Black Friday Deals!

 5 Secrets to Finding the Best Deals on Black Friday

It’s time to get your shopping lists ready for one of the biggest shopping days of the year.  To help you out, I have some terrific websites and suggestions to getting the best deals this Friday.

Tip #1:  Know Before You Go

First you must go to bfads.net for an early look at the sale papers to your favorite retail store.  The website has the secret scoop on all the hot items that are going on sale this Friday.  I already have my eye on a new DVD player at Target for $47 and some jammies for the kids at Walmart for only $3—granted they will not be the best quality—but they will do fine for one season.

Tip #2:  Get Your Coupon Codes

There are several websites that offer coupons codes to save you money.  But first you need to know the difference between two types of coupon codes. Certain sites offer printable coupons, where you print out the coupon and then take them with you to the physical store.  Another type of coupon is a cyber or online coupon, where you are offered a coupon code to be used only online.

BradsDeals.com offers printable coupons that you can take with you on your shopping trip.  Also, Printable-Coupons aka Mommy Saves Big, has a nice array of printable coupons.

If braving the stores is not your thing, but online shopping is, KeepCash.com is a good site to consult for coupons for online purchases.  You also will want to check out freeshipping.org for free shipping offers to nearly 2,000 stores.  But be very careful to only go to freeshipping. ORG, the .com site looks like you have to pay for the services, while FreeShipping.org is free.

Tip #3:  Don’t Forget Your Sale Paper

Stores like Walmart are in a bidding war this year with other retailers, so be sure to bring your sale paper and ask if they will meet or beat the sale price listed in another store’s sale paper.   Every little penny helps…

Tip #4: Make an Itinerary

Many of the stores open at staggering times allowing consumers to attend several “Door Buster” sales.  After you have reviewed  the sale papers, give yourself an itinerary with regard to where you want to go and in what order.  I have found that giving myself a time-frame for each store allows me to get through quickly and on to the next sale.

You may also want to think about how long it will take to get to the next store.  If your city doesn’t boast a bevy of retail opportunities, consider going to a neighboring town that will put you in closer range to hit several stores in a short period of time.

Tip #5: This is Not a Fashion Show…

Black Friday is not the day to be strutting around in stilettos.  A seasoned Black Friday shopper knows that a comfortable pair of running shoes, several layers of  relaxed-fitting clothes (including a warm winter coat and gloves) are a must to keep you warm outdoors in the long lines.

Also, there’s no need to primp too much.  A quick rinse-off before you go, a ponytail-holder and a swipe of mascara will suffice.

Good Luck this Friday and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Please refer to the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Wardrobe Styling Services in the Metro Detroit area.

The Government Wants Your Gift cards

In an effort to find more sources of revenue, the government is now looking to collect on unused gift cards.

Yesterday, The Wall Street Journal reported that more and more cash strapped state governments are considering legislation to collect on unused gift cards.  With an increase in job losses and bankrupt businesses—states are facing further reductions of tax revenues; sending them on the prowl for new sources of cash flow.

The government’s rational is that the gift cards are considered “abandoned property”.  And there is a lot of money to be collected.  According to the financial consulting firm TowerGroup, $6.8 billion goes unused each year from gift cards.

What do you think?  Should the government take your unused gift cards?

To read more about the story and to see if your state is considering legislation, go to WSJ.com.

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Please refer to the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Wardrobe Styling Services in the Metro Detroit area or advertising opportunities.

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The Recession Made Me Do It!

Desperate times call for desperate measures– as the saying goes.  Last Friday I found an article in Glamour magazine by the same title.  It talked about things that women are doing that they never imagined they would have to do to stay afloat.

So that’s our topic today.  What has the recession made you do?

Have you done anything outrageous like sell your blood for cash?  Have you become a first time coupon clipper?  Buying store brand instead of brand name?

Tell us the funny and not-so-funny changes you have been forced to make.

