Burberry

Who could argue against having a Burberry accessory? The Fringed Merino Cape, offered for $295.00, comes with a hood and a front zipper in the classic Burberry crème, black, and red tartan print. It’s sassy as well as sexy! And their Check Cashmere Cape for $1,300 offers effortless style combined with a muted color palette. Both of these capes are from the spring 2012 line. Also available from Burberry are cute rain capes in vivid colors, such as red and navy.

Vivienne Westwood

Ms. Westwood channels her punk roots for one of her most beautiful cape creations. As described by Anastasia Boutique of Laguna Beach, the “Bolero cape in grey…features notched lapels, cascading pleated front, wide cape sleeves, and a single button closure.” Close to $500, the cape is costly, yet it would beautifully accessorize both casual and dressy outfits.

J. Crew

What I like about J. Crew is that they take a fashion staple and add their own unique twist. I found a simply delicious cashmere cape cardigan for only $100.00 on their website. Available in warm elm, the cape sweater features dolman sleeves and a button front. This version of the classic cape would work with both shorts and slim fit pants.

Target

Always on the forefront of fashion trends, Target has a steal of a deal right now on capes. If you want to try using a cape as a fashion accessory, but you are not sure you want to invest a lot of money just yet, why not give Target’s version a try? The Merona Pleated Cape is currently on clearance for $17.48 in a variety of colors from gray twill to ebony. The gazelle cape would be a perfect addition to an early spring wardrobe, as it appears more ivory than brown. Pair it with knee-high boots and watch heads turn!

Specialty Shops

While researching this article, I found plenty of elegant capes for brides. From gorgeous, floor-length chiffon capes, to shoulder topping fur capes, these bridal accessories would wow any wedding guest. If you plan to make a dramatic entrance or exit at the ceremony , why not add a wedding cape accessory? Check out bestforbride.com for some stunning examples of fur wedding capes.  (And their prices aren’t bad either).

Capes may be considered “wraps,” but what they really are – a unique accessory. From expensive versions to reasonable knock-offs, capes can add spice to your late winter or early spring wardrobe. The waist length capes of the 1960’s are back, but so are long versions, and super short versions. You’re missing out if you don’t give one a try.

Kid’s jackets are one of those items of clothing that has a limited use in their wardrobe. Unlike other items, the jacket is usually pricier than other winter clothing. Finding the right size jacket and for a really good price can be a little difficult.

The time to start looking at this type of purchase is right at winter’s end when spring is in the air. It is now that these bulky items that take up a lot of shelf space are headed for the clearance racks. Don’t wait too long, because by summer, these jackets will basically be gone.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind besides the price when looking at kid’s jackets. The first is you want to go for a neutral color such as black, grey, blue, or brown. Even though there are many different color and pattern choices available, going neutral will be the best match for all of those other pieces of winter clothing your child has. You have to remember that you are buying for the future so those “fad” colors of this season aren’t necessarily going to be the hot trend next winter. Getting a neutral color ensures that you can match up things despite the trends.

The second thing is to remember that you will need larger sizes for next winter. Most kids have a tendency to shoot up during the summer months. You have to avoid the mistake of picking out a jacket size that would be too small for them. For jackets, it is better to go big rather than small. If you miss how big they are going to get, a little extra length in the sleeves doesn’t hinder them too much, and it can keep hands warm.

Finally, you have to consider the weather in your area. Obviously, light-weight jackets are going to be less expensive than heavy snow jackets. Your winter conditions may determine that you pick a high quality jacket that can withstand very cold temperatures. You may have to pay a little more than you would for a lighter jacket. It just depends on what part of the country that you are in.

The jacket is one of the higher priced items of clothing that you need for the winter season. Spring is the time to take advantage of clearance prices on this item. Just remember to stick with neutral colors, look for a bigger size, and take into consideration the weather patterns of your area. Planning ahead will keep you from paying higher prices later when the jackets again make an appearance on store shelves.

1- Make a look book of your favorite celebrity styles. Which actress or singer has a style you’d like to copy? Once you figure that out, scout out pictures of her on the web or in magazines, print or cut out those pictures, and then make a scrapbook of the collection you found. Save the book and bring it on your next shopping trip for style inspiration.

2- Shop online boutiques that specialize in celebrity fashion. ShopBop, Bluefly, and CelebBoutique sell many of the same designer clothes that Hollywood’s biggest starts are spotted wearing. If you have a certain jacket, pair of jeans, handbag, or tee shirt in mind, there is a pretty good chance that you will find it in one of these stores.

3- If you have your doubts about wearing a certain garment or look, take heed. Most women are not as skinny as their favorite celebrities, and we’re not supposed to be anyway. You could choose to copy her accessories or handbag instead.

