maybe it’s just because i went from looking at steven alan’s new spring arrivals to checking out the latest at the gap, but i couldn’t help noticing some pretty striking ‘inspired by’ pieces in the gap’s spring line:

are you seeing it too?  not that i’m complaining…i actually love that breezy plaid/floral thing, especially if you put them together – and layering contrasting patterns is going to be huge for spring.  i can rarely afford to splurge on the real deal at steven alan, but most of the gap pieces are under $60.  even better, this week you can score 25% off all new arrivals with code GAPNEW25 through sunday (2/21).

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!

in the spirit of the upcoming holiday, i thought i’d send a little valentine to an old love.  loeffler randall and i have had a perfect love affair since they launched, as my regulars will undoubtedly know.  but we hit a rocky patch in spring & fall ‘09, and i’ve been angst-ridden ever since.  it’s hard to say exactly where the love went – loeffler changed, i changed, and i guess i just lost that lovin’ feeling.  but i’m thrilled to announce that we have finally reconciled, and the love is stronger than ever for resort & spring ‘10.  even if you can’t indulge, this is valentine’s day (eye) candy at its finest.

from top left: idris navajo sandal, $375; belinda snake print platform pump, down 30-ish% to $332.50; sydney birdcage flat in stingray, down 50% to $225(!); shireen studded flat, $395; carlie mignon twist sandal, $325; anna woven platform, $725 (i know, i know…but it was too pretty not to include).

oh, and here’s a little valentine for you all – one of my best frugal fashion tips: don’t let loeffler’s splurge-worthy pricing get you down!  this is is one of my favorite lines not only because they make stunningly amazing shoes, but because they routinely get marked down astronomically at the end of the season.  so, if you fall in love, hang in there and google regularly, paying special attention to small, indy boutiques.  i’ve scored some unbelievable (under-$100!) deals that way.  like, say, these blue python athena flats for $225 at lamb’s ear shoes, or these sable pale gold sandals for $112 at confederacy. (whoops, i’m sorry…did those sell out suddenly? cough, cough…)

when i first spotted this top (j.crew’s laporte drape blouse, $110), i loved the draping, but wondered whether it would flatter.  i really didn’t see the wisdom of it all until i saw the styling potential.

before:

nice enough, right?  perfect for those days when you’re looking to hide an extra cupcake or two.  but now check it out with styling…after:

fabulous, right?  the destroyed denim and the flat gladiator keep the silk-and-pearls look from being too dainty, and i love seeing those pearls worn cross-body.  i’d never have come up with it, but i have no doubt i’ll be using this trick all spring.  personally, i’d try this with any number of anonymous silk shells we all have in our closets…if you can, add a scarf to the mix to give the same texture and flow this top has, but i think it’ll be genius either way.

sometimes j.crew annoys me (please, please stop changing your denim cuts and shoe sizing!)…but then they show up with styling this good and utterly redeem themselves.

(oh, and by the way…nab 20% off j.crew purchases of $175+ through saturday! use code SHHH at checkout!)

i’ve been waiting to rave about this book until it released, which finally happened last week (i know, preview copies are awesome!).  and the timing may just be perfect after all:  with many of you snowed-in this week, what better time than to overnight yourself a little entertainment via amazon?

one amazing thing, written by (watch now as i copy and paste this so as not to butcher spelling) chitra divakaruni, is made up of so many elements i love in a novel, it’s hard to imagine my not falling for it.  exotic international setting, a wide cast of characters, all with a unique story to tell, and a dash of urgency built in.  the novel is set in the waiting room of an indian embassy, which crumbles to the ground during an earthquake, trapping a group of people together.  as they sit, they decide each should tell one story about their lives (there’s a not-subtle ‘canterbury tales’ reference woven in).  the result gives such an interesting, broad portrait of their experiences in and with india, and the country itself – it really is fascinating. and blended into all of this is the panic, attempts to escape, and problems that arise during the time they spend trapped together.

the language in this book is especially lovely, and it’s perfect for those of us with shorter attention spans.  the plot moves along so quickly, and all of the different characters’ stories are sure to keep you riveted.  i polished this one off in about two days, and i’m sure you’ll do the same.

grab one amazing thing now at amazon, and you’ll have it in time to read over the weekend.  or, buy local and head out to your neighborhood bookstore!

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!)

i have heard from so many of you this year, begging for help with what seems to be the hardest task of all:  finding a valentine’s day gift for the man in your life.  and i fully admit, it is tricky.  after all, a holiday built on pink hearts and flowers doesn’t exactly scream testosterone.  the key, i think, is to let go and admit that valentine’s day is largely a girl holiday.  with that in mind, stop taking your guy’s gift quite so seriously.  he’ll be much happier getting something that’s sweet, funny and somehow involves you being naked.

i asked my hubs what the perfect gift for a guy was for valentine’s day, and well, his response can’t safely be printed.  but, his point is well taken.  find a cheeky valentine’s day card (my absolute favorites this year are these pun-ny versions from etsy seller westmama, who also happens to be a dear friend!), tie it to a can of whipped cream or a box containing the lacy negligee of your choice (since lingerie gifts really are for him anyway), and make sure you include an explicit proposition or two.  trust me, he’ll never notice (or care) that his gift cost you less than $5.

when in doubt, i tend to err on the side of corny when it comes to men’s valentines – pink champagne and scented candles just aren’t going to cut it.  urban outfitters has some fabulous guy-friendly ideas, but this box of candy hearts from urban outfitters ($8) is my absolute favorite.  it’s funny, just a little sentimental, and guaranteed to make you the coolest girlfriend/wife around.  especially if you pair it with a set of furry handcuffs.  (no, seriously.)

