Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: B

For the past two months I have been planning on purchasing some pants for work. Yes, you read correctly, I have been planning this for two months. I have been quite the busy B running around, taking weekend trips, celebrating special occasions, to find extra time to go pants shopping has been near impossible.

Today I managed to have an hour of free time. After debating for 15 minutes about whether or not I should spend that free hour pants shopping instead of relaxing, I decided to drive myself to New York & Company to get 1 pair of pants. As I pulled into the parking lot the dread of pants shopping vanished.

New York & Company is currently having their semi-annual pant and jean event. Buy one pair of pants, get the second one free!

What. A pleasant surprise.

If you don't need pants for work, don't fret you can still take advantage of this sale. You can get two jeans or mix and match any pair of pants and jeans.

Here is a great situation to indulge.

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

I received a few e-mails after the post on Ann Taylor LOFT's sale-- the code I provided was for online shopping only.

So, as you requested: click here for a coupon for 30% off your in-store purchases, valid from now until Sunday, August 8, 2010.

Happy Shopping!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

This one is time sensitive and items are selling out quick-- there is a Lilly Pulitzer boutique on Rue La La right now!

I managed to scoop up this "Cedar" Printed Tank:

{Navy, Green, and Pink? Yes, please!}

Hurry, though and bring out your inner WASP!

There's still cute mugs, stationery sets, sunglasses and tops left!

Need an invite code? Sign up here!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

Stock up on some classic and trendy pieces that can take you from work to play at Ann Taylor LOFT!

From now until August 8, get 30% off every purchase and FREE SHIPPING for every order over $100 when you use the offer code FRIENDS.

Why does L love the Loft for Counsel Confidential's readers?

Regardless of what profession you are in, you can find dressy and casual pieces to mix and match that will easily incorporate into your professional wardrobe. It is a perfect place for every girl, from a teacher to a corporate attorney (when not in court!), to at least try. They offer a wide range of sizes (regular and petites!), and their affordable prices allow you to indulge in q u a n t i t y without emptying your wallet!

Now is the perfect time to start stocking up on the new fall colors, like these below:

{Twisted Neck Exposed Back Zip - Moss Green - $49.50}

{Belted Twill Jacket - Frosted Taupe - $69.50}

{Tab Sleeve Ruffle Top - Frosted Taupe - $44.50}

{Pima Cotton Twisted Trim Sweater - Deep Tropical Rose - $39.50}

{all images via AnnTaylorLOFT.com}

Don't forget to launch your order through Ebates and receive an additional 3% back! Don't have Ebates? Sign up here!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

For a limited time, the members-only private sale site Rue La La is offering new members $10.00 if you sign up between now and August 8, 2010.

Personally, this is one of my favorite shopping sites! They offer current merchandise at a fraction of the cost. (So, think: you know that high you get when you find, say, a Michael Kors $400+ bag marked waaay down at TJs? Yea. It's like that. Only better.)

Some recent two-day boutiques have included:

• Havaianas
• MICHAEL Michael Kors
• Tracey Reese
• Cole Haan
• BCBG
• Theory
• Kate Spade - Home
• Lilly Pulitzer - Home

And, soo many more!!

There's usually 3-5 boutiques a day, open for two days. And, for those of you with a bigger wallet, Rue La La has recently started offering discounted vacations from Beaches Resorts and other posh hotels and spas!

What are you waiting for? Sign up here!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

Love Amazon.com? Have a .edu e-mail address?

Head over to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/student/signup/info and sign up for Amazon Prime for one year -- absolutely free!

What you get:

• Amazon Prime free for one year ($79 value^1.);
• Unlimited FREE Two-Day Shipping;
• No minimum order size (this is key!);
• Upgrades to One-Day shipping for $3.99/item; and
• E-mail alerts for exclusive deals and promotions!

All you have to do is sign up by providing your .edu e-mail address, your school, and your major.

I just signed up and ordered this:

...and it will arrive on my doorstep on Monday -- just in time to read Wednesday after my final!

Are you going to sign up??

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1. Just remember to make a note in your calendar to cancel next July so you don't get charged!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

It usually starts in June and takes you all the way through Labor Day. The smiles, the toasts, the congratulations.

Then, of course we have: the dresses, the shoes, the accessories. The hotel stays, the cash bars, the gifts.

What is L going on about? WEDDING SEASON!

You know, that great time of year that usually takes up the majority of your summer weekends if you're between the ages of 25-32. And, it just so happens to empty out your wallet.

Regardless of your role at a wedding (guest, in the wedding party), every one has one thing in common: giving a gift to the happy couple.