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Please refer to the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Wardrobe Styling Services in the Metro Detroit area or advertising opportunities.

Bye-Bye “It” Bags

Say hello to the hottest new accessory for spring.

Style.com

In a reversal of fortune for the high priced seasonal designer handbag, otherwise known at the “it” bag- bangles, bracelets and cuffs are all making a comeback this spring.

Style.com

Seen stacked high and dancing on the arms of runway models, bracelets add a little personality to your overall look.  Although the price of some bracelets combined can cost just as much as a designer bag (think Hermès) stores like Forever 21 and H&M offer some of springs latest trends for a fraction of the price.

To get the runway look, why not use the above photos or pictures from your favorite fashion magazine, as a guide while shopping?  Here are a few other options I found online in a variety of price points.

(Click on the image for shopping information.)

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Please refer to the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Wardrobe Styling Services in the Metro Detroit area or advertising opportunities.

“Untouchable” Expenses

In a less is more economy, what are you willing to live without?

In a recent online survey conducted by BIGresearch and Stores magazine, over 4,100 respondents said Internet service, cell phone service, basic cable television, scoring a good deal on clothes at discount retailers and getting their regular cut and color were “untouchable” in cutting their own personal expenses.

Conversely, the “It” bag was the first thing to go for a whopping 92% of respondents.   It also appears that Americans were willing to cut loose Satellite radio, high-end boutiques, pricey cosmetics and their maids.

Aside from the basic necessities of life which in my mind include,  Internet, cell phone and cable services; in addition to my regular cut and color, I would have a hard time giving up my subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal, Vogue and InStyle magazines- although they are all on borrowed time.

Of the personal services that I still maintain (many of which where traded in upon motherhood) I would have a very hard time leaving my hairdresser/friend of 10 years, Minda.  I think I would weep like a baby in the chair of a discount chain hairdresser.

On the other hand, I am willing to trade in my trips to Caribou Coffee for a pot of home brew; downgrade my makeup, styling products and nail polishes (as painful as it is) to drugstore brands and borrow more books at the library instead of purchasing them.

How about you?  What are you willing to send to the chopping block and what would you consider “untouchable”?

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Please refer to the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Wardrobe Styling Services in the Metro Detroit area or advertising opportunities.

The "Mini Trend": Is Bigger No Longer Better?

While reading the Sun this afternoon, I stumbled upon an intriguing concept emerging from this recession, the “mini trend”.

In an effort to continue marketing to the “recessionista” crowd, the mini trend has emerged as a way of appealing to style junkies whose bank accounts are quickly becoming tapped out.

Instead of purchasing a full outfit that embodies a current trend, those who want to look stylish, but no longer have the cash (or more likely, the credit line to buy a full outfit), may instead buy one item from the trend.

This is hardly a new concept.  As women grow older, they look silly in a head-to-toe trend.  Not to mention, those fashions were not made for our more, shall we say, mature bodies.  So, in order to look hip and young, we buy the “in” belt, shoes or handbag.

But then I got to thinking, is America changing the way we think about ourselves and how we spend our money?  Are we becoming more introspective?

Money magazine has declared “Super Size Is So Over…”  While they are referring to the actual size of things like the Mini Cooper and the decline of “Mc Mansions”, I’m beginning to wonder, are we really changing our opinion that bigger is better?

The king of luxury, Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld was recently quoted in the New York Times as saying:

“This whole crisis is like a big spring housecleaning — both moral and physical… Bling is over. Red carpetry covered with rhinestones is out. I call it ‘the new modesty.’ ”

Could this recession be changing the way we think about ourselves and how we spend money? Or is the downsizing that many of us are experiencing a short lived fad to get us through, until we can go back to our more free spending ways?

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Be sure to check out the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.

Happy New Year!

Hi everyone, Happy New Year!  I hope that you had a wonderful holiday.

I enjoyed some time with family and friends, worked a little and of course did a little shopping.  Oh- and I finally got my braces off! Yahoo!  I have to wear my retainer full time until next year, but it is so nice to have the braces off.