4- Forget about copying her style from head to toe. Instead, take elements of her style, and blend it in with your favorite pieces. For instance, if you loved the pair of black skinny jeans she wore, purchase your own pair and wear them with your favorite v-neck tee and ankle boots.

Biggest Gold Star Clearance at Kohl’s

Save up to 80% off winter’s biggest trends and essentials. You will find lots of amazing deals on tops, sweaters, jeans, capris, and dresses. This sale also includes sleepwear, activewear, handbags, intimates, and more with steep markdowns on popular brands like Jennifer Lopez, Apt. 9, LC Lauren Conrad, Chaps, and Croft & Barrow. There are also discounts on apparel for men, children, and home. No promotion code is needed.

Final Sale at J.Crew

Craving classic styles? Shop the Final Sale at J. Crew and enjoy big savings on women’s apparel including blazers, tops, suit pants, skirts, sweater, shorts, outerwear, and footwear. You will find lots of great buys on both timeless and trendy items as well as clothing items for the family. Since this is a seasonal clearance, returns on sale merchandise is not allowed.

Big Clearance at American Eagle Outfitters

For a limited time, you can take an extra 40% off clearance items for women and men. This sale extends to many different styles including hoodies, tees, jackets, pants, tops, camisoles, shorts, skirts, and more. You can also stock up on trendy footwear like boots, flats, wedges, sneakers, sandals, mocassins, and flip flops. The prices are already marked down, and you won’t need a promotion code to enjoy the savings.

After being bombarded with expensive cardigans, spotless pea coats, and perfectly styled hair, I have decided to construct a similarly styled outfit for the college guy on a budget. Realistically, most college students cannot afford to go to Barney’s and buy all of the latest trends for men in fashion.  Because of this, I have come to the conclusion that the best place to purchase a classy outfit is at the H&M location nearest you. H&M is known for their financially accessible male fashions, as well as their low-key shopping atmosphere. Below I explain how to create the quintessential men’s winter outfit on a dime.

Let’s start with the shoes. H&M’s ménage canvas boots in dark beige are perfect for the entire winter season. They can be worn while walking around campus, the city, or even on an outdoors winter adventure in the snow. They are neutral enough to be paired with most outfits, and they are the perfect design to make a subtle, yet defined statement. These can be found for about $50, which is a great deal for high quality winter boots. If looking for a normal shoe, the Brogue-style sneaker with imitation leather with front laces is sturdy enough for winter weather, but they will also compliment any outfit.

Next come the pants. For an outfit that says stylish, yet serious, chinos are the best type to buy. They can be worn on formal occasions, as well as with a tee shirt, making them completely worth their $30 price tag. Slim legs and the neutral color are what really makes these pants perfect for the ensemble. Remember, every pair of pants you own should be fitting to your leg, as baggy pants are definitely out.

Sidenote: Although not seen on a typical winter walk across campus, underwear is still just as important as a shirt or pants. Buy yourself a three-pack of H&M boxer-briefs in some nice colors for only $17.95. It will be worth it.

Winter may not be known for its bright colored shirts, but they are definitely in this season. With all of the dreary grays, browns, and whites in nature, choose a bright-colored and patterned shirt. H&M has many brightly colored button-down shirts in attention-grabbing colors. For only around $10, the button-down with blue, red, and green plaid is my recommendation. Also, since it is so cold and layering is in, top off the ensemble with one of H&M’s classic cardigans. A form-fitting, dark blue cardigan will finish the outfit, bringing the total cost to just under $100.

They have different lines inside of their makeup line.  My favorite for your skin is the Extra Virgin Minerals line.  They have four parts to it, three of which are different foundations.  My favorite is the compound foundation; it has a great creamy texture.  It is very similar to a liquid foundation, except much more compact.  Now you may be thinking, “Ew! That sounds incredibly thick and cakey!”  But, fear not my friend, have I ever steered you wrong?  It comes with a small brush, and when used lightly it blends perfectly with your skin, with a great creamy texture.  The main thing I love is that it has great coverage!  When you use it there is almost no need for a cover-up.  It has a great smooth-matte finish.

They also have a liquid foundation. I cannot honestly say that I haven’t used it, but a few of my friends have.  And they rave about it!  They say it has nice light coverage, and like all of their makeup, it is very clean.  It blends incredibly well and has a nice light dew-like finish.

Their powder foundation is light and, well, powdery.  With this, you can choose how much coverage you get, but be warned of the case of cake face!  Don’t use too much or well, that’s what happens.  But, it does cover imperfections quite nicely.  It has a great radiant finish that just lets your true face really shine through.  All three of these are only $25 and last you a while. The last thing in this line is their makeup brush, which is also only $25.

Their Honey Bronzing Powder is my favorite bronzer.  It is a compact powder that applies nicely with a great matte finish.  My favorite blush is their Baked-to-Last Blush.  It is slowly baked for eight hours for a flawless girly finish.

