Heels.com is on Santa's Good List this Year!

I'm a member of Heels.com's affiliate program and they must have been reading my tweets and posts on iheartretail.com about last-minute shopping, because they sent me the following email yesterday:

Place your order between 6:00 PM Eastern on December 22 and 6:00 PM Eastern on December 23 and you will receive a free upgrade to overnight shipping. There is no code necessary, and no minimum order size required to receive the upgrade. Just add any item to your cart, proceed to check-out, select a delivery address within the Continental US, and relax! Your order will be delivered by December 24th, just in time!

No minimum order?! Wow!

If you're interested in taking advantage of this deal, I would really appreciate you using the following link: Free Upgrade to Free Overnight Shipping on all Domestic Orders at Heels.com! Get it by Christmas Eve!

As an affiliate, they pay me a small percentage commission on any orders that come from by blog. If you want to know more about how affiliate marketing works and how you can get involved, drop me an email at ncsulilwolf@gmail.com and I'll give ya the skinny. I plan on also doing a mini-series on my business blog soon about this topic!

Jessica Simpson Must-Haves

Shocking confession here: I heart Jessica Simpson.

Even more so, I double love these shoes:

On sale for $118.30 at Macy's. Super bumming that they don't appear to be available in the "Milk Chocolate" brown anymore, just black and grey. Shoot. :-(

These are super cute, too:

Maybe a little high at $75.00, but I would totally pick them up if they went on sale at Macy's. Also available in black.

PS: Update for Lisa S. and my mom (who asked if I was hinting at these for Christmas). As some of you may remember, I made a commitment to not purchase any leather goods anymore, because there are so many non-animal alternatives out there. Both of these shoes are leather products, so I wouldn't buy them for myself nor would I wishlist them. I'm surprised that both are actually real leather, to be honest. Many, many products now are made from vinyl or faux products, so keep an eye out for those and let me know if any look like these cute shoes. Love the style, not a fan of the raw materials. ;-)

Overstock.com Joins the Private Sale Bandwagon

Thanks to FurnitureToday.com's article on the dot com discount retailer launching its own private sale website, I now have yet another daily/weekly email list that will be filling up my commercial email inbox - and judging by the first look I just took at Eziba.com... I'm totally cool with that.



Chi flat irons, home textiles, and kitchen counter-top appliances. I think they just rolled all of my budget vices into one private sale. Eek!

Window Shopping: ZGallerie Summer Sale

ZGallerie.com (with a great sale going on right now!) is one of my favorites to "window shop" online for modern accessories and style inspiration (and they have someone super helpful running their @ZGallerie twitter account, too - they got me taken care of in less than a day when I couldn't join the email list)!


SUPER cute laptop bag - $12.39
http://www.zgallerie.com/p-9144-everglades-laptop-bag-black.aspx
(And it's faux croc - which means I can purchase it with a clean conscience!)


Cute cupcake tray! - $9.99
A fun and super affordable accessory for the entertaining gal.


Round lacquer trays - $12.39
One in each color, please!

Darn You Overstock.com Emails...

...always pointing out good deals on things I didn't even know I wanted until now!


Lou Lou Womens Contemporary Tie-back Dress
Orange, white, and yellow
$39.99

The orange looks more like salmon to me, but I'd take this dress in every color!



Lou Lou Womens Contemporary Tie-back Dress
Blue, black, and brown
$25.99

I'm not sure why the second set of colors are cheaper (unless they have less stock), but I'd take the blue in a heartbeat! I need more blue in my wardrobe... especially at that price point!

As far as the reviews go, there is one really negative on the blue and one really positive on the orange set... so take your pick. The negative review on the blue talks it being about a cheap dress, which at $26, it clearly is. So it might be a gamble, because of Overstock.com's awkward no-return policy on this item ("Non-Returnable Item Policy: This item is not returnable unless the problem you experience is the result of our error."), which is what I think upset the shopper more than anything... and she's totally justified in that.

Back to the dresses though... how cute are they for summer? Put them with a cute pair of flip flops (I'm not a fan of platform or tall heels with short dresses) and you've got yourself a winning summer outfit!

From My Email Inbox...

...a heads up on end of year savings!

