Cute Summer Bags Under $150!

I have to admit, I love a nice leather bag.  Pretty much all of the purses I wear/own are leather.  But sometimes in the summer, leather bags just feel so heavy and hot!  The solution?  Fabric or straw bags!  Here's my issue though--I have this complex against spending a lot of money on non-leather bags--for whatever reason when I buy something that's made from good leather, I feel like I'm buying something of value.  That's not the case when I buy a fabric bag (not to say that I'm right--it's just how I feel).  The other issue I encounter is that a lot of fabric/straw bags feel like beach bags.  I've found it's pretty hard to find a good, everyday bag that is reasonable but not too beachy.  But, they do exist!  So on the off chance you're experiencing the same dilemma that I am, I've compiled a little list of some great summery, non-leather, non-beach bags.  The best part?  They're all under $150!

1. Juicy Couture Peaches Canvas Small Gingham Tote- on sale for $103.60 at Bloomingdales.com.  As an added discount, today through Monday, sale items are 15% off with the promo code "SUNNY15," bringing the total to $88.06!  I have to say, I'm not normally a fan of Juicy bags, but I think this one is so fun!  And definitely summery!  Juicy actually has a number of bags that technically fit my criteria, but this is the only one that I really like, so it's the only one you're seeing!  If you're interested in seeing other Juicy options, you should check out Bloomie's or any of the other department stores for a pretty big selection of sale items.

2. Splendid Solid Canvas Tote (available in Navy and in "Military"-- an olivey green)-- on sale for $89.60 at Shopbop.com.  Such an easy and fun tote.  You can't go wrong!

3. Anthropologie Nomad Scarf Bag--$88 at Anthropologie (also available in a Coral fabric)
4. Anthropologie Roped-In Tote-- $68 at Anthropologie.
I never really thought of Anthropologie as a low-priced handbag destination, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the selection online.  There are even a few more on the site falling under the $150 mark (and they aren't even sale prices!).  I love both of these bags!

5. Tory Burch Mini Dipped Canvas Tote--on sale for $149.50 at Nordstrom.com (also available in Red and Navy "dips")
 . 

 6. Tory Burch Jaden Small Tote-- on sale for $149.50 at Nordstrom.com (also available in Navy).  Both of these Tory Burch bags are significantly discounted, but are still pretty current, and perfect for the summer!

This list is by no means exhaustive, and is pretty much limited to bags that I like, but it should give you a good starting point, and hope that reasonable, non-leather bags really do exist!

Splendid/Ella Moss Unhappy Update

Ugh, I just realized that the sale ends at 5pm today.  I don't finish work til 5pm.  I don't know how I missed that, but really?  5 o'clock?  So early!  Oh well, I guess this means no new clothes for Tara :(

But if you aren't working or otherwise engaged, go and snatch up those deals so I can live vicariously (and jealously)!

Splendid/Ella Moss Sample Sale Today!

So I know I've taken a bit of a hiatus from posting recently.  I don't have a great excuse--I've been busy at work, in LA for a few days, and just lazy.  My apologies.

It's a nice shirt, but worth $58?
Not if I'm paying for it!
(Image courtesy of Shopbop).

What better way to apologize than to let you in on another great (hopefully!) sample sale?  For today only, Splendid and Ella Moss are hosting a sample sale.  Details are below.  I've never been to one of these sample sales, so I can't personally testify as to the selection or prices.  Hopefully large and low.  I am optimistic though.  Racked covered the preview yesterday and posted a price list.  Tanks are $15, and prices for other items range up to $75 for cashmere.  Compared to normal retail (and even sale) prices for these brands, the sample sale prices look pretty great.  If you love Splendid/Ella Moss but can't get yourself to pony up $50 for a T-shirt, this may be your sale!  I've been too lazy (there it is again) to attend the last few sample sales that I've written about, but after visiting the Splendid store in LA this weekend, and seeing the prices on Racked, my shopping juices have been recharged!

(In case you can't see the print, the sale is located at 260 W. 39th St, 12th Floor)

Lauren Merkin Hudson Clutch on Sale!

I generally don't post about deals where just one item is available, but since I actually really like this particular item, I'm breaking that rule today.  I've written about quite a few Lauren Merkin deals in the past, but that's just because this company just has so much customer appreciation (and therefore pretty frequent promotions/sales), and I really like their bags.  Today, you can purchase the "Hudson" snake clutch below from the Lauren Merkin site at 40% off.  Considering it's a new style, and unlikely to be on sale, especially at that discount anywhere else, I have to say it's a great deal.  And it's a great bag-- so versatile-- you could wear it day or night, and with so many different outfits.  As you can see below, this offer is only available until 3 pm today, so if you want it, act quickly!

Courtesy of Lauren Merkin

J.Crew Sample Sale Through Saturday!

The J.Crew sample sale started yesterday. Supposedly, there is a pretty large selection on offer, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry (apparently there's a lot of good jewelry for sale!).  Prices should be significantly discounted, so if you're a J.Crew fan (I think it's hard not to be), it's worth checking out!  My one piece of advice would be to peruse J.Crew's online site before going to the sale, since some reviews indicate that there were some items cheaper online than at the sample sale (plus you get the benefits of returning when you buy online!).  But in general, I'd recommend this practice before going to any sample sale--it's always a good idea to be an educated consumer and not be suckered into buying non-returnable items when there's a similarly-priced alternative.  Just my 2 cents.