My favorite eye shadow is their Baked Eye Color.  They have shades for every eye color.  My favorite eyeliner is their Eye Definer: it comes it five different shades.  It is soft enough for a great clean application, yet firm enough to not smudge.  As for mascara, I love their Super Volume Mascara.  It clings to each lash creating great huge bombshell lashes.

1- Kitten Heels

A good pair of kitten heels will serve as your best friend during the warm spring and summer months. It doesn’t really matter if the pair has a slingback design or a mule style (with no strap in the back to secure the foot in the shoe), a cute pair of kitten heels is ideal for casual dates or dance parties because the smaller heel won’t put a strain on your ankles.

2- Platform Pumps

This type of shoe is perfect for those occassions when demure just don’t work, including visits to trendy restaurants and high energy night clubs. Ideally, you should own at least two pairs of platform pumps: one in classic black and another in a cool color (like red or blue) or a fun print (like leopard or zebra). Buy these if you want to look amazing.

3- Ankle Boots

Going for that edgy rocker look that was inspired by Debbie Harry or Pat Benetar? A luxurious pair of ankle boots is a must-have that you can wear with skinny jeans, sequin skirts, silk dresses, and much more. Look for a pair of genuine black leather boots that feature a stiletto heel, and you will be ready for anything! A great pair of ankle boots will take you through all four seasons in high style.

4- Strappy Sandals

A fabulous pair of strappy sandals are an understated way to bring a little bit of sexy to just about any look you’re sporting. Whether it’s a pair of jeans and a ruffled tank or a satin party frock, a pretty pair of strappy sandals will elevate your level of sex appeal by showing  little bit of skin. Upgrade your style by choosing a pair of strappy sandals in brown or black, two colors that work with literally everything.

Semi-Annual End of Season Sale at Michael Stars
Stock up of cute tees, trendy fashion jewelry pieces, hats, skirts, dresses, and accessories now that their winter clearance is marked down up to 60% off. The sale also includes a few maternity styles. This sale is valid online and in-store. Clearance prices are good while supplies last or through February 5th, so there’s still time to shop. Michael Stars is a popular store to purchase casually chic pieces that are perfect for weekends.

Spring for Something Chic Sale at Ann Taylor
Are you ready for spring yet? Ann Taylor is and for a limited time, they are offering 30% off any full-price purchase online or in-store. Just use the the special code, SPRING30, to take advantage of the discount online. This sale includes spring fashions and new arrivals including striped sweaters, color-block blouses, printed camisoles, tailored suits, jeans, blazers, dresses, and more. This sale also includes shoes and jewelry, but it doesn’t extend to clearance or sale price items.

Pacsun’s Blue Dot Sale
Enjoy steep discounts at Pacsun with their Blue Dot Sale where you can save more when you buy more. Purchase one item and save 30%, purchase two items and save 50% off both items, purchase three items or more items and save 70% off everything in the Blue Dot Sale. You will save big on lace tanks, graphic print tees, hooded jackets, dresses, and more. Men’s clothing is included. This offer is only good on select styles, and it won’t last long. No promotion code is needed. This sale is also valid online.

Freecycle is free. Just be sure to sign up for the area that is in your neighborhood and surrounding city. Picking up children’s clothing out of your area is going to cost you more in gas than the clothes themselves are worth.

You are expected to pick up the clothing as soon as possible. The whole point of posting stuff on Freecycle is to get rid of stuff fast. So, if you can’t manage a quick pickup, then someone might grab the opportunity before you can get there. You have to move fairly quickly on these offers to get what you want.

If you are nervous about picking stuff up from a house, you can arrange to meet in a populated place such as a grocery store parking lot. You also want to have someone with you for your own safety. Also, be aware of your surroundings. If any point you feel uncomfortable, you should leave the area immediately.

Condition of the clothing might also be a huge issue. Often times, you don’t know exactly what condition the clothes are in until you pick them up. There maybe some good pieces, and there may be some that are meant for the trash. You may get a mix of both. There are no guarantees on Freecycle, and giving the clothing back is not an option.

Freecycle is one way to find children’s clothing. Sometimes, they just don’t want to go to donation center. This way you both get what you want. They get rid of the stuff, and you get new children’s clothing.

1-An Extra Pair of Shoes

Sometimes bad things happen to our favorite shoes, and sometimes these things happen when you’re wearing them. Make sure you’re prepared for anything by keeping a pair of Dr. Scholl’s for Her Fast Flats ($9.99 at Drugstore.com) inside your purse or small handbag. These handy shoes are super portable, and they come in the simplest styles to ensure that they never look out of place. Fast flats are also a choice option for when you want to wear your favorite heels but don’t want to dance in them.

