Fashionable Halloween Clearance Rack Steals

As you probably know, the day after (and sometimes day of) Halloween is when stores pull all of their theme items and throw them on a clearance rack for 50-75% off. There's not much you can do with a ceramic jack-o-lantern past it's sell-by date, but there are a few style items worth snatching up at a discount for year-round usage.

1.) Black, purple, glitter and other wild nail polish. Since when do those not work in January?

2.) False eyelashes - even some of the crazier sets can be fun around the holidays and for parties or going out. Falsies don't have to be expensive to look amazing.

3.) Stripe, fishnet and fun colored tights. Also not a halloween-only accessory.

4.) Skull jewelry (but leave the spiderweb and pumpkin earrings on the shelf, please)

5.) Glitter.

6.) Novelty socks. Does anyone see what's under those snowboots in the winter? If you find cuddly ones for 99 cents, stock up.

7.) Next year's costume. Like any end-of-season purchase, stash it away in a box for next year and be so excited when you realize you don't have to fight the crowds and pay full price next October. Suckers!

PS: Two notable Halloween free shipping deals from sweet websites:

- ASOS.com (UK) is offering free shipping to the U.S. this weekend on EVERYTHING.

- MAC Cosmetics is offering free shipping on any purchase during "the witching hours" between 6PM and 3AM tonight.

Hope Marian by Lizzie Fortunato Necklaces

Hope Marian by Lizze Fortunato Necklaces, 1 ($58), 2 ($38) and 3,4 ($58 each)

How cute are these mixed-media necklaces that NYC sister-duo Lizzie Fortunato Jewels designed for Urban Outfitters? Each piece in the line - called Hope Marian - is very limited edition and exclusive to UO. With a price range of $38-$58 they're actually affordable, and an easy way to make a basic outfit look fresh.

Featured Find: Bumble and Bumble's "Bandball"

I buy hair elastics probably once a month, but somehow I can never find one when I need one. Are tiny elves stealing them in the night? Who knows. Regardless, Bumble and Bumble came up with a totally cute solution with their new release, the Bandball.

The bands are metal-free so they won't damage your hair, and they come in four cute summery colors (including a great neutral taupe that will work with just about any haircolor.) For $20 you score 100 chances not to lose that damn elastic.

It's limited edition, so grab yours as soon as they go on sale (I got a sneak peek, but they will be available on the Bb. site any day now) cause the winter version completely sold out.

Coach Puts Out Younger Cheaper Poppy Line

Coach is about to release a new youth-geared collection of shoes, bags and accessories called Poppy. The price point is lower (starting at $198) and the items incorporate brighter colors and details like sequins.

If I'm going to drop close to $200 for the cheapest bag by a major brand, I'm sure as shit not buying something that looks like it was designed by a clown and is sold at Claire's. Who is their Target market, Teresa's brood of budding Jon Benets on the Real Housewives of New Jersey?

[Photo via BravoTV.com]

Better get your wads of laundered money ready - Poppy is for sale starting Friday.

Jean Charles de Castelbajac Lego Sunglasses

[Photo by Dominique Maitre. Source: WWD.com]

In case you missed his Spring RTW collection (or any of his other collections), kooky old French designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac has had a thing for childhood toys. If you liked the Lego dresses he put out this spring, you'll probably want to pick up a pair of the matching sunglasses, which you can build on with your own bucket-o-Legos if the spirit moves you.

You can buy JCDC stuff online from boutique Seven New York - much of it is 50% off.

Around Your Neck

If you love cutting edge design, Etsy shouldn't be the only bookmark on your toolbar. Observe the wares offered by my new favorite discovery, Stars and Infinite Darkness, an online store carrying apparel, jewelry, gifts and housewares, all by small brands who for the most part create their items by hand.

These are a few of my favorite jewelry items:

[Click image to enlarge]

Hint: Join their Facebook group to score special deals and discounts.

Pretty Plastic Flowers

Check these bracelets from GirlProps.com ($16.99 each). They totally remind me of the cool bakelite jewelry from the 60's and 70's that you find in vintage shops. With an understated floral (or vintage) top or dress, these could rock.

(Faux) Vintage (Faux) Jewels

Having just ripped through Season One of the Showtime series The Tudors on DVD in a matter of one day, it's to be expected that my obsession with vintage costume jewelry has kicked into overdrive. Every scene has Catherine of Aragon or Anne Boleyn flaunting some gem-heavy pendant, brooch or headpiece that would have any girl who can recall her youthful (okay, or grown-up) princess fantasies drooling in envy. Even the boys rock amazing shoulder-draped bands of jewels (see photo.)

Jonesing for a few sparkling imitations on the cheap, I hit the website of my favorite contemporary costume jewelry brand: 1928. Here are the ones I could make a royal dent in my bank account for (P.S. - Use code DELIGHT08 for 20% off):




Midnight lace necklace, $28; Cielo rojo necklace, $72; Aquamarine pendant, $16; Gold tone teardrop, $37; Amethyst brooch, $19; Drop earrings, $16; Sapphire set, $9.99.

My Blogging Soul Mate

Yes. I found her. There is finally someone out there on the fashion blogosphere that has the same opinions about Dov Charney as I do:

The Office's Mindy Kaling. Check it out.

Also, AA's new circle scarf seems that it can do just about anything. [Insert a sexual joke that Dov Charney would probably make here.]

Get Your Bake On

I know it's not even Halloween yet, but baking season is upon us. My favorite time of year has finally arrived! Baking can be so much fun but it can also be a big mess. There's no reason that we should have to change into old clothes that we wouldn't be caught dead wearing in public just to bake our hearts out. Every fashionista should have her own stylish apron to protect any outfit from a messy kitchen.

Here are some of my favorite aprons that will keep you cute in the kitchen this holiday season:


Sweetheart Hot Pink Apron, Carolyn's Kitchen - $42
Marilyn Apron/Bandeau Red & Black, Carolyn's Kitchen - $29.95/$18
Dorothy Apron/Garter, Carolyn's Kitchen - $39.95/$12

Lucky Ladybugs Apron, Anthropologie - $38
Parisian Cafe Apron, Anthropologie - $32
Bib Ava Leopard Apron, Jessie Steel - $32.95

Bib Audrey Cupcakes Apron, Jessie Steel - $32.95
Fancy Party Pink, Jillie Willie - $25.50
Suzie Homemaker, Jillie Willie - $33.50

Knock It Off: Designer Bags

Clutch, Shop Suey, $38

Brown tote, $65 and blue tote, $29.99, BagHaus

I'm a big fan of rocking styles I can't afford via knock-off pieces. Trends just change far too often to blow your load on the big ticket, unless you're Madonna, in which case OMG MADONNA IS READING MY BLOG?!!

Anyway.
When it comes to bags, there are a few sites that stay right on the heels of the fabulous designs with both man-made and genuine leather imitations, while keeping the price point decidedly working-girl. Here are my two favorites:
*BagHaus
*Shop Suey

For Love 21 Launches

Forever 21 launched their new line "For Love 21" today, which offers accessories, jewelry, makeup bags, gifts and notebooks. All items carry the same small pricetags the brand is known for.
So far there isn't much, but these are a few great beaded necklaces fit for a beach vacation:

Orient beaded necklace, $8.80; Zaria beaded necklace, $6.80; Brushed pendant necklace, $6.80; Wooden chandelier necklace, $9.80.