If you haven’t already be sure to scroll down and check out the series on makeup that went up just before Christmas.  The makeup artists that I worked with on the piece had a lot of valuable information.

So now it’s catch up time.  I appreciate the comments that I have been getting from you and will work on responding to each of you this week.

I am also working on a piece on body image for the New Year and would love to get your input.  If you are interested in contributing, send me your thoughts by the end of the day tomorrow.  fashionsensei(@)gmail.com

Further, I would really like your input on topics that you would like to see covered here on Fashion Sensei.  One of my objectives this year for the blog, is to make it a little more interactive.  So if you have any suggestions, be sure to let me know.

I don’t have much time to write today.  I was notified over the weekend that my eldest son’s class will be having their holiday party today because school was canceled on the day of their party due to a huge snowstorm.

The snow day was the same day I was set to get my braces off, but I was hell bent on getting those braces off and nothing was going to stop me.  I kept joking that I was going to pull my kids on a sled to the orthodontist if I had to.  After two long years, there was no way I was going to wait any longer.  That day we had 5 inches of snow on the ground when we set off to the ortho and by 3:00pm we had somewhere around 10 inches total.

So getting back to my son’s party.  This morning, I have to go get 20 helium filled balloons and somehow transport them in my car back to the school.  Secretly, I was happy school got canceled, because I had no idea how they were all going to fit in the car.  Well, I guess I will find out today.  I’m sure it will be hilarious.

Ok guys, that’s it for today.  I’m anxious to hear about what’s been happening with you,  so please leave me a comment.  Also, keep an eye out for some outrageous sales today.  The word is retailers are looking to liquidate their fall merchandise today to make room for spring.  I saw that Bluefly is offering an additional 30% off their sale prices for up to 80% off!  I saw this BCBG black blazer for only $77.90 , market down from $278.  It’s a very practical staple.

Talk to you again soon!

Tanya

Fashion Sensei- *BONUS HOUR*

*UPDATE*

The winner of the beautiful Pearl Necklace is…

Janet Pearce!

Congratulations!  I will be contacting you soon for your information.

If you didn’t win, keep watching for more ONE HOUR Giveaways!

During this *BONUS HOUR*, you will have the opportunity to get an amazing deal and win a fantastic prize!

“Bringing Beauty From The Inside Out”

For this hour only, Fashion Sensei will be offering BUY ONE HOUR, GET ONE FREE for all Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consulting Services booked during this hour.

To schedule and appointment, contact me now at fashionsensei@gmail.com.

Fashion Sensei is proud to offer Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consultations for all shapes, sizes and budgets. With such a varied selection today in the fashion world, finding flattering options can be overwhelming.

Fashion Sensei’s mission is to assist women in achieving their personal and professional goals by creating a positive self image through appropriate, flattering and creative, wardrobe and grooming choices that are within your budget.

Further, my purpose is to reduce the amount of time you spend shopping, help you save money and to provide you with the tools to empower you to look and feel your best.

Fees are not based on a commission; my priority is dressing you, not selling you clothes. We can shop anywhere from discount stores to high-end fashion boutiques. Below you will find a brief description of two of the services that Fashion Sensei offers.

Personal Shopping - Whether you have a special occasion, interviewing for a new job, a new mom returning to the workforce, or just need a little help meeting your fashion potential, Fashion Sensei can help.  After completing a brief profile, we will work together to help you stay within your budget and look you best.

Wardrobe Consultation-  Here is the perfect opportunity to facilitate a fresh start for your wardrobe. This service is intended to sort through your current attire to find what works and divest yourself of what does not.   Think, What Not To Wear, but I won’t make you stand in front of a 365 degree mirror!

Fashion Sensei will help you mix and match your current garments, accessories or help you update outfits as needed. In turn, this will reduce the time and effort necessary to get dressed each day.

