The Happy Shopper

White hot

2007-05-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Capris and warm weather go together like hot fudge and sundaes. In fact, why not eat a hot fudge sundae while wearing some capris?

These drawstring capris from Gap are on sale for $12.99 right now (regularly $49.50.)

Pretty in purple

2007-05-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

This taffeta bow dress at Alloy is full of sugar and spice and everything nice. It’s also on sale for $19.99 (regularly $44.50). Also available in black.

Not your grandma’s headscarf

2007-04-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

This Pashmina scarf from Wrapables sets a fun, retro tone with swirling designs in bright colors.

It’s available for $19.95.

Pucker up

2007-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Kissably sweet and deliciously colorful, this Pinkie Swear lip-gloss palette from Sephora has a little something for every girl.

Shades range from Cherry Pie and Grape Whine to Sugar Kisses and Tuiti Fruiti.

On sale for $4.75 (regularly $19).

Shades of blue

2007-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Blue is everywhere right now, from shoes to coats to jewelry. This empire waist sweater uses the hue in a nice transitional piece for a shower-filled spring.

It’s on sale at Alloy for $14.99 (regularly $32.50).

Decorate with love

2007-04-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

These recycled vases from Uncommon Goods are made from old wine bottles. Both environmentally friendly and pretty. That’s just a win, win situation.

Price tag: $30 each.

Cook up some style

2007-04-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

This cutesy vintage apron from Wrapables.com would make a lovely gift for mom or for your own culinary collection.

It’s on sale for $17.99 (regularly priced $21.95).

More than just a jacket

2007-04-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

It seems that when spring, uh, springs, there are never enough jackets in the closet for the unexpected temperatures and sudden showers.

This lightweight cotton anorak from J.Crew meets all the requirements for unexpected spring weather. Also, anorak is just a fun word to say. It kind of makes one feel British or something.

It’s on sale for $49.99 (regularly $78).

Classy comes cheaply

2007-04-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a little black dress or five. This sweet Isaac Mizrahi frock from Target features playful pockets, which are oh so chic right now.

It’s available only on Target.com and is $39.99.

Connect the dots

2007-04-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

This bold and fun polka dot blouse from Macy’s is part of their clearance sale right now. Price tag: $19.99 (regularly priced $59.00).

For a more colorful take on the polka dot trend, try this festive sleeveless top from Forever21. It’s available for $19.80.

Light it up

2007-04-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Pottery Barn had a line just for teens? Well, they do, and most of it is cute and stylish enough to spill into the grownup category.

Like this medallion lampshade in a variety of yummy colors. It coordinates with Pottery Barn’s medallion sheets, storage bins, and duvet cover, too, if you’re into that matchy-matchy thing.

The lampshade is on sale for $9.99.

Style + comfort

2007-04-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Because sometimes you want your loungewear to be cute, even if it is just for watching back to back episodes of America’s Next Top Model.

These jersey capris from Old Navy come in a myriad of colors and are available for $16.50.

Poetry in glass

2007-04-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

This haiku platter from CB2 features a happy little cherry blossom design on its glass surface.

Make a kitchen-slash-poetry statement for $14.95.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

2007-04-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Save a tree. Or at least save an old earring that is missing its mate. This step-by-step guide at the DIY Network shows how to convert old jewelry into new masterpieces.

Kind of hippie-chic, you know?

Price tag: mostly free.

Something shiny

2007-04-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

This set of eight gold bangles from Forever21 meets all the style criteria of texture and shine while remaining just $5.80.

Yet another sale from NY & C

2007-04-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously, if most of their sales weren’t absolute steals, New York & Company would be in danger of being the most annoying online retailer ever. But a 40% off everything sale kind of makes you forgive them.

Snag these 7th Avenue pants for $26.70 after the discount.

Breath of fresh air

2007-04-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

You never again have to sleep under a cloud of stale hotel room air when you take these er’go travel tins candles with you. They come in a variety of scents, like pomegranate and white flower.

