Trends from a SHOPaholic

2010-05-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Even though H&M hasn't made a big impact on South Florida, its slowly making its way to Florida. With only two store locations:

Seminole Towne Center
117 Towne Center Circle
Sanford, FL 32771
407-302-0801

The Florida Mall
8001 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32809
407-858-0316

H&M offers a variety of clothes to choose from which vary in prices. Recently I was looking on the store website and I saw a cute denim mini skirt($24.95), a t-shirt ($12.95), a red belt to accent the shirt ($6.95), and sandals ($24.95). This is a fairly decent amount for a complete outfit.

Big and Tall for Men at Burlington Coat Factory

2010-05-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes finding men clothes can be a hassle because some men are to tall and some men are to big. Well at Burlington Coat Factory, there is a big and tall section for men above average. Burlington Coat Factory has an advantage over other stores because most places don't sell big and tall clothes for men that are above average size. Not only does Burlington offer a large variety of clothes for larger men but they sell them for a lower price then department stores.

My boyfriend happens to be 6'7 so shopping for him is pretty hard. Long sleeve shirts are often to short, long pants look like there flooding, and regular t-shirts are to tight. In the big and tall section of Burlington I am bound to find something that fits him not to mention for a low price.

For men that are struggling to find affordable clothes at a low price, consider shopping at Burlington Coat Factory in the Big and Tall section.

New Look, New Day, Who Knew, JCPenny

2010-05-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Even though I wouldn't consider myself to be a religious JCPenny shopper, the times when I do find my way into the department store, I'm amazed at how many nice inexpensive things that they have.

JCPenny has fashion for babies, kids, teens, men and women to choose from. So everyone in the family can go home happy.

I remember when I was a little kid, my mom used to take me to JCPenny for back to school shopping. I always wore uniform so we bought things like underwear, socks, undershirts, and t-shirts. I never really understood why she went to JCPenny out of all the stores when those items could be bought anywhere. As I got older and we had to do the same routine for my brother. Undershirt, boxers, socks, book bag, etc., that's when I realized why she shopped at JCPenny.

During back to school time JCPenny sends out coupons to your house and if you didn't receive one in the mail you can cut them out of the newspaper.

JCPenny offers coupons for 50% off total purchases, $10 off certain items, and $20 off Jansport book bags. That's when I realized why my mom shopped at JCPenny for back to school savings.

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale

2010-05-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

Are you a women that's addicted to Victoria's Secret Lingerie? Have you tried shopping through there Semi-Annual Catalog sale? Although lingerie can get a little expensive, there's ways that you can save on the items that you love most.

I was never really a catalog shopper, I like to try things on and make sure it fits, I don't like to go through the hassle of doing returns but last summer I changed my mind.

When I got to Las Vegas, Nevada I realized that I forgot to pack a bathing suit. My older cousin who happens to be the same size as me said "don't worry about it, I have enough choose the one that you like". Family or not, I don't really like sharing bathing suits with people.

When I pulled the bathing suits out of her suitcase, every single one had a price tag on it. That's when I asked her were all of these bathing suits new and she said yes, she had ordered them from the Victoria's Secret catalog. I couldn't believe how many bathing suits she had, some were Beach Sexy because she has a nice body that's what most of them were. Some were Very Sexy, Pink, Miracle Bra Push ups, two pieces and one piece.

I couldn't help but ask her how much everything was. She didn't remember the exact price that she had spent but she said the most expensive item on the list was the one piece but all the separates were $23 or less each. If you have ever bought a bathing suite from Victoria's Secret then your in shock to find out how cheap that is. From that day on, when I get the catalog in the mail I look for good savings.

Sexy Lingerie by Fredrick's of Hollywood

2010-05-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

Ladies are you getting sick of spending so much money on underwear, bras, and lingerie? Although we may all be used to Victoria's Secret 5 for $25 underwear and occasionally 7 for $25 deal, there's an even better deal to look into. Fredrick's of Hollywood has all bras, underwear and lingerie all for unbeatable prices.

Many people don't know about Fredrick's of Hollywood because there's only fifteen locations in Florida and 3 in South Florida.

