Tuesday, March 9, 2010

An in-the-know friend in a box!

All theses great beauty samples in just one little box....


OK... We have to say, we are totally PUMPED about this new company. We cannot wait to get our Birchbox in the mail. We just signed up a few weeks ago and should be receiving it in the mail in a couple of weeks. 

Sign up for a Birchbox membership and receive a Birchbox in the mail once a month ($10/mo).  It will be filled with awesome beauty samples for you to try out. Talk about "help save a girl a little money"!!!! How many times have you spent tons of money on new beauty products and within a few days your face looks like a 13 year old girls and now you have a full bottle of an awful product, zits the size of craters and no more money to spend on new products? 
Now with Birchbox- sample all the products and just buy the ones that work best for you!

Here is their "About Us" from their site BIRCHBOX.COM:

What is Birchbox all about?
Birchbox is your in-the-know friend who you go to for such life-altering questions as: What SPF isn't going to make me break out? What's the difference between a serum and a moisturizer? Green nail polish - yay or nay? She's picky and with good reason - she's tried everything under the sun and knows what works, what doesn't, what's worth the splurge and what you can skip. Best of all - she's generous both with her knowledge and with the preview beauty samples she always seems to have tucked away. Birchbox will span beauty categories and deliver inspiration and products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to look anything but fresh and natural.
We created this because just like you, we love beauty but we don't want to have to work too hard for it. Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss.

The Backstory
Co-founders Hayley Barna and Katia Ververis met as classmates at Harvard Business School. They immediately bonded over a love of good food and costume parties and shared a sense of excitement and optimism about life.
While getting ready for a night out, Katia commented on Hayley’s assortment of amazing beauty products that “I haven’t even seen in stores yet”. Hayley’s response: “Everyone needs a Mollie”, referring to her friend who covers beauty and spas for a leading lifestyle travel magazine. Why can’t everyone have a friend that gives them a personalized assortment of the best and newest beauty products?
In that realization the idea for Birchbox was born. Katia and Hayley believe they have developed a win-win- win business model and that Birchbox can be that friend.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Fabulous Finds

I was rummaging through some magazines this weekend and found some AWESOME finds that I wanted to share. 

 

This weeks issue of People featured some "Budget Chic" celebrities...


 We absolutely adore the Paris Charm crop top that Lauren Conrad is wearing. Only $55 from topshop.com- Can't beat that!

Emmy Rossum's weekend wear is rockin- the whole outfit is only about $200! We love her Zelda skinny jeans for only $59.50 from Express.com

Unfortunately for US online shoppers- we will not be donning Alexis Bledel's frock because H&M has yet to bring its online stores to the United States. However, if you are in an area with an H&M run out and get this sweet tiered dress- only $49.95. 

 
in this month's Lucky Magazine...

 

We couldn't resist featuring this dress- perfect for those hot summer days. We can just picture ourselves throwing this on with some sandals and running out the door. Or dress it up with some espadrilles, wedges or heels and jewelry for a summer date. Converse One Star wrap dress at target.com for only $29.99

 These peplum jackets are perfect for any occasion- wear them to work, on a chilly weekend day or wear them out with skinny jeans and heels for a night on the town. We LOVE the Rayon Blend Worthington by JCPenny.com!!!! Super cute and the price is unbelievable.

 
 in this months InStyle...
 
We absolutely had to share this fabulous find with our readers. This mini is perfect for summer days.

Check out these fabulous finds at target.com


We are especially excited that "Jean Paul Gaultier brings his body-conscious look" to target.com bustier with shrug- only $30. Beginning in March

Also, check out former Mint designer Jodie Arnold at thelimited.com. Also coming in March

 

What a brilliant idea!!! Spruce up any old dress in your closet with a new belt made from silk satin ribbon from mjtrim.com.
$5/yard.


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Uniqlo...say that again?...UNIQLO!


