to live on a farm to appreciate the patterns or wear them. However, plaid is also a tricky pattern because your ensemble can look cluttered if you wear it incorrectly.
We can all learn from the movie Clueless, because every character wore plaid correctly. Thus, it is no surprise that the movie ushered plaid into mainstream fashion, especially since the movie displayed plaid as a trendy, classic, and sophisticated pattern for upscale high school girls. Although the movie is more than ten years old and we've all graduated high school, plaid has kept its classic and preppy reputation. Furthermore, with the right accessories, plaid can be flexible. For example, I've even seen plaid worn with studs and chains, which give the ensemble a Gwen Stefani rock star look.
I found a cute Betsey Johnson plaid little blazer. It isn't something you can layer with underneath but it's a smoking hot look especially when worn with skinny jeans and boots. I love the simple design on the back with two back buckles. This is a generic plaid jacket that you could spice up by yourself with a pin on the collar.
I know, you're probably all shopped out. Even I have to admit that this is the one time of year that I kind of get sick of shopping. But, we've got to suck it up if we're going to snag the some of the best deals of the year -- the After-Christmas Sales have arrived!
Here's your no-pain guide to getting in on the best of the sales: skip the jumping from site to site and stick with these 5 can't-miss sales. They are the best of the best for grabbing hot fashion deals for yourself (or for any of those pesky winter birthdays you still need to think about). Check 'em out:
1. Rebecca Minkoff
From MABs to MAC Clutches, all of the hottest Rebecca Minkoff handbag styles are on massive mark-down from December 26 to 29... but they never last that long. Jump on over the site right away to snag deals like this 5-Zip Clutch marked down to $170.00 (from $330.00).
When I was out to lunch with my gorgeous, pregnant girlfriend, I realized how essential oversized sweaters could be for our fashion wardrobe. Whether you are pregnant or not, wearing oversized sweaters can diversify your look. For example, oversized sweaters are a great way to layer heavy clothing without looking frumpy. Furthermore, oversized sweaters can create a beautiful, flowy appearance when your outfit is tighter on the bottom half. Moreover, leggings and tight jeans look wonderful with a looser top.
This Newport News oversized hooded sweater rocks because it's unique and has cool stitching. The stitching makes this sweater stand out and gives it an edgy look. I just love this sweater, because it's casual in a funky way and versatile with its crazy twists and color. I love the way this sweater sits, because it looks comfortable, sassy, and exudes a careless look that gives it an attractive appeal. It's a grand sweater all the way around from its buttons to its stitching.
Purple has not always sat well with me. I don't know why, but I tend to gear away from it all the time. I could count the clothes that I own with any hints of purple. I don't know if I associate it with Barney, but purple never grabbed me like other bright colors such as turquoise, yellow or emerald green. Although a jewel tone purple seems to always be the lesser in my book.
I dedicate this post to my best friend Stacy, who always had a deep love for the color purple. She sheds a new light on the color because she pairs it with wonderful combinations. Stacy's help, this months Allure magazine, and the limited purple pieces in my closet have proven to me that purple isn't necessarily the lesser of the jewel tones, but it is my least exposed. In my quest to open my mind to the seasons “it” jewel tone, I found some great finds and couldn't resist sharing.
I'm a big believer in kimono dresses because they're always appropriate to wear. Whether you are at an office dinner or a friend's birthday, you're always in style but conservative enough to be around your boss. I especially like this purple kimono dress because it makes me want to get creative with accessories. I envision it with bold gold and emerald looking accents to liven up the dress to its fullest potential. Dress it down with tall, flat boots or dress it up with heeled booties.
The best posts you may have missed this week, from the web's top fashion, beauty, shopping and entertainment blogs. Are you a Web Snob? Check out this week's finds:
• Just when you thought the sales were getting good…now they’re getting great! The Top 5 ShopBop Sale Bags has mega-sale bags that you don't want to miss! At BagSnob.
More than one-third of consumers have already finished most of their holiday shopping, a figure released by the American Research Group on Monday that's particularly irritating to procrastinators. Just because you waited until the last minute, however, doesn't mean you have to pay top price for the dregs of merchandise.
In an effort to reduce their inventories further, some stores are dropping prices as Christmas approaches, so it sometimes pays to wait. Still, it's a lot more stressful and shoppers are more likely to grab the first thing they see, regardless of price. Avoid overshooting your budget by following these six tips for last-minute holiday shopping.
1. Keep Comparing Prices
Stressed shoppers will often pay whatever a retailer charges for an item just to cross it off their gift list. However, it's important to comparison shop even when you're in a hurry, which is why sites like PriceGrabber.com are so helpful this time of year. Simply enter the product name and the site locates a store near you with the lowest price. Better yet, get notified via FreePriceAlerts, a free browser download that updates you via e-mail or mobile app when your desired item drops in price.
2. Skip the Hottest Toys
The odds of finding a Nerf Vortex or a Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo rank up there with winning the lottery. Even if you could locate the object of your child's most expensive affection, stores will likely have jacked up prices as they know shoppers are desperate.
