Shop Local: Lou Lou

The hunt for the perfect cocktail dress or new outfit for work is never complete until you’ve tied it all together with a killer accessory. (Trust me, truer words have never been spoken). But sometimes it can be hard to dig up the right piece of jewelry from your cluttered collection. Instead of a last minute, frantic trip to the mall, my DC-area readers should check out Lou Lou, a cute accessories boutique with numerous locations across the DMV.

I recently shopped at Lou Lou in Old Town Alexandria and was blown away with their massive selection of reasonably priced jewelry. Seriously, hydrate and have lunch before stopping by — you’ll need the energy to sort through the tables of jewelry!

Exhibit A:

And Exhibit B — so many brightly-colored watches, bauble necklaces and lovely scarves and purses.

I couldn’t resist picking up two new pairs of earrings both priced under $25. One practical, one fun!

Locations:
Numerous! The original Lou Lou boutique is located in Middleburg, VA, but they have 9 DC-area shops including Alexandria, DC, Reston, Bethesda and more opening soon. Click for details.

Old Town Lou Lou:
132 King Street, Alexandria, VA [Map]
Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-7

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Don’t Forget Your Coupons on Black Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving, readers! I’m writing this post in a tryptophan haze. Soo much turkey. In my belly.

Just wanted to offer up a quick Black Friday tip: if you go shopping tomorrow, don’t forget your coupons! There are so many insane sales on Black Friday, you’d be a sucker if you went to the mall empty handed. Be a smart shopper and work those sales! (kitten knows what’s up!).

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Under the Radar Online Retailers

Amazon, Zappos, Nasty Gal….

Umm… one of these things is not like the other.

Amazon and Zappos are clearly powerhouses in the online retailer space. Everyone knows those names, everyone has shopped there.

But what about the Nasty Gals of the world? Finding these under the radar online retailers is like discovering buried treasures. These smaller sites offer cheap prices, on-trend merchandise, unique items, and personalized customer service.

And since I adore my readers so much, I thought I’d let you in on my top 10 secret online retailers. Click and shop!

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Nasty Gal – This San Francisco-based site specializes in vintage and unique designer items.

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Ruche – A vintage inspired boutique with a modern touch (my current fav).

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Shop Kempt – Feminine and fashion-forward clothing and accessories.

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In Pink – Your destination to shop the latest trends in fashion jewelry.

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Shabby Apple – Specializing in girly, flirty, and retro dresses.

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eShakti – This site offers a wide range of sizes and even offers custom sizing.

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Urban 1972 – Seelings pieces that range from basics to cutting-edge trends.

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ThreadSence – This girly site scours the planet for indie designers, artists, and aficionados.

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Asos – The UK’s largest online-only fashion. And they offer free shipping.

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Lulu’s – Phew, last but not least, Lulu’s may not be “under the radar” anymore, but it’s such a fab spot for fashionable clothing, shoes and accessories, I had to include it!

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Meet the New Ann Taylor

Every once in awhile my thriftiness paralyzes me from setting foot in expensive stores. Take Ann Taylor for example — I think their clothing is classic, but my perception has been I can’t afford it and therefore, rarely go inside unless my mom and her credit card is present (love you, Mom!).

How silly is that though? It must be possible to shop at Ann Taylor and not blow my budget! I just need to act like the thrifty shopper that I am: by seeking out store sales and saving coupons that I get in the mail.

A few weeks ago, I received a 40%-off coupon from Ann Taylor and decided to hold on to it for a rainy day. Then fate intervened and I was invited to a fashion show at DC’s brand new Ann Taylor concept store (600 13th St).

Coupon in pocket, I attended the event last night with other DC fashion bloggers from CapFABB. After grabbing a glass of champagne, I bee-lined straight to the sale section (that’s how I roll!). I saw a lot of great stuff but since I had just bought shoes this weekend, I decided to pass on any new purchases. Will use the coupon another time!

Overall, I love the new vibe of Ann Taylor: a bright white store, modern accessories and lots of luxe colors like cobalt and aqua blue. Will def be buying this top if it goes on sale! Here are a few photos from my swanky evening.

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Online Shopping Tricks

Between work, blogging, and chasing around a new kitten, I’m finding that I have less free time for shopping. Say it ain’t so!

Not long ago, I would dedicate a Saturday afternoon to wandering around the mall, browsing racks, trying on shoes, eating Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and coming home with a new item for my wardrobe.

I’m afraid I just don’t have time for an all-afternoon shop-a-thon anymore – and even if I did, I’m not sure I have the stamina/patience! Do you ladies have that issue, too?

My solution? Online shopping!

When you’re tight on time, online shopping is lovely alternative to the potentially stressful in-person shopping experience (especially during the holidays!).

But you don’t want to be a sucker. There are definitely some tricks when it comes to navigating online retailers, soooo…

Here are Style Me Thrifty’s tips for online shopping like an expert:

1. Find sites that offer free shopping both ways. Zappos, Endless, and Zara all offer this genius service. Free return shipping is especially handy when you’re shopping for shoes (since it’s harder to gauge the fit) or if you’re in between sizes and want to order 2 items and send 1 back.
2. Not all retailers offer totally free shipping, but many cough it up if you spend a minimum amount. Old Navy offers free shipping on $50 or more. Amazon is famous for their “super saver shipping” deal where you get free shipping on select items over $25. Consider combining an order with a friend to meet the minimum.
3. Read the sizing charts carefully. You want to make sure that your perception of a size 6 jives with a particular retailer’s sizing guide. If you don’t see a size chart on the page look in the footer or customer service section.
4. Don’t just look at pictures – make sure you read the description, too! What type of fabric is this dress? Is it lined? These are important details to figure out up front!
5. AND read the customer reviews. Take them with a grain of salt, of course, but I find it helpful to do a quick read from an actual person. It’s like shopping with a friend!
   
6. If an online retailer photographs the item on a model, keep in mind that she is a size 2, 5’10’’ and probably 18 years old. You are [most likely] not that girl! It will fit differently on your bodacious body.
   
7. Sign up for “flash sale” online retailers – like ideeli, Rue La La, and Fab – to score designer items that are extremely discounted. I’ve had a really positive experience with ideeli – they ship quickly and packaged everything nicely. All these sites are referral based and offers credits if your friends join
8. Keep in mind that many stores accept returns in person from their online sites. If you shop at these retailers online and it doesn’t work out, just make a quick trip to the store for the return. No harm done!
   

Do you guys have any tips to add?… have your kitten help you, perhaps? :)

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