Who said it’s a bad thing to dress alike?!  Last week, two of the gals from the Shop It To Me office, Caitlin and Ilana, took it upon themselves to dress alike every single day.  See the outfits the two of them concocted below… how cute are they?!  We consider this a true lesson in San Francisco start-up style.

We were fortunate enough to get the inside scoop on what was behind Twin Week, and some of the juicy details. Check out our interview with them below!

While it may have been founded as a day to celebrate work and workers, Labor Day is, in fact, the perfect day to celebrate shopping!

According to Shop It To Me’s data, Labor Day weekend 2011 offered discounts averaging more than 48% off on clothing, shoes and accessories on sale online.  That was significantly better than the average discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (for clothing, shoes and accessories on sale online), when we tracked discounts averaging 41-42% off.

And it’s not just Labor Day weekend!  The deals are expected to start Saturday, September 1 and continue through the following week. Last year, shoppers found great discounts for the first two weeks of September, and although those discounts tapered off slightly after the 10^th, September 2011 was one of the best months of the entire year for shopping online sales.

Can’t wait for Labor Day because the kids are heading back to school this month? You’ll find deals almost as good during August. In 2011, discounts averaged 47%-off or better almost every day of August from the 19th through the end of the month.

What to buy? August and September are the right time to shop online for women’s jeans, bags, shoes, outerwear, sweaters, jewelry, accessories, swimwear and sunglasses.  They also are a great time to find discounts on boy’s, girl’s and men’s clothing.

No matter what you’re buying this month, keep in mind 46%-off as a barometer — that’s the average discount on men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing, shoes and accessories sales online in September. You can break the 46% rule if you’re buying items from Tod’s, Prada, Ray-Ban, Patagonia, Tumi and Oakley. If you see these brands offered at a discount of 30% or higher, snap them up because they rarely go on sale.

And don’t forget that, when it comes to shopping holiday weekends, the early bird gets the worm: shop early in the morning at the beginning of the weekend for the best assortment.  Those great deals will make your morning cup o’ Joe even more satisfying.

Methodology: Shop It To Me, the free online personal shopper, analyzed nearly 700,000 markdowns throughout 2011 available from over 150+ online retailers.

Nicknamed “Lollipop” as a child, Laura Coronado started fashion blog Lollie Shopping to inspire the idea that all people can look fabulous regardless of age, income or shape. The veteran Vegas blogger dished to us on her fall/winter essentials, her secret obsession, and her hilarious husband-wife ensemble (we want photographic evidence!).

Shop It To Me:  How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to start?
Laura Coronado:  I began blogging in October 2007, and at first it was a means of communicating to my girlfriends which trends I was wearing and which sales I was shopping. Among my friends, I’m the go-to girl, the one that everyone emails for fashion and shopping advice. But after a few months of blogging, I discovered complete strangers were reading Lollie Shopping. So that’s when I created a mission for Lollie Shopping: to inspire others to believe that all people have the potential to look good no matter their age, body shape or income. I’m a pretty confident woman, and I wish to empower others to feel confident, too.

SITM:  How do you normally build an outfit? Walk us through your process.
LC:  Normally I build an outfit around a specific piece, such as a new pair of patterned pants that I can’t wait to show off or my current pair of favorite shoes. Then I simply build on that piece by complementing it with other pieces of apparel and accessories. However, sometimes I see an outfit in a movie or a magazine, or on television or the Internet, and I simply want to recreate my version of that outfit. Lastly, there are the times that my mood affects my outfit. Like the other day, I woke up in the morning and thought, “I feel like wearing a white T-shirt today.” So I built my outfit around the T-shirt, but really, I was building the outfit around my mood.

SITM:  Name one fashion or beauty essential for each season that you can’t live without.
LC:  In the fall and winter, I can’t live without a yummy leather jacket and the perfect pair of boots. In the summer, I can’t live without a good, supportive strapless bra. I tend to wear a lot of tank tops and spaghetti straps during the hot season and I hate to show bra straps.

SITM:  What determines when you buy full price items vs. when you buy sale items?
LC:  If an item is limited edition from a designer or brand that I adore and sports a particular unique style that I know I can’t get anywhere else, then I am ready and willing to pay full price. Additionally, if the item is already priced in a range that I find affordable (say a $40 dress), I’ll pay full price then, too. However, I search sales to find designer or brand name bargains that I know will impress my friends and make me feel like I found the greatest treasure ever.

SITM:  Now that you can choose to see your Shop It To Me email organized by either retailer, by clothing type or by brand, what method do you prefer/why do you shop that way?
LC:  I prefer to organize my Salemail by designer rather than retailer. I’m mainly concerned with getting a DVF dress at a great price. Which retailer I buy it from doesn’t matter to me, so long as the price is amazing.