Victoria's Secret

Discounts up to 65% on swim (extra 20% off lowest marked prices with coupon code "SAVESWIM")





Isabella Oliver

15-50% off - see all of the sale categories here






The Body Shop

Up to 50% off... end of year clearance starts today



New York & Company

Up to 70% off with additional 15% off coupon (sign up for emails to get printed coupon or enter code "1181" online)





Cambria Cove

Gifts up to 50% off. Since the retailer is a little - ok, a lot - high on the prices anyway, they are finally coming around to reasonable.



Express

$15.00 of purchase of $30.00 or $30.00 of $75.00 (someone please explain to me why you'd discount LESS for people who spend MORE)... use code "4583".
Get a print coupon by signing of for their emails. Bonus, free shipping for orders of $75.00+. Guess that's your extra discount. Doesn't help you in store though :-(



{All images from the retailers' websites.}

Tar-Jay

Any twitter fans out there? (I don't have to ask if there are any shopping fans out there.) Then you'll likely enjoy this: Target Daily Deals, which you can follow on twitter so you don't have to go to the site every day, unless you want to actually check out each item!

Here's the link to the Target page - http://dailydeals.target.com/.

The tagline is "One Day Only. Always Free Shipping." - lots of things to love about free shipping!

The offerings are not always (or probably even a majority) of clothing, accessories, or shoes, but a little savings on other household items never hurt anyone, either.

{Double Post} Taking Local Love to a New Level

So this whole "concept" is something that Mandy and I have been talking up for a looooong time. And I am really pumped to finally be getting it out there. It's not anywhere close to being as content-rich as it will be soon, but it's at least a start.



Right now, the biggest features are the email newsletter (bringing local style and retail directly to your inbox - but no, not like Express/Banana Republic/etc. style... I refuse to harass you all daily), Top Picks, and the feature appearances from local readers, too!

If you have a few minutes, please stop by and check it out. Today our Black Friday content is still up, so you can check out what we liked for November... but tomorrow and over the next few days, December will be making its way in.

And if you're a local shopper, or just appreciate good style, please consider joining the email list, too :-)

And YES, I really DO want YOU to send me your tips, pictures, etc. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. A lot of work, of course - but most importantly... a lot of fun.

Winter Dress Coat

I am almost always in a North Face Denali jacket (local retail is my first choice, of course), but they're just too casual for all occasions, outfits, or mood ... plus, they're not really long either.

But alas, they are a NCSU college girl staple - see the following slideshow for proof a la Hillsborough Hike 2007 with the Black North Face Mafia better known as my Pi Phi sisters & Co.


So for all of the other occasions, I have a black pea coat that I've worn for a few years. I've recently come to realize though, that even though it's made by a "petites" brand, it really swallows me up. The shoulders are too big, there is no slim through the waste, and to me... that just doesn't scream "well put together look".

So I'm on the hunt!

I usually start with just a basic "look" search. No budget, nothing. Just a look.

Banana Republic

BR lucked out with a very well-timed email!

Banana Republic Wool-Blend Pea Coat

The Wool-Blend Pea Coat in Heater Grey retails for $180.00

Banana Republic Duffle Coat

The Modern Toggle Coat in Charcoal Heather Grey retails for $198.00
















I then move to budget and finding something that fits my most important demands at a price point that I can afford with an often "Champagne Taste on a Miller High Life Budget" (as Renee calls it - because after all... Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers!)

Target

That's when those geniuses at Target sent me a weekly flyer that had some nice in-store only sales going on.

Target Mossimmo Pea Coat

Mossimo Pea Coat in several colors (purple, red, black, brown, and green) retails for $30.00 (on sale)







Now THAT looks like a good deal! At that price, I could even get a few colors (including red of course for NCSU football games). They also look to be a slimmer fit. Of course, since these are in-store only sales, I'd have to hope my local store(s) had my color and sizes, but at least I could try the jacket on before buying.

Old Navy

The BF and I then happened to walk into Old Navy last weekend looking for a white sweater for his Halloween costume (Fred from the Scooby Doo/Mystery Inc. gang).

They have a great selection, with lots of price points, but I suspect the large selection online is only carried in varying stores... I really don't remember seeing THAT many jackets there. I did try on the Tab Waist Jacket in red (I think it was the tab waist jacket).

