Diva on a Dollar

H and M and Wal-Mart Trash Their Unsold Clothes

2010-01-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but this really got me fired up! Instead of doing a sample sale, deeply discounting the items, or even giving them away to charity, Wal-mart and H&M have been destroying unsold clothes and throwing them away. The New York Times wrote that a graduate student discovered this outside an H&M on 35th Street, saying "to make sure that they never would be worn or sold, someone had slashed most of them with box cutters or razors, a familiar sight outside H & M’s back door." Check out the full story on the H&M and Wal-Mart clothes destroying here.

[photo: NYTimes.com]

Are You Ready for Black Friday 2009?

2009-11-24T07:41:00.001-05:00

The biggest shopping day of the year is almost here. After you stuff your tummy, many of your will hit the stores in the wee hours of the morning to catch the best deals. Considering the economy, we can be sure that stores will have some amazing sales. Not interested in hitting the stores early or dealing with the crowds? Shop online instead! There are enough sales on the web to keep you busy.

Black Friday Sites
The Official Black Friday Site
Black Friday 2009 at Become.com
Deal News
Black-Friday.net

Other Black Friday Deals and Tools
Midnight Madness and Chelsea Premium Outlets
Black Friday Roundup of Online Deals
TGI Black Friday App (yes, there's an app for that!)
Best Black Friday Deals
Black Friday In Store Deals: A Comprehensive List

Dallas Divas: Last Day of FIG Finale Sale!

2009-08-29T07:21:00.003-04:00

To all my readers in Dallas, many of you know that the Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) Finale Sale is one of my favorite sample sales EVER! So, if you didn't check it out yesterday, you must do so today. Here are the details:

When: last day is today, August 29
Time: 11am - 5pm
Where: Fashion Industry Gallery, 1807 Ross Ave, downtown Dallas

Tip: Want the best selection? Go as soon as it opens? Want best prices? Go in the final 3 hours of the sale. Vendors will continue to slash prices until the end!

Happy Shopping!

Be Still My Heart: Nordstrom Rack's Coming to NYC!

2009-07-26T10:53:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's allegedly true. Nordstrom Rack is coming to Union Square! My favorite bargain superstore will open sometime in the spring of 2010 right where the Virgin Megastore used to be. As the first Manhattan location of this Seattle-based retail company, fashionistas and bargainistas everywhere will have one more solid store to add to the list that includes Century 21, Filene's Basement, Loehmann's, Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I can't wait for spring!

Free Pastry at Starbucks Tomorrow!

2009-07-20T22:33:00.002-04:00

Go to Starbucks tomorrow morning for a free pastry with beverage purchase! All you'll need is this coupon. Enjoy!

Feminine Finds from Etsy

2009-06-18T13:22:00.005-04:00

I love going to Etsy to see what unique items I can find. Here are just a few feminine and flirty pieces to add to your summer wardrobe:
1. Tea Dress, $85
2. English Rose Ruffle Dress, $117
3. Tea Dress, $85
4. Ruffled Tunic, $88
5. Ice Cream Sundae Darling Eco Dress, $42

Jimmy Choo Coming to H&M

2009-06-17T22:45:00.004-04:00

My bargain shopping dream has just come true: Jimmy Choo is creating a line for H&M! According to WWD, Jimmy Choo has designed a collection of shoes that will be sold at H&M stores. We can expect to see them in 200 stores this coming November.

Is anyone else as excited as I am?
Photo: WWD

Attending a Wedding? Daytime Wedding Looks

2009-06-15T15:54:00.006-04:00

Since it is peak wedding season, we're going to feature some inexpensive looks for just about any wedding you're attending.

Add some cute shoes, jewelry and a clutch and any of these daytime looks would be fabulous for your next daytime wedding. Even better, all cost under $100:

Vacation-Ready Dress
Anthropologie
$59.95

Ruched V-Neck Dress
Ann Taylor
$99

City Style Tiered Ruffle Dress
NY & Company
$59.95

Silk/Cotton Floral Dress
Banana Republic
$98

Save the Date: NYC Summer Restaurant Week

2009-06-11T09:21:00.005-04:00

NYC Restaurant Week 2009 is coming in July. Make your reservations early - as soon as June 30th. Check back to their site often to catch the list of participating restaurants.