SITM:  We’re all about time-saving here at Shop It To Me. Can you share a time-saving trick that’s part of your daily routine?
LC:  No one uses the phone anymore. If you see a dress featured at the website of one of your favorite stores, but would prefer to buy it in-store so you can try it on first, call that store before driving over there to see if it has your size in stock. So many times people see something online and then they drive to the store to get it without first checking to see if that store even has it. If it doesn’t, you’ve just wasted a trip to the store. Make sure your select store has the item you’re looking for in your size before driving over there. And if it does, ask the associate to hold it at the counter for you.

SITM:  Any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions or a fashion faux pas you want to share?
LC:  Once, my husband and I were out and about, and we had a little too much to drink. And we stopped by the typical Las Vegas tourist shop and bought him a button down shirt with a cocktail print all over it and a matching dress for me. Ordinarily, my husband and I don’t wear matching ensembles, especially ones with a cocktail print all over it. But we thought it would be hilarious. Obviously we don’t wear these clothes out in public, but they do come in handy when someone has a Vegas themed costume party. We call the outfits our Vegas honeymooners look.

SITM:  Tell us something unique to you — after all, it’s what makes you YOU!
LC:  I am “Alice in Wonderland” obsessed. I have a collection of books, toys, artwork and other items that are “Alice in Wonderland” related. My collection is quite complete, but anytime someone comes up with a new “Alice in Wonderland” item, be it a movie or Urban Decay’s makeup set, I have to own it.

Follow Lollie Shopping on her blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Want to have your blog featured?  Apply to become  Shop It To Me Trendsetter by emailing trendsetters@shopittome.com

As fast as summer is flying by (August, really?), we’re attempting to slow things down a bit by making a summer essentials bucket list. We’ve asked some of our Trendsetters to help us out and share what items they simply cannot live without during the hottest months of the year.

Jaclyn of Sharing My Sole says, “Maxi Dresses!  I really can’t get enough of my airy, light and flowing maxi dresses for the summer months.  They are perfect for all occassions – Summer cookouts, outdoor concerts, the beach and bridal showers.”

Ria of RiaMichelle.com says, “Most definitely jean shorts/cut offs. They’re the perfect thing to throw on. I’m currently loving a pair from Mink Pink but also have a Wildfox favorite as well. I’m trying to force myself to switch things up on my blog but shorts are just so easy to throw on when it’s over 90 degrees here in Miami on some days.”

Meggy of Chasing Davies says, “A panama hat, cat-eye sunnies and sunscreen are a must these days. I’m all about staying protected from the sun, white skin and all. My 16-year old self would not approve of this. In addition, a flowy dress and Lime-a-Rita (over crushed ice for a slushy version to really cool me down) are staples.”

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with one of our Trendsetters, Andrea Browne, resident of action-packed Washington D.C. and founder of the urban gal blog, Stylin’ & Profilin’. We got her to spill about her year-round closet staple, some smart shopping tips, and the late-90s fashion fads she used to don (trust us, they seem epic).

Shop It To Me:  How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to start?
Andrea Browne:  I’ve been into fashion and writing since a very young age — always reading magazines like Mademoiselle, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. What inspired me to start my blog was simply that I couldn’t find any sites that spoke to women like me: A young professional who likes to look nice, but doesn’t want to spend a fortune or waste money on low-budget “fast” fashion. If I’m going to spend my hard-earned money on clothes, shoes and accessories, they need to last even if I’ve gotten them at discounted prices. My goal with S&P is to share fashionable, frugal and quality finds with my readers, as well as discuss current trends and style news, as well as review products that I think would be of interest to them.

SITM:  Name one fashion or beauty essential for each season that you can’t live without.
AB:  A fashion essential I can’t live without no matter the season would be trouser pants. They’re a classic wardrobe staple that never go out of style, no matter if it’s spring or winter. You can dress them up or down and still look super sophisticated. A beauty essential that I can’t live without is cocoa butter lip balm. Keeps my lips moisturized without the stickiness of lip gloss.

SITM:  Okay, spill it. Any favorite online stores?
AB:  I shop mostly online and frequently at ASOS.com, NineWest.com, Piperlime.com, Nordstrom.com and Loft.com. There’s usually always a sale of some sort on all of these sites.

SITM:  What determines when you buy full price items vs. when you buy sale items?
AB:  There’s nothing worse than buying something full-price then seeing it on sale for half that amount a few weeks later. This is exactly why I never buy anything that isn’t on sale. If I see something at full-price that I really like, I’ll bookmark it and come back it to a couple weeks later. If it’s on sale by then and my size is still available, then it was meant to be.