Old Navy Tab Waist Jacket

Old Navy Tab Waist Jacket in red retails for $98.50

Old Navy Funnel-Neck Coats

Old Navy Funnel-Neck coats come in pink and black and retail for $89.50











I swear I also tried on something in a winter white at Old Navy, but can't remember which jacket it was.

Hmmm... decisions, decisions, decisions.

Sale at Fab'rik & Other Cameron Village Neighbors

One of my favorite local shops (that has lots of great style and affordable price points), is having a great sale to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cameron Village!

http://www.shopfabrikboutique.com/

(Note: The website says Atlanta, but I got it from their twitter, so hopefully they'll get their internet presence ducks in a row ASAP so it won't confuse anyone else like it did me.)

Fab'rik
2039 Cameron St
Raleigh, NC 27605-1310
(919) 833-1210


Beleza - A Fair Trade Boutique 919-832-4775
• Sale Jewelry 60% off
• Spend $60, get a $10 Gift Certificate to use on a return visit through 10/31
• Spend $120, get a $25 Gift Certificate to use on a return visit through 10/31

Francesca’s 919-829-8250
• In store Coupon, 20% off a single regular price item!
• Sale Merchandise

Coats!

I know, if you're a local reader, it's kind of absurd to mention coats already (it's still fairly consistently warm here), but if you're ready to clean out your closet... here's some great motivation from NC retailer, Great Outdoor Provision Company!



Save 20% on a jacket* when you donate a gently used one Oct 1-12, 2009.

*Excludes vests, pullovers and a few jacket styles - over 50 styles qualify for the discount!

Thanks for your support! In 2008 our customers brought in 2561 coats to be donated to local missions.
Full details online at http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/culture/wesupport/coat-swap/.


{Image: GOPC website}

Massive Sale Alert: The Body Shop Warehouse Sale

How many of you local readers knew that the global retailer The Body Shop actually has a large presence in North Raleigh (closer to Wake Forest, from what I hear)? Big thanks to Jess for forwarding me the following email!


(click to enlarge)

Even as a mark rep myself, I'm really glad to post this for a few reasons:
1 - Competition is always healthy. Keeps brands/retailers on their toes.
2 - Like mark., The Body Shop is strongly against animal testing. They also have a very impressive list of social, eco, and other amazing values. Read more here, here, and here!
3 - The local presence. The Body Shop keeps a lot of local people employed here in Raleigh.

Here's a Google Maps link, if you're interested in going!

Desperation

Wow. Can we say overkill?



(If you can't see what's ridiculous about the above image, be sure to click on it to enlarge it and take a look at the dates.)

PS - That is the exact reason I have a (email).lists@gmail.com version of my email. Because there is no reason I should have to go through that many emails, from various retailers, on a regular basis.

Heartbroken

One of my favorite local boutiques is closing up shop :-(

This will be Tough Love's last week in business, so stop in and wish them well in their future endeavors!

Also, Ashley is having a sale to clear out the store... so be sure to check out what they have and help make their move a little easier.

A few specials they're doing include:
Everyone that buys something gets a free Tough Love Support Local Tee, all clothing is half off, and already marked down items are an additional 50% OFF, denim $20, t-shirts $5, accessories $5-$12. See all the details on facebook.

Hopefully we'll see Ashley and her great, independent style in another new local venture, soon!


{Image: Tough love facebook page, via SarahDear}

Break My Heart

Dear Super Cute Pink Party Dress,

If you weren't $500, I'd be all over you.
You hear me? ALL OVER YOU!

XoXo,
Lisa


Temperley London
Tiered mini dress

Original Price: $1,255
Now: $502
60% off

*Sigh*


{Image: TheOutnet.com}

Holiday Sale at Beleza

From the Beleza email newsletter:



RED, WHITE and BLUE!
On sale and more...

We are OPEN on July 4!
From 10 am until 4 pm, the entire store is 24% off!

