Thanks for a Super Duper Night!

We had our first big event since all our new arrivals. Endless amount of product + loads of people = a whole lot of fun! Everyone left with exciting new treasures, including the dudes that showed up (of which there were a plenty). I mean, what's not to love about $5 ties and such incredible deals for their women?

We have a packed week before the Love holiday. Remember, there's still time to submit your wish-list along with the email for that man in your life. Really, it's the best idea since sliced bread and we're bound to have some very happy women along with a whole lot of relieved men. You can email at info(at)recessionistaparty.com.

I have some exciting things up my sleeve and will share the details when the time is right. But rest assured, we are always looking out for YOU, our dear readers/customers.

Happy Monday!

New Arrivals

We've been gearing up for a big local event tonight after a much needed sabbatical. (Are you local and want to know the details? Shoot me an email). New shoes, handbags and everything in between. Oooohhh being a girl is actually quite exciting. And for all of you that have sent your wishlist, you're going to love Valentine's Day. And don't worry, we'll still accept them until Wednesday of next week.

Keep peeking in the shop the next few days as we add our latest arrivals.

And our logo is up here.....isn't it pretty? Happy Weekend!

A Cure for The Valentine's Day Blues....how about a free handbag?

We asked Mr. Suave in the house for his take on Valentine's Day, you know the guy's perspective, and this is what he had to say.....

"Let's face it, guys pretty much hate Valentine's Day.....not because they don't want to make their women happy, but because they either hit a home run with their gift (that diamond ring that's been promising someday) or bomb it completely (blender). They walk on egg shells for weeks before, trying to dodge the subtle and not-so-subtle hints. Thank goodness the Super Bowl is there to cause distraction and provide some excitement before the deep breath and one moment of truth."

To hold true to Mr. Suave's words, here are some recent comments of the unfortunate V-day gifts from you, our dear readers. We thoroughly enjoyed reading all of these, many of them had us on the phone laughing hysterically.

Comment # 35
"I can't think of any Valentine's Day presents, but one year my husband got me a scale for Christmas...like to weigh myself! And he was really excited about 'cause he thought he got me a great present. We pick out our own presents now"

Comment # 119
"worst gift: NOTHING along with this comment, "I thought we weren't doing gifts this year."

Comment # 381
"Worst V-Day gift ever: A pillow. A red heart shaped pillow. Seriously? What would you like me to do with that? It was so small too, not even head sized, so I couldn't lay on it if I wanted to. Gimme a break."

Comment # 398
"The worst Valentine's Day gift I got was Nothing. And that has not happened since...I think he learned his lesson."

Comment #613
Worst gift: a stuffed bear with a chain around his ankle and a shirt reading 'prisoner of love'--a week before he broke it off. Jerk."

Comment #683
"The worst gift I have ever received for VDay was a kitten...so cute, but you would think my boyfriend would have known I am ALLERGIC to cats!!! Then again, we broke up two weeks later so maybe it was a sign!!"

Make no mistake about it, a happy woman = happy man = happy home and happy life.

Do we have the solution for you. Let us help with your Valentine's Day Blues and make it right for you and easy for him. For the next week you can email us your wish list from our shop along with your husband's email address and we will send him a simplified and no-excuses email where, with a push of the button, the pressure is off and you're bound to be gleaming. All is well on the home front and Valentine's Day becomes enjoyable both of you.

Just in case you weren't sure whether or not we could pull it off, how about one of our gorgeous authentic handbags to back up our promise? You choose and it's FREE! Notice the photo of the lovely new arrivals. Drooling? Want one to be yours?


To enter:

1 entry: Help us spread the word - repost the flyer or grab the button on the previous post for your blog. Don't have a blog? Spread the Recessionista/Soles 4 Souls love via facebook, email or the beloved twitter (RT to your hearts content...no limits). Do not leave a comment on this post....please link to your site on the previous post using Mcklinky. (And make sure to link into the applicable post, twitter message, facebook, etc....) Wanna do all four? Send me an email telling me so!

Another Entry: Email us your wish list along with your husband's email to info (at) recessionistaparty (dot) come. We promise to take care of you and make your Valentine's Day Special!


That's it....we will surprise one lucky winner in one week (next Wednesday) with a lovely bag to call her own. And what's not to like about that?


PS-we about 40 followers away on twitter where the #900th follower will win a free pair of shoes. I would love for it to be you. @myrecessionista:)

****Please link in to the post below using Mcklinky...thanks******

Free Shoes for Everyone.....in Haiti!