So whether we are shopping in the store or in your closet, I’m ready to bring your beauty from the inside out!

Let’s kick off this first ONE HOUR Giveaway with something spectacular!

PearlParadise.com is proud to offer one Fashion Sensei reader this beautiful white pearl necklace.

DETAILS

Pearls: Freshwater

Color: White

Quality: Freshadama/Gem-grade freshwater

Surface: Clean

Luster: Excellent

Size: 6.0 to 7.0 mm

Value: $215

Featuring the highest .01% of the freshwater pearl harvest each year, these strands are exceptionally rare.  Each strand features white body colors with subtle overtones, incredible luster, and a unique surface orient seen only on the highest quality pearls. 

With less than 5% deviation from a perfectly round shape, these pearls rival even the highest quality akoya pearls. By purchasing this “Freshadama” pearl necklace you are guaranteed to receive the absolute best freshwater pearls produced in the world today.

How To Enter:

For a chance to win, leave a comment at the end of this post telling us why you MUST have this gorgeous necklace, where you would wear it or to whom you will give it to.

You only have ONE HOUR to leave a comment.  The winner will be chosen at random from those who comment this hour and will be announced in next hours segment. (Sorry U.S. residence only)

About PearlParadise.com

A Decade of Growth
Founded in 1996 and brought online in 2000, Pearl Paradise has grown into the world’s largest online pearl company, with 2006 sales topping $20 million. With a custom-built, 1,400-cubic-foot vault filled with pearls, we offer a selection of pearls unlike any other pearl seller, online or off. Our commitment to offering prices 80 percent below retail has accelerated our growth.
With more than 100,000 satisfied customers to date, we have benefited greatly by word-of-mouth advertising. Our commitment to quality, customer service, and unbeatable pricing and selection has helped us become the Internet’s premier source of pearl jewelry.
A Trusted Name
The reputation we have built based on the quality of our merchandise has attracted the attention of journalists around the world. We have been blessed with glowing articles in The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily, and Inc. Magazine, to name just a few.
The pearl and jewelry industry has followed our growth and featured us in respected industry publications like Modern Jeweler, Jewelry News Asia, and JCK.

Didn’t win?  To purchase today’s ONE HOUR Giveaway, click here for PearlParadise.com’s private sale for Fashion Sensei readers.

If you haven’t already, be sure to click here for a listing of all of today’s Fashion Sensei “Cyber Monday Madness!” deals.

*Fashion Sensei is not responsible for this prize, value, shipment or condition upon delivery.

Fashion Sensei "Cyber Monday Madness!"

It’s finally here!  Get ready for a fast paced day packed with fun discounts and giveaways!

Come celebrate the official kick off of the holiday online shopping season with Fashion Sensei’s “Cyber Monday Madness!” Enjoy Exclusive Online Discounts, ONE HOUR Web Busters and ONE HOUR Giveaways!

The Monday immediately following Black Friday, dubbed “Cyber Monday”, officially marks the beginning of the Christmas online shopping season. 

From 9:00 am until 5:00pm EST today, Fashion Sensei readers will gain access to exclusive discounts from a wide selection of unique online retailers offering: apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and accessories.  These aren’t products that you could walk into a brick and mortar store and purchase. 

Several of the participating merchants have long celebrity client lists,  products that have been featured in major motion pictures, and fashion magazines such as InStyle and People.com.  One of the participants, Keren Jewelry, has sent her fantastic creations down the runways of multiple New York Fashion Weeks!

So let’s get to the good stuff.  Discounts!

*Discount Code*

Unless indicated otherwise, use the discount code: fashionsensei when making your purchases at the following fantastic online stores!  Discounts are valid until 11:59PM EST 12/1/08.

Click on each company logo, and let’s start shopping!

Apparel

Hipundies – 20% Off Discount

Hipundies.com is an online retailer of lingerie, pajamas, robes, lounge wear and more. They have been featured in numerous television, print and online features, from InStyle magazine to People.com’s Style Watch.  Hipundies were also included in the 11th Annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards giftbags!

jbandme.com-  35% Off Discount. 