2- Hollywood Fashion Secrets

If you have a favorite blouse, camisole, or dress that you don’t like to wear too often because you think it’s too low or you’re not comfortable wearing it without a bra, fashion tape is the answer. Hollywood Fashion Secrets is a boon for Hollywood starlets and their stylists who want to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. You can see this product and other fashion-protecting products on their official website.

3- Bra Extenders

If the back of your bra doesn’t quite fit the way it used to, and you’re having a hard time connecting the hooks together, a bra extender will make it easier and more comfortable to wear your bra again. You can purchase extenders or other bra accessories at Fashion Essentials.

Those in the know realize that wearing one large ring, or a couple of well-placed smaller rings, including the stackable versions, can add much more class to an ensemble.

Flower rings have exploded onto the accessory scene within the last few years. Whether depicted as a single blossom, or as a bouquet, these rings add a touch of whimsy to any outfit. Especially popular are the silver versions accented in different colored semi-precious stones. Even mother’s rings in the shape of a flower, with each petal a different color birthstone, have become the rage. If you love drama, check out the carved black onyx and sterling silver ring from Ross-Simons Jewelry, or if you like to appear demure, Amazon has a sweet brown and white diamond ring that’s sure to please.

Two and four finger rings can also add a special touch to your late winter outfits. A bit more casual, these rings work best on those who love trends. Wet seal offers a cute heart and key version for under $4, and Hot Topic has a hilarious mustache ring for $11.00. Many two and four finger rings have symbols and messages. They make a statement like a tattoo, but unlike permanent ink, they aren’t something you’re stuck with forever. And if you have money to burn, Anna Sheffield offers versions in a variety of gemstones anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500.

Another ring trend – stackable rings. Macy’s, a company always on the forefront of fashion trends, offers several varieties of this type of ring. Especially eye catching is their stackable band collection in four vivid hues for $600. I also really like the Icz Stonez Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Stackable Rings for $21 on Overstock.com because they sparkle, a trait welcome on a fun night out!

Large rings also rule according to style watchers. You can purchase arrow rings, claw rings, chevron rings, and even tribal rings in versions several inches long. Talk about getting noticed…these rings will attract all eyes in the room! Take a look at all of the gorgeous rings available at House of Harlow. For the not too steep price of $56, you can buy a geometric jet pave ring in gunmetal or gold. Check out Claire’s for cheaper, yet still exciting versions, of these statement pieces.

Fashion rings will always be in style, but how you wear rings, and what kinds a women should choose does change over time. Please…do not wear your entire precious jewel collection on both hands when you have an important event to attend; you’ll make waves for the wrong reasons. Choose one or two of the hot styles listed above, and you’ll be sure to send the message that how you look is important to you.

Save 60% Off Select Outwear At Kohl’s

Sales on coats, jackets, and other outwear styles for women are still going strong. Kohl’s currently has some real deals on cute coats from brands like Sonoma Life + Style, Fila Sport, ZeroXposeur, Apt. 9, and more.  Popular styles include puffer jackets, classic wool coats, and quilted jackets.

End Of The Season Sale at Bebe

Shop and save at Bebe’s winter clearance.  You can save up to 60% off last season’s styles including cute tops, party dresses, fun jackets, and darling accessories. You can also save an additional 30% off select clearance items. No discount or special code is needed. Price changes will be reflected in the cart. This clearance is also available in store.

Consolidation Sale at Saks Fifth Avenue

Shop and save on high end designer clothes from brands like Joie, Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Theory, DKNY, and many more. These sale includes dresses, denim, tops, jackets, and pants. Men’s clothes and accessories are also on sale.

Footwear Clearance at Baker’s Shoes

Save big on last season’s footwear trends and boots with the Clearance Sale at Baker’s Shoes. The sale includes deals on ankle boots, strappy sandals, slingback sandals, platform heels, flats, sneakers, and more. They also have deals on bags and jewelry. It’s a good sale and you’ll find lots of terrific buys including shoes that are as low as $15.90 and accessories as low as $1.99. No promotion code is needed to save with these deals.

First, don’t skimp on what you really need. I’m talking about dandruff and similar embarrassing conditions. If you need to treat those, you do need to spend extra for specialty shampoos. That said, you don’t need to go for the heavy-duty medicated shampoos (the ones they sell in the pharmacy section, with serious-sounding ingredients like coal tar or selenium sulfide) unless the regular ones don’t work on you.

If ordinary shampoo is enough for you, then be aware that it’s essentially detergent. People have used dish washing liquid as shampoo with no ill effects. I’m not saying you should go that far, but don’t be too impressed by advertising claims of what various brands can do for your hair. You’re just looking for something to keep it clean, and that’s all you should pay for. The exception is two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, which will save you time and work.