(Photo source: Soles4souls)

There’s a spirit in giving and helping the human race that brings a sense of peace and serenity found no other place. When we reach out to our brothers and sisters who find themselves in unfortunate situations, our souls bond and together we experience the love this life was meant to create. Setting all nonsense aside, we reach beyond race, political preferences, gender or religious differences, across geographical barriers, to change lives and individuals, and most of all, to change ourselves. For a moment, we all find that joy we spend each day seeking.

We are honored to join forces with Soles4Souls, an organization dedicated to providing a way for all of God’s children to walk with covered feet, something that comes so easily to most of us. We believe in their mission and purpose. Likewise, we believe that by giving, we will become better people and a much better business. We have specifically collaborated with the 50,000 shoes project headed by Jessica Simpson, Ken Paves and Cacee Cobb. Together, we hope to accomplish this goal to provide 50,000 shoes in 50 days to the victims in Haiti.

While this is no small feat, we are confident that with your help we will succeed. We ask that you post the jpeg flyer on your own blogs and websites, post the new Recessionista/Soles4Souls button as well, and spread the word through facebook, email and twitter. The Internet is an amazing tool and can be used to spread so much goodness.

Our contribution: For the next 50 days, we will mark down all of our shoes to incredible prices and, reduce every item in our shop. For every shoe purchased, we will donate a shoe directly to Project Haiti up to 10,000 shoes. In addition, 20% of all our non-shoe sales will be donated as well. We encourage you all to help in any way you can. We thank-you in advance for helping and express our sincere gratitude for making our first 3 months online amazing. Someday, we’ll pull an “Oprah” and provide free shoes to everyone! Until then, we can start by sending shoes to Haiti.

Please help us spread the word! Here are 2 sizes to help. Simply copy and paste the code in your blog sidebar. If you need a different size, let us know. The 1st one is 125 x 125 and the second is 150 x 162.

<a href="http://budurl.com/50in50" target="_blank"><img src="http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj268/asoldiersflowers/recess125.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://budurl.com/50in50" target="_blank"><img src="http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj268/asoldiersflowers/recess150x162.jpg"></a>

Now go start shopping at Recessionista !


************


Please link your site to ours showing that you've helped spread the word.

A collaboration and a new logo

I'm not really a starstruck person, not in the least. But when you're building a business and someone of celebrity status recognizes you in any sort of way, it's hard to not squeal like a 16 year girl at her first rock concert, literally melting to the ground. Thank-you Ken Paves for becoming a Recessionista follower via twitter and for the retweet love. You rock! And maybe, just maybe, one day you will to turn my hair to gold. (He does have that ability, you know.)

(lovin' the profile pic)

Speaking of twitter, do you tweet, retweet, and share the tweeting love? I'll admit, the twitter phenomenon sends me into a dither (just ask my pr guru) but I think I'm in love with twitter, deeply in love. Really, where else can you contact celebrities directly regarding their project or cause and get a direct message in return? There goes the 16-year old concert thing again.


Thanks to twitter, we found an incredible organization and became aware of a specific project that fit perfectly with our desires and goals. After many conversations and email exchanges, the official partnership between Recessionista and Soles4Souls has launched. What does this mean? Some amazing prices on our products (we're doing some ridiculous price slashing) for 50 days, donating a portion of our sales, sending shoes to those in Haiti, seeking your help in spreading the good word and announcing some super exciting things. I will have more on that later today. In the meantime, checkout the
p u r d y new logo celebrating this collaboration. You like? And check-out the prices in our shop. What's not to like about that?

Don't go away.....I'll be right back.

We have a Winner

Congratulations Petals n Pearls:

PetalsnPearls said... 47

I NEEEEEED the Etienne Aigner Maureen Chocolate Brown mid-calf in a size 8.5!!! Simply amazing! I also took the super fun shoe quiz! Love this blog!!!

Today is your lucky day! The boots are yours and what a fine choice you picked. I own a pair myself and, well, I think we would be great friends! Email me your details....

And for the rest of you, we have something SUPER exciting to post shortly. It involves another giveaway, celebrities, an amazing charity and some fantastic deals. Stay tuned.....

30% OFF for 3 Consecutive Days!

Voila! It's here.

Everything in our shop is 30% off.
Everything
For 3 days straight
Spread the word and enjoy!

Please use coupon code
RP30off
at checkout.

Coupon code valid for orders of $10 or more.
Free shipping on orders $20 or more and flat $2 fee on anything less that $20.


We will gladly donate a portion of our sales to help the victims in Haiti.
In addition, every 10th order will receive a free gift with their purchase and the larges order will receive something fantastic!

Enjoy!

ps..Have you entered the shoe giveaway?