Owned by a mother daughter team in Holland, MI, jbandme.com  owners, Maribeth VanZalen and Jamie Grasman, both have an innate sense of style.  Tweaked by countless hours of shopping and discussing the latest fashions, the two women have became authorities on all things stylish.

The idea of jb and me first began on the way back from a weekend of shopping in Chicago. Maribeth and Jamie found themselves dreaming of opening their own store. They discussed all aspects of the business, from which lines they would carry to the type of service they would strive to offer. They both agreed that a unique boutique experience was just what Holland, MI needed, and thus, they set out to create just that.

Currently, the ladies are launching an on-line store that will offer the same products and services that have made jb and me (the store) successful. They hope to bring the personalized service, the quality products and the unique experience of jb and me to the web. 

jbandme.com carries a wide selection of hip designer apparel, accessories, shoes and more! 

Be sure to keep an eye out for a ONE HOUR Web Buster and a ONE HOUR Giveaway from this company!

Lucky me tee-  FREE SHIPPING

Lucky Me Tee was founded in 2007 by mommy of three, Marlo Moleski.  Based in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Lucky Me Tee is committed to designing fashion fun tees with a positive mommy message.  Lucky Me Tee’s exclusive tanks, t-shirts and sweatshirts are perfect for any season. 

Whether you’re heading off to a yoga class, or need a weekend tote, Lucky Me Tee products are available in a wide selection of colors and sizes. Dancing With the Stars contestant, Brooke Burke, has also been spotted wearing Lucky Me Tees too!

LuLu*s- 15% Off Discount

LuLu*s started with the vision of providing the latest trends for the fashionably hip- along with providing exceptional value, quality, and superb customer service.

Since its’ inception in 1996, LuLu*s has grown from a mother-daughter dream to one of the web’s most outstanding shopping experiences.

They offer a select choice of clothing, shoes and accessories.  Their brands consist of emerging new designers and their buyers travel the world so that you can find a style to call your own. They buy in very limited quantities and many of their items come fresh from their designers’ studios.

“We welcome you and hope that you visit often. We add new, great items each week.” — LuLus.com

FLABuLESS- Buy two, get one FREE

FLABuLESS arm shapewear instantly lifts sagging skin while slimming and streamlining bulges and ripples. With proper size selection, it will not only provide adequate compression, but also provide a sleek, slender silhouette under tops, dresses and jackets.

FLABuLESS has also been featured on the Rachael Ray Show.

Available in two styles Pleine (long sleeve), and De Quart (short sleeve), two colors, black and copper nude (chocolate, bone, and navy coming in ’09), and 7 sizes ranging from S-4XL, this product truly targets every woman.

 

Green Companies

 

 

BuddhiWear Organics-  20% Off Discount

Green and eco-friendly are must have’s for the holidays. BuddhiWear offers eco-friendly casual and sportswear with a flare for Yoga, Pilates, Energy Healing, the Environment, and all things Positive. BuddhiWear offers apparel for the entire family women, men, children, and babies.  Their garments are super soft, organic, green, and sweatshop labor free. 

BuddhiWear offers fun, stylish, green, and hip apparel and  “once you’ve tried organic you’ll never go back”. 

BuddhiWear also plants a tree for every garment sold.

 

Fresh & Green-  15% Off Discount

Free shipping on orders of $150 and more. Plus free gift wrap with materials made from recycled content.

Fresh & Green is owned by two women who wanted to create a one stop shop for all your eco-friendly needs.  After a few months of research, Fresh & Green was born.

“We have a list of eco standards, and we label each product so you know what makes it different.  We have products for the whole family, including pets to live a non-toxic, environmentally friendly life.”  –Sasha Windes & Jennifer Jordan,  Founders of Fresh & Green

Be sure to keep an eye out for a ONE HOUR Web Buster and a ONE HOUR Giveaway from this company!

