What to buy from the 70% off at Calypso clearance sale online

You don't even have to be in NY for this one!

Online and in stores, Calypso is having a sample sale on their fancy clothing and accessories.

My picks:

 
$59.60 Sierra silk tiered mini skirt (was $294)
This is such a good party skirt! I can't believe how many are left. Maybe it fits weird?
The elastic waist band sounds comfy- you can eat a bunch and still not be inhibited.


$11.60 Lucille Lace camisole (was $60)
I like the many colors this comes in (there is also navy, light blue, gray, blush, hot pink) and the shape. It would be a great layering piece.

 
$59.60 Tammara printed tunic (was $195)
How many things do you own that are 100% baby alpaca?
Probably none, until now.

 
$56.90 Louise feather belt (was $325)
So if you can't tell what is going on in this small picture, it is a belt with gold leather around the outside and a collage of blue spotted feathers inside. Rockin!


 
$79.60 Ranya fringe bootie (was $250)
Gray suede pull on ankle boots with a fun fringe on the outside. They have sizes 37, 38, 39, 40 left so jump on it!


CASHMERE TIME!!!!!


$115 Cashmere Slopes throw (was $350)
I loooooove this. It looks so awesome and cozy. It comes in this color, cayenne, and blue, pink, or white.

 
$91.60 Margo cashmere sweater (was $295)
This looks like the perfect thing to throw on over your pjs when the mailman comes. And then to keep on after you put on real pants and want to go to brunch.

 
$79.60 Kimber cashmere henley (was $275)
A casual hangin around shirt, except that it happens to be super soft cashmere.
It's kind of boxy, but then again it's supposed to be relaxed so I guess that is ok.

Current Boot Obsession

$278 Maison Martin Margiella MM6 convertible boot (was $695)

Ahh, boots. Can you ever have enough?
I can't.
The perfect, easy to throw on, comfortable and able to be dressed up flat black boot is the object of endless quest.

For me, that search also involves finding a wider calf circumference and not too much hardware (which can make something look dated really fast).

Let's read the specs of these and all sigh together:

Instantly cool design of burnished leather, with a zip-off shaft for an optional ankle boot silhouette.

• Stacked heel, 1½" (40mm)
• Shaft, 16"
• Leg circumference, 16"
• Leather upper
• Ankle zipper
• Leather lining
• Rubber sole
• Padded insole
• Made in Italy

Did you catch that?
You can actually ZIP OFF the shaft and wear them as ankle boots!
That's, like 2 pair of boots.
So if you think of it as 2 pr, then each is under $150 and totally reasonable to buy. Right?

And the only size left is 37, which happens to be my size.

Fate?

Something to think about.

Clearance shopping at Target.com

Remember that Nieman Marcus and Target collaboration collection?
It's now 70% off!
That's pretty exciting if you ask me, since the prices were over my "eh, nice but that isn't worth it" boundary before.

The Kirna Zabete stuff is on clearance too, as well as some cute home items.

My picks (I got some of these myself):




 
$29.99 Roberto Rodriguez dress (was $100)
A super cute and fun party dress. If I didn't have so many already, I'd consider getting this one.


$5.24 Kirna Zabete fishnet tights (was $15)
I got these! I like the pattern and my patterned black tights just gave out on a business trip. Plus $5 for tights is as good as you are going to get pretty much anywhere.



$5.28 Bunny hat (was $15)
Kind of weird that there are no eyes, but you could draw those on with a sharpie I guess. I didn't get this one because I have a tiny head and I think it looks too long for me, but if you have a normal size head, it would be cute.



 
$8.74 Mossimo kimono sleeve maxi dress (was $25)
I would be all over this one if they had it in my size in coral. Looks so easy to wear and comfortable.
If you don't already have a black maxi and you are size XS or S, get it.


 
$20.99 Marc Jacobs leather pouch (was $70)
These are available in rose gold (above), gold, or silver. I like all of them.
It's a pretty good deal for a clutch. It's 8 x 10" so big enough to use as a travel case or whatever too.
I didn't get this one because I have enough clutches, but I am very tempted!

