Thanksgiving & Black Friday

I have been travelling over Thanksgiving for the last 2 years, thus I'm a bit out of the loop with the whole Black Friday shopping....I'm honestly slightly disappointed in how many shops/stores are opening earlier and earlier ON Thanksgiving Day -WHAT??!!  Isn't this a time to be thankful for what you HAVE, not race around & fight crowds to buy even more?

So, first & foremost, 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

I am SO thankful for my wonderful husband and the greatest family & friends anyone could ask for!

This year I will be celebrating up North in Duluth and the only plan I have for Black Friday is hitting up the Smartwool sale for some fabulous wool socks & possibly a pair of slippers or if I'm lucky enough a warm sweater for my hubby.

I just can't imagine dealing with the crazy crowds just to "score some deals" -which are often not even all that great....  My suggestion is to check out what's happening ONLINE, as many sales are starting NOW, and then support your LOCAL boutiques on Small Business Saturday!

There are a TON of "sales" and deals happening, and I completely understand how great it is to SAVE $$ on anything....especially as we approach "the season of giving." Thus, here are a few of the sales that I might checkout at some point in the next few days:

One of my favorite local boutiques, Houndstooth, will be having a FABULOUS sale on Black Friday -one that you really don't want to miss....2 locations, one in Savage & one in Eden Prairie.

Nelle handbags has FREE shipping & 20% off her gorgeous handbags from November 22-26, use code: HOLIDAY

Hot Mama = 15% off EVERYTHING storewide NOW until November 25 (in stores & online)

Shopbop is offering up to 35% off with code: BIGEVENT12

25% off & free ship on everything at Madewell code: TREAT

Get 25% off your purchase at J. Crew with code: COLOR25

J.Crew Factory- 40% off of everything! Plus 15% off when you spend $100 or more!  

Club Monaco has an extra 30% off sale items

Up to 50% off at Nordstrom (Um, hello sale on Equipment blouses!)

Bloomingdales- Up to 50% off and $25 off every $200 you spend

30% off sale items at DVF with code: HOLIDAYSALE

Last Call by Neiman Marcus- extra 40% off everything including clearance!

Steve Madden- 25% off plus free shipping with code: GIVE25

Happy Shopping!  ....and of course, enjoy the time spent with family & friends! 

GIVE THANKS for all you have!

Madewell

...is FINALLY here in the Twin Cities!

What is Madewell you ask?  

Madewell is J. Crew’s sister store. It started out as a denim brand but has grown into a full fashion collection in its own right—similar to J. Crew, but more casual and perhaps more youthful. 

The Twin Cities' (& Minnesota's) first store recently opened (Nov. 14 to be exact) at Southdale Mall in Edina. It's located on the first floor just outside of the newly renovated Herbergers.

I had a chance to quickly peruse the store this past week and was not disappointed. There were several items I could've easily taken home with me! The sweaters were fabulous, and reasonably priced, as were the blouses & scarves. The jewels were unique & the store was neat & spacious. 

I'm excited to continue to check out what's in store as I do love to shop online, but am always unsure about fit/sizes....I just hate the hassle of returns due to items that don't quite fit right!!

Here are a few items that caught my eye this first time through the store:

As I said, it was a quick perusal before a movie just to check things out, and I will definitely be back... and perhaps just might be adding a few of these items to a certain fashionista's Christmas list!!

If you haven't yet made it to Southdale, I'd highly recommend a stop....not only is Madewell worth the trip, but the mall itself is really starting to come together with its new "updated look" and renovation!

Boutique Critique: Houndstooth

If you are looking for a place to find fashion-forward, unique quality pieces to add to your wardrobe, houndstooth is the place.

Amber, the owner, has created a fabulous collection of chic items - fabulous adds to anyone's closet. 

I love the tagline on her website: 

Style can't be purchased but amazing clothes can!

SO true!!  Amber has great style & exquisite taste herself, and it shows through both the "look" of her boutique and the goods she sells!




She carries lines such as DVF, Alice & Olivia, Joie (one of my personal favorites), MiH (a fantastic denim line), Hudson, RED Valentino, Clover Canyon, and SO many more - including the jewels of our favorite local jewelry designer realiabyjen!!!



