Deal of the Day: Poplin Stretch Dress Shirt

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

Everyone should have at least one crisp white shirt in their wardrobe.  Whether for work, or on the weekend with jeans (like the J Brand jeans pictured below).  The Online Shopper thinks that this Poplin Stretch Dress Shirt from http://www.oldnavy.com/ is a great buy for only $22.50.  You are sure to get a lot of wear out of this top.  It comes in the pink, pictured here, but The Online Shopper would pick it up in white.  It is 100% cotton and machine washable, but The Online Shopper would absolutely dry clean this button-up shirt, or any other, to keep a crisp, pressed and professional look.  All sizes remain - so you can order yours today.  Also note that Old Navy offers free shipping on any order over $50.00 with no code necessary.  Fabulous.   

High Fashion Friday: J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion! 

OK, so The Online Shopper, like most of the world at this point, has a slight obsession with Princess Kate a/k/a The Duchess of Cambridge.  Accordingly, The Online Shopper absolutely must recommend these J Brand 811 skinny jeans, that the Duchess has been seen wearing on at least three occasions!  These jeans are so incredibly high fashion that The Online Shopper can hardly stand it.  Sizing is somewhat limited, but sizes 24, 25 30 and 31 still remain.  For your information, according to the J Brand size guide 24 = Size 2, 25 = Size 4, 30 = Size 10, and 31 = Size 12.  These will obviously look amazing on the thin girls, like the Duchess, everything does, but The Online Shopper also thinks that the form fitting nature of these pants will also really compliment curvy girls, though shape wear may be appropriate to help achieve that hourglass shape.  Pop these on with some pumps, boat shoes, flats, sandals or espadrilles and you will look like a princess, even if you are not.  Happy High Fashion Friday, Online Shoppers! 

Gifts Galore: Philosophy's Gift Sets

Thursday's post, just in time for the weekend shopping rush, is dedicated to gift recommendations. 

The Online Shopper thinks that Philosophy's gift sets make wonderful gifts.  The various sets, including this "congrats!" box containing Flowers, a 3-in-1 (shampoo, body wash and bubble bath) are available at Philosophy's website http://www.philosophy.com/.  The products come in a range of prices for every gifting need and include sets like "just because," "with gratitude," and "birthday girl."  The Online Shopper's favorite is pictured to the left because at only $16.00, what a wonderful and original way to send a box of "flowers?"  This "congrats!" box may work well for someone expecting a new baby, or perhaps for someone who just landed a new job.  The recipient will say "congrats" to you for picking such an amazing gift.  Happy Shopping!     

Deal of the Day: Ellen Tracy Dress

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

For today's Deal of the Day The Online Shopper recommends this Ellen Tracy dress available at http://www.macys.com/ for $49.99.  All sizes remain.  The price, vibrant color, side detail make this a great find.  Although the fabrication is Polyester (not The Online Shopper's favorite), The Online Shopper is satisfied by knowing that this dress can easily be tossed in the washing machine.  The Online Shopper is slightly weary of the only Macy's commentator who indicated that the sizing of this dress was off, and that the fabric was too thin.  However, The Online Shopper thinks that the commenter's concerns could be ameliorated by layering some good shape wear underneath the dress.  Overall this is a great deal of the day.   

Wednesday is for the 'Fellas: Jos. A. Bank Natural Stretch Summer Suit

Girls do not need to have all the fun.  Wednesday's post is for the 'fellas (or the fella in your life). 

Today is hot hot hot, which inspired today's post for a menswear summer suit.  The Online Shopper really digs this Natural Stretch 2-Button Suit from Jos. A. Bank (http://www.josabank.com/) for a remarkable $99.00 (regulalry $350.00)!  What a great, stylish buy.  The Online Shopper likes this suit in the Natural, but there are several workable color choices including the light grey and olive.  'Fellas when you wear a natural colored suit like this, you can have an abundance of fun in selecting your tie and shirt combination.  The sky blue, pictured here, looks great but really anything will work!  Stay cool and hydrated Online Shoppers. 

Deal of the Day: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

The Online Shopper is crazy for Bobbi Brown's skin foundation, available at retailers like http://www.nordstrom.com/ and at Amazon.  The foundation offers ample coverage light enough for everyday summertime wear.  The reason that this makeup is today's deal of the day, is because of the sun block.  Spending $45.00 to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, and prevent wrinkles is well worth it.  Although buying makeup online can be challenging, The Online Shopper thinks that this is an excellent opportunity for online shopping to meet an in-person shopping trip.  The Online Shopper, for instance, first purchased this in the store, learned that her color (and more importantly to you, that *most people's* color) is "warm ivory."  Whether it is this Bobbi Brown SPF or another brand, please protect your skin this summer so that you can stay fabulous!  

Tuesday's Tip of the Week: Five Tips for Shopping Etsy

Tuesday's Tip of the Week is a guide for navigating the vast world of e-commerce.  Tips and Tricks from The Online Shopper for Online Shoppers!

The Online Shopper hearts Etsy.  If you have not heard of Etsy before, it is a site whose mission is "to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers."  This is exciting for an Online Shopper, but navigating the extensive inventory of handmade and vintage items on the site can be daunting.  Thus, The Online Shopper has pulled together five tips for shopping http://www.etsy.com/.  [Drum roll...] In no particular order:


Della T-Shirt from Alis

  1. Focus your Search:  With so many items on Etsy, it is absolutely necessary to go to the site with a clear vision of what you want.  For instance, if you search "t-shirt," you will end up with 124,745 hits. Yikes!  However, if you search "white t-shirt flower applique" you end up with 96 results, including this cute Della t-shirt from Alis.  The "categories" section on the left-hand side of the homepage is a great place to start, and be sure to select whether you are looking for something "handmade" or "vintage" in the button next to the search text box. 