By now some of you, dear Readers, are probably seasoned veterans, scouring out sales and getting creative to make and deliver something personal to your dear friends and family members. But, for those of you just starting out (and even for the Readers that might need a little refresh-er), the girls at Ring Drunk^{1., 2.} have put together a step-by-step guide for gift giving that is both budget-friendly and creative!

One of their awesome tips that would be perfect for a guest who is just recently out of school include:

"Step 4: Get Creative
Make a cookbook. We all have some standard recipes that we make all the time and love. Add those to a few of your mom or grandma's classics or maybe one or two you adapted from a cooking idol, and make your own cookbook."

The girls then provide you with both crafty and tech-savvy ways to complete the gift!

If you follow Ring Drunk's guide and add your own twist, you'll be sure to give something that the couple will cherish (and you won't look like you picked out the least-expensive item on their Registry!).

---

1. Adj. \'riŋ ˈdrəŋk\. The state of jubilation after a wedding proposal. Must follow an accepted wedding proposal. Engagement ring, or other jewelry, not required, but socially expected.
2. Be sure to follow the blog! It's up-and-coming!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

Uhm, drool.

Enter in FRIENDLY30 and receive 30% off your purchase at KateSpade.com or Promo Code JSPADEFF at JackSpade.com -- including sale items! (Click the image for a larger view.)

And, as usual, enjoy FREE GROUND SHIPPING!

... I might have to pick me up a pair of these little guys!

Frugal is the New Black

Posted by: L

Hi Readers!

I have 23 invitations left for the Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy "Give and Get Program."

What is it: Enjoy 30% off at the above retailers! You can use the bar code provided on the invitations as many times as you'd like. (It's also applicable at the Banana Republic Factory Store and Gap Outlet.) And, as a bonus, 5% of your total purchase will be donated to one of five charities. I picked the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Valid through: Sunday, March 21, 2010.

What you need to do: E-mail counselconfidential@gmail.com to request your invitation. The first 23 will get one!

Happy spending!

Frugal is the New Black

FREE SHIP DAY IS HERE!

In an effort to get all of us cyber shoppers to have everything delivered just.in.time for Christmas (with ground delivery), sooo many online retailers are offering Free Shipping promos and upgrades.

L, sitting pretty in her chair, is most.definitely going to be taking advantage of the offer from Forever21 because she is still on a high from all the goodies she found during her last in-store trip. Ahhh! Just need to make it through a four hour study session!

Coupon codes, like she posted for Cyber Monday, will be up a little later this afternoon.

Also, don't forget to launch all of your online orders through EBates-- c'mon guys, free shipping AND cash back?! Click the link to the left, or ok here, to sign yourself up. L just received a little check for $13.14. ha ha, not much, but she only made one online purchase. You get the idea.

It's not too late...

...to take part in the greatness that is Cyber Monday!!

B had the madness that is Black Friday and now L has her calmer, people-free Cyber Monday!

No lines. No waiting. No heat cranked up to 100. And, best of all: no annoying Sales Associates. (Don't you hate when you know more about the product you're interested in than they do. Ugh.)

To make the most of your Cyber Monday, enjoy these coupon codes below!

A
ALDO
Discount: Receive free shipping on all orders plus save up to 50% off on sale merchandise.

Ann Taylor
Discount: Take 40% off YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE, plus receive free shipping on all orders $100+ with code "MONDAY".

Ann Taylor Loft (LOFT):
Discount: Take 30% off your entire purchase plus receive free shipping on all orders $100+ with code "MONDAY".

Armani Exchange
Discount: Take $50 off every $150 you spend, no code necessary. Plus, receive free shipping on all orders, no minimum.


B
Banana Republic
Discount: Take 20% off plus receive free shipping on ANY purchase with code "MONDAY".

Basic Boutique
Discount: Use code "THANKS40" for 40% off everything except final sale, plus receive free shipping on all orders $250+.

Beauty.com
Discount: Save up to 60% on hundreds of products including DuWop, Go Smile, and Too Faced, no code necessary. And, receive free shipping on ALL orders, no code necessary!

The Body Shop
Discount: Take 20% off all purchases plus receive free shipping on all orders $60+.

bebe
Discount: Take 15% off $100 with code "15OFF100".

Ben Sherman
Discount: Take 30% off your entire order plus receive free shipping on all orders $150+. No promo code necessary (discount shown at checkout).

Bloomingdales
Discount: Take $50 off your purchase of $250+; discount automatically applied at check out.