She started out in Savage in 2008 and has expanded to include two locations now: Eden Prairie and recently moved to a "new" location in Savage.

582 Prairie Center Drive #223
Eden Prairie MN 55344
Tel: 952-994-4444
8310 Egan Drive
Savage MN 55378
Tel: 952-440-1100

To get a look at what specific pieces she has in store checkout her website or LIKE Houndstooth's Facebook page for daily photos of what's new in the shop - she's constantly sharing photos of what she's ordered & what's now available in the store!

Just one of the many pieces I'm loving right now is this "snow leopard" blouse from Joie. 

I HIGHLY recommend a visit to this boutique...whether it's to find that perfect holiday ensemble or just to add another quality item to your wardrobe. You won't be disappointed!!!

Cashmere

speaking of Quality....
...when you think of a piece of clothing that is of high quality, you probably think of something that feels fabulous to the touch, wears well, keeps its shape, and will last forever.

As the weather is slowly cooling down, and we near the start of my favorite season, Autumn, it's almost time to pull out those favorite sweaters.

One type of sweater that screams quality to me is a cashmere sweater. Sure, there are many sweaters out there that boast that they are a "cashmere sweater" ....only to reveal on their tags that they contain a mere 5% cashmere. 
What I'm talking about is a 100% pure cashmere sweater.

What exactly IS cashmere?
Cashmere is a type of wool that comes from the neck of the Cashmere goat. There is actually a Cashmere & Camel Hair Institute that aims to promote pure products.
According to this institute, found at cashmere.org, 

Cashmere is luxurious and fashionable and is also a durable and practical investment. Cashmere travels well and doesn’t wrinkle. It offers great insulation; is warm in the winter and cool in the spring. Cashmere is long lasting; it actually becomes softer with age and rarely pills after being worn and washed. It should last a lifetime.

Thus, choosing to invest in a cashmere item is choosing a quality piece that will last - a lifetime. Check out the above website for more commonly asked questions, information, and care for your cashmere.

One piece of info that this site confirmed for me was how to care for your cashmere knits/sweaters. You should NOT dry clean them. You should use a gentle detergent, or even a cashmere soap-JCrew sells some, and hand wash your cashmere sweaters. This will keep them in better shape than sending them off to the dry-cleaners, and it's much less expensive!!

There are several places to find cashmere items here in the Twin Cities. JCrew is one place that carries cashmere. 


I am loving this polka-dot version. Classic yet fun.
...and if you don't love this burgundy color, even though it is "the color of the season," there are several other color combinations to fall in love with. I honestly have a hard time deciding which one is my favorite!

Thanks to my time spent working in retail, I have discovered a "new" line of sweaters & knits: Autumn Cashmere. This brand is by no means "new," as they have been around since 1993, but new to me, as I have never seen or touched these fabulous knits before.

Their sweaters are fabulous, and mostly 100% cashmere, with some that are cashmere blends, but are appropriately labeled.

Hot Mama is carrying several styles this fall, as is Nordstrom, and a local St. Paul boutique Stephanie's.


Will you be adding a new cashmere piece to your wardrobe this fall?

Fall Fashion: JEWELS

Not only will my daily go-to outfit consist of jeans & boots, it will most likely include several pieces from my favorite local jewelry designer, Jen Scheffler of realiabyjen.

Her work is AMAZING, and I just can't seem to stop adding her pieces to my collection! 

She just recently completed the creation of a GORGEOUS lookbook, in collaboration with many talented people, including myself, as the stylist.
Here are a few shots from the lookbook:

I can't seem to say enough great things about her work....she does everything from custom pieces for moms, brides & bridal parties to taking your vision & making it a reality: just tell her what you like & what you're looking for and she'll design & create it!

She of course has many collections...this lookbook presents her fall 2012 collection, but just click on any of the tabs at the top of her page to peruse what else she offers... from vintage refined to beautiful bling, you're bound to find a piece or two you have to have!

Here's my latest add:

...a FABULOUS statement piece- I can't wait to wear it!

