Bargain ALERT! Fierce Heels from Christian Siriano for Payless!

Payless has definitely stepped it up over the years:) Is anyone else thrilled as I am with all these great designer collaborations? (i.e. Jean-Paul Gaultier for Target, Stella McCartney for GAP Kids, Jimmy Choo for H&M).

As an avid follower of Project Runway, I'm quite excited about Christian Siriano's latest collab with Payless. Just look at these Elisa Strippy Sandals with a going rate of just $29.99?!

(Image: Payless)

I can't wait to hit up the local Payless and try these out! I've been searching for a pair of strappy high-heeled sandals at a reasonable price and I think my search may be over. I'll definitely write a review once I get the chance to check them out. For shoes under $50, Christian Siriano's line is quite the steal! (Booties were the highest priced items) If only the 50% off Payless coupon from Oprah.com was still available...I'm also lovin' these Micola Zipper Flats.

FYI -- Payless offers FREE in-store shipping. Flat rate shipping costs is just $5.95 anytime!

Yay or nay on Christian Siriano's line? If you've had the chance to try them out or own a pair, I'd love to hear your thoughts:)

P.S. I just saw the Buy 1, get 1 50% off EVERYTHING Ad. Offer ends 12/1/09. Sigh...why do you tempt me with more unnecessary footwear, Payless??

Last minute costume at the most unlikely place...

(Image: Ikea.com)

IKEA! Strange, but true...I was making some returns at Ikea the other day and decided to walk around and "window shop." Is it just me, but don't you feel inspired to make-over your home after spending at least 5 minutes in there? They have such great displays and innovative ideas. The bursts of colors and patterns puts a smile on my face:) I passed the children's department en route to the caf and spotted these masks above from the Klappar Maskerad line. They actually look much better in person. For just $4.90 each, this could be a potential last minute costume. I didn't see a picture online, but there was the cutest viking hat and beard set from the same line plus there was a larger variety of animal masks at the store. I'm quite partial to the bear and dog masks, but I think I'm set for this Saturday:) Some friends and I are dressing up as the Incredibles + Syndrome (the villain). We're going for DIY recession buster costumes since none of us are willing to pay the steep price of $90 each for an actual costume. All I have to say is...thank goodness colored tights/leggings are all the rage!

What's your Halloween getup this year? Any plans for a DIY costume?:)

While shopping for accessories for our group costume at the 99 Cents Only store, I found these charcoal L'Eggs tights! The store is truly a treasure trove:) A friend found Ben & Jerry's (full size!) at his local 99 Cents Only store and another time, they had a display of iPod skins & holders from Belkin!! They were not cheap looking or ugly at all:) Bottom line, I'm a big fan! It's hands down the best discount store I've ever been to, even better than the Dollar Tree:) I couldn't wait to try them out and it was actually chilly enough to wear tights, so I paired it with the outfit below.

It's difficult to see here, but these tights have subtle vertical stripes. I still can't believe these were only $0.99! Plus, the quality of these tights are quite good. They don't feel cheap at all:)

(1) Cardigan Max Studio Sale $19.99, Macy's (2) V-neck tee Forever 21, $4.80? (3) Skirt Kirra Sale $4.99, PacSun (4) Belt Forever 21 $? (5) Tights L'Eggs $0.99, 99 Cents Only store (6) Necklace American Eagle Sale $7.

(Image: Amazon.com)

How about these Andrea Mary Janes by FRYE to complete the look;) Sigh...unfortunately, they're $140.99 ($188)on sale on Amazon.

What's your favorite local "treasure trove"?;)

TODAY only...$25 gift certificate via Piperlime

(Image: Piperlime)

I just saw this in my e-mail and had to share this with you:) Happy 3rd Birthday, Piperlime! To celebrate, they're offering a $25 gift certificate towards your next purchase with an order placed TODAY only. Unfortunately there are restrictions. Giftcard and final sale purchases are not eligible for this promotion. Also, FREE shipping on orders of $50 or more including items from oldnavy.com, bananarepublic.com, gap.com and athleta.gap.com (items must be in the same order). Piperlime-only orders ship for FREE. Pretty good deals from GAP Inc.:)

Vickery & Clarke Face Mask Review + Sephora DEALS

(image: CVS)

It's been awhile since my last product review. As promised in a previous Vickery & Clarke post, I give you the detoxifying mask. This natural product line is sold exclusively in CVS. I've used the mask about 3-4 times since purchasing the item. So far I'm quite happy with this product, especially since it was purchased for half the price!:) Even at its full retail value, Vickery and Clarke products are very affordable (under $15). The mask alone costs about $4.99 at full price.

