eShakti Picks for the Holidays

Remember that awesome eShakti.com coupon code that I had given you guys a little while back? Well, the deals are back on! You can still get $20 off of a purchase of $20 or more with code: 260DAYS0811 until 12/31/11! Tha's enough time to have all your upcoming special occasions covered. It is not valid on overstocks but, that's ok most of the good stuff is brand new anyway...

Since the holiday season is fast approaching here are my picks for the many social engagments that we alll will have on our plates. eShaki.com is really a one stop shop (including accessories and shoes sandals) and you could put together a whole outfit to be the perfect stylin' guest or lovely gracious hostess!

Thanksgiving



Ambergris Dress



Art Gallery Opening Dress

Office Holiday Party

Embellished Neckline Herringbone Tweed Dress

Bow Tie Neck Dress


ChristmaHanuKwanzaakah

Dzilla Brass Rings Dress



Cotton Rosette Trim Dress



New Years Eve

Ruffle Skirt Strapless Dress

Beaded Neck Shift Dress

Examiner Says: Head Back To School In Style

With Stella and Dot you can take advantage of a great offer they have going on this week. Get a little something for yourself and the little lady in your life! Click through for more details...

Purchases: April 2011

This past month I found myself in an interesting position in terms of the blog and my closet. I had completed my one year and spent a startlingly small sum of money on clothes in that time. I thought, what a better way to reward myself then to go shopping for more clothes... No wait, that's wrong! That's my old mentality rearing it's ugly head. But, after thinking about what I might need I decided to venture out to LOFT and see what they had on the sale rack during that ridiculous 40% off already reduced clearance/30% off all items promotion because I still had a gift card from Christmas returns. I got 2 sweaters and 2 shirts and with all the crazy discounts and after the store credit I only ended up spending $15.20! I'm ok with that... Did you take advantage of any of the crazy sales this month while retailers were trying to make room for all the warm weather fare?

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

Sorry I have been completely MIA for the past few days weeks. There have been alot of things going on personally/professionally, and my time for blogging has definitely taken a hit... but, no excuses! I'm jumping back in trying to wrap up my one year post (so overdue I know... ) and other fun things but, tonight I am off to the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show (they sent me a press pass, SO excited!) if you are interested in joining me click here for $5.00 off the ticket cost. I hope to see you there!

Happy Three Day Weekend AKA

From: Iris

To: You 

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget to enter this giveaway which ends tomorrow February 21, 2011. It is open to US and International readers as well! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on THE ORIGINAL POST letting me know what item you wou get with your $100 credit to Shopbop... There are lots of ways to enter so take advantage of them!! Good luck!

Review and Giveaway: eShakti.com

When the people from eShakti contacted me about doing a review for them I was more than happy to oblige because I have head nothing but, great things. They want to make every customer look her absolute best by providing amazing trendy styles and a wide variety of fabrics and color choices in all sizes from 0-26. eShakti ensures the best possible fit and fall by providing all customers with the ability to personalize any item, and when I say personalize I mean bust out the tape measure. You can have a dress made to your exact measurements or request the removal or addition of details so your selection is most flattering for you.  At eShakti, a woman can find exactly what she wants - no compromise. She can ask for the fabric, color, body, styling and sizing that she likes. Never again will a woman have to hear that her size is not available.

On top of all those great things their choices are seemingly endless and evolving. I say that only because when I revisted their website today I noticed all new choices that weren't there a week ago! They have some absolutely gorgeous dresses; so many of them reminded me of things from Anthropologie that would cost twice as much or more! With all the amazing options it really was a difficult decision to make, I even put it to a vote with some of my besties and in the end this was the dress that I selected.

I didn't do exact body measurements but, their size chart is very accurate. It feels like this dress was made for me! I did, however, request the addition of my favorite thing...

That's right... they put pockets in for me! And they are at the perfect height for me!! Even with the modifications it was still quick shipping. I am super satisfied with the dress and the customer service. The only issue (and I would be remiss if I didn't note it) is that the zipper is defective. I feel like it probably just came from a bad batch and if I had actually purchased the dress there would be a simple, no hassle, money-back guarantee on returns. Since I didn't I will probably have to have it replaced by a tailor, O Well... 

