Designer Purse-Discount Prices

HAPPY LEAP DAY!

Yesterday, I discussed how to tell the difference between an imposter and a genuine designer purse.  I have to tell you about a post I read by another blogger who talked about imposters.  She said she owns Louis Vuitton purses but refuses to wear them because there are so many imposters.  She was concerned about people thinking her purse was not the real deal.  Let me tell you, she can give those purses to me and I’ll be happy to wear them!  It doesn’t matter what other people think-it’s all about your confidence in what you’re wearing.  It’s a shame to let a good designer purse go to waste collecting dust when there are so many women who could never even think about owning a designer purse!

This post is to try and help you afford owning a designer purse.  How do you find a designer purse at discount prices?  THE OUTLET MALL!  The outlet mall is your BEST FRIEND!  Here you can get designer purses, straight from the source, at a fraction of the retail price!  I find designer purses to be a good investment, especially if you like to carry a purse for years.  The designer purses are made with extra care so they last forever.  I had someone give me a Brighton purse that they carried for several years.  It was still in beautiful condition and I carried it for several years.  When I got a new purse, I gave that purse to someone else.  They will really last forever if you take good care of them.

Let me say that some designer purses are not affordable-even at discount prices.  I have a limit of what I will spend on a purse.  The Fendi outlet is beyond my limit.  And that’s OK, because there are plenty of other designers that are in my budget and life won’t end if I never own a Fendi.  Don’t let the designer rule you-you rule the designer.  Set a budget on what you can realistically spend and STICK TO IT.  If that means no Fendi, be content with a Prada.  If that means no Prada, be content with Coach.  And don’t forget that in the end, you are what’s important-not the purse!

The Coach outlet can be found in most outlet malls.  They have FABULOUS prices!  I wish someone had told me about this sooner because I was paying the same amount of money buying non-designer purses at department stores!  There are purses to fit almost any budget.  They also have other items like shoes.  YAY, SHOES!  Click here to find a Coach outlet near you.

The Brighton Outlet is harder to find.  There aren’t many around but they also have FABULOUS prices.  The closest Brighton outlet to me is 209 miles away-but so worth the drive!  You can buy a Brighton purse for as much as 40-70% off retail prices.  Click here to find a Brighton outlet near you!

I just recently got the chance to visit my first Prada outlet.  They’re also hard to find but worth it if you’re really after a Prada.  I judge the prices to be close to 50% off retail.  Are they still expensive?  YES!  But much less expensive than paying full price.  And why would anyone want to pay full price????  Click here to find a Prada outlet near you.

As I mentioned earlier, Fendi is out of my price range…even at the outlet store!  But, if you really want a Fendi and you have the money to spend, more power to you!  Click here to find a Fendi outlet near you.

Gucci will be the last designer I mention.  I’ve been fortunate enough to buy a Gucci from an outlet store.  I really hate to be a Gucci basher but I wasn’t impressed.  I didn’t feel like the quality stood up to the name.  Maybe you’ve had a Gucci for years that you absolutely love.  If so, that’s fantastic-wish I’d had as good an experience.  If you love Gucci and would like to find an outlet near you-click here.

I hope this helps you to find a designer purse at a price you can afford.  Every woman should be able to own a designer purse-not just a select few.  I believe in spreading the love around to everyone.  Good luck in your treasure hunting and be sure to let me know if you score any great deals!  Until tomorrow…

Don’t forget-YOU CAN CONQUER THE WORLD!

Designer Vs. Imposter

Do you own a designer purse?  How about an imposter?  How do you feel about designer purses?  About imposters?  I have owned both.  Unfortunately, I never intended to own an imposter.  I just didn’t know how to tell the difference and didn’t buy the purse from a reliable source.  I was quite shocked to discover that what I thought was a genuine Coach purse was actually a fake.  I don’t want anyone else to have to go through the shock of realizing that you’ve been deceived.  This post is going to help educate you on how to spot an imposter.

Lesson 1: Do your research.  Familiarize yourself with the logo of the designer you want to purchase.  The logo is usually different on an imposter.  Some of the imposters are very good and it’s almost impossible to tell them apart.  Even when they’re very good, you can still usually find a problem with the logo.  Most designers stamp their logo on the hardware of the purse.  For example, the zipper should have a logo stamp or a buckle on the purse should be stamped with the designer’s name.  Also, designers like Louis Vuitton have a specific way the LV logo is placed on their purses.  The logo should never look sloppy or misplaced.