if you’re looking for something a little higher end, another favorite gift of mine for v-day is a really excellent bottle of his favorite liquor.  no, this does not mean champagne.  pick something he loves, and drinks when he’s celebrating.  a great single malt scotch, perhaps, or a fabulous tequila.  this works with nearly any price point – just get the best you can afford.

last but not least, i think guys sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to delivered gifts.  how much do you love seeing the florist show up at your office?  sending flowers isn’t the answer,  but try sending a batch of baked goods straight to his desk.  it’s creative, shows you care, and in almost every case, the way to your man’s heart really is through his stomach.  my absolute favorite for gifting are the round brownies from sugardaddy’s bakery in columbus…the flavor options are unbelievable, they’re gorgeous to look at, and they can be on his desk within 24 hours!

i happen to love valentine’s day…i loved it when i was single, and i love it still. i used to get so excited about making those valentine boxes to house all of the goodies kids passed around to each other on valentine’s day, and the valentine selection process at the grocery store every year was serious business.

that said, the holiday gets a pretty bad rap from grownups, singles and couples alike, and i do sort of hate what it morphs into once you’re an adult.  no one wants romance forced down their throat.  but i suggest a little change of outlook:  consider it a reminder to tell someone – a friend, a mom or a significant other – that you love them and can’t live without them.

i tend toward small, sweet and simple for valentine’s day, and when i doubt, i go full-blown corny – if you can’t romance them, at least you can entertain them.  that said, i rarely go overboard, and while i wouldn’t turn down an overboard gift (hi honey!), i never expect one.  just something simple that shows you’re thinking of the one you love.

today, it’s all about her…we’ll tackle the boys tomorrow (don’t worry, they’re easier to buy for locally).

jonathan adler heart pill case keychain: my love for mr. adler knows no bounds, and i simply must have this little heart pill case for my key ring.  the front is pink, the back is orange, and the inside is bright yellow…it’s just the thing to house my happy pills (er, tylenol?).  and at $24, it’s the perfect bargain valentine.  just, please, be smart and tuck a little love note (or, you know, diamond earrings) inside.

christine mignon rose gold hearts:  these sweet studs would certainly steal my heart away…and i’m sure they’d fare as well for just about any girl i know.  such a perfect valentine for a wife, of course, but what about a sister or a BFF?  divine.  $150 from the always-lovely christine mighion, and they’re eco-friendly besides.

whitney smith cupcake stand:  for the more creative guys, this might just the ultimate in sweet and thoughtful (ie, guaranteed to net you serious bonus points).  pick up one of these adorable cupcake stands ($72) handmade by whitney smith, and fill it with – you guessed it – one of her favorite cupcakes.  unveil on valentine’s day, and stand back to reap your rewards.

armani dolci truffles: i was skeptical when i heard armani’s latest venture was dessert.  after all, couture and chocolate aren’t exactly a traditional pairing.  but girls, i got to test these out, and hoo boy…mr. armani knows his sugar.  they’re utterly gorgeous (right down to the red silk packaging), unbelievably delicious, and they’ll be glad to ship anything your heart desires from their NYC flagship store, which you can reach at 212.339.5950. pricing starts at $35 for that lovely box of 16 truffles.

for those of you living near a nordstrom rack, i highly suggest a lunchtime or after-work visit…today, if possible.  i took a little time to check it out yesterday, and they have some pretty serious sales happening – a good chunk of the store is marked anywhere from 35-60% off the lowest marked price – i spotted nanette lepore, burberry, james perse, splendid…definitely above and beyond the usual suspects.

the rack is always my favorite super-secret source for designer denim (you do know about this, right?).  even the highest-end styles top out around $80 there, instead of the $150+ you’ll pay retail.  but yesterday, i may have nabbed my best deal ever:  a pair of paige denim’s “jimmy jimmy” boyfriend jeans marked down to $79, with an additional 60% off!!

yep, brand new paiges for $30…life is good.  i’m always the world’s biggest fan of paige denim (she and i just seem to have the same butt, what can i say?), but the cut on this jean is especially nice.  it’s a bit loose (try going down a size), but the backside is still super flattering and the rise isn’t too low.  plus, the distressing is subtle enough that even grown-up girls can wear them.  i’m especially loving this style because it’s not actually cropped, like so many of the boyfriend jeans.  it’s perfect rolled up, so you can have that ‘boyfriend jean’ look, but when it’s out of style, just unroll the cuffs, and they’ll be a great straight leg jean.

to nab this steal, just stroll on past the regular racks of denim and look for the clearance rack – there were a few rock & republic styles, and even a pair or two of joe’s jeans, all at some seriously amazing prices.

oh, and while you’re there…i spotted at least two pairs of jimmy choos (including these lovelies) for $229, plus an additional 35% off.  just sayin’.

i received this gorgeous necklace well before the holidays, and well, there’s just no excuse for not sharing it with you sooner.  it’s by the always amazing prismera design…i swoon over just about everything they come up with.  but the real genius in this piece is that it’s actually a three-in-one!

wear the whole thing as a long, multi-element necklace, or break it apart – the silver/copper portion detaches to becomes a bracelet:

and you’re left with that lovely, simple laser-cut flower on an 18″ gold chain to wear separately.  genius!  i love to see designers coming up with ways to maximize your investment when times are tight, and prismera definitely did it right.  $70 for three new pieces is borderline philanthropic, don’t you think?  plus, i’m thinking this is maybe the ultimate no-thought-required travel jewelry ensemble, all in one pretty piece.

as with all of prismera’s designs, this one won’t be around forever…so if you love it, nab it now!  (a little tip: signing up for the prismera newsletter before ordering will score you a discount code!)

have a great weekend, everyone…see you next week!  i have some perfect valentine ideas up my sleeve for you and the love in your life, so stay tuned.