She will also take pieces of your own jewelry collection that you aren't wearing and help you turn them into jewels that you love to wear. Whether it's a vintage family piece, or just items you are tired of as they are....you'd be amazed at what she can do with old clip on earrings and brooches! Send her an email with photos of what you have, what your ideas are, and a little about your sense of style....she'll work with you to create timeless, quality pieces you'll have & wear forever.

If you haven't yet....check out her fantastic website and start accessorizing your wardrobe for fall!

Missoni for Target

It's ALMOST here....just over a week to go & our local Target stores will reveal the 400 piece Missoni collection to the public. I can't wait!!

If you haven't had a chance to preview the pieces, here are some of our favorites:



Not only does the collection include clothes & shoes, it also contains FABULOUS pieces for your Home!! It's the largest designer-collaboration collection Target has done thus far, and from what I've seen, I believe it's the BEST yet!!



And if that's not enough, check out the lookbook on Target's Facebook page, or the image album at target.com here.

And HERE Is a fabulous video where Margherita Maccapani Missoni, daughter of creative director Angela, talks about the “very big” collaboration as well as the campaign, which channeled Italian movies of the 1960s, the era when Missoni became famous outside of Italy.

The collection arrives in stores on TUESDAY, September 13. What pieces are you hoping to purchase before they are gone?

Shopping South of the Cities

Looking for a fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon?? Well, get a group of your gals together & take a little road trip South!! Not quite as far as Mexico...just southern MN to Prior Lake & Northfield. We took a nice little trip to see 2 boutiques,
Rosie Posie & Sisters Ugly.

Rosie Posie

Located at 6880 Boudin St, Prior Lake, MN


Although they do have clothing & jewelry - the best part of this shop is the home decor & accessories. They have a very french chic vibe, and this totally translates into the home decor -- from beautiful candlestick holders to vintage perfume bottles to fabulous frames. We both ended up breaking down and purchasing items -- the best find was a set of 6 vintage Paris maps in shadow-box frames -- and they were on sale!!


Check out their website - which has a GREAT slide show of pictures & descriptions of what you can find in the store: http://www.rosieposie.net/index.php?splash=1


It's definitely a place to find unique items for your home, especially if you love a vintage vibe!!! So worth the drive south!

Sisters Ugly


Located at 220 Division St South, Northfield, MN


Good brands - smaller selection, but good amount for the size of the store. A few of the brands we saw -- Kensie, Joe's Jeans, Fluxus (VERY CUTE) & Knitted Dove. Also really great jewelry assortment - both small, dainty items as well as bigger statement pieces. Here is an outfit they put together on their facebook page -- includes Skinny Dish Jeans, Franco Sarto Wedge and Kensie white vest.


They also just expanded across the hall with a small Shoe Store.


Check out their website -- http://sistersugly.com/ -- and/or find them on facebook.



While in Northfield, there are several shops - including Antiques - so plan to take your time & walk around. Might we also suggest some ice cream at the cute little candy shop??!!
Here is a great website that gives TONS of information about downtown Northfield -- http://visitingnorthfield.com/ -- definitely a great place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!

Shopping for those PERFECT GIFTS...

...can be a complete CHALLENGE sometimes.

For some people on your "list" you can walk in a store, or hit that one website, and you find it--the one item they will immediately fall in love with. With others, it can be the hardest few weeks--as you search and search and can't quite put together that "perfect" gift.

So here are a few of our favorite places, or "go-to" gifts, websites, and stores that always seem to help us create the most amazing gift for that fabulous person on your list!

LISTEN
As the holidays are approaching, listen to the comments that your friends (and those who you will be buying gifts for) are saying. Is there something that they've always wanted, but never gotten. Or are they out of their favorite __________. Or perhaps it's those perfect flair paper mate pens that they love that keep disappearing.... Those of us who teach know how amazing these writing instruments truly are! A four pack, or the fabulous 16 pack, is the perfect gift-an item you know they love and will use, every day!
Pay attention to what they point out when you are shopping with them. What catches their eye in a store window, and what they longingly stop and look at 3 times, finally try on, but decide that they can't afford right now.
These are those items that will become the perfect gift.