Each 2 oz. tin is $4.95.

All the frills

2007-04-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Romantic and whimsical blouses are froo-frooing their way off shelves and racks this season. This lovely Kimchi & Blue embroidered blouse at Urban Outfitters is one such treat.

It’s available for the reduced price of $34.99.

Foul weather be gone

2007-04-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently, there are reports surfacing of strange white flakes falling from the sky in some parts of the country. The only way to combat such blatant disregard for springtime is by wearing bright colors and pretty prints.

Like this Polynesian floral cluster cami from Free People. Layer it like the photo or wear it by itself once the weather remembers that it is, in fact, supposed to be warm.

On sale for $19.95.

Will shop for food

2007-04-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Help fight hunger while supporting your fashion cravings at The Hunger Site. Proceeds go to aid hungry people in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other places in need.

These lovely glass blossom earrings were designed by an artisan in Portland, Oregon. For each pair of earrings sold, 25 cups of food will be donated to fight worldwide hunger. Not bad for $14.95.

Just crop it

2007-04-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Cropped jackets are all the rage this season. But if you’re not pencil thin, it’s hard to pull one off without looking about eight months pregnant.

This Rubbish crop two-button jacket at Nordstrom manages to pull fresh style together with a slimming design. Brilliant. Price tag: $42.00

Purses and cases and wallets…oh my

2007-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

This lovely floral laptop case from Aldo lets you show your feminine wiles while boasting of your technological prowess. It’s on sale for $19.95.

Doubling as a wallet and a handbag, this sweet little number is available in purple or black for $9.95 or in red for $19.95.

Roar, hiss

2007-03-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

No matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to get away from animal prints. They’ve even made their way onto jewelry, like this sassy snakeskin inspired bracelet at Claire’s. Price tag: $6.50.

Also on the wild side are these Leopard Betty earrings at Forever21 for $2.80. They’re also available in a more petite style for walking closer to the tamer side.

It’s the flowers, dude

2007-03-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Poppies sort of have a bad rap. All those drug references, and then there’s that dreadful scene in the Wizard of Oz…it’s too bad, really.

But this lovely cosmetics case from Urban Outfitters puts a friendly spin on pretty, non-coma-inducing poppies. And it’s available for $28.

Sale alert

2007-03-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

New York & Company has a storewide sale going on where everything is buy one, get one half off. They call it their Buy One Get One 50% Off Everything Sale, because they’re clever like that.

This floral, flowing skirt is $36.95.

Pair it with a cute blouse and this double chain necklace, yours for the sale price of $13.25.

Wearing the pants

2007-03-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Wide legs are the new rage in pants this season, but something a little on the tamer side is also nice. These tie-front pants from Gap offer a wide-leg look with a more tailored effect. They’re part of Gap’s Really Big Sale, and are $29.99.

Also from Gap, these back-cross jeans sport a faded design with slightly flared legs. They’re on sale for $49.99.

True colors

2007-03-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Get half off E.L.F.'s spring eye shadow set with coupon code: spring.

This brings the price down to just $2.50, so there's plenty of money left over for a matching mani and pedi.

Spring fling

2007-03-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here and it’s officially time to start celebrating the onset of warmer weather.

These Chelsea capris from Guess Factory are available in white or navy blue. They’re on sale for $24.99.

It’s all about the cheap shipping

2007-03-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Overstock.com is offering one-dollar shipping right now. No word on how long it’s going to last, so move quick, act now, quantities are limited, and all that stuff.

These BCBG blouses are fun and easy to layer over long sleeves and tanks. They're $31.99 each.

Also from BCBG are these cute-as-a-button gauchos. Price tag: $18.99.

Fitness fashion

2007-03-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

It’s sweaty, stretchy, smelly, and more worn out than your excuses for not exercising.

It’s your workout apparel. And it’s time to upgrade to some comfortable, cool styles that will motivate your exercise habits. Or at least motivate you to wear them around the house while thinking about exercising.

These mesh capri pants from Target are $10.99.

