SAVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH GROUPON #Groupon #ad

(This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.)

 As much as I don't want to think about the Holidays and how fastly the frenzy is approaching, it's virtually impossible considering quite a few stores are already decked out in Holiday décor. It's not even Halloween yet! Thus I'm already thinking about gift ideas but I'm also thinking about how I can spend most wisely. If like me, Groupon Goods has you covered.

SPEND LESS AND SAVE YOUR ENDS WITH GROUPON COUPONS!

I'm far from a coupon maven but there's no denying I love to save whenever possible. And like most I want my savings immediately, I don't want to have to wait for the next cycle or discounts sent via mail. (This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.)

THE JUMPSUIT THAT BECAME A STAR!! BUT WHAT ABOUT ME? #BAGLADIESLIVE

Little did I know, a pic I posted in prep for last Thursday's UNCUT! event which I moderated featuring Paul C. Brunson, would gain the traction that it did everywhere from Twitter to Instagram and BEYOND! Moreso than anything else I posted last week. So the story goes ...

MAKEOVER SERIES: YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT I FOUND!!!

All week I've been chronicling my efforts to get my home office back in shape. It started HERE with the clean-up and then HERE with the design. "Started from the bottom now we here" is literally echoing in my mind. Some of you may not get that but anyway, I couldn't not share that which I happened upon as I was cleaning and de-cluttering. Some discoveries brought back memories and others

SPECIAL EDITION: THE LADIES OF ONLINE BOUTIQUE @SHOPHANNAHMONET

If you stay even the slightest bit engaged via social media, you know online boutiques crop up literally every second. Everybody is now selling sumpin. You no doubt have seen the Instagram streams of pieces upon pieces on sale for next to nothing. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the ladies behind HannahMonet.com. Upon visiting their booth at the twice-monthly Fashionista Flea Market based in Bowie, MD, I immediately noticed that they were very nice and that they also had a great selection of apparel styles from skirts and dresses to tops and jumpers. And if you know two things about me, you know that I love fashion and I love beauty. Oh and one more, I love to "dish" aka, talk fashion and beauty. So here's the scoop on HannahMonet.com after dishing with founders and friends, Hannah Sullivan and Kiara Mon'et.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED: Baltimore, MD

HOW LONG HAS HANNAH MONET BEEN IN BUSINESS: 1 year

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CONCEPT OF HANNAHMONET.COM: We've always had a love for fashion and knew we wanted to do something in the industry. Starting our online boutique, hannahmonet.com is only the beginning.

THERE ARE SO MANY ONLINE BOUTIQUES, HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELVES FROM ALL THE REST: We hand-select our items and we are very particular about offering our clients quality product. We work with independent designers who understand our mission to delivery quality so even if it means holding up an order to ensure that the product is right, we will do that.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS: We don't cater to any one type or size woman. We cater to women of all shapes and sizes. From small and petite to curvy and chic. 

DO YOU WANT TO ONE DAY OPEN A STAND-ALONE STORE: We don't want to get to far ahead of ourselves. We want to keep the brand personal. We want our clients to be able to reach us. We don't want to become too big too fast but we definitely would like to continue to grow and expand and one day have our own not just one store but multiple stores.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR HANNAH MONET: We are traveling and meeting with designers in preparation for our 2014 fall collection launch. We also have an event coming up in October to celebrate our brand and raise awareness. 

The Print Wrap Maxi

After My Blogger Panel

These ladies are making moves. And I can speak first-hand to the quality of product. The ladies of HannahMonet.com extended me an invitation to wear one of their pieces for last weekend's Naturalista Hair Show of which I spoke on a Blogger panel. Interestingly enough, I selected two pieces, a top and bottom but the ladies also brought a wrap maxi dress which upon seeing it, I LOVED the print but I thought it might perhaps be a bit too long and swallow my 5' 1/2" frame. But I gave it a go and I was hooked! It was terribly flattering and totally effortless which ended up being a win because I had a teeny tiny window the day of the event to change and touch up my makeup. I paired the dress with a few accessories and JustFab wedges and no one was any the wiser of how little time I had to prep. It's a must-have piece that is sexy yet comfortable and just wears well and feels great on. I'm anxiously awaiting more styles like this in different prints and more. 

