The 5 Best Last Minute Gifts for your Significant Other

The five best gifts for your wife, girlfriend, or significant other:

1.  Beauty in a Box - the Aqua Essentials Kit from Sephora.com.  This kit includes 2 cream eyeshadows in neutral colors, 2 eyeliners in your basic colors, 1 mascara, 1 lipliner, and eye makeup remover. Yours for $69, with free two-day shipping, enter UPS2DAY at checkout.  Don't forget when you order online to pick out 3 free samples to add to your special one's gift, maybe something like item #2?

2. Lovely Perfume, by Sara Jessica Parker.  There's a reason it's the most popular perfume.  Yours for $37.49 from Amazon.com (click the above picture to buy).  Order by the 21st to receive free two-day shipping.

Find out the other 3 best gifts for the women in your life!

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a pair of closed-toe black heels or brown boots.  I went to the store to find them myself, and came out with gray suede pumps (on sale!).  Please help, I promise I've been good.


P.S.  Please get the Gianni Bini green pumps with the blue-and-white flower for my sister-in-law.  She's says they're not "practical" but she needs them anyway.


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Insipiration and Windows

People often ask me how I became an image consultant. Well, it was a lot of soul-searching, a lot of research, and a whole lot of love for clothing.  There were a lot of experiences that led me to this, but one random experience was walking next to Berdorg Goodman in New York and hearing that decorating their windows is a full-time job.  Yep, full-time.  Best job ever if you ask me.  So when BG sent out this video of the making of their 2010 display, I had to share.  Enjoy.  Watch BG video here.


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Ann Taylor Loft Sale

TODAY ONLY - 30% off your entire purchase in-store or online.  To redeem online enter STYLEDECE at checkout.  Happy shopping!


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Fabulous Fabrics: Velvet

Velvet
Definition: a soft fabric, having a dense pile and a plain underside.

I'm not sure how velvet became the traditional Christmas fabric, but its great for cold weather and its rich texture is perfect for any holiday party.  Usually found in jackets and party dresses this time of year, velvet can last quite a while if taken good care of.

 From Nordstoms, also available in Plus size

From JCrew, also available in Petite and Tall sizing

How to care for it: Store carefully as folding can damage the pile of the velvet.  For best results, follow the care label for your particular clothing item or take to a dry cleaners.

Find out about other fabulous fabrics here.


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Search Amazon.com for velvet jacket

Fashion Friendly: Barley & Birch

The recent trends in businesses is to go "green" - become environmentally friendly, lower amounts of pollution, bring jobs back to the U.S., etc, etc.  Well, some businesses do it better than others.  Like barley & birch. 

Coming up on their second anniversary, barley & birch sells kids clothing for a cause - here's just a small list of how they are changing the world, one onesie at a time:

• work with manufacturers and suppliers that are mostly solar-powered
• work with organic cotton and water-based inks
• gives at least 15% of profits to various charitys and nonprofit organizations 

Shop the barley & birch line here or look for a store with their product here.

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Closet Constant: The White Shirt

I'm a big believer in staple pieces for your wardrobe that will last through trends, seasons, and years. I like to call them Closet Constants.

Today's Closet Constant is the basic white shirt.  The white shirt fits everyone's fashion personality - from the button-down to the t-shirt, there's a white shirt for everyone.  Every time it gets stained (which happens too often) or grown out of, it always needs to be replaced.  Always.

Why you need it:  There are endless ways to accessorize a white shirt.  Pick the color of the season and go crazy - shoes, bangles, hair pieces, belts.  Throw a great jacket or sweater over the top.  Dress it up with boots, slacks.  Dress it down with tennis shoes, jeans, and a hat.  No matter how you wear it, its always a great clean classic look.

Where you can find it:  Um....anywhere.  Really.  Walk into any store and you'll find it.  And if you really don't believe me, just walk into White | Black.  Its guaranteed they have a white shirt.  But find the one that works for you.  If you're not a button-up kind of gal, don't go to White | Black.  Don't count out department stores - they have great sales and a great variety.  Check them out too!

How to get it at a great price:  Since white shirts are always in season, you'll be hard-pressed to find a closeout sale on them. So shop with coupons or during store wide sales to get the best price.


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Cyber Monday

I have to say it....I'm slightly disappointed in this year's Cyber Monday.  Okay, I'm really disappointed.  Same sales as in-stores and I'd rather shop in person than online if I'm getting the same prices...so check out my Black Friday post to find out what sales are going on today.  Happy [cyber] shopping!

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Black Friday Sales

Just a few of the Black Friday sales to look out for:

Sephora:  With any $25.00 purchase, receive a free tote bag (while supplies last).