An Official Declaration

How can anyone not love hats and scarves this time of year? Or anytime of year? Any excuse not to do my hair is heaven sent. Just last week, our new hat and scarf line arrived and I will tell you that I'm in love. Completely. Can a girl have too many hats? And shame on me for ever shunning scarves as a staple accessory and not just practical use. Double shame on me.

Forget for a moment that we're hosting a super duper shoe giveaway (ok you really shouldn't) but switch gears and check out this, this, and this. Now, tell me what you think. Do you love them as much as I do? Don't even get me started on the scarves. I want one of each and I tell you this job is terrible for me. I suppose I can safely say that I'm accumulating fantastic items to outfit my entire posterity for eternity. Thank goodness it's filled with girls.

We've marked tomorrow for the official launch of The Recessionista Shop but don't get too comfortable yet because we are going to completely redesign the entire shop in the weeks to come. In the meantime, enjoy 30% off everything (do the math....there are some killer deals) starting tomorrow and ending Thursday at midnight. For all you handbag lovers, plenty of eye candy right here. We're still adding vigorously to the shop.




Enjoy!

ps - isn't our model lovely? Stunning and beautiful? I only wish I could claim this was me:)

pps- interested in our referral program for our 30% off event where you can get free product? Shoot me an email s'il vous plait.

SHOE GIVEAWAY....Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Coach, Steve Madden, Juicy, etc..

This Giveaway is Closed

Who's ready for a shoe giveaway???

These two just happen to be some of my favorite picks but this giveaway is for any style your heart desires. Here's the drill.....

For one entry: Head on over to our Shop and take a look around. Find the shoe you love and can't live without then leave a comment with your size and shoe.

For another entry: Are you a follower of our blog or a facebook fan? Let me know. Not yet? What are you waiting for? Leave a comment should you decide to become one.

For a third entry: Spread the Recessionista love and blog, tweet, facebook or email about our upcoming
30% off event. Then leave a comment stating so. Wanna do all four? Then give yourself FOUR entries but leave a comment for each. And should you tweet, please do @myrecessionista.

A fourth entry: Add our button to your blog...either the shop or the blog or both.

A fifth an final entry: Leave a comment telling me your dream gift for Valentine's Day? Or humor me with the worst V-day gift you ever received.

Bonus: To those of you that commented yesterday and took the shoe personality quiz....give yourself three extra entries! Leave your shoe personality in the three separate comments. (I won't do it for you and I will delete ones that don't qualify - with love, of course).

****This giveaway will run for an entire week and the winner will be announced sometime next Friday. The winner will have 72 hrs to claim prize or I will choose another winner. Happy shoe hunting and good luck!

(There are 8 entries per person available not including the 3 bonus entries for those who really want it!)

What type of shoe are you?

I'm deeply fascinated with personality tests and anything that gives me more insight into why I like the things I do, think the things I think, and act the way I do. In fact, I've even been going through obsessive periods in my life where I've stuck my nose in numerology books, taken countless personality quizzes as I tried to "figure" everyone out. One of my favorite numerology books even listed that as one of my abilities.

Did you know that the type of shoe you wear can largely and accurately reflect your personality? Honest, it's true. Last night, I even took this silly quiz and here are my results.

You're a sandal by summer and a clog by fall. Less is more as far as you're concerned, but you still manage to look beautiful all the time. You don't really care about the latest trends, but you're psyched that all the stores are carrying the latest yoga clothing now. The new, fashionable flat sandals for spring have your name all over them, and you can't wait to start wearing yours. They're functional and comfortable, and best of all they look fabulous. Inner beauty is just as important to you as outer beauty, and it shows in the natural glow you radiate.

Maybe it's a fluke but the results were right on. I was having so much fun and found the Ann Roth Shoe Personality Test and wanted to share it with you. Have some fun and see what kind of shoe you are! Are you natural, chic, flirty or funky? I'll tell if you will!

Get a pen and piece of paper and keep track of your answers to the ten questions below. Then, add up the points based on your answers, and see your shoe personality take shape!

1. You find a forgotten $100 bill in your coat pocket. What do you decide to do with it?

   A. use the money to have your coat drycleaned
   B. donate it to the Sierra Club
   C. treat yourself and your significant other to concert tickets for your favorite indie rock band
   D. buy that new cute purse you've had your eye on

2. Tonight's your first date with that cutie from an online dating site. What are you going to do with your hair?

   A. set it into lots of bouncy curls
   B. pull it back into a sleek chignon
   C. just blowdry it and go
   D. use your favorite barrette to draw attention to your pink highlights

3. It's time to do some spring cleaning! What one item in your closet could you never, ever part with?

   A. your favorite pair of worn-in jeans
   B. that leather jacket with the bad-ass zippers
   C. the cashmere sweater your mom gave you
   D. the twirly skirt that makes your legs look really good

4. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

   A. strawberry
   B. french vanilla
   C. banana split
   D. coffee

5. Which movie character do you most identify with?

   A. Reese Witherspoon's character in Legally Blonde
   B. Phoebe from "Friends"
   C. Sarah Jessica Parker's character in "Sex and the City"
   D. Keira Knightley's character in Bend It Like Beckham

6. You've really hit it off with the new gal in the office and want to invite her to hang out. What do you suggest?

   A. dinner at a popular steakhouse
   B. a hike at a nearby state park
   C. manicures and pedicures
   D. open mic night at your favorite coffeehouse

7. How would your best friends describe you?

   A. reliable
   B. a barrel of laughs
   C. cutting-edge
   D. socially conscious

8. You've got a three-day weekend coming up. What are your plans?

   A. organizing your home office
   B. brunch with your girlfriends
   C. your regular Saturday morning soccer match
   D. constructing your own t-shirt dress

9. If you had $5,000 to go anywhere in the world, where would you head?

   A. to a hidden New England spa
   B. on a fantastic eco-tour in Costa Rica
   C. Fiji, baby
   D. on a whirlwind tour of Eastern Europe

10. What one beauty item can you not live without?

    A. moisturizer
    B. mascara
    C. lip gloss
    D. hairstyling wax

Score It!

Now that you've answered all the questions, simply add up your points and find out your shoe personality below.

1. A. 2
   B. 1
   C. 4
   D. 3
2. A. 3
   B. 2
   C. 1
   D. 4
3. A. 1
   B. 4
   C. 2
   D. 3
4. A. 3
   B. 1
   C. 4
   D. 2
5. A. 3
   B. 4
   C. 2
   D.
6. A. 2
   B. 1
   C. 3
   D. 4
7. A. 2
   B. 3
   C. 4
   D. 1
8. A. 2
   B. 3
   C. 1
   D. 4
9. A. 2
   B. 1
   C. 3
   D. 4
10. A. 1
    B. 2
    C. 3
    D. 4

If you scored 10–16 points, you're a Natural Gal. You prefer jeans to high heels, and your style is down-to-earth and comfortable. You'd rather go for a hike than hit the mall, and you'd rather wear lip balm than lipstick. You will like the Sketcher Bikers, Rox Salsa, and Born Nordi.

If you scored 17–24 points, you're a Chic Chick. You're a fan of the classics, and understated elegance is your specialty. Never boring, but not too daring either, you know what works for you and you don't want to mess with a good thing. Some of your favorites include the Michale Kors Austin, Coach Corey, and Franco Sarto Zany.

If you scored 25–34 points, you're Flirty and Feminine. You love being a girl and playing up your assets. Your closet is full of skirts and shoes to match. You will love , Jessica Simpson Parigi, Guess Olgan, Jessica Simpson Genavive and Enzo Waters.

If you scored 35–40 points, you're Fresh and Funky. You've defined a style that is all your own, and you're not shy about saying to the world, "This is me, and I love myself!" You will wear the Steve Madden Truffle, Naughty Monkey Jay Rocks and BCBG Alga.

Now tell me, was it right? And what shoe are you? A little teaser....you will want to comment today....more details tomorrow.

$9.99 Flip Floppers

To all you Flip Flop Lovers,

How would you feel about $9.99 flippers? For 24 hours?

You like? Go here and shop until your hearts content.

Enjoy and wear the flippers with pride. Let's stand tall and unite against the haters.

Enjoy!

ps- Reef and Roxy are my preferred brands and we are still vigorously adding shoes, shoes, shoes

The Great Flip-Flop Debate

One thing about the internet is that, with the click of button, I learn that something I do, or wear, or think, or believe is widely criticized on public forums, warranting multiple blog posts and comments galore. Sometimes I chuckle and other times I simply scratch my head. Most of the time, I just wonder why people care so much about seemingly unimportant details. And then sometimes, I just get mad. The nerve of some people.

A while ago, I read this blog post, and found myself laughing while feeling slightly offended and puzzled all at the time. In a nutshell, the blog author HATES flip flops and thinks anyone wearing the blasted things, at places other than the pool, has created the ultimate fashion crime, not to mention has become a menace to society. OK...maybe that's stretching it a little but you get the point. Really, though, this was the first time that I realized there was such a controversy regarding the beloved footwear.

I mean, really, who doesn't wear flip flops? Come on, don't be shy. And whatever happened to just wearing want you want, regardless what anyone thinks? When did the world become so critical? Or was it always that way?