You catch up with the ladies of HannahMonet.com and see what they have to offer for yourself, at this weekend's Boulevard of Chic Fashion Truck Rally which takes place Saturday, August 9th from 12-7p at Rash Field at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD. If a Shopaholic like me, you don't want to miss this event. I might see you there! Be sure to follow Hannah Monet on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest @shophannahmonet and shop online at HannahMonet.com. 

What are some of your fave online boutiques?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen. Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: ESCAPE TO SIMPLICITY WITH FORD & #BEAUTYTALK AT NEIMAN MARCUS ....

Streaming via USB

MyFord Touch Navigation

I've taken on some new projects so the last couple of weeks have been jam packed. I had to stand down for a sec on publishing posts but I'm picking up right where I left off with the latest edition of #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend which included putting #HeelsToTheWheels and escaping to simplicity with Ford. My latest curbside delivery is the 2014 Escape SE. You know the statement, "keep it simple stupid"? Well Ford does that very well when it comes to the functionality and technology of the Ford Escape. As much as I love luxury (parting recently with the Audi SQ5 and Volvo V60 was such sweet sorrow), automotive brands tend to tow the line between either not enough bells and whistles or so many bells and whistles, learning all the functionality of a vehicle can be overwhelming. Ford does a good job of finding a happy medium with the Escape SE. It is extremely user friendly witH MyFord touch screen and MyFord voice activated communications and entertainment system. As busy as I've been as of late, the 2014 Ford Escape SE has literally become my mobile office. I can make and take calls totally handsfree and without missing a beat. I can connect my iPhone via the USB and stream ... And the metallic blue is easy on the eyes. Stay tuned for the full review ...In the meantime, follow my #heelstothewheels chronicles on Instagram @bagladies.

So ya'll know I'm an admitted beauty junkie. "Beauty Talk" is still my most popular recurring on-air segment. And did you know although I'm not live on air, all previously aired Bag Ladies episodes including "Beauty Talk" episodes can be accessed via iTunes as as free podcast? Just search Bag Ladies Radio. But moving on ...What happens when a bunch of dolls descend on Neiman Marcus to be catered to by renowned beauty brand ambassadors in celebration of one's birth? A fab affair! The set-up was gorgeous and myself and the rest of the attendees were treated to some great dish on the latest trends in colors, techniques and products by Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone. Friend and Blogger, Yvonne Pearson was the "hostess with the mostess" as we kicked off her birthday celebration. And how much more fabulous can an affair be when hosted against the backdrop that is Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus Pulled Out All The Stops ...

I'm a candle fiend and this scent had me at hello. It enveloped our table.

Which color should I choose? I love getting touchy feely with product. 

I mean c'mon ...I'm in Neiman Marcus. Of course I spied a Chanel bag that I was swooning over. The shopaholic in me wanted to come out.

Where there's a mirror, there's a selfie ...This dress which I got so many questions about, was a 12.99 Marshalls score purchased a year ago and never worn. My shoes, JustFab.

We had a blast!

My two fave takeaways, Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Electric Pink. And that's not even all the goodies!!

How was your weekend?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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#TBT TO THAT TIME WHEN I SLEPT ON THE SIDEWALK ALL IN THE NAME OF SHOPPING

Whilst rummaging through a HUGE bag of product samples from previously aired "Beauty Talk" episodes which is my most popular live on-air segment, I found everything from brand spanking new MAC lipsticks to unopened perfume, cleansers, moisturizers and more! I was doing a bit of spring cleaning and found the bag just this week tucked under my bed. I mean I was swooning over some of this stuff and thinking how could I leave you??? 

Bag O' Goodies

I'm an undercover "beauty junkie." I don't boast about it because I'm not a make up artist or professional but I love beauty products and at one time, I was doing reviews both on and off-air regularly. But what was most nostalgic about happening upon these treasures, was an empty lipstick case battered, bruised and neglected from the debut of Lanvin for HM. I was immediately taken back to my friends and I camping out on the sidewalk overnight on a cold night might I add just for the sake of being able to snag and grab pieces from the collection. And yes, we did have to grab with the quickness because we by far were not the only ones on a mission. Are you a shopaholic too? I scored three lipsticks all of which I still have as per my arsenal and all of which I still wear. You can click HERE for the full post which chronicles my adventure (that it was), and my SCORE! It was major.

And just as an update to that post, that must-have dress, I still have not yet worn but it's mine foreva!!

All in the name of shopping ...I don't know that I would do that again but you only live once, right? To what extremes have you ever gone, in the name of shopping?