Plantation

Westfield Broward Shopping Center (402)

954-370-4906

8000 West Broward Blvd.

Plantation, FL 33388

Miami

Miami International Mall (297)

305-594-1859

1455 NW 107th Ave.

Miami, FL 33172

Coral Springs

Coral Square (381)

954-344-3610

9469 W Atlantic Blvd

Coral Springs, FL 33071

Fredrick's of Hollywood hasn't made it big in South Florida yet but with bras as low as $25, underwear's 6 for $25 and sexy lingerie starting at $20, whats not to love.

Shopping Online/ Catalog Tips

2010-05-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Most people don't like shopping online or from catalogs and I don't blame them. It can be aggravating when your order something and it doesn't fit and you had to pay for shipping and handling. Shopping online and using catalogs is one of the best ways that people can save money during shopping. Maybe you should consider these tips when shopping online or in a catalog:

Try not to order just one item at a time.
Order a bundle of items at one time instead of paying shipping and handling over and over.
Check the shipping and handling details of the site or catalog that you are ordering from. Many times when you spend a certain amount of money shipping and handling is free.
Make sure you know your size whether it be small, medium, or large, 2, 4, 6, or 24, 25, 26 to avoid sending items back.

These are just a few tips that I found to be helpful when shopping online or while shopping from a catalog.

Easy Breezy Beautiful Covergirl

2010-05-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't consider myself to be a makeup person but the little bit of make-up that I do own is from Covergirl. Stars such as Queen Latifah, Rihanna and Drew Barrymore all represent the Covergirl line. Queen Latifah has her very own Queen Collection, and Rihanna uses her beauty and her hazel eyes in promoting the exact eyelights eye-brightening mascara.

I choose to use Covergirl because its the only makeup that doesn't make me feel as though I'm wearing makeup, its affordable and it makes me feel extra pretty when I wear it. There's some makeup brands that make you feel ripped off after you buy it. Ive bought makeup from Mac before and I felt ripped off. You get one eyeshadow for $18, I can get a pack of 3 eyeshadow from Covergirl for $6 at CVS Pharmacy.

Not only is Covergirl cheaper then other brands but it doesn't make you look like you have makeup piled on your face when your taking pictures. I hate when I'm on Facebook and I'm looking at peoples pictures and it looks like there face is a different color then their neck. That's because of the makeup, Covergirl doesn't do that. Every women should feel as pretty as a Covergirl.

Have you been to an Outlet lately

2010-05-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am completely guilty of paying to much for clothes and shoes. Because I'm always in a rush I sometimes don't make time to go to the outlets. Recently me and my brother went to Sawgrass Mills Mall because he needed to find an outfit for Grad night. I walked into the Coach store, and I almost regret it because there was so many people in there, but I quickly found out why. Not only was everything cheaper then the store price but when you walked in you received an additional 20% off coupon off of already reduced items. I didn't buy anything but that's only because I'm not really a Coach fan so I didn't see anything worth buying but if I was, it would have been money well spent. Since we were shopping for my brother we walked over to the Polo store and I got a little upset. The reason why I got upset was because I went to Las Vegas this past summer and I went on a serious shopping spree. I bought a Polo collared shirt with the big horse and the big number on the back for $70, I thought that was a good deal. When i walked over to the women section I found Polo's just like the one I had purchased for $40, I felt ripped off, but whats done is done you live and you learn. In the meantime my brother was shopping around and he found a nice button up Polo top for $30 a matching hat and belt. We went to the register and the total price came up to $70. The other night I came home and my brother pulled out a Polo bag. He went back to the store and got to classic tees with Polo written on the front for $10 each. It seems like he's also learning how to shop wisely. Its evident that shopping at Outlets can be cheaper then shopping at department stores.

Forever 21 a fashion sense for Everyone

2010-05-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

If your stylish and you love to be fashionable for a low price then consider shopping at Forever 21. Over the years Forever 21 has expanded tremendously with four other sister stores, Heritage 1981, HTG 81 kids, Twelve by Twelve, and 21 Men. Forever 21 makes an effort to cater to everyone with kids clothing, men clothing, women clothing which is also available in plus sizes, accessories, shoes, handbags and more all for low prices. Whatever the occasion may be there is an outfit for you at one of the Forever 21 stores. If your looking for a preppy look, mini skirts, plaid, or button ups consider Heritage 1981. Men although you can find men clothes throughout selective Forever 21 and Heritage 1981 stores you can also shop at 21 Men for all the styles that your looking for. Plus size women can find their sizes in the faith 21 extended size area of Forever 21 stores. And for women that are looking for something a bit more dressy try Twelve by Twelve but expect to spend a little bit more money. Remember you get what you pay for.