Speaking of saving time, “lather-rinse-repeat” has become one of the bywords of our era — and not just in reference to washing hair — but it’s not really necessary. Once around should be enough. And use as little shampoo as you need to lather up your hair; there’ll be less to rinse out. Any shampoo that gets left in your hair is just a dirt magnet, which defeats the purpose.

Speaking of conditioner, here’s a tip I read in a book called Cheap Talk with the Frugal Friends. As a substitute for leave-in treatments, just put regular conditioner in your hair and, well, leave it in. In fact, lately I’ve been using conditioner as a substitute for gel or hairspray (which I buy when I find some reduced for clearance, but seldom use because all that stuff is so goopy I feel I should wash it out as soon as the day is over).

One more way to save a little time is to towel-dry your hair with a microfiber cloth. When these are damp, they soak up a lot of water. You can wring them out and use them on your hair several times, and it’ll leave you with a lot less blow-drying to do. This also saves damage on your hair, which blow-drying unfortunately leads to. Just remember never to put your microfiber cloth in the dryer, which will destroy its absorbency. There are also special absorbent towels, though I haven’t tried those.

Great hair doesn’t have to cost a lot.

In the short time I was inside, I saw most of the latest trends in men’s fashion. It was after my exit that I realized that I had basically just looked into the holy grail of men’s fashion…and survived. The experience left me with several pieces of advice for the men like me, who want the fashions offered by TOPMAN, but who cannot handle the crowds, rude workers, and overwhelming amount of clothes within the store.

Although TOPMAN has over 175 stores worldwide, in places like Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas in the United States, the best place to begin is the website. TOPMAN.com is surprisingly accessible, and will allow you to shop for hours without having to deal with the stress of the store. Keep in mind TOPMAN was one of the first stores to cater directly to high fashion for men, and one of the first stores to have a tangible presence on the fashion men in several nations. The clothes styles cover anything from formal suits, to “hipster” wear, to casual fashion, and even to men’s high fashion underwear. The best part of all is that TOPMAN is not extremely pricey to begin with, and they also offer generous discounts on fashionable items in the sales potion of the website.

On the United States version of the website, TOPMAN is currently offering sales up to 70% off! As I have said in my previous articles, later in the winter season is the optimum time to buy coats. Trench coats, herringbone wool coats, and the ever-fashionable wool bomber jacket are on sale for 30-50% off. Scarves are also 50-60% off, as the winter shopping rush is over, and now they are trying to get rid of all of these winter essentials. Denim skinny jeans, trousers, chinos, and regular jeans are all on sale with massive discounts. Classics such as cardigans, offered at around $35, and TOPMAN’s signature “raw edge tee” for around $8, will probably never be found for this cheap again.

TOPMAN sets itself apart from other men’s fashion in the way that it truly does bring the styles found in the world of high fashion down to a more accessible level. With the literally hundreds of styles of clothing that TOPMAN has to offer, along with its incredible sales, the store and its website are the perfect place to start shopping for a whole wardrobe, or simply looking for bargains. For the fashionable male at any age, TOPMAN is one leader.

Dazzle in Denim

Turn your every day look into something more glamorous with a pair of dazzling platforms. The same rule that applies to pairing pumps with jeans also applies to pairing platforms: the hemline of the pants should meet the toe of the shoe. As for choosing the right pair of shoes, there is really no rule on that!

Play with Color

Brightly colored footwear is a fun way to add some flair to your every day wardrobe.  You can wear them with dark blue denim, black dress trousers, khaki pants, or slim skirts in neutral shades.  A bold shoe in a stunning color speaks for itself, so it should never be worn with an outfit in a color that competes.

Make the Most of Espadrilles Sandals

No shoe collection is complete with out a terrific pair of espadrilles! These summer shoes will actually last you three seasons (spring, summer, and early fall). You will enjoy wearing these shoes with lightweight sun dresses and rompers during the warm weather months, but you can easily take these shoes into the cooler months by pairing them with cargo pants or capris.

Make Dressy Sandals a Little Sexier

Everyone loves a spectacular pair of strappy platform sandals because they are a little sexy. You can make them even sexier by styling them with more glam pieces. Forget pairing these shoes with miniskirts and camisoles, try wearing them with dressy trousers and a ruffled silk blouse instead. Add two or three pieces of classic gold or silver pieces of jewelry, and you’re ready for anything!

Red Zone Clearance at JCPenney

JCPenney’s low prices are even lower with their red zone clearance. Currently, you can save on 50% to 70% off  hundreds of items including tops, sweaters, suits, jackets, dresses, coats, lingerie, accessories, shoes, and handbags.  They also have some pretty incredible deals on men’s apparel, kids apparel, and home goods.

