Why wait until Black Friday? Beat the rush and enjoy the deals right from the comfort of your living room with some of these fabulous sales! So go ahead, grab that glass of wine, sit by the fire and shop away.

Banana Republic: 25% off with code BRTHANKS plus up to 40% off select styles.

Gap: Up to 60% off the entire store + an extra 20% off online with code GAPGIFT

Express: 50% off sitewide!!!

Nordstrom: up to 50% off  plus, free shipping on all orders.

Intermix: 30% off sale items at

Shopbop: 20% off orders of $250; 25% off $500; 30% off $1,000 with code BIGEVENT12

Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 60% plus a $25 gift card with your $100 cosmetics/fragrance purchase with code BEAUTY

J. Crew: 25% off with code COLOR25

Last Call by Neiman Marcus: 40% off sitewide!

Kate Spade: Up to 50% off plus free tote when you spend $250 or more

Macy’s: Get 20-50% off plus free shipping

Neiman Marcus: Extra 20% off  sale items

Target: Up to 50% off select items

Kohls: Up to 60% off select items

Zappos: Up to 70% off + free shipping

Forever 21: Up to 40% off, denim deals and $2 handbags

If you live in the Valley and want to hit the malls early, Chandler Fashion Center, Paradise Valley Mall, Superstition Springs Center and Fiesta Mall will all be opening at midnight!

Are you shopping online or hitting the stores this year?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the PR crew from Savers to be a fashion ambassador. My mission? Scour the Savers near me for some magical fashion finds.

I’ll admit, I’ve never been a Savers shopper. But I have heard many a story about the Savers in North Scottsdale. And when I say story, I mean, the stuff of legend. Epic. Fashion. Legends.

An unwanted Chanel skirt. A vintage Prada handbag. This particular Savers, I’ve heard over and over again, is a virtual treasure trove hidden with designer gems, rife for the picking.

So, I accepted the challenge. And I went hunting…

I scored:

A pair of Current/Elliot jeans for…wait for it….$11. Omg….I die…

This cute little black dress. I’ll be altering the bottom but I loved the chain detailing on the neck. Also a mere $11.

This glamorous aryn K. gold sequin dress, never used with tags still intact! It needs to be tailored at the waist just a bit but was a fabulous budget find.

I also picked up a pair of Citizens for Humanity jeans, a bit too big but I’ll be hacking them into cute summer cutoffs and a simple summer dress that’s perfect for working from home.

Total cost? $110. I can’t even get a pair of jeans for $110 these days…

Are you a savvy thrift store shopper? Let me know if you’ve got any fabulous fashion find stories to share!

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.

Disclosure: I was given a gift card to shop at Savers as a fashion ambassador. For more on my disclosure policy, go here.

While it won’t take much convincing for me to splurge on a pair of shoes or fabulous bag, I’m a total penny pincher when it comes to jewelry. It’s fun, it’s trendy and can totally change your outfit but I don’t find myself dropping tons of cash unless it’s for very classic pieces.

Suffice it to say, I’m loving today’s budget jewelry find, t&j Designs. The pieces in the collection are classic and modern and at totally affordable price points.

Although not normally my style, I was totally smitten when I received these crystal bauble earrings in the mail to try out. They’re perfect for date night or to spunk up any jeans-and-a-white-tee outfit. (P.S., they’re on sale for just $24!)

Check out these other pieces that would be oh-so-fun to stock up on:

t&j:Tiffany and Jen

Tiffany & Jen, the founders of the line, are sisters and also fellow fashion bloggers. You can check out Jen’s passion for fashion and food on her blog, Red Soles and Wine, and Tiffany’s style blog, I am Style-ish.

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.

Hello StyleSizzle readers! My name is Hawlie Ohe, and I’m the editor and creator of the lifestyle blog, Fab Housewife, which is all about staying you, even after saying “I do.” Last week, Marlene asked me to attend Rent the Runway’s first-ever pop-up shop here in Los Angeles in her place, then report back to all of you. Of course, I was thrilled to do it!

In case you’re not familiar with Rent the Runway, here’s the gist: The site is a one-stop-shop for renting designer fashions that you otherwise might not be able to afford. Rental costs run 10% to 15% of retail prices, so a $500 dress would cost $50 to rent. It’s ideal for events like weddings, black tie affairs, or the occasional red carpet (if you live in my neck of the woods) and don’t want to spend a small fortune on another outfit you’ll only wear once. We’re talking high end designers like Nicole Miller and Hervé Leger…and really high end designers like Reem Acra and Proenza Schouler. It’s like being BFFs with Paris Hilton and getting access to her delicious closet!

To be honest, I’ve never rented from Rent the Runway because I was unsure of how the dresses would fit. I’m the sort of girl who has to try on  everything because the clothes never look the same on my body as they do on the model’s, which is a whole other issue in and of itself, but I digress. The pop-up shop was the first time Rent the Runway customers could actually try on dresses before renting them.

