Second- hand style - Online Shopping

Shop Vintage Online at LuxuryVintage Online Store

Smart shoppers can find everything from boutique children's clothes to designer handbags at area thrift stores and consignment shops

By CASANDRA ANDREWS
Staff Reporter

Long before talk of a looming recession and belt-tightening became the norm, those looking to save a few bucks, or a few hundred, shopped in second-hand stores. These days, businesses that sell used goods aren't just for folks stocking up on work shirts or college students looking to furnish a first apartment.

Even a few stylishly dressed ladies who lunch have been seen browsing the racks of local thrift stores and consignment shops. That's likely because they know there are some excellent deals to be had on brand-name apparel if you're willing to shop often and early. On a recent trip to a Goodwill in West Mobile, the children's section was stocked with several barely worn smocked outfits, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren sleepers, sweaters and shorts, plus separates from Gymboree -- all priced at 99 cents each.

Spotted on another rack was a men's cashmere sweater for less than $4. Formal gowns were priced at $17.99. Besides saving money, people have another reason for shopping at second-hand stores. It's also good for the environment, since you're recycling when you purchase clothes that have already been worn. Besides, where else can you get a wedding dress for $19.99 or less? And spending money in stores that benefit charitable institutions helps the community and the agency you do business with.

From Fairhope to Tillman's Corner, there are dozens of thrift stores and consignment shops in the area, selling everything from boutique children's clothes and barely touched toys to designer shoes, handbags and suits. Carol Shoemaker, 45, of Mobile, has made a hobby of scouring area thrift stores with her husband. He looks for collectibles and clocks. She's picked up a fully-beaded wedding dress for $1, plus many pairs of trendy shoes her children love.

"My teenagers freak out when I bring home Timberlands for 50 cents," she said of the nearly new footwear she's purchased for pennies. Standing inside the back room at Penelope's Closet last week, Shoemaker said she's been hunting for great deals at second-hand stores for at least eight years. "It makes your money go further," she said, "And it's a good way to furnish your home." Shoemaker said Penelope's Closet is one of her favorite places to hunt for bargains because it supports a worthy cause. Money raised in the midtown store supports Penelope House, a home for battered women and their children in Mobile. "It's fun and you meet people," Shoemaker said of her shopping experiences. "There's something new every time."

While most second-hand stores stay open year-round, other businesses confine their sales to particular seasons. Several groups in Mobile and Baldwin counties present children's consignment sales twice a year, in the spring and fall. At those events, hundreds of sellers bring in their children's gently used clothing and then share the proceeds with the group or individuals hosting the sale.

There are also more than half a dozen consignment shops in Mobile and Baldwin counties that strictly sell clothes and other merchandise (toys, bedding, books, shoes, nursery accessories) for children. Lori Fuller owns Pass It On, a children's and maternity boutique in Daphne. She opened the business almost four years ago and has more than 600 clients who sell merchandise in the store.

"Kids just outgrow stuff so quick, so they don't wear it out," she said of clothes for youngsters. "And you don't want to pay full price for something." Another benefit to buying clothes that have already been laundered, Fuller said, is that you know the item probably won't get smaller: "They've shrunk to whatever size they're going to shrink to so you know it's going to fit your kids." Rebecca Teel, a frequent customer at Pass It On, said she couldn't believe how much items for children cost when she began preparing for the birth of her son, Zane.

"I had sticker shock," she said, placing a used Bob the Builder book on the counter as she began to check out. "It was overwhelming." Teel said what surprised her most was that children's clothes cost just as much as outfits for adults. These days, she and 19-month-old Zane are frequent customers at the consignment shop, searching through mounds of toys, and racks of shoes and clothes at least once a month. "I come in here regularly," Teel said. "I buy a little bit of everything."

Meet the newest designer to go green for Target

Rogan Gregory

Target Target Target Target Target Target Target

Rogan Gregory's GO clothes mix high fashion with eco-friendly material

from MSN BC
By Maya Singer

When Target announced in January that Rogan Gregory would be designing a collection under its GO International banner, the response from the green community was a resounding: huh? After all, Gregory has, especially under the auspices of his 100 percent organic Loomstate brand, emerged as one of the fashion industry's model citizens of sustainability. Retailers such as Target, meanwhile, boast reputations a little less sterling — to put it mildly.

Cheap duds designed to be worn a few times and tossed aside may delight the trend-obsessed, but for those in the eco-know, so-called "fast fashion" is an affront to all the less-is-more values held dear by proponents of conscious consumerism. Those folks cheer initiatives like Loomstate's T-shirt recycling extravaganza, which kicks off next week in cooperation with Barneys New York and the Sundance Channel show "The Green," but Rogan for Target had them scratching their heads. "It's complicated," says Gregory, in effect summing up the oxymoronic conundrum of shopping green. "In order to make any real impact, you have to reach the mass market. Sustainability can't be a cult taste; it can't be a luxury. And Target has been a great partner, in fact, because they pull this whole organic thing into the mainstream."