SITM:  Now that you can choose to see your Shop It To Me email organized by either retailer, by clothing type or by brand, what method do you prefer/why do you shop that way?
AB:  I’d prefer to see it organized by retailer, simply because there are certain stores I frequent often and some I don’t because of pricing and sizing. If it’s a store I know ahead of time I can’t afford or that I know their clothing doesn’t complement my shape, there’s no point in me clicking on it.

SITM:  How do you normally build an outfit? Walk us through your process.
AB:  When it comes to putting together a look, I usually start with the bottom (skirt, trousers, shorts, etc) and build from there. If it’s a looser fit pant or a full skirt, then my top is likely going to be more form-fitting and vice versa. I accessorize most of my outfits with a statement necklace, bangles/cuff and a cocktail ring.

1. J.Crew trousers ($49.99) | 2. Urban Outfitters necklace ($34) | 3. Rachel Rachel Roy pumps ($69)

SITM:  We’re all about time-saving here at Shop It To Me. Can you share a time-saving trick that’s part of your daily routine?
AB:  I usually pick out my outfit for the workday the night before and will iron it then, as well. Knocks off about 20-25 minutes from my morning prep, which is precious, precious time for a slow mover.

SITM:  Any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions or a fashion faux pas you want to share?
AB:  Being a teen in the mid- to late-90s, I made some bad, bad fashion choices (but in my head, it was cute at the time). Back then, it was all about bodysuits paired with vests, baggy jeans and two-inch stacked heels — just terrible!

SITM:  Tell us something unique to you — after all, it’s what makes you YOU!
AB:  I never leave the house without a pair of earrings on. I have a short, cropped haircut and feel “naked” without them.

SITM:  Anything else you want to share?
AB: Here are some of my favorite recent S & P posts

• 9 Summer Totes You’ll Love
• What to Wear . . . to Work
• Real Style With David Meister
• Closet Case: How to Stylishly Organize Your Wardrobe

Follow Andrea on her blog, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

Want to have your blog featured?  Apply to become  Shop It To Me Trendsetter by emailing trendsetters@shopittome.com.

It’s our Chief Stylist, Annie Ladino’s, big birthday (30!) this weekend.  She’s of course celebrating in style, but is having a bit of a dilemma with her wardrobe choice for her evening bash.  Even though she styles other people for a living, when it comes to her own wardrobe, the decisions become trickier!  This is where you come in… she needs your help!  Which of the following should Annie wear to her birthday celebration?

All styles found on sale through ShopItToMe.com: Balmain | McQ Alexander McQueen | Proenza Schouler | Theysken’s Theory | Prabal Gurung

It’s no coincidence that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coincides with Christmas in July, right? The best part is that you don’t have to shop for others. It’s win-win. Aside from the best sale of the year, Hudson Jeans is having a 30% off denim sale (score!), and SSENSE and Yoox.com are dishing out designer deals up to 75% off. Still not enough? Cruise over to Diesel to score up to 50% off spring/summer collection, and then snag even more deals at Saks Fifth Avenue up to 60% off.

Nordstrom:  Put summer on pause and shop this fall’s greatest trends during Nordstrom’s biggest sale of the year, plus free shipping and returns. Check out our staff faves below! Ends Mon. 8/6/12.

Hudson Jeans:  Save on your favorite denim. Hudson Jeans now 30% off, plus free shipping and returns on all US orders! Ends Tue. 7/31/12.

SSENSE:  It’s the final days of the summer sale!  Shop even further markdowns up to 70% off on brand faves like Rag & Bone, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Helmut Lang and more. Ends Tue. 7/31/12.

Yoox.com:  Save up to 75% off thousands of spring-summer styles from Missoni, Prada, Rebecca Taylor and more. Plus get free shipping on orders of $200 or more, no code needed. Ends Tue. 7/31/12.

Diesel: Save 25% on denim and get up to 50% off the rest of the Summer-Spring 2012 Collection, plus free shipping on all orders. Ends Tue 7/31/12.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Save up to 60% on brands like Tory Burch, Nicole Miller, Diane Von Furstenberg and more! Ends Fri. 7/27/12.

Peep some of the Shop It To Me ladies’ favorites of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

Clockwise from top-left: Coach boots | Mackage coat | MICHAEL Michael Kors bag | Enzo Angiolini booties | Jolt jacket | Citizens of Humanity jeans

If you haven’t pulled the trigger on our latest feature, which is choosing how you want your Shop It To Me email organized — by retailer, by clothing category, or by brand — fear not! Our Trendsetters (aka shopping experts) and our own staff (also experts in shopping) weigh in on this ultra-personalized featured and how/why they’ve organized their emails this way.