50% Off Sale At Banana Republic

Enjoy big discounts on your favorite styles for a limited time at Banana Republic. Right now, they have lots of deals on classic button-down blouses, ruffled camisoles, simple scoopneck tees, warm sweaters, and colorful party dresses. The deals are good on select items only.

Cashmere Deals Up to 50% Off at Bluefly

Never pay full price for quality cashmere when you can purchase it for a steep discount. Bluefly has marked down designer cashmere sweaters and accessories for women, and these savings extend to brands like Wyatt, Qi, Autumn Cashmere, Hayden, CeCe, and more. Some of the prices go as low as 50% off, so this is a pretty exciting sale!

Storewide Clearance at Lord & Taylor

The markdowns at Lord & Taylor got even better, and now customers can save anywhere from 60% to 80% off designer apparel, shoes, and accessories. You can also take an extra 20% off with promo code TAKE2. This sale is good online and in-store. You will find the biggest deals on women’s footwear, sportswear, dresses, and cashmere. Men’s sportswear and kids clothes are also on sale. In order to take advantage of the extra 20% discount in-store, you must print the coupon.

Here are some of the best options this winter:

1. Skull Cap – These cute knit caps compliment almost any face shape, and because they aren’t bulky, they won’t overwhelm facial features. Check out Target’s cashmere version – under $20.00.

2. Deconstructed Fedora – These hats offer relaxed style. Never fussy, they suggest grace and class. CarolAnn Wachter offers several versions at exclusive locations across the US, including Barneys NY, Chicago, and Beverly Hills; however, knock-offs can be bought for a fraction of the cost of designer versions.

3. Beret – The “jaunty” beret continues to be a staple that never seems to go out of fashion. You may remember seeing Kourtney Kardashian pair a beret with a black and red poncho. This winter there are fur, sweater, and even sequin versions available. The beret compliments any hair length, which may be its best feature. Check out stores such as Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom for especially cute versions.

4. Baseball – If you need to run to the store, or if you have an impromptu get-together with friends at the local coffee shop with no time to wash your hair, brush your locks into a ponytail, toss on a baseball cap and go! Learn a lesson from the stars, adding just one perfect accessory can make any outfit stand out. Especially popular are the navy blue New York Yankee caps.

5. Cadet – Want something a little more formal than a baseball hat? Then a cadet hat may be for you. These cute hats amp up your style with a small front bill and a structured top. The Prana Catalina Organic Cadet Hat is reasonably priced at $28.00 on Zappos, and it can take you from a walk around the museum to the cocktail hour with ease.

6. Cowboy – Cowboy hats always make a splash. Recently on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the stars have been seen wearing the straw and the crushable felt varieties. Pair the hat with a fitted plaid shirt, tight jeans, and cowgirl boots, and you will be sure to draw attention to your unique and current style.

No matter your age, your face shape, or hair style, there’s a hat for you this season. The six styles above merely hint at the sheer number of hats available from retailers today. Make it a point to invest in a few of these up-to-the-minute accessories, and you won’t regret it. You’ll be a bit warmer, and you will be a lot more stylish to boot!

Everywhere stores are offering discounts in an attempt to boost their end of the year sales. Nowhere is this more evident than in clothing stores where 50% or more sales are going on. This means that you can snag some quality pieces of clothing for a fraction of the price. Combine these prices with store emailed coupons and mailed coupons, and you can get a real bargain.

The real trick here is to be very choosy of the children’s clothing that you select. Because you are shopping at a clothing store, the prices can be a little higher than the Salvation Army or a consignment shop. So, you want to pick high quality pieces that you can easily mix and match that are still marked down.

Head straight to the discounted racks and ignore the ones that don’t advertise a sales price. It may require you flipping through a few sections to find those pieces. If the tag doesn’t say the discounted price, then always double check at the register before you buy. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying more than you wanted to.

Make sure to check the sizes on the clothing rather than go by what is on the hanger. This way you know exactly what size you are getting. If you aren’t sure whether the pants will fit your child’s waist line, have them try them on or go for the adjustable  waistbands.

Finally, keep the receipt. While some clearance items may be final, you probably have other items that can be returned if they don’t quite meet expectations. At the very least, you will get store credit that can be used for other clothing.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the after-holiday sales. They aren’t just for holiday items. You can also pick up some children’s clothing at a really good price.

But as with every fashion item that sits in our closets, there are a few simple style rules to follow.

1- Always choose smaller prints.

Printed patterns are fun, but they can also be a little intimidating. The larger the print, the more intimidating the style can appear, so unless you’re up for the challenge, always try to stick to smaller prints like paisley or tiny polka dots.

2- Hide your flaws with a darker pattern.

Colorful prints were designed to flaunt your best features, so if you’re looking for a chic printed garment to conceal, go for a darker print.  Try a ditsy print or floral in black, deep gray, or brown.

3- Skip the printed pants and shorts.

