Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale

Full-skirted dress, sale price $95

This is an exciting sale if you're a girl that loves her cute and comfy panties and bras, as well as any of their clothes (which are remarkably good quality). Victoria's Secret is having their huge blowout semi-annual sale and you can get panties for only $2.99 a pair and bras for only $14.99.

Here are the current promos they have going on that I found at retailmenot.com, upon checkout enter the following codes so you can receive the bonuses:

Coupon Code: 299PANTY and any clearance panties will only be $2.99, expires 1/16/12
Coupon Code: VS100 for Free Shipping on order of $100, expires 1/22/12
Coupon Code: SWIM125 for Free Swim Tote with $125 purchase, expires 1/22/12
Coupon Code: 20DRESSVS for Extra 20% off already reduced styles for total savings of up to 70%

If you ever plan on getting anything from Victoria's Secret, I suggest doing so now or waiting until Black Friday comes around again this year, otherwise things are a lot more overpriced than they are now. A bunch of their dresses are on sale (almost all of them in fact) so if you're looking for something for a wedding, or a sweater dress, or a multi-way dress, you've found it on here!

Here are some of my favs:

Buckle-wrap sweaterdress, Clearance $49.99 and extra 20% off with 20DRESSVS

The Multi-way dress, Clearance 49.99 and extra 20% off with 20DRESSVS

Georgette Halter dress, Clearance $69.50

Fashionista on a Budget, episode 3

This week, my friends and I went on a shopping escapade through downtown Seattle and ravaged Pacific Place, Forever 21, and H&M for things to wear to the company Christmas party (which was last night). We didn't find anything we particularly liked in terms of dresses, but we walked away with assorted other items like tank tops and sweaters. All of these items are much more suited to the weather here and our lifestyles, so they were probably wiser purchases than a dress anyway.

I picked up this Ecote Feather Embellished Tank Top from Urban Outfitters because it was on sale and it is made of a thick cotton material that I love wearing during the winter-time under cardigans. I purchased two of these tank tops, one in the off-white with beige beads, and the other in black with gray beads. They are low-cut in the back and can look a little sultry. The original retail price of these tank tops was $49, which I think is ludicrous for the tiny bit of material any tank top is made from, so I waited until they were on sale for $19 and the UO was having a 50% off sale items day. I picked up both of these tank tops for under $10 each. Now, that's what I call shopping! I'm very happy with this purchase because they suit day-to-day activities and are not under-dressed or over-dressed for any occasion.

Next, I saw this Staring at Stars Fuzzy Open Stitch Open Cardigan that I had seen weeks before but it was originally $59, which is far more than I had valued it. Therefore, when it went on sale, it became $29, and with the half-off promo they had going on, it became $15/each. However, at the cash register, the lady that rang it up, only charged me $10 for it, so I was absolutely thrilled. I got one in coral (which they don't have pictured on the website, so they must be sold out) and one in white. I'm kind of upset I didn't pick one up in black, but I wasn't sure if I wanted the same cardigan in triplicate! The damage I did during this shopping trip was around $43 with taxes and all, so I got two tank tops and two cardigans for that amount. The original amount would have been $98 for the tank tops and $118 for the cardigans, leaving the whopping non-sale, non-50% promotion, total at $216.

I'm a firm believer that if you're not desperately looking for one thing or another, you won't spend too much money shopping on the essentials for the winter season. Everything goes on sale, eventually. That's my mantra. Purchasing from the sale rack of this type of store is even a great idea for holiday presents for friends and family. They will be surprised and the big present you got them, but you don't have to reach deep inside your pockets to do it.

Fashionista on a Budget, Episode 2

During one of my many leisurely strolls through downtown's shopping district, I came across an adorable store called Romy. I'll admit their website leaves much... well, really everything to the imagination, but the store is filled with cutesy dresses and to my surprise was stocked up on sweater-dresses for the season. I hadn't planned on purchasing anything but the prices in here are so phenomenal that I managed to get all of these items for $50.

These may not look like much on hangers but they're flattering on the figure, comfortable, and warm for those fall/winter months. The burgundy-wine cowl-neck dress  is especially so, it hits around the knee (if you're 5'4 like me), as does the black one. The burgundy dress is made of a wool-blend fabric, while the black one on the right is a knit cotton with knitted detail. They both have that feminine baby-doll fit which is what draws me to the store, because almost all of their dresses have the exact same shape.

I know you may be wondering when you see the belt that I purchased if this is not too similar to the one I had bought in the previous entry about the Urban Outfitters haul, well.... it is, it really is. The only logical explanation I have is that this belt happened to be $3, how could I say no??? How can anybody say no? Plus, I'm a sucker for bows and shiny things.

Lastly, because I had spent $50 with the previous items, I received a free $10 giftcard which I promptly used towards the purchase of this scarf (which happened to conveniently be $10). I needed this scarf because it's extremely warm and it's a cotton knit fabric, it's exceptionally crafted for how cheap it is.

So, in conclusion, thank-you Romy, I will definitely be back for more inexpensive seasonal clothing. The ladies who worked here were exceptionally friendly and attentive. The store also has a variety of cute accessories (headbands, earrings, etc) that don't require you reach too deep into your pockets.

Fashionista on a Budget

In an economy like this, how can you still buy yourself things and not break the bank? It's simple, just bargain hunt. No, I don't mean go to thrift stores, or consignment shops and buy things at drastically reduced prices because others have worn them. There are perfectly brand new stylish clothes that are on-trend in stores near you that you can definitely afford! I'll be bargain-hunting for you and I'll tell you all the best sales I come across!

Recently, I visited Urban Outfitters (who are usually charging a pretty penny for their frocks) and discovered their AMAZING, but usually hidden, sales rack! It's usually on the upper floor of their multi-level stores and they will occasionally have '50% off all sale items' promotions. I did notice that these sales are not advertised online, so you will have to visit a store near you to get this promotion. I purchased some of the most delicious Navajo-inspired tanks, a bow belt, and tights for amounts you would be surprised at.

Firstly, the cute belt that I didn't *need* but was drawn to purchase at it's measly $5.00.

Then, this set of tank-tops, of which for all three I paid $20.00

I purchased two cardigans, one in black and the other in tan, for $29 and $10 respectively. Each one is worth more than the sum of both, and they are great quality pieces which are great for a casual day or a fancy night out.

Lastly, two pairs of skinny jeans (the black ones are stretchy and fabulous) for $10.00 each!! I didn't post any photos because they were boring, unadventurous and simple. Might I add they were originally $69? Why would anyone ever pay that much??

One caveat is that you have to arrive early. When things get put on sale, you want to be there at the opening hour of Monday if you expect to get these sales. I've gone other times and had no luck with the sales rack, because you won't find your size, unless you're lucky enough to be an XS or XL. Here's their website http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Stay tuned for more great deals!