Kohls:  Sales galore.  If you happen to be buying online, use THXGIVING15 for an extra 15% off.

Ann Taylor Loft:  40% off in-store.  To redeem online use ENJOY at checkout.

Old Navy: Opens at Midnight on Friday - Free XBox DanceCentral with $25 (while a small amount of supplies last).  Doorbusters on Friday and Saturday.

Express: 40% off everything online and in most stores until NOON only.

Ann Taylor: 40% off entire purchas until NOON only.  To redeem online enter THANKS. 
Banana Republic: 25% off everything instore and online.  Use BRTHANKS at checkout to redeem.

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!!

How to Shop Gap

How to shop Gap this Black Friday?  Like any other day, but the thing you must remember is to keep you receipt.  Why?  Because if you go back in a week and the item you bought is lower in price, Gap will refund you the difference between the new price and what you paid. 

Also, check to see when the Gap in your area does markdowns.  I believe its usually Tuesday (could be Wednesday) and if you get in early you can find some major steals.  Like the $2 shorts I found last week, or the $2 tights I found the week before....Yep, I love Gap sales.

Happy Shopping!

How to Shop Walmart

Everyone knows it gets CRAZY at Walmart on Black Friday.  In fact, after all of my years of shopping early in the morning on Black Friday I avoid Walmart like the plague.  But, here's the secret to shop Wally World:

How to Shop Kohls

First off, can I just say that it's CRAZY Kohls is opening at 3AM this year?  You who will be camping out there are my heroes, because I'll be cruising straight into the store no earlier than 8AM!  On to how to shop Kohls this Black Friday....

Ready Set Eat - No - SHOP!!

Happy Thanksgiving! This week officially starts the holiday shopping and some of the best sales of the YEAR.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a chance to finish (or start) Christmas shopping or just get a steal of a deal on something you've been saving your pennies to buy.

This week I'll be posting some great steals in-store and online and the most effective way to shop some of the most popular stores.  So enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and start browsing the ads for my favorite shopping of the year!

A Reminder When Its Cold

When the weather starts to cool down and I start pulling out the jackets and sweaters, I always remember one thing.  How I want more jackets.  According to my husband, I already have a fine collection, but there's just something about a great jacket he'll never understand!  Currently I'm coveting the double-breasted velveteen jacket from Talbots below....perfect mix of this season's trends and a slimming cut.

But since I can't muster to pay the $129 I'm admiring from afar, and watching their sales like a hawk (day after Thanksgiving anyone?).  But I just might satisfy my need for a new great jacket with Ann Taylor Loft's newest sale - jackets for $75.  If you order by tomorrow, you can get free shipping.  Deal ends Monday the 22nd. 

Happy Shopping!

Shabby Apple's New Accessory Line plus Coupon Code

Shabby Apple has expanded their accessory line.  Items include the usual, but one unique item - a slip. 

New Team for New Balance

Heidi Klum and New Balance have recently teamed up for a new line, HKNB, exclusively on Amazon.com.  This line features great lightweight fabrics and comfortable styles, perfect for the gym and everyday wear.  From what I can gather, some of these items were created as a challenge on Project Runway, but we all know I refuse to watch the current season until its on DVD so I'm just educated-ly guessing! Click the ad below to start shopping.

Don't forget to vote!

Three more days to vote! You can vote once per day for my little cow! Click here.

It's Gap Give and Get Time Again!

Planning on shopping at Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy anytime soon?  Want 30% off?

Why you should learn to sew...

I entered my baby girl into a costume contest for Parents magazine (subscription free with my Boppy purchase - yay!).  It had to be homemade and I gladly made my little girl into the cutest cow I have ever seen.  So help me out and vote!  Prize money is $100 and I could do a LOT of damage shopping the sales!
Click here to vote!

Happy Birthday Piperlime!

In honor of Piperlime's birthday, place an order online and receive a $25 gift certificate towards your next purchase TODAY ONLY.  Also, there's a 1 in 100 chance you'll receive a $100 gift certificate instead. 

Want to wear your purchase fast?

Still No Costume?

Getting down to the last minute for your costume?  Still have no idea?  Check out Amazon's Halloween Shopand get up to 50% off your costume!

Happy Haunted Shopping!

UPDATE Gap Recycle Program

Unfortunately, Gap is no longer honoring their Recycle Your Blues program I previously blogged about.  They will still take your jeans, but they will not give you the 30% discount.  Why, might you ask??  Because they are now offering 40% off every pair of jeans in their store.