Here are a few specs about the product:

Free People deals & steals + FREE shipping

Any fans of Free People out there? Their online boutique is offering FREE shipping until October 26, 2009. I don't think there are restrictions on the amount you must purchase in order to redeem the offer. Enter the following code during checkout: PUMPKIN. I love their bohemian chic style, but some pieces are a bit over the top for me. I suppose I'm not fashion forward enough:P I do love their easy breezy tops (as I like to call them). You just gotta have at least one piece in your wardrobe that screams, "yup, I just threw this on last minute and look amazing";)

The Free People collection is a bit on the pricier side, but I did find some great deals in the sale section. Take a peek at their $29.95 and under section for some steals! Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Triangle pearl necklace $9.95 (Orig $18) 2. One sleeve pocket tunic $29.95 ($58)

Patry bow flats $29.95 (Orig $98), also available in black.

White button up shirt tunic $29.95 (Orig $88)

(L to R) 1. Shimmy shoulder top $19.95 (Orig $78) 2. Urban artist tee $19.95 (Orig $58) 3. Voluminous pullover top $29.95 (Orig $58)

1. Dripping charms necklace $19.95 (Orig $38) 2. Crest charm necklace $9.95 (Orig $28)

I'm kinda sorta craving the voluminous pullover. It's looks like a cross between a cape and a sweatshirt, but appears amazingly comfy! Yay or nay?

Fun Jewelry

I was running errands today at Target and made a quick stop at the accessories section. Loved the collection! Anna Sheffield's jewelry for Target was a bit on the pricier side, but I just loved the dainty chains of her necklaces and the "modern heirloom" theme. I did find some fun rings for $7.99 and under (not part of Anna Sheffield's collection). I sneaked a pic with my cell hehe Sorry for the poor quality.

I was never drawn to oversized cocktail rings or costume jewelry before, but in the recent months, they have slowly grown on me. I think deep down inside I craved for one, but was afraid to take the step haha Thank goodness for retailers like F21 and Tar-zhay (as me and my friends like to call it ;) ) with affordable options for those of us who are iffy or need to play with them a bit. During my last trip at Forever 21, I didn't find one that I liked even though I dug through all the bowls overflowing with rings:P I browsed through the online store and found a few fun ones for $6.80 and under.

Deals & Steals

(1) Sigerson Morrison heels $69.99, TJ Maxx (So sorry about the sensor in the pic!) (2) Nine West handbag $36.99, TJ Maxx

I made a quick stop at TJ Maxx and Marshalls last week. There were some amazing deals, as usual, but I tried my best to control the impulse to splurge just because it's cheap haha I found a pair of Sigerson Morrison heels with a cute little bow for $69.99 and a foldover handbag (Foley + Corinna inspired) by Nine West for $36.99. The heels were so adorable, if only it was cheaper and in my size!! I walked out with only one item, a Harlow tee for $14.99! Omg, if you're familiar with this brand then you know how ridiculously comfy their tees feel. I've heard it described as "superfine tissue" soft (as in the good brand of Kleenex :P). This L.A. based label, now known as Monrow, is quite popular with the celebs. One tee could cost up to $106 at luxury retailers such as Bloomingdales and Nordstroms. Yikes, I'm not sure if I can bring myself to drop that much for ONE tee no matter how soft to the touch they feel. What about you guys? Do you have any favorite "tissue paper soft" tees that you swear by?

Gianni Bini Dress, Dillards

I also made a stop at Dillards. They had an awesome additional 50% off on reduced priced dresses! Granted that they're from the summer stock, there were still some that could translate well to the cooler weather:) I've been eyeing this graffitti inspired dress by Gianni Bini all summer. It was the last one on the rack and costs only $23.99 after discount, BUT I couldn't hold up the dress due to my modest upper body:( I would have loved to wear this with black tights and a military style coat such as the Rue Royale ($72) from Fred Flare (in black of course)...

(image: fredflare.com)

I spied some gorgeous chiffon dresses by M.S.S.P. (same company as Max Studio) for under $75! I'm not sure if the sale event is still ongoing, but ladies, it's worth checking out Dillards online ;)

What's your latest bargain find?