• “I organize my Salemail by store. That way I can see any special promotions the store is running in case I want to buy multiple items from the same spot.” -Natalie of Shop It To Me
  
• “I organize my sale by retailer because it’s the most like the experience of shopping in store.  I have my favorite retailers for certain items so it’s nice to have it broken up this way in my Salemail.”  -Caitlin of Shop It To Me
• “I organize my Salemail by retailer. I definitely have my favorites and love knowing which items I can shop with free shipping and free returns!” -Kelly of Shop It To Me

• “Personally, I chose the Clothing Category preference because you never know what you’ll come across when you think outside of the box! I have found the most amazing shoes and accessories from brands I’ve never heard of before and love sharing my discoveries with my readers!” -Patty of A Work in Progress
• “I organize my salemail by Category because I love hunting for the right dress for that night out on the town, regardless of which store it’s from!” -Alice of Shop It To Me
• “I currently have my Salemail organized by retailer. However, when I have an event or am searching for something specific I love being able to change it to Clothing Category to easily see what I’m already shopping for!” -Laura of 24-7 Style

• “I group my salemail by brand. I’m super specific and definitely have my faves (Joie, Adriano Goldschmied, Equipment, J Brand) so its great to be able to quickly scan through.” -Krista of City Chic
• “I think it’s best to organize Salemails by brand and/or by clothing category. Wallets, beware!” -Hallie of Corals + Cognacs
• “I’ve always had it organized by retailer… but I might try organizing by brand and see how that compares.” -Lisa of Pennlive.com

Choose your organization method here, now.

Enter for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to ShopGoldyn.com to quench your mid-summer thirst for designer goods. Also, Shop It To Me members get 20% off your first purchase through 8/16 using code SITM20 – sweet!

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

1. Follow @Goldyn and @ShopItToMe on twitter
2. Tweet the following phrase:

Win $200 to shopgoldyn.com + get 20% off now w/ code SITM20. RT & follow @goldyn & @shopittome to enter: http://bit.ly/OE6hrG #pickme

Contest rules:

• Contest runs today (Tuesday, July 17th) through Thursday, July 19th at 11:59pmEST.  One (1) grand prize winner will be selected.
• USA residents only
• Must be a Shop It To Me member to win
• Promo code SITM20 to receive 20% off at ShopGoldyn.com is only valid for first-time customers
• We’ll do a random drawing on Friday, July 20 and DM the winner. Stay tuned!

Goldyn is a premium online boutique that offers a curated selection of apparel and accessories designers including but not limited to Helmut Lang, See by Chloe, Alexander Wang, Mother Denim, Current/Elliot, Vena Cava, McQ by Alexander McQueen, J Brand, Pamela Love, girl by Band of Outsiders and Vince. Could there be a more stellar roundup of designers? Our gal pals over at Goldyn have given us a heads up of some of the summer’s hottest styles below, and we are swooning.

1. Epice scarf, $206
2. Elizabeth and James sunglasses, $185
3. Rebecca Minkoff morning after mini-bag, $495
4. T by Alexander Wang skirt, $136
5. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress, $173 (was $ 249)
6. Kora cuff, $83
7. J Brand skinny jeans, $225

As part of the giveaway, Goldyn is exclusively offering 20% off sitewide for Shop It To Me members with promo code SITM20 at checkout now through August 16th for first-time customers. They’ve also just marked down tons of great summer styles, so peep their sale section. Also, keep up with the latest news, deals and events by liking Goldyn on Facebook.

Good luck, fashionistas!

Who said Friday the 13th was bad luck? Enjoy sweet, sweet discounts from Bergdorf Goodman, Helmut Lang, Piperlime, Barneys New York, Theory, and Last Call by Neiman Marcus. Have a fantastic weekend!

Barneys New York:  Designer Sale – Final Days! Up to 75% off regular prices on selected clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children, as well as gifts for the home. Ends Tuesday 7/31.

Helmut Lang:  Summer Sale – 40% Off This Season’s Coveted Styles! Ends Sunday 7/15.

Theory:  Summer Sale – Enjoy 40% Off This Season’s Sought-After Staples. New Styles Added. Ends Sunday 7/22.

Bergdorf Goodman:  Designer Sale – Save up to 65% off Ready-to-Wear, Handbags & Shoes! Ends  Sunday 7/22.

Last Call by Neiman Marcus:  Last Cuts Sale – extra 30% off everything! Ends Monday 7/16.

Piperlime:  Fall Preview Event: sale on new arrival fall shoes – great selection of new fall styles up to 30% off, plus free shipping. Ends Sunday 7/15.