Recently, we sifted through data on the more than 90,000 items of apparel from 100 retailers that went on sale during the first half of 2009 in search of clues about the best days to shop for the deepest discounts or the biggest selection.

What we discovered was surprising: In the weak economy, retailers have been racing to beat each other’s sales by putting more items on sale earlier in the week. That’s great news for shoppers … if you have the inside scoop on when to shop. Here’s what you need to know:

* Wednesday and Thursday are now the days when retailers put the most new items on sale.

* Wednesday is also the day to find the steepest discount across the board on men’s items, children’s clothing, and on women’s accessories, shoes and intimates.

* Tuesday is the best day for the deepest markdowns on dresses – both women’s and girls’, men’s sweaters and boys’ jeans.

Our analysis also revealed that retailers are discounting women’s merchandise at higher percentages than men’s, and that discounts on many women’s items are higher than they were two years ago.

To download a copy of our press release with all the details, click here.

        

Gal pal fashionistas, Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes have both been seen rocking the little black dress-alternative lately. While I am sure both of their get-ups came with a tremendous pricetag, the great news is that Sale Spot has an excellent selection of black jumpsuits that won’t break the bank!

From left: Juicy Couture Smocked Jumpsuit: Was $178 – Now $124. 68, Alice + Olivia Flutter Sleve Jumpsuit: Was $367 – Now $256.90, Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Strapless Jumpsuit: Was $372 – Now $223.20

Looking like your favorite celebrity has never been so easy! They sell out fast, so get ‘em while they’re hot!

        

Saying these pretty shoes cost a pretty penny would be an understatement– but just look at them! Marie Antoinette, known for her lavish clothing and excessive lifestyle, would surely be proud. The heels, which will make their US debut at South Coast Plaza’s Christian Louboutin Boutique at the end of this month, are priced at $6,295-OH MY! If you live in the Southern California area and need an excuse to splurge (or you are just dying to get a look at these lovely Louboutins in person), the creator himself will be there to introduce his new collection, and sign shoes, on February 23. They will make their way to his Madison Avenue Boutique three days later.

Only 36 pairs of these museum-worthy heels will be created, and the shoes come with more than just the joy that accompanies wearing a work of art on your feet. Each pair will be individually stamped and numbered, come in a uniquely designed box, and will include a book illustrating Louboutin’s collaboration with Jean-Francois Lesage (embroider and creative partner for the collection).

Their frilly femininity, combined with that sexy edge that Louboutin’s classic red sole is famous for, makes these shoes très magnifique! I do realize that they may not rank very high up on the wearability scale, but that won’t stop me from gushing!

What do you think? Completely amazing or completely over-the-top?

        

**

Thanks to Shopittome.com, I got everything I wanted this holiday season! Using the useful email feature (the small envelope under each picture) in the salemails, I was able to send my parents pictures of exactly which clothes I liked. The emails were so detailed, that my parents were able to know which size and color garment I desired. And of course, the prices from ShopItToMe were lower than the already decreased sale prices in stores!

The trend that I am into right now is delicate embellishes on clothes. Two of my favorite presents featured these details: a shirt for the Gap featuring a beaded bow on the front, and a cardigan from J.Crew decorated with a delicate silk flower. These are a simple update on a classic look that really makes the outfit stand out from others. I also got a new pair of True Religion jeans at a great price through shopittome.com.

To say I got everything I wanted and more this holiday season is an understatement! With the economy the way it is, I did not think my family was going to be able to give me the kind of holiday I’m used to, but thanks to shopittome.com and the great sale prices, I was able to get the clothes I wanted!

        

As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve been including guest blog postings recently from our Trendsetters.  David from Style Points has taken the time to share his insight on how to make the most of your money in these tough times.  His blog is about style from a male perspective.

David’s also a loyal Shop It To Me subscriber, often discussing items he’s found in his Salemail.  But, he also has some other tips.  Check out what he has to say.

***

These days, “sale” is the best sounding four-letter word in the dictionary, especially in an economy where retail spending is expected to slow down.

Those who are students of the Shop It To Me school of bargain hunting know there are deals online for quality designer items.

• Allow me to guide you a step further: When surfing other retail sites, browse for what’s new, but click directly to the “sale” or “clearance” section of the site. For instance, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Macy’s, and Nordstrom have “sale” tabs that immediately take you to what’s marked down. You can then consider items that are more likely to be in the range you’re willing to pay.
• If you plan on taking a road trip, head out to a factory outlet near you.
  Prime Outlets, Chelsea Premium Outlets, and Tanger Outlets have locations through out much of the U.S. (These links provide maps to their various locations)

• If factory outlets are beyond your traveling range, check out your local Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross and Kohl’s for options at low prices.
• Not least, price clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s offer members designer clothing at surprisingly low prices.

The thrill of bargain hunting is in knowing where to look, having an idea of how much you want to spend, making a list of items, and executing the plan. The result should be disciplined purchases, maximum bang for the bucks and happy campers who got a gift they can use.

Good luck.

        

Everyone loves Louboutin.

