Bargain Styling

Esprit use to be my favorite clothing company. My 6th and 7th grade first day of school photos feature me decked out in head to toe Esprit. Of course, I only was allowed Esprit clothes if they were on the 75% off rack at Dillard’s. One summer, right before school, we went to visit family in Dallas and we got to go to the giant Esprit outlet. I still drool over the thought of that outlet.

The clothes were bold, fun and trendy. Most of the time they had Esprit blazoned all over them but at 12 that was the point of my clothing choices. A couple of years ago, much to my delight, they opened a store in Manhattan. I anxiously awaited the funky, bright colors that permeated my middle school life and when it finally opened I made a point to go their as soon as possible. Imagine my disappointment when I went to the store and saw a sea of black pants and monochromatic shirts. What happened? My beloved clothing line was boring.

Today I find Esprit totally mundane. Occasionally, when I find my way into the store or on their website, I find a cute piece but it tends to be accessories. This week they are having a 20% off sale if you use coupon code Labor 07. Below is a cute bag and belt that I found in the sale section. At an additional 20% off they are a definitely a bargain.

Summer is almost over. I waited so long for summer to get here and the next thing I know it is Labor Day. Fall is actually my favorite time of year but around January I long for summer. So for those of you out there who might be getting to do something fun for Labor Day weekend I have a great Labor Day outfit.

This outfit is all from New York and Company. They are having a huge Labor Day sale and many of their items are buy one get one 50% off and they have a huge summer clearance section. On top of all that they have a $25 off of $75 coupon that it is good until September 3rd.

For this particular outfit, I tried to pick items that were summery but you could extend them into fall by wearing a blazer or jacket. Also, because of the buy one get one 50% off I was able to add a cute t-shirt for $7.48.

The 42nd Street Trouser $44.95
The Fairview Collection: Bamboo Halter $9.99

City Style Shoes: Brown Suede $19.50

Bowery Slouch Hobo: $24.50
Mercer Tee:$7.48

SubTotal:$106.42
Less: $25
Total: $81.42

Sunglasses are the essential summer accessory. At one point, I had no less than 6 pairs floating around the apartment. I managed to only hold on to the one pair my eye doctor sister can’t stand. They are giant white plastic frames. I do admit that they are a little Willy Wonkaish. That would probably explain why every little kid loves them and when I wear them most of the compliments come from the under 8 crowd.

The best thing about sunglasses, besides being a great accessory, is that they promote good eye health. Research suggests that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may contribute to a variety of eye diseases. To protect your eyes most doctors recommend wearing sunglasses all year round as (UV) light is present even when the sun is not shining. To ensure maximum protection look for 100% UV block when purchasing sunglasses. Also, sunglasses are great for protecting the delicate area under and around your eyes against aging UV light.

What can be a better excuse to buy sunglasses all year round then protecting your eyes? In that case you should hit up the Forever 21 website as they have a sale going on right now on sunglasses. All sunglasses are 4 for $9. The only problem is that they do not list the UV rating. The couple of pairs that I have from F21 were 100% so I imagine at the very least they are UV 400.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

That is what I call a real bargain - a rockin’ accessory, great eye health, and an anti-aging weapon all for $4.50.

For those of you heading off to college and looking for a new laptop bag, I have the solution for you - Voltaic Systems. They have designed a solar backpack that will charge your cell phone, ipod, laptop and many other electronic accessories. So if you are in the middle of lecture and your battery dies you can plug right into your backpack.

The best part about the bags are that they are made of recycled PET a very durable fabric. The fabric only comes in black but to add a little style you can customize the solar panels covers with either silver, orange, green or charcoal. They may cost a little more than a traditional backpack but when you consider the environmental impact- they are a bargain!

Here are a few pictures of the backpack/laptop bag line:

By September 1st, two awesome Bargain Styling readers will each win a $34.99 outfit of your choice from OutFitKit.

Why You want This Prize: Each outfit comes complete with accessories including a bag and jewelry. You can choose any outfit on the site listed for $34.99. How many times do you get to choose your own prize! All outfits come straight from New York City.

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The accessorybug, an indie shop, is offering Bargain Styling readers 10% off when you use code MSJ10.

Cute bags abound but some tend to be a little pricey. However, with the 10% off coupon and their flat rate of shipping of $5 you can get a cool bag without breaking the bank.