GIVE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE
One way to think about buying gifts is what would you like to find "under the tree." Especially when shopping for your close girlfriends, sisters, or your mom, think about what is on your list and that may lead you to the perfect item. If there is a purse you've been lusting after or an amazing necklace you've been dying to own...maybe they would love it, or there may be an item similar that would be perfect...and perhaps then you can purchase that one item for yourself as well. I can never seem to keep my holiday shopping solely for others...there are always those few items that seem to end up in my "shopping cart" that are for Me....but who doesn't do that, right??!!

MAKE IT FUN
Another rule I always keep in mind while shopping is to think of things that people wouldn't necessarily spend their $ on. There are always those fun, unique items that people love, but often think twice about before they buy--saying, "do I REALLY need this?" And in most cases, they decide it's not necessary. Holidays (& other special occasions involving gift-giving) are the time to buy and give those items. Maybe it's one of those purse hangers (pictured above) that you've seen others with, have always secretly wanted, but never gone out and bought for yourself. Give one to all your girlfriends or fill your sisters' stockings with one--they're fun and so practical! Or maybe it's that hand-warmer mug that is so unique and yet "functional." Fill it with a coffee shop gift card and/or her favorite tea, and it's perfect! Maybe she's finally got her own new place and you can help add to her holiday decorating by finding her a fun ornament for her Christmas tree or a holiday "centerpiece" for her new coffee table. When searching for these unique gifts, check out The Afternoon, at the Mall of America, the Bibelot or Patina (both with several locations)--these stores are filled, from corner to corner, with fun, unique and interesting items-perfect for the gift-giving season! (ALL three of these stores have items available ONLINE as well!)

SHOP LOCAL
I find that whenever I can give someone a one of a kind item, or something designed/created by a local artist, they love it even more. Knowing that no one will have this same item makes it even that much more special. In the Twin Cities, we are SO lucky to have so many fabulous local designers and artists--in all areas. The possibilities for unique gifts are endless...you just have to FIND them! I LOVE LOVE LOVE searching on ETSY for handmade, and often local gifts. Etsy now even makes it EASIER to find MORE items that fit what you're looking for....the Taste Test. You begin by choosing whether you are shopping for a guy or a gal, and then they show you 6 pictures. Out of those 6 you choose the one you love the best-or click on the button that says "I don't like any, show me more"--this continues for a few screens until you finish-and end up with pages of items including and related to those that you picked-how FUN!! I could do this forever! SO...using what you know about the person you are shopping for, you can find a gift that is completely unique and "just right" for them!

Also, check out the local boutiques in your neighborhood. I ALWAYS seem to find fun and fabulous gifts--they may be a little more higher priced, as many boutiques carry the local designers, but it's so worth it--especially knowing you are often purchasing one-of-a-kind pieces and supporting local designers/artists! I love St. Paul and all of the local shops along Grand Ave...Picky Girl and Karma are two of my favorites. PRIMP is a new store to the neighborhood, on Selby & Dale--with fabulous items all under $100--check it out!!

PERSONALIZE IT
Another way to create that perfect gift is to make it personal. Whether it's finding that initial charm necklace or monogrammed ring they've always wanted, or it's putting together a collage of pictures in a frame... things that have memories are always more meaningful and fun to give. Creating a scrapbook of a trip you went on together, or a "shadow box" with black and white photos from when you were younger and now your older, much more polished selves is an amazing way to show how much someone means to you. All you need are the right pictures and a little "craft time" and you've got it made! There are also so many ways to use programs right on your computer, such as iPhoto, where you can design and create a book (with words and YOUR pictures) in minutes--for only $25--and it'll last forever. Or, find an item that shows their love for their city or a place they have traveled. These city-themed totes are super fun and, of course, eco-friendly! You can choose from almost 30 locations and several styles. These are perfect to carry rolled up in your purse for those unexpected, yet frequent, stops at Target!


PLAN B
When you just can't seem to find that one item that is perfect, go with plan B: a GIFT CARD. Even though it doesn't seem as personal, if you give a gift card to their favorite store, you know they will use it to buy something they love. Sometimes, as with shopping at any time of year, there just isn't anything in stores that you love. With a gift card, you can "save" it for that one item you finally splurge on--and how fun is it to use!! LOVE it. Gift cards to places for a service are also fun to get--a manicure & pedicure or a massage are things that many people don't like to spend $$ on, but when it's paid for, it's so much more fun! So even though a gift card may not seem as exciting of a gift, it can often be one of the best items to receive. I just love loading my wallet up after the holidays with all my gift cards-waiting to find the perfect item or time to use each one!!