Example of a logo stamp

Lesson 2: Look for the trademark.  Every designer purse has some kind of trademark.  For Brighton, it’s a hanging silver heart with Brighton stamped into the heart.  For Coach, it’s the famous hangtag that looks sort of like a dog tag.  For Prada, it’s the triangle shaped logo.  Always look for these trademark items on the purse.

Prada logo

Lesson 3: Check the stitching.  An imposter will always have flaws in the stitching.  The stitching will look sloppy-not even.  The stitching on a designer purse will be very even and should never look frayed.  There should also be no gaps.  If it looks like poorly done stitching, it’s not the real thing.

Correct stitching

Lesson 4: Check the lining.  Most purses will have something in the lining that has to do with the trademark.  Prada’s lining has their logo all over it.   Brighton has a leather patch, as does Coach, inside the lining that attests to the authenticity.  If you can see the numbers on the patch, you can usually do a search on the internet and find the item.  The lining on a designer purse will always look even and well sewn.  A sure sign of an imposter is lining that has torn loose.

Lining of a Brighton purse

Lesson 5: Buy from a reliable source.  It’s always best to buy directly from the designer because that’s the only way you can be 100% certain you’re getting the real deal.  It’s fairly safe to buy from consignment or resale stores as most employees are trained to spot the imposters.  However, I’ve seen some REALLY good imposters that would fool almost anyone.  You take a risk whenever you buy from any source other than the designer.

Prada Store

I’ll have more tomorrow on how to get a designer purse for a fraction of the cost-directly from the designer!  Be watching for my post!  ALSO, be sure to check out my Street Style page for a new post!

Wardrobe Essentials: The Clutch

Is it MONDAY already!!!  Is anybody else wondering where the weekend went??  Mondays aren’t my best day…what about you?  If you agree with me, I hope I can bring a little fun into your Monday with this post!

What are the classic items that you can add to your wardrobe that will never go out of style?  What are timeless pieces that add style and class after fashion fades?  That’s right…it’s time to talk about another essential piece you should add to your wardrobe.  The clutch.  I just LOVE clutches and can’t get enough of them!  What’s that you say?  You’re afraid to add a clutch to your wardrobe because you’ll lay it down somewhere and then forget it?  Never fear…there are a lot of clutches these days that are made in the wristlet style, so they have a strap to wear around your wrist.  Problem solved!  Now you have no more excuses.

I don’t know about you but I think a woman with a clutch on a night out just looks so classy…and a little sassy!  A clutch gives the illusion that you’ve got it all together.  There are so many different styles of clutches to choose from.  Don’t assume that a clutch is just a small bag with no straps on it.  The clutch has evolved to become so many different things.  You have small, medium and large clutches-so you can easily find a size to accommodate  all of your personal items.  I also suggest taking an inventory of what you’re putting into your clutch to make sure you’re not stuffing it with unnecessary items.  Here are the items I recommend when carrying a clutch:

• Lipstick or lip gloss
• A SMALL mirror (I’ve actually seen clutches that had a small mirror inside-FABULOUS!)
• Your key to your home and/or car key (don’t carry a lot of unnecessary keys!)
• Your driver’s license and debit card/cash/credit card
• Your medical insurance card (You never know what the future holds…best to be prepared!)
• Cell phone
• Possibly a thin comb if it’s windy and you know your hair won’t survive by the time you get to where you’re going.
• One band-aid (SO embarrassing to be out and discover you’re bleeding everywhere-and kind of gross to use the restaurant napkin-just carry a band-aid and excuse yourself to the bathroom!)
• Two pain relievers (Don’t let a headache or other ache ruin your night out!)

Click on my Top 5 Steals page to see some GREAT deals on different types of clutches.  Do you have a favorite clutch?  Tell me about it in the Comments section!

Don’t forget: YOU ROCK!

Style Quote for the Day: “Elegance is a question of personality, more than one’s clothing.” Jean-Paul Gaultier

How To Be Stylish-Know Your Colors-Part 2

HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!  I just love the weekend!  What are your plans-anything exciting or just trying to catch up on some “me” time?  Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy it!