 

 

 

Jimi™- 15% Off Discount

My husband and I both own one of these uber cool wallets.  You MUST check them out!

 

The Jimi™ wallet is a really handy and stylish way to carry your essentials and cut down on the clutter and bulk of the traditional stodgy old wallet/pocket book. It’s compact, water resistant, and translucent – as much at home in a vintage Chanel clutch, a busy Mom’s diaper bag or being grasped defiantly by a lapdog-toting Diva breezing through security at the airport! As ergonomic and beautifully designed as it is, it’s still only $15, so makes a great stocking stuffer.

Did I mention it’s a green product too?

100% recyclable, Jimi wallet’s also an award winning, recycled/recyclable, made in USA accessory product that’s being sold in more and more places – from the MoMA design store, NYC to boutiques in Tokyo.

• Made in the US • 100%  recycled/recyclable • 1% of sales invested in the environment •

Be sure to keep an eye out for a ONE HOUR Web Buster and a ONE HOUR Giveaway from this company!

 

 

Purely Cosmetics- Use your exclusive Fashion Sensei discount code to receive an additional $10 off  the Purely Cosmetics, Eye Starter Kit Sale Price $29.99 (retail value of $59.25). 

  

Bare minerals for your eyes- your choice of 5 full size loose mineral eye powders, Deluxe Eye Shadow brush, and an Angled Eye Liner brush, packaged in a gold candy box.  Wet the shadows for a deeper hue or use as and eyeliner.

Purely Cosmetics does not use the same ingredients as mass market cosmetics such as parabens (which have been linked to breast cancer and premature aging of the skin), silicone products (which can clog your pores), food-grade powders such as rice powder or oat powder, which would then require a preservative as they harbor bacteria, or bismuth oxychloride, which for many is a skin irritant.

Purely Cosmetics uses special ingredients :  pure silk powder, pearl powder, allantoin, jojoba oil to name a few that you will not find in drugstore brands, nor even expensive, mass produced products.  Each batch is hand crafted on a small scale to ensure quality and freshness.  Read here what Purely Cosmetics customers have to say about their products and why they will never go back to drugstore brands.

I had the privilege of trying out Purely Cosmetics’ mineral foundation line and can attest to it’s quality.  Watch for an upcoming post on Fashion Sensei for this line of cosmetics.

Great news!  Purely Cosmetics ships internationally!!

 

 

Yoga Stick-e^® Socks- 15% Off Discount

Yoga Stick-e® Socks…for that Barefoot Feeling is the only patented sock with a non slip bottom and a hole for every toe to extend through remaining exposed for that Barefoot Feeling! Made from Bamboo fiber, they are naturally hygienic, deodorizing and thermal regulating… perfect for Yoga, dance, Pilates, Karate, Pedicures and more!

Yoga Stick-e^® Socks…for that Barefoot Feeling has been featured in numerous magazines including FITNESS and organic spa and recently was selected as a finalist at the ispo BrandNew competition.

Be sure to watch for a ONE HOUR Giveaway!

 

Home Goods

 

 

GoShopUs.com- 10% Off Discount and Free Next Day Shipping

GoShopUs.com is the premium online source for discounted home decor products and accessories and guarantees the lowest prices anywhere on the Web. GoShopUs.com specializes in the sale of affordable, durable and decorative brand name products including wool flokati area rugs; Bowron long wool pelt rugs; tapestries and wall hangings; indoor/outdoor bamboo rugs; cut and matched leather suede rugs; throw pillows; jersey cotton shags; college logo display rugs; suede leather shag rugs; and fur comforters and throws. GoShopUs.com is a buySAFE Bonded Merchant and a registered Confirmed Secure Web Site. Visitors may sign up for special promotions and exclusive money-saving coupons.