 
$53.99 Alice and Olivia Wheeled carry on suitcase (was $180)
This is very cute and I almost got it. I have had a cheapo wheelie for 10 years now and it has served me very well but I am worried about what I'll do when it gives out. This would make a great substitute.
It has 2 pockets outside and 2 on the inside flap as well as the main compartment. The insides are bright blue and the lime green accents outside make it easy to find at a distance.



 
$14.99 DVF yoga mat (was $50)
If you are in the market for a yoga mat, might as well make it designer. This is about the same price now as you would pay for any yoga mat at Loehmann's (where I got my plain teal boring one a few years ago).

 
$7.49 Tory Burch printed thermos (was $25)
The blue pattern is really pretty. I don't go anywhere anymore, but if you commute and need a thermos for coffee or tea or soup, this would be great. I also think it would be a good gift.







$12 Proenza Schuyler ipad sleeve (was $40)
This is on its way to me right now! It's a neoprene case that fits your ipad along with its cover or keyboard and will protect it from all the other crap in your bag. Plus it is a cool design.



$14.99 Altuzarra set of 4 double old fashioned glasses (was $50)

and


$14.99 Altuzarra shaker (was $50)
These two together would make a super housewarming or wedding gift. The matching set is classy in a Mad Men era type way. And all of that for $30 makes a much bigger gift that it would seem for that price.

Housing Works buy the bag is now on all the time

Once or twice a year, Housing Works had a sale called "Buy the bag" in which you'd go to one of their warehouses, pay $25 for a bag, and then be allowed to stuff it with as much clothing as you possibly can to take home.



This always sounded fun (if a bit hectic and nutso) but I've never been before.

Now they have this as an ongoing thing in their South Brooklyn warehouse so you don't have to be trampled by a million deal hunters (hopefully).

The space has apparently been reorganized.
Check out the picture below and see the review from LookingFlyOnADime where these pics come from



She has great advice on how to stuff your bag to maximize the space and get the most items in there:

Starting with your must have pile, take the bulkiest pieces {sweaters, coats, large purses, etc} and pack them first. Roll them as tightly as possible and place in your bag. With every layer of rolled clothes, push down on your bag so you have a tightly packed base. Now you can move on to less bulky items and repeat the roll and stuff process. For silk tops and dresses, belts and ties, stuff them in any remaining spaces.

Anyone want to go with me??

Housing Works 
Buy the Bag
159 28th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232

3 nice bathrobes

A good robe will make you want to stay home all day, which is probably not the best thing, but in the winter for weekends and holidays, they can't be beat.

I have an awesome one from my trip to Bali 2 years ago, but I hardly ever wear it. I should start, especially now that I work from home.

Here are 3 comfortable and attractive picks:

 
$95 Microfiber and terry spa robe
I like the contrast lining on these. The dual layers would be very warm. 
Spas really do have robes just like this, and they feel luxurious and heavy in a nice way.





$178 Silk Cashmere robe
This pink color is terrible, but there is a really nice graphite color that it also comes in. Imagine how soft it would be. And it drapes well over your body and the side tie and diagonal across the front elongates you so you don't look like a lump.


$80 Ruby velour robe
This one also has the side tie. The velour is a love it or hate it thing, so if you are buying this as a gift, be careful!

Bunny tank top

I really want this cute shirt!




$22 The rise and fall Bunny Tank in heather gray
This is nice and long so you can wear it over low rise jeans and not worry about your ass crack making an appearance. Or muffintop.


And this watch is cute too

The one thing that might make me enjoy owning 2 cats that I never wanted

 
$35 DJ cat scratch turntable

Who's a little dj? Who's a little dj? YOU ARE

As you can see, this brilliantly conceived cat toy has cardboard scratchy stuff in the shape of a record on top of a turntable emblazoned with anti-dog stickers.

The description:

DJ Whiskers

You may think that cats scratch in order to stretch their muscles and sharpen their claws. Wrong. When you think about it, isn't it obvious that within every feline lurks a wannabe DJ? Kitty is mad pumped to kick it behind the wheels of steel and throw down a dope set of old skool joints, yo!

The reviews and the response to the negative reviews are what really makes the product shine for me:

The scratching surface is not situated at an angle that appeals to cats, so they won't want to scratch it. If they try, it moves and they give up. We tried putting cat nip on top to get the cats interested but they just laid down next to it. . If you are looking for a scratching post to save your furniture or please your cat, save your money. If you want a funny item sitting on your livingroom floor, get this. It is funny, and it will last forever, since your cats won't touch it.