Get Michelle Obama's Look!

2009-06-05T15:22:00.004-04:00

Check out Instyle.com's feature of this Michelle Obama look. You can get the floral print cardigan from the Gap for just $35!

$1 Flip-Flops at Old Navy

2009-05-22T16:51:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is the day! For one day only - Saturday, May 23, Old Navy will offer their solid colored flip-flops for only $1! Yes, that's right one buck! Now that's what I call a DEAL!

Thanks, TBF.

New Faith21 Line from Forever 21!

2009-05-07T11:11:00.003-04:00

Forever 21 just launched their "Faith21" line online and at select Forever 21 stores. One of our faves in the line is this Cheetah Ruffle Shirt. This blouse is sure to turn heads!

HOT Flat Fringe Sandals from Payless!

2009-05-05T18:03:00.003-04:00

Last week I was at a cute, fairly high-end boutique in Philadelphia. The sales person there had the most adorable shoes on, so I had to compliment her. I was surprised and delighted when she told me she got them from Payless! These Scarlet Fringe Sandals are only $22.95 and come in both black and blue. These Mork Mirrored Sandals are also pretty hot!

NY Sample Sales Galore!

2009-04-15T14:03:00.002-04:00

Here are the latest sample sale listings:

What: Ali Ro and MODO Derek Lam Eyewear (Ali Ro dresses, tops and blouses along with MODO eyewear)
When: Apr. 15 - 17. Thurs. & Fri., Wed. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Savvy & Co's NYC Loft, 145 W. 18th St, (btw. 6th and 7th Sts) www.thesavvy.com

What: Psycho Bunny (scarves, ties, hats, and polo shirts for men & women - 50 % off)
When: Apr. 16 & 17. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Leffot, 10 Christopher St., at Gay St. (212-989-4577).

What: Bindya (spring scarves in ikat prints and plaids starting at $10. Also, tunics at 65% off)
When: Apr. 16 & 17. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 49 W. 38th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 9th flr.

What: La Perla (yes, La Perla!!!) - Up to 80 percent off deluxe bras, panties, sleepwear, and goodies from Frette.
When: Apr. 19-24. Sun., 1-6 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 4 W. 58th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 4th flr.

What: Kara Janx (neon stripe tank tops, high-waist skirts, and other stuff for 50-80% off)
When: Apr. 22 & 23. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 242 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 8th flr. (212-594-4797).

What: Mara Hoffman (resort, spring, and swim ’09. Tops and bathing suits start at $15; dresses start at $50)
When: Apr. 23-25. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 120 W. 28th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 3rd flr. (212-505-3020).

What: MaxMara (MaxMara, Max&Co, Sortmax, 'S MaxMara, Marina Rinaldi and Weekend - up to 70% off)
When: Apr. 26-29. (April 26th 12PM - 5PM, Monday, April 27th 10AM – 8PM Tuesday, April 28th 10AM – 7PM Wednesday, April 29th, 9am-4pm)
Where: 123 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., (212-388-0339).

What: Miguelina (floral dresses, camisoles, and silk chiffon blouses are up to 50% off wholesale prices)
When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 20 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 6th flr.

What: Ted Rossi (up to 75% on bangles, cuffs, clutches, and more)
When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 15 E. 30th St., b/t Madison & Fifth Aves., ste. 300. (212-683-1726).

Thanks, DailyCandy and The Budget Fashionista!

Cute Party Dress - Under $40

2009-04-13T14:26:00.002-04:00

With the economy in the toilet, it's hard to justify paying a lot for a cute party dress. Twelve by Twelve by Forever 21 is to the rescue! This adorable, yet affordable magenta ribbon party dress is only $38!

Topshop Opens in NYC!

2009-04-02T11:16:00.003-04:00

Today, Britain's own Topshop finally opens its doors in NYC on Broadway and Broome! Apparently last week they were giving away $500 gift cards on the street (how did I miss that?). I'm going to hit it up today and hope not to get too caught up in the madness.

New York Divas: Sample Sales Galore!

