Confessions of a Shopaholic: Memorial Day Sales

Happy Memorial Day everyone! This weekend is such a special time. It's a time for expressing appreciation for the fallen soldiers that have fought for our beautiful country. And it also marks the official beginning of summer - woot! Whether you're spending it with friends & family, away on vacay or poolside for a BBQ, I hope you all are enjoying yourselves.

Memorial Day weekend also means MAJOR summer sales. So you'll either love me or hate me for this, but here are some Memorial Day sales you just can't pass up:

ASOS (20% OFF)

Click above for ASOS.com

You guys know how obsessed I am with ASOS. They have sales that roll out literally every other week and Memorial Day is no exception. Scoop up an additional 20% off their low prices with code TAKE20 at checkout!

Macy's (Storewide SALE plus 15% OFF)

Click for Macys.com

If all else fails, we all know Macy's will be having a sale, no matter what holiday it is. For Memorial Day, they've slashed prices storewide and are giving an additional 15% OFF all merchandise using promo code SAVE at checkout.

Old Navy (Summer Sale + 15% OFF Everything)

Click above for OldNavy.com

I'm a huge fan of Old Navy for their staples. I head there for plain tees and jeans I know will fit (love their Diva cut jeans, they fit me like a glove!) For the holiday, they're giving 15% OFF everything with code ONSUMMER

Nine West (Buy One Get One 50% OFF)

Click above for NineWest.com

 Who doesn't want two pairs of shoes for the price of one and a half?

Nine West is hosting their annual BOGO sale - perfect time to stock up on comfortable summer sandals at affordable prices!

Topshop (20% OFF Select Merchandise)

Click above for Topshop.com

Topshop brings London chic, stateside with cute and trendy items like denim jumpers and killer heels.

They're giving 20% OFF for the holiday - head there now and stock up!

Forever 21 (FREE Shipping)

Click above for Forever21.com

Forever21 is doing FREE shipping for the holiday! Not only can you stock up on cheap summer essentials, but you don't have to pay a dime to have them dropped off on your doorstep.

J.Crew (30% OFF Sale Items)

Click above for JCrew.com

 I'm obsessed with J.Crew baubles. They have the best staple work-to-play pieces and amazing statement jewelry. Save an extra 30% off their sale items this weekend.

Happy Shopping!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Yumnah Najah La Reine Collection

Last year, I stumbled on an indie jewelry designer by the name of Yumnah Najah. It was during an event and Yumnah had her own station set up displaying all her fancy hand-painted jewels. Once I stumbled on Yumnah's famous Mondrian ring, I was hooked. And I've kept up with the collection ever since.

Wearing my Yumnah Najah Mondrian Ring (from Airing The Laundry)

Today Yumnah Najah released photos of her latest jewelry collection and I'm loving it. The collection is affectionately named La Reine, meaning "Queen" in french. And the pieces are so appropriately regal. Check out the pics below:

She has a combination of really creative, hand-painted jewels for every style.

I'm gagging over this model's hair - so chic!

Just in time for the Spring/Summer, I need to get a few new statement earrings.

To purchase, check out Yumnah Najah on their: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Would you rock these pieces?

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Westfield's Garden State Plaza Mall

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to take a mini shopping trip not too far from home at Westfield’s Garden State Plaza Mall. Instead of jumping head first into Black Friday madness, I waited a day and decided to brave the bricks & mortar jungle on Saturday.

The lovely folks at Westfield offered me the opportunity to venture out to Garden State Plaza and give their shopping shuttle a try. For those of you who live in the NYC area (or are planning to visit sometime before Christmas), Westfield is offering a FREE shuttle bus every Monday - Saturday until December 24th to the Garden State Plaza mall, only 20 minutes from Manhattan. That’s right, they will take you there and bring you back for FREE.99 up until Christmas Eve.

I picked up my free shuttle ticket at the CitySights NY Visitor Center inside the Madame Toussuad's Museum, and I boarded the bus on their 11:00AM shuttle right across the street.  I was at the mall in less than 30 minutes (it’s a super short trip)! This is a great alternative for those of us city folk who want the traditional “mall” shopping experience but don’t want to venture into the depths of the suburbs to get it.

