Frilling Roams

I know most of us have almost had it with customer service (or lack of) from a lot of our fave retailers lately, so I was really pleasantly surprised when I got a call from Lands' End customer service today over my recent return. All they wanted to do was let me know that my return had been processed and informed me that my next order will have free shipping for my "inconvenience".

Now I know that Lands' End always has some good discounts floating around and I'm sure what they did for me was just standard procedure, but this little gesture that cost them almost nothing went a long way for me. I think a lot of retailers today forget about how small things will resonate with their customers - thanks, LE.

What are the particular retailers out there that you find have superb customer service?

Here's my OOTD - gloomy morning equates to dark pics, sorry!

Sweater: Anthropologie Guinevere Roaming Frills
Dress: Ann Taylor Loft poplin striped (worn here and here before)
Necklace: Anthropologie Nueva Granada (worn here, here and here before)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Pine-A-Colada (worn here, here and again)

Over the weekend I made my first fall purchase in the form of Steve Madden's Olster boots (we can't count the Uggs because those are winter shoes - is this shopaholic rationalization?) I've been on-the-fence about getting them, but they're currently 40% off and an additional 20% off with free shipping with code "RMN20F" (I think this deal ends today) - so how could I not?

If you've been eyeballing these yourself and miss the Madden deal, they are currently also on sale at Shoes.com - always free shipping, and get 20% off with code "VISA" (not sure when this expires, but it still works).

Jump Around

Topic-jumping, that is. When you can't put one complete thought together to help fill in a post, so you throw down all your half-(witted) thoughts? That's me today with my own version of blogging ADD:

"Party's here!" Please tell me I am not the only person super-excited about the new season of Jersey Shore premiering tonight. TONIGHT! I mean, I think I already get the gist of the entire season (GTL, copious amounts of fist pumping, cat fights, grenades in the pool, and I think Snooki and Vinny hook up - have I missed anything?) but I can't help but to want to watch every episode. If you're going to do trashy reality TV, why no go over-the-top and let it be fun and funny, eh?

...

Attention shopaholics: If any of you gals do as much unnecessary online window shopping as I do, here's a potentially timesaving new tool for you: Shop It To Me. I know they've already made their rounds in the blogosphere but I really think the site is kind of a cool concept. Shop It To Me lets you pick your clothing preferences and fave retailers, then sends you e-mails when stuff in your categories go on sale. So it does the sale searching for you - time saver YES and shopping enabler DEFINITELY. The e-mails are pretty extensive though, but they include pics, prices and links (plus it is free to sign up, and free is good).

...

Boden's fall collection is officially out. And from now until August 2nd, get 12% off new stuff and free shipping with code "G969." Loads of yummy knits and tweeds and warm autumn colors - now why don't they have petite sizing already?!

...

And miscellany aside, here's my OOTD:

Gotta have some silliness in your pics, right?

Top: Martin & Osa v-neck button cuff tee (worn here before)
Skirt: Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte Royal Poinciana (worn here and here and here before)
Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny
Necklace: Anthropologie Nueva Granada (worn here and here and here before)
Shoes: Vince Camuto (worn here and here before and ...)

Well that's what I wore to an informal vendor meeting this morning, anyways. For some reason I didn't feel completely comfy though, so I ended up spending the rest of the day like this:

Shorts: J. Crew Brigitte gingham poplin (now on sale - worn here and here before)

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks Finch (on super-sale - worn here and here and here before)

Leifsdottir and Neiman

Chloe posted about this first - Neiman Marcus (I sometimes lovingly refer to them as "Needless Markups") is having a big last call sale right now with free shipping, no minimum on orders placed in the continental US with code "SHIPNM." Expires July 19.

Amongst the goodies are some of Leifsdottir's older offerings, which may interest you if you've missed them on sale at Anthro. As a bonus, it looks like Leifsdottir has also finally updated their sale site - so you may need to compare pricing at both sites (and figure in Neiman's current free ship offer):

Acadiana Ruffle Skirt (wasn't I just whining about this skirt?)

$99 at Leifsdottir or $132 at Neiman

Bougainvillea Tank

$105 at Leifsdottir or $99 at Neiman

Elysian Silk Dress
$190 at Leifsdottir or $253 at Neiman

I recommend you check both sites out if you're on the prowl for some Leifsdottir goodies - Neiman has some stuff that is now sold out (like the Harlequin dress for $116 or Medallion print dress for $129 - can't remember their Anthro-equivalent names), plus their current shoe sale is ridiculous! And Leifsdottir has some beauties on sale that were never sold at Anthro (like the gorgeous Jubilant blouse for $100 or the Mantelet cardigan for $140).

Leifsdottir has always been a little too rich for my wallet, but that Jubilant skirt is calling my name ...

Easy Like Sunday Gingham

And Saturday gingham. Quick post tonight - hope everyone had a wonderful weeked! It's been super hot and humid down south, so I gingham'd it all weekend and kept it as cool-inducing as I could (when it's really hot, I instinctively want to wear shorts for some reason).