2009-03-18T18:16:00.002-04:00

What: Rachel Roy
Why: Take more than 75 percent off coats, dresses, and eveningwear.
When: Mar. 15-19. Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 230 Fifth Ave., b/t 26th & 27th Sts. (212-920-1211).

What: J. Crew
Why: Womens Clothing. Sample sale. Back by popular demand, J. Crew women's samples - read-to-wear, handbags, scarves, jewelry and more. Also Madewell samples - ready-to-wear and accessories.
When: March 17-19 T-Th, 11-8
Where: 261 West 36 Street (7-8 Avenues) 2 Floor 212.947.8748

What: Issey Miyake
Why: Womens & Mens Clothing Sample & stock sale. For one day only ... Women's and Men's Collections. The wearable art of Issey Miyake transcends trends and fads. Elegant jackets with gathering and draped collars. Skirts made in shiny, winter-weight satin are flatteringly draped with an asymmetrical hem. The designer's runway collection as well as his Pleats Please, Issey Miyake Fete, Cauliflower, and HaaT collections will be on sale at up to 80% off. Mixed seasons. All sales final.
When: March 19 Th 8-8
Where: 145 West 18 Street (6-7 Avenues) Ground Floor 212.226.1334 Ext 231

What: Lauren Merkin
Why: Softer-than-soft leather handbags ($150-$225), clutches ($40-$150), and accessories ($15-$25).
When: Mar. 17-21. Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 29th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 201 (212-239-2459).

What: Abaeté
Why: Sundresses, ’40s-inspired swimwear, sweaters, and jackets up to 80 percent off.
When: Mar. 19-21. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 560 Broadway, at Prince St., ste. 509 (212-334-4755).

What: Me&Ro
Why: Up to 75 percent off silver and 10- and 18-karat gold jewels.
When: Mar. 19-21. Thurs., noon-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 13 Crosby St., b/t Howard & Grand Sts., 2nd flr. (646-747-5900).

What: Saja
Why: Gowns, cocktail dresses, knits and sweaters at more than 75 percent off.
When: Mar. 19 & 20. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 250 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 1601.

What: Only Hearts
Why: Up to 80 percent off ready-to-wear and lingerie from Only Hearts, Alice McCall, Madison Marcus, LAmade, and more.
When: Mar. 19-22. Thurs.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 230 Mott St., b/t Prince & Spring Sts. (212-431-3694).

What: Tucker by Gaby Basora
Why: Resort, vintage, and limited-edition pieces starting at just $50.
When: Mar. 19-22. Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 13 Essex St., b/t Hester & Canal Sts. (212-777-8711).

What: Marchesa
Why: Stunning gowns, cocktail frocks, and evening separates (sizes 0-12) for 50-80 percent off.
When: Mar. 25 & 26. Wed., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St., at Sixth Ave., 2nd flr.

What: Hermes
When: March 25-28, W-Sat 10-6 Th til 8
Why: Womens & Mens Clothing Sample & stock sale. Twice a year, Hermes has a sample sale for mens and womens ready to wear and accessories. Be patient. There will be long lines for this event.
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion 123 West 18 Street 6-7 Avenues, 4 Floor Gallery 212.759.7585

What: Salon 9 Showroom
Why: Swimsuits by Red Carter, Zimmermann, and Brette Sandler at $40-$150.
When: Mar. 30-Apr. 3. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 241 W. 37th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 923.

Thanks, DailyCandy and Girlie Girl Army!

Say it Ain't So: Z Gallerie is Closing 25 Stores

2009-02-25T17:08:00.003-05:00

I am so bummed...One of my favorite home decor retailers, Z Gallerie, recently announced the closing of 25 of their stores, including all Ohio locations. Check out the full story here. Let's hope Z Gallerie's fate is better than these companies.

Thanks, Melissa!

Spotlight on: CB2

2009-02-15T23:25:00.003-05:00

What is CB2, you ask? CB2 is Crate and Barrel's ultra contemporary, less expensive sister store. Unfortunately, only six stores currently exist, but luckily you can find many of their items online.

CB2 has tons of great items to dazzle any home, but here are a few of my favorites:

Paleo Vase - $9.95:

Bud Appetizer Plate - $1.95 each:

Love Graffiti Pillow - $19.95:

NY and LA Divas: Barney's Warehouse Sale

2009-02-13T10:57:00.003-05:00

Barney's Warehouse Sale is going on now! Merchandise will be 50-75% off!

