The Siren Song Of A Sale:
Dollars Saved Justification
January 26th, 2012 By

Know what I miss about New York? Century 21. For many years, I lived just a stone’s throw from the downtown outpost, which means I had ample time to wander through the happy jumble of aisles every weekend. And sometimes after work. (One friend used to make a morning pit stop on her way to the office, and legend has it that she managed to befriend one of the security guards at the door who would keep an eye on her coffee while she shopped. No drinks and food allowed.) Anyway, one of the brilliant things about Century 21 is that the largest graphic element on the receipt is the number of dollars you managed to save—and when you’re dealing in high-priced designer gear, that number can be staggeringly high. For dollars spent, my friend Emily was super pro at maximizing that number (I don’t think she ever left without hitting at least a thousand)—in part, because she was super pro at finding that lone, pristine Balenciaga blazer amongst the racks that had somehow been put on triple clearance and was priced at $69. To this day, when it comes to sale shopping, she’s kind of like a truffle-snorting pig. But really pretty.


So what’s the point of this ramble? You can bargain hunt on Beso, too, without the physicality. (If you’ve been to Century 21 you know how aggressively physical it can get.) There’s a Sale tab on our homepage: Click on it, and the category of your choice, and then click on the Stores tab on the left to refine by your favorites (otherwise the search returns will be too staggering). You can also choose to see things that are at least 20, 40, 60, or 80 percent off. It’s dangerous territory though: If you’re anything like me, you see that 72% off banner and feel compelled to give the item a home. Meanwhile, I’ll be compiling my finds in this collection right here. In Century 21 style, if I buy the four items above, I’ll have saved $1,302.50. Isn’t that like paying myself to shop?

clockwise, l-r: THEYSKENS’ THEORY PAX FALM PANTS, $88.50 (from $295.00), Shopbop; DOLCE & GABBANA WATERCOLOR SKIRT, $125.00 (from $490.00), Bluefly; NICOLE MILLER STRAPLESS GOWN, $178.00 (from $550.00), Bluefly; NANETTE LEPORE “DIVINE” FLORAL PRINT DRESS, $239.00 (from $598.00), Bergdorf Goodman.

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Zac Posen for Target + More! March 17th, 2010 By

zac_posen

Designer Zac Posen

Zac Posen has taken the fashion world by storm and has become a household name with celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Claire Danes and many more. He is known for his old Hollywood glamour-inspired evening gowns and his sultry, body hugging designs.  Many feel that the designer is a symbol for change in the fashion industry. 

Currently, Zac Posen is set to launch a lower priced collection for Target in April 2010. The collection is named 100% Zac, and is made for the woman who loves fashion without the couture price tag.  Target customers will enjoy printed dresses, swimsuits, and a few dressier pieces such as the tuxedo jacket.

Posen also launched Z Spoke on February 24 at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC.  Z Spoke is different from Posen’s runway collections as it focuses on daywear rather than evening gowns.  Also, the sizes run up to a size 16 — great news for the curvy gals!

Check out all Zac Posen on beso for the latest deals and steals.

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Bag It: Hello Metallic! November 20th, 2009 By

– Staci from HandbagReport.com

Tory Burch Metallic Wristlet, $155

It’s time to replace your black, brown, and tan handbags with a metallic one to instantly transform your look from simple to glam with minimal effort.  Allow me to take a moment to dispel the myth that metallic should be worn only to a formal event.  Since they complement just about everything from a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, metallic accessories are worth the investment.

Choose a medium to large size tote, hobo, or satchel for an everyday bag that is practical and functional.  Since metallics are naturally elegant, you can go straight from work to happy hour or dinner without worrying about whether to switch bags.  If you want to carry a metallic bag on special occasions, consider a clutch or wristlet as a chic alternative to the little sequin or jeweled bag.

Metallic is a trend with staying power because of its versatility.  Women appreciate options within a trend because there is room to express individuality.  Whether you opt for silver, gold, or a bright color metallic, there are plenty of choices that make you want to shout, “goodbye neutrals!”

To begin shopping for the perfect metallic handbag on beso, just click here or check out some of my favorites below!

Nicole Miller Mia Foldover Clutch, $174.95

Nicole Miller Clutch, $174.95

Michael Kors Brass Satchel, $1295

Michael Kors Brass Satchel, $1295

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