Countdown to Black Friday: Deals on Blu Rays, TVs & More (Oh Mee Gee!)

Check out this guide to find out 10 of the best Black Friday deals on electronics and computers.

For a comprehensive list of deals/steals, click here.

I don't know about you, but I'm getting in some extra exercise & endurance training to get ready for the biggest day of consumption of the year :-)

Happy shopping!

From Commoner to Princess

Although Kate Middleton's sapphire-blue Issa dress (retail price: $636 USD) sold out in less than a day in London following the announcement of her royal engagement, you can still dress like a princess. Middleton's not the only fan of Brazilian-born Daniella Issa Helayel's designs. Other celebrity followers include Madonna, Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley and Kate Moss. Check out more of Issa's FAB collection HERE. I need one of the short kimono dresses in my closest this minute!

Lanvin + H&M Invasion Only a Few Days Away & Benefiting UNICEF

With Black Friday only a week & some change away, urbanistas are getting warmed up by hitting up H&M this Saturday when Lanvin's highly anticipated affordable collection hits select store locations. Check out the fashion feast here.

Also, Lanvin has decided to auction off 25 haute couture, one-of-a-kind versions of the popular crossover fashions in the name of UNICEF via online auction. For deets on this, check out Fashionista.com

JetBlue's One Day Only Sale: Fares as low as $29!

Just in time for holiday travel, check out JetBlue's one-day sale HERE.

Urbanista D.O.T.D. = Deeply Discounted DVF!

Ruelala.com is hosting a DVF boutique for the next 24 hours. There are lots of gems including signature DVF dresses & uber chic luggage. My blood pressure went through the roof as I almost missed out on this haute mini sheath. I was forced to buy a size 2 since all the size 4s sold out within seconds of me adding it to my shopping cart! Guess I won't be indulging in a lot of holiday eating, but it's oh so worth it!

Countdown to Black Friday: $3 Appliances @ Target?! "Oh My!"

Word is that Target will offer crazy bargains the day after Thanksgiving including 50% off clothes & toys, major deals on HD TVs & even $3 appliances! (I wonder if we're talking about a cheap toaster here or a high-end mixer) Either way it's pocket change, literally.

Target will announce all Black Friday deals on the retailer's website on Nov. 24th.

Conspicuous Consumption: The World's First $1 Billion Home

Some say, "if you've got it, flaunt it" or more recently, "it ain't trickin' if you've got it." But others are outraged that India's richest man has built the world's most expensive home just miles away from the extremely poverty-stricken areas of Mumbai.

Mukesh Ambani, his wife & their 3 children will soon move into this 37,000 sq foot home which includes a 27-story monolithic structure complete with three helipads, a health club, dance studio, ballroom, 50-seat movie theater and underground parking lot for 160 cars.


What do you think? Is it his prerogative, somewhat obnoxious or downright obscene?

Source

Hermès Kelly Bag Giveaway

If you don't mind adding to the clutter in your daily email inbox, enter to win your very own Hermès Kelly in THIS Fabsugar/Rachel Zoe giveaway. Hey, what's a few more junk/spam emails if you're the lucky one to walk away with this haute bag. I'd put up with a lot more to get my hands on a free designer handbag. No purchase is necessary & the deadline to throw your name in the "bag" is Nov. 15th. Good luck!

ATL! Save the Date: 12.5.10

My latest Heiress Apparel creations will be on sale at An Opulent Affair's 2010 Holiday Event Expo. Not in ATL? No worries...visit my Etsy page. Check back next month for new pieces just in time for the holidays. Custom orders are also available. There's nothing better than a one-of-a-kind gift! You'll never have to worry about copycats :-)

Urbanista D.O.T.D. (Chicago edition) = FREE Burrito Beach!

This Gives Gold-Digging a New Meaning!

Trimming the Fat: How to Save $$$ at Starbucks

We've all heard about how the "latte factor" eats away at our discretionary funds. Check out this article to discover new ways to reduce the cost of your Starbucks habit.

15% Off Piperlime *TODAY ONLY*

Click HERE to start shopping!

Urbanista D.O.T.D. = Marc by Marc Jacobs

During my routine online window shopping, I came across THIS little gem that's PERFECT for fall! Remember Urban Heiress Commandment #7...NEVER pay full price :-)

P.S. Receive free shipping during the entire month of September w/ promo code: NMSEPT

Jezebel Mag Hosts a Fashion Swap/Meet

In an effort to include everyone in the NY Fashion Week frenzy, Jezebel is hosting a "closet swap" event since most of us aren't able to buy the high-priced frocks that will grace the runways. If you're in Big Apple check out Jezebel Fashion Swap Meet for free drinks & free clothes!