Anyway, if you want more details about the sale check out Racked's review.  The sale is located at 260 Fifth Ave., between 28th and 29th Street (same location as the DVF sample sale).  It runs until this Saturday, June 18.  Hours are Wed-Fri: 10-8, an Sat: 10-4.

Tory Burch Sample Sale Starts Today!

If you couldn't figure out from my title-- the Tory Burch sample sale starts today.  I've never been to a Tory Burch sample sale, so unfortunately, I can't give you any feedback, but if you're a fan, it's probably worth checking out.  It's hosted by the same company that puts out the Theory sample sales, and they are usually chock full of inventory at very discounted prices, so I'm going to operate on the assumption that the Tory Burch sale will be similar (I apologize in advance if I'm wrong!).

The sale will include clothing, footwear, and handbags.  It's located at 261 W. 36th Street, between 7th and 8th Ave.  Days/hours below:

Hours:

Monday June 13 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday June 14 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Wednesday June 15 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Thursday June 16 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday June 17 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday June 18 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

2 Movie Tickets for $9!!!

You guys know how I love my movie deals.  I don't think my mission with this blog was to talk about movie ticket discounts as much as I do, but it's a lifestyle blog, right?  And going to the movies is part of my lifestyle (especially since my boyfriend is pretty much a movie addict).  So today, I wanted to share with you Livingsocial's deal for 2 movie tickets for $9 when you use Fandango.  This isn't the first time they've done this deal, and I'm sure it won't be the last.  But it's definitely the cheapest movie tickets you're going to see in Manhattan (or anywhere, probably), plus you get the convenience that Fandango offers!  The voucher expires September 9, 2011, and you only have about 13 hours left to purchase (it's 5 pm now), so hurry up and buy it!

Discount on Designer Goods on Popsugar!

I wanted to take a moment to tell you about Popsugar's offer for a $150 credit to Shoptwigs for just $60.  Don't worry, I never heard of Shoptwigs before either, but after seeing this deal, I decided to check it out.  Shoptwigs is an online purveyor of designer accessories and clothing, carrying a pretty diverse array of lines, including some of my faves, like Marc Jacobs, DVF, Alexis Bittar, Milly, Tibi, and many more.  So basically, you can get a $90 discount on any one of those items, and it appears that sale items are included in this offer.  The only complaint I have is that the selection isn't huge, and there may be limited sizes.  So I would check out the site first, and if you see something you like, I think this deal is definitely worth purchasing.  On the other hand, you do have until mid-October to use the voucher, so it wouldn't be a giant leap of faith to purchase the voucher anyway, and wait for new arrivals.  I'll just leave it up to you!

If they had my size, I would totally have considered purchasing this Milly dress.  By the way, can you tell I'm into the chiffony-ruffles this season?  Sorry all the dresses I keep posting look so similar!

20% Off at Piperlime!!

If you've been looking for an excuse to get those espadrilles you've been eyeing all spring (or any other shoe for that matter), I'm about to give it to you!  Today and tomorrow, Piperlime is hosting a 20% off sale site-wide (so you can use it for clothing, accessories, bags etc as well).  There are minimal exclusions and items already on sale are included as well.  So if you've been waiting for a sale on the Marc Jacobs bag, here it is!  Need a new sundress?  Check out one of the Milly options, at 20% off!  Plus, as I've mentioned before, Piperlime participates in Ebates, so you can get an additional 2% cash back if you go through Ebates (if you're not sure how Ebates works, read this post for details).  In order to get the discount, enter the promo code "Summer" at checkout.

I don't need any shoes at the moment, but this Milly dress is so perfect for summer, and at 20% off, it's significantly cheaper than the pink version that's full price at Saks.

DVF Sample Sale Starts Today!

If you read this blog frequently, you should know that I'm a big fan of Diane von Furstenberg.  In fact my last post talked about a DVF deal (by the way, sorry I was MIA last week).  So, of course I have to tell you about the DVF sample sale happening this week.  Tomorrow is the official first day, but I've found that you can usually go the day before the official start date without a problem.  (I believe technically it's reserved for press/friends & family, but I've never had any issues getting in when I go after work).  However, I can't promise that you will get in/the sale will be open if you go tonight, so don't quote me on that!

Early reviews indicate that the sales will be similar to previous sales (check out my last experience here), with prices as follows: $150 for vintage/wrap dresses, $125 for dresses, $80 for sweaters, blouses, skirts, and pants, and $50 for samples.  The last days of the sale usually find increased discounts.  Unfortunately, if you're a smaller size, the selection is always more limited, so waiting until the price slashes may not be a good idea.  Otherwise, it may be worth a shot.  Based on Sample Sally's report, my guess is that the same will be true this year.  In general, I think the sample sale prices are hard to beat for DVF, and I've usually been happy with the selection.  You just have to be willing to brave the masses (and there will be masses), lines, and communal dressing rooms.

The sale runs until this Friday, June 10.  It's located at 260 Fifth Ave., between 28th and 29th street.  Hours are Tue: 9-6:30, Wed: 10-8, Thurs: 10-7, and Fri: 9-3  (I guess they wanted to make this annoying for me to type-- different hours each day!).  I'm not sure what time the sale will be open until today, but I would err on the early side if you plan on checking it out.