Whatever it may be that you end up giving to each of your siblings, friends, co-workers, parents, and others on your list....remember it's more about the time spent together and celebrating the season. Don't let the shopping and creating of that "perfect" gift stress you out...and keep in mind that it's not about how much $$ you spend, but the thought that you've put into the gift and the time shared when exchanging those gifts. (Even if it does involve having to wear an "ugly Christmas sweater"!!!)

CELEBRATE, have FUN, and of course, LOOK GOOD, as all Fashionistas always do!!

Have you been FITTED??

One of the most important parts to an outfit is what is worn underneath it! A shirt, sweater, blouse, dress pants, skirt, and even jeans can look a million times better with good fitting underwear under it all!

Did you know that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra?? WOW!! I couldn't believe that at first when I read it, BUT after my sisters and some of the girls headed to Nordstrom to be "fitted," we proved that statistic to be true! Most of us were wearing the wrong size, and were very far from the correct one! And once we put on that correct size, we could FEEL the difference, along with SEEING the difference once we put our shirts on over the new one--it was AMAZING!

There are many people out there who claim to be "experts" on the fit of your underwear, but I have learned otherwise. A 34C is NOT the same as a 36B!

Personally, I recommend getting fitted at Nordstrom, on the 3rd floor in the Lingerie department (of course). It's FREE, and there's no pressure to purchase anything!


There was SO much to LEARN in just a few minutes spent with a "bra fit specialist." Here are just a few new tips I learned:

• For one, because bras tend to stretch in back, your bra should fit firmly on the loosest hook when new. You don't want it to fit on the tightest hooks, but the loosest, because as you wear a bra, it will stretch and you will eventually have to tighten it. Once it becomes too loose on the tightest hook it's time to replace it.

• You should definitely invest in lingerie wash, or if not, use gentler detergent and always HAND WASH your bras, then line dry (never use a dryer). This will prolong the life of each bra!

• It is not necessary to wash your bras every day, but do not wear the same bra two days in a row. This way the elastic has a chance to resume its original shape, extending the life of the bra.

Be prepared to shell out some $ for new bras; they are not cheap, but if cared for properly, should last at least a year. My recommendation is after getting fitted at Nordstrom where you have found the brands and styles that fit the best (and maybe purchased one or 2), head over to Nordstrom Rack to find the same brand bras at often half the price! FABULOUS!!

Some of our favorite brands include: (click on the brand to view current available styles)
-Chantelle: higher priced, but SO worth it
-Elle McPherson: slightly higher prices, but SO SO pretty
-Natori:love the convertible bra with 3 strap positions: halter, 2 strap, & criss-cross, great basics for every day wear
-Calvin Klein: very REASONABLY price and comfortable--great "t-shirt" bras
-DKNY: another reasonably priced brand with great basics

I would also recommend shopping the great SALES that Nordstrom has during the year. The half-yearly sale is coming up in a month: November 3-6 --put it on the calendar!

Check out Nordstrom's online fit guide for quick tips, then get out there and GET FITTED!!

Recycle Your Blues is Back!!

We are SO EXCITED that Gap is bringing back their AMAZING campaign from last year!!

From this Wednesday, October 6th thru Wednesday, October 20th, you can donate your old denim (any brand) and get 30% off a new pair of 1969 denim!! Your old denim will be recycled by being converted into UltraTouch natural cotton fiber insulation and donated to communities in need.

What's better than that?? Well, since you asked...Facebook Fans will get an ADDITIONAL 10% off their new jeans - so 40% off new denim!! This campaign is perfectly in time for Fall and also a great time to try their new Flare Jeans, which are very figure flattering.

Check out their fun video here about the campaign & be sure to become a fan of their facebook page.

PAID to SHOP??!!

Believe it or not, this is true...well, ALMOST.