I'm a firm believer that one of the best gifts you can give anyone is the gift of comfort and coziness. Consequently, my favorite gifts to give include cashmere of all kinds (cardigans and blankets are my favorites, though), luxe body creams and shower products, and UGG house slippers.
Unlike their mid-calf, boot-shaped cousins -- you know, the ones LA girls like to wear with miniskirts for some unknown reason -- UGG Australia house slippers are clearly meant to be worn indoors, while relaxing and padding around the home. I've given UGG slippers to many people on my gifts lists over the years, both men and women. Without fail, every giftee has praised the addition of UGG slippers to their loungewear wardrobe as nothing short of brilliant.
For women, I really like the UGG Australia Dakota Slipper pictured here. It's a classic house slipper shape, but with the addition of that super comfy UGG sheepskin lining. It comes in 5 colors, of which Pewter and Tobacco are favorites, in sizes from 5 to 12. Everyone from your little sister, to your mom, to your grandma would appreciate this house shoe. Isn't it great when you find a go-to gift with that huge range of possible recipients?
When I found out that this new Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18-Piece Mini Nail Polish Set is a current best seller at the Sephora online store, I immediately got it. Really, can you think of a more fun gift for the nail color lover in your life (even if that person happens to be you)? Me neither.
This multi-color gift, which has a value of $81.00, features a nice range of Sephora by OPI nail polishes in mini size. The colors range from everyday, work-appropriate neutrals, to super glam, glittery party options. The bottles are mini-sized, which I love because, really, who ever actually uses a full bottle of nail polish before it starts to separate and get all icky? These mini sizes are really just-right sized. It's a total nail color Goldilocks moment.
At just $48.00, this set is perfectly priced for giving to your best friend or sister. It's also a great value purchase for yourself, particularly because the color range is so versatile. All of the reviewers on Sephora.com rave about what great reception this value set got as a gift, and how they wished they'd picked one up for themselves. Um, I think that means you need two.
Dorothy knew what she was doing with those sparkly red shoes. Now it's time to pick up your pair and find your way to a happening party. Although glitzy dresses and tops are still popular this time of year, this year's trend emphasizes more Cinderella-like shoes instead of sparkly dresses or skirts. Although I usually pass on sequin dresses and skirts because the fabric can be itchy, sequin shoes are non-itchy so I will definitely be sassin' around in some sparkly shoes until the end of January. Whether you think you can pull off the sparkly look is not the question. Instead, ask yourself whether you dare to put them on? Once you put them on you will have trouble taking them off.
I've found that Bloomingdale's has an incredible selection of sparkly shoes that are irresistible. My first find is Kate Spade's sling back shoes. Kate Spade must have loved the Wizard of Oz because these sling-back glittery, charming shoes are a girly pair of uber decked out blingy shoes. The bow paired with this sparkly pair gives it an extra girly flair. I think this pair is adorable and would really be the accent piece to that simple black dress. Give Dorothy a run on the yellow brick road in this golden, glitzy shoe.
Just in time for holiday parties -- all Stiletto Jungle readers MUST go out and get the Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Shimmer Dust.
It felt like love at first sight. The bottle -- in shimmery pink, beautifully shaped with an old-fashioned pump-pouf in pink -- screamed for me to come closer. I suspected it would be another fragrance, so gorgeously designed that I didn’t really care what it smelled like -- I had to have it for my bathroom counter. I was beyond tickled to discover that, in fact, it was shimmer dust. Gentle sparkles intended to add that extra glimmer of sparkly gorgeousness every girl wants to enter a holiday party with.
My first evening out with it I shimmered the area around my cheekbones and near my eyes. The effect was definitely satisfying. I admit, I felt "pretty, oh-so-pretty." I loved it even more!
A very selfish part of me wants to save this find so that only I would be the one with the shimmer, but ... momma raised me to think of others, and so ... here we are.
At under $40, with gold, pink and bronze bottles to match whatever color your room scheme is, this is a worthwhile purchase every girly-girl must make. Own the holiday party, or fun night out on the town with it. Or don’t. (I don’t mind being the only girl with this extra sparkle.)
Po Chhim is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Equal parts high-powered attorney and fashionable glamour girl, Po currently lives in Los Angeles, California, where she practices law full-time.
Just in time for the coldest of the cold winter weather, Neiman Marcus is launching a major boot sale! The boot sale opens to the regular public on Wednesday, December 14, but... there's nothing regular about Stiletto Jungle readers.
Our friends at NeimanMarcus.com have offered Stiletto Jungle readers early access to the boot sale. Starting at 1:00 p.m. Central (11:00 a.m. Pacific) on Tuesday, December 13, you can get exclusive early access to the boot sale by using this special link provided by Neiman Marcus. That means you'll get the first shot at the super sale priced boots, which are sure to go fast! The NM team was tight-lipped about which styles would be on sale, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Stuart Weitzman Over the Knee Boots pictured here make the cut.
Enjoy your early access to the sale, and be sure to stop back by and let us know which sale priced boots you scored in the comments.
→ Visit the Neiman Marcus Boot Sale (exclusive early access via this link only) at neimanmarcus.com.
