Lipstick to Crayons » Fashion

Ross Dress for Less Comes to St. Louis/$25 Giftcard Giveaway – CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:27 +0000

If you love getting awesome, name-brand stuff at ridiculously low prices, then you need to visit a Ross Dress for Less store. And that visit got a whole lot easier for St. Louis-area residents last week (3/3/12) when the nation’s largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain made its debut in the area with two new locations in Chesterfield, Mo. and Fairview Heights, Ill.

I was among a lucky group of women who got invited to a special opening of the store and I left the place with a LOAD of great bargains. Here’s a list of my delightful finds, all for $134.19:

a name-brand (can’t say the brand) dress for me to wear to my Godson’s first communion
a boutique-quality sundress for my teen
two pairs of shoes (also name brand) for my 4-year-old
a name-brand summer top for me
a “sliders” burger basket for my grill
a “Live Laugh Love” wall decal for my family room
an 18×24 wooden framed mirror for my kitchen

As promised, I found the same brand names carried in department and specialty stores priced at 20 percent to 60 percent less at Ross. In fact, the above-mentioned dress would have cost me nearly “$130 at my favorite department store, and I got everything on that list for $134.

Ross Dress for Less stores — more than 1,000 nationwide — have been in business for 30 years and carry apparel, shoes and accessories for the whole family, as well as home fashions. It’s literally a treasure hunt shopping experience.

The Ross “strategy” is “no frills, big thrills.” And that holds true in the store — no fancy displays or staging of the merchandise but thrilling merchandise just the same. Despite the “no frills,” the store was super organized and easy to navigate, and the racks aren’t overstuffed like you find in some discount stores. Plus, the associates were helpful, efficient and informed, even on the first day the store was opened for business. I think that bodes well for the customer service going forward.

But don’t take it from me — try it out for yourself. I was told (and I believe) that the best way to find those treasures at Ross is to visit often and snatch them up when you find them. Enter the contest below for a $25 Ross Dress for Less giftcard to get you started.

Giveaway Guidelines:

To enter the contest, you MUST subscribe to Lipstick to Crayons (subscribe button in upper right corner) and then comment below that you did so (or leave a comment telling me you’re already a subscriber). After completing this mandatory first entry method, you can gain additional entries by doing any or all of the following (but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

Blog about this contest.
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (You can tweet daily, but leave a comment for each time you do so).
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.
Post a link to this contest on your Facebook page.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time March 20, 2012. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. The winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If the winner does not claim the prize by March 23, 2012, she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO CAROLSUE, COMMENT #39.

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$191 Kymaro Beauty Products 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!! – CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:11:53 +0000

I’ve told you before about Kymaro Health and Beauty products, which are designed to help women look their best all the time. With the holiday’s right around the corner, Kymaro wants to offer one of my readers an amazing prize pack as part of the 12 days of Holiday with Kymaro! This contest is filled with perfect stocking stuffers and gifts valued at $191!!

I got to try some of these brand new Kymaro Products that are new to the market, including the Kymaro Blow Dryer (an amazingly powerful, full-size dryer that folds down to about half its size for travel) and the Portable Hair Straightner (also a GREAT travel item for those of us addicted to our flat irons). The prize pack also includes:

So, if you’d like a few items from Kymaro to help you look your best this holiday season, enter the contest below.

Giveaway Guidelines:

To enter the contest, you MUST become an email subscriber to Lipstick to Crayons. The subscribe button is in the upper right corner of the site. Once you subscribe (or if you are already a subscriber), leave a comment below telling me you did so, and make sure the email address you provide is the one you used to subscribe. After completing this mandatory first entry method, you can gain additional entries by doing any or all of the following (but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

Blog about this contest
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (You can tweet daily, but leave a comment for each time you do so).
Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati
Stumble this post
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Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.
Post a link to this contest on your Facebook page.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time Dec. 10, 2010. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. The winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If the winner does not claim the prize by December 13, 2010, she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

USA residents only.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATS TO SOMELUCKYDOG, COMMENT #51.