I, for one, love 'em and wear them all the time. Chacos are my first love and when warm weather permits, I wear Chacos or flip-flops 95% of the time. However, I do know when and where they are appropriate. I never wear them to church...never, ever....although I don't really understand the difference between some dressy flip-flops and dressy sandals. And looky here -even the stars are wearing them, which usually means it's gospel, right?

(photo source)


If Mrs. Beckham, known for her sleek fashion, can sport flips, than anyone can.

(photo source)

Love 'em?
Hate 'em?
Wear 'em?
Don't care either way?
I'd love to hear your opinion on this one.

Some people even go as far as labeling flip-flops the Fashion Anti-Christ....yikes

Our Official Launch....

Can I just tell you that I never knew so much cool/amazing stuff existed? I know, I've been living in my sub-zero degree bubble for what feels like most of my life, but seriously! We opened our online shop on Black Friday in test phase and had a tremendous response. We tweaked some things and have done some major shopping with all our customers in mind. We are now planning an official launch of the Recessionista Shop January 26th. We will start with an introductory sale, marking EVERYTHING 30% off for three solid days.

A tiny morsel of the lovelies....(the shop is still only about 50% full).


Since we've ceased our physical party days until we can stand outside and breath without our nose hairs forming ice crystals, YOU will have first dibs on everything you see. And to make it even better, all orders over $20 will ship for free. (Those under $20 will only have a flat $2 shipping charge).

And rest assured, we are still adding items like crazy. We have hundreds of hats, scarves, handbags, men's designer ties for dirt cheap (ladies...think Valentines), shoes, and more jewelry to add throughout the week.

To all of you who have emailed with interest in RPDD (Recessionista Party Deal Day), I will send some correspondence to you by Tuesday....I promise. You all are just fantastic and well, love is in the air.

It's Monday again, which means you know where I'll be.

A smokin deal and things to come

Jump on the clutch bandwagon and enjoy these amazing offers.

1. La Regale msrp $30 rpp $5.99 Sold
   
2. La Regale msrp $35 rpp $5.99 Sold
   
3. La Regale msrp $42 rpp $5.99 Sold
   
4. Hobo msrp $128 rpp$24.99 Sold
   
5. Alfani msrp $72 rpp $9.99 Sold
   
6. Alfani msrp $50 rpp $9.99 Sold
   
7. Chinese Laundry msrp $48 rpp $5.99 Sold
   
8. Alfani $60 rpp $9.99 Sold
   

To purchase, click on link to the right.

* * * * * * * *
In the meantime,we are ordering, ordering, ordering
and stocking the shop with shoes, shoes, shoes,
beaucoup scarves and hats, loads of jewelry, handbags galore, gifts for your men
and lots more.

We have plans to have a big shopping rendez-vous on the shop in two short weeks
and
will be offering 30% off EVERYTHING for two days.
Stay tuned for more details.


Post edit: um IMO, #7 is the best one!
Well, of course, the Hobo is a no brainer but I'm just saying.

Trend Watch - The Clutch Handbag

Congrats #25, Amyg, the winner of the Giani Bernini handbag. Please e-mail me!

For Christmas, my stylish mother gifted me this darling clutch handbag. It's small yet not too small, sleek and fancy yet not too fancy, and a good mix between casual and dressy. I've never owned a clutch and I think the only time I have ever used one was decades ago while attending high school formal dances. Oh, that just made me feel old.

At first I thought, when will I ever use this? You see, I barely use a purse. Not because I don't want to, I'm just lazy and forget half the time. I'm on a quest, though, to be more stylish, actually adapting the advice and tips my stylistas give.

Gone are the days when carrying a clutch was simply left for the select few red carpet goers or the sparsely numbered times per year (or, in my case, lifetime) when the event or wardrobe warranted such an accessory. Yep, the clutch is now paired with casual/everyday wear.



According to Guide The Chic Fashionista, here are few guidelines to picking out the right clutch for you:

• Petites should opt for a smaller clutch
• Tall girls should opt for a longer or larger clutch
• Plus size girls should look for structured or boxy clutches
• If you're thin you should look for softer, rounded clutches
• If you're a petite plus size, then go for small but structured clutches.

And some stylish ideas on how to wear the clutch handbags:

• Let it match with your shoes, jewelry and other accessories. Like for example a blue envelope clutch with a beautiful blue beaded necklace.
• If you're wearing a multi-colored dress or top then pick one of the colors from the blend and wear it as a bag
• Get to know the color wheel and find other complementary colors to your outfit.

However, if you're like me and like to break all the rules, then go for the clutch you like the best. (I just might be hearing from my stylistas now.)

Do I have a Deal for You!

Today, I'm off to the ski hill to teach a snowboarding class. I'm hoping for blue skies and above zero degree temperatures. After class, I regretfully (my heart is still on my board) switch into skis to be with my girls (and husband, of course). We're ski/snowboard junkies and spend our cold winters outdoors.