Recently, Running With Heels, (one of our Trendsetters) wrote an amazing piece chronicling his life and providing some inside scoop and little known info about this legend.  

The below piece originally appeared on September 30th in Running With Heels:

**

Christian Louboutin. Far from a pop culture icon or fleeting Hollywood darling, this couture designer is the essence of inspired footwear.

Born a Parisian in 1963, Christian Louboutin grew up heavily influenced from a natural source, like that of his three sisters. However, the first true lightening bolt came in 1976, while at the Musee des Arts Africains et Oceaniens in Paris. What was this inspiration you ask?  A rare jewel? Perhaps a magnificent shield or sword hilt. Alas, the inspiration that catapulted the creative mind of Christian Louboutin into overdrive was much more basic.

As the story goes, a sign forbidding the wearing of ‘spiked’ heels, or stilettos was posted at the museum to deter damage to the wood floors.  Upon seeing this, Louboutin became fascinated and indeed obsessed with these shoes and sketching them.  In fact, Christian was so enthralled by sketching stiletto heels that his attention would become devoted entirely to this pursuit and he would ultimately be expelled from four schools (source).

A formal academic education is not always the best route to creative pursuits (i.e. Stuart Weitzman, former Wharton Business School graduate turned shoe designer extraordinaire). Design training combined with travels around the world to Egypt and India would become the major influence and foundation of the elaborate designs for which Louboutin is known.

Combining immense talent and nerves of steel, Christian Louboutin displayed his portfolio to the couture design houses in Paris and would eventually apprentice for Roger Vivier. Roger Vivier is credited with the creation of the stiletto and ultimately revolutionizing the world of heels and women.  Imagine!  Working for the creator of your obsession?!  Louboutin also credited Roger Vivier with infusing him with the knowledge that “the most important part of the shoe is the body and the heel.  Like a good bone structure, if you get that right, the rest is makeup.” (source)

Christian Louboutin’s freelance design history in the 1980’s reads like a who’s who of footwear, including the likes of Chanel, Yves St Laurent and Maud Frizon.  Continuing in this vein of course, would come super-star clients such as Princess Caroline of Monaco, followed later by Hollywood glamour such Madonna, Gwenyth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker.

One of the most intriguing parts of the Christian Louboutin story is the origin of the infamous red soles.  The actual story varies slightly depending on the source, but most versions go something like this: When looking at one of his sketches, Louboutin felt something essential was missing.  Inspired by the scarlet nail polish of his assistant, he painted the sole of the sketch with the very same red.  Voila!  Instant trademark and “an element of flirt” according to the man himself.  (source)

Writer’s note: Designers-be nice to your assistants! They could be your next muse!

Other fascinating aspect of the Christian Loboutin story are the sources of his inspiration and his alternately quirky and down-to earth personality. This trapeze-flying, yacht-owning individual also rides a humble vespa to work and professes not to own a television. This is an interesting dichotomy Louboutin who can count media mogul Oprah Winfrey among his devotees.

Christian Louboutin’s quirkiness however, belies an innate talent for finding inspiration in the strangest of places (feathers on an egg being one of them) and an incredible work ethic.  Only passing over the managerial reigns of his 15-year old company last year, Christian had previously overseen the production of every pair of shoes. This isn’t a surprise for a man who by his own admission “cannot say that I have a real boundary between the moment I’m working and the moment I am on holiday” (source).

We of course, are the beneficiaries of all this hard work and creative genius. There is nothing like a Christian Louboutin shoe.  When you see a pair-you know it. These shoes are adorned with anything from feathers to satin bows to silver chains. Of course, the colors cannot be discounted as everything from vibrant purples and reds can be found alongside brilliant metallics and the ever essential black.  All these are mounted on his classic stiletto heel. Although the flats still maintain the heart of Louboutin’s design, the stilettos are really the soul.

Where there is a dream, there is a price to pay!  Paying $1,400 for a pair of shoes may indeed limit a pair of Louboutin’s shoes to dreams for some. If these lovelies are within your reach however (or if you forgo lunch, rent and some other necessities) you can find them at Saks, Nordtrom and Neiman Marcus.  Don’t forget online resources like Bluefly and ShopItToMe for possible discounts!  Remember though, you want to make sure your purchase is the real deal.  After all, who wants to pay tons of money for a pair of faux-Louboutin’s?

Ah… a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos.  I may be ‘just a bit’ off from the Sex and the City salary of Sarah Jessica Parker that would enable me to buy these gems, but hey, a girl can dream can’t she?

        

Tweeds are a quintessential part of a woman’s fall wardrobe. The rough-hewn tweed can be paired with wool hats, plaid shirts and oxfords. Look to Pringle of Scotland ad campaigns for inspiration. You don’t have to wear tweed all over, but you can add just touches of it, such as a tweed jacket or a tweed hat, to your outfit. Tweed trench coats are also available but make sure you don’t look too matronly by dressing head to toe in long tweed suits.