Find this scoop neck exercise t-shirt at Lucy, on sale for $4.99.

For after-workout wear, try this Old Navy hoody for $18.99.

Subtle warmth

2007-03-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Decorative scarves are an easy way to add some color and warmth to any spring outfit, without looking like you just returned from an arctic expedition.

This soft-as-silk pashmina scarf adds a little pop with its electric blue color. It can also be found in other head-turning hues at the ThePashminaStore. Price tag: $29.99.

Hello, sunshine

2007-03-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

With spring just around the corner, scarves and mittens are the last thing on most people’s minds. But now is the perfect time to scoop up some end-of-the-season deals on winter apparel.

This striped scarf is a mere $2.99 right now at Aeropostale.

And this knitted beanie hat is on sale for $9.97 at Sports Authority.

Color your world

2007-03-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Cosmetics website E.L.F. is more than just cheap eye shadow these days, although their dollar-per-item prices are still alive and well.

They also feature a Looks section where you can follow step-by-step instructions to achieve of-the-moment makeup applications. Lucky, Rosy Glow, Get Dramatic, and Hollywood Glamour are just a few examples of their head-turning palates.

If you like the look, you can click one button and buy everything needed to achieve your it-girl status. And right now, if you spend $10, they’ll throw in a free eye shadow just because you’re pretty.

Ships Ahoy

2007-03-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you know that nautical themes are everywhere right now.

Bringing a little warmth to the trend, this striped cotton/cashmere boatneck sweater from J.Crew is on sale for $29.99.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to pull off these wide horizontal stripes without looking like a colorful boat yourself, so for those who like a little tamer touch of the sea, here are some fashions that are easier to implement.

These cropped pants from Banana Republic are chic and comfy, as well as easy to stuff in your suitcase. (They’re supposed to be wrinkled.) They’re on sale for $39.99.

Old Navy is getting in on the nautical action, as well, with these belted cargo capris. (Note the rope belt.) They’re on sale for $24.50 right now.

Add these chunky bead earrings to any simple ensemble for a touch of color ala St. Tropez. They’re also from Old Navy and are $6.

Wrap it up

2007-03-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Scarves are in, in a big way right now, especially as hair accessories.

Urban Outfitters has this funky floral one on sale for $4.99 right now. They have a slew of others, as well, from $4.99 to $16.00.

Dress for less

2007-03-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

Sundresses are hot right now. What’s even hotter is finding a sweet little frock at an affordable price.

Like this floral V-neck dress from Forever21 for $22.80. Throw on a flirty cardigan for chilly evenings.

You can also track down some casual summery gowns at Alloy.com, Nordstrom.com, and OldNavy.com.

Sweet separates

2007-03-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

The a.n.a. line at JC Penny features wash and wear blouses and comfortably casual jeans and slacks. Their new spring styles are available now, complete with bright colors and feminine accents.

Like this belted tunic in a soft butter yellow. Because everyone needs a little more sunshine in their life. It’s on sale for $24.99.

This nautical style tee is also on sale for $14.99 right now and would pair easily with some cropped jeans or a flouncy skirt for the beach. Or for wearing around the house while pretending to be at the beach.

Pretty in pink

2007-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Each and every Friday, Amazon.com slashes prices on a few select items in their store. Every so often, they take a break from the George Foreman grills and the herbal supplements to offer something a little, well, prettier.

Like this very pink Fossil watch inlaid with mother of pearl. Regularly priced at $55, it’s available today for just $27.99.

Long time coming

2007-02-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

New York & Company has long offered a range of fun styles for business to casual wear. However, until just recently, their fashion finds could only be purchased in one of their brick-and-mortar stores.

But they’ve just entered the online world, launching a new website that features all the pants, sweaters, and jewelry we’ve come to love.

And right now, everything – repeat, everything – is 50% off, both in their stores and online.

For example, this Seaport jacket, regularly $49.95, can be yours this spring for $24.95.