Shirt: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (worn here and here before - yes I have this shirt in three colors and love them)

Tank: J. Crew tissue

Shorts: J. Crew chino (worn a lot)

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks Finch wedges or here for just the tan on super-sale (worn here and here before)

Necklace: gift from family

Um, I go outside during the daylight, really. I'm just still ridiculously pale.

(And no, I have no idea what I'm doing).

Top: Anthropologie Molded & Melded (I got an XS and it is kind of big - anyone else have this problem?)

Shorts: J. Crew Brigitte gingham poplin (worn here before)

Shoes: Mossimo by Target (worn here and here and here before)

Special thanks to the big sis today who had an extra special treat from home sent down to me - thanks for the wonderful care package, C!

Nothing like super-rich cheesecake to pretty put me right to sleep on a Sunday afternoon ...

Randomness: Can you smell over your grilled hot dogs and sweating glasses of lemonade that fall is apparently fast approaching? Buy your wool coats, quick! Aside from Anthropologie's snuggly new offerings, check out Boden's fall collection, available for pre-order for 20% off and free shipping.

Black and Blue

I took a cue today from Amy, with her mad layering skills (see here and here) and decided on a first for me - a dress over a skirt. I'm not 100% this outfit works, but I am feeling IT - maybe it's the popped collar (that's just how I roll) or the flippy skirt, which is like a new puchase for me because it has languished unworn in my closet until I finally got it shortened recently.

Dress: Banana Republic cotton shirtdress
Skirt: J. Crew cotton striped
Belt: Anthropologie Infinity
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Pine A Colada
Bracelets: Old Navy enamel
Wallet: Cole Haan patent leather slim continental

And if you didn't already know, the blog most of us affectionally call "the mothership" recently celebrated its 2nd birthday. And to honor the lovely Alexis, J. Crew is offering a special one-day birthday deal for Alexis and her loyal followers - 15% off and free shipping with no minimum. For more info, go to J. Crew Aficionada.

Thanks, Alexis! And thanks, J. Crew, even though this ultimately means you win again, as I joined in on the melee and got some stuff I really didn't need.

Eye for an Eye(let) - and Some Discount Codes

So our dear Miss Amy looked so good in her new fluffy white skirt (here, here and here) that I immediately had to snatch it up when she posted that she found the previously sold out piece on Alloy. Aside from my apparent impulse control issues (I found a $10 off coupon that expired that day - I had to), I actually had been looking "forever" for a nice white skirt for summer and this one fit the bill nicely. It's nice to find a fullish skirt that doesn't swallow up my shortie short frame. Plus it has pockets (virtually worthless ones, but nonetheless).

(As an aside, I thought I had been really really good at avoiding Anthro's recent sale, especially since a few of my wish list items had been on it. But then last night the Castle Lake dress popped up on Ebay ... new with tags ... in my size ... from a reputable seller with actual pics ... for $40 buy-it-now. So of course I did).

I'm not 100% about the shirt though, but I was feeling like wearing yellow and I literally have like two things with yellow in it.

I think a yellow striped/floral print top with short sleeves and a scoop collar would have been lover-ly.

Top: Old Navy cotton
Skirt: Delicia eyelet, purchased on Alloy
Belt: Ebay find
Shoes: Franco Sarto

FYI, Alloy is offering free shipping on orders over $25 with code "ALFW25" - expires May 12. UPDATE: Alloy is also offering 20% off your entire order with code "FRIENDS" - expires May 10 and can't be combined with other codes.

And remember Amy mentioning that Alloy was "poor-man's Delia's?" (Cracked me up, lady). Not that it makes a bit of difference to anyone, but apparently Alloy recently acquired Delia's. I think they may have taken that comment personally and decided the best revenge was a corporate takeover. 

So no surprise that Delia's is also offering free shipping on orders over $25 with code "DAFW25" - expires May 12. They are also having a 20% off sale on all dresses.

And since I'm posting these things right now anyways, today's the last day for Lands' End's $10 off a purchase of $50 / $20 off a purchase of $100 / $50 off a purchase of $200 sale, with free shipping. Promo code is "MAY6" and pin is "1009." Also applies to Canvas.

J. Crew is offering 20% off all tees and knits AND free shipping on them with no minimum - expires May 9.

Lastly ... Boden is offering 20% off full-price merch orders over $150. Code is "G599" and expires May 28. So many pretty things ... why are a ton of them already on backorder for like six weeks?

This Has Got To Stop

I don't know what it is about Spring 2010, but it seems like all the retailers are going full speed ahead with coming out with really gorgeous clothes this year, moreso than in previous years. Have I just been living in a barrel or do you ladies feel the same way? My wallet has been killed so far this year.

My personal wish list has gotten increasingly long, especially with very recent new releases from the Urban/Anthro family of stores. I die for all the gorgeous, flowy, feminine pieces of Anthropologie and swoon over the edgier/younger looks of Urban Outfitters.