In other words: Cool your jets, greeniacs. Rogan's GO clothes incorporate healthy percentages of organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo, making the collection something of a landmark in the drive to convert fast fashionistas to the eco cause, whether they realize they're being converted or not. Here, Gregory talks Target and drops a few clues to the environments obsessing him most at the moment.


Q: Given your commitment to the green movement, were you at all wary about collaborating with Target?

Gregory: I knew that I'd only do a collection like this one if I had guarantees that it could be done in an ethical way. I'm against the idea of just, you know, adding more stuff to the world. But Target is smart, and the way this project has worked out, they've initiated one of the largest, if not the largest, runs of certified organic cotton ever. That, to me, is a real achievement—not only does it mean Target now has a system in place for perpetuating its commitment to organic clothes, but because of their clout, it also shows other mainstream retailers that sustainability is a realizable ideal.


Q: Has the experience with Target encouraged you to introduce a lower-priced version of Rogan?

Gregory: I've always wanted to do a lower-priced line. The way I've justified my prices on Rogan is that I only make a few of each thing, I make them from the best materials and with the best people, and if you wear a pair of jeans for four months straight, like I do, then the cost averages out. But not everyone approaches their wardrobe that way, and not everyone can afford a pair of $100 or $200 jeans. My sister's an academic, and over the years that I've been designing, she's asked me, "What are you doing? Who is this for? Is this an art project?" Maybe the most gratifying thing about having the collection out at Target in May is that I know my sister will be able to go into the store, and for $100, walk out with a bunch of stuff.


Q: It seems as though you've been hitting on all cylinders since snagging the CFDA Award last year. There's the Target collection, and this Loomstate project with Barneys and "The Green," plus the everyday workload that goes along with designing Rogan, Loomstate, and A Litl Betr. I'm assuming you aren't getting on the surfboard much these days.

Gregory: I'm probably going surfing tomorrow, actually. But, yeah, I'm busy. There are a couple jewelry collaborations I'm not quite ready to talk about yet, some plans in the works for a fashion week something or other, and then the big project right now is that I'm opening my new store in May.

Q: What should shoppers expect?

Well, the space is automatically spectacular — the building itself is kind of a landmark. It's got character, and inside, there's 20-foot ceilings. I'm doing the whole thing in black, reflective surfaces, very clean and cool. I like that mix of the old and the new — soulful modernism, I guess I'd call it. I think I love designing spaces more than I love designing clothes, to be honest. So I've got a lot of projects, but the store, that one's kind of my baby.

Forget the flowers! Mom wants a new designer handbag for Mother’s Day

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day is a new designer handbag so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom easy with free shipping.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB), April 24, 2008: Gone are the days where shopping for mom meant a pretty floral arrangement or a box of her favorite chocolate. Today’s moms are more interested in trendy or classic designer handbags, so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom a little easier with free shipping for Mother’s Day (May 11).

Named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, eFashionHouse.com has all the designers and styles moms want. From handbag darling Elaine Turner, to couture legend Chanel, to American staple Coach, eFashionHouse.com offers the latest in designer handbags for all budgets.

"It’s not only fashionistas that want the latest designer handbag all the time, today’s mom is very hip and wants to carry a nice leather handbag as well" said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "To meet the needs of our clients, we now carry handbags that are age-friendly…meaning most of the designers we carry cater to women of all ages who simply love fashion."

Not only does eFashionHouse.com, and its five fashion ecommerce stores (BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet and ValueBags), offer a wide variety of authentic designer handbags but they guarantee the lowest prices online for Tano, Melie Bianco, Murval, Elaine Turner and Pietro Alessandro. Plus the site offers a layaway plan that allows its clients to pay over time and still get the bag of their dreams.

If you still don’t know what to get mom, here’s a couple of hot selling bags that are sure to make her smile (and maybe even giggle with glee):

• COACH Hamptons Cream Large Tote – 26% off
• ELAINE TURNER Andie Platinum Distressed Leather Satchel – 24% off
• Tano Bauhaus Leather Tote – 21% off
• Gucci Brit Medium Tote in Brown – 26% off
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote in Cream – 21% off
• Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag – only $499

In addition to huge savings on brand new, 100% authentic designer handbags, shoppers will receive free ground shipping from April 24th thru May 2nd on purchase over $100 with coupon code MD08. Plus there is no sales tax on all purchases worldwide.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. EFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

Shopping Online for a Designer Handbag

Melie Bianco & Murval very affordable designer handbags.

by The Bag Lady

Fashionistas are constantly keeping up with the up-to-the-minute trends, especially having "owning" their own designer handbags, one, two, three, -- actually hundreds! If you’re a fashion admirer on a budget, it might be somewhat challenging to find handbags that you can afford. Here are some sites and stores you’ll want to investigate, as well as some tips for shopping if you are hoping to find the best deals.