Trade in at least one wearable item — clothes, shoes, accessories — and walk out with something new-to-you. The more you bring, the merrier the rummaging! (And the more the environment will love you for it.)

When: Tuesday, September 14 7-10 pm
Where: Gawker Media roofdeck, 210 Elizabeth Street, 4th Floor

Bonus: The first 100 to arrive get a nifty tote for carrying home your loot.

Get more deets here.

Designer Isabel Toledo Debuts Affordable Collection for Payless

Designer Isabel Toledo turned urbanista heads everywhere when First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of her ensembles to President Obama's Inauguration. Now Toledo is has teamed with Payless to create an affordable shoe line for the fall. Nothing is priced over $60.

Visit your closest Payless or shop online.

Anna Wintour Wants YOU to Come to the Party: FNO Takes Over the Globe TOMORROW!

The biggest event in fashion, Fashion's Night Out, invades the world tomorrow! Of course the epicenter will be in THE fashion capitol, NYC. However, there will be fabulous events ALL over the world to celebrate our passion for fashion.

Fashion’s Night Out is an initiative to celebrate fashion and boost the retail industry. FNO was launched in 2009 by Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and NYC & Company in response to the global economic downturn. This year’s event kicked off with the largest public fashion show in New York City history at the new Lincoln Center earlier this week & featured approximately 200 models. Check out the entire show below:



CBS takes viewers behind the scenes in a primetime special: “FASHION’S NIGHT OUT 2010” that will air on Tuesday, September 14, 10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT on CBS & hosted by Emmy Award Winner Neil Patrick Harris. Peep this CBS clip below of Macy's CEO discussing the purpose & importance of FNO:



If you're in NYC check out the endless list of parties & events HERE. If you're outside of NYC find out about the festivities in your area HERE.

Don't forget to buy your FNO tee!

Lanvin/H&M Collabo Coming this Fall

GET THE DEETS HERE

Outrageously Overpriced Products That We All Fall Victim To...

This article identifies 6 items that we've all purchased at one time or another. When you really think about the amount of money we waste on these inflated goods it's downright insane. But not to fear! The Urban Heiress is here with budget-friendly alternatives:


1. Movie theater concessions
Urban Heiress solution - Call it lowbrow if you want, but I see nothing wrong with stocking my tote/handbag with goodies from Trader Joes or Whole Foods or a baggie of light popcorn from home before hitting up the theater. And the best part is that my snacks are always healthier than the fatty/sugary options at the movies.

2. Greeting Cards
Urban Heiress solution - My mom turned me onto purchasing greeting cards at discount stores like Family Dollar, The Dollar Store & the $1 Store. You can find cards as cheap as 50 cents!

3. College textbooks
Urban Heiress solution - During my college years I learned VERY quickly to shop for "used" books since some books barely even get cracked open throughout the semester by many previous users. Other options are to shop online for used/new textbooks and don't forget to check student bulletin boards for great deals. Or really be scrappy and establish your own book swap between your classmates. Identify folks in your major since you're all taking the same required courses.

4. Bottled Water
Urban Heiress solution - Okay, I confess that I'm a bottled water snob. I have a fave brand that I don't deviate from, but one thing I've learned is to buy it in bulk and on sale! Stock up since you'll never have enough H2O.

5. Printer Ink
Urban Heiress solution - Go green as OFTEN as possible. With Droids, BlackBerrys, iPhones, etc. we can skip hitting the print button now. I use my CrackBerry for boarding passes, coupons & any other attachments to avoid burning up printer ink.

6. Brand-Name Fashions
Urban Heiress solution - Now this is MY area of expertise. Pick one: Designer resale stores, consignment boutiques, fashion discount retailers (Marshalls, Loehmann's, Nordstrom Rack), yard/garage sales, online shopping sites (RueLaLa, RenttheRunway, Gilt, HauteLook). You should NEVER pay full retail price....EVER!

Sneak Peek: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

O-M-G! Check out the promo for the newest installment of Bravo's hit "Real Housewives" franchise. The fabulosity & cattiness is OFF the Richter Scale! This group of ladies is about to show all the other Housewives how it's REALLY done. I'm on the edge of my seat!