In lieu of an OOTD (because I'm traveling this week on another biz trip and can't be as lively in bloggee land as I'd like - sorry blogland friends!), here are some of the new pieces that have me drooling and my credit cards quaking with fear of more wallet rash:

Imelda Cardigan ($98)

Holy cow - the colors, the print, ooh la la ...

Lanai Breezes Shift ($188)

With this, you need nothing more than a straw hat, sunglasses and a pair of flip flops.
(And maybe about $100 slashed off its price, but that's neither here nor there ...)

Deeply Rooted Henley ($58)

How can you not love a top with beets on it?

I actually do love beets - to eat. Pickled ones too.

Punalu'u Beach Cardigan ($128)

Ooh, sparkly things.

Layered Lightness Tank ($58)

Something about a hole in the head and needing more tiered ruffly things ...

which I think means I need this. 

Qiana Skirt ($58)

There are a million of these type of skirts out this spring, but the slightly shiny fabric,

the bold blue, the fullish shape ... sigh.

Kimchi Ruched Blue Ruched Sleeve Pointelle Cardigan ($48)

What a pretty summery light-weight cardi. I'm a sucker for a shawl collar.

Sparkle & Fade Metal Detail Leggings ($58)

I don't even wear leggings, really, but that stud detail makes me wish I had this model's legs ...

Jeffrey Campbell Kitty Skimmer ($98)

I have no idea why I like these and probably would never wear them but I want them.

If you haven't had a chance to yet, check out Chloe's shopping dedicated blog here. Her site is a great resources for discount codes and updates on sales. I found this code for 10% off your next Urban online order with code "UOUOUO." Expires May 15.

Urban also offers free shipping (no code) for orders over $150. And check out their sale selection - always tons of great to deals to be found.

Boden Sale, Plus Sunshine Award

First up, Boden is having a sale right now - 20% off plus free shipping and returns on all regular-priced items. Use code WD25 when checking out (it's also right on their home page) - offer expires April 1.

If you ladies are looking for fun summery prints in bright colors - go to Boden stat.

Second, I would like to give a big THANKS to Peggy from She Hath Done What She Could for the lovely blog award! Peggy is a great mom with a fearless sense of style and nose for bargains - check out her blog!

1. Put the logo on your blog within a post.

2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.

3. Link to the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I agree with Peggy, there are so many lovely blogs out there - especially ones that brighten up my day.

I want to tag everyone, but that'll take all dang day, so I'm going to ping some great bloggettes who may not have been tagged yet via the Peggy via the Pam routing (because both of them have already covered so many of you lovelies!):

Fallon from Better with Smiles

Jinah from Bonjour it's Jinah!

Amy from kelinda.KELINDA

Elaine from Clothed Much

Sharon from elisharon

What Would a Nerd Wear

Hillary from the gleam of the rose tea outfits

Kristen from Some Hot Dishes

Joann from Sidewalk Chalk

Lady Cardigan from Fashion Daydreaming

Ady from growing up anthro

e. from I'd Wear It.

The New Bean

The mothership of our little world of fashion blogs, J. Crew Aficionada, posted about the release of the new LL Bean Signature today. I've been doing the pee-pee dance for this release since early January, but I think my initial joy has been dampened by the awesomeness that has been Lands' End Canvas line and my recent shopping purchases (i.e., must clamp down and lock up wallet).

Signature is pricier than Canvas (and honestly I think I like Canvas a little better), but there are a couple of looks that have my eyes go all googly with Want (see below). Plus I don't think LL Bean is as free with their discounts and free shipping as Lands' End is, but they are offering a $10 gift card with a purchase of $50 or more.

I did check through retailmenot.com and it looks like there may be a couple of successful codes for free shipping out there (3018863 or 3020392). I can't vouch for them though, so can't guarantee if they'll work or not. No minimums or expiration date were provided.

Comes in Midnight and Vintage Rose ... I don't know which color I like better.

Unearthing a Fossil

I'm in the dark about a lot of things, but I knew that Fossil had been making more than just watches and handbags for a few seasons now. Honestly, though, I've paid zero attention until I noticed a cute Fossil ad while perusing the latest Lucky magazine and that got me clicking my way through their web site.

The Fossil theme for spring is "The Art of Vintage" and what's caught me eye is bunches of Anthro-inspired pieces. Their shoes have me ogling! Is it weird that I feel like I'm cheating on one of my favorite brands as I'm looking through some of Fossil's less-expensive but very similar styles? All Fossil needs is a lush forest and some morning mist to complete the look.

Has anyone purchased anything from Fossil before? Can you "speak" to their quality and fit?

Harlow Dress ($74)

Loretta Shirt ($48)

Hope Shirt ($54)

Jodi Skirt ($54)

Pilar Flat ($88)

Amanda Open Toe Flat ($68)

Misha T-Strap ($88)

FYI, free shipping is standard on orders over $100, however if you use code "LINKSHARE" you can get free shipping with no order minimum (not sure about expiration, but it worked today).