I brought along my friend Rocio because everything is better with a girlfriend, obviously. I also got to finally squeeze my hiney into an Hervé dress, which I’ve been just dying to do, but have refrained because of the hefty price tag. The dress was like a full-body Spanx. I felt so hot, I contemplated running out and paying the $1,450 retail to make it mine forever. But since that would also mean the hubs would never let me buy another piece of clothing for the next year, I decided this was an example of the benefits of renting vs. buying.

Rocio tried on a sparkly one-shoulder number that gave her curves in all the right places and emphasized her teeny tiny waist. There’s something magical in the way donning sparkles can instantly transform a girl’s spirits. Suddenly, we ached to try more. So we did. Several more. And we didn’t stop at the dresses.

Once we’d found our favorite outfit, Rent the Runway’s talented stylists accessorized our looks. I would have never paired these vintage jade and crystal earings by Gerard Yosca with a black lace dress, but the result was jaw-dropping. I definitely learned a thing or two about incorporating unexpected pops of color with traditional black lace.

Then it was off to hair and make-up, courtesy of Lancôme and Privé salon. We had a fabulous time sipping cocktails and being pampered like princesses- such a rarity in the worlds of busy housewives!

We emerged looking and feeling like superstars, ready to walk the red carpet. And would you know, Rent the Runway already had one set up for us! Of course we had to take dozens of photos, posing with props and our super-hot make-up artist, Darais.

Though the first Rent the Runway pop-up shop was exclusive to L.A., word has it, the company is looking to host more  down the road, so keep your eyes peeled!

In the meantime, I’d like to invite you to try out the site for yourself, and I’ll leave you with a parting gift: 20% OFF your Rent the Runway order, and FREE SHIPPING! Just enter code GIFTFORYOU at checkout. You’re welcome!

Dear Santa,

Everyone thinks shopping for the fashioinsta in the family will be outrageously expensive. But I swear, it doesn’t have to be! I have a whole list here of fabulously fun stuff that would make any fashionista like me totally happy, without breaking the bank.

xo

-M

1) Kate Spade Sparkler Gia clutch, $95. 2) NARS Yorokubi Super Orgasm Set, $49. 3) Philosophy “the Care Package” set, $85. 4)  MICHAEL Michael Kors Python iPhone Wristlet, $79. 5) Survival of the Hippest Social Media Necklaces, $49-$89. 6) MICHAEL Michael Kors Fingerless Gloves, $48.

What’s on your wish list this year?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. 

5 Holiday Party Dresses under $50, does such a thing exist? Why yes it does. Between office holiday parties, family holiday parties, parties with friends and parties…just because? There’s plenty of outfits to be scouted this time of year. Here’s 5 that won’t bust your budget.

1.  Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse dress, $35.99.
2.  Forever 21 belted one-shoulder dress, $24.80.
3.  H&M black chiffon dress, $34.95.
4.  Modcloth Take it to the Banquet Dress, $44.
5.  Gianni Bini Coco One Shoulder Dress, $37.80.

Where do you like to shop for budget-friendly party dresses?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Got your shopping strategy? Picked out your Black Friday outfit? Sounds like you’re just about ready to go! Here’s my top 5 picks for the Valley’s best Black Friday deals.

Scottsdale Fashion Square is opening at 6am!

1. Neiman Marcus Last Call- 40% off your entire purchase and the store opens at midnight. What better way to walk off the turkey than by some midnight shopping?
2. Ted Baker- 30% off the entire store, all weekend long. No need to rush in on Friday, the deals will still be there Sunday!
3. Barney’s Breakfast Pop-Up Shop-Scottsdale Fashion Square will be opening at a bright and early 6am this Friday; Check out the Breakfast Pop-Up Shop in the Barney’s wing.
4. Mariée-Brides-to-be won’t want to miss this special deal: the high-end luxury bridal boutique is having 30% off floor gowns, all weekend on. By appointment only. (480) 946-4343.
5. Midnight Madness-Can’t wait until Friday? Soon, it’ll be called Black Thursday. Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Desert Sky Mall, Paradise Valley Mall and Superstition Spring Center are all opening midnight, November 25.

What deals are you most looking forward to?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. 

Hopefully, you’ve been following the Shops that Sizzles series where each Monday (today it’s Tuesday) an awesome shop you can find in the Valley is featured. If you’ve already checked out our previous winners (Divaz and Pitaya) you’ll also love this budget-friendly find: Francesca’s Collections.

You can actually find several Francesca’s Collections throughout the country, including 8 locations in Arizona. So while it isn’t a purely “local” boutique, it doesn’t have that “everyone-is-going-to-be-wearing-this” vibe shops like Forever 21 have. Instead, you’ll find cheap-chic fashions including cute dresses and tops under $60; jewelry; accessories and though I’ve never purchased a pair, shoes too.