Here are a couple of my favorites.

I absolutely adore this belt. I keep imagining wearing it with my black velvet pants, a black shirt, and teal shoes and jewelry. It would look amazing, so I’m going to order one later tonight. This belt is made of silk, and is available in six different colors: gray, light blue, orange, pink, teal (shown), and violet. Available at TheFusionBoutique.com, on sale now for $8.99 (originally $16.99). Get one quickly, as I’m sure these adorable belts will be gone soon!

Ever since I saw this necklace on Jessica Simpson, I’ve wanted it. This version is a 2 carat round cut crystal solitaire. Now, at $20 from the UK -based store Frost Fire Style, I can get this pretty necklace without paying a huge amount of money.

GoJane.com is one of my favorite websites. They have a Deal of the Week, and I always fall in love with most of the stuff I see on their website. Here is my first post in the $100 Series - an entire ensemble, shoes and accessories included, for under $100 (excluding tax, and shipping & handling).

This short-sleeved top in mustard yellow would give a striking contrast with the black pants below. With a keyhole back and a gathered bodice, this shirt is guaranteed to get you noticed. Available in black, mustard yellow and navy blue, this cute shirt will set you back $25.99. Dry clean only.

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I don’t usually got for these kinds of earrings, but I love the emerald green shells. Originally %5.99, these earrings are now on sale for $3.99. I’ve started a wish list on TheFashionBoutique.com, and these earrings are the first thing I put on it.

Yup, you’ve read it right. I’m not sure if I like it. I don’t think PAYLESS is investing on it either judging by the 9 items on the quilted collection. See for yourself.

PAYLESS, shopping, quilted

White isn’t really a good color for mothers carrying a purse. It’s just not practical. It will be filled with lines from markers and crayons. Sticky from candy wrappers. And definitely not a good look if it’s buging with all the bags of tricks Mommy’s seem to come up with when out with kids. BUT, if I didn’t have all these things to consider of, I’d definitely have these 2 white bags from $15 Store. then again, since they’re only $15 each, maybe it’s ok to have one? Hmmm…

This shoulder bag is from the Chinese Laundry collection. I love the buckle straps and braided trim accent.

This satchel is from XOXO. I like it but it’s too small. Maybe a “date purse” but eh, sometimes I can’t be bothered to change bags. The braided strap that closes over the zip top is cute though

, stores, bags, purses, accessories, white bags, white, shopping

This is what I wore last night when we went out to dinner(and shopping afterwards, WOOT!). The $8 UNIONBAY pants, the L.E.I graphic tee that was among the haulage this past Memorial Day sale. A butterfly pendant necklace from Hot Topic(a gift form the hubby years ago), the remaining beads bracelet that I own(Baby Girl broke my other 2), DG blinged sunnies and Xhilaration black teardrop earrings from Target(can’t remember how much). The RAMPAGE studded platform shoes to complete the look.

What I Wore, Bargain Styling, Enembles, UB, UNIONBAY, L.E.I, Graphic Tee, Tee, Rampage, Target, Xhilaration, teardrop earrings, accessories, sunnies, DG, shoes, Styling, Wardrobe Remix, Hot Topic

I would’ve worn my Red Heels with this ensemble to match the red wide belt but I decided I’d continue wear the black heels since I wanted to wear my long cross necklace and black beads dangling eaarings. I’m glad I opted for it coz the red belt accentuated the whole look by itself. I would wear this dress by itself but my legs are still nursing a few more scars from the bug bites I’ve gotten 2 weekends ago.

dress and jeans, wide belt, accesories, belt, dress, jeans, ensemble, bargain styling, what i wore, black heels, shoes, heels

I don’t know if it’s a fashion rule or not but it seems when someone is wearing white, you could always expect something black as an accessory. Well not Midwest_Jess. She accentuated her beautiful white dress with nature tones. From the purse, to the Dior scarf she cleverly wrapped around her wrist and the strappy shoes.

I love how she put the collar up as well. I’m going to follow her suit and do a white and brown combo sometime coz I too unconcsiously do the white and black combo all the time.

*Thanks to wardrobe_remix*

Wardrobe Remix, Look of the Week, White Dress, Summer, White and Brown Combo, Dress, Online Fashionistas