Eye-4-Style

Check your area Macy’s. This is a great opportunity to add to your work wardrobe! My sale bulletin shows clearance suits originally $200- $340 on sale 2/$99 for morning specials (9am-1pm) Feb 7 & 8th. Also offerings at $79.99. Pantsuits, skirtsuits and more. 

Don’t forget to check pumps Bandolino Zazie pump

and Easy SpiritQuota Pump

Freshen up your work wardrobe at prices you’ll love!

I’m a curious person and like to know what people think and what their habits are. I find it interesting that shoppers can be very rigid in their shopping habits; they may never set foot in Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. They don’t buy from catalogs because of returns. They only shop at certain retailers because they think they can’t afford or won’t find anything in a boutique or higher-end store. I say, don’t limit your choices. There are possibilities everywhere!

I like seeing clothing on models as it’s easy to visualize the outfit on my body, so catalog or on-line shopping is good for that. The larger retailers have made returning items very easy. You usually have a return label and an amount is deducted from your credit. When I calculate time and gas, the amount to return the item is less than what I’d spend on the streets. Just be sure to try on the items right away, keep the original packaging, carefully repackage the item and return as quickly as possible if it doesn’t work.  It is worth it to me when the stores I’m ordering from are further away or “on-line” has sales.

I enjoy going to the boutiques on Oak Street in Chicago.  They are fun to visit and there’s a limited amount of square footage, but you’ll find items there you won’t find elsewhere. If your time is limited, I’d go to Nordstrom or Saks, Macy’s, Bloomingdales. They have your favorite designers under one roof. When visiting Chicago, I plan my time carefully with boutiques and department store shopping. While some labels are out of reach for the average consumer, it’s an adventure to touch and see the fabrics and designs. Believe me, you will see that filter down to your price level in a different fabric, but it makes you aware of what is out there and a better-informed consumer. Try on different brands and designers to find what works for your body type.   Also watch for the “clear it out” sales – I’ve made great purchases at 75% off!

I like wearing dresses: easy to wear and care for and they elevate your everyday look. Last weekend I ran to the grocery store – slipped on one of my “everyday” or what I call “lounging” dresses and flats. Amazingly 3 compliments while shopping.  Responded “Thank you” while thinking “ this cost me $30.00!” You don’t have to spend a lot to look good!

Shopping the deep discount sales, Macy’s is a sure bet in checking out items for this purpose. Last Fall, I bought 4 dresses that had been $100-$139. With sale discounts and my Star Rewards and newspaper coupons, the most I paid for a dress was $34. Alfani, Rachel Roy, INC, DKNYC were my picks. It took 90 minutes to peruse the racks and try on my armful of choices and I came away more than satisfied.

During my cousin’s recent  visit,  we shopped at Macy’s during one of their big sales. We went our separate ways for a bit and when we met up, she hadn’t purchased anything. Not being one to easily give up, we returned to the racks, narrowed down a brand that works best for her (Jones New York) and found $700 worth of work clothes for $198.00!  She was ecstatic and I was happy: “mission accomplished!”

Keep in mind when shopping, get into your “hunt and gather” mode. With lots of shoppers, not all the items are returned to their proper size racks. Also, if you’re not sure which size you take with a certain brand, don’t be afraid to  “eye it up.” I can take anywhere from a small to large, depending on brand and style of dress. And if I’m buying “out of season,” I look for styles and colors/patterns that are timeless. I can always “trend it up” with accessories.

Macy’s has an on-line sale going on right now. Take a peek!

http://www1.macys.com/shop/womens/sale-clearance/dresses?id=50016&edge=hybrid&cm_mmc=MCOM-_-20110803_MCOM_RTWFashionSale-_-50016-_-MB&cm_em=lisa@lisa-rae.com#!fn=SPECIAL_OCCASIONS%3DCasual%26pageIndex%3D6%26sortBy%3DORIGINAL%26productsPerPage%3D40&!qvp=iqvp

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which means great fragrance gift sets are available saving $$ and nicely packaged. Whether replenishing your fragrance or gift giving, here’s a few Macy’s offerings:

Lancome makes the best mascara: I’ve been using it for years.  The mascara alone is $25, and this bonus pack gives you two shadows, travel Aquatique (eye color base) and an eye pencil for an additional $14.50. If you don’t buy one for mom, be sure to get this for yourself. WOW! 

Lancome Hypnotic Eyes Set – A Macy’s Exclusive

A $94.00 Value
Only $39.50  Click

A delightful fragrance set –

Lancome Tresor in Love In Bloom Collection Value Set

A $71.00 Value
Only $55.00  Click

……..OR……….

