i always love this time of year for bargains.  casual shoppers are worn out by the holidays, and the after-christmas crowds are gone, but this is prime time for my favorite local boutiques to induce mega markdowns in advance of spring arrivals.  fall’s pieces are always more versatile and, typically, more expensive than spring styles, so i really relish the winter sales.  i thought i’d share a few of my favorite sale finds of late, both online and off.

i picked up the minidress version of this utterly wonderful cowl neck tank from t by alexander wang (isn’t that blue gorgeous?) from frances may, a local boutique that gets loads of love from the fashion world (check out their feature in lucky this month!).  if i hadn’t been set on a tunic-length, i’d have picked up this tank version instead, as i’d probably wear it more.  $62 is as close to a steal as this line gets, and i can tell you, the cut is *un*believable.  divinely drapey, flowing, but curve-skimming…it’s sheer layering perfection, and can you imagine it with shorts this spring?  (sizing note: i’d say it runs a smidge big…i think going down a size would be totally appropriate here.)

sadly, my latest completely awesome bargain find – a military-style jacket at anthropologie yesterday for $9.95(!) – isn’t online.  but i will say in general, their (in-store) selection of coats is excellent right now – i fell hard for a buttery leather cropped moto jacket in burnt caramel, for $124.  as for online finds, this striped michael stars tee is right on trend for spring, and definitely a steal at $29.  i was utterly shocked by the flattering styling of these joe’s knit chelsea leggings (leggings, not jeans…don’t let the pockets fool you), and they’re maybe the most comfortable thing i’ve ever worn. they’re $78 for now…i’m holding out for one more markdown.

those of you on the east coast are lucky enough to be near one of my favorite shops.  CUSP is a spinoff from neiman marcus, and they’re one of my must-shops when i hit the east coast.  but don’t fret – if you’re not nearby, there are some serious steals at their online sale right now, especially in the “under $100″ section.  the fillmore moto jacket ($81) is maybe the best version i’ve seen of the classic moto – the asymmetrical styling makes it infinitely more hip, and infinitely more wearable for those of us over the age of 25. plus, that bright indigo shade will be fabulous layered over your spring floral dresses (or that striped michael stars top!).  and, if you’ve been wanting to try the sequin trend, i love their version from MK2K (i have a feeling this one’s more sleek than it appears – those microsequins never photog well).

have you been braving the weather to hit up the winter sales in your ‘hood?  i’d love to know what steals you’re scoring these days!

oh, i was going to be lazy and not post today…but then i started browsing shopbop’s latest batch of markdowns, and i just think it’s too good not to share.  definitely worth slacking off at work a bit this morning to browse, but i’ll show off a few of my favorites to get you started:

i’ve finally caved and admitted that the short boot may have a place in my closet after all. this grey suede pair from antik batik (down 50% to $236) might just be the one. i love the low-ish stacked heel, and the low-cut angle at the top of the boot just might get me to try these with a skirt.  maybe.

and as for the green suede pumps?  well, they’re stuart weitzman, they’re 70% off (making them $89), and i can tell you that my own green suede pumps, though they happen to be sigerson morrison, are probably the shoes i’d grab first if my house were on fire.  such a great, happy color, and they’re so much more versatile than you’d think.

if you happen to be after that blazer look, i love this version from seven for all mankind.  the length is infinitely more forgiving than cropped styles, it’s lacking the shoulderpad-and-rolled-sleeves combo that reminds me all too painfully of junior high, and there’s a little spandex in there for the comfort factor.  it’s 30% off now, making it $192 – not a steal, but definitely a worthy buy.

this ella moss dress is a 70% find (just $60!), and just believe me when i say it will be your spring staple.  these abstracted prints (this one’s actually a snakeskin print) are going to be everywhere!  the ruching makes it figure-flattering, and the length is actually presentable!  for now, add a jewel-toned cardi (yellow, emerald or a bright red would be fab!), black tights and yes, maybe a little pair of booties.  perfect!

personally, i’m hoping to take the plunge on a new pair of boots and a few tees i wouldn’t have bought at full price.  these versions from kain, monrow and rachel pally all come with excellent references from the fashion powers that be, in terms of fit and longevity.  they’re so much more chic than anything you’ll find at old navy, and the sale price keeps me from having to cover my eyes when i click “purchase.”

what are you excited to scoop up in this fabulous sale?  (fictional purchases are welcome too!)

okay, maybe not “cheap” by my normal standards.  but $166 for prada shoes is a steal no matter how you slice it.

maybe i’m just rebelling against all of those sky-high platform sandals this season, but i think these butter yellow kitten heel peeptoes will get you through the rest of summer and early fall with so much style, and they’re so classic, they’ll last for years!  plus, they’re from prada’s linea rossa line, which is always amazingly comfortable.  i’d love to see these paired with skinny jeans, and they’ll be amazing with colored tights when the weather cools off.

nab them at barneys now…they have almost a full selection of sizes left!

i got an email this morning that one of my favorite online shops, kate boutique, has now put their entire stock on sale at 50% off (use code summer50).  naturally, i couldn’t resist checking things out.  as always, there are loads of goodies (including some pretty amazing scarves, and a couple of gorgeous golden goose handbags).  but what really stood out were their selection of tees.

i hadn’t seen anything from the minden chan line before this, but one look, and i think i’ve found perfection.  they’re actually designed by an MIT graduate, which explains that perfectly-calculated draping.  the sleeves have some really beautiful detail as well, which i love on a basic like this.  the neckline is just about perfect – not too revealing but ideal for layering.  and, in lieu of side seams, these chic tees seams in the back, so you won’t have tugging on the sides, just smooth, graceful body skimming.

as wonderful as i think they are, i’d still probably choke at their full $94 pricetag.  but half off?  i can definitely justify a $48 tee…particularly one this special.  i may even have to get their asymmetrical tank as well – it’s beautiful!

