Designer Desire

I am always looking for some sort of crazy sale or clearance going on and can typically be found searching online for hours. Half the time I am not even looking for a particular item but instead just searching to see what I could get on sale - it never fails that I find something that I suddenly must have. When I have a vacation or trip coming up, my shopping becomes dramatically increased as I feel a need to bring a new wardrobe on every trip! Therefore, finding the items I want at a great price not only make me even more excited for my vacation but undoubtedly make my husband happy as well.

Since we will be traveling to warm climates (California and Arizona) I have been able to find some amazing deals on a few dresses since the fall merchandise is already in full swing in stores. Now, like many of you, I love designer brands. Some say your just paying for the name - and yes at times that is a factor - but I feel that its much more than that. To me, designer brands are made much better and therefore will last longer. So, if you are going to buy a classic black dress that can be worn many times, why not spend the extra money for a really amazing dress that fits right and will not fall apart the first time you wear it. For trend items, go inexpensive since they might only be worn for one season. Dresses for me are one of those "go ahead and spend it" items and so that is why I love the amazing prices at Neiman Marcus's online clearance site (click on link to go to store). http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/template/saleSiloE.jhtml?itemId=cat980731&parentId=cat000000&siloId=cat980731&icid=topNavcat980731

With most items marked down over 50-65 percent off, you can score designer duds at more than half off! A selection of handbags, fashions, shoes and accessories are all available from top designers including Prada, D &G, Marc Jacobs, Theory, Tory Burch, Giuseppe Zanotti and many more, with shipping for most purchases free of charge*! On a recent patrol of their clearance section, I found an amazing pair of Stella McCartney Satin Pumps priced at $286 marked down from $635, Rachel Roy Daniela Dress at $418 down from $1195 and a Tod's Pashmy Bauletto Media Bag at $425 from $945. All great buys and all adorable! Being a fan of her designs, the Rachel Roy dress is my favorite - the back is to dye for and would be easy to dress up or dress down.

Photos: (From left to right) Tod's Pashmy Bauletto Media Bag ($425), Rachel Roy Daniela Dress ($418) and Stella McCartney Satin Pumps ($286)

One warning with the 'last call' selection at Neimans is that sizes are limited (especially for shoes) and so a lot of the time its a scavenger hunt. However, if you can find what your looking for its well worth the hunt (and the splurge) when your proudly sporting Phillip Lim or Herve Leger to a big event or party. Happy Shopping!

*Use code NMFALL for free shipping on any priced purchase!

UGG....winters right around the corner!

Now, I know that there are certain fashion statements that people love to hate - one at the top of the list has to be UGG's. Some go as far as to call them "Ugg-ly," however personally I love them! They are warm, comfortable and an easy go-to-shoe for me. One thing I will say is that there is a time and place for sporting UGG's. Wear them around the house, wear them out shopping, wear them to a sporting event or even a weekend in the Poconos, but please do not wear them out at night to a bar, restaurant or club. They are not evening wear!! So many times I see girls wearing an adorable "going out" outfit and then see a big, clunky pair of UGG's topping off the look and honestly, it ruins it. Don't wear them with shorts, don't wear them with short skirts and please don't wear them with a dress! Its just not attractive.

With that warning established, if you wear them right you can keep your feet happy throughout the fall, winter and early spring months. If you are thinking of purchasing UGG's this year, one thing I have learned is that you need to act fast and plenty early to get the latest styles. UGG's can sell out quickly - particularly as the holiday shopping season begins - so if you need a new pair, I suggest shopping now. I needed to get a new pair of Classic Tall Boots (mine had an unfortunate run-in with a glass of celebratory champagne at a Super Bowl party) as well as the fact that I wanted to check out the new Bailey Button and Classic Argyle Knit Boot styles, so this afternoon I headed over to Sage in the Promenade Shops.

Photo: The UGG selection at Sage located in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

It was obvious upon walking into the shoe area that Sage has the best selection of UGG's in the Lehigh Valley. Featuring a wide selection of the new and classic styles for women, there was also a selection for men and children (even an adorable little pink toddler pair)! They had both of the new styles that I was looking for and decided the Classic Argyle Knit was exactly what I was looking for. For those who have not yet purchased UGG's please remember that the sizing is very different. Go DOWN at least one size. I wear a 9.5 and wear a size 8 UGG perfectly! I would suggest checking out the selection at Sage and the staff there can help select the best fit for your foot. Call ahead to make sure they have the shoe you are looking for at 610-798-7900.

Bring on the chill - my feet are ready!