See gift with qualifying purchase:

Lancome Tresor In Bloom Collection Value Set

A $131.00 Value
Only $89.00  Click

…..spend $65 and over to receive free watch…..

Click

NEW! FREE Watch with $65 perfume purchase!

If Ralph Lauren Romance is on your list, get the free watch and tote:

FREE GIFT with $78 Ralph Lauren Romance Fragrance Purchase!

Click

NEW!

Click

Ralph Lauren Romance Gift Set

$79.50 

To view other fragrances that offer “Gift with purchase,” click HERE

Note: Macy’s Friends and Family event April 27-May 2nd. Extra 25% off clothing, shoes – 10% electronics, furniture. See details.

Still searching for that special dress for the upcoming holiday season? Here are great choices from BCBGMAXAZRIA!

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Sleeveless Illusion Top Evening

$398.00

A sophisticated yet sexy style, this  dress features a beaded illusion top for a dramatic look.

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Tulle Dress

When the occasion calls for true glamour, dial up the drama with a show-stopping strapless gown.

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Strapless Ruffled Evening Gown

$278.00

A long cascading ruffle creates a supremely feminine look on this glamorous gown.

NEW!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Feather Neckline Gown

$548.00

Lighten up in this fabulous gown with a whimsical feathered neckline, contrast banded waist and graceful drape.

BEADED TULLE DRESS

NST6C446-001

$478.00 Capture glamour and elegance on a special occasion with this beautiful beaded tulle dress

PLEATED LACE DRESS

NST6K756-001

$378.00 Beautful lace and flowing tulle make a sweet, elegant impression with this inspiring dress.

PLEATED SILK GOWN

LUB6D989-996

$298.00 Make a sweeping entrance at a special occasion with this beautiful flowing gown.

I’ve said time and time again, INC International Concepts is a great brand to spice up your wardrobe without breaking the bank. My recent visit to Old Orchard Mall  had me going through their offerings for the upcoming season. Glitter, glam, classic – you’ll find it all here.

The dress and coat outfit below is a dazzler. Full price was about $260 for the two pieces. Great cardigan with skirt too. 

Karen Kane had nice options.  I liked this display for the “Hostess with the Mostess” for the holiday season. Stylish yet comfortable for your entertaining needs.

Every time I pass a LAUREN or Ralph Lauren display, I have to take a second look. The LAUREN by Ralph Lauren is a great line for your casual looks.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Handbag, Martingale Zip Hobo

‘The Martingale hobo exudes a modern style rich with heritage inspiration, in Italian microfiber jacquard featuring equestrian details and leather trim for a chic look.’  Also available in black.

Lauren Jeans Co. Tee, Otho Long Sleeve Knit

I bought this tee at Macy’s. Great to wear under a cardigan; brightens up an outfit with a little bling on the front. I bought it to wear with the cardigan shown below. Great combo!

Lauren Jeans Co. Cardigan, Nicolette Long Sleeve Zip Pockets

This cardigan is a perfect weight for when you need a little warmth and not a heavy sweater.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shirt, Auguste Plaid Ruffle Front

The purple and black combination is very striking.

I really like this purse; use of materials (textures) and colors, not to mention a great looking bag at a good price.

LUANA Mathis suede cross body tote with leather patchwork and trim $190

I can see wearing these out this season. Cute and nice with side-zip.

BABY PHAT Aida Flat over-the-knee boot with lace-up back and side-zip $89

Very cute dress to dress UP or DOWN!

SUGAR LIPS shimmery corset dress $82

I wish I had allowed more time for shopping at Macy’s when there recently. I believe this store has been a work in progress since taking over the closed Lord & Taylor space in Water Tower. This visit was a delightful surprise as I feel the store is getting better and better.

Here’s some pictures of the extensive INC International Concepts line Macy’s has to offer.

As I’ve said before, INC is a fun collection for a wide range of ages and body types at a great price point!

If you haven’t heard, Friday Sept 10th is Fashion’s Night Out. Good idea. Why? I don’t know how it came about but I say let’s put a little energy and merriment into our lives as we begin the fall season. Lift our spirits as we remember September 11th. Check your stores for events or click on hyperlinks below. There are several chances to contribute to charities with purchase of particular merchandise. 

Have fun!

Window on 57th & 58th Street

BERGDORF GOODMAN  For events, click HERE

FOR SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, Click HERE

MACY’S  STORES

NORDSTROM EVENTS, Michigan Avenue

BLOOMINGDALE’S EVENTS