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Christian Jewelry Made Incredibly Stylish – and Custom Pieces, too!

lipsticktocrayons — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:57:32 +0000

I have a new piece of jewelry that gets more attention and compliments when I wear it than my favorite piece of David Yurman. It’s a beautiful cross on a simple leather cord by kpWired Designs.

kpWired Designs is co-owned by Kim Plank and Maggie Robinson. Kim started the company about five years ago and began by beading different pieces for friends and family. Then she began using wire to create unique designs. As the demand grew, Kim knew she needed help if she wanted the business grow so Maggie joined in the most awesome madness. Together, they create designs that are made from lead-free solder wire, all hand-crafted, with each piece being unique. Many of the designs have a Christian or faith theme, such as this one:

Other designs simply are simply infused with a simplicity that is beautiful, such as this one:

And the prices are extremely reasonable, ranging from about $20 on the low end to the most expensive piece that includes swarovski crystals priced at $50. Kim and Maggie also design rings, bracelets and earrings, and they will do a custom piece for anyone who asks — also within those price ranges. I’ve asked Kim to work on a custom necklace for a group of my friends and she thinks it will cost about $25 for the solder wire design on a leather cord.

Obviously, the pieces are affordable (half the price of sterling, in fact, and they won’t tarnish), and 10 percent of the profits go to single Moms in the St. Louis area. (Kim and Maggie’s company mission is to create beautiful, unique and fun priced designs in the hopes that along their journey they can help struggling, single moms in St. Louis). That’s as beautiful as their creations, in my opinion.

So, if you’d like to order a piece from kpWired Designs, you can shop by viewing the photos on their Facebook page and then email them to place your order at kpwireddesigns@gmail.com. Or, if you live in the St. Louis area, you can email them to book a show or a personal appointment to view the items in person or discuss a custom piece.

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Isotoner smarTouch Gloves Giveaway – Stay connected in the cold! CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:01 +0000

Almost a month ago I told you about some exciting new gloves from Isotoner that let you operate your touch screen phone while wearing gloves.

Isotoner’s smarTouch gloves allow you use touch screen devices in frigid weather without removing your gloves. You can now operate your phone, mp3 player, GPS device and more without worrying about your fingers freezing!

I also mentioned I have some information on a great giveaway! Isotoner is running the “Give the Gift of Touch” sweepstakes in which you and a friend could win smarTouch gloves and an Apple iPad. All you have to do is send a friend a virtual pair of smarTouch gloves on Facebook. If they click on the gift, both are entered to win.

To enter the giveaway and to see a great video featuring the gloves, visit www.smartouchgloves.com.

Finally, the folks at Isotoner have given me the chance to give away a pair of gloves to two lucky winners!

Giveaway Guidelines:

Blog about this contest
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (you can do daily tweets, but leave a comment each time you do)
Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati
Stumble this post
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.
Post a link to this contest on your Facebook page.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time November 9, 2010. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. Winners will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If any winner does not claim the prize by November 12, 2010, she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

USA residents only please!

Some content for this post provided by representatives for Isotoner.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA, COMMENT #12 AND KELLY COMMENT #20.

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Gloves that Let You Operate Your Touch Screen!

lipsticktocrayons — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:21:08 +0000

I’m not very good at the whole ‘touch screen” thing, but have you ever noticed that it’s impossible to operate a touch screen with gloves on your hands — not your phone or the ATM or the GPS or the iPod or even the dang gas pump. Your hands had to freeze off during the cold season in order for you to enjoy touch technology.

Not anymore, thanks to the new smarTouch™ gloves by Isotoner. These gloves, with smarTouch technology, let you stay connected while your hands stay warm because they have conductive thread on the index fingers and thumbs which conveys electrical impulse to the touch screen. Plus, a non-slip palm design improves grip, while ISOTONER’s signature stretch materials provide superior fit and flexibility.

Isotoner and Totes are known for fashion and function and they recognize that there needed to be additional functionality for the growing touch-screen device market, which is expected to double to 362.7 million devices in 2010 (Source: Gartner Group). known for fashion and function. They sent me a pair of these gloves to try, and they really work and are extremely comfortable.

The gloves make a great functional gift for yourself and also make a great stocking stuffer for the touch screen mobile phone “geniuses” in your life – you know, that special someone who can’t part with their phone for more than a blink of an eye. They are available at most department stores for around $29.99. And on Nov. 1, you can enter to win a free pair of smarTouch gloves and an Apple iPad by sending a “virtual pair” of smarTouch gloves to a friend via Facebook. More details on this “Give the Gift of Touch” Sweepstakes will come on Nov. 1, but mark your calendars now to check back here, or subscribe to Lipstick to Crayons (upper right corner of this site) so you don’t miss that opportunity.