C
Charlotte Russe
Discount: Take 25% off everything plus receive free shipping on all orders of $60+, no code necessary.

Couture Candy
Discount: Use code "SHOP20" to save 20% off all new styles and sale items.

D
DSW
Discount: Take 25% off your entire order with promotion code "SAVE25" plus receive free shipping with a $35+ purchase with code "SNOWMAN".

E
Endless
Discount: Get $30 off your order of $100+, no code required, certain brands excluded.

Express
Discount: Take $30 off your purchase of $120+ or $15 off your purchase of $75 plus receive FREE SHIPPING on your $100 purchase.


F
Forever 21
Discount: FREE SHIPPING with code "CYBERMONDAY" at checkout.

G
Gap
Discount: Take 20% off plus receive free shipping on ANY purchase with code "MONDAY".

Guess
Discount: Take 25% off all regular-priced merchandise plus receive free shipping on all orders $100+.


H


I


J
J.Crew
Discount: Receive free shipping on all orders $150 with code "HOLIDAY". And, select women's sweaters are 20% off!

Joe's Jeans
Discount: Enter Code "Black Friday" to receive 25% off your entire purchase.


K
Kate Spade
Discount: Take 25% off all sale merchandise with promo code "CHEER" at checkout plus receive free shipping on all orders, no minimum.

Kenneth Cole
Discount: Shop the Kenneth Cole special Cyber Monday Sample Sale for up to 50% off select items, plus take 31% off select items.

Kohls
Discount: Buy more, save more- take 15% off any order with code "CYBER15", take 15% off and receive free standard shipping on all orders $75 with code "CYBER15", and take 20% off and receive free standard shipping on all orders $100+ with code "CYBER20".

L
The Limited
Discount: Free Shipping plus 20% off EVERYTHING, no codes necessary, discounts applied at check out!

Lulu's
Discount: Take 20% off your entire purchase with code "SEVENTEEN", plus receive free shipping on all orders $75+.

M
Macy's
Discount: Receive free shipping on orders $75+ with code "CYBER". Also save an extra 25% on all clearance, online only- discount reflected in prices!

Martin + Osa
Discount: Get free shipping on all orders for a limited time, all cashmere & denim is $59.

ModCloth
Discount: Take up to 40% off select sale items, right here.

N
Neiman Marcus
Discount: Get free shipping on any order with code "NMNOV".

New York & Co.
Discount: Take 50% off everything online, plus free shipping on all orders (no minimum!) with code 3953.

Nordstrom
Discount: Receive free shipping on all purchases $100+ with code "HOLIDAY09", plus up to 50% off sale, no code necessary.


O
Old Navy
Discount: Take 20% off plus receive free shipping on ANY purchase with code "MONDAY".

Origins
Discount: Receive free standard shipping on all orders, plus take $10 off any $25 order with code "TENOFF09".


P
Piperlime
Discount: Take 20% off plus receive free shipping on ANY purchase with code "MONDAY".


Q


R
Revolve Clothing
Discount: Use code "TOBIINSTYLE30" for 30% off your order, usual brands restricted, plus shop new markdowns!


S
Saks Fifth Avenue
Discount: Receive Free Shipping on all orders with code 'HOLIDAY9' and take up to 40% off select women's & men's styles, no code necessary.

Sephora

Discount: Receive free shipping with promo code "SHIP4FREE".

Shopbop
Discount: Save $50 off $300, $100 off of $500, $150 off of $700, and $225 off of $1,000 with code "GIFT4U". Shipping is always free!!

Shu Uemura
Discount: Take 20% off your entire order and receive complimentary shipping on orders $50+ with code "WISH09".

Smashbox
Discount: Save 20% off your entire order with code "SBFF09", plus receive free standard shipping with any order.

Steve Madden
Discount: Use code "CYBER35" for 35% off all orders and free shipping.


T
Tory Burch
Discount: Take 30% off orders $300+ with code "TURKEY30" plus free shipping on all orders $150+!

Tulle

Discount: Last day for take 50% off everything, no minimum plus free shipping. Holy crap!


U
Ulta
Discount: Free shipping on any order $25+ with code "33069", plus a free bag with 12 samples by clicking here and 20% off one item with code "24999".

Urban Outfitters
Discount: Receive free shipping on all orders at check out with code "FREEBIRD".


V
Victoria's Secret
Discount: Take 20% off your entire order with code "VSSAVE20", plus get free shipping on all orders $100+ with code "FA919549".


W
White House Black Market
Discount: Take 20% off of everything with code "8002", plus receive free shipping (no code necessary), PLUS get a free keychain with all orders $100+!