Relax in style

2007-02-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Try as you might, it’s hard to escape the need for comfy separates. This hoodie from Ralph Lauren is both cozy and cool, coming in at just $24.99. (Regularly $69.00.)

So easy to love

2007-02-20T20:49:00.000-08:00

Hippie-fabulous Anthropologie has some end-of-season clearance happening over there. Such sales are not to be missed, as they actually drop some of their pieces into our price range here (below fifty bucks).

This easy wash 'n' wear blouse is made of cotton and polyester and is so soft against the skin. It's also available in white, but this cobalt blue is apparently destined to be the 'it' color this season.

It's on sale for $29.95.

Also available in various sizes is this delicious cotton velveteen black dress. Inverted pleats make it lie nicely against all body types. So heavenly sweet for just $49.95 right now.

Hip to be square

2007-02-18T00:42:00.000-08:00

This lovely pendant comes from Littleput Books, a little shop in Oregon, and can be found on Etsy, an eBay of sorts for unique, handmade gifts.

And there's a chance you could even become smarter while wearing it---it's made from an old Scrabble piece, covered with Asian papers. Plus, it comes with the handmade tin.

$10 is a small price to pay for such a one-of-a-kind piece.

For the piggies

2007-02-18T00:14:00.000-08:00

Because everyone needs something cozy to warm their toes-ies.

Or just some socks or whatever.

These cashmere-blend pairs are $15 at The Joy of Socks.

So ready for spring

2007-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

This cute French terry skirt from J.Crew can double as a swimsuit cover up. Just in case there's actually some sun somewhere out there in the world. Or, it also makes a nice spring treat for a casual Sunday stroll through the park.

It's on sale right now for $19.99. Also, get an additional 20% off through Sunday, February 18.

Everything nice

2007-02-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

This lacy little number could brighten up any outfit from business-professional to dressy-casual.* The wrap-around style gives it flirt-appeal, while the low price tag lets you flirt guilt-free.

It's $14.99 right now at dELias, where there is also a mad end-of-season clearance going on.

*Dressy casual = that style somewhere between hanging out and going out.

Love yourself

2007-02-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

Maybe you need a smart little accessory to go with that black cocktail dress. Or maybe you just need something to tote around your candy hearts in.

Either way, Target's got you covered for just $9.99.

You could even buy two, just for the heck of it.

The Season of Love

2007-02-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

This keepsake book offers quotes about love for that special person in your life. Or just for yourself. Because you're special too.

The price is very special, also, at just $6.

Find it at CatchingFireflies.com.

Fruity fashion

2007-01-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

Apparently, fruit is the new "it" item for spring. It goes right along with all those deep jewel tones the stars were wearing at the Golden Globes, while remaining fresh and fun.

This lovely little necklace from Rampage features a cluster of grapes. So naturally stylish and simply sweet for an even sweeter $14.00

Jewel tones

2007-01-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

This versatile belt from Bluefly makes a statement all on its own for just $22.99.

Of course, wearing it with other clothes would be an even better idea. Pair it with a tunic and a pair of jeans for an eye-catching ensemble.

Something sunny

2007-01-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

This little taste of sunshine is called a bath bomb, and it's from Lush. Pop this treat into the bath and smells of citrus will transform your bathroom into a tropical locale.

Just $4.95 for a tiny taste of summer.

Some vintage romance

2007-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

This lovely little accessory from Catching Fireflies is stretchy and sparkly, the perfect addition to a cocktrail dress or even some business casual attire.

There's no need to tell it was only $18.50.

Cozy up

2007-01-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

This cutesy, cozy sweater from Gap is a soft cashmere/wool blend. Versatile enough for a casual Friday or a dreaded trip the laundry mat.

And it’s on sale for just $29.99.

It's not too late

2007-01-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

The tree and stockings may be long packed away by now, but some online retailers are still offering great sales on Christmas decorations.

Like these lovely handmade Large Swirl Balls from CB2. They have tiny bells inside that jingle festively.

And even more festive? They're only $1.95 each.