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25 Percent Coupon Code for Moody Mama’s Maternity Clothes & Fall Fashion Tips

lipsticktocrayons — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:42:30 +0000

It’s that wonderful time of year when the leaves begin to change color and the air becomes crisp. Fall is upon us, which means it is time to start bringing out the boots, sweaters, and outerwear. How can you keep on trend and stay out of a wardrobe rut as the weather turns colder? Here are some fall fashion tips based on certain occasions that will help you stay warm and looking chic through the upcoming autumn months.

Date Night

Whether it’s on the weekend or during the week, it’s fun to get gussied up for a night out with your loved one. If you’ve got feminine flair, love vibrant colors, and dresses, there are tons of styles this fall that will float your boat. The prim and proper looks of the 60’s are back, as are rich jewel tones; therefore just because the weather’s changing, doesn’t mean you have to wear pants or succumb to a neutral color palette. This season, rich colors like ruby red and deep violet will quench your thirst for color and body conscious fits will make your feel sassy by allowing you to show off your curves. Looking to not just turn heads, but break necks? Try the Tina Dress from Fierce Mamas. Paired with some tights and a high heel (it’s date night after all…) this look is sure to wow. Still want to feel sexy but looking for a more casual look? Try the Eva Dress with some black leggings and a pair of booties.

Day at the Office

This just in- corporate America has adopted a new policy called pre-maternity leave. That’s right-not only do mamas get time off once the baby is born, but they also can put their professional lives on hold until their morning sickness and cravings have ceased and desisted! We wish, but until that bill gets passed, we have to deal with bringing our bumps along to work everyday. Work it, while you work. Looking good can make your feel better; so don’t hide under bulky sweaters and giant muu-muus when heading into the office. Get a professional and comfy look by wearing a jersey dress with sleek lines, or opt for a knit dress with chic appliqués like the Milly Dress by Fierce Mamas. Worn barelegged with mid-calf boots, or with black leggings and a ballet flat, these styles are versatile and can be worn post work day as well.

Weekend Wear

Everyone has at least one season appropriate staple item in their closets. It’s that piece that goes with anything and can be worn anywhere. (At least that’s what you told your husband when he saw the price tag). Now’s the time to get that fall article and you’ll find it at MoodyMamas.com with their Striped Tunic. Wear it with leggings for a trip to the park with the kids or pair it with some skinny’s and flat suede boots to grab lunch with friends. You’ll wear it so often that you should probably just go ahead and buy two.

So, if you’d like to try some of these fashion items, you can go to Moody Mamas and use the discount code MAILGIFT for 25 percent off (good through Oct. 31).

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Free Shipping and Fall Sale at Hanna Andersson

lipsticktocrayons — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:26:10 +0000

Hanna Andersson (even more than Gymboree) is my all-time favorite kids’ clothing designer. If you’ve never shopped their collections for your youngsters, you are missing out. The quality and adorable designs are unmatched.

Right now, they are offering free shipping on orders over $100 for a limited time. Plus, customers can save on dresses, tees, pajamas and more during Hanna’s Fall Favorites sale. Click on the button below to enjoy this sale:

Or, you can shop for some Fun Halloween Long Johns, T-Shirts, Treat Bags, & More at Hanna Andersson!

Don’t forget the Pre-Season Cold Snap Sale at Hanna Andersson. Up to 30% Savings On Select Winter Essentials!

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Very Unique Gift for Young Girls and Tweens

lipsticktocrayons — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:01:32 +0000

You’ve heard of the friendship bracelet and friendship necklaces. And you’ve probably seen tote bags that can be personalized with paint pens or jewelry kits that girls can use to make personalized accessories. But have you heard of friendship fashion? Or clothing that can be personalized again and again?

Mia My is a one-of-a-kind friendship jacket that allows girls to show off their unique personality and/or their best friends. It’s a stylish white blazer that comes with four yummy scented colorful markers for the girl’s to decorate or for B.F.F.s to sign their chic jacket. And if they want to restyle their Mia My jacket, just toss it in the wash and the ink is gone!