When it comes to selecting super cool printed pieces, it’s best to stick with dresses, skirts, and tops. Try to skip printed pants or shorts because they tend to look a lot like pajama bottoms. Printed tights or leggings are okay if the colors are dark and are worn with simpler pieces like a-line skirts or linen shorts. Skip brightly colored or printed tights.

4- Never mix two prints together.

Here is one style rule you can break on one condition: the two printed pieces in question must be in the same color family but not match. For instance, you could try pairing a printed tank top in medium red with a printed sweater in a darker red print.  Never pair two prints that don’t look like they belong together.

The Get What You Really Wanted Sale at Urban Outfitters

Kick off your brand new year and make good use of your resolution to be more stylish! Right now, Urban Outfitters has over one hundred new markdowns online and in-store.  You will save big on their holiday dresses, sequined tops, funky tee shirts, lingerie, accessories, and shoes. If you coveted this item last season, it’s probably on sale now! Men’s apparel, gifts, and home decor are also all on sale.

Semi-Annual Sale at Athleta

It’s that time of year again where everyone wants to lose all that extra weight we gained over the holiday season. Athleta is having their semi-annual sale right now, and you can save up to 60% off select styles including tanks, tops, tees, jackets, pants, dresses, and more.  They have a wide range of apparel and accessories for a wide variety of activities including yoga, golf, tennis, skiing, and more.

End-of-the-Season Sale at Express Fashion

The clearance prices are already great (up to 70% off), but with the end-of-season sale, you can take off an extra 20% off select items like tees, tanks, sweaters, jackets, dresses, trousers, jeans, hoodies, lingerie, footwear, and more. Men’s apparel is also discounted. To see the additional markdown, you need to add the item in the cart. No promotion code is needed for this sale.

Inspired recently by the men of the “best-dressed college students in America,” located at Brown University in Providence, RI (as voted in several surveys), I have listed below a few more pointers to remember this holiday season in order to maintain style, class, and a little bit of warmth. As I wrote in the previous article, winter is a perfect time for a guy to show off his best style, so use this opportunity to the fullest.

Socks. This often overlooked accessory is much more complicated than just choosing between high white and low white socks. In observing many young men walking around the northeast, I noticed that having trendy socks is definitely a major necessity for this season. Skip the boring white socks and replace them with crazy-colored or patterned ones. Stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M specialize in this area, and socks can be found for under $8.

Hat. The hat is perhaps the most important part of a winter ensemble, as it is one of the first things that people will notice about you. A solid colored wool hat is always classic, and tight, neutral-colored beenies also compliment most outfits. Avoid most other kinds of hats this season, including the dreaded ski mask.

Boots. It just simply is not socially acceptable to wear large, plastic winter boots while walking around campus, or while strolling down your nearest trendy street. While walking down the ever-hip Thayer Street in Providence, I noticed many high fashion men’s boots, ranging from Uggz, to traditional cowboy boots, to nice, leather and fur lined ones. Boots can be found on sale at nearly every store this year.

Coat. I have said it before, and I will say it again. The coat you choose for the winter will act as a constant fashion statement throughout the entire season. Pea coats are in high demand this season, as can be seen when people watching in most parts of the country. And now is the best time to buy, as the after-Christmas sales are pushing down the prices of coats by anywhere from 30-70%.

Sweaters. Having a nice sweater, or two, is essential to any closet. Although this may seem obvious, many young men do not have a quality sweater that can be worn out to formal gatherings, or simply around the house. Look for a higher end sweater, in a classic color such as white, grey, or black, that can be matched with corduroys, khakis, or jeans. It is ok to spend a little more to get the quality desired. Keep in mind that many stores are running great sales on sweaters this time of year as well.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot to have style; it just takes pre-planning!

Now, let me rephrase this.  It isn’t completely free to get the mascara, but the mascara itself is free.  With Clinique, if you buy something from them and go over a certain amount of money, let’s say thirty dollars, you typically get a little “goody bag” with stuff in it.  Almost always there is mascara in there, and typically they also give out some kind of lip stick or lip gloss. My step-mom buys a lot of their “ageless” creams and stuff like that. Whenever she buys it, she tries to get it when they are having one of these sales.  In a cute bag, there is typically some kid of eye color (whether it is liner or shadow depends on what they are giving away), mascara, and a tester of one of their lotions.

I love their mascara, but you would have to be out of your right mind to actually buy one.  Just for one tube of mascara, they charge you almost twenty five dollars.  The little testers last you practically a month just on their own.  And as amazing as the mascara is, buying the tube isn’t worth it.

My favorite mascara I have ever gotten from them is their high lengths mascara.  It has a curved spoon brush and gives your lashes amazing length and definition.  You use it just like regular mascara, but you get wicked different results.