Before going, though, I have an exciting announcement to make.

To all of you with a business or service (large or small) to promote, how would you feel about FREE advertising -always- on this blog? Good golly, do I have a deal for you! Beginning shortly, I will be hosting a re-occurring one day event titled *RP Deal Day* where I will feature, on a first come first serve basis, 5-10 different business/shops in exchange for a smokin' deal to our readers for that day. Mondays will always be *RPDD* and will occur weekly, if needed. The minimum discount required is 30%. After all, we're Recessionistas, right?

In the post feature, I will use pictures and link back to each site/shop/blog (the 5-10) with a savvy take on what's being offered. At the end of the post, I will allow any and all that are willing to offer a 30% minimum discount, ability to link into our blog for that day and promote their business and discount to all Recessionista Party readers. We will use Mcklinky, a reliable, easy-to-use blog-linking service.

We, at Recessionista, will heavily promote each RP Deal Day and include a separate button to do so. It's anticipated that this day will quickly become our highest traffic day, earning a reputation as "the hub" for amazing finds. For our readers: amazing discounts! For promoters: a quick, easy, inexpensive way to gain exposure and promote what you have to offer.

For those that are featured in the blog post on RP Deal Day, you will also have the option to have your button placed on our sidebar for the following week--- until the next RP Deal Day arrives. To do so, we will require that you offer at least a 20% discount to RP readers for the duration of time you are on our sidebar. Should one opt out of this feature, not a problem but why not have the added exposure? We won't charge a penny and instead, only ask to pass on a discount to all Recessionistas out there.

Questions? Interested in free exposure? Remember those 5-10 featured in the blog post are on a first come, first serve basis. Should you be interested, email me a link to your site and I will place you on our growing list. To those that have already emailed me, I will respond shorty, but rest assured you are at the top.

If there's one thing I've learned about the blogging world, it's that there are some insanely talented people out there, many that just need the exposure. I'm thrilled to be able to offer some! It's our way of giving back to the HUGE welcome and support in two short months. WOW!

Note ~ discounts do not have to be 30% per say, but could be worded such as get $15 off your order of $50 or more, buy one, get one free, just as long as it's equivalent to the 30%. However you want to word the discount is fine. We encourage creativity and strategic marketing practices.

I will continue to provide further details but plan to have the first one going in the next few weeks. Think Valentines:)

A Getting Organized Handbag sort of GIVEAWAY!!

In honor of my getting organized this year, I wanted to start this year off with a bang!
Therefore, I'm giving away this lovely Giani Bernini genuine leather handbag.
I love the smell of leather, don't you?
The front pocket of this stylish bag comes complete with pockets, pouches, a mini calculator, business card holder and GB keyring.
What more will you need?
Even better it retails for $138!
Want it to be yours?
To enter, simply vote in our giveaway poll on the sidebar and leave a comment.
Already voted? Let me know.
Winner will be announced once the poll is closed.
Bonne Chance! (sometimes I think I'm french.)

Giveaway Closed

Also, in response to Katelyn's comment:

I would love to buy something (or you could give us ideas) on how to organize all the jewelery that you can buy from Recessionista. The big jewels don't fit in my little jewelry hanger bag and I don't know what to do. Ideas?


I'm guest posting here about these and more:

2 B Organized

In honor of my organizational obsession that has consumed my 2010 so far, I would like to share with you one of my favorite blogs. One thing I love about the blogging world is that there is an endless supply of fantastic ideas, fabulous products, more talent than I ever knew existed and inspiration that can last a lifetime.

IMO (or in my opinion), Kate's a Design Recessionista, meaning she knows how to create a fabulous place to dwell without breaking the bank. She's savvy and smart with an eye for all things beautiful. In addition, her blog is cleverly (makes me think of Beverly) written with enough information an ideas to keep one browsing and dreaming for days.

I came across her blog in it's early days and have absorbed her creativity like a dry withered sponge. She inspires me and makes me believe that all things are possible. I have followed her tips, implemented my own ideas and have been completely amazed at my inner creativity that was begging for a way out.


I link to her today because we have simultaneously shared the O-bug to get our house in order by simplifying and eliminating the clutter in our lives. Thus, she has some fantastic ideas pertaining to this subject and I'm enjoying sponging up her information once again.

There's a beauty in all things orderly, but naturally, to enjoy the order the chaos must exist. Opposition always makes me appreciate the side I crave and enjoy the most. For tomorrow's post, I plan to show some uniquely stylish ways to keep yourself organized with an incredible offer from the Recessionista pocket purse/wallet stash I have dying for a home.