The internet destination eFashionHouse has an excellent selection for you to select from if you’re looking for any type of designer handbag brands, prices, sizes and styles. You’ll find designs from Versace, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Dior, as well as an excellent pre-owned store called LuxuryVintage. The site has everything you require in order to stand out in a crowd and produce your own personal fashion statement.

Online Handbag Blog Resources
If you’re looking for a large designer handbag selection, you’ll also want to check out these Google Blogs: ValueBags.com, LuxuryVintage.com, TanoBag.net, MelieBiancoHandbags.com, MurvalHandbags.net, PietroAlessandro.net, ElaineTurnerHandbags.com, and DesuignersLA.com. Brands like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, and Fendi are featured, and you will probably save money by shopping through the blogs because the prices are more affordable than in most department stores with additional discount codes posted daily.

You will find Prada messenger bags to use for work or school, and the designer book bags from Prada are fashionable and convenient as well.

Pricing and Style
When you’re trying to locate a designer handbag, it’s best to buy one that will go with just about everything in your closet. Elaine Turner handbags, Murval handbags and Melie Bianco handbags come in a variety of low to moderate prices in black or brown neutral seasonless colors and you can wear them with anything from a business suit, to a t-shirt and jeans. In addition, you want to make sure that you buy a bag that is large enough to fit all the items in it that you will need for the day. Small bags are generally used to carry inside a large day bag or for evening wear, so you want to make sure that it will work for you and your lifestyle.

We don't like using or suggesting online shoppers to use eBay auctions anymore. We've heard too many horror stories about fakes, defective and horrible merchandise being shipped through the auction sites. Some of the stores have handbags and make sure you purchase from a reputable seller. Brands like Isabella Fiore and Chanel are featured at some online stores, and the prices are high. You would probably be better off shopping at a reputable site like eFashionHouse.com where everything is reduced to sell. Write to the site and ask for an additional discount. They will usually send you an extra percent off your purchase when you are ready to place the order. For example, if you send them an email, you may be able to get an extra 5% off Chanel, Chloe, Hermes and other high end items excluded from their Sale sections. Otherwise, if you browse their Sale and Final Clearance sections you can find a huge amount of designer handbags and accessories at an additonal 10% to 20% off using coupon codes OFF 10 and OFF20.

Let's face it. Women love a new purse, and even in economic times where the budgets are tighter, they can afford an Elaine Turner bag, a Murval bag or a Melie Bianco bag. They are all priced just right and very high end fashion designed. Happy online shopping!

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

Online Shopping: Elaine Turner Handbags

Elaine Turner Handbags - Guaranteed Best Price Online. Click here.

from Shopblessed Labels We Love

We first spotted Elaine Turner’s line of handbags and personal accessories in the pages of our beloved Lucky Magazine, and it was love at first sight! The label’s designs manage to be fun, yet chic through an ingenious hybrid of timeless shapes and exotic fabrics. Just imagine the body of your fave Coach satchel, but in unexpected materials like metallic embossed croc and candy-colored distressed leathers, and with charming hardware accents such as tortoise shell link handles. Elaineturner.com features all the newest styles in addition to offering favorites from seasons past at reduced prices. Our picks are the Alex Tote in Mustard Distressed Leather ($575), Hillary Shoulder Bag in Red Vintage Leather ($425), Alice Oversized Clutch in Zebra Haircalf ($450), and Clutch Wallet in Silver Croc ($198). All designs are available in an array of colors and fabrics, and the newly added line of small leather goods (think pocketbooks, wallets, and keyfobs in the same wonderful textiles) means what we toss inside our lovely Josie Tote can be just as delicious as the tote itself. Elaine Turner has managed to stay largely under the radar, however with their new collection being ever more titillating than the last, we can’t imagine they’ll remain undiscovered for long.

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Online Shopping - Bally Leather Handbags

Bally Pebble Grain Leather Tote Bag

Bally of Switzerland started making leather goods in 1847. The Company continues to be a premier designer of luxury handbags and accessories. Here's a list of Bally designer accessories online shopping at unbeatable prices. For more details click here.

