Monthly Archives: October 2012

Running Gear Fit for a Marathoner

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In six short days, 47,000 runners will gather at Ford Wadsworth, Staten Island, and prepare to run 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York City. The ING New York City Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement as runners from all over the world gather to crank out the miles.

In the spirit of the marathon, let’s take a look at the latest gear for the Fall to Winter running season. Whether you’re an avid runner, casual runner or aspiring runner, here are five pieces that will keep you warm on those crisp morning runs:

  1. Lululemon Runder Under Pant, $92. These running tights are designed with a runner’s needs in mind. The waistband has two gel pockets for on-the-go fuel, flat seams provide relief from chafing, and reflective piping inside the ankle cuff keeps you visible on early morning or late night runs.
  2. Under Armour Men’s Coldgear Longsleeve Compression Crew, $49.99. Cold weather calls for layers, and this compression crew can serve as a solid base layer. The compression fit provides enhanced muscle support, and the dual-layer fabric features a cozy, brushed interior and a fast-drying exterior.
  3. The North Face Handheld Hydrator, $28. It’s easy to forget to hydrate properly when you can see your breath in the air, but dehydration is dangerous, even when you hardly break a sweat during your run. Carry this handheld water bottle with you on your runs — not only does it hold 20 ounces of water, but the convenient zip pocket can hold your keys, gels or emergency cash.
  4. Nike Lightweight Wool Running Hat, $22. Keep your noggin warm with this Dri-FIT hat, which does double duty by locking in heat but sicking away sweat. Additionally, reflective details help make you visible even in dim conditions.
  5. Smartwool PhD Running Ultra Light Micro Socks, $47 for a 3-pack (via Zappos.com). Runners agree that these Smartwool socks provide just the right amount of cushion for long runs, without feeling bulky. Although the socks are ultra light, the SmartWool performs well under all weather conditions, so you can tackle cold, wet runs and humid, sticky runs with the same pair.

Photo credits: shop.lululemon.com, thenorthface.com, zappos.com

A Look at Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

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It’s finally here…well not exactly, but today we got to take a look at the Marison Martin Margiela collaboration with H&M.  Here’s a glimpse at some of the amazing pieces.  In Stores Nov 13th.

You can see the entire lookbook here.  And pics of who wore what to the fabulous launch party here.

Don’t forget to sign-up for the Sweepstakes to Win a Trip to New York and go to an exclusive Maison Martin Margiela for H&M event on November 14th!  Click here for details!

Kate Spade Saturday

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Kate Spade, one of my favorite brands, will be launching a new line called Saturday. I’m so curious to see what this ‘Saturday’ is all about. I’m guessing it will be super chic, casual weekend garb and I can’t wait to see it.  Then I read the small print, it won’t be available until SPRING 2013!?  After a tiny pause, I signed up at Saturday.com to be in the know (6 months in advance!) realizing that using my Shopilly email makes this stuff a no brainer.

Halloween for Procrastinators

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Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve waited until the very last moment to scrounge up a costume. Luckily, all it takes is a little creativity and a good deal or two to whip up an affordable, Halloween party-worthy costume. Whatever your reason for procrastinating on your costume hunt, Shopilly has a solution for you:

  1. I don’t want to pay a lot for a flimsy costume I’ll only wear once. This is where the beauty of DIY comes in. You can pull together a great costume at minimal cost by assembling the pieces yourself, which also allows you to strategically purchase pieces that you’ll continue wearing and using after the festivities are over. You may even already have pieces in your closet that you can integrate into your costume. Let’s take Little Red Riding Hood as an example. Start by layering a Fleece Cape by American Apparel over Forever 21‘s Flared Chambray Shirtdress.
             Complete your look with a wicker basket (psst — Linens ‘n Things is offering 20% off selected items until 10/23 with the coupon code Halloween20). Your costume will be instantly recognizable, and after Halloween is over, you’ll have a trendy cape to keep you warm throughout the winter, a versatile shirtdress to add to your closet, and a wicker basket to use for decoration or organizational purposes.
  2. I can’t come up with an original/funny/witty costume idea. Stop being so hard on yourself! Halloween is all about having fun, so don’t stress out about having the wittiest costume at the party. Amazon.com is a reliable source for a variety of costumes, available in a wide range of prices to fit your budget. If you’re lusting after the “most original costume” award, search for “Halloween costumes” on Amazon.com and sort the search results by “New and Bestselling” to get an idea of the most popular costumes. Then avoid purchasing these costumes — or just laugh about it when you bump into another Flo the Progressive Insurance Girl at the party.
  3. I hate dressing up. Who says you have to go all-out on Halloween? Even a little creative face paint can be transformational. A quick web search for “Halloween makeup tutorials” returns a bevy of tutorial videos — one of my favorites is this zombie makeup tutorial. Once you’ve picked out a look, head over to Sephora to purchase the makeup you need to achieve the look. And just in time for Halloween, Sephora is giving you the opportunity to win a discount with its Spin To Win Friends & Family Sale!