Another Discount Shopping Site to Add to Your Rotation

As if GILT, IDEELI & RUE LA LA weren't enough...I just got turned onto HauteLook. With sales on uber-haute labels like J Brand, Ella Moss & Juicy, it's worth adding to the rotation. Sales begin at 8AM PST daily.

D.O.T.D. = Keep the Doc Away w/ a FREE Sample of Emergen-C

Get a FREE sample of Emergen-C's Mixed Berry Vitamin D & Calcium Bone Formula, HERE!

D.O.T.D. = 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Banana Republic Factory Store & Gap Outlet from NOW til Sunday!

Fall into the GAP and save 30% this weekend. CLICK HERE!

Bergdorf Bargains! Yes...you read right

So this past weekend I hit the Big Apple for my BFF's b'day party & following a fab brunch at Sarabeth's (Central Park South location - my fave!) we stopped by the mecca of all stores, Bergdorf Goodman. I was prepared to do my usual "window shopping," but to my pleasant surprise there was a bananas sale going on! To give you an idea, I scored a pair of J Brand skinny jeans for $49 - regular price $228! I know, I know...I still feel like I did something illegal. There were racks of haute pieces/shoes on sale so if you're in NYC run there before it's ALL gone! For those of you outside of the NYC area check out BG's website for some equally mouth-watering deals.

Nail polish that can get you "in the mood" ?

It only took me a WEEK but I finally read this year's InStyle Sept. issue from cover to cover. It's honestly the biggest issue I've ever seen! It's full of interesting tidbits. One thing that caught my eye was a blurb about "mood" nail polish. Mood rings are so 1990!

Now your nail lacquer can sum up your feelings. I for one can't wait to try this! Instyle pubbed this brand but there are several out there, including a line at Claire's. Time to let your fingertips do some of the talking!

Friday the 13th = Glamorama!

Macy's Glamorama invades Chi-town w/ Macy Gray!

Here's the event description:

Haute fashion, hotter music, hottest celebrities... Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama is the charity benefit event of the fall fashion season! This spectacular fundraiser is a celebration filled with chart-topping musical acts, celebrity appearances and fashion designers brought together for one exciting evening. And it's all followed by the most glam party in town! But the most important aspect of Passport Presents Glamorama is the money raised for charity. For the past 28 years, over $40 million has been raised in the Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles markets.

Event Deets:

The Show
Starring Macy Gray & Eric Hutchinson
The Chicago Theatre
175 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60601

Featured designers:

Tommy Hilfiger Collection
Marc Jacobs
Just Cavalli
SportMax
Sonia Rykiel
Jean Paul Gaultier
Philosophy di Alberta Feretti
Issey Miyake
Material Girl
Jezebel/Felina
2(x)ist

Post-Party
Macy's on State Street
111 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602

The remaining dates/cities are:

September 16, 2010 - Los Angeles
*Benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food

September 24, 2010 -San Francisco
*Benefiting AIDS Emergency Fund, Project Open Hand and Glide Foundation

For more event info & how to buy tix CLICK HERE.

Christmas Just Came Early: Sales Tax Holidays Across the Country THIS Weekend

The shopping fairies are smiling on me this weekend. Illinois kicked off a 10-day sales tax holiday today & my home state of Tennessee is celebrating ALL weekend (ironically I had already scheduled a visit). Other states where you can escape Uncle Sam this weekend are:

Alabama
Iowa
Louisiana
Maryland (starts Sunday)
Missouri
New Mexico
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Virginia

For a complete list of sales tax holidays for each state that participates & what types of purchases qualify CLICK HERE! Keep in mind that some states "celebrate" more than once a year.

What the...

Ever wonder how safe it is to wear jeans more than once w/o washing them? Or why only some farts reak? Or why you get turned on when you're breast feeding? (yeah...I had no idea)"Health Magazine" Medical Editor Dr. Roshini Raj is answering these & other awkward questions in her new book, "What the Yuck?"

To avoid the embarrassment of asking these questions out loud get your copy HERE.

Equal Opportunity Marriage: Are you down with the Swirl?

No, I'm not talking about the overturning of Prop 8 (but I did do a victory dance last night). Not sure where I was when this was first reported in June, but I was very surprised (yet not) to learn that interracial marriage in the U.S. is at an all-time high! 14.6% of all new marriages in the U.S. in 2008 were between people of a different race or ethnicity. I find this very interesting in a country where in some parts I'm still referred to as "colored." Now anyone who knows me knows that I've ALWAYS been an equal opportunity dater. And I don't buy into the hype that there's a disproportionate amount of good eligible black men in the world. I know too many good ones. Now I will say that I've noticed a large increase in the number of brothas who are opting to date outside of the race. Love is blind, but 22% of black men who wed in '08 married outside their race. That's more than 1/5 versus the 9% of black women did the same. What's really good? Is there a reason for the "mass exodus" or is it simply that color lines are finally being erased?