Now for the fun part: eShakti has been generous enough to offer one of you lucky readers a $20 credit for anything on their website including (of course) custom orders. This giveaway will be until February 10, 2011 and is open to all readers in the US! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what you would spend the credit on... Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! Keep in mind that this is just one of a few fun things I have going on this month there is more to come but, I digress... For bonus entries:

• 1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment letting me know you did this.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment with your twitter handle.
• 3 bonus entries - Re-post this giveaway on your blog. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.
• 5 bonus entries - Add 260 Days, No Repeats to your blogroll. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.

Good Luck!!

How To Shop An Outlet Mall

photo credit

Three day weekends often mean some sort of crazy shopping frenzy and this one is no different. Martin Luther King Day boasts remnants of after holiday goodies combined with a big push from retailers to get their winter products off the shelves so they can start bringing in warmer weather wares. It isn't quite Columbus Day but, it's pretty darn close! For some people these special circumstances demand a different type of shopping experience and they head to the nearest factory outlet. If you haven't ever been before or don't frequent these types of malls on a regular basis they can be intimidating and overwhelming. Here are some of my tips for having the most streamlined experience:

1. Check their website and find out the hours of the outlet shops in advance so you can get there as early as possible and beat the rush of people. Generally speaking, if you can shop on a weekday that is even better!
2. Before you leave make sure you are wear comfortable clothes that will be easy to take on and off in dressing rooms with a pair of comfortable shoes. Chances are you will be walking quite a bit...
3. I know you won't want to look like a tourist but, pick up a map of the outlet facility or do some research on the website in advance to determine the must visit stores. Also, keep it handy to find the location of the restrooms if needed.
4. Look for clearance racks and additional markdowns in stores (generally in the back) and keep your eye out for unusual items you might not find elsewhere, it is a outlet after all. Check the website deals before heading out they will probably have details listed there.
5. Generally speaking you should understand that sizes vary a great deal from store to store and season to season. Outlets are definitely no different, so be sure to try on clothing to ensure the right fit and inquire about return policies if available. Check all final sale items over closely to identify any defects before you buy.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Purchases: October 2010

While I was on vacation last month I definitely did some shopping but, mostly in search of arbitrary souvenirs for family and friends. On one of our shopping excursions we wandered into a mall where there Saks Fifth Avenue was closing; yes, that's right closing. Everything (even the wall fixtures) was on crazy sale and I picked up a little something for myself. I am a total sucker for tweed and could not resist this fab Lafayette 148 skirt at 80% off the already reduced price; yes, that's right 80%. It ended up being about $23.00! I love it when I find ridiculous sales like this, it makes it so hard not to shop!

Exclusive Coupon Code: 10% Off At Overstock.com

One of my favorite shops online is Overstock.com. You can get lots of great stuff like handmade jewelry (my fav), chic sunglasses, and tons of designer clothing. On top of the amazingly low prices standard shipping is only $3.00 all the time! Although I can't shop so much right now the holidays are coming and I'm sure their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales will be a great place to get gifts for family and friends. What's even nicer is that they reached out to me and offered me the opportunity to provide you with a discount. You can use the promotional code 121728 and receive 10% off ALL Overstock items. It's just another reason to check it out ASAP, you should definitely take advantage!

Because blogging can be a business, I would just like to finish this post by saying that I did not receive any compensation for anything I said about this great store. But, I did get the coupon code for you all!

October 25, 2010: Unseasonably Warm

I was just getting on the boat for fall and today it is extremely warm... Make up your mind weather! I wanted to try out the tights and shorts thing that lots of people are rocking and so here it is higher temp or not. Now that I've done it I'm not sure that this is really working. I know generally the idea is not a bermuda short (per say) but, that's all I have to work with and that might be what seems off to me. Am I being too critical? Does this work or should I have styled it differently?

It also might be the fact that I am not feeling as comfortable in my clothes as I normally do. I have put on a few pounds (a few = 20+) between stress and not having time to eat properly over the past few months with this recent vacation as the cherry on top. Sufficed to say, I am feeling rather blah about how I'm feeling/looking and the way my clothes are fitting. I'll be honest, it's getting to the point where when I am looking at the pictures that I take (or that are taken of me) I am just looking for the one where I look the least bulge-y, it's not a good feeling. Am I the only one?