First of all let me say it is an utter SHAME that the only Uniqlo store in the US is in Soho.  I guess I should just be happy we have one at all!  Uniqlo is a Japanese retail store that is completely amazing.  They carry everything you can think of at extremely reasonable cost, and (Bonus) their pieces are very well made and last!  Also, Jil Sander and Uniqlo have decided to re-team and her new pieces for the clothing giant are incredible! If you are a fan of Jil Sander (as we are) you should really check the website out.  Honestly, even if you are not it is worth the time- it definitely is.  

CATCH: You cannot place orders online. You have to call the customer service line to place your order.  We have done this several times, and it is very easy.  Just go to their website http://www.uniqlo.com/us/
and select the "Product Search" tab at the upper left corner.  As you select items you like just "add them to my list."  If some of the items are out of stock-DO NOT WORRY.  There is talk of additional release dates in the spring!
 
Here are some of our favorites!
Sorry no pictures available- but click on the links below to see/purchase the featured items.
 
 

MIDDLE LENGTH TRENCH COAT- $79.50- This is truly a STEAL!!!! http://www.uniqlo.com/us/explorer.html#/code:061444-000-57/
 
 
DI FOR UT SUZUKI TAKAYUKI D - $29.50. This shirt is ABSOLUTELY adorable- a must buy. Its romantic and flirty. http://www.uniqlo.com/us/explorer.html#/code:062796-000-01/
 
DOUBLE FACE BOAT NECK 3/4 SLV TUNIC- $19.50- super cute! http://www.uniqlo.com/us/explorer.html#/code:061657-000-09/

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Big Bows or Big No Nos?

Love it or hate it?
Marc by Marc Jacobs- Photo by New York Magazine


 Milly- Photo by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week


Jason Wu- Photo by New York Magazine




Betsey Johnson- Photo by New York Magazine

Fashion week is over, Spring 2010 collections are out, trends have been set, buyers are in a frenzy, money is being spent and fashionistas everywhere are craving, starving and ravishing for new Rags and accessories. One trend that stuck out to us were BIG BOWS.  They were all over the runways from Marc by Marc Jacobs to the ever obvious Betsey Johnson. Tell us what you think... will you be donning this new fad?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Boyfriend Turns Tricks


UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE... this is my super cute boyfriend who was a nonbeliever in the art of online sales and cash back programs. A skeptic at its best. He was searching for appliances for the house he is building. We had been EVERYWHERE. Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, Conns, Sears, JCPenny- and if anyone knows me- you know I was not happy to have been in more than one hardware store in less than a day. Dreadful really.  So we got home (empty handed)... he got online and started shopping. I told him about our "few tricks of the trade" post so that he could get some money back from his purchases by using ebates. He was reluctant to say the least- but I got him all signed up and he SAVED over $130 by shopping Home Depot thru ebates.com.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Upcoming fabulous sales from some of our favorite sites


Date
Site
Sale
Feb. 18
Nicole Miller
Thomas Wylde




30% off- use code RRRLOVE (2/18- 2/22)



Feb. 19
Smashbox

BCBGMAXAZRIA
Elizabeth & James
Rag & Bone
Steven Allen
Must Have Boots

Romeo & Juliet



Feb. 20
Prada



Feb. 22
Chanel Vintage Handbags




30% off sale ends today



Feb. 24
Paige Premium Denim



Thursday, February 11, 2010

a few little tricks of the trade...

Looking for that perfect piece of clothing online can be a daunting task.  BUT look on the bright side, searching online can afford you a wider search while allowing you to keep that budget in check. Here are a few helpful ideas to help you get that perfect piece for a perfect price!

 
Join ebates or Lucky rewards (must be a subscriber to Lucky Magazine); these sites allow you to search for the merchant you want on their site and then they transfer you to that site while giving you a ticket number.  You get a certain percentage of the money you spend back!  AMAZING.  Honestly, since late 2008, I have received over $200 back- embarrassing, but true!




Shop at websites like: www.gilt.com, www.hautelook.com and www.ruelala.com when possible.  Oftentimes, these websites offer discounts upwards of 70% and there can be such great deals to be had! 