Sweater dresses are a great idea for the colder seasons because they will keep you warm during the colder days, and can be a great choice for work-appropriate attire. After awhile, wearing the same pants to work makes me feel so robotic, but wearing sweater dresses to work has given me the thrill I need to break the monotony of deciding what to wear to work during the winter months.
Try pairing stockings with some sweater dresses for work. But, if this kind of ensemble is not appropriate for your workplace, then try wearing your sweater dress on a weekend with the girls and try pairing it with some thick stockings and bold bracelets. You can also get creative by wearing sweater dresses with funkier leggings or tights, which can spice up your appearance for a holiday party or a b-day dinner. If you ever get like me and stare at your random stockings and leggings and wonder when to wear them, then this is your chance to experiment and pair them with simple sweater dresses.
I love this first showcase piece. It's a simple Style & Co sweater dress that is stylish and will keep you warm. It's not the most fashion-forward, so it will rely on you to do the styling. Pair it with large dangling earrings and a bright accent piece. This sweater dress is easy to wash and easy to take on a mini trip because it's conveniently wrinkle proof and ready to wear when you are.
The Holiday Season is here and while we are hoping to spread good cheer to others, we (at least I) would like to be fashionable while doing it. However, budget constraints could leave you deciding between that getting all the gifts on your list or having great outfits for your upcoming events.
So here are two tips, I would suggest before shopping for yourself this holiday so you aren't left unable to cross off all the names on your holiday shopping list:
Consider Versatility -- if you can take the item from day to night, it will give you more options for wear. Thus, maybe eliminating the need for buying two outfits -- work lunch and after 5 affair.
Shop Wisely -- all of the stores will have big sales but that doesn't mean you have to go for the high priced stores. I know in some way we rationalize the deal we get but if you can get the same 40% off on something that is $100 less, well...that makes sense.
I recently "rediscovered" Dress Barn and was excited to find quality, in-trend and budget friendly pieces that addressed both of my points. So I headed there with Candace, the winner of a recent giveaway and found looks for under $100 that would take her from her workday straight to an evening affair. And, believe it or not, there was so much to choose from that we couldn't decided and ended up relying on Facebook votes to pick the winner.
So watch the video now to see what Candace got from Dress Barn and let us know what you thought by leaving a comment.
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Kimberly Turner, your personal style guru, is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Kimberly has an MBA from the University of Michigan and an Image Consulting Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kimberly lives in the Windy city of Chicago and is the host of FashionCents.tv.
I found some new favorite products that are worth investigating and purchasing. Whether you need these items for yourself, or you want to gift them, you won't be disappointed. Since these products are small, they make perfect and affordable stocking stuffers.
I always keep multiple brands of mascara just in case one acts up and this recent discovery is worth sharing. Benefit Cosmetics created some flirty lashes that are worth batting around town. This brand creates dramatic length and thickens lashes to create an extra va-voom effect. Your friends and coworkers will appreciate this product as a gift, and it doesn't smudge like most of my other favorite mascaras.
Bow tie blouses have been big ever since the '70s-inspired fashion craze started about a year ago. Denim everything has been big for almost as long, peaking this spring with the chambray shirt trend. The combination of these two big trends? Hey, it actually kind of works.
I recently ran across this denim bow blouse when browsing the new arrivals section at ASOS. It's a 100% cotton denim blouse with a classic indigo wash and western details, like pearlized snaps and patch pockets. The overall look is super fashion-forward -- like something you'd see right off the runway (although priced much more reasonably).
I'd wear this unique denim bow blouse with darker denim jeans for a casual look. If you are feeling more daring, try this fun shirt with corduroy trousers.
Maybe you are searching for the little treat to tie to the top of a package? Or a small, yet perfect gift to give a co-worker or acquaintance? Or maybe just some fun stocking stuffers? These finds fit all three needs just right. Culled from the depths of the bargain section at Sephora, each of these items can stand on its own as a small token of holiday cheer, or be added to a larger gift as an appetizer of sorts. The best part? Each of these designer label beauty items will set you back a mere $10 or less!
Fresh's Fresh Eyes Lash Loving Duo has a mini size of their fabulous Supernova Mascara and a mini of their Soy Face Cleanser -- my personal favorite daily cleanser, which effortlessly removes eye makeup while cleansing.
The best posts you may have missed this week, from the web's top fashion, beauty, shopping and entertainment blogs. Are you a Web Snob? Check out this week's finds:
Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Personally, I think wearing white during the winter is a great way to keep things fun and free spirited. Wearing a white or off-white blazer with dark denim and killer boots definitely brightens a potentially dreary outfit. Since bright colors and white are uplifting, what are you waiting for?
Bebe's got some hot stuff this season. I've been paying close attention to their mailers and I noticed that they are carrying more refined clothing. Although many of their sizes run inconsistently, I think their jackets are fair game. This white above the knee double belted flared coat will work perfectly as a winter overcoat. The furry collar and wrists proves that this coat has a personality of its own. Furthermore, the matching colors on the jacket and fur exude a soft and elegant look. Wear this jacket with any color and you won't have to worry about looking dull. I guarantee a sexy strut in body warmer.