2. Communicate with the Seller:  One of the greatest parts about Etsy is that the seller is a *person* not just Mr. Gap.com!  What a great resource.  You may email the seller, ask questions about their policies and/or products, and ask for something custom made if you do not see it listed on their page.  The Online Shopper had a great experience like this with the vendor of OhReallyBecky.  On the market for an ivory woolen caplet and after emailing with the seller, learned that OhReallyBecky had the perfect option.  The Online Shopper could not have been happier.  Communicating with the seller also gives you an opportunity to ask for a discount.  Sometimes a discount is not an option, but sometimes it is, and you will feel better after you asked (try that with a major retailer and you will get nowhere, fast).


Lirola's Romantic Wrap Top

 3. Pay Attention to Feedback: Feedback is incredibly important when shopping on Etsy.  If other Etsy shoppers have had a positive experience with a given seller, it is likely that your experience will be similar, and vice versa.  One of the Online Shopper's favorite stores is Lirola.  Lirola's handmade clothing like the Romantic Wrap Top, pictured right, is unique and beautiful, but better yet, the retailer has an abundance of Feedback with insightful comments and 100% positive review.  This is music to The Online Shopper's ears.  On the other hand if a seller does not have a lot of feedback, it may be because the seller has not made a lot of sales, but buyer beware.  In that case, pay with Paypal or even a credit card, instead of a debit card linked to your personal bank account.  If the seller's feedback is predominately negative, stay away altogether. 

4. Set up and Utilize Your Account: Etsy has recently revamped its account section to allow shoppers the opportunity to identify their "favorite" items and stores and create a "circle" of your friends.  The Online Shopper has added a number of items and shops to her favorites (like Lirola above) for ease in reference on future shopping visits.  These resources will help you navigate the various shops and items and can serve as a great starting point and a way to keep track of the stores from which you have made a purchase. 


A Main Sunrise by LovewithKatie

 5. Have Fun: With so many wonderful artists and objects to explore, have fun with Etsy!  The Online Shopper recommends going to Etsy first, before your local super store to try something new and original.  By way of example, The Online Shopper was recently on the market for some original art work.  Rather than scooting over to the local Home Goods chain to pick up a mass produced print (which would have done the job in an unoriginal way), The Online Shopper perused Etsy.  After going to Etsy, clicking "Art" underneath "Categories" on the home page, and then "photography" The Online Shopper was flooded with an abundance of beautiful photographs.  How about this lovely photograph, A Main Sunrise by LovewithKatie?  At $15.00, this is a must buy.    

Online Shoppers, do you have any other useful tips for shopping on Etsy? Post your advice here. 

Deal of the Day: Vintage Brooch

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

As of late, The Online Shopper has been crazy about vintage brooches.  In a recent realization, The Online Shopper surmised that the brooch is one of the most underrated fashion accessories.  Brooches are fabulous.  They can sit on a top, outwear, or a suit jacket, and are a great way to add style to an otherwise simple outfit.  Even Duchess Catherine has recently been spotted wearing a Canadian Leaf brooch on her Canadian tour.  The Online Shopper has found a number of stylish vintage brooches at http://www.ebay.com/, http://www.etsy.com/ and at http://www.amazon.com/, like this Vintage Brooch for $29.99 available at http://www.amazon.com/.  Just enter "vintage brooch" into the search feature of any of these websites and you will get a slew of fun and fabulous pins.  For the record, The Online Shopper also tried searching "vintage rhinestone brooch" and "Eisenberg vintage brooch" (Eisenberg made costume brooches back in the 1930s and 40s - they are fabulous but tend to cost a bit more than today's deal of the day.)  Selecting your unique vintage piece is fun and after you receive compliments, it is even more fun to respond, "oh, thank you, it is vintage!"  The Online Shopper would pin this brooch to a crisp white blouse and a summer tweed skirt.  This Brooch makes a statement, so be sure to take in light on your other jewelry.  Small studs, no necklace, and a simple bracelet, if any.  Stay fabulous Online Shoppers! 

Wear it to Work Monday: Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Lucy Tote

The Online Shopper's Wear it to Work Monday focuses on work attire.  The styling recommendations are geared towards a professional environment. 

Every professional woman needs a professional and stylish purse.  The Online Shopper tends towards totes rather than traditional brief cases because totes are just as practical without the dowdy connotation that some briefcases carry (pun intended).  Keeping with her theme, The Online Shopper is crazy about this Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Lucy Tote available at http://www.piperlime.com/ for $398.00. The tote is wonderfully sized at 12" by 16" by 6".  Large enough for a sales file or legal pad, but small enough to toss over your shoulder to strut around the city.  OK, so this price tag - at the equivalent of a car payment - is a commitment, but when you consider that you will carry this tote daily, for months, the cost averages out and is well worth it.           

Deal of the Day: J.Crew Summer Straw Hat

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

Loving this summer straw hat at only $34.50 from http://www.jcrew.com/.  At only $34.50 there almost nothing (other than perhaps a business suit) that this hat will not compliment.  The Online Shopper has this hat and wears it constantly, for what it is worth.  Not only can you look fabulous, like Samantha in the Sex and the City movie, but you can preserve your skin by shading it from the sun's harmful rays.  Stylish, practical and at an amazing price point, Online Shoppers this is the deal of the day.