Wink NYC
Discount: Take 30% off your entire order with code "luckybreaks3", plus receive free shipping on all orders!


X


Y


Z

Feel free to add other steals and deals you may find online in the comments section! Also, don't forget to sign up for and use EBates before you shop online-- get more money back in your wallet!

xoxo,

L

Frugal is the New Black

Black Friday is one of the B's favorite holidays due to all the fab deals that are out there for everyone!

If you have time this Friday and need to find a great deal try venturing out to some stores for a few HOT deals!

Here are some tips to make your Black Friday a success

1. Plan Ahead! This is really important. You want to have a game plan so that you stay focus on what you need to purchase and impulse buy. Additionally you the stores open up at different times so if you can plan what you need, where to buy and the order you will hit up the stores it will save time in the long run. Check out couponing.about.com for a listing of stores and times they open.

2. Go Early! The best bargains are generally in the early hours so you want to get there early. As mentioned above the stores open at different times so you can hit up the stores as they open if you plan accordingly that way you are there for the best bargain before moving onto your next store.

3. Beware of the loser products! Some stores will give an unbelievable discount solely because they want to get rid of it. Planning what you need ahead of time will let you do a little research on the product so you will know if it falls into one of that category of loser products.

4. Be thankful for your cellie! You can totally check out the competition and determine if you should buy the product at store A or if it is $10 cheaper at store B.

5. Be on the look out for expensive warranties! You can get some major deals on electronic but sometimes a store will sell the electronic with an expensive warranty. Watch out for this if you want to get the best bargains.

7. Check online! With shopping online being super sometimes you can beat the crowds by shopping online or you can get a heads up on the fab deals your fav store is offering.

Enjoy Black Friday!

For more tips check out itimemanagement.earthweb.com.

Frugal is the New Black

For office casual, one of L's favorite things to do is take a plain, basic t and then load up on the jewelry to dress it up (because anything sparkly can cure a bad mood!). (This look is also boss-approved, as L received the, "You're looking very "Brooks Brothers" today," compliment. Win.)

Together, the pieces are perfect for a workplace's business casual atmosphere and comfy enough for the loooong after-hours class sessions.

Here are a few options to get you started, priced high to low:

Ribbed featherweight henley, J.Crew, $36.50

(yum yum yum!)

Supersoft ribbed henley T, Gap, originally $22.50, now $15.00

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors V-Neck Henley Top, Target, $12.99

Comment below on your favorite office look!

Frugal is the New Black

B has recently developed a thing for Calvin Klein.

Sleek and Sophisticated-- B just can't get enough.

Unfortunately, her law student budget has just about had it with the whole CK kick she has been on.

Luckily, there is a way to make both her and her wallet happy: CalvinKlein.com's final sale!

Although all sales are final in this section of the website (what.a.downer. You can't know your exact size all the time, Mr. Klein!) and you can't find every size (yet another downer) EVERYTHING is UNDER $30!!

While two downers were noted above, the fact that everything is under $30.00 is a major bonus and totally makes up for it! (Think: perfect time to stock up for the seasons to come!)

Why hello there Brushed Cotton Cropped Blazer. Don't mind if I do take a look at you. Of course I would love to meet your friend the Bullet Pleat Tank Top.

Brushed Cotton Cropped Blazer pictured below is on final sale for $29.99.


Bullet Pleat Tank Top below is on sale for $14.99.


Check out the other options at CalvinKlein.com.

Frugal is the New Black

Admiring my very own DIY pedicure, and noticing that on week two my toes still had their shine (sans top coat, because I am far too impatient to wait for my nails to dry!), I thought it was time to share the secret.

Rather than dishing out the usual $15 (and up!) on Chanel's finest, pick up a bottle Revlon next time you walk by your drugstore. It honestly won't set you back more than $6 a bottle-- so there's certainly no guilt in tossing it after the season and/or trend has passed.

Cheap in price, but not cheap in what you get. Two coats (plus base. I did have the patience for that. Don't want the stains!) will give you an even color across your nails and the high-shine. The two coats is necessary, because just one will definitely leave an un-even color across the nail bed.

On my toes now: Revlon's Vixen, which is honestly a dead ringer for Chanel's Vamp, made popular in the mid-90s. But, the deep red-burgundy is classic and will last season to season. So, the $6 investment has already paid for itself.

xoxo

L

Frugal is the New Black

As you may well know, one of L's secret not-so-secret obsessions is the Dollar Menu. She likes to consider herself somewhat of a "Dollar Menu-aire."