MANY stores have their own credit cards, which isn't something new, BUT the bonuses and rewards are. Often times people avoid these cards because of the high APR (annual percentage rates), but most of the cards can be paid off the day you use them. You can literally put a purchase on the card to earn your points, and then the next minute, pay it off. It really isn't that much more work and you EARN $$/points towards $$certificates to spend on your next purchases, how much better can that get??!!

I think it's SO worth it, and I have earned myself so much $$ using mine. We've highlighted a few of the cards that we have that are worth adding to your wallet!

NORDSTROM
Nordstrom offers 2 cards: a basic Nordstrom store card AND a Nordstrom VISA card.


Every Nordstrom cardholder earns TWO rewards points with every purchase on their Nordstrom card. Nordstrom Visa cardholders also earn ONE rewards point for purchases made outside of Nordstrom, anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Accumulate 2,000 rewards points and receive a $20 Nordstrom Note, redeemable for any merchandise or services in Nordstrom stores and through catalogs.

So spending $1000 at Nordstrom earns you $20, BUT if you shop during sales and special days, you can earn those points faster as there are MANY periods of time when Nordstrom has double and even triple rewards points days....meaning you could earn 4 or 6 points per dollar spent!!

It may not seem like the best deal, but the APR is fairly low on the Visa card, and I couldn't be happier with the bonuses I've received with mine! SO worth it! Also, the more you put on your card per year, earns you more advantages such as free shipping and complimentary tailoring. Check out the website for more info!

*Upcoming SALE = half-yearly sale for Women & Kids = NOVEMBER 3-6 = DOUBLE rewards point days AND a FABULOUS time to find some of the BEST DEALS this store offers, but shop early before sizes are gone!!!

Ann Taylor LOFT
Ann Taylor LOFT also offers 2 cards: a LOFT card and a LOFT MasterCard.


You earn 5 style points for every dollar put on your card, and with the MasterCard, 1 style point for every dollar spent outside of the LOFT. And your card can be used not only at LOFT, but also at Ann Taylor, LOFT Outlets, and Ann Taylor Factory! Just like Nordstrom, once you reach 2,000 points, you receive a $20 rewards gift certificate to redeem in store or online! With the 5 points per dollar, this means you earn $20 for every $400 spent shopping! Fabulous!! *You also get a $15 bonus certificate for your BIRTHDAY!! LOVE those!! =)

Ann Taylor LOFT is a great place to find essentials and basics for your wardrobe, and they OFTEN have sales, and days where everything in the store is 25%, 30%, 40% etc. off, including the sale merchandise! Also, not only do you earn points on your card, but you also receive extra coupons towards purchases and exclusive "sneak peaks" of merchandise!

Click here to read more details about the card or to apply online!


J.Crew
J.Crew has only one card, and it's not a Visa or MasterCard, but it's got great perks!

For every $500 you spend on your card, you get a $25 rewards card. You also get invitations to private sales, early access to select items, complimentary alterations, and personal shopping. J.Crew is a FABULOUS place to shop, for both the basics necessary in your wardrobe and the fun night-on the town pieces.
Their jewelry is also AMAZING....and so unique! My recommendation is to wait for the pieces to go on sale and then fill up that shopping cart! Sign up for their emails, as there are often times when they send out codes for extra 20% or 30% off sale!! LOVE getting those!

Click here to read more about the J.Crew credit card and start shopping!

Banana Republic
Banana Republic is another store with 2 cards, an in-store only card and a Visa card. With the BR Visa card, you earn 5 points for every dollar spent NOT ONLY at Banana Republic, BUT ALSO at Gap, Athleta, Old Navy, AND Piperlime!! FABULOUS!!


With every 1,000 points you earn, you get $10 in rewards! So for spending $200 at any of these 5 places, you get $10. That couldn't be any easier!! WOW!!!
BR also has birthday offers, free shipping on orders of $100 or more, and deals EVERY TUESDAY!! Also, just for signing up, you get a bonus of 1,500 points--that's one $10 rewards card just to sign up AND you're already half-way to the next one!! I think I might have to go sign-up this weekend!! SO worth it, as I shop in BR for their amazing JEWELRY, love Gap for their jeans and great basics, and Piperlime is a fabulous online site for shoes and accessories! Also, if you're in need of some fabulous "work-out gear" check out Athleta, they have amazing stuff!!