Dress For Less at Ross

2010-05-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I got so frustrated when I was at Pembroke Lakes Mall because I couldn't find any cute sun dresses. On may way home I decided to stop at Ross. I honestly don't go to Ross very often because I hate looking through racks of clothes. This day I was by myself I was free for the rest of the day so I had time to look through racks of clothes. As soon as I walked into the store there was a large sign hanging from the ceiling that read Dresses.

When I saw the section I knew I was bound to find something there that I would like. So I began to walk through each aisle, and it seemed like I found a dress in each one. I found long dresses, short dresses, bright, and dark dresses.

At this point I began to worry because I had picked up so many things. The thoughts that were going through my mind, I hope this one doesn't fit because I don't want to spend so much money, and how much are these dresses anyway. Not once did I look at the prices when I was picking these dresses up.

When I went into the fitting room to try the dresses on I started to look at the prices, $8.99, $10.99 and $12.99. I was so happy to see that I had found so many dresses that I like for such a cheap price that I ended up getting everything that fit me. I spent $70 and I got six dresses. You really can dress for less when you shop at Ross.

Pay...Less for Shoes

2010-04-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

One day I came home with a brand new pair of Steve Madden shoes. They were pretty but they were expensive. My roomate asked me why do I spend so much on shoes, she said I should consider shopping at Payless. Payless offers a variety of shoes, designer shoes, boots, sandals, and sneakers for women, men, girls and boys. Payless has a list of brands from Airwalk, Smartfit, Dexter, to Champion. Not only do they have reasonable prices but you can find shoes for half off with Payless Bogo sale. Buy one get one half off everything is ideal for anyone on a budget. Payless is the main source for finding shoes for less.

Expect More. Pay Less

2010-04-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

I personally love to shop at Target because they have a variety of departments to choose from. Target has electronics, toys, furniture, bed and bath basics, kitchen essentials, cosmetics, fragrances, and hair supplies, but most importantly they have clothing. Target doesn't just have any clothing, but they have cheap clothing that the entire family can enjoy. You can find clothes for women, men, babies, and kids. If you don't like to read the newspaper you can log onto Target.com and find weekly ads including deals on women shoes, make-up and swimsuits. When you shop at Target you can expect more for less.

Guessing about Sales? Shop Around for Better Prices

2010-03-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Over the years I found that the key to finding clothes for less, is to do your research and know where you are shopping. What do I mean when I say know where you are shopping? I live in South Florida and since I love to shop I don't mind traveling to different malls, and exploring new places. I have a thing for name brand clothes, it doesn't necessarily need to be Christian Dior, or Marc Jacobs but I prefer to wear Guess. Although it may not be as pricey as your top designer clothing, it is more on the high end. Ever since I was a little girl my mom dressed me up in Guess outfits. When I turned 18 I got my first job in the Guess store. So as you can see I love Guess.

If you have been in a Guess store recently you know that there cheapest jeans are $79. To some that may sound like nothing but think about it, for $79 your getting the most basic denim that Guess offers. If you want the nicer jeans your looking to spend anywhere between $128 to $180. I know I cant afford to buy $180 or even want to spend so much for one item.

When I say do your research and shop around I mean just that. I often shop at Pembroke Lakes Mall where I find incredible deals in the Guess store. It doesn't matter if its a Monday or a Saturday, you will find a sale. They offer 50-70% off a large selection of clothes, bags, and shoes. Other Guess stores such as the one in Aventura Mall does not offer the same sales as Pembroke Lakes Mall, so keep this in mind the next time you plan on going shopping.

$wap Shop Near You

2010-03-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

For Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth residents you may want to take advantage of the great values in your area. With over 2,000 vendors the Swap Shop offers fun, excitement and tons of great bargains. Open 7 days a week, to provide customers with the best prices in town. If your in South Florida and looking for great deals all in one place then visit one of the Swap Shops nearest you.