BALLY designer handbags & accessories New PRODUCT Information

BALLY designer accessories brown fabric with black leather trim pouch case. Signature Bally logo on brown fabric trimmed with black leather. Zip top closure with Bally embossed polished silver metal pull tab. Fully lined interior. The leather Bally ID tag is attached inside. Measures approximately 6 W x 4 H with a 2 inch depth. Made in Italy. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

BALLY designer accessories bemont multi colored fabric with black leather trim cosmetic case. B logo on both sides of bag with black leather trim. Colors are black white grey and raisin. Zip top closure with Bally embossed leather pull tab. Fully lined interior. The leather Bally ID tag is attached inside. Measures approximately 7.5 W x 4 H with a 1 inch depth. Made in Switzerland. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

BALLY designer accessories rite blue jean coin and key case designer accessories. Blue leather with polished brass hardware. Bally is embossed on the side of the key ring and on the top of both clasps. Fully lined interior. The leather Bally ID tag is attached inside. Measures approximately 3.5 W x 3 H with a 1.25 inch depth. Made in Italy. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

BALLY designer accessories bemont black and white jacquard fabric cosmetic case designer accessories. Trimmed in black leather. Zip top closure with Bally embossed pull tab. Fully lined interior. The leather Bally ID tag is attached inside. Measures approximately 7.5 W x 4 H with a 1.25 inch depth. Made in Switzerland. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.

BALLY designer accessories cobalt blue leather travel cosmetic case designer accessories. Patent leather blue leather with gold accent stitching. Bally embossed polished silver pull tabs. Cosmetic case has two compartments with separate zippers. One side has an expandable slit pocket and three security bands. The other side has four security bands. Lined in a light tan leather. Measures approximately 7 W x 4 H with a 3 inch depth. Guaranteed authentic. Comes in Bally box with sleeper wrap.

BALLY designer accessories white leather travel cosmetic case designer accessories. Patent leather white leather with black accent stitching. Bally embossed polished silver pull tabs. Cosmetic case has two compartments with separate zippers. One side has an expandable slit pocket and three security bands. The other side has four security bands. Lined in a light tan leather. Measures approximately 7 W x 4 H with a 3 inch depth. Guaranteed authentic. Comes in Bally box with sleeper wrap.

BALLY designer wallets black leather calf grained designer coin and wallet. Separate coin section with snap closure. Center section has 6 credit card slits. Full length bill section. Snap closure with polished silver Bally medallion. Measures approximately 3.5 W x 4.5 H with a 1.25 inch depth. Made in Italy. Guaranteed authentic. Comes in Bally box with sleeper wrap.

BALLY designer accessories smooth black leather credit card holder designer accessories. Bally is embossed in the polished silver clasp closure. White accent stitching. The interior under the cover is smooth red leather. Measures approximately 4.5 W x 3 H with a 1 inch depth. Made in Italy. Comes in Bally box with sleeper wrap.

BALLY designer accessories brown calf leather credit card holder designer accessories. Bally is embossed in the polished silver clasp closure. Accent stitching. Measures approximately 4.5 W x 3 H with a 1 inch depth. Two slit pockets besides main section. Made in Italy. Comes in Bally box with sleeper wrap.

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Take Care of Your Birkenstocks...... Here's how.....

While no shoes lasts a lifetime, with proper care and periodic repair, Birkenstocks can provide you with years of comfort. Here are some tips to keep your footwear looking good for years to come.

Avoid Extreme Heat
If your Birkenstocks have cork footbeds, both the cork and the soles of Birkenstock footwear can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat. Do Not leave your shoes in a closed car on warm days and keep them away from radiators and fireplaces. If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry slowly, away from heat.

Apply Cork Sealant
Birkenstocks with cork footbeds come with a light covering of cork sealant which prevents them from drying out. When the cork no longer looks shiny, apply a thin coat of Birkenstock Cork Life.

Renew or Replace Worn Soles
Prolong the life of your cork Birkenstocks with heel and toe taps. They can be applied when the soles have worn down to about 1/4 inch. When the soles are worn more than this, the soles can be replaced. If your soles tend to wear unevenly, repair them promptly to ensure that your feet will remain correctly balanced. Be sure to use genuine Birkenstock materials.

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Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

Elaine Turner Handbags

by Anna Miller

With all the talk about recession issues there’s one thing you can depend upon no matter what shape the economy. Online shopping saves you time, money and stress. At close to $4 a gallon, gasoline is not worth buying to drive around town. It is easier to sit at your computer and get everything you need. Save that gas money and use it to buy yourself something.

One of the great things about shopping online is 24 hour 7 days a week availability. And, with the help of search engines like Google, a person can get anything they want at prices much lower than what they would pay at the store.

Considering fuel charges alone, one trip to the local shopping mall could be as much as you would pay for a new designer handbag by Melie Bianco or MURVAL. These designers create the high end look without the high end price tag. They also provide roomy versatile purses made of eco friendly materials. If there is one thing a woman can not live without it is an occasional new purse.