Merchant response: We're sorry your cats don't want to be DJs and we'll gladly help if you'd like to return or exchange it. Please call 1.888.365.0056 to speak with a member of our customer service team.

Are you one of those people who buys their pets holiday and birthday gifts? If so... Just a suggestion.

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone is having fun this holiday season.

Senator the reindeer bunny is doing great.

Spiky backpack

 
$56 Spikepak

Badass!

This leather backpack has soft stuffed spikes all over it so you can show people what your evil personality looks like on the outside.

It has one interior pocket and one exterior tiny one.
I kinda wish it had another interior pocket and that it was padded for computers. This would be a great computer bag to have at the nerdy tech shows I've been going to.
I'd be the envy of all the Super Mario Brothers fans (i.e. everyone at the shows).

Here is the description from ThinkGeek:

King Koopa's Dirty Secret

The trick to taking out Bowser in 8-4 is to just hang back, jump over his first fireball, dodge his hammer throws, and fireball spam his spiky ass. Easiest boss battle ever. Truth is, he's not really as tough as he looks - that's not even a real spiked shell on his back. We know the secret, and the secret will blow your mind.
It is, in fact, a backpack. He's really just a big lizard with some reflux issues (hence the fireballs). He bought that backpack from ThinkGeek, and has been running around giving our favorite italian plumber a hard time ever since. Inside his Spikepack, he keeps a healthy supply of mushrooms, hammers, and a small number of Bob-ombs.
It's a good thing the backpack is big - he can carry quite a lot of things. If you were to somehow get a hold of his bag, you could easily cram a stack of schoolbooks, a giant laptop, all your power supplies, and still have room for your Nintendo DS and every cartridge you own... just in case you have time between classes to crank out a few levels.

Bosom Buddy Pillow

Women, there is a whole new product you need and if you don't get it, well, you're going to be horribly unattractive and no one will ever love you.

What is it?
Glad you asked.

It's a breast pillow.
What?
A pillow that goes between your boobs.
Why?
Well, when you sleep, your boobs might smush together and then you get chest wrinkles and then you die alone. See?

Ok then, here is what it looks like:

 
$29.95 Bosom buddy pillow 
It's pink, which is how you know it was made of us women. Who can only buy things that are pink. Fact.

It's normally $39.95, but guys, they are having a customer appreciation sale because they appreciate you and your wrinkly gross cleavage.
We're so lucky!

Want to see it in action? Thought so:


Make sure you read that quote from Autumn in Michigan who is trying to remain youthful and unwrinkled by any means necessary.

The good news with this product is that they donate some proceeds to breast cancer and uninsured women, but they don't say how much.

If you want to really offend a family member this Christmas, this could be the perfect gift.
Older woman? Check.
Older man? Double check.

Time for sparkly new years outfits!

Yes, get out your sequins and glitter, it's that time again. (Last year part 1 and part 2)
What are you going to wear?
You better look like a goddamn disco ball if you are going to get any attention this year. Sequins aren't going out of style anytime soon it seems, so do it up big and try to draw some eyeballs away from other sequinned party goers.




$78 Ella sequin dress
A nice wide but shallow v neck to show some skin but not too much cleavage, and long sleeves to hide arm flab (not than anyone here has the dreaded chicken wings).
Short as hell, but you can get tights if you want.

















 
$78 Confetti sequin dress
Lots of colors of sparkles on this one, and a trendy mesh top. Make sure you have a good strapless bra if you want this.



 
$59 John Zack zig sag sequin dress
Nice colorful tube dress with a bandeau top








 
$24 Silver and black strip bodycon dress
Wheeee! I like when sequins look like liquid.
This dress might be a little short in real life for us normals, so feel free to wear it as a top with black skinny jeans.




 
$114 Lipsy sequin top dress
I like the shape of this dress, it screams party!

 
$59 Low back sequin dress
The drapeyness of this one is elegant

 
$15 High waisted sequin shorts
You have to be especially leggy to pull these off, but if you are, please do it! And wear them with a drapey button down blouse.