Not to get too personal but, I used to weigh alot more that I do now (almost 40 lbs. more that now) and I know now that keeping myself from gaining all that back has to be a daily conscious decision to eat the right things, go to the gym (which I haven't done in a while), and just generally be healthier. I also feel better when I am doing those things but either way, that hasn't been the case. Maybe saying it to all of you will push me to be more accoutable! No one is going to do this (being healthy thing) for me and if I want to keep on doing this (being a happy fun blogger thing) then I need to get that (first thing) straightened out. Besides, I can't really afford to buy any new (fat) clothes...

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black bermuda shorts, dear for Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Giveaway - $65 CSN Stores Gift Certificate!!

I was so happy when the nice people at CSN stores contacted me to do a giveaway for you guys! Their numerous stores carry a seemingly endless variety of goods. You could get a drop leaf table, luxurious bedding, or some awesome accessories to name a few. The possibilites are endless!And the timing could not have been better since today marks the halfway point of this personal style challenge. It seems like only yesterday I was doing a three month roundup but, I digress...  The winner will get a $65 gift certificate to spend on whatever they want at any of the CSN stores (not including shipping costs)!!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers! Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post telling me what you would get if you win! Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! For bonus entries:

• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Weardrobe. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Bloglovin'. Leave another comment
• 1 bonus entry - Be 260 Days, No Repeats fan on Chictopia. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Add 260 Days, No Repeats to your blogroll. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Re-post this giveaway on your blog. Leave another comment with the link.

The winner will be announced on at 10:00PM on Monday October 17, 2010 via random.org. Good luck everyone!!

Purchases: August 2010

Based on the abundance of seemingly new items in my wardrobe you might have assumed that I went wild this month but, that is not the case! I got many amazing gifts from my fabulous friends and family (thanks guys) for my birthday and there are still things in my closet that I haven't worn. But, I did buy two things: this really awesome shirt dress and super practical flyaway sweater from New York and Company! I'll tell you a funny story about that...

I bought the dress ($54.95) and sweater ($29.92) full price because I loved everything about them! But, I got a coupon in the mail from NY&Co. for 30% off everything in the store and I was mildly annoyed. Seriously, you couldn't have sent this to me two days ago? So, I went back to the store with all my items (plus receipt and coupon in hand) to get a price adjustment. When I got to the store and asked one of the managers she informed me that they only did actual price adjustments within a 24 hour period of purchase. So, I explained my coupon situation and she simply stated that I would not have been able to use the coupon to make my purchase so they couldn't do anything for me unless I found the exact same items in the store, returned what I bought, and then purchased the same exact thing... Understanding that this (ridiculous) policy was not her fault I did just that... I found this dress and exchanged the sweater I had originally purchased for the flyaway one. In the end total spent was just under $65.00. I'm ok with that in August because it was my birthday but, this month I need to control myself and not cave to trends. Another "You've Got This" Week is in order!

Purchases: July 2010

That's right people and I thought it was going to be alot more challenging. Hopefully, this experience will steel me for what is coming up! It's my birthday in less than a week so, there will be a serious temptation to rationalize buying tons of fancy going out clothes. Plus, with the imminent season change I am getting bombarded with emails about new hot trends for fall which tempt me a little.  It might be time for another, "You've Got This" Week come September and you can join along!

Puchases: June 2010

This month's shopping was light like last month.... the only thing that I bought was a pair of Christian Siriano for Payless sandals that I have been obsessing over for while because they went on super duper sale. The catch is that I'm not exactly sure what size I am so, I might end up returning what I ordered if the don't fit. I'm going to the store today to pick up my package so we shall see... it might end up being no purchases in June whatsoever if they don't work out!

Jasmere

Don't think of this as just another group buying site! jasmere seeks out lesser-known specialty retailers that deserve serious attention. Their team of New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC- based shopaholics personally tests every product we feature, using jasmere's negotiating power to offer you an exclusive discount. But don't let the low prices fool you. Every merchant that is featured on jasmere meets the highest standards of quality. You may not have heard of these websites (which I love), but you can be sure their products and services are the best around!

Sway!!!

I think every girls should have lots of fun, stylish, "got to" dresses in her closet. Dresses are fun to wear and very practical since they work for all different occasions and are actually whole outfits in one piece of clothes. Enter

With this new clothing site launching in the fall you will be able to get exclusive access to new dresses everyday! Click here to join early and enhance your dress wardrobe, like I did. I can't wait to see what they have in store...