One of the other things that I mentioned earlier that they give out for free is their lip color.  Normally, with those, they give you a whole tube or stick of the color.  They typically give out pinks and reds.  My favorite lip color that I have ever gotten from them is their chubby stick.  I got it a few months ago, and I still have a ton left.  And, bonus – it’s moisturizing!  Just apply right onto your lip.  It comes in eight great shades.  The other thing I love about it is that it doubles as a lip liner that you never have to sharpen.  If you are running low, you just twist the bottom and more comes out.  On its own it is only fifteen dollars, not too insane, but still more than I would want to pay.

So remember, next time you need a lotion by Clinique, make sure you go when they are having one of their sales, which, by the way, are almost always going on.

This is the last installment in a four part series covering Jodi’s tips for saving on prescription drugs.

Medicare
If you are a Medicare recipient, you should both ensure that the drug coverage plan that you choose during the open enrollment period at the end of each calendar year is the most appropriate one for the prescriptions that you’re currently on—you can check whether your drugs are covered by checking each plan at medicare.gov. Additionally, you can and should contact the Social Security Administration to see whether you qualify for what’s called “Extra Help,” a sliding scale, income-based program that provides additional funding to help cover your prescription drug costs—you can even determine whether you qualify and apply online— check here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp/.

PPARx.org
A consortium of drug companies has banded together to help those who need assistance in paying for their prescriptions—you can find details about prescription assistance at PPARX.org. If you cannot afford your prescriptions, it’s worthwhile to apply to receive discounted and possibly even free prescriptions directly from the manufacturers themselves.

Regardless of which savings method you choose, please ensure that you let the pharmacist know about ALL of the medications, including over the counter medication, vitamins and supplements—that you’re currently taking to ensure that they’ll be able to ward off any potential drug-to-drug interactions. Saving money on necessary medications is fabuLESS, while ending up hospitalized or worse from a drug-to-drug interaction is NOT.

Feminine Footwear

Fall brings androgyny and spring brings hyper-femininity. One of this season’s hottest trends is all about delicate prints, thin stiletto heels, and ruffles galore. These styles look best with simple sheath dresses or A-line skirts. You could also wear these shoes with cropped pants and shorts!

Strappy Wedge Heels

A strappy wedge heel is the perfect alternative for heels, because it’s more balanced. Look for this season’s sexiest styles in cool colors like fuchsia, aqua, or tangerine. Pair these shoes with your every day denim or cute rompers.

 Casual Slip-on Sandals

When it comes to footwear, you can’t get much more laid-back than with a pair of slip-on sandals. Whether it’s a pair of flip-flops or frilly mules, these shoes will complement just about everything including shorts, denim skirts, minidresses, and much more.

Pointy-toed Heels

Pointy-toed heels are in. To maintain a sense of comfort, make sure that you purchase a pair with a low-to-moderate heel. You could also find a pair that’s got a softer point. Save these shoes for dressier occasions like parties or other special events.  You could wear them with a nice skirt suit or feminine halter dress.

Transparent Footwear

This trend is one of the most hard to pull off, but with a little creativity and savvy style sense, it is possible to wear it well. The first step to style success is to find a pair that you will actually want to wear. Don’t go with light or clear shoes, go for a style with darker color like black or navy. Even better, find a pair of shoes that isn’t completely transparent, instead, seek a pair that’s got transparent straps or other details.

Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale

If you didn’t get what you want for Christmas, rest assured that the Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual sale will have just about everything you want.  Save up to 60% off dresses, 40% to 60% off Pink sportswear and sleepwear, 25% to 50% off sleepwear,  and up to 50% off footwear and select clothing styles.  In addition, you will save up to 50% off select bras and panties. If you love shopping Victoria’s Secret, you won’t want to miss this sale. Prices are good online and in-store.

Torrid’s Ultimate Fashion Sale

Torrid is the retail destination for the plus-sized fashionista who loves trendy apparel and accessories. Right now, you can save up to 60% off your favorite winter pieces, 40% off cocktail dresses, and 50% off outerwear. Select tees now retail for just $14.99, sweaters  retail for $24.99, and blouses retail for $29.99. In addition, you will save an additional 25% off all clearance. Prices are good online and in-store.

Jones New York  Big Sale

Enjoy savings up to 80% off at the Jones New York sale. This fabulous sale extends to classic tops, dress pants, sheath dresses, suit separates, leather jackets, accessories, and more. But the best thing about this sale is that it’s good through January 6 2012!

Newport News 50% Off Site-wide Sale

For a limited time, when you spend $75.oo or more at Newport News, you can save 50% off your total order. You can stock up on party frocks, every day dresses, fun accessories, ultra-femme blouses and tops, simple sweaters, pants, leggings, and jeans. It’s a terrific sale that you won’t want to miss. No promo code is needed.