And trust me, they won't stack the 40% and the 30% - I tried for about 10 minutes to convince the store manager to give me both discounts.  He didn't, but I still got a steal of a deal (just not as big as I wanted) on two pairs of jeans. 

So sorry again about the misinformation - I didn't find out until I went into the store.  Nevertheless, happy shopping!

Down East Basics Sale

Receive an extra 25% off dresses and skirts - enter DRESS25 at checkout. Shop here.

My favorite for the triangle-shaped body?  This Simple Silhouette in Smoky Grape.

Happy Shopping!

Trend Update: Military

Popping up all over the fashion scene are military details - from cargo leggings to jackets, this trend can be seen everywhere.  Not a fan of the detailed pockets and double-breasted buttoned look?  Incorporate this trend by simply using khaki and olive in your wardrobe.

Where to buy Military Trends:

Ann Taylor Sale

Now at Ann Taylor - buy 1 full-priced top, get the 2nd 50% off.  Plus, a sale for 40% off. 

And check out this GORGEOUS coat that I'm just sure I need!

Gap Recyling Program

This sale is no longer valid, please see this post for explanation. Happy Shopping!




Have jeans you no longer wear?  Jeans that don't fit?  Jeans that you just don't want?  Bring in any of your old denim to any Gap store and receive 30% off their 1969 jeans for men, women, and maternity during their Recyle Your Blues event. 

Using your GapCard?  Get an extra 5% off.  Event ends October 20.

Columbus Day Sales

All sales end today.

Banana Republic:  Take an extra 25% off sale items, in-store only.

Gap: Get 40% off your entire purchase, in-store only.  Have a Gapcard?  Use it and get 45% off your entire purchase.

Express: Get $15 off for every $60, $30 for every $120, $45 for every $180, and $60 off for every $240 purchase.  Online promo code is 9978, else print your coupon here.

Ann Taylor:  Take an additional 40% off already reduced styles.  Enter EXTRA40 at checkout or just visit your local store.

'Dem Jeans

Shopping for a new pair of jeans?  Check out what pairs should always be found in your closet and Lucky Magazine's slideshow of the newest styles.

Search Amazon.com for denim jeans

ENDS TODAY BR, Gap, and Old Navy Sale

Save 30% off any Banana Republic, Gap, or Old Navy purchase online only.  Enter SAVEBIG at checkout.  As always, get free shipping when your order is over $100 or more.
Want free shipping but don't want to spend the hundred bucks?  Go in with a friend or two and submit your order all at once to get free shipping, then split the bill according to the items you bought. 

Happy Shopping!

Fabulous Fabrics: Tweed

Tweed
Definition: a wool fabric made up of two or more colors in a twill weave (a pattern of parallel diagonal lines).

Tweed can usually be found in jackets and suits during the fall season.  Made up of any colors and a variety of patterns, it makes an excellent layering item for those cool days.  Good quality tweeds are made 100% of wool, although you can find a good quality item made of a mixture of mostly wool and polyester.  My current favorites are from J. Crew:

How to care for it:  Because most tweeds are made of wool, throwing it in the washer isn't the smartest idea, unless you want a mini-tweed item.  Some tweeds are now mixed with a polyester, but your best bet is to follow the care instructions on your clothing item.  Dry cleaning is always a safe bet with this type of fabric.  Wrap in plastic or in a cedar chest for long-term storage.

Shop Amazon.com for Tweed Jackets

I Hope You're Impressed

I have just spent hours on the computer having way too much fun - I just created my button (feel free to grab one on the right-hand side of my page) and my favicon!  However, my favicon only shows up for Internet Explorer users - its the square picture on the address bar and on the tabs.  I'm so proud of myself. If you're interested in your own, check out the tutorial here.

Over the next few weeks, Image Envy will be undergoing some construction on the website design.  Don't worry though, I'll still be posting about great sales and great tips for dressing your style and your shape!  Till then, happy shopping!

The Love for Shoes Continues - Ann Taylor Sale

Still haven't found your new perfect shoe?  Get $50 off any regular priced shoe at Ann Taylor online or in any store.  And if you order online, you'll get free shipping automatically.  Start shopping here.

Express Sale

Express is having their blow-out sale - up to 60% off merchandise.  Tees for men and women starting at $9.99.  Also check out their new fragrance "Love Express."

Shoe Sale

Looking for a pair of new shoes or boots to add to your wardrobe? Now's your chance! Piperlime is offering 25% off today only.  Tomorrow, the 22nd, they're offering 20% off, and Thursday, the 23rd is 15% off.  Use 25SPREE at checkout.  Remember Piperlime carries all brands of shoes, but several are exclusive to Piperlime alone, like the ones below.