(This all happened after she gave up McDonald's/BK/Wendy's when trying to live a "healthier lifestyle" after graduating college. She would go to Panera for lunch, thinking she was eating healthy, until when she actually read the nutrition facts for a delcious, yet carb- and fat-infested sandwich from said chain, and figured, "Hell. Why not just get a nice juicy Whopper Jr. instead? Same calories. And yes, I would like fries with that!")

Anyways.

Got a craving for a little sweet treat, but don't want to dish out $4 + for a Blizzard or a three-scoop sundae from Friendly's?

Allow L to introduce you to the McDonald's Dollar Menu sundae: deliciously creamy vanilla ice cream topped with rich hot fudge.

It comes in just the perfect serving size to satisfy your craving and you won't get the pangs of guilt when you're done.

And, for a dollar? Can't go wrong, friends, can't go wrong!

(Also, L has heard that McDonald's lattes "rival" Starbucks...this is definitely on her "TO-TRY" list. Post will follow!)

Frugal is the New Black

Forever 21 - Fabulous Find!

Forever 21 generally has some cute, trendy, inexpensive outfits. You can get shirts, dresses, pants, jewelry and a lot more.

Normally, everything is inexpensive so the store in itself could be "Frugal is the New Black" material; however, on the Forever21.com website there is tab named Fabulous Finds.

"Fabulous Finds" gives the customer the choice of tops, dresses, jeans, etc. all under $15.00.

Granted, some of the choices are not the cutest options¹; however, there are a couple that make taking a look at this tab worth it because, let's face it, if you can find a cute dress you can wear a couple times - maybe out on a couple dates - for $13.50 (pictured below) - why not check it out?

Pictured above is the "Draped Short Dress" which comes in coral (pictured), purple, yellow, jade, and black.

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1. Some things go on sale for a reason!

Frugal is the New Black

B & L regularly hit up Starbucks before class, needing that espresso running through our insides to keep us alert (some days it is needed more often than others!).

Well, we are happy to announce that our latte hot spot is offering a perk for all you early risers!

Starbucks has revamped their menu, taking out the artificial flavorings and high fructose corn syrup and, to celebrate the simpler menu, is offering a FREE pastry from opening until 10:30am tomorrow, July 21st, 2009 (while supplies last) with the purchase of any beverage.

Now we ask you, Recessionistas, what tastes better than FREE?

Click below to print your invitation:

Free Pastry

Or, open this page on your mobile device and show your barista:
Free Pastry

Pastries included in the offer are: Muffins, Scones, Bagels, Croissants, Rolls, Breads, Pound Cakes, Morning Bun, Coffeecakes, Cheese Danish, Apple Fritter, Doughnuts, Tarts, Pies, Gluten Free Orange Valencia Cake, Tropical Paradise Bar.

Mmmmmmm. Hungry now?

(Also, L really wants the cute Mini Starbucks Card that goes on your key ring. Loves it!)

Frugal is the New Black

B & L are sure you have seen those cute designer clutches, lusted over them for some time, and then thought, "Ugh. Maybe next time!"

Well, don't fret!

You can you can get similar cute clutches at places such as Target or, maybe more convenient, online at Target.com.

Pictured below is the Amanda Satin Foldover Clutch by Coach that retails for $298.00.




However, you could purchase the Merona Clutch in Black (pictured below) here at Target.com for $14.99 plus shipping and handling and put the extra $$$ you save towards a night out with the girls.



Both clutches are super cute! One is just more than $250.00 cheaper than the other.

Now you just have to ask yourself, do you want to spend the $298.00 on the Coach clutch or do you want to spend the $14.99 plus shipping and handling on the clutch from Target and spend that extra $250.00 doing something FABULOUS just for you?

Frugal is the New Black

B was recently asked at work if she would be willing to spend $98 on a pair of flats. Naturally, flats are shoes (Read: B's addiction!) so B automatically thinks $98 on a pair of shoes, "If I loved them, sure."

But then B got to thinking: While a pair of flats are wonderful to walk in compared to the pain heels can provide, there is something a pair of heels do to a girl's stature that a pair of flats can never accomplish.

So, while B loves her shoes, she would rather spend $15-$30 on a pair of flats from Payless than $50-$100 on a pair of similar flats. Payless offers cute, comfortable options that can translate from work to play! Look at these two options:

Both are "American Eagle by Payless" and are under $25.00!

And plus, deciding to spend less on flats, she can put some more towards her heels.

Unfortunately, whenever B walks into any type of shoe store to get a pair of shoes she always ends up with extras (maybe that isn't so unfortunate).