Come in on the 4th and mention this email to get 40% off the regular price of any item of your choice. This is a real celebration of fours! We hope to see you.
And now for the rest of the month, check out these specials:
-The Color of the Month for July is actually three colors...red or white and blue. Any jewelry with one of these colors in it is 20% off for the entire month.
-Raffia purses and beach bags are 40% off for the entire month.
-We continue to enlarge our 50% off area.

What's new in the store?
-We recently added an exciting new artist from Greensboro. Check his work here: www.theartistjay.com and come see this awesome aluminum jewelry for yourself.
=A large selection of necklaces with glass pendants is sure to catch your eye.
=Plus new shipments from our artists are arriving continually.

Don't Forget...
-We are your headquarters for custom made jewelry, a service which is growing for our customers.
-Need that necklace or bracelet repaired? We are usually able to do this very reasonably and again, we are glad to provide this for our customer.

www.shopbeleza.com
2014 Cameron Street - Cameron Village
Raleigh, NC 27605
919-832-4775

Store Hours:
Monday through Friday - 10 am until 7 pm
Saturday - 10 am until 6 pm
Sunday - 1 to 5 pm

I May Camp Out...

...to ensure I get my size (small) and colors of choice. I'm sure I've posted about these tanks before and I'm downright surprised I'm not wearing one right now.

SUCH a good deal, thanks to @ShopItToMe for sharing!

"Old Navy is offering $2 tanktops on this Saturday June 20th only! (Limit 5 per person) Apparently the $1 flip flops of the past must have been a hit, and they are moving on.

I can say that I own these too, and they are indeed the most versatile tops around. Can wear them to work out, sleep in, or with jeans or casual pants on the weekend, or even with a flouncy skirt.

A great steal!"

A Really Good Deal for Summer Skin

Lisa S. and I have both tried and loved mark's For Goodness Face Antioxidant Skin Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 as a daily moisturizer (and it's only $15.00 for the full-size supply of it), but this is also a great deal from Sephora on a kit of small sizes of sun essentials... which you can also get 8% back on when shopping through eBates.com!


Oh yeah, so back to the really good deal for summer skin. This came to email inbox this morning courtesy of my weekly eBates email... I may juat have to try it out:Sun Safety Kit
From Sephora
eBates Savings: was 4% - now 8%

Coupon: New Summer Must-Have!
Sephora Sun Safety Kit ($110 value) for $22.50.
Kit includes 13 SPF minis and 100% net profits go to The Skin Cancer Foundation.Good stuff, great price, FABULOUS cause (and a very generous donation of the entire net profits by Sephora, too).

There's more exciting news about this kit if you read the full description from the links above: the "all-in-one summertime companion comes packaged in an expandable, brightly colored beach bag made from recycled plastic". Yay!


{Images: mark and Sephora}

Greenwashing is So Last Season

I'm pretty over greenwashing - all kinds of over it, in fact.

It really bugs me that I received an email today with an Earth Day sale advertising "20% off everything green"... eco-sketchy!

20% off bags made from recycled plastics? Fabulous!
20% off soft tees made from organic cotton? OK!

20% off something "green" that was shipped from across the globe? C'mon now, it's Earth Day tomorrow... not St. Patty's (I'm not a hater though - by all means, go for it on St. Patty's day)! I don't think Mother Nature would approve.

The Nature Conservancy has a cool calculator for your carbon footprint here. It's not all encompassing, but it's a nice little "home" gauge, for how you're doing at home. I'm happy to say we're below average (wooh, hah!) and half of our consumption comes from travel, which would be hard to cut down more. I'm game to give it a try though!

Quick Raleigh Retail Update: Abbeygail's Closet

Abbeygail's Closet is a Raleigh consignment shop

"owned and operated by the Women's Center of Wake County, Inc., a nonprofit agency dedicated to assisting low-income and homeless children and their moms. Net proceeds from sales go directly to support the programs and services of the Women's Center."Back to the update - apparently they've just renovated and are now focusing on high-end and high-quality consignment only. I'm sure there are some good deals to be had on some fab finds... for a good cause.

I just received a quick email blast today that advertises:"Today and Tomorrow Only!
From 3pm-6pm today and from 10am-4pm tomorrow
buy any item of clothing and get a second item of clothing
(equal or lesser value) for half price!"It's crappy and rainy outside, but a good consignment find is worth the adventure out!