The shuttle ride is really quick and the Garden State Plaza mall has everything from your traditional H&Ms and Bath & Body Works’ to mass department stores like Neiman Marcus and even super luxe designer boutiques like Michael Kors.

I stopped into quite a few places including their H&M (snagged some great winter sweaters), Nine West (scored an amazing pair of fur wedge booties for only $70!), Madewell (super cute Keds x Madewell sneakers) and MAC Cosmetics (to restock on my Ruby Woo before the holiday season).

All in all, the shopping trip was beyond enjoyable. I was there early enough to avoide the crazy crowds and super long lines AND I traveled for FREE. Win-win. 

For more information on the shuttle bus schedule to Garden State Plaza, click HERE. 

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Disclaimer: I was gifted a $200 gift card for taking my shopping trip, but was not obligated to post about my experience. All opinions expressed above are my own and do not reflect those of the company.

Confessions of a Shopaholic: LLULO

I'm back with a new fashion obsession! This week it's all about indie label LLULO. They make tees, sweatshirts, and brooches that are peppered with cultural patterns and truly make a statement. Get into it:

African-American Sweatshirt, $20.00

Now I'm not a big sweatshirt or t-shirt kinda gal. Unless I'm just vegging out at home, or headed to the gym, you won't normally find me in a sweatshirt or a tee. BUT, when LLULO offered to send me some of their super cool pieces, I couldn't refuse!

Ankara Brooches, $12/each

LLULO's mission is to "sprinkle a bit of the Motherland all over the world". Founder Michelle Olomojobi started the T-shirt and accessory brand after a brief trip to a fast fashion store. After sifting through overpriced tees, she decided to take matters into her own hands and add a cultural twist to her tees by placing a patch of ankara fabric on them. Their mission is to "make Ankara wearable in every way, shape, and form."

I fell in love with their "African-American" sweatshirt.

They shaped the African continent out of the American flag design for this piece. Clever, right?

But wait! There's more. LLULO also works closely with non-profit organization Echoes of A Kora. The non-profit supports children in Africa by providing them with school supplies. Gotta love fashion that gives back!

This MotherLand Ankara sweatshirt above is next up on my list of purchases. Love it!

According to LLULO, they're not just a brand, "we are also a movement trying to make a difference in the world." I can't wait to see more from this brand. 

Do you love it? Would you wear this?


Check out their Website | Facebook | Twitter

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Top 5 Cyber Monday Deals

For those of you who ventured out at the crack of dawn (literally) on Friday for the in-store Black Friday frenzy, I tip my hats to you. I do hope that you didn't have to endure the grueling agony I experienced that day. Yes, I'm dramatic. No, I didn't lose a loved one. But I did lose some valuable merchandise and for that, I'm thoroughly disappointed. Sadly, a bag of my just-purchased goods was stolen from me on Black Friday. Blame it on being in a crowded mall at midnight when the masses were out. But those goods are long gone, and so is my once undying love for Black Friday. I'm now happily a fan of Cyber Monday. I'd much rather do my in-store shopping when the crazies aren't running rampant. With that, here's my Top 5 List of Cyber Monday deals I think you guys will care about:

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Republic of Foreigner

This week's shopaholic confession is a true confessions indeed. I've been keeping this little gem a secret since I found out about them a few months ago, but the time has come for me to unleash the greatness of this designer label for the greater good! In what I can best describe as DVF meets Boxing Kitten, these girls have captured the essence of bohemian chic meets Afro-centric sophistication.

Republic of Foreigner, a Nigerian-based designer label, is the brainchild of sisters Carmen and Selina Sutherland. Both UPENN grads (Selina was one of my classmates!), the up & coming design visionaries have recently embarked on starting their own collection based on their love for fashion and the lack of Nigerian brands that reflected their style.