The "after." My hand was covered in swatches after sifting through my Bag O' Goodies

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

#TBT: "THE LOOKS OF LOVE" FLASHBACK

If you missed any of the looks featured in last week's week-long "The Looks of Love" series, here is a video snapshot pulled from my Youtube channel. FINE PRINT: Although I went with a Valentine's Day theme, these looks are not specific to just Valentine's Day and can be worn year round for sure. 

The most popular and the look that generated the most buzz, was Look 2, the Baroque print jacket and skirt set from the Nicki Minaj collection for Kmart. Click here for the full scoop. This collection surprised me the most. I may do a YouTube video that goes into more detail. One of my resolutions for 2014 is to build more video content. I can't wait to showcase what's hot for spring.

What was your fave look of the series? 

Click here for Look 1

Click here for Look 3

Click here for Look 4

Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

5 HOT LOOK-A-LIKES TO MY LULUS.COM BOOTS THAT EVERYBODY WANTS!

I love a fab shoe!! And I mean shoe in the broad sense be it a pump, a sandal, a flat or a boot. It's safe to say my love of shoes can easily be classified as a fetish (drops mic and takes a seat.) I literally have a #ItsAFetish Pinterest board dedicated solely to my love of shoes. Can you relate? Click here to follow styles that I swoon over.

So winter is upon us. I look forward to winter for a few reasons. Not many though cause I like cold less as I get older (giving Mother Nature the side-eye.) But being able to rock certain boots that I only pull out when the temps go down is one. To the left is one style in particular that ALWAYS attracts attention. I've been stopped on the street, in the airport, while eating. And I've even had friends try to steal these boots off my feet while I am wearing them mind you! I adore these boots. I am barely 5 feet but the over-the-knee length actually elongates my legs and makes me look slimmer. I love the buckle embellishments that give them even more flair. They are warm. And there is just a 1" stacked heel so the fit is extremely comfortable. I've literally been out with my kids all day ripping and running and I can stay in these boots all day. The leather is soft and stretchy and with the side zipper, they are very easy to put on and take off. And you can dress them up and pair with a skirt/dress or dress down and pair with leggings/denim.

Pictured with my son at his recent Soccer tourney again in my tried and true boots.

Lulus.com is one of my favorite online shopping destinations primarily consisting of emerging designers. But you can find everything from dresses and shoes to accessories and beauty products. And at amazing prices! Not only am I a fan but Lulu*s has been very supportive of my Bag Ladies. Lulu*s sponsored my participation in last year's #Blogalicious5 as official Social Media Partner.

I'm always flattered by the compliments but I'm sorry to say that this particular style is no longer available (I've had them for like 2 years), but because I am so often asked about them …I literally had a 10 minute conversation with friends last evening over dinner about options for wearing and where they can find. So I said to myself hmmm, let me check Lulu*s and see what they got. I selected five look-a-likes and while they aren't exactly the same obviously, they are just as HOT with great price points (I included the cost and direct link), and like me, may give you a reason to love the colder months that much more.

Clayton 14. I love the fact that these are only $48 bucks! And like mine, they are over-the-knee, soft and supple leather with silver buckles and a side zip. Click here!

Bamboo Montage 80X. Like mine, this style has a 1" heel and is over-the-knee. And although you can't see, there is a gold zipper on the side and the exposed buckle is gold too. And only $52 dollars. Click here!

Outlaw 81. Although a tad shorter in length, they are leather. And there are exposed buckles at the top and bottom. What you don't see is an exposed side-zipper trimmed in a hot electric blue. $46 bucks. Click here!

Herley11. The studs had me at "hello." Leather, over the knee with a 1" heel and a zipper in the back. The black leather is vegan. $46. Click here!

Wanted Bayon. So I deter a bit. These are brown but I just love the exposed gold buckles. And these are over-the-knee. The most costly as they are both leather and suede but still a steal at $89. Click here!

What do you think? Which style is your fave? Get em' while you can! Note, quantities for some are very limited. And might I add although not really my style, these boots although over the knee can be worn year round. I have ankle and mid-calf boots that I often wear in the warmer months even.

Happy 2014!!

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

"Mini-Me" Styling in FabKids Sparkle Hearts Tank and Star Print Denim Shorts

The concept of FabKids eliminates the guess work which as a #FabMom of three is music to my ears. I love adore shopping but finding the time to shop x three in addition to myself, can be challenging at times. Started by Parents including Mom and Actress, Christina Applegate, they get the limited time I don't have.