If leather is your choice of handbag, Elaine Turner makes a complete line of affordable, moderately priced women’s bags and accessories. Elaine is fairly new to the designer handbag scene. She started her handbag business in Dallas, Texas around 2000. Her designs are made exceptionally well, and the handbags have classic appeal among women.

All-in-all, to recession proof shopping habits, you must start thinking smart about using your budget wisely. An average trip to the mall or department store costs about $12 in gasoline, plus lunch about $16 (minimum), and parking in major cities anywhere from $6 - $15. That’s a hefty price to spend an afternoon browsing stores. The irony of the situation is most of the stores you browse are available online, too.

You may feel the day out is deserved after a long work week -- agreed. Treating yourself with a reward is motivating. That’s not the point, here. If the economy dictates our spending, then maybe we need to re-examine how we spend and where our money goes.

McDonalds just announced the introduction of a new flavored ice-coffee on tap in their fast food restaurants. I bet many of the Starbuck addicts at $5 a pop will try switching to the $1.89 McDonald coffee. It is a smart choice and an alternative without depriving yourself of something you enjoy. And, the savings is huge if you drive through or stop for coffee once per day.

Same is true with designer fashion accessories like handbags, purses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and tote bags. Why deprive yourself of something you want if there is a way to obtain the items at affordable prices. A fashion keepsake is something you will have forever. So, it only makes sense to find something affordable and adorable. Online shopping provides resources to get these special things at great discount prices.

It appears as though the designer industry is out of control. From handbags to watches to foot wear, shoes, boots, and just about anything with a designer label has gotten to an unreachable, unattainable price level. Some people advocate the rental of these high end designer items to give the appearance of affluence. It is somewhat discouraging to know people feel the need to put on a fake front by renting fashion. And, it doesn’t fit into the smart shopper attitude. Why rent and pay high fees when you can buy something of your own.

Actually, with all the transmitted diseases and germs spreading like viruses, who would want to use a purse an unknown person carried previously. Scary thought seeing as an average trip to the doctor is about $150, and if medication or a shot is needed, add another couple hundred dollars. Not worth the risk nowadays. Designer rental companies are a lot of hype and advertising without ROI (return of investment) for the customer – very high cost, extremely low value.

Well, it is time to go surfing -- nope, not to the ocean, directly to Google. You want a new designer handbag -- easily, type into the search box, Designer Handbag. A list of resources appears before your eyes. Browse the online stores, compare prices and choose wisely. Contact the website with questions. A good online store will respond to your questions promptly. Find those special places online to get the things you want without any overhead expenses. You can shop anytime day or night, save time, save money and do it all in the privacy of your own home.

Happy bargain hunting online is a great way to shop smart using your budget wisely.

About the Author
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates a website called eFashionHouse.com. Selling online for over twelve years, Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags & Accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse.com the top online retailer of discount Chanel. For more information, visit http://www.efashionhouse/

Shop Online - The Sharper Image & EastBay

FREE SHIPPING On $75 Orders!

With this, you give what everyone wants – FREE SHIPPING! It applies to any order of $75 or more (actually $74.95 qualifies). Think about it – home delivery for nothing. Amazing!

50% OFF a 2nd Air Purifier + FREE SHIPPING!

Get the benefits of cleaner indoor air and get as much as $250 off! Here's the deal: When you buy one Sharper Image® Air Purifier – either an Ionic Breeze or the Hybrid GP – at regular price you can get a 2nd air cleaner (of equal or lesser value) at half price. And this month you'll save even more because the whole order enjoys FREE SHIPPING!

FREE SHIPPING on 12-pc FresherLonger + FREE 4-pc Set!

FresherLonger Containers are the most amazing advance in food storage since the refrigerator because food stays fresher so much longer. Prove it to yourself with FREE SHIPPING on the12-pc set – with a bonus 4-pc set as a gift!

50% OFF Contour-Foam Pillows!

Space-age Contour-Foam supports your body without the pressure points that lead to morning aches and pains. Our exclusive neck-support pillows are a great value at their everyday price but they are an unbelievable deal at 50% off with any other purchase this month. For example, you can get the popular Queen size for less than $40!

Monthly Special: 50% off Contour-Foam Neck-Support Pillows with any purchase: expires 4.30.08

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During the month of April, Eastbay.com will be offering 15% off all orders of $75 or more. They will also have an ongoing Adidas Sale with items marked up to 50% off.