 

 

Jewelry

 

Keren jewelry- 25% off  Discount

Keren Peled, started with a vision to create elegant and wearable art, with signature styles that blend European, Mediterranean and Latin American cultural design. 

Inspired by the beautiful works of the ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and Hindus, Keren has also integrated crochet and macrame techniques in the styling of her jewelry.

The incredibly talented designer behind Keren Jewelry, has a “whose who” list of credentials.  She has been featured in many magazines, including InStyle, Wedding Style, Harpers’ Bazaar and many more.

Celebrities that have worn her pieces include Alicia Keys, models Nazri from “Project Runway”, CariDee English from “America’s next top model”, Vivica A. Fox, Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child, Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. 

The collections have participated regularly on the runways of major fashion weeks. In 2006, Keren accessorized the Abaete line at Bryant park at NY fashion week.  Then in 2007, she accessorized the Renee Larc line, also in NY fashion week and in 2008, she accessorized the Kelly Nishimoto collection on the LA fashion week runway.

The Line includes a collection of necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and hair accessories.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a ONE HOUR Web Buster and a ONE HOUR Giveaway!

 

 

Pearls of Joy-  15% Off  Discount

A leading online retailer of cultured pearl jewelry,  Pearls of Joy also provided the “Freedom Writers Classic” necklace for Hilary Swank for the movie Freedom Writers.

“Due to our business model we are able to offer our products for up to 80% below typical brick and mortar retailers, which creates tremendous value for our customers and our repeat sales are a testament to that.” – Kevin Canning, President of Pearls of Joy

Be sure to keep an eye out for a ONE HOUR Web Buster and a ONE HOUR Giveaway!

PearlParadise.com- Shop their special Cyber Monday sale page for amazing deals just for Fashion Sensei readers!

PearlParadise.com

A Decade of Growth
Founded in 1996 and brought online in 2000, Pearl Paradise has grown into the world’s largest online pearl company, with 2006 sales topping $20 million. With a custom-built, 1,400-cubic-foot vault filled with pearls, they offer a selection of pearls unlike any other pearl seller, online or off. Their commitment to offering prices 80 percent below retail has accelerated their growth.
With more than 100,000 satisfied customers to date, they have benefited greatly by word-of-mouth advertising. Their commitment to quality, customer service, and unbeatable pricing and selection has helped them become the Internet’s premier source of pearl jewelry.
A Trusted Name
The reputation they have built based on the quality of their merchandise has attracted the attention of journalists around the world. They have been blessed with glowing articles in The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily, and Inc. Magazine, to name just a few.
The pearl and jewelry industry has followed their growth and featured them in respected industry publications like Modern Jeweler, Jewelry News Asia, and JCK.

Be sure to keep an eye out for an amazing ONE HOUR Giveaway!

 

 

 

Silver River Jewelry- 20% Off Plus Free Shipping

Silver River Jewelry designer Sonja McClung says:

“I absolutely love designing and making jewelry.  The whole process from start to finish is like a treasure hunt for me.  I design and make elegant one of a kind pieces with a touch of whimsy.  Many of my pieces work for both daytime and evening wear.  I use as many hand made components as I can and make many of the ear wires,  and connecting pieces myself.”

 

Bumble Bells- 20% Off Discount

Bumble Bells are 925 sterling silver anklets that have tiny bells on them so that when babies roll over, crawl or walk, you can hear where they are.  ASTM-certified for safety, they are gorgeous on babies of both genders, practical and adorable.  

Click here to here the story behind the adorable anklets and to see  their too cute site.

 

 

Money Saver Sites

FreeShipping.org is the largest resource on the Internet that links shoppers to free shipping deals offered by online retailers.  To date, there are more than 850 online retailers represented on the site, including JCPenny, Target, Bloomingdale’s, Kohl’s, Sears, Best Buy, Nordstrom and Macy’s.  They are the first place to go before making an online purchase!