Shopping Diets: Wear 6 Items or Less for a month?

So there's a new global movement to encourage people to go on "shopping diets" to "tame the urge to buy."Tamsin Davies of London (pictured above) and her friend Heidi Hackemer, a Manhattan advertising executive, wore just six items of clothing for a month.

Ok, now I'm all for "trimming the fat" but not sure if I could ever do this. I don't know, maybe b/c I think it's just downright triflin. Now you know these folks weren't washing the six items after every wear. I ain't buying that. There's 7 days in a week so can you at least make the restriction enough items to not have to repeat pieces in the same week? I'm just saying... But if you have the willpower & due diligence to do laundry EVERY night then go for it! Let me know how that works out for you...

Peep the vid for more deets:

D.O.T.D. = Jet-setting for $39!

One of our fave airlines, JetBlue is at it again. Today is the last day to take advantage of their fall sale which offers airfare for as low as $39 one-way. The deal applies to air travel between Sept. 7th & Dec. 10th. Hurry & book before the day ends. For a full list of all of the deals being offered, CLICK HERE.



P.S. Happy National Cheesecake Day!

Let Them Eat (Cheese)cake for Half Price

In honor of National Cheesecake Day on tomorrow, The Cheesecake Factory is offering half-priced slices of all 30 of the cheesecake flavors. The catch: you must read through that 30-pg menu & dine-in to get the special deal. Throw on your best pair of fat pants and make a night of it :-)

To find your nearest location, CLICK HERE.

Summertime Chi = FREE Fitness

I'm baaaackkk! After a much needed break, I'm back to bringing you the hautest tips on how to get La Bonne Vie (the good life) w/o breaking your piggy bank. Since I'm back in Chicago, it's only right to kick things off with a lil somethin' somethin' for the Chi-town urbanistas. From now until September, each Saturday FREE 45-minute workout classes, including yoga, pilates, dance, tai chi and more, are offered on the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. For deets, CLICK HERE.

On Hiatus...

Greetings urbanistas & urbanistos! The Urban Heiress is currently on an impromptu hiatus. I will return reinvigorated, re-energized & renewed soon. Til then enjoy the sunshine. Live in the light!

Peace & blessings,

Shel

Urbanista D.O.T.D = Free Subway Breakfast

Today only, get a free English Muffin Melt at Subway. This offer is good from 7:00am until 11:00am so you better hurry! No purchase is necessary, but call first to make sure that your nearest Subway is participating.

Gluten for punishment

Greetings urbanistas & urbanistos...just wanted to share this interesting article on the harmful effects of gluten. Ch-check it out!

NYC: Alice + Olivia Sample Sale Starts TODAY!

Get up to 70% off until Monday:

WHERE
Alice + Olivia Bryant Park Store
80 West 40th street
New York, NY 10018
212.840.0887

WHEN
June 3rd - 7th, 2010
Weekdays @ 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Weekends @ 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Nordies Half-Yearly Sale Starts TODAY!

It's that time again. Of course each day is a blessed opportunity, but there are only a few days that I eagerly anticipate every year: my birthday, Christmas & the kickoff of Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale! Today is the day I've been counting down to since mid-March. For more deets on this sale & others keeping reading:

Nordstrom holds Half-Yearly Sales for Women and Kids in May and November. Also, there are Half-Yearly Sales for Men in mid-June and late December. The biggest sale of the year—the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—is held each July. This event has become legendary among Nordstrom customers nationwide who enjoy outstanding savings on the most exciting new fall merchandise before the season starts.





In-Store and Online Sale Dates

• Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids—starts Wednesday, May 26
• Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Friday, June 18
• Anniversary Sale—starts Friday, July 16 and ends Sunday, August 1
• Half-Yearly Sale for Women and Kids—starts Wednesday, November 3
• Half-Yearly Sale for Men—starts Sunday, December 26

Urbanista D.O.T.D. = Starbucks Happy Hour

From now until May 16th get Starbucks Frappuccino blended beverages half-priced from 3pm-5pm daily! Cheers!