Mia My asked me to review one of their jackets, but my 15-year-old shot me down. “I am NOT wearing any such thing,” she declared. I’m thinking it really is for the tween set and younger. So, I asked my neighbor’s adorable daughter, Ava, to put the product to the test. She was delighted to do so, and what you see here is her third design on the jacket. She wasn’t satisfied with her first two designs, so her Mom washed it and voila — ALL TRACES of the previous design were gone!

Ava loves the jacket because it provides an outlet for her creativity. And she has something that no one else at her school has. Plus, she has some ideas for decorating it for school spirit day, St. Louis Cardinal’s Day, various holidays, etc. What FUN!

What impressed me about the jacket was the quality of the design. It is constructed like a well-made designer piece. The fabric is thick, the seams are sturdy and the cut is tailored and stylish. It’s not the kind of quality construction you can find in just any children’s clothing — this is boutique-quality stuff.

What impressed Ava’s Mom was the fact that no matter how dark she colored her designs, they washed out easily in the laundry. She did say she thought the markers were “running out” rather quickly, but you can buy additional marker sets for $4.99.

The Mia My jacket comes in two different styles, the one you see Ava wearing in the above pictures is available in sizes 4, 5 and 6. And a teen size jacket that ties around the waist is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL. The jackets sell for $49.99, so they are rather pricey for a birthday party favor, which is one idea suggested by the company. I’m sure that would make for some kind of fun birthday party activity, but it would be expensive. Of course, the birthday girl could perhaps receive the jacket as a gift, and then her friends could sign their birthday wishes onto her jacket, and that would be fun, too.

I personally think this would be a great birthday or Christmas gift, so if you’re starting your shopping early this year and want something unique, Mia My has my endorsement.

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Mother’s or Grandmother’s Bracelet Review (and Giveaway)

lipsticktocrayons — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 21:11:40 +0000

I am of the school of thought that art that hangs on walls of your home should have some significance to you. For example, the picture over my fireplace is of the battery in Charleston, South Carolina — the place where my husband proposed marriage. I feel similarly about the jewelry I wear. Certainly, I own a few pieces of costume jewelry that I bought just because they go fabulously with something in my wardrobe. But the jewelry that I cherish is the jewelry that was given to me as a gift or that represents something to me.

That’s why I was so delighted to discover Lily Brooke Jewelry. This jewelry is customized to represent what women everywhere cherish most of all — our families!

Lily Brooke Jewelry creates unique mothers bracelets, baby bracelets, birthstone bracelets, and personalized bracelets. They specialize in designing custom mothers jewelry, personalized birthstone bracelets and custom baby bracelets that are unique for each customer. Each hand-beaded custom bracelet can be personalized to include sterling silver letter blocks and Swarovski or JABLONEX (lead free) birthstone crystals.

I was delighted when Lily Brooke asked me to review one of their bracelets, and I chose a Grandmother’s Bracelet for my Mom with the birthstones of all nine of her grandchildren!! She was so excited to get it that I almost wish I’d saved it for Christmas.

My Mom displaying her Grandmother's Bracelet from Lily Brooke Jewelry

I’ve seen lots of customized jewelry with various stones, and the craftsmanship on this bracelet is top notch. The toggle clasp is beautiful and sturdy (although they offer other clasp choices if you don’t like toggles) and the beads are divine. It really is a piece that I suspect my mother will wear for years and years.

Along with offering mommy bracelets, grandmothers bracelets, baby bracelets and children’s bracelets, Lily Brooke also offers Mommy & Me bracelet sets, awareness bracelets, wedding bracelets,lanyards and charm bracelets.

All bracelets arrive in a signature pink jewelry box and the company ships items for free within one week of ordering. And there are no extra charges for longer names or for grandmother’s who have LOTS of grandchildren.

I know the holidays are still a few months away, but a Lily Brooke bracelet would make a beautiful gift for any mother, mother-in-law or grandmother in your life. And I am absolutely vouching for the quality of the item!

Lily Brooke bracelets are truly for loved ones and make a great personalized baby gift for new baby or as christening gifts. A Lily Brooke baby bracelet is always a cherished gift for any expectant new mother. Whether you are welcoming a baby into this world, looking for Mothers Day gift ideas or honoring Grandma with a birthstone bracelet, Lily Brooke personalized jewelry will be a cherished gift.