Target
Target also has 2 cards, a Target Card and a Target Red Visa Card.

The Target Visa credit card allows you to earn one point for every dollar spent at Target stores. You earn one point for every two dollars you spend on other purchases. Once you have accumulated 1,000 points, you will be given a certificate that entitles you to a 10% savings for a day's shopping at Target. (certain items are excluded). You can only receive one certificate in a month. Unused points are rolled over.

Who doesn't spend a ton of money at Target?! Especially in the fall, buying new school supplies!! Why not earn a day with 10% off...it can really make a difference, as every bit saved truly counts these days. You can also choose to help out your local school: For every dollar that you spend at Target, 1% will be donated to your designed K-12 school. For every dollar that you spend on non-target purchases, 0.50% will be donated instead.

Click here for more info!

There are more store credit cards out there, for most department stores and even places like Best Buy and Home Depot. Just do a little research into the benefits of the card and decide if the store is a place you shop often enough to make it worthwhile!

Are you a TEACHER or Student??!!
Along with the credit cards, many stores offer DISCOUNTS for TEACHERS & Students!! Take advantage of this!! Even 15% off of your total can add up and make a huge difference in deciding to splurge on that new cardi or not, believe me, it's helped in making that tough decision....to spend or save (why not both)!! Here are some shops around the Twin Cities that offer discounts, all you need is your staff/student ID and you've got INSTANT SAVINGS!! FABULOUS!

J.Crew offers 15% off of ALL regular-priced merchandise ALL the time...just flash that ID when you check out! **You do NOT need to sign up for anything, all they need to see is proof that you are a teacher or a student. You can also get this discount online IF you register with your school email address!

Ann Taylor LOFT offers 15% off every time you shop (in stores only), BUT you do have to SIGN UP! But you also get 20% just for signing up!! =more saving!! You can sign up online or in any of the stores! Next time you're at the mall, get signed up, it's a quick form and worth the savings!!

New York & Company is just like LOFT, they also offer 15% off every time you shop, but again, you need to SIGN UP--and you also get 20% off just for signing up! FABULOUS!!!

Take advantage of these bonuses, rewards, and savings...and next time you're in your favorite store, just ask if they have any rewards programs or discounts for teachers--it NEVER hurts to ask...and you never know, it could mean $$ in your pocket!! Happy SAVING!!

Junk Bonanza...

...SO worth it! I had never been, but am already counting the days until next year's show!!


Yes, you may be thinking...a fashionista loving JUNK??!! But yes..this junk is "high-quality" (just like "premium" denim,right?), and perhaps more on the antique and hand-made scale, which is hard not to love! Who doesn't love purchasing a handmade necklace that you know no one else will ever have but you?!! That couldn't get any better!

And WOW...what an amazing selection of FABULOUS things.... from jewelry, to furniture, to hand-painted Halloween pieces, to vintage suitcases, and purses made from books...there is definitely something for everyone here!!




Tamara, of Sheer Addiction, was there--with a fabulous booth, of course, showcasing all of her wonderful jewelry!! SO in LOVE(still)!




There were ties made into belts (done that myself and love), woolly knit hats, make your own jewelry booths, typewriter key jewelry(seen in several booths), golf club coat hooks, metal pumpkins and critters for your lawn or garden...the list goes on!


I came home with this AMAZING vintage vanity (from The Vintage Pixie)....I have been searching for one for a long time, and this one was beautiful, at at an irresistible price!! I'm SO excited to put my own things on it and use it! Now to just find the perfect bench to accompany it...



The JUNK BONANZA has it's own blog, with more pictures and fun posts from other visitors--check it out here! As I just can't seem to say enough great things nor list all that there was to see....and you MUST put it on your calendar for next year!!

The dates for NEXT YEAR are: SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2011 (and I'm assuming it will be at Canterbury Park again)...I will keep you posted next fall when the dates roll around again!! I will be there!


Meanwhile, check out the Junk Bonanza website for more goods....you can even find links to those who had booths. They often sell their goods online and/or on Etsy!! Happy Junking!

...and HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!!!