Today, I have my second tip for you on how to be colorful without looking like a circus clown.  Actually, bold, vibrant colors are very fashion forward right now.  I recently saw a woman wearing a pair of jeans that were a very bold yellow-almost a mustard color.  She said that she felt like she was making everyone nervous with her boldly colored jeans.  Most of us are uncertain about wearing such bold colors, so take a cue from nature!  Isn’t it amazing how everything in nature is created with perfect balance!  If you’ve seen a plant or flower with some amazing colors, copy them!  Incorporate those colors into your next outfit!

Let me give you some examples to enjoy!

Don’t forget: YOU HAVE NATURAL BEAUTY!

Pink Blazer

Yellow Dress

Blazer

Purple Dress

Yellow Top

Brown Jeans

How To Be Stylish-Know Your Colors Part 1

I hope you enjoyed the Know Your Body series.  I discussed the four major body types-Athletic (rectangle or square), Pear, Hourglass and Apple.  If you research the subject, there are quite a few other body types that are out there.  I feel that most people fall into one of these four categories, though.  I’m hoping you’ve gained some confidence on how to choose clothes that will flatter your figure.  Now, you’re ready to conquer the world!  Ok-maybe not-but how about conquering colors???!!!

Have you ever been out in public, noticed someone wearing a fabulously color-coordinated outfit and wondered how they managed to put that together?  Or maybe you were out in public and saw a woman wearing colors so hideous you wondered if she had any mirrors in her house?  I want to help you be the fabulously color coordinated woman.

My first suggestion to you is to get your hands on a color wheel.  Yes, I mean the same color wheel you probably learned about in elementary school.  Remember hearing the term “complementary colors?’  I bet you never thought when you were learning this in school that it could apply to something in your own life that you actually care about!  That’s right-the color wheel can help you with your wardrobe!  There are all kinds of tools on the internet that allow you to pick a color and it shows you the complementary colors.  Click here for an example.  There are also color wheel apps available for your cell/mobile phone .

Let’s say I’m out shopping and I come across a mint green top that I just love.  I wonder to myself what colors would look good with this top.  I look up the link mentioned above and choose the color mint green.  It then gives me a palette of complementary colors to work with.  For mint green, peach, burgundy and brown tones are complementary colors.  Voila-it’s that easy to be a master of color coordination!  (This will also work for putting together colors in your home.)  Tomorrow, I’ll talk about another tip to use to help you color coordinate your wardrobe.

Don’t forget: YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARY!

Mint Green Top

Peach Jeans

Mint Green Shoes

Know Your Body-Part 4

Hello to all the beautiful people reading this blog!  There is at least one person that wishes they could be you right now-so be fabulous today!

We’re continuing with the Know Your Body series.  Today, we’re looking at the Apple body shape.  Rosie O’Donnell is an example of an Apple body shape.  If you’re an Apple, you have no waist and carry most of your weight around your mid-section.  You tend to gain weight smack in your mid-section. However, you have nicely defined legs.  You want to draw attention to your legs and away from your waist.  Tops and dresses with an empire waist are great choices for you!  It’s so important for the apple body type to always wear long shirts to avoid the “muffin top” effect!  You want to wear wide legged pants and jeans to draw the eye away from trouble spots.  Capri pants with a long tunic shirt show off your legs while hiding trouble spots.  When looking for a bathing suit, try a tankini with a long flowing top.  Here are some suggestions on great clothing options at budget friendly prices-enjoy!

Don’t forget-BE FABULOUS TODAY!

Flared jeans

Empire Dress

Tunic

Know Your Body-Part 3

I hope everyone enjoyed my post on Wardrobe Essentials yesterday.  My aim for my posts is to save you money by helping you to buy smart wardrobe pieces.

NOW…it’s time to get back to my series on Knowing Your Body!  Today, I’m going to talk about the Hourglass body type.  Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson are examples of an hourglass figure.  Your bust and hips are well balanced and you have a well defined waist.  You probably gain weight in your thighs and/or belly area first.  Wear wide belts over shirts or dresses to emphasize your waist.  Remember to always keep balance with your clothing.  If you wear something flowing on top, you should wear a fitted skirt or pants.  If you wear something flowing on bottom, you should wear a fitted shirt.  (This goes for all body styles.)  Wrap style tops and belted tops look great on you.  Boot cut and straight leg pants also look great on you.  You should definitely invest in a pair of skinny jeans.  For swimsuits, make sure you wear matching colors or patterns and bottoms that cut straight across your hips.  As always, make sure you’re buying clothes that fit properly!  Here are some suggestions on clothing items for you…enjoy!