Upon creating a quick and easy style profile at fabkids.com which I found to be alot of fun actually. I further defined my first born "mini-me's" style sense which of course she gets from moi. Afterwhich per month, I receive a newly styled outfit which ships free and arrives at my door in a week's time. You get three pieces with each look for just 39.95. The style profile ensures that pieces are on point however, you do have the choice to skip a month altogether and there is no obligation to purchase.

Sparkle Hearts Tank

Star Print Denim Short

My 9 year old has an affinity for fashion and loves to have her way and create a look entirely her own. The Sparkle Hearts Tank and Star Print Denim Short were adorable. The tank is a stretch cotton style with the cutest sequined hearts. My 9 year old is tall and slim so the fit of each piece was true to size which for me is great because the same as I don't always have time to shop in-store, I also don't have time to run back and forth returning items because of inconsistent size/fit. And the versatility is awesome! "Mini-me" can run, jump, dance and skip ...

Check out my InstaVideo of "mini-me" creating her #FabKids look:

The Reveal: "Mini-me" expressing her fashion sense and personalizing her @FabKids Sparkle Hearts 💗Tank and Star Print Denim Short from head to toe. I wish I could fit em 😁. For the full review and the experience of shopping @fabkids, visit 👉bagladiesradio.com and click Blog. #Kids #Fashion #KidsFashion #FabKids #FabMoms #MommyMidday from bagladies

To create your daughter's style profile, join the FabKids club and be privy to endless outfit combinations, visit http://www.fabkids.com/invite/14773144/. Sign up today and get 50% off your first outfit.

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ANY EXCUSE FOR A #MOMSNITEOUT IS A GOOD EXCUSE!

I in the stripes and Ericka and Kacey from poshmumsy.com and Yvonne and her pet "Tory" from pinkdollhouse.org 

Why not? A lil' leg for a nite out.

A Mommy of three myself, any excuse for a nite out is a good one. I was turned onto National Mom's Nite Out by blogger bud Keri Henderson, Editor of
adivastateofmind.com.

#MomsNiteOut is basically a celebration of "Mommyhood" with national events across the country. The kids were with their Dad so why not? Yesterday's event held at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and hosted by the DC based event planning firm, District Fete had a hefty social media presence and included a fashion show, makeovers, store savings, and swag free goodies. I reconnected with a couple blogger buds and met some new buds of whom I had previously connected with via Instagram but hadn't had the pleasure of meeting until yesterday.

Being as though the event took place at one of my fave local shopping destinations, I certainly didn't leave empty handed. But this post is not meant to be another "shopping confessions" so I will keep the goods to myself. Your best chance of sneaking a peek, is following me on Instagram @ bagladies.

For more on #MomsNiteOut, visit momsniteout.com.
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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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Mommy Midday is Back! Kids + Fashion = Good Dish!

Although we love to dish about many topics. Tonite's #BagLadiesLIVE brings together two fave topics of "dish", KIDS + FASHION which makes tonite's show a perfect platform to re-introduce "Mommy Midday."

www.styleofwhitneyalana.com 

Bag Ladies Radio is all about the reality of life, living and being a woman. As such, the reality of a lot of our listeners lives is that they are “Mommies” too ...As am I (Lady Erin), and my cohost @BabyShopa. We are joined tonite by Children's Wardrobe Stylist, Whitney Alana to dish about hot trends in kids fashion, how to define your child's style and more. Being as though fashion is always a hot topic amongst the Bag Ladies cast, tonite's show could be an all-nighter! 

If you wanna ask a question of tonite's guest or have your own kids + fashion commentary to share, please tweet with hashtag #BagLadiesLIVE attached.

We air at 7:30p EST. Visit www.bagladiesradio.com/listen to eavesdrop on tonite's show or if you want to stay mobile, simply call in and listen at 347.327.9510.

www.bagladiesradio.com/listen

The tone of Mommy Mid-Day is personal and intimate and consists of one-on-one interviews with featured guests. Mommy Midday speaks to the highs and the lows, the joys and the woes of parenting in an effort to further support the Bag Ladies Radio audience and the reality of their lives. Mommy Midday lends support to those women amongst the Bag Ladies Radio audience, navigating "Mommyhood." 

Visit www.bagladiesradio.com and stay connected for more on Mommy Midday and upcoming segments.
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Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

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And for more on segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com.