Get 15% off your order of $75 or more at Eastbay.com. Use Code: LKS18APR

Adidas Sale up to 50% off at Eastbay.com

Pick Your Price at Eastbay.com. Starting as low as $9.99

Online Shopping: Cheap chic

Shop Online: Cheap Chic - Melie Bianco, Elaine Turner, Murval, Tano, BeautiControl

from Gainesville.com
The Wal-Mart Metro7 line of clothing.
By VANESSA GARCIA
Sun staff writer

In her most exaggerated faux french, 24-year-old University of Florida student Lauren Parigi dropped the name of her favorite local clothing store. Continue to 2nd paragraph "Tar-zhay," she laughed. That's what Parigi and her friends call discount retail giant Target when they're combing the clothing department for trendy dresses and tops. When they're in the market for, say, a toaster or economy-sized pack of toilet paper, the store retains its common name.

Parigi and her friends didn't coin the nickname. Fans of the retailer - best known for launching the "cheap chic" design concept - have associated Target's bull's-eye with affordable style since 2003 when Isaac Mizrahi raised industry eyebrows with an exclusive line of affordable apparel. Since then, Target has teamed up with dozens of high-end designers who offer everything from throw pillows and candles to bikinis and maternity tunics at budget-friendly prices. Now, every other discount retailer on the block is rolling out star-studded competition.

See our cheap chic shopping guide for local examples. Why are A-list designers so eager to swap their Manhattan boutiques and well-heeled clientele for racks next to Slushy machines and soccer mom customers? The appeal is three-fold, said Barton Weitz, executive director of UF's Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research. For up-and-coming designers, these high-traffic chains offer the rare opportunity to upgrade from relatively unknown to household name overnight. For "over the hill" designers, it's a chance to reinvent their brand and market it to a group of consumers who may not have had access before.

At the heart of the cheap chic phenomenon is social conscience, the desire to make quality design affordable and accessible, Weitz said. Several established designers and celebrities (think Vera Wang for Kohl's and Shaquille O'Neal for Payless) deliberately use these partnerships to challenge the notion that sophisticated style requires gobs of money.

From a retail perspective, it's about keeping up with smarter, more fashion-savvy consumers. With more magazines, blogs, Web sites and how-to television shows dedicated to design and celebrity style, Americans of all budgets know more, want more and expect more, he said. Ready to usher in the warmer weather seasons with a snazzy new wardrobe? Use this local guide to discount designer shopping to keep your budget intact as you upgrade.

Target
GO International: Every few months Target teams up with a Vogue-worthy designer to create a fresh line of clothing and accessories that reflect current runway trends. The products, which range from denim jeans to party dresses, sell for a fraction of the designer's usual triple (and even quadruple-digit) department store price. Just look for the racks marked GO.

More good news: Every garment is offered in "real women" plus and petite sizes (0-16). Shop online at target.com if you can't find your size in store.

Designer spotlight: Jovovich-Hawk; At Saks Fifth Avenue a sun dress from this ultra-chic design duo runs for about $495. At Target, snatch a spring ensemble by Jovovich-Hawk for about $30.

For real steals: Comb the clearance racks (usually located in the back corners of the women's clothing department) for past GO designers. Rumor has it, you can score marked down designer duds for as little as $10.

Design For All campaign: Target brings designer accessories, cosmetics, furniture and home decorations to the masses. The store currently works with about a dozen designers who create everything from funky throw pillows (Victoria Hagan) to fine jewelry (Justin Giunta) and - beginning April 6 - luxury handbags (Joy Gryson).

Save vs. splurge: At Bergdorf Goodman, Gryson's trendy bags (often toted by actress Jessica Biel) sell for about $800. Her limited-edition Target line, which will hit shelves Sunday, will offer faux-leather bags beginning at $19.99.

Urban Outfitters
Find unused catalog returns from top clothing and home decor designers. Prices are marked down 50 to 70 percent depending on overstock. A second location (13th Street at NW 16th Street) opened in February. The University Avenue store exclusively offers clothing from J.Crew and Anthropology. The 13th Street store offers discounted items from Free People, Crewcuts (J.Crew's children's line), Anthropologie Home and Urban Outfitters (clothing and home decor).

Guaranteed fresh: A vast majority of the store's offerings come from the current design season, which means you won't miss a single style step.

Something for everyone: Shop for discounted business suits and work-appropriate separates, special occasion dresses (including J.Crew bridal wear), clothing for kids and gift-worthy home decorations in the same store.

In Gainesville: Shop at 1117 W. University Ave. or NW 13th Street (at the intersection of NW 16th Street).

Simply Vera Wang: Wedding gown guru, Vera Wang, adds her signature design touches (subtle pleats, feminine fabrics, sophisticated details) to affordable home decor and a casual apparel line for Kohl's.

Dress like Avril Lavigne: This Grammy award winner will soon share her pop punk style with the masses. Her junior clothing line, Abbey Dawn, will hit Kohl's stores in July. Items will range for $24 to $48.