Shop Bloomingdales for less

2010-03-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

When people think of Bloomingdale's they think of expensive, high fashion, top designers, and unaffordable. Never judge a book by its cover, I learned this four years ago and I have continued to shop at Bloomingdale's ever since. When I was a senior in high school I wanted this Juicy bag and could not find it anywhere. I happened to be in Aventura Mall and decided to check Bloomingdale's. Not only did i find the Juicy bag but it was significantly cheaper then any other store I had already went to. Who would have thought that an "expensive, high fashion" store like Bloomingdale's would have reasonable prices. Many stores have sales that people can take advantage of. Bloomingdale's offers one of the best sales on designer items. Just recently I went to Town Center at Boca Raton because my friend told me that Bloomingdale's was having a sale. I didn't want to spend to much money so I gave myself a budget of $50 which is unrealistic for me. I left with 1 Guess vest originally $69 for $13, 1 dress originally $89 for $15, and a pair of Steve Madden shoes originally $129 for $40. Although I went over my budget we can all see just how much money you can save if you shop during a sale.

Fly into Bijoux Terner for $10 accessories

2010-03-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

Flying in or out of Miami International Airport? Are you in desperate need of cheap accessories? Bijoux Terner is all across Florida with four locations here in South Florida. Bijoux Terner was founded in 1974 in Miami, Florida. Providing both men and women global fashion trends, Bijoux Terner has offered all items in the store at one low $10 price since 1997. So if you are ever in the Miami International Airport, Bijoux Terner is located in terminals D, E, F, and J.

TJ Maxx Spring Collection

2010-03-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

TJ Maxx Commercial - Click here for the most popular videos

TJ Maxx offers the latest trends and hottest designers at the lowest prices. Spring is finally here, so TJ Maxx has filled its racks with high-end designer names as of Feb. 26. Premium denim, shoes, shirts, dresses, handbags, jewelery, and watches are up70% less than department store and boutique prices. The next time your looking for something designer to wear consider shopping at TJ Maxx. Why not save money?

Deerfield Beach affordable $8.88 shoe store

2010-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

If your in the Deerfield Beach area you may want to stop by the $8.88 shoe store. About a month ago I was in desperate need of some flat brown boots but I really didn't wanna spend to much money. A friend of mine told me about the $8.88 shoe store. I am the type of girl that doesn't mind spending extra money for good quality but I figured it was worth a try. I jumped in my car and drove not even two miles away from my Boca Raton apartment to 3206 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.

The $8.88 shoe store is located just east of Powerline Road on Hillsboro Blvd. in the Dunkin Donuts Dan's Fan City shopping center, all the way at the East end. You cant miss there ALL SHOES $8.88! sign right out front.

When I got there I was surprised at how many choices of shoes there were to choose from. I found evening shoes, stilettos, heels, platforms, pumps, thongs, wedges, gladiators, flats, sneakers, ballerinas, sandals and boots.

If you are in the Deerfield Beach area and in need of shoes, the $8.88 shoe store is a great spot to find a variety of shoes for less.

Store hours are Thursday 9:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The $8.88 shoe store does not yet have a website but If you don't live close and would like to call and see if they have what you are looking for Ive provided you with there phone number. 954-425-8588

Victoria's Secret Annual Fashion Show Introduces New Angels

2010-02-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

On December 1, 2009 Heidi Klum hosted The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show which returned to New York City. This marked the introduction of five new angels. VS Angels along with other supermodels ripped the runway in a holiday themed lingerie runway show.

This year supermodel Marisa Miller sparkled in the $3 million Harlequin Fantasy Bra designed by renowned Italian jeweler Damiani.

Two popular Victoria's Secret angels Adriana Lima and Karolina Kurkova were missing from the fashion show due to recent childbirths.

So every year someone performs at the fashion show, and this year it was the chart topping Black Eyed Peas.

Victoria's Secret Pink Nation

2010-02-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

The Victoria's Secret Pink line was launched in July of 2004 and seems to be the fastest growing line launched by Victoria's Secret. Pink caters to young adults such as high school students and undergraduate college students with there collegiate collection. It features clothing such as sleepwear, sweats, hoodies, tanks and tees, robes and wraps. Lingerie, bras, underwear that are age appropriate. Swim essentials, bathing suits, and cover-ups and accessories for room decor, flip flops, bags and luggage. The company advertises through MySpace, Facebook, and partnerships with MTV. Victoria's Secret Pink now has 59 universities in its collegiate collection, 6 of which are in Florida. Each year Pink chooses three campus representatives from each university to promote their collection. This year there are over 130 girls that are chosen to keep you posted on everything new from Pink, and upcoming events. Everything Pink can be found in any Victoria's Secret location. If you go to malls such as Aventura in Miami or Boca Town Center in Boca Raton you will find that Pink has its own store with a larger selection of items to choose from. Check online to see if you school is apart of the collegiate collection at http://www2.victoriassecret.com/pink/ if it is not then you can nominate your school and become one of the many universities to join the list.