Los Angeles: February 5th - 16th (Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Air Center)
New York: February 12th - March 1st (17th Street between 7th and 8th)

I am checking out the NY location tomorrow. Happy Shopping!

We've Changed Our URL!

2009-02-11T11:28:00.002-05:00

Diva on a Dollar has changed its URL from www.divaonadollar.blogspot.com to www.divaonadollar.com. Please change your bookmarks. If you don't, don't worry! You will be redirected to us.

Today Only: 43% Off at Kenneth Cole

2009-02-01T17:51:00.004-05:00

Kenneth Cole is offering 43% off EVERYTHING online and in store today in honor of Super Bowl XLIII! What a deal!

Some of my faves are this yellow leather hobo, these Street Wise high boots, and this black short puffer jacket.

Also, spend at least $100 and get free shipping!

Thanks, Raquel!

Store Discovery: Martin and Osa

2009-01-21T19:43:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday my boyfriend and I went shopping at The Westchester in NY. We happened upon Martin & Osa, a store I had seen at NorthPark Mall in Dallas but never went into thinking it was not quite my "style." I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Here's some background: Martin and Osa is owned by America Eagle Outfitters and is named after Martin and Osa Johnson, Kansas natives and explorers who captured their adventures to remote, exotic locations in films, photography and books in the first half of the 20th century. There is even a safari museum in their honor. The store itself reminded me of a Zara meets Banana Republic meets J Crew. I found it refined without being stuffy and stylish without being too trendy. The quality was high for the prices, too. My boyfriend bought two button down shirts for only $18 a piece! I fell in love with some ankle boots, but unfortunately they didn't have them in my size.

To make things even better, Martin & Osa online has FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS (yes, you can return it for free if you don't like it!). Right now you can take an extra 30% off of already reduced merchandise - they're practically giving things away. Here are some of my faves:

Cross-Over Pleat Skirt - $27.97 (was $79.50)

Heeled D-Ring Ankle Boots - $48.96 (were $160! - I personally saw these in person and the quality of the leather could rival Cole Haan)

Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress - $38.46 (was $130 - they only have L-XXL sizes, so act quickly!)

New York Divas: J Crew Sample Sale

2009-01-19T08:00:00.003-05:00

Fans of J Crew know that they NEVER have sample sales. Well this week, J Crew-aholics and fans all over New York will have six days of up to 70% off heaven! Here are the details:

Clothingline
SSS Sample Sales
261 W 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
Tuesday, January 20 - Sunday, January 25 (Tues - Thurs: 10am - 7pm, Fri: 10am - 6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm)
Items will include men's, women's and crewcuts
Find out more details at Clothingline's website.

I will be there on Wednesday! Happy shopping!

Diva Dozen: Celebrity Looks, Deep Discounts, and More

2009-01-16T11:48:00.007-05:00

Happy Friday! I hope you are all geared up for a great weekend (especially those of you heading out to DC for the inauguration)! Here is a sample of some great posts and deals around the web:

1. 70% off sale at Diane von Furstenberg. You can also get this $70 Obama tote on her site. So cute!
2. The Budget Fashionista's review of website 1site1price.com (where everything is $29.99!)
3. Find out where to get Eva Mendez's Golden Globe dress for less on Style it Less!
4. If you liked Tina Fey's dress better, Celeb Look shows you how you can get it on the low-low.
5. Freebies for all posted by the Cheap Chica.
6. Take an extra 50% off of Old Navy online by using EXTRA50 at checkout (more details at Bargainist).
7. Get this Luxe Croc Clutch for $11.99 at Forever 21.
8. Check out how you can get Rosaria Dawson's look for $90.78 at Fashion Under $100.
9. Preview Orla Kiely Housewares for Target at the Budget Babe.
10. Great hostess gift: Double banded platinum nut bowl for $4.99 from West Elm.
11. Cute multi-color ruffle top for $10.48 at NY & Co.
12. Take an extra 50% off of a bunch of items at Bloomingdale's (including these Stuart Weitzman Pluto leather boots)!