PS.....I want to have my home office look like this:



And don't forget to vote in the poll for future giveaways or I will decide for you:)

What a Girl Wants.....

I'm in giveaway withdrawals after the 12 Days of Giveaways and am trying to determine what my next giveaways will be. I'm having a difficult time because too much of anything can become a big blur, and what I want does not always match the majority.

What are the desires of your hearts (something we can deliver)?

What would you like to see as a future giveaway? I've posted a poll on my sidebar and kindly seek your advice.

In addition, I'm looking forward to my next ordering binge and am, therefore, seeking your help. Tell me some items you would like to see in our shop with a Recessionista price. And tell me your idea of a Recessionista Price?

And finally, for all your creative and talent people with skills up the wazoo, how would you like some exposure to your shop once a month? For free! Email me your business/shop links and I will send you further information. Do you know some creative/talented people? Send them our way.

Please take a moment and vote in the poll to the right. Merci and bonne journée (french for thank-you and have a nice day)!

A New Year

I love the beginning of a new year and incidentally met my husband on New Year's Eve ten years ago. With each new year, it's like a new beginning, a farewell to the past and a time to resolve to be better, do more and reach a little higher. This time last year, I sat down and wrote myself a letter about all the things I wanted 2009 to bring. I wrote as if the year had already passed, outlining all that I wanted to happen, expressing gratitude and my feelings as if everything had already occurred. Am I making sense?

I forgot about the letter throughout the year and just re-read its contents last week. As I read, I sat amazed at how the letter paralleled so closely what happened and how I feel. Most of the things I wrote actually happened and while some did not, I realize now that better things took their place. It was a new way to set goals and I'm looking forward to writing another one.

There's often times some criticism and negativity surrounding New Year's because so many make resolutions, get all excited and within weeks forget everything they wanted to do. I'm guilty of all of the above. However, I still love that it's a time to reflect, seek, change and become - things we can never do too much.

The last few days, I've become obsessed with cleaning and organizing. So much that my body aches nearly as much as completing my first and only marathon. I've scoured, scrubbed, sorted, purged, used nearly an entire jar of Clorox wipes, organized, thought about all that I can organize, made mental project lists, and all the while realizing how much more I have to do. I'm exhausted and was supposed to be resting! I will tell you this, though, it feels good - oh so good!

As for New Year's resolutions, I'm keeping it simple at the number three. For 2010, I vow to BE more, Do more, and SERVE more. And by doing so, 2010 is bound to be an incredible year. What are your new year's resolutions? Do you have them?

And help me here, what do you do to stay organized? I'm desperate and am debating whether or not to continue my current method for all my madness.

Up to our ears in SHOES!!!

My sincere apologies for being somewhat MIA the past week or so. Yes, it was Christmas and now it's New Year's but more importantly, it's been the anticipated arrival of our newest shoe shipments! We're talking numbers in the thousands (pairs that is). They are hot, sexy, fashionable, cute and a price to make you smile.

I quickly browsed through my size (8.5, 9 - the ones that are listed so far) and here's a preview of things that caught my eye. Sadly, I can't do heels too terribly high because I'm already tall as it is (5'10'') but a girl can dream, right?




And if I haven't told you yet, 2010 is going to be a fabulous year.

Happy New Year!!!

Guest post and an online party recap

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Day and are still savoring the sweet magical moments that accompany this time of year. Today, I would like to introduce you to Laura from Chasing Education with her professional take on hosting a Recessionista online party/shopping event. We tested out online parties a few weeks ago and are still working out a few details but exciting things are on the way. Should you be interested in more information regarding online parties/shopping events, send an email my way.

And now I give you Laura......

As a marketing manager I thought my Online Recessionista Party was no different from any other event that I needed to promote. I was ready to advertise product, price, place and promotion via mass media outlets like facebook, linkedin and email. Hm...I wonder how much an ad in the local newspaper would cost me. Then came my first email from Recessionista regarding party preparation: "have conversations with your guests about the party." Wait, I shouldn't just blast out coupon codes? I learned why very quickly.

If your friends have attended a Recessionista Party before, you have an advantage. I live in Sunny Florida, where no one had ever attended a Recessionista Party. (Though, I changed all of that!) I could blast facebook messages to 113 of my closest girlfriends all day, but without an explanation of what exactly an Online Recesionista Party is, they are unlikely to respond. There is way too much SPAM floating around the internet–people have become desensitized. Actual communication is the only way to assure your friends that a bot hasn't taken over your facebook account and started spamming Recessionista propaganda. Once they know that it is, in fact, you promoting savvy shopping, your facebook statuses can serve as a reminder.