Happy Halloween from Shopilly!

Photo credits: store.americanapparel.net, forever21.com, sephora.com

Outerwear deals from 30% to 50%

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Finding great deals is so easy when I’m on Shopilly, I just go to my window shopping page and browse.  To my pleasant surprise, right when I feel like Fall is getting underway, I’ve found some great deals on outerwear!  Woohoo!

The best deal I found was 50% off outerwear at Forever21.  Get an uber trendy, light on the wallet coat to wear this winter and when the trend becomes faux pas in 6 months you can send it off to goodwill with no hard feelings!

Two other deals all offering 30% off:

30% off outerwear at Arden B.

30% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor stores.

TGIF & Happy Shopping!

Beauty Fab 5: Blood Red Lips

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In the spirit of Halloween (and just in time for Sephora’s Spin To Win Friends & Family Sale, happening right now) dip into the dark side with deep rouge pouts, which were rampant on the Fall ‘12 runways. It’s a sultry, sophisticated look that’s spot on for the season’s moody ensembles. To get it just right, find a shade that complements your skin tone, and try keep the rest of your makeup minimal—think clean skin and lightly lined eyes with just a wand’s worth of mascara.

Here, we raided Sephora to cull out the best in blood red lipsticks so you can get that just-bitten look. (Click here to give their game a whirl and you may score them at a sweet discount, to boot!)

  
Gucci                                    Saint Laurent                        Nina Ricci

1. BEST OVERALL
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in Blood Red, $32

Kiss pale lips goodbye in this rich shade, blended with just enough brightness to flatter most complexions. Plus, a cocktail of moisturizing hydrospheres ensure lips stay soft and supple.

2. BEST FOR PALE COMPLEXIONS
Nars lipstick in Fire Down Below, $24

Make your pout pop in deep rouge if you have lighter skin tone. This one by Nars has a velvety, semi-matte finish, which will make lips appear fuller, too.

3. BEST FOR DARKER SKIN TONES
Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Rosary, $19

Vamp it up in something smoldering with chocolate undertones, such as a rich, creamy burgundy.

4. BEST LIPGLOSS
Ellis Faas Glazed Lips in Blood Red, $35

Shine all evening with this dangerously intense lip glaze. We love how our smooch stayed glossy (even through two cocktails) without feeling sticky or having to reapply.

5. BEST SHEER FORMULA
Bite Beauty Sheer Balm in Carmine, $19

Get kissable lips with this sheer tinted balm, packed with antioxidants and natural moisturizers such as organic mint and blood orange oil to keep your mouth healthy.

photo credits: style.com and sephora.com

Winterize Your Home

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When the weather changes, it’s essential to update your closet but it can also be really fun to winterize your home with lush throws, spiced candles, and accents.  Here are some promotions that you can look to for inspiration ($$$$) and deals ($$) to snap up before they’re gone!

I don’t know if many of you consider Ethan Allen “affordable” but their financing plans make some of their investment pieces affordable, kinda.  Like I said, it’s good to look for inspiration sometimes!

Sur La Table is so fun (if you’re into cooking or entertaining) and they have all the kitchen and dining essentials for every season.  At 30% off, get yourself in the mood for fall.

$15 Tableware on sale at One Kings Lane, with these prices how can you not take a peak???

Finally, check out Fab.com, you can always find a plethora of modern, funky, sometimes off the wall products.  Plus it always comes at a pretty hefty discount.

Stock Up on Fall Sweaters with These 3 Great Deals

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Fall is in full swing!  And what’s better than some soft, lush sweaters to last you through the season.  Here are 3 great deals we found on Shopilly for you to stock up.

It’s always easy to find great classic pieces every season at JCrew, getting 25% off sweaters just sweetens the deal.

ASOS has a huge selection of uber trendy items in a wide variety of prices.  Right now you can get up to 70% off on fall gear!

Last but not least, it’s 20% off F&F event at Saks, when was the last time you didn’t fall in love with something at Saks???

That’s it for now, let me know if you buy something sweet!