Coming soon: No need to worry. A Kohl's is on its way to Gainesville. The department store will replace the vacant Winn-Dixie shopping center on Archer Road. If you can't wait, visit the retailer in Orlando or Jacksonville.

wal-mart
Norma Kamali: Hot off the pages of Vogue and Elle, Norma Kamali, a Manhattan-based clothing designer known for her mod take on sportswear and swimwear, is planning a line exclusively for Wal-Mart shoppers. Items will hit shelves Fall 2008.

J.C. PENNEY
Chris Madden for Home Collection: Find Moroccan-inspired area rugs, embroidered bedding and embossed dinnerware from this host of HGTV's Interiors by Design.

American Living: Style icon Ralph Lauren launched this apparel and home decor line in February. Get quality, sophisticated clothes, accessories and footwear for men, women and kids.

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE
Dunk like Shaq: Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal developed Dunkman, a line of athletic shoes, that sells for as little as $15.

Abaete: While Laura Poretzky's dresses run for about $500 at Saks, all of her sunglasses, shoes and handbags for Payless sell for less than $30.

Lela Rose: This Texas native's whimsical collection of pumps and flats is now available.

Shop online: Designer items are only sent to select stores. If local Payless locations don't carry what you want, check out payless.com.

Online Shopping - Lands End

Lands' End Overstock Women's Tops Special - Top off your wardrobe with great values.

Lands' End Overstock Intimates Special - Savings of $19.99 and under.

Save $9 on our Lands' End tip-proof Canvas Totes when you buy any 3.

Lands' End Polo Sale - Buy any 3 Men's or Women's Polos, save $7.50

About Lands End

Lands' End is a direct merchant of traditionally styled clothing for the family, soft luggage, and products for the home. We offer products through our catalogs, on the Internet and in our Inlet stores. Our goal is to please our customers with the highest levels of quality and service in the industry, along with an unequivocal ironclad guarantee.

For more detailed information about our company, click one of the links above and read about business:

What's a direct merchant? Our principles of doing business
About our catalogs Our business standards
About our stores Our supplier connection
About landsend.com Lands' End history
Our dedication to quality Our Corporate giving policies
Our commitment to service Employment opportunities
Our guarantee Remembering Gary Comer


What's a Direct Merchant
As a direct merchant, we work directly with mills and manufacturers, eliminating the markups of middlemen. We pass the savings on to our customers, who shop directly with us — from home or office, by phone, mail, fax or Web. We ship directly to our customers, virtually anywhere in the world. In addition to lower prices, our direct merchant method of doing business makes shopping simpler, faster and more convenient.


Our Catalogs
Titles include:
The Lands' End Catalog — Our primary catalog featuring a full line of classically styled casual clothing for men and women, including outerwear, swimwear and footwear.

Lands' End Women's Plus Size Collection — Clothing perfectly proportioned to fit women 16W–26W. Along with style and reassuring quality, this collection features rich, natural fibers, beautiful colors and unsurpassed value.

Lands' End Men — A complete line of finely tailored clothing for men, from suits, ties and dress shirts to more casual office attire.

Lands' End Kids — Quality clothing, freshly styled, to dress kids from head to toe. These fun, colorful classics fit newborns to pre-teens.

Lands' End School Uniforms — Uniforms and school-appropriate clothing, designed to meet dress-code requirements, in sizes for kids and adults, including Spiritwear, embroidered with your logo for sports, clubs and organizations.

Lands' End Home — High-quality, classically styled products for the home, with a focus on honest value instead of promotional "white sales."

Lands' End Business Outfitters (Corporate Sales) — Specially selected Lands' End clothing expertly embroidered with the logo of your company or organization, plus unique gifts and service awards. LEBO dresses everyone from the smallest groups to the world's largest businesses – and everything in between.

Our Inlet and NQP Stores
Lands' End operates 15 Inlet® and NQP™ stores in 4 states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and New York; plus 3 outlet stores in the United Kingdom and 1 in Germany.


landsend.com
Lands' End was an "early adopter" of the Internet, launching its Web site (http://www.landsend.com) in 1995. Initially, the site featured 100 products as well as stories, essays and travelogues. Today, the U.S. site offers every Lands' End product from all of our different catalogs, including an extensive Overstocks section, where excess merchandise can be purchased at steep discounts. In addition, we offer separate Web sites for the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany. A separate Business Outfitters Web site (http://www.landsend.com/businessoutfitters) offers company incentives, rewards, gifts and group apparel.

Lands' End has been a leader in developing new tools and capabilities to enhance the online shopping experience and to foster one-on-one relationships with its customers. Some of these innovations include:

My Virtual Model™ — Lands' End was the first apparel company to offer this innovative shopping tool. You can create a 3-D model of yourself by providing critical measurements, which are then applied to your personal Virtual Model. Once a virtual model is created, you can use it to "try on" items and outfits, to see how they will look on your body. Outfits can be stored and recalled for later reference. Once created, your model can also be used at other apparel Web sites in the My Virtual Model network, and can be e-mailed to family and friends.