Marc Jacobs fully embodies a youthful way of wearing tweed; that is, tweed strewn with brighter colors like pink (see Marc Jacobs tweed jacket, $460). Armani Exchange also came out with a tweed bomber jacket, which is a cool twist on the leather bomber jacket. If you’re on a tight budget, you should definitely check out the tweed jackets at H&M. It’s great because not only is it affordable, the brighter strings strewn and the cropped length will give you a youthful yet refined look. Of course, you can’t forget about Chanel’s famous classic tweed jackets and suits.

Visit The Supermelon for other similar posts and insights on the Little Black Dress, Comme de Garcons for H&M, and Balenciaga Fragrance!

        

Congratulations goes to Holly from Alabama! Here’s what she had to say:

“Oh my gosh! I am so excited! Thank you so much for this wonderful gift bag! I am so excited to try out all of the products. I feel so honored to have been selected.”

Holly’s randomly selected comment about why she loves Lucky:

“Lucky Magazine keeps me updated on the latest fashions. It has a lot of fun ideas!! I love how it tells you where to buy the items they feature. Every girl needs Lucky Magazine!! “

Holly also told us a little about how she uses Shop It To Me:

“Shop It To Me is exactly what it says it is– It is my free personal online shopper! I love checking my email to find great deals on name brand clothes that fit me and my budget. A few of my favorite brands are: Banana Republic, Betsey Johnson, Dolce & Gabbana, Gap, J. Crew, Jessica Simpson, Juicy Couture, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, and Steve Madden.”

Finally, Holly shared a bit about her favorite Fall trends:

“Fall is my favorite time of the year. My current favorite trends are the feminine look and also the country look. The feminine look includes: ruffles, lace, ribbons, pleats and bows. The country look includes: tweeds, plaids, corduroys, and riding boots. I love the autumn hues of rust, green and brown. A girl always has to have a pair of killer heels, a tailored jacket, wide legged pants, a little black dress and a over sized handbag! With the above you are sure to be in style! Again, thank you for the wonderful gift bag!”

Once again, Congrats to Holly!  Keep watching the blog for other great giveaways in the future!

And don’t forget to buy your tickets to Lucky Shops 2008 in NYC!  It’s coming up soon on November 7th & 8th — an event not to be missed!

        

Closet Fly is one of our Trendsetters who offers tips on what to wear and how to wear it best.  I’ll let Mayna take it from here!

Knowing what styles and cuts look best on your body type is hard enough shopping in stores, so how do you ensure you’re selecting the right clothing for your body type when you shop online?

1. First, determine your body type. Are you an inverted triangle, hourglass, pear (triangle), rectangle, apple (round), or some version of one of these? To identify which shape your frame is, stand in front of a full length mirror wearing just your undergarments (drinking a glass of wine before hand is optional). Pretend you are looking at someone else’s body so as to detach yourself and look at your body in terms of proportion and shapes (as if someone was shining a light behind you and your silhouette was projected on a screen). Determine if your shoulders are wider or smaller than your hips or if they are about the same. If unsure, use a measuring tape.  Also determine if you have a defined waistline or you don’t, if your butt is round or flat, if your bust is large or small, and where you carry your weight (top, middle, or bottom).  Then determine if you are Petite, Plus, or Average in height and proportion. Remember, petite does not necessarily mean small; it means smaller proportions. Clothes are generally cut smaller or shorter in the arm opening, pant rise, waistline, arm and pant length for petite sizes, but you could easily be a Plus Petite. Also, you may be of average height, but wear a petite top and a regular bottom depending on your frame.

The idea here is to balance out your body so that it is more proportioned and flattering for your figure. For example, if you are an hourglass shape, you want to avoid clothes that drape over the body and hide your figure. Instead, use waist belts and fitted garments that follow the line of your body. If you are an inverted triangle, you want to balance your top half with your bottom half so a full skirt or wide leg pant might help balance out your shoulders.

2. Next, research the online retailer’s sizing chart. Most online retailers will provide a sizing chart for you to compare your measurements to their sizes. But keep in mind that sizes vary from one brand to the next. That’s one more good reason not to be so rigid about the number of your size, because how your clothes fit and flatter you is much more important than the size number you’re in. So, be sure to take your measurements every three months or as your body changes and keep a written record next to your computer so you can easily find your size based on the retailers sizing chart. Here is an example from Nordstrom:

3. Then research the return policy, shipping costs, and other resources. The perk of online shopping is that you don’t have to leave your house and can try on your newly purchased items in the comfort of your own home. Most online retailers are making it easier for you to purchase and return items with free or flat rate shipping and printable return labels. Also take advantage of other resources like “How to Measure” and get the correct measurements for your body so you won’t have to return those items!

        

Heels

Bcbgirls – Nickole Regular: $98.00 Now: $69.99

Bcbgirls – Lions Regular: $90.00 Now: $59.99

Bags

Michael Michael Kors Millbrook Canvas Tote Regular: $302.00 Now: $223.48

Michael Michael Kors Belvedere Satchel Regular: $332.00 Now: $226.00

Sandals

Sigerson Morrison Belle Regular: $174.99 Now: $133.87

Kenneth Cole Glam Girl Regular: $39.00 Now: $29.99