From Gap to Gucci and Milly to Michael Kors, their free service called Shop It To Me, will tell you as soon as the stuff you love goes on SALE. It’s like having a personal shopper who gives a private heads up on all your favorite merchandise — better than a sample sale!  

To check it out, go to www.shopittome.com and pick your favorite brands from among the 500+ that are featured (Prada, Banana Republic, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs are all there too…plus more!), input your various size preferences, and select the frequency with which you want to be alerted (daily, weekly, etc).  Shop It To Me will email you every time a brand you like goes on SALE in your size – you’ll receive items from well-known retailers including the leading department stores, and also boutique and niche sites where you can score hot designer products at amazing prices.

 

Services

 

Metro Detroiters may enjoy a 30% discount on all Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consulting services booked today; hourly minimums waived.  To book an appointment, e-mail me now at fashionsensei@gmail.com.

“Bringing Beauty From The Inside, Out.”

Fashion Sensei is proud to offer Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consultations for all shapes, sizes and budgets. With such a varied selection today in the fashion world, finding flattering options can be overwhelming. 

Fashion Sensei’s mission is to assist women in achieving their personal and professional goals by creating a positive self image through appropriate, flattering and creative, wardrobe and grooming choices that are within your budget.

Further, my purpose is to reduce the amount of time you spend shopping, help you save money and to provide you with the tools to empower you to look and feel your best.

Fees are not based on a commission; my priority is dressing you, not selling you clothes. We can shop anywhere from discount stores to high-end fashion boutiques. Below you will find a brief description of two of the services that Fashion Sensei offers.

Personal Shopping - Whether you have a special occasion, interviewing for a new job, a new mom returning to the workforce, or just need a little help meeting your fashion potential, Fashion Sensei can help.  After completing a brief profile, we will work together to help you stay within your budget and look you best.

Wardrobe Consultation-  Here is the perfect opportunity to facilitate a fresh start for your wardrobe. This service is intended to sort through your current attire to find what works and divest yourself of what does not.   Think, What Not To Wear, but I won’t make you stand in front of a 365 degree mirror!

Fashion Sensei will help you mix and match your current garments, accessories or help you update outfits as needed. In turn, this will reduce the time and effort necessary to get dressed each day.

So whether we are shopping in the store or in your closet, I’m ready to bring your beauty from the inside out!

Be sure to keep an eye out for a fantastic ONE HOUR Web Buster for Metro Detroiters!

Now it’s time for our first ONE HOUR Web Buster and ONE HOUR Giveaway- a *Bonus Hour* !

Black Friday Giveaway!

*UPDATE*

And the winner of today’s drawing for a $50 giftcard to THE CUBE, courtesy of Marshalls is…

Jill Kathan!

Congratulations!  I will be contacting you soon.

Be sure to come back on Monday for Fashion Sensei “Cyber Monday Madness!”  Where you will have several more chances to win some amazing prizes!

Hi Everyone!

As promised, I will be giving away a $50 giftcard to THE CUBE.

The young, hip new boutique at Marshalls that carries all the latest trends you find at the mall, but for much lower prices.

On a recent visit to THE CUBE, I found loads of cute sunglasses, jeans, handbags and more.

They also carry a wide selection of brand names.  I saw quite a few really cute Betsey Johnson bags and a fab Andy Worhol tote to carry around all my stuff!

Take a peek as some of the great things you may find.

So I know you’re dying to know how to get this super gift card.  To Enter, just leave a comment below telling me what new trend you will be shopping for yourself or someone else this holiday season.  The winner will be chosen at 7:00 pm EST 11/28/08 at random, from those comments submitted.

In anticipation of your big win, you can look for the closest CUBE by clicking here.

*BONUS*

Click here to enter The ROCK & STOCK Giveaway at Marshalls, where you will win a two night stay in LA for you and a friend; Dinner at a hot, trendy restaurant; Shop the CUBE with you own personal stylist and $2,500 worth of hot new clothes for you and $500 for your friend to spend too!

Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Don’t forget to check out the Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.