Lands' End Live™ — A nifty feature that allows you to talk or "chat" online directly with our famously helpful customer service representatives while shopping at landsend.com.


Lands' End Custom™ — Custom-crafted clothing made just for you! Get all the comfort and quality you expect from Lands' End, in styles made to fit only you. Simply answer a few questions about fit preferences and body type, and the garment will be individually tailored and delivered to your door in approximately 2-4 weeks.


Swim Headquarters, featuring Swim Finder — Looking for the perfect swimsuit? We have hundreds of options to suit every shape and style preference. No time to browse? Swim Finder instantly sorts through all of our styles to pinpoint the ones best suited for you. Search by suit style, height of leg opening, bra type, body shape, or even "anxiety zones" — body areas you'd like to accentuate or camouflage. Many of our suits also work with My Virtual Model™, so you can see how they'll look on you.


Outerwear Headquarters™ and Outerwear Find & Compare — This seasonal, easy-to-use guide to all Lands' End outerwear helps you locate the perfect jacket, coat or parka for any weather conditions. You can also select as few or as many items as you wish for an apples-to-apples comparison of prices and features.


Affiliate Network — Like to earn extra revenue on your Web site? You may wish to join the Lands' End Affiliate Network and help direct traffic to the Internet's #1 retail apparel site. Earn a percentage of every sale that results from a click-through from your site. Just click for more information or to sign up.


About Lands' End quality
Lands' End has built its reputation on the dependable high quality of its merchandise. Customers have come to expect a level of quality, durability and value that's truly superior in the marketplace.

Lands' End products are produced to our own, internally developed high standards — more stringent than the more general standards used by most of the apparel and home industries. Fabric and material quality, construction details, style, and sizing are constantly being reviewed and improved.


The company employs more than 150 quality assurance personnel, each one a specialist in a specific product catagory or categories. They rigourously and continually inspect our products – onsite, at the manufacturers' facilities, and again when products arrive in our warehouse – to ensure that all standards are being met, all the time.


Lands' End tests its clothing for a comfortable and consistent fit by trying garments on real people, not just models. For example, more than 100 local children fit-test and wear-test all types of kids' products, offering their advice on fit, style and comfort.


In addition to outside, independent testing, we also test fabrics in our own lab, using the most sophisticated processes in the industry.

About Lands' End Service
Lands' End operates on the principle that what is best for the customer is also best for the company. As a result, customers have learned to expect a high level of service at all times — from initiating the order, to receiving help and advice, to speedy shipping, and further follow-up when necessary. Here are some of the ways that Lands' End and its employees "go the extra mile":

Lands' End offers one of the simplest guarantees in the industry — GUARANTEED. PERIOD.® — which allows customers to return items at any time, for any reason, for a full refund of the purchase price or a replacement.


Toll-free phone lines for ordering and customer service are open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year.


We also receive in excess of 200,000 e-mails every year. Each e-mail receives a personal response, most within 3 hours.


Gift Cards and E-Gift Cards are available anytime at landsend.com, with a beautiful design to suit any occasion.


Our phone representatives receive 70-80 hours of product, customer service and computer training when hired, and 24 hours each year thereafter.


To help you with sizing questions, gift suggestions and wardrobe coordination, our Specialty Shoppers are available 16-1/2 hours a day (7:30 a.m.— midnight, Central Time).


We hem and cuff men's and women's trousers free of charge, and it adds only a day or two to your delivery.


We supply swatches of fabrics free of charge. Just ask!


Lose a button? We have replacement buttons available for most products, free of charge.


We offer expert monogramming and gift boxing services at a nominal cost.


The company's Lost Mitten Club will replace any child's mitten lost in the same season as purchase at half the price of a pair, with free shipping.


Most in-stock orders leave the Lands' End distribution center the next business day after they're ordered.


Our Standard Shipping takes 2-3 business days (plus 1-2 business days for processing) to the 48 contiguous states and 2-4 business days (plus 1-2 business days for processing) to Hawaii and Alaska.

Online Shopping - Elaine Turner handbags

Shop online for Elaine Turner handbags. Save up to 50% off. eFashionHouse.com is an authorized retailer of Elaine Turner handbags and accessories. New arrivals. Click to use coupon code OFF10 for an extra 10% off all Elaine Turner handbags.

People StyleWatch Magazine named eFashionHouse BEST OF THE WEB for authentic discount designer handbags & accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse the top online retailer of Chanel. Shop 5 Stores: BrandsBoutique, ValueBags, ItalysOutlet, DesignersLA & LuxuryVintage. eFashionHouse.com has had online presence since 1996.