OUR TOP SECRET....
  The DIRTY DIRTY TRUTH is some websites offer coupon/ promo codes that they do not particularly advertise on their websites.  If you just "GOOGLE" or "BING" (whichever your preference), "_(website)_ coupon codes" you might be surprised what pops up.  Sometimes, the codes are expired, but when they are not, they are completely worth it!
 

Monday, February 8, 2010

Fun in the Sun


Spring and Summer is right around the corner- get all your SUNSSENTIALS at great prices on sites like Gilt.com and Rue La La (happening right now- hurry- sale ends in 1 day). Don't spend hundreds on designer Rags for the beach; these sites have great designer swimsuits, hats, and sunglasses at AMAZING prices. Remember Rag Taggers always use SUNSCREEN!! Theses sites often run deals on fabulous products like MD Skincare "Made for Shade"(I just ordered mine!).  Remember- if you need an invitation to any of these site just let us know ragsandtags@gmail.com

 
 Featured above:
Vix Black Gem Long Triangle Top - $35
Pratesi Red Terry Cloth Mini Beach Bag- $49
Christian Dior "I Love Dior" Rimless Sunglasses- $119
MD Skincare "Made for Shade"- $29

Friday, February 5, 2010

We LOVE these sites- 2 of our all time favorites

We LOVE Lulus for those Rags with really great Tags!!! 
Everything on the site is super cute and with a Tag that will definitely to make you smile. 
Prices are unbelievable!

It was love at first sight with this Burnt Pumpkin Handbag. The perfect accessory for any outfit- the color is awesome and so is the price- $36. 

Always a favorite- FEATHER ACCESSORIES- try this Feather Bracelet at this stellar price - $12

Save the Day Dress is super cute with flats for some summer fun or throw on some heels and dress it up for a night on town. The back is absolutely adorable and the price is to die for- $35!

We HEART these Greco Studded Sandals. A little pricey for sandals but sometimes a little splurge is necessary for the perfect summer sandal. $97
The perfect Wide Leg Black Trouser but hurry- not too many left on the site and understandably at this price- $32



Yoox has got to be one of the best sites around-BAR NONE.  
The selection is amazing and the prices are very reasonable for the designers offered. 
ALSO, if you are an online shopper who likes to know they are getting a good deal at a legit site (which is always nice), perhaps a positive review from NEWSWEEK would give 
you extra security in your potential investment.  There are so many great pieces on this site, 
but here are some our favorites for starters!
Up to 80% off End of Winter Sale on yoox.com!



1. A little M Missoni hummm, why not (esp for $25)?  This would be perfect stacked with some of your other favorite bracelets and bangles!

2. Golden Goose, We love this sweater, love the pockets, love the draping, great piece.
Only $59.00 originally $190

3. A girl can dream can't she? Alaia $395 a great discount from originally priced $590

4. Belts are always a great accessory. This would be great over a dress in the summer or a larger sweater in the winter- simply put...and investment piece! Yigal Azrouel $49 originally $128

5. The angles on this dress are fabulous and can't you see wearing this piece once (if you so choose) kids come into the mix? LONGEVITY in a dress? Always nice. Rogan $65 originally $160






 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Who Dat!!!

We will be cheering on our Saints with some of our favs from this season.  
 We will be HOOTING on Drew Brees with these adorable owl earrings from Lulus.  Only $9.00!!! And head banging and dancing our way to victory in this Free People Heavy Metal Top from one of our favorite sites Billion Dollar Babes. Shirt is originally $118 but its only $25.00 on this site!!! Don't worry if you are not a member of Billion Dollar Babes, just send us your email and we will send you an invite.  Don't feel like getting quite that dressed up- throw on a slouchy Tee from American Apparel. We love it in Slate but maybe try it in Lemon or Gold for the game.
  
 Definitely need some comfy pants for the evening to cheer, dance, scream, eat and drink. We absolutely LOVE these Joe's Jeans The Legging. Try them with a tunic, boyfriend sweater, boots or heels. Check them out at Joes's Jeans. Only $89.00.  And to complete our WHO DAT outfit, our biggest love of all this season, the Faux Fur Rachel Roy vest.