Another Look at the Boot

Not ready to try over-the-knee boots? Check out the cuffed boot, found in great suede fabrics.  Pair it with a knee-length skirt or over some skinny jeans and you've got yourself a great outfit!

Search Amazon.com for cuffed boots

Down East Basics Sale

Get an extra 20% off clearance items now through Sunday.  Enter FALL20 at online checkout.

Maternity and Baby Sale

Stocking up on the upcoming baby?  Check out Old Navy's sale on both maternity and baby of up to 40% off.  Sale ends September 23.

Bummed Out

I have realized two things recently that totally bum me out:

1. Since we recently moved to Ohio, I no longer have a Nordstoms near me. Life without Nordstroms? No half-yearly sale? No great shoe department that fits my skinny narrow feet? No great bathrooms with the best mother's room you'll ever find? Seriously, what am I gonna do? MAJOR bummer.

2. Layers Clothing, my FAVORITE provider of fun, not-so-casual, modest clothing has still not recovered from the fire in their warehouse last November. Yes, everything they had burned down, but don't they know I'm waiting for their newest line?

Even though Nordstroms is too far away (I'm sure I'll still make the drive), I have my fingers crossed Layers will be up and running soon. Thank goodness for online shopping!

Exclusive Apparel at a Great Price

Kohls and Simply Vera by Vera Wang have teamed up once again.  This time they are bringing you exclusive breast cancer awareness clothing and accessories.  Each item is either $5 or $10 and is sold online or stores in Wisconsin.  100% of what you pay will be donated to support the research and fight against breast cancer.

Shop here to support the cause.

Modest Mia Bellina

If you're on the lookout for modest fashion, check out Mia Bellina.  Mia Bellina is a great line for every day wear that's not just a t-shirt.  My favorite of their products?  Half-tees.  These are great to cover up come cleavage while not adding extra bulk and weight on your lower half (else you could try some Bosom Buttons).  Their dresses look more like swimsuit coverups, but I love their new take on the casual top, and all have sleeves.

Printable Patterns

While shopping for my little girl's halloween costume (which is gonna be great), I stumbled on something fantastic - printable patterns.  I found them on the McCalls website.  Although they were generally more expensive than the regular pattern (about $1 or so), it saved you the time of waiting for the pattern in the mail.  And, both mail and printable pattern prices are cheaper than buying them in the store (unless you are shopping the sales).

Only some patterns are offered in printable, and obviously, they are non-returnable.  They also have free pattern downloads here.

Happy sewing!

Maternity Sale

Get 20% off Maternity clothes and 10% off Baby clothes sold by Amazon.com from now until the 17th. Happy shopping!

Color Trend: Army Green and Camel

Prepare your closet for the newest 'in' colors: army green and camel.  Paired together or on their own, these colors will make a splash in any wardrobe.  Looking for the perfect outfit in this seasons colors?  Check out just a few of the stores that are showcasing this look:  Express, Kohls, and even Bergdorf Goodman.

Army Green and Camel by ImageEnvy featuring a suede sandal

Friends and Family Event at Endless.com

Earn 25% off your purchase of $100 or more at the friends and family event at endless.com.  Now through September 9, enter FRIEND25 at checkout and start saving!

Labor Day Sales

I've already posted about Kohls, Express, and Old Navy deals but here are some others you might not know about.

H&M:  20% off your entire kids purchase

Ann Taylor:  Get 25% off already reduced items (maybe your favorite dress?)

Shabby Apple:  Free shipping by entering YOSEMITE at checkout (deal valid until September 15th)

Happy sale shopping!

Kohl's Sale on Everything!

Receive 15% off an all Kohl's merchandise - sale, clearance, or regular-price by using code THANKYOU15 at checkout online at kohls.com (pin is 9187), or by printing the in-store coupon here now through September 6.

Express Sale

Now through Labor Day, earn $15 for every $60 you spend.  Enter promo code 2970 online or print your coupon here.

Old Navy Sale

Save 20% off $100 or 25% off $150 off your order at OldNavy.com by entering ONSAVEBIG at checkout.  Online only, ends September 6.

Fabulous Fabrics: Suede

Suede
Definition:  brushed leather, creating a smooth velvet-like nap.

This season, suede can be found on shoes everywhere.  Check out all the styles including over-the-knee boots, flats, or just a simple pump.  Suede in any shoe, always luxurious. 

How to care for it:  To keep suede looking new, use a clean washcloth and rub the suede.  Use the same procedure to remove water spots once they have dried.  For other spots, use a clean pencil eraser and scrub carefully.