 
$16 Paillette tee
Large oversize sequins ftw, and not around your armpits where they can scratch you.


$23 Silver off the shoulder sequin top
A special occasion shirt to be sure, would also look good with a pencil skirt or with jeans.




 
$28 ASOS sequin high heels
Wear these with a normal black dress or a fun color and stand out at night.


 
$35 Sequin scalloped collar
This can go on top of any sort of dress or shirt to gussy it up and make it jazzy and festive.

Fingertip conductors for your gloves

Instead of getting someone ugly gloves with conductive pads that won't fit them and they will never wear, now you can get the pads themselves to stick in whatever gloves you want.

I like this flexible solution a lot better.
I would like a million of these so all my gloves for all types of weather and fanciness can have them.

 
$12 conductive glove pins
This gets you 4 pins, which is good for 1 set of gloves if you want 2 fingers on each hand, or 2 sets if you only want your right or left hand (this is what I would do)

The front and back pieces detach like pins and you screw them into the gloves of your choice.
Smart.

Rant about some beauty blogs

Dear Internet Beauty Blogs,
You know what is really annoying?
Those linkbait posts that some of you have advertising "5 AMAZING ways to alter your clothes."
You almost never deliver on those promises and the posts don't have anything new or anything interesting.
Plus you make me click through slideshows to find that out. Grrrr.

I recently fell for one of these when there was a "3 unexpected uses for lip gloss."
I clicked on it thinking, hey, I wonder what those are and since there are only 3 and not 12, maybe they will be real and not fluff.
NOPE
The first tip was to use your lip stuff as blush! OMG! Who would have thought?!
Thanks so much for telling me!
GUESS WHAT: TELLING ME TO USE ONE FACE PRODUCT 1.5 INCHES OVER FROM WHERE I USUALLY USE IT IS NOT NEWS.
It's something that could happen by accident on a bumpy subway!
 You are applying your lipstick and whoaaa, you turn your head really quick and some gets on your cheek, but HOLD ON! It looks like blush!! AMAZING DISCOVERY.
So glad someone revealed this secret of the ages.

No.

The second tip was to use your lip stuff as eyeshadow. So you know, if you want the shiny pink lid look that is all the rage NOWHERE, you can do that.
Sometimes I wake up wondering how to make it look like I have a gross conjunctivitis-type disease or that my face is super oily and I've been crying a lot.
Lip gloss lids to the rescue.

The third tip I don't even remember, probably because it was so boring and not a tip.

I'll tell you what it wasn't though; it wasn't anything useful or surprising or amazing or interesting or unexpected.
It wasn't telling me to put my lip gloss on my razor to make it last longer or that lipstick can patch tires or that chapstick is the perfect flea repellent when added to your dog's food. (Well, one reason it wasn't telling me that is because none of those things are true...)
But I want actually surprising tips. Not more of this same repackaged crap that pops up everywhere.
Ok, Internet?

love,
Rebecca

Under $20 gifts for acquaintences and secret santas

Secret Santa things can be tough. So can buying presents for anyone you barely know but owe something to. How annoying is it to shop for random people like your office mail guy or your kid's teacher or your grandmother?

I think the key to buying these is to make them general and regiftable just in case they don't hit quite right.

Also, consumables are good.
Scarves are not good. EVERYONE HAS A MILLION SCARVES ALREADY! Stop buying people scarves.
Socks are better, if you want to do the cliche "I don't know your size" gift.

Here are some universally appealing gifts that say "I am sure if I knew you better I would like you"

 
$11 Lego keyboard decal
Makes your coworker's laptop more festive


 
 $8 Shark bite socks
Even funnier if the recipient is not caucasian.


 
$20 Bath bomb 6 pack
Fun fizzy times, and they can give 1 or 2 away if they want.



$14.99 2013 Owl planner
Adorable owls, useful gift, easily regiftable if she doesn't like it.
Just make sure not to write in your birthday. People seem to take that the wrong way.


$10 Superman socks with cape
These will make him feel awesome. A secret confidence builder for big meeting days or interviews.



 
$20 Korres lip butter trio
I've heard these are really smooth and silky and amazing

 
$16 Melee mug
He likes his coffee strong? How strong?