Their pretty headbands and miscellaneous trinkets are reminscent of funky finds you’d see at Urban Outfitters. But it’s their dresses and blouses at super reasonable prices that have me coming back for more.

Blue ruffled dress-$44

Borderline lace skirt-$38

Heirloom blouse-$44

Flight of Fancy blouse-$38

Got a shop that should be featured as a Shop that Sizzles? Contact me or leave a comment below!

For constant style and beauty chatter, “like” me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. 

This post really should have been called, “How to stay stylish when it’s hot as balls out.” But really, that’s the theme of this blog and just one post won’t cover it.

Despite what fashion magazines may be saying is on trend this season, it’s hard to shop for stylish outfits when it’s crazy hot out. Layering is a no. Light “spring” jackets are only realistic indoors. And it’s so easy to fall into the jeans-and-a-tank top style rut.

For starters, hopefully, you’re already armed with your desert lifestyle basics and now want to spruce up your wardrobe with some of this summer’s hottest fashion trends. So how do you shop for fun summer styles that won’t make you sweat? Something cute, chic and that won’t make you melt? Keep these three tips in mind when shopping summer fashions.

1. Fabric

{Image}

Just say no to silk and satin. It may look nice and cool, but it sure is awesome at showing off sweat stains. Go ahead and skip on fabrics like satin,  silk  and polyester which will leave very visible sweat stains and don’t breathe very well. Instead, opt for something more lightweight and natural fabrics like cotton, rayon or linen.

2. Fit

{Dress: Bebe}

Clingy styles will make you sweat. It’s as simple as that. So no matter how much bodycon looks may be in vogue, they’re the last thing I’m thinking about if I’m going to be out in the sun all day. All that fabric sticking to your body is enough to make me sweat just thinking about it.

{Hot pink tunic: Charlie Jade. Blush maxi: Alice + Olivia. Sleeveless blouse: Equipement. Seafoam/Sand maxi: Charlie Jade.}

Instead, opt for something easy, breezy and flowy. I’m always on the lookout for loose tops, dresses and anything “breathable” that won’t stick to my skin and make me sweat.

Tip –> If you can’t avoid wearing something clingy, try some underarm apparel shields to protect your tops and dresses from sweat stains.

3. Color

{White tee: LNA.  Pleated caftan: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent.}

White is one of summer’s hottest colors. But this is AZ. White+sweat=no bueno. If you’re worried you may very well melt when outside, try something in a print, bright or dark color instead.

However, the caveat to this is white does reflect light while dark colors absorb light and heat. If you are less of a sweater and want to risk the light colors to stay cool, try layering a tank underneath to absorb any sweat.

What are your tips for shopping for sweat-free fashions?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.

I am a beauty product junkie.

Oh, yes.

No matter what product I’m currently enamored with, there’s nothing like a seductive beauty ad to sweep me off my feet and convince me I just HAVE to have the newest, latest insert make-me-look-younger-smoother-shinier-happier-most-amazing-newest-product-ever-with-extracts-from-something-natural-yet-totally-weird-here.

Mouthful.

But, you know what I mean.

Even with samples sent to me, it can be an expensive habit. And chaotic for my medicine cabinet too.

So how can you “cheat” the system and still indulge in some beauty product sampling? Here’s 5 ways to score free beauty products.

1. Walmart freebies

I cannot stand Walmart. The store is way too chaotic. And it’s a fashion girl’s nightmare (hello, People of Walmart anyone??).

Walmart online, however, is a totally different story. Especially since they offer freebies every week. Yes, FREE! Just visit the website, fill in your mailing address and items will be shipped right to your door.

2. Sephora Beauty Deals

Sephora Beauty Buys are too good to pass up!

If you’re a frequent Sephora shopper, you must check out their Beauty Deals. Although they aren’t completely free (most are offered as a gift-with-purchase) the products to try are too good to pass up. Some of this week’s goodies include free samples of Lancome anti-aging serum, shisheido suncare set, and even a 5-piece Sephora makeup collection set.

3. Fragrance samples

Mini bottles of perfume can go a long way!

Honestly, do you ever stop to take samples from those oh-so-annoying perfume salespeople? Next time you feel like walking by with your nose in the air, stop and chat for a minute. Most perfume counters already have mini samples available for you to take home and try. You’ll get at least a good 10 spritzes out of the teenie tubes and it’s totally free!

4. Allure free stuff

Enter to win free goodies!

Is it any wonder the magazine devoted to beauty products has an entire page devoted just to free stuff? Check back frequently, sometimes the giveaway is as simple as the first few folks who sign up!

5. Beauty Bloggers!

Speaking of giveaways, don’t forget us beauty bloggers! Tons of us are constantly hosting fun giveaways on our blogs. And they’re usually pretty easy to enter to win! Try free!gretchen‘s blog which serves as a directory for the best fashion and beauty blogger giveaways.

Did I miss any?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.