Beyonce's Street Chic look is a simple way to look fashionable

2010-02-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

How to get Beyonce's street chic look?

Now that the temperatures in Florida have been high and low it never hurts to have a jacket around. This is all you need to do to stay fashionable this season. Pair one of these jackets with skinny jeans, a white tee shirt, and sky-high booties for maximum edge. It doesn't cost much to look fashionable. Each Jacket can be found on http://www.forever21.com/ for under $30.

Rihanna: How easy it is to get her look

2010-02-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

When Rihanna first stepped on the music scene back in 2005, she had everyone putting her songs on replay. The Barbadian beauty emerged as a singer but more so in her style of fashion. Rihanna started out as a sexy singer and later enhanced her fashion sense after attending numerous fashion shows. Her style became edgier as she took a turn toward high fashion. Wearing various designers such as Vera Wang, Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, LaROK, J. Mendel, Gucci, Jean-Paul Gaultier, BCBG, and Zac Posen to name a few. I chose to take a look at one of Rihanna's weird, yet edgy, fashionable outfits that you can find for less.

Rihanna's Outfit:

Beige band-skirt: $99

The Charley 5.0 “Youth Gone Wild” denim jacket: $279

Buy This Look:

Delmar Bootie $109.95 http://www.bakers.com/

Trooper Jacket $27.80 http://www.forever21.com/default.asp

Percy Plaid Shirt $19.90 http://www.forever21.com/heritage1981/

High-Waist Mini Bandage Skirts $59.50 http://www.express.com/home.jsp

Accessorize in Full Blooded Swatch Watches

2010-02-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

A watch may not be an essential but it's an accessory and girls love to accessorize. In 1983 Mr. Swatch Nicolas G. Hayek sold his first Swiss made watch and he named it Swatch. In 2009 the Gold Full-Blooded replaced any other watch that you may have had, making it to the company's best sellers list along with two new additions. "This FULL-BLOODED catches the eye with a flash of golden lightning. The golden sun brushed dial of this Irony Chrono Diaphane set crystals at all hours." Swatch has made its way into many girls homes with a total of seven Full-Blooded colors, gold, sea, silver, white, earth, sunset, and night. I attached a link to the swatch website if anyone would like to see the complete collection. http://www.swatch.com/zz_en/home.html

2010 Grammy Awards: The Best and Worst Dressed

2010-02-02T08:08:00.001-08:00

For some celebrities, their red carpet moment is just as important as winning an award. The 52nd Grammy Awards took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles,CA where various stars appeared on the red carpet. The Grammy Awards is known for its fun, musical yet sophisticated atmosphere. Many stars came dressed to impress while others failed to impress anyone with their outfit choice. Let's take a look at my Best and Worst dressed List for the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Best Dressed Nominees:

Taylor Swift, looked stunning!

Lea Michele The one shoulder dress made her look tall, and her legs looked great she shouldn't cover them up. Its a dress that I could see myself wearing.

Pink : Designer (Tony Ward) she looked amazing, it was a different look for Pink but it worked.

Miley Cyrus: Designer (Herve Leger) I loved Mileys look because she looked edgy and age appropriate.

Fergie gets it right every time! Her dress was short, simple but fun. Its something that I could see myself wearing.

Jennifer Hudson: Designer (Victoria Beckham) I thought looked great for just having a baby. Whoever helped her pick this outfit got it right. It complimented her body.

Ashanti: Designer(Tony Ward) looked stunning, but was her dress worth $300,000?

Worst Dressed Nominees:

Lady Gaga: Designer (Armani Prive) Some people may call it art, but I am not a fan of Lady Gagas outfit choice. The only compliment that I have for her is that she actually looked softer in the face.

Brittney Spears: Designer ( Dolce and Gabbana) It just didn't work.

Katy Perry: Designer (Zac Posen) I actually didn't dislike Katy Perry's dress I just didn't like it on her.