The ladies gifted me a few pieces to try out from the collection and I ended up wearing this silk printed shift dress to the Arise: Made In Africa show during New York Fashion Week:

Photo courtesy Glamazon Diaries

 First of all, I thought the dress fit perfectly. And second, I was in love with the print and the mesh bell sleeves! I paired it with my Steve Madden leopard print platforms, Stacy Armand jewelry, my H&M fringe handbag and Michael Kors watch.

Photo courtesy Glamazon Diaries

Aside from the fact that the sisters are friends of mine, I have to say the clothes (especially because I'm addicted to prints) are absolutely amazing.

They have incredible fit, especially for women with curves, and trendy silhouettes that flatter different body types.

For more about Republic of Foreigner, check their website www.InTheRof.com and follow them on Twitter @LadyInTheRof

Spring 2011 Shoe Trend: Nude Shoes + Giveaway

Spring 2011 Trend: In The Nude

It's officially April and Spring 2011 trends are in full effect at all the major retailers. One footwear trend to get excited about this season is the nude shoe. They're versatile, add sex appeal with minimal effort and you can never say you have "nothing to wear" with them!

Trendy

Boutique 9, $190.00

These babies from Boutique 9 are the perfect shape and look super comfortable. These hit on multiple treds, as they're platform, nude and resemble espadrilles a bit.

Edgy

Michael Kors, $850.00

These Michael Kors stilettos come in at a steeper price point but might be worth the splurge. They feature silver military-style buckles on the side. Cute with your favorite denim or a day dress.

Classic

Steve Madden, $109.95

 If you're more of the classic fashionista, keep it simple with these nude Mary Janes via Steve Madden. This style goes well with ladylike skirts (available at SHOP LoveBrownSugar), jeans and even night-on-the-town looks. As a bonus, this shape never goes out of style.

Cheap + Chic

Style Junkie, $42.90

These nude stilettos featuring crossover detail in the front with side buckle, come in at the lowest price point of them at all. You don't have to sacrifice style to stay within your budget. And to prove it, Style Junkie Boutique has teamed up with LoveBrownSugar to offer an exclusive $25 gift card giveaway!

Rules For Entry:

1. You must be following @LoveBrownSugar + @AStyleJunkie on Twitter
2. Register HERE and use code "LBS" in the 'Comments' section of the form.

Contest ends Thursday April 7th 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be announced next week - good luck!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Ferality Boutique Sample Sale

Just in time for V-day gifting, one of my favorite hotspots Ferality Show Boutique in NYC is having a major sample sale. Check out the deets below!

From February 3rd - February 6th, Ferality Boutique will be having its annual sample sale. Pieces include some of last season's finest from Mara Hoffman, Camilla and Marc and Nanushka as well as We Are Owls cashmere scarves all 50% off. Line knitwear's cashmere sweaters, Left On Houston knits and Siwy jeans in all denim washes are also all 50% off. Come by Ferality, 62 Clinton Street (btwn Rivington and Stanton) 12 - 7 pm to pick up some of the best deals of the season!

NYC divas, if you make it out to the sale tell them LoveBrownSugar sent you!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Banana Republic Spring 2011

 

Take a look at Banana Republic’s Spring 2011 campaign, dubbedb "Journey in Style". The folks over at BR sent me these images and this preview of their fashion trailer, inspired by the brand’s heritage of discovery...

Drawing on the themes of exploration, travel, and the classic American road trip, Banana Republic has released a beautiful film trailer– a first for the brand – starring models Angela Lindvall and Jamie Dornan. Take a peek - makes me wanna go on vacay/go shopping...

What do you think? Will you be shopping Banana Republic's spring collection?

Confessions of a Shopaholic: NY Sample Sales

 For those of you shopaholics like myself in the NYC area gearing up for the hectic holidays, I thought I'd tip you guys off on hot sample sales in the streets these next few weeks. You didn't hear it from me (wink wink) but here are some hotspots around the city to score discounted designer duds this month. Have fun! Stay tuned for a comprehensive "Holiday Gift Guide" coming very soon. Oooh this year is chock full of goodies...

Happy Shopping!