Don’t forget: YOU ARE BREATHTAKING!

Dress

Skinny Jeans

Top for Hourglass

Wardrobe Essentials-Hoop Earrings

What are the classic items that you can add to your wardrobe that will never go out of style?  What are timeless pieces that add style and class after fashion fades?  Every Monday I’ll have a suggestion for pieces that you should add to your wardrobe that have staying power.  Today, I want you to take a fresh look at hoop earrings.  Hoop earrings are a timeless piece and are never out of style.  The fashion of the hoop earring may change but it always remains a staple piece you should have in your wardrobe.  These are great when you’re in a hurry and just need some earrings to throw on as you run out the door.  Now, some of you might be thinking that the hoop earring is boring.  It’s really not-you just haven’t found the right style.  Here is a guideline on what type of hoop earrings you should wear based on the shape of your face:

Oval face: You have what might be called a “universal” face-meaning everything looks good on you.  Experiment with different hoop styles to find one you like best.

Heart face: You want to find hoops that are more of a teardrop shape and not the traditional round shape.

Square face: You want to wear large hoop earrings.  Small hoops will be lost on you due to your face shape.  Experiment with different sizes until you find a larger size you’re comfortable with.

Round face: You want to wear oblong shaped hoops.  Round hoops will emphasize the roundness of your face too much.  Oblong hoops will create needed length for your face.

See my Top 5 Steals page for examples of all of these hoop earrings at budget friendly prices!

(My Know Your Body series will return tomorrow!)

Don’t forget: YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT!

Style Quote for the Day: “Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”—Yves Saint Laurent

Know Your Body-Part 2

This post is Part 2 to my series on How to be Stylish-Know Your Body.  If you haven’t seen your body type yet…be patient…I promise I’ll get to it!  Today we’re going to cover the Pear Shape body type.  Beyonce Knowles is an example of a Pear Shape. You know you’re a Pear Shape if your hips are bigger than your bust but you have a slim waist.  The first place you gain weight is your butt and legs.  Your waist is your best physical feature so you want to wear clothes that emphasize it.   Wear tops that have a fitted waist and V or U necks.  Bright colors and bold patterns look great on you.  Look for pants that are very straight and not flared.  A-line skirts and dresses look great on you!  For bathing suits, wear a top that is ruffled or patterned and full coverage bottoms.  Boy shorts would look great on you!   Just remember that it is so important to buy clothes that fit properly.

FYI…I have a new Street Style feature on my Street Style page!  Check it out!

Don’t forget: YOU ARE  FABULOUS!

Classic dress for Pear Shape

Jeans for Pear Shape

Top for Pear Shape

How To Be Stylish-Know Your Body

Here’s your first lesson on how to be stylish-KNOW YOUR BODY.  Maybe some of you are saying, “But I don’t want to know my body.  We’re not friends.”    Well, it’s time to put the past behind you and make friends with your body.  It is what it is.  Time to move past your flaws (we ALL have them) and figure out what is your best attribute.  If you’re too critical and can’t find anything good on your body, ask a trusted friend what might be your best physical feature.  Once you figure out your best physical feature, you’ll want to emphasize that and hide your flaws.

Now, let me clarify something.  Part of being stylish is creating a little mystery about yourself.  This is a nice way of saying there is NOTHING stylish about body parts hanging out of clothing.  There is no mystery in that and therefore, no style.

To give as much detail as possible and keep this post from being impossibly long, each day I’ll feature a different body type with suggestions on what looks best on you.  Be sure to get the correct clothing size-ask the sales associate for help if you need it.  Clothes that are too small look like you’re trying too hard and can leave body parts hanging out.  Clothes that are too big make you look like you’re wearing a potato sack.

Straight/Rectangle Body Type:  Cameron Diaz and Hillary Duff have this body type.  Your hips and bust are about the same size and you have a straight waist.  Your butt is probably more flat than round.  You tend to gain weight in your torso.  Your lower legs should be your best physical feature and what you want to emphasize.  Look for tops with belted waists and tops that are full or flowing around the bust area and form fitting around the waist.  Look for pants with full or flared legs and full or layered skirts.  When buying a swimsuit, look for one with wide set straps on the top and full coverage on the bottom.

Don’t forget-YOU ARE SPECTACULAR!

Top for straight body types

Jeans for straight body type

Dress for straight body types