How You Can Help Nashville Flood Victims

Feliz Cinco de Mayo! As a Nashvillian, I'm devastated watching the coverage of the severe flooding in the Nashville area. It's time to do what we do best & that's extending a helping hand to those in need. To find out what you can do, please CLICK HERE. The Volunteer State needs our help!

Top Handbag Resale Sites for Hermes, Gucci, LV & more

Who said you have to pay obscene retail prices for haute designer handbags? Remember Urban Heiress Commandment #7 - Thou shall NEVER pay full price. Check out the following sites where you can find FAB designer resale bags for a fraction of original retail price. Or turn your closet into cash money by selling those bags you once loved, but like that guy you hooked up w/ on vacay, you're so over:

*Fashionphile.com
Featured designers: Hermes, Balenciaga, YSL, Miu Miu & much more
Selling options: The site will directly purchase your goods or you can sell on consignment for a 30% fee

*Yoogiscloset.com
Featured designers: Fendi, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Gucci & much more (Designer shoes & jewelry also sold here)
Selling options: The site will directly purchase your goods or you can sell on consignment for a 30% fee

*Strictlypursonal.com
Featured designers: Chanel, Chloe, Jimmy Choo, D & G, LV & much more
Selling options: You can sell your goods on consignment for a 30% fee

*Covetshop.com
Featured designers: Sonia Rykiel, Marc Jacobs, Ferragamo, Tory Burch & much more (Designer clothing, shoes & accessories also sold here)
Selling options: You can sell your goods on consignment for a 50% fee

Urban Heiress Apparel Featured on Zane's Sex Chronicles

Don't front like you don't watch! If you don't, then you need to start. I'm a proud mama b/c some of my babies (my FAB tees) made their TV debut on the latest season of Cinemax's hit show, Zane's Sex Chronicles. Unfortunately, I don't have Skinemax but I know many of you all do. Hey, I just got basic cable a year ago! Anywho, Season 2 of the show began back in March, but you can still check out the episodes On Demand. My lovelies are featured on the 2nd & 6th episodes. Here are stills of some of the cast rockin' my creations:





Warm fuzzies to Hollywood stylist Moon McLean. Summer 2010 tee designs are on their way...Get ready for the HAUTE-ness! For more Urban Heiress Apparel, CLICK HERE.

Urbanista D.O.T.D. = Neiman Marcus Better Together Event

From now 'til tomorrow you can earn a Neiman's gift card for up to $600 if you shop online. For more info, CLICK HERE.

M.I.A.'s new vid

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

Check out M.I.A.'s new video. Directed by Romain-Gavras, it's provocative & disturbing the best way. It makes all the other videos focused on "Beamer, Benz or Bentley" seem downright ridiculous!

Zac Posen for Target in Stores NOW & Going Fast!

So Zac Posen's eagerly anticipated Target collection (which includes tops, bottoms, accessories, dresses & swimwear) hit stores JUST yesterday & it's already selling out. I personally was loopy after having to get a triple-dose of numbing meds @ the dentist or else I would've been at my nearest Target as soon as the doors opened! Anywho, check out what's left online HERE.

UPDATE: So I just purchased THIS and THIS. Everything else that caught my eye is already out of stock! Hopefully, more pieces are available in stores.

Happy Earth Day!

In celebration of Earth Day & National Park Week, admission has been waived to all 392 national parks until Sunday. Check it out, here.

FREE & the City: Tax Day = FREE Goodies/Massages & Discounted Treats

In honor of Tax Day on 4/15 (tomorrow) several eateries are offering deals to give urbanistas & urbanistos tax relief. Check it out...

FREE Goodies:

CINNABON: Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations as part of "Tax Day Bites!" Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic.

MAGGIEMOO'S: Get one free slice of ice cream pizza -- ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese -- at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

STARBUCKS: Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers.

DISCOUNTED Treats:

BOSTON MARKET: For a "last-minute tax break" get one free meal for each one you buy this Thursday through Sunday. Here's the coupon:


IHOP: The restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: The seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner and drink specials in the bar on Thursday -- a nod to the 1040 tax form. Bar guests who come in April 15 also receive a $10.40 gift certificate for a later visit. And professional tax preparers, who may have to work right until the midnight deadline Thursday, get their freebie Friday: dessert on the house plus a $10.40 certificate if they show a business card.


P.F. CHANG'S: Get 15 percent off food purchases for dine-in or take-out, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages.

And for some real relief get a free massage at Hydromassage Thursday through Sunday at participating locations. The mall-based massage chain suggests calling ahead to book an appointment. Find a location by CLICKING HERE.

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