While you're conversing with your friends you may want to ask what day and time is good for them. Take notes and choose a time when the most people are going to be available. Don't get too stressed out over this, because as with most things in life, you can't always make everyone happy. Evites.com is a great way to send out a formal invitation and allow people to vote on which time is good for them. It also allows them to RSVP so that you can get an idea of how many people will be shopping. Gmail also allows you to create events and have people RSVP to them. If you go this route, be sure to communicate to your guests that you will be sending them an invitation that requires them to respond.

If you don't already have some sweet Recessionista accessories on hand, you may want to purchase a few before you consider hosting a party. Bargain prices often go hand-in-hand with questionable quality. If you've already purchased and debuted your high-quality Recessionista scarves, jewelry, handbags and/or shoes, it's much easier to assuage your friends' nightmares about knock-off bags and jewelry that breaks before you ever get to wear it.

Now, enough about how to promote your Online Recessionista Party. You know your friends, you know what they'll respond to and what they won't respond to. Take my marketing advice with a grain of salt. However, what I'm about to say, I want you to take very seriously.


What I love about online Recessionista Parties

• My long-distance friends could be a part of it. How often to you get to shop with your friends who live hundreds of miles away?
  
• No one has to drop what they are doing to come over. Mom's don't have to find babysitters, students don't have to find a way to fit the party into their busy schedules–even those who are working can sneak in a purchase or two! (Don't worry, I won't tell your boss.)
• If your friends do want to drop what they are doing, you can always invite them over and you can shop online together. Set up a wireless network; the more computers the merrier.
  

• The hostess (in this case me!) doesn't have to clean her house or provide refreshments.
• When you get your purchases in the mail and distribute them to your guests, it's just as much fun as when you bought them–double the fun for the same price!
• Recessionista has something for every budget, so your friends who are on a tighter budget don't have to feel left out.
  

My Recessionista picks of the week

• The burn out tee long sleeve in indigo and white
  
• Flowered black necklace and earring set
• Off white scarf (to go with the indigo burn out tee!)
• Trendy green floral scarf (to go with the white burn out tee)
  

And so I leave you with a twist on Recessionista's very own slogan...Savvy shopping is always a party–even on the internet!

Laura - Chasing Education

12 Days, 12 Giveaways

Winston Churchill once said, " We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." For the 12th day of Christmas, we chose to reach out on a local level, giving to those with a need greater than our own. We gathered our little Recessionsitas in training and headed down to our local women's shelter. Together, we gladly donated 12 new pair of shoes.

When Christmas morning comes, the presents have all been unwrapped and the anticipation fades away, there will remain a memory pressed upon the hearts of those that truly give. It's not what we give but how we give that welcomes the real joy and the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to give as it was not merely a duty but a privilege to do so. All of us here at Recessionista and especially myself, wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May we all love more, do more and be more this coming year.

Winners........

I will admit, Day 7 winner was hard, hard, hard! Therefore, I resorted to random.org to take away some pressure. I just couldn't do it all on my own. I did pick my top six based on the comments and a little more details that I knew then used a random generator to help me decide. The winner of the $70 shopping spree is.....

Kayla said... 12

Ok, first of all! I'm a follower, you know that! :-) I've ordered many-a-time from you!

2nd, I've ordered Christmas gifts for a few women in my family and I have already told them about your site, what's not to love!?!

As I'm sitting here in my floral print scarf (from you my dear sweet recessionista!) I thought about who I could tell about this wonderful giveaway.... Well, I work with 6 women, who now all know about you! I've made sure to tell my mother, mother-in-law, and my future-sis-in-law as well as all of my girly friends!

So, I think I've told way over seven! :-) I have your button on my blog and you're in my google reader so that I can keep up on all the cool (inexpensive) fashions!

Thanks so much for your kindness and good luck to everyone who participates! :-)

Email me and we'll work out the details!


Winners for Day 10 t-shirt giveaway are:

#2 Tammy & Shelby
#13 Jeff & Jen
#10 Mardie
#26 Raysha
#65 swtelford
#50 Morgan
#38 Suni
# 7 Tj & Amy
#21 Clancy
#61 Kenzie

You know the drill....send me an email with your info and please put "t-shirt giveaway" in the subject. Thanks and enjoy!

12 Days of Christmas....Day 11

Giveaway is closed


On the 11th Day of Christmas
Recessionista gave away
11 jeweled pendant necklace/earring combos

They are simple and classy,
adding a little "bling" to anything you wear.
This is the easiest one of all.
The first people to email me their info will receive one in the mail.
Please type "Day 11" in the subject of your email.


Winners for Day 7 and Day 10 will be announced sometime today!

Go and spread a little Christmas cheer!