(ps…check out all of the tees while you’re there – i also loved the golden goose options.)

for those of you wondering how i’m managing to hold my head high without blogging the first day of the nordstrom anniversary sale today…well, the truth is i just wasn’t all that in love this year.  there were a few goodies, though – so i decided to be all high-tech and tweet them instead.  if you’re curious, check out the pieces i may not be able to live without over in twitter-land.

i hope you don’t mind, dear readers, but i’m a bit under the weather, so i think a long weekend is due.  however, never one to leave you without shopping options, i thought i’d give you a tempting rundown of all of those fab holiday sales happening this weekend.  i’ll do what i can to update this post as new steals and deals cross my path, so keep your eyes peeled!

NEW! tobi:  take 30% off sitewide with code FIREWORKS30 through 7/6.  does look like it excludes sale items, but tobi is a killer source for denim, so this is a great chance to stock up!

shopbop:  25% off all sale merchandise through 7/2!  use code EXTRA25 to score deals like this sweet little milly dress for an even sweeter $75…i highly recommend starting at the 70% off section and working your way down!

tory burch: EDIT: the 25% off code is gone, but it looks like they’ve done an across-the-board markdown to make up for it.  so, still worth checking out! 25% off all sale merchandise today only with code SALE25. this looks to be just about everything from tory’s spring line, and it’s the best sale i’ve seen in a while. i loved this dress when it first came out at $398, but now that it’s, oh, about $115? yes, please.  and could i have the clutch i’ve been searching for all summer too?  thanks.

alexis bittar: maybe not quite as exciting after those two bombshells, but excellent nevertheless. the king of costume jewels looks to have dropped prices on just about everything by 30-50%.  in honor of the holiday, i can’t resist falling for this little drippy ice cream cone necklace, but there are piles and piles of beauties to choose from.

kate boutique: my favorite santa barbara style outpost is offering 30% off sitewide with code summer09, and there are goodies galore. i’d start at the epice scarves (which never ever go on sale) and browse from there!

emily elizabeth jewelry:  the lovely designer herself tweeted to remind me she’s offering 35% off her entire site through 7/12 with code 35off.  i so wish i could blow off my budget and finally pick up that fern leaf bangle i’ve been eyeing for nearly a year.  ooh, or (and?) maybe the colin necklace…looks like it’s a new design, and utterly fabulous!

happy long weekend, everyone!  may your barbecue be hot and your hangover be short.

while i’m definitely lusting from afar this time around, there are some truly covet-worthy pieces in the shopbop designer boutique sale this morning.  care to do a little window shopping?

how can you not love the reid dress from rachel roy (50% off, down to $597.50)?  it would hide a multitude of sins, look fabulous on most anyone, and work for every season.  definitely investment-worthy if the budget permits…it’s the most versatile dress i’ve seen all year.

that sergio rossi pump (50% off, down to $440) is the ultimate summer neutral for everything from dresses to boyfriend jeans.

and while i’m no serena van der woodsen, that bronze derek lam cardi (50% off, down to $295) would definitely help me look the part.  i love that it works with everything from a tank to a cocktail dress…not to mention being the perfect accent for those fab sergio rossis.

if all this retail (non)gratification has you weeping into your cappucino, i’ll give you one bargain you might be able to swing: this sweet little clutch from anya hindmarch comes in three gorgeous primary hues, and will cure even your worst case of retail envy – all for less than $150.

i’m curious:  are you skipping the high-end sales this year, or are you taking full advantage of all of this recession-style retail?

the lovely A has alerted me to a pretty fabulous phenomenon:  stepped discounts at bloomingdales until tomorrow, 4/2 (no, this is not an april fool…that would be just mean).  score 20% off purchases up to $299, 30% off purchases up to $499 and 40% off purchases $500 and over.  on EVERYTHING.  plus free shipping if you spend $300.  oh yeah, and get an extra $25 off a $100+ purchase with code PRIVATE.

so, basically, god is telling you it’s time to buy a new handbag for spring.  being in a fairly serious slouchy bag mood at present, i humbly suggest the lovely kooba dale tote or this bright marc by MJ huge hillier hobo.  i think i’ve gotten too lazy for satchels.

happy hunting!

i’m always wary of the celeb-turned-designer, but justin timberlake’s william rast line is definitely an exception to the rule.

this twill blazer is the ultimate go-to for the season – unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that blazers are back in a big way.  i absolutely love the oversized collar, the asymmetrical overlapped closure and the not-too-cropped length.  and the military inspired patch on the shoulder keeps the look casual, a nice added bonus.

best of all, the blazer – and most of the william rast line – is 60% off at nordstrom this morning, making this piece a steal at $129.  so, go forth and spend!

much as i’m loving the gladiator trend on others, i’m having a hard time pulling it off for myself.  i’m not sure what it is…i think maybe there’s just too much leather, so it’s like a half-shoe, half-sandal thing, and i’m having flashbacks from bad birkenstock episodes in the ’90s.  or it could just be that i only ever see the flat sandal looking hot on supermodels…and i’m scared that on me, they’re going to just look awkward.  either way, it’s nerve-wracking. 

but when i saw this classic gladiator from oh…DEER, all my fears went out the window.  i realized that, when you use a light, almost flesh-toned leather (yes, my legs are that white), the style becomes less of a standout, and more a cohesive part of your look.  after giving these a try, i’m a new convert to the gladiator!  so, if you’re nervous, i highly recommend this version – plus, they happen to be on sale!

oh…DEER janet sandal, $119 on sale!