Single strand Lily Brooke bracelets (mother’s and grandmother’s) start at $58, but you can enter a giveaway for a gift certificate for a single strand bracelet here. This contest closes on Oct. 1, 2010.

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Low-heeled Shoes to Make Your Fashionable Heart Sing!

lipsticktocrayons — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:08:22 +0000

I love shoes — particularly strappy, spike-heeled shoes. But those styles have made less and less sense with each passing year. Last year, I bought a pair of “croc-like” shoes to get me through my days of chasing my toddler and I couldn’t have felt more fashionably “Momified” unless I’d wore them with a Moo Moo and an apron. But when I started giving up my heels, I found fewer and fewer pairs of fashionable shoes from which to choose. I just don’t like the look of flats, so why bother, right?

WRONG! Scarpasa believes that low heels are far from frumpy and when done right, are just as sexy as sky-high heels. The unique online shoe boutique delivers a carefully curated collection of fashionable and walkable shoes that make the perfect transition from a day of carpools to a night on the town. Looking chic and feeling good no longer have to be mutually exclusive! So when the company contacted me and asked me to review a pair of their shoes, what could I say?

Here’s the pair I received, and ZAZING! These are the kind of shoes that make you want to buy multiple outfits to go with the shoes. I honestly tore through my closet as soon as they arrived and determined how many different ensembles I have that will work with these shoes! Then I put them on, and OMIGOSH! They fit perfectly and feel great. And they look so adorable. And I walked all over the mall in them the first time I wore them and not a single moment of discomfort.

These slip-on Pons Quintana’s stylish python contrast flats (superbly made in Spain) are so chic. Made with with woven brown leather, a soft, flexible design and a hint of python print at the toe and heel, I can wear these covetable leather skimmers with cropped pants or dresses to add a touch of the exotic to my Mommy style.

We’ve all been there before. You buy a stylish pair of high heeled shoes only to suffer from immense discomfort later in the evening. Being active women, we’re always on our feet – running around, meeting people, working, living life… and painful heels just don’t cut it. At the same time, few of us have the time or energy to hunt down stylish shoes we can actually walk in.

Scarpasa was created for active women like us: Women who love being stylish, but who also love being able to go somewhere and not worry about whether their shoes will send them home early; women who need wearable fashion we can walk in – style for women on the go. After all, even the uber-fashionista deserves a break from her high heels sometimes.

Finding stylish, wearable shoes shouldn’t be a difficult process, but somehow it is. Who has time to look for these shoes? Scarpasa does. At Scarpasa, they do the work for you, scouring the world for quality flats and low and mid-heeled shoes. They have an international collection of the hottest wearable footwear from independent designers so you can look good and feel good while doing what you do best.

Now, if you’ve spent any time around this blog, then you know I’m all about being frugal. Scarpasa shoes are NOT frugal. It’s that simple. So when I was asked to review them, I really thought I’d have to say something like: “I LOVE these shoes, because what’s not to love, but they’re too expensive.” Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever owned a pair of $265 shoes. But now that I’ve worn these shoes half a dozen times, I will say this: they are supremely well-made and exquisitely comfortable. I will probably wear them more than any other pair of shoes in my closet and I suspect they will last several years, even at high-usage. So, I think the price needs to be divided by some formula that includes these variables:

Fashionable quotient
Comfort
Lasting Power
Functionality
Longevity in the face of constant wear

Using this elusive formula, I can suggest that even a frugal shopper like myself might have to admit that the price is commensurate with the quality. And right now, all of the Spring and Summer styles are discounted to make room for the fall stock.

About Scarpasa: Scarpasa is a new online shoe boutique that delivers stylish shoes in flat and walkable heels to today’s practical fashionistas. Founded by Wharton MBA Chris Luhur, Scarpasa is aimed at modern women on the go who need well-made, versatile shoes. The Scarpasa team scours the world for fresh, wearable styles from independent European designers, many that are available to the US exclusively through Scarpasa. The carefully curated selection of flats, slides, sandals